Belong YOGApothecary

Be As You Are
~ Tias Little

The real aim of any yoga practice is to be yourself, just as you are. It is ironic that we have to “practice” being who we are. Because the rest of society is hell-bent on making “progress,” we default to thinking that on the path we have to make ourselves better, more aligned or more enlightened. Dissatisfied with who we are, the whole practice can become a project in self-improvement. Now, while it’s valuable to hone your skills—mastering your backhand in tennis, memorizing a poem, becoming faster at Wordle—what people need most is to give themselves permission to just be. The path of practice is not about making progress. We only need to shed the shoulds that confine us, so that our spirit can roam freely through the world.

We are each born with an indwelling awareness, the precious Buddha nature. You are not here to improve on creation. You need not prove your significance or get better. In truth, when people strive to improve themselves they end up suffering and the whole practice becomes a game of cat and mouse. Rather, utilize your practice to realize the gift you’ve been given. As Thomas Meton once said, “We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we take time it will make itself known to us”. So take an hour each day to sit in the open wonder of awareness. Exhaust your word and empty your thoughts. Open all the windows and doors to the temple of your self, and rest in the beauty of just being. Relax any impulse to become better. Accept into your heart all that arises and rest in the sublime feeling of being just as you are.

I am so excited about this research. Those of us who love plants for medicine, companionship, and mental health have always felt the truth of this in our bones. I’m grateful for this scientist who furthered her research and understanding while enduring ridicule and backlash from other scientists who wanted to poo poo the legitimacy of anything of a spiritual nature. Huge props.

😂

Elderberries 😂

Artist: GEMMA CORRELL

Please come out tonight!! I’m honestly an anxiety-ridden, socially awkward, neurodivergent introvert who’s typically embarrassed to suck at dancing Salsa and not often up for a party; but tonight I AM UP FOR IT and I want to watch my truly angelic friend, Ana Carolina Allen, who has done so much for all of my chikdren when we were in need years ago, and who is HERE(!) to visit from out of state; to light up with joy when we successfully support her very worthy and beautiful organization that her Dad founded to support Indigenous Bolivians in need.
Also, my Reya will be thrilled if this project that she is doing with her caring heart is a smash success!
Plus, I haven’t seen most of you in too long. Don’t know how to dance Salsa?? Me neither. Let’s learn together. My best friend is the teacher at 7:30 and he’s truly wonderful.
I also super-appreciate the generosity of Kate Laviolette who owns Live Beyond Limit and is opening up her beautiful studio to us. I appreciate how she’s a comsistently hopeful person who is always on-board to help, encourage, give, and care. They moved into a bigger space a few years back, on Drake a few blocks from College Ave. in Fort Collins, and it’s really suoer nice and you should all check it out tonight!

I just heard about my beloved, sweet young friend and coworker at Trader Joe’s from when I was living in Ithaca not long ago. I adore this girl and this breaks my heart. Her name is Azu. She is brilliant and she earned scholarships to attend Cornell University where she is away from her twin sister and family in Chicago… Ice has taken their innocent father away.
Please share & repost her story to others and donate if you can!

Her go fund me is https://gofund.me/180ae5320

Come Salsa dance with us this Saturday (I’m a beginner- want to learn with me?)! Fundraiser this Saturday for our friend’s nonprofit to support indigenous people in Bolivia. My awesome daughter organized this with support from my bff who is a salsa dancer/teacher extraordinaire; and who is donating their beautiful dance studio space. Get tickets here: https://childrenoftherainforest.harnessgiving.org/events/3374