Growing up in the LBC, I connected with the rap lyrics “No more living hard,” by Dr. Dre. And through being inspired by some of my biggest role models - like Thich Nhat Hanh, Jane Goodall, and Dr. Marian Diamond - I knew something different was possible. Their light and others is what inspired me to study biology and to practice meditation and yoga therapy. Plus, carrying a hard heart, mind, and body was energetically draining for me. To shift this heavy weight, I knew I had to focus on practices that allowed me to transform my mind, body, and heart in order to experience a deeper self-love and a more fulfilled, meaningful life. Letting go of my hardness has allowed me to focus on what matters most in my life, which is to help people heal themselves using mindful movement for wellbeing. It has become my life's purpose.
Because I am committed to working on helping people heal themselves, I am also committed to learning to be aware of my habitual patterns and learning to let them go when they longer serve me. This way, I can be a better role model and of service. It is a path that has helped me better connect to my deep intentions from a place of deep love, connection, and curiosity. My path is simple yet not easy. And it is why I constantly practice reviewing my intentions, relaxations exercises, nonviolent communication, and meditation.
Currently, I haven’t yet reach enlightment, though working on it! As I am learning to work with the mantra ‘progress and not perfection’, I am learning to be kinder to myself and playful with the process of learning and living. It means making mistakes and allowing myself to become aware of them with kindness. It also means gaining wisdom so that I do 'better' from knowing 'better' - in other words being more wise in thoughts, speech, and movements.
With these thoughts and the best of my intentions, I want to leave you with a practice that may help you let go of some ways that may be contributing to you living ‘hard.’ Feel free to record yourself speaking it aloud, so you can listen to it. And, seriously, I would love to know how this practice or other ones work for you!
Short Body Scan & Intentional Exercise
Part A:
I invite you to find a comfortable position and to close your eyes.
Notice your thoughts, feelings and sensations.
Start to notice your left ear, right ear, both ears.
Now, your left shoulder blade, right shoulder blade, and both shoulder blades.
Then your left hip, right hip, both hips.
Left leg, right leg, both legs.
Left foot, right foot, both feet.
Repeat part A another time.
Create an intention you would like to create for today or for this week. It could be three words.
I invite you to go back to your breath - sensing it more than thinking it.
Allow yourself to count your breath for 5-10 times. If you lose count, please feel free to start over again.
Feel free to review your intention or a new one that you would like to create for rest of the day, week, or for your next practice.
How would this intention feel in you body, mind and heart? Feel free to take this practice with you as you slowly open your eyes.
Notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Feel free to write about your experience and/or continue the rest of your day.
