How to Follow Your Intuition to Overcome Obstacles

I know I'm following my intuition when doubt moves aside, and I just know. My intellect is not weighing the pros and cons. The voices of my inner dialogue stop. In this moment I am clear. I am confident. No more am I filled with
Laura Jane false bravado or arrogance that I am right. A sweet humility and inner excitement for the unknown arises when my mind ceases its chatter.

Yoga asks us to strive to detach from the goal of a perfect body, to let go of the struggle to attain that desire. We feed thoughts every day that tell us we need to obtain false happiness with "self-help" techniques and promises. This path only leads to more self-doubt.

Yoga is a tool used to strip away layers of false identity and reveal the unlimited beauty of our authentic Self. Being mindful is letting go of intellect and feeling an awareness of being enough. Rather than responding to the small mind's need to do, this larger perspective is all about letting go. And only through feeling can we achieve pure consciousness. Words alone give us nothing. We need the actual experience of being alive. We must be willing to focus our roaming minds and practice stillness daily.

Instead of instant attachment to outcomes, we can use yoga as a tool to find kindness, compassion, and loving joy. When we do, our true nature is revealed, and we can no longer hide behind the doubts, fears, and confusion of an anxious mind. Peace is not a thought. It is the willingness to go inside and listen to the palpable experience of peace. This new sensation arises out of the heart's desire to fall in love with the fullness of life. MindFULLness is pure contentment. In that space there is no doubt. I realize I am more than the outcome of my identity. The grace of love is revealed.

Cultivate Loving Kindness

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me. Last week's full moon reminded me that reflection is the gift of humanity. This week, I have been reflecting on kindness. How does it show up in my life? Am I being kind to myself and nurturing the quality of kindness in my actions of daily living? Can I hold compassion for all beings in the midst of the horrors of war and the thousands of souls being uprooted from their homeland forever? Can I remain peaceful and passionate while I witness this humanitarian catastrophe? Politicians speak of putting up walls to separate us and I wonder if this will embrace a kinder world?  Each one of us has a perspective on the situation, and yet, will walls be the solution to ease the suffering?

If I go inward and quiet my mind I practice pratipaksha bhavana - the practice of pausing and reflecting in an effort to feel from another's perspective. This practice allows me to clear my mind of limiting and learned habits so I can share in the gift of compassion. It starts with my willingness to go inward and be kind to my Self. In this way, love is more than a thought - it becomes the act of loving kindness.

Sometimes, I feel we are overheating the mind too much, causing so much animosity, fear and doubt that the heart gets frozen. Can we cool the mind and keep our hearts warm? As we move into fall, take time to pause and go inward to quiet the roaming mind. Meditation is the tool of a focused mind and an open heart. By cultivating a meditation practice you will focus the mind and experience stillness. This will allow kindness to become an intention for living with courage and to be more loving, especially to your Self.

I hope this season will inspire you to be gentle and nourish your heart; take down the walls of separation; and enjoy the incredible wonders of living a life of loving kindness as part of a heartfelt community. This month we are honored to host amazing teachers and workshops designed to cultivate loving kindness. I hope you take the time to share with us as we come together to raise the consciousness of the soul as we seek to make this world a kinder place to live.

Namaste!

Laura Jane

Yoga Among Friends turns 17!

On April 1st we celebrated our 17th anniversary! It's hard to believe that I am still just as passionate and inspired by yoga as I was when I opened the doors in 1998. Yoga has been the toolbox for my life and I am forever grateful to the amazing teachers, students, and community that have supported our presence in Downers Grove.

The teaching path of yoga is one of service. I often find myself struggling to balance the fact that I am running a business with the understanding that my true purpose is in teaching the sacred. I deeply appreciate you, our students, who understand that yoga is more than an exercise routine, and that Yoga Among Friends is so much more than a fitness center - it is a spiritual home.

It is my truest hope that we will continue to inspire you to see the beauty of your life's purpose and to be present with your True Self. May we continue to shine as a place of nourishment and sustain the integrity of our roots that allow for the well-being of these incredible teachings to thrive.

Namaste!

Laura Jane