"Stop dimming your light and truly let yourself be seen."
Sundays are usually devoted entirely to school preparation and planning. However, I feel that lately most of my weekends and evenings are devoted to school, so I decided to do something new and different this morning.
I attended an Intentional Yin & Sound Bath class, which was totally out of my comfort zone. Yin is a yoga practice in which you hold the poses for a longer period of time and use props to help you relax into them. A sound bath accompanied the movements to create a meditative experience to help us relax.
For most of the time, I could follow her directive to let everything empty from my mind, but true to form, there were other times that my mind could not shut off. Although, I think most of my thoughts were connected to what was happening in the room. What instrument or item is making that sound? What are the other people doing? Will my body ever be able to sit criss cross applesauce, relax into pigeon's pose, or do a real lunge?
That last thought was the most pervasive as I have very little flexibility or strength. There were times when I let those thoughts get me down and wanted to give up or not do it again. It was during those moments that I tried to connect to the music and relax a bit more into the pose.
At the end, the woman performing the sound bath gave us all an affirmation. I pulled mine out from the basket and read, "Stop dimming your light and truly let yourself be seen." It was then that I realized that I need to give myself grace and respect my current body. I will let myself shine and continue to challenge my body, quiet my mind, and put myself first.
Heather! I'm so glad you took time to have a new experience and to share it here. You inspire me to try to keep growing. My yoga practice didn't survive the pandemic, but I hope to get back to it soon.
ReplyDeleteYay for taking care of YOU! My knee injury has taught me the importance of stretching. If has certainly given me new perspective on what my body needs. And what a great way to end that session--with the perfect affirmation!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love a good sound bath. We have an amazing artist in our area who plays all the bowls but also chants and plays harp. One time she placed a bowl on my lap and left it there. That experience was unforgettable. Hold on to that affirmation. Tape it to your journal or your computer.
ReplyDeleteOh I just love sound baths and the relaxation they give. I am so glad you tried one. I tried one last winter and now try to go once a month. It amazes me how relaxed you feel from the various sound waves. I hope you will keep going. If we lived closer, I would love to join you.
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