Open to grace

It's funny how life works out.  Just when you think you can see the road for miles, it veers off in another direction that ends up being richer and more fulfilling than any perceived path.

In my personal practice as well as my classes, I have been drawing from Anusara yoga.  Both consciously and subconsciously, I have been captivated by the beauty of heart openers and the passionate expression of asanas (poses) in an Anusara practice.  Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara yoga combines Tantric philosophy with Universal Principles of Alignment.  It is a "celebration of the heart".  For me, it is this celebration which allows me to express the infinite joy and inner strength I feel in yoga.  For me, yoga is the light switch that channels my inner "electric current" and turns on my lightbulb heart to shine forth off my mat and in the world.  Heart openers always have a "TA DA!" feel to them as my heart (energetically) hovers above my chest like a beacon.  (Did I mention I LOVE heart openers?!) 

One of the principles of Anusara yoga is to "open to grace".  Talking with an Anusara yogi, it finally clicked.  I was feverishly chasing this oppenness to grace found through the celebration of the heart.  It is amazing the difference between openness and resistance.  So many times in my life, because I am often able to, I push myself far beyond my limits to what I perceive is the "right thing".  Physically, mentally and emotionally, I catch myself using my high energy level to proceed down my path in a forced march rather than with an open heart/mind.  The funny thing is, no matter how much I want to, I never have the final say.  There is something much larger than I at work and the beauty of life is to open to grace and to see its presence every day.

Take a step back, a deep breath in and gaze in wonder at the path that has already unfolded before you.  Open to grace, and smile!  Life is wonderful, just like you.

In light and love, Ainsley