December 2006

Honoring Transition with Surrender, Gratitude, Acceptance

An overripe moon, just past fullness, lit my way as I drove to a meeting a few hours ago. I was stuck in traffic, waiting. I looked up and was astonished by the size and clarity of the moon in the sky. I wondered if the stopped traffic might have been the result of other drivers being struck by the moon's presence.

Alone in my car, I surrendered to the brief experience. The wave of surrender was followed by a wave of deep gratitude. As that wave subsided, I felt a profound sense of acceptance—an acceptance of the moment without judgment or expectation. Then, the traffic began to move.

It was a blessing and a transition. I began to ponder transitions lightly as I drove. Just driving from home to my meeting at the Albany Kripalu Yoga Center was a transition. I thought about other transitions during my day—some graceful, some challenging. I noticed that in one day there were more transitions than I could count. Each one asked for my presence. Each one asked for a response.

Two questions arose in my mind, questions I've been pondering for the past week:

What are you willing to release?

What are you willing to receive?

This visitation from the gentle, reflective light of the moon felt like a benediction—a completion of work I began a few weeks ago at an intense Kundalini Yoga Retreat. Integrating the experience has been challenging, physically, emotionally and spiritually. What has been required of me is surrender, gratitude and acceptance of many parts of my life, especially the parts that are shadowed.

I appreciate living in upstate New York in early December. As I look out the window, the natural world guides me to look inward. The exuberance of autumn is passing and the stark beauty of winter is evident.

This just-past-full moon was a messenger sent to guide me toward the power of deep introspective work. Work with the December meditation to find guidance about transitions and how to move through them with clarity and grace.
 

DECEMBER 2006 PRACTICE:
Transition Meditation

Set aside time and space for this meditation. Plan to move through this process several times. The practice is designed to end on the Winter Solstice (December 22). Sit comfortably. Have a journal and pen ready.

Place your left hand on your heart center. Breathe deeply.

Say I AM HERE FOR YOU silently, repeating the phrase for at least a minute. Notice how if feels to nourish, protect and affirm the parts of you that need nourishing, protecting and affirming. Notice how it feels to receive this nourishment, protection and affirmation.

When you feel ready, write the phrase WHAT AM I WILLING TO RELEASE? Ponder this question and if answers arise, write them down. Write them as though you are taking dictation, without regard for the content.

When you feel complete, put the pen down and place your left hand on your heart center. Breathe deeply and return to the I AM HERE FOR YOU mantra.

When you feel ready, write the phrase WHAT AM I WILLING TO RECEIVE? Ponder this question and if answers arise, write them down. Write them as though you are taking dictation, without regard for the content.

When you feel complete, return your left hand to your heart center and breathe deeply. I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Notice what rises.
Notice surrender.
Notice gratitude.
Notice acceptance.

Let inner guidance and wisdom rise as gently and quietly as the moon.

Do this practice several times over the next few weeks.

On the Winter Solstice, read through your journal entries. Notice what resonates. Complete the following, creating an intention—a seed to nourish over the next year.

I AM WILLING TO RELEASE ________________.

I AM WILLING TO RECEIVE _______________.

Each month in 2007, the Sraddha Yoga newsletter will focus on how to work with releasing and receiving to manifest your intention. I look forward to the journey we will take together.

Blessings to you this holiday season,

Lisa
 

Click here for the December 2006 Yoga Practice