WE ALREADY HAVE WHAT WE NEED

I am SO excited!!  I had 7 people at the Gentle/Restorative/Yoga Nidra class.  One student, Miranda, is brand new to yoga.  So... the floor was full of students, blankets, bolsters, hearts of love.  WONDERFUL!!!

This is from the "Rest and Renew" book by Judith Lasater.

"The totally invisible relaxation.  There may be times when you need to practice restorative yoga poses but your situation does not permit it.  Perhaps you are involved with a meeting at work or dealing with family responsibilities, etc.  With the totatly invisible relaxation you can actually relax, just where you are, sitting or standing.  The first step is to realize that you need to relax.  If you have been practicing the restorative poses, you may find it easy to drop down in relaxation.  If not, try it anyway.  Your skills will improve with practice.  Bring your attention to the position of your body, especially your spine.  Sit or stand with the spine long. Avoid rounding your lower back of your are sitting, or slumping if you are standing.  Gently bring your awareness to your breathing.  Take several long and quiet breaths.  If your breath seems stuck anywhere, it is likely that you have lost the lift of the spine.  When the spine is lifted, your diaphragm can function at maximum efficiency and your breathing will feel easy."

This is from a weekly email I get from Pema Chodron, one of my favorites.

"This is a work in progress, a process of uncovering our natural openness, uncovering our natural intelligence and warmth.  I have discovered, just as my teachers always told me, that we already have what we need.  The wisdom, the strength, the confidence, the awakened heart and mind are always accessible, here, now, always.  We are just uncovering them. We are rediscovering them.  We're not inventing them or importing them from somewhere else.  They're here. That's why when we feel caught in darkness, suddenly the clouds can part.  Out of nowhere we cheer up or relax or experience the vastness of our minds.  No one elese gives this to you.  People will support you and help you with teachings and practices, as they have supported and helped me, but you yourself experience your unlimited potential."

Fabulous advice... we already have what we need.