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Today’s class ( the first one ) started with meditation. I don’t always have a plan for class. Sometimes I tap into how I’m feeling and I use that to fuel my teaching. Today I was inspired to start with meditation and to focus on the theme of authenticity. This is a tough one these days because we’re constantly bombarded with visuals of OTHER people. Spend any time on social media and that will be your experience. How it affects you is another thing.

When we focus on our authentic nature, we’re tapping not only into our physical nature but also our spiritual one. If we bring the basic concepts of foundation and stability into our physical practice, this can be a powerful gateway to our authentic spiritual body. It’s sometimes hard to start the other way around; if we can’t get into the body, it’s hard to find comfort in our skin.

I started with seated meditation and a focus on the foundation. Through the sitting bones we created a solid foundation; through the breath and awareness to the breath, we created presence. Through these two mediums, we were better able to focus and begin our practice. As we proceeded through the sequence, I was intentional about my cues, trying to be minimal in my cueing but essential, leaving ample space for students to hear their breath and tap into their own natural sense of their bodies.

I had started with a suggestion to allow yourself to be inspired by a thought or a wish for practice. As we came to a close and started to rest in Shavasana, I suggested again that we connect to the thoughts that inspired us at the start of our practice. I then offered a suggestion to tap into your authentic nature and to live your days ahead in the coming week fueled by that energy, rather than the energy caused by distraction.

As you head into your week ahead, take a few moments to meditate. Connect to your breath. Wait for a few minutes and then ask yourself a question. “What is my authentic nature? Who am I? What do I stand for?” See what thoughts arise. Stay connected to these thoughts as you go through your week. Look for opportunities to express yourself fully and pull away from things that create distraction. As always, take good care of yourself with healthy food, ample rest and good thoughts.

Namaste.