Getting Out Of My Own Way

I look everything up. Look up. Looking UP.
I am on retreat at the Oregon Coast. I turned 50 last month and all I wanted to do was clear my head, renew my strength (6 weeks to handstand?!) and empty my soul to create space for abundant life.
abundant life = abounding fullness of joy and strength for mind, body, and spirit
There’s so much abounding in my life that I’m falling over myself. Literally – I fell big and bad FOUR TIMES this winter! In the high school parking lot right after teaching yoga (very thankful I was all stretchy and bendy). Down our front porch stairs (very thankful I bounced in such a way that I didn’t spill my Starbucks tippy cup of coffee). In the elementary school parking lot on my way in to help with the after-school ski club (very thankful I could even get up after that head banging, concussion causing impact). In Becky’s yoga class at Twisp Movement Studio when crazy sinus pressure caused me to completely lose my proprioception and fall on my face (very thankful that the horrible noise of my neck cracking wasn’t actually my neck breaking.) Just minutes before that last doozy of a fall I told Becky I was there for her to tell me when to breathe. Yes, that overwhelmed with my life that I wasn’t sure I could even continue breathing. Pretty much couldn’t – obviously.
Midway through my retreat, this came: How To Get Out Of Your Own Way

• What happens on the inside is reflected on the outside… What is shown to you is your blueprint for change: the pieces of you that if tended to, can result in significant transformation and success in your life.
• Whether you like it or not, the parts of yourself you’d rather not show spill over onto your mat and stare you in the face… So you practice to get unstuck and reprioritize.
  • Give yourself a break
  • Celebrate your wins
  • Be gentle with yourself
  • Practice receiving
  • Set clear boundaries
  • Get to know yourself
  • Shift your attention
  • Let go
• We all get in our own way sometimes…

Today is the last full day of my retreat. I’m looking up at the blue sky that meets the bluer Pacific Ocean, awe inspiring beauty. My mind is clearer, my body is renewed, and my spirit is open to God’s leading. Looking UP.
A song for you: “Look Upon the Lord” by Paul Baloche & Kari Jobe
A verse for you: “But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” Luke 21:28