Marching into March 2016

As February comes to a close, a new chapter comes marching in and I am one hundred percent excited. Sarah Varcas summed up February 2016 best, when she said that it “may feel a lot more like the start of a new year than January did.” And boy was it! Looking back on her reading reassured me that others shared a similar sentiment because before, I felt stuck in a January castaway boat, far off the course of this year because I hadn’t gotten my usual spark to restart and renew.

February, however, brought many astrological transitions, hope with the new year of the fire monkey, and renewed energy after many ups and downs. For me, it was clearly transitory, as I explored getting used to a different life after quitting a job in January. It was also a time of figuring out-- figuring out myself, what I truly want, what I plan to do to make it happen, and how I plan to spend my time in this body, day in and day out. With self exploration, the month brought an unexpected amount of tears and fluctuations that were, shall we say, fiery. I felt stable and rooted one moment then crumbled into utter fragility the next.

It all comes with the work of breaking down old barriers, the layers of shell, and unearthing a deeper Self. Now, I can look back and say with pride that February was my first draft of this year. The foundation and outline of the book has been laid out, so that I can see with a little more clarity which directions to expand my story into, where to invest more focus in, where to adorn more detail, and what aspects I’d like to hone in on in this happy march into March.

Here are some habits I’d like to keep up and strengthen:

1. Daily chakra meditations. Starting with the root chakra, the Muladhara, each day I’ve tried to make time to focus in on one specific energy point. I’m not sure if there’s a right way or better method to meditate on the seven chakras, but I feel that by devoting each day to a specific energy site, it sets up an overall state of mind for the day. Spending a little chunk of the morning to get in touch with the Manipura, the third chakra that sits within the solar plexus, for example, imbibes the day with an emphasis on underlying strength. I am more likely to approach situations through the lense of the strong personal will that lies within and to act in ways my most powerful self would. Meanwhile, a meditation on the heart chakra pushed me to see with more love and with less judgment. My actions were in line with a place of purity and from that I was able realize, get closer to, more of my true goals.

I enjoy meditation habits in general, however I like this challenge because I didn’t pick up someone else’s challenge or 30-day plan. I just jumped into it on my own. I’m also enjoying trying to pick up and listen to subtler sensations in my body and seeing how much I can really get in tune with myself. So far I’ve done five days, so here’s to another twenty-five!

If you’d like to try, I use these corresponding mudras, or hand placements, while in a seated position that keeps the spine free and tall. For 10-20 minutes lightly shut the eyes and send the mind to the specific area you’d like to hone in on as you chant the chakra’s mantra and try cultivate its emotional intentions. Here’s an example: for Root-Muladhara, place hands in muladhara mudra, envision the location at the base of the tailbone, inhale deeply from the bottom of the tail to the tip of the crown then exhale chanting Lam, Lam, Lam, continuously. As you chant try work towards a sense of grounding, of stability, of connection.

2. Practice Handstands Daily. It’s one of those things every fancy instagram star of a yoga teacher can do, but that’s not why I want to work on it. Trying out new postures can often lead you to surprise yourself, which is a powerful feeling. I want to open myself up to opportunities to experience just that. I also want to stress that the surprise and energy from excitement doesn’t have to come from the end “goal,” but rather, all the little wins along the way. Feeling stronger for five minutes, committing to a purpose, manifesting your practice for 12 days in a row are all examples of little wins that make the whole journey worthwhile. By finding a single posture to work on over time is also a fun and tangible way to mark progress day by day, to see your efforts unfold (or not) right in front of you every time you meet yourself on the mat.

3. Take more walks. This past month I’ve found it so easy to stress about not getting enough writing, research, or job-related to-do’s done, which often has led to extended time on my butt and interacting with a computer screen. Healthy? I think not. So I vow to take both little and long walks, to go to parts of the city that I haven’t visited in a while, or find completely new streets to get lost in. I’ve missed the buzz of discovery. I’ve missed the energy of the outside air sprinkled with passing conversations and emotions of others. Nothing can give you as much clarity and put you in your place in the world like a good, long walk.

4. Try a new yoga studio. There are three main reasons for me to venture out this month: Firstly, to expand my practice and to stay curious. Whether that means trying a new setting or a completely new style of yoga, opening up to different points of view is a well for inspiration. Secondly, I’ve been telling myself to try a studio in the neighborhood, to get closer to the local community. Thirdly, it is time to take the next step on this journey, which realistically means looking into more teaching jobs. Taking classes at different studios is a great way to test the waters, experience the energy of each one, and see what setting works for you.

5. Make solid plans. This one is simple and sweet. I hope to begin scheduling specific time to write, to work, and to meet up with friends. This will organize time so that I can be fully present through each task, without worrying about a bunch of little things that I’ve put off for a “better” time. I also want to try plan more meals, so that cooking can be less time consuming and neater in the kitchen. Perhaps, I will even plan for a 3-day mini juice fast!

In my bones, I feel really good things for the upcoming month. I’ve finally turned over a new leaf. So, here’s to holding on for the ride up the wave! You never know how long it will last.