Dear <<First Name>>,
BIG news: I’ve figured out how to answer the question, “How are you?”.
!!!
This is what I say: “I’m well enough.”
It’s a good response, right?? Feel free to use it too; it’ll be our little secret.
I know people ask out of genuine concern (or knee jerk habit, which is also fine), and depending on how well we know eachother, I lean towards wanting to reciprocate with a short answer that sums up the complexity of the situation, without being too much of a bummer, but also feels honest, but doesn’t draw someone into an impromptu therapy session...
I hope you are well enough too.
The complexity of the human experience is sometimes too much for words. One moment we can be hopeful and peaceful, the other moment (like 20 seconds later) we can feel downtrodden and anxious. The Virus has made it all the more clearer to me how multilayered and unique an individual life can be, and that the hows and whys of a person’s thoughts, words and actions can be so complex and mysterious, that it’s impossible to know why some people cross the street to keep a safe distance and some don’t, and why some are buying bunkers to prep for Armageddon, while others are still shaking hands.
Who knows!?
In sorting through all the states, emotions and attitudes that I’ve been going through lately, I notice feeling my fair share of anger.
What?! How can Adrienne ever be angry? She has the voice of an angel and the personality of one too, I just don’t understand...
Oh don’t worry, I know how to be angry. In fact, my yoga practice has helped me to be more angry, in the sense that practice cultivates awareness so that I can really feel my anger, feel all my feelings, and hold space for them. Practice also cultivates surrender, and so I work on letting go of the anger, letting go of the sadness, letting it all go...which is difficult at times (ie most times), but every so often the clouds part and there is space again.
Like I said, I’m well enough - and what helps me feel that way is to keep uplifting the practice of forgiveness: I forgive myself for being angry, I forgive myself for being angry that I’m angry, I forgive others, and on, and on.
Forgiveness isn’t about giving anyone a free pass; it is about easing off - leaning back for a moment to make way for something else to arise. It is an act of grace, that allows for spaciousness, creativity, and regeneration.
However we might individually be navigating this time, may we hold space for eachother’s complications, uniqueness, and mysteries. May it help us avoid misunderstandings and develop greater resilience. May we continue to return to forgiveness, as many times as it takes.
Take good care,
Adrienne
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We have a NEW video for you! Enjoy a VINYASA FLOW practice that focuses on building strength and mobility, especially in the hips and shoulders. Modifications for poses are offered; work at a level that makes sense for where you’re at. Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might benefit!
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Thank you a several thousand times over (literally!) for practising to our YouTube videos! Extra special thanks to those that have shared personal messages and donations with us - it means a lot to be a part of this wonderful community. If you have the means to give and would like to support the teachings, please click the button below.
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Despite the physical distance, there is the opportunity now to offer deeper teachings that don’t fit well into a 60-minute practice format. I’m excited to say that we have some ideas simmering on the stove, so to speak, that focus on the yoga that’s “off the mat”. Stay tuned!
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