This morning was classic: A’s homework wasn’t done, so he needed to get to school early; C doesn’t like to make his lunch until morning and discovered that we were out of bread five minutes before departure; O couldn’t find his raincoat; and it was pouring rain…which also meant the traffic was going to be horrific.
Sitting in traffic with grumpy children freaking out about being late, negativity rising quickly, I tried to remind them myself of what really matters: We are healthy, blessed, and have some extra time together this morning. But it didn’t come out well. It came out as yelling, harping, “Do you know how lucky you are?!” and led to my boys asking to start taking the bus at 6:45 am. Not a good start for anyone’s day.
Sitting peacefully in my office now feeling like a failure, it’s time to reset. This isn’t the first negative morning drive. This habitual pattern, or samskara, is one that I have the power to shift. Non-reacting, non-elevating, undoing…that will be my mantra. It doesn’t mean I’ll be jolly the next time negative energy starts to rise. But I’m going to stop, breathe, and shift my thoughts from negative to neutral.
How about you?
You have the power and the wisdom to let go of anything that you’re willing to release. And all you have to do is…nothing. That’s what’s great about undoing. Something happens when the mind gets quiet and the body’s energy begins to flow. The automatic release of negativity and baggage is a by-product of a quiet mind. And the result? Inner peace.
—Steve Ross with Olivia Rosewood, Happy Yoga: 7 Reasons Why There’s Nothing to Worry About
Great post Lisa. Have a wonderful day. Hugs. Renee 🙂
Oh, Renee, how nice that hug from you is — especially today! Thank you, and sending one back to you.
Fondly,
Lisa
YOU are most welcome Lisa. 🙂
Lisa!!! Doing nothing! Setting your thoughts in neutral! How much beauty in a post! I hope you are having a beautiful day and know that I come to your blog to find so much bliss and peace of mind. You are so so wise. Btw, if this book is as incredible as “Meditations from the mat”, I shall buy it immediately. I am not a yogi…yet but I haven’t found a class that makes me stick. Is there any way I can start on my own? Lots of love and light your way, dear Lisa.
Talk about positive…you shine right through my laptop! Lovely Erika, how I appreciate you! I’m just sharing my missteps along the way and what helps me out of the slumps. Steve Ross’ book is fantastic. It’s different from Rolf’s, but you’ll find it equally inspiring and such a pleasure to read. I smile when I read it. He also talks about the yogic diet in a way that, like Kris Carr, is accessible and logical. Next time I’m anywhere near LA, I’m going to his studio.
I think you’d enjoy My Yoga Online or Yogavibes. I’ll check back in later today with a link that will give you a free week trial at My Yoga Online — Rolf Gates has many classes on MYO! Start out at home. Know, too, that we can set up a time to talk via Skype or FaceTime if that’s an option for you. And, of course, the physical practice is just a part of Yoga.
You’re already practicing. 🙂
Absolutely…out with the negative, in with the positive! I live by this rule! 🙂 Have a great day!
Positively me-gan lifestyle!
🙂
I was at the bathroom sink putting on mascara this morning, venting to my other half about a situation that has me uneasy. I started to get antsy, angry, and almost threw my mascara! My phone was on the sink, my email chimed in and at the top of my screen it said “lifeyum: Just stop, breathe and shift to neutral.” I absolutely love when the universe and all it’s teachings kicks in like that, at just the right time, right when you need it. Thank you, lovely Lisa <3
My dear, beautiful friend Erin: You’ve been dropping figurative and literal notes of kindness into my life at just the right time for years…and I thank YOU.
Love, Lisa
Lisa,
I could have written this myself…at least the first part about being rushed and frantic. What a great reminder. Thank you.
Emily, the times I’ve felt that way after reading one of your pieces are too numerous to count. By “that way” I mean, you have a way of capturing the essence of being human and helping us put it into the larger perspective. Your compliment means an awful lot. 🙂
Thank you.