Embracing The Alien
The other night while I was out at a local coffee shop, I was reminded how much of a weirdo I am. The majority of things the Average American does are completely alien to me.
I do not become stressed easily. I do not know what is going on in the news unless someone tells me. I use a different language when I speak. I sit crossed legged in chairs, or I sit on the floor or squat. I often make a point to line up the spine with the central channel axis point of consciousness or to aid digestion. And my vision has shifted to seeing life more vibrantly. These are just a few examples and if you are also a yogi it may not seem too far out.
I sat back in my chair with a mudra (hand position) and a turmeric latte and took a few deep breaths of love for everyone around me including myself. “How did this happen?” I thought. As I sat with the question, the answer came to me. “You have always been this way, on the edge of society. Your spiritual practices (yoga, meditation, living Ayurveda habits) have simply pushed you further from the norm”.
As I followed my breath to aid me in being a deep listener at the coffee shop, insights continued to reveal themselves. The conversation that was unfolding around me began to take on a deeper meaning as the message behind the words became clear. I wanted to share my revelations and offer assistance! It turns out that most people aren't really open to hearing spiritual wisdom in a coffee shop, unfortunately. They may misinterpret or judge what I am saying as something other than an offering of love and support. Unless someone is working closely with me as a member in my course or student in yoga class, they are unlikely to hear what I have to tell them.
This is why I have set up a platform to help others on their journey. Becoming a health coach was the next step in self-love, my service to you, and humanity. I do love myself, so much! Life is easier and WAY more fun now. Funny how everything is new and exciting when you are following your Dharma. (Life's calling)
My yoga students have often heard "First you have to know yourself; body, mind and spirit. Next, embrace yourself and release judgement. Later you can begin to like and even love yourself. The final step is self-mastery." One thing I learned at the coffee shop is that we never stop learning about ourselves when we are constantly growing and changing.
Another thing I was reminded of is a passage from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
“As the mind, so the person; bondage or liberation are in your own mind."
Sri Swami Satchidananda explains it very well: "If you feel bound you are bound. If you feel liberated you are liberated. Things neither bind nor liberate you; only your attitude towards them does that.”
You create your reality! Whatever you want to do, you can do it! Many people (myself included) need the support of a mentor and a group going in the same direction in order to accomplish their dreams. You may need an alien's perspective on your situation in order to learn, grow and deepen your understanding.
Since this is my second blog post, I wanted to give anyone reading this a heads up! I’m not normal, whatever the word means to you. I believe a lot of things that may seem fairly weird to you at first glance, maaaaybe even on your second or third glance. Now, on this blog and in other mediums, I am guided to share the insights my weirdness gives me. If you are tired of the normal, or want to know how you can grow and achieve your dreams, then we should probably have a conversation!
Use the "Contact" link at the top of the page if you would like to speak with me.
If you like yoga or just having a good time, follow my Facebook page Yogini Neve to see all the classes I teach and other amazing events going on in the Hampton Roads area.
A final parting thought: We aliens prefer to be called extraterrestrials. Peace.