Choose to Soften Instead of Harden

The same boiling water that hardens the eggs, softens potatoes so we have to assume that the water itself has no inherent or absolute qualities. The same water affects these two foods quite differently. 

I feel we can use this metaphor as a lens through which we view life. It's really never the circumstances that are thrown at us. What makes it negative or positive is our perspective or our response.

I had a moment of deep hurt and disappointment recently and decided to take some time simply sit with the feelings instead of react. My first emotion was pain. Then, I noticed the anger and resentment bubble up. My mind started to spiral into all sorts of past stories about the person who I felt was responsible. I started to say to myself things like remember the time she did this or that and she's always been a frenemy!  

It took me a day of watching my thoughts and allowing myself to feel what I felt before I decided to change my experience. The next morning, I switched gears to love, and chose to soften instead of harden.  I decided to dedicate the next class I was teaching to the person who hurt my feelings. As I taught the class I imagined that all of the positive energy being created in the room could be sent directly to that person, for their benefit. When we closed class with a meditation I closed my eyes and imagined this so-called frenemy smiling and happy. This helped me effectively change the situation.

When I shifted to kindness, the anger evaporated. I turned a hurtful act into an opportunity to be vulnerable and giving. It's incredibly powerful.

The twists and turns of life, the moments of disappointment will ebb and flow. It's up to us how we respond. The good news is that this puts us in the driver's seat and make us the architects of our experience. You can choose to soften instead of harden.

I am pretty excited about my teaching schedule this month. I have a new Monday morning class called Slow Flow. I'm teaching a 4 week Beginner Series called Yoga For Brand Newbies. Back by student request is my Why Just Stretch Workshop that explores eastern philosophy. As always, Candlelight Meditation & Deep Relaxation continues to be really well attended, it is time that you come try it and see the incredible benefits of this practice!

I also have a couple of regular slots left for private instruction. The fall schedule will fill fast so reach out and let me know if you would like to book a time.


See you on the mat,

Dee