How To Find Freedom In Our Lives

Welcome to "The Path," a blog where we delve into ancient wisdom teachings and explore their relevance in our modern lives. At the core of this journey is the transformative practice of yoga, as Yoga is a liberation teaching, given to us to help free us from the dramas and emotions of our daily lives.  In embarking on this path, two essential qualities must be present: desire and a steadfast commitment to practice. Our ultimate aim is to attain self-knowledge and awareness, not to dazzle others with our achievements, but to harmonize our spirit with our thoughts and actions, leading to a more fulfilling existence.

We hear constantly that bringing mindfulness and awareness into our lives will give us freedom and a better quality of life but requires intentional practice and a willingness to change our habits and perspectives. So how do we do this….Here are some practical steps and considerations and direct journaling questions at the end :

1. Start with Breath Awareness: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. This can ground you and bring you into the present moment.

2. Practice Mindful Listening: When conversing with others, give them your full attention. Listen without formulating your response while they’re speaking. This cultivates awareness of others and deepens your connections.  Do you talk more or listen more?  An important area to explore for sure!  Especially with your significant other 😊

3. Engage in Mindful Activities: Whether it’s eating, walking, or washing dishes, do these activities mindfully. Pay attention to the textures, flavors, and sensations. This transforms mundane tasks into moments of awareness. Thich Nhat Hahn did many talks on this subject and I recommend exploring his teachings more.

4. Set Reminders: Find those quiet moments. Use visual cues or alarms throughout your day to remind you to pause and check in with your thoughts and feelings. This can help you cultivate a habit of mindfulness.

5. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate daily meditation into your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Guided meditations can also help in developing mindfulness skills.  It is pretty hard to advance spiritually without meditation. Meditation can be found in many ways such as walking meditation. 6. Reflect on Your Thoughts: At the end of the day, take time to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors. Journaling can be a helpful tool to explore your inner landscape.

Changing Your Perspective:

1. Shift from Reacting to Responding:

 Practice stepping back from immediate reactions. Ask yourself how you want to respond instead of simply reacting based on emotions or triggers.

2. Cultivate Non-Judgment:Work on observing your thoughts and feelings without labeling them as good or bad. This is key to developing an unbiased awareness. This is so hard, especially for women….Can you say “I love you, (your name)”…try it…and if you struggle, how can you find acceptance in all things?

3. Embrace Impermanence: Remind yourself that everything is temporary. This perspective can help you let go of attachments and appreciate the present moment.  As the Buddha said “the only thing you can count on in life is CHANGE!

”Now we come to the real practice….Asking the questions!  This is great journaling material!

1. What am I feeling right now? This question encourages you to connect with your current emotional state and foster awareness.

2. What thoughts are occupying my mind ? 

Understanding your thought patterns can clarify what might be distracting you from the present moment. Its just watching your thoughts and noticing “What is occupying my mind today?” without any judgement!

3. How does my body feel in this moment?  Recognizing physical sensations can bridge the gap between your thoughts and feelings and your bodily experiences.  Body awareness can tell us A LOT!

4. What am I grateful for in this moment? Practicing gratitude shifts focus to positive aspects of your life, promoting mindfulness and contentment. Gratitude is the trump card!  It is pretty hard to feel any negative emotion when you are grateful…try it and see!

5. How can I let go of my current attachments? This question invites reflection on what you’re holding onto and encourages the practice of release.  Yoga classes are very helpful here.  Find an instructor who you resonate with and one that when you leave, you are in a better place mentally and physically than when you came in!

This is a guide to begin this journey, but as any spiritual journey, it is not an easy task….By integrating these practices, adjusting your perspective, and asking these reflective questions, you can cultivate a more mindful and aware approach to life, leading to greater freedom and fulfillment.  If you have any questions or would like to talk more about it, please feel free to email me.

Namaste,

Suzi