The word "ego" has some interesting connotations, mostly negative, but which are correct? When you hear the word ego, does it reference someone who is selfish and vain or does it paint a picture of someone strong and assured? In the world of psychology, the ego forms our self-identity and our third chakra self-esteem. The ego experiences the external world and, then, reacts to it in some manner. And, it is our ego that helps us create age-appropriate survival skills. So does the ego step in as a source of protection? Is it a false sense of protection? What about on the yoga mat where we talk a lot about letting go of the ego? Have you ever been in a yoga class where you felt you had to keep up with everyone else (Ego) and attempted to do so (Ego) even though you knew you should not? While we cannot say the ego is protecting us physically, is the ego trying to protect us emotionally from feelings of inferiority? I know I am asking a lot of questions, but I want you to think this through! The ego has its time and place. Those age-appropriate survival skills may be deemed a necessity as a child. But, those skills have to evolve and advance as we age. We cannot expect a skill at six to work for us at age twenty. In our yoga practice, the ego must change (and diminish) as we evolve on the mat. But it will not do it on its own. Our mind has to use our yoga tools to find our inner strength and stay grounded in our roots. We need to find our voice to silence the ego, because we have grown to understand we no longer need it. Our self esteem and confidence starts to come from a place inside, not from the voice in our head. Our heart center glows because we lit our own wick: not because we hoped keeping up with everyone else would encourage them to reach over to light it for us. I don't think that is even possible. I like the following anonymous quote, and it's a good question to ask yourself when you are unsure of your motives...“Is that you or your ego?” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yoga Class Schedule *Gentle/Restorative classes every Wednesday evening from 6-7:15pm. Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back) All Levels, Walk-ins, $15 *Gentle/Restorative classes every Sunday from 10-11:15am. Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back) All Levels, Walk-ins, $15 *Inspired Vinyasa (Level 1), most Tuesday's TIME CHANGE now 9-10:15am, 1 E Benton St,, Aurora, downstairs. Parking in back or on street. $12/class, walk-in, all levels. Email me first to see if we are having class that week. Reiki Sessions, Reiki Classes and Angel Card Readings are available as you need. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOGA FIELD TRIPS/WORKSHOP!!! *Kirtan, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band Tuesday, June 18, 7:30-10:30pm. The Garaj Mahal, 270 Ozier Dr, Batavia Please sign up individually. Pay following this link- Hurry space is limited! Let me know if you are going so we can try to meet up for food beforehand! https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=175b03e944c96&mfid=1556546555669_175b03e944c96#/checkout/openButton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: ALEXANDRITE by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Alexandrite, the June birthstone, was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 on the birthday of Czar Alexander II and was named for him. It is a magical stone that changes color from light red or red-purple in artificial light to green or blue-green in daylight. Some refer to it as emerald by day and ruby by night. Incidentally, the red and green colors of Alexandrite were also the colors of the Russian Imperial Guard! It is one of the world’s rarest gemstones with the largest one, weighing sixty carats, located in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. It is also one of the hardest stones second only to the diamond. Alexandrite was believed to be a stone of good fortune and, as such, became very popular in the salons of Russia and France. However, it was Tiffany’s that popularized the stone in America and purchased so many as to have a monopoly for a long time. It is said to carry a vibration of joy, high wisdom and heart energy. It helps one to move through grief or self-pity and is excellent in helping to overcome procrastination due to fear. It opens the third eye to assist on in understanding the wisdom that is hidden in difficult experiences. It is a stone of hope to be utilized in even the darkest times. Alexandrite opens the crown through the heart chakras and stimulates the brain, pineal and pituitary glands. Although its properties are primarily spiritual, it can help one to relax thereby supporting physical healing. It is a good stone to use for those who are preparing for surgery or any other invasive procedure, helping them to relax prior to undergoing those. With its duality of coloring, it is the perfect stone for June and the astrological sign of Gemini! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED QUOTE: “Ego is to the true self what a flashlight is to a spotlight.” John Bradshaw
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2024
|