As yogis, we are constantly exploring the world of duality, while being acutely aware of the unity of all things. We explore within postures everything we deal with in life: the interplay between resistance and surrender; establishing stability and maintaining flexibility; learning to receive and release; being present to all the complexities of our lives, and returning to the fundamentals of our “beginner’s mind” again and again.
This year has been particularly rich in that regard for me and nearly every single person I meet. We are all being called to be more present than ever, while dealing with a more challenging array of personal and professional challenges, opportunities and all-around growth. There is also a polarizing and dualistic experience occurring politically and economically in the world, and I believe we are near the peak of a cyclical and truly chaotic time. There is a push and a pull almost like an isometric stretch. Our literal flexibility and our physical, psychological and spiritual practices are more important now than ever to balance the boat.
I truly have come to believe that there are only two states of being that generate our thoughts: LOVE or FEAR.
It is a crucial time to be mindful of our thoughts. I have to admit, a lot of my thinking of late has been based in fear. Most of us are facing big changes in our lives. But, in our more evolved moments, I think we can all agree that fear-based worries are a waste of time and only create the experiences we are trying to avoid. Being inundated with constant “bad” news from the media doesn’t help. So I have recently decided that there is no place in my head or my heart for fear anymore. I am giving myself permission to love—ALL of it.
After all, if we are co-creators of our reality, as so many philosophies have espoused, then we have a say in how it is, how it goes and our participation in it, right?
So, I am going to invite you to do the same. Easier said than done, I know. It feels good to rail against what is wrong in the world, to fight the good fight, to beat the drum of making a difference. I am right there with you. However, I am not advocating doing nothing. I am advocating for you to energetically, actively and vigilantly monitor how you are BEING. You can still do all the same things. How you do them is what will shift.
The mind and heart is the field upon which war is waged within us. If we can stop that internal fear-based battle, then those outside of us will be affected as well. The only unifying thought is one of LOVE.
Bio
Brenda Strong is an Emmy-nominated actress (Desperate Housewives), yoga teacher and founder of Strong Yoga® 4Women. She stars as Ann Ewing on TNT’s upcoming return to Dallas on June 13th.
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