Creating Sanctuaries in Our Own Homes

The weekend has arrived! What does this mean for you and your household? Are you holding onto any weekend rituals or routines that were in place before the stay-at-home order? Have you created any new rituals or routines to adapt to your 'new normal?' How did you feel when you received the news that our request to 'stay home and stay healthy' in Seattle has been extended through May 4th? Are you allowing yourself to feel ALL of the feelings? My immediate reaction was one of gratitude for my new daily home yoga practice. This daily practice doesn't just consist of 60-75 minutes of asana practice, it includes a lot of self study through meditation and observance of my relationships with those around me. Most of us are frequently on edge right now, living in a space of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. When our nervous systems are taxed and in this fight or flight state, it can feel challenging to be a true reflection of our highest self.

It's often easier to see the fault in others before acknowledging our own shortcomings. I am practicing seeing the divine in myself and the divine in others. I am also practicing seeing the giant plank in my own eye instead of focusing on the speck of dust in another's eye. "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Mathew 7:5 As many of us isolate in a modified state of quarantine, it can serve as a powerful time for self study and transformation. As we are forced to contract our human activities, mother nature finds some breathing room. We begin to see that we have been treating ourselves, others and the earth in ways that are neither healthy nor sustainable. I've heard from several of you that you have noticed you are now better able to honor the needs of your bodies in a more honest way, free of the ego that often rises when we practice together in the same physical space. You take rest when you need to, don't push too hard, and with the help of our beautiful team of instructors, are taking steps towards becoming your own guru as you develop and strengthen your home practice. We are feeling now more than ever that it is paramount to make time for self care and to carve out a space in our own homes for these sacred practices. OmCulture's physical yoga & dance studios were our community sanctuaries, and now we are creating sanctuaries in our own homes. Step into gratitude for your healthy, capable body as you step onto your mat and keep practicing with us! Our community is growing and thriving in new and unexpected ways. Your daily practice will soften your edges and help you realize the divine within.

"Close your mouth Block off your senses Blunt your sharpness Untie your knots Soften your glare Settle your dust This is the Primal Identity" ~Lao Tzu