FALL Goals, Quotes & Affirmations by YYF teachers

“Letting go takes a lot of courage sometimes. But once you let go, happiness comes very quickly.” - Thich Nhat Hanh

This past year I’ve found a lot of truth in Patanjali’s “two wings” of yoga: Never give up …. and always let go.

The two wings have been especially helpful in my life as it pertains to trying new things and being open to change. This “never give up” spirit comes in to play because I am naturally an introvert. Introverts recharge their energy through lots of alone time whether it’s in the woods, in a corner with a book, or just enjoying the silence. When introverts are challenged with things that require a lot of social energy, the default response can sometimes be “no.” Being aware of this, I have made a conscious effort this past year to embrace the “yes!” instead! In the Yen world, this has meant taking on new classes in new formats, which has been a challenge, but also a portal. This portal has led meeting new people, trying new classes, and enjoying a much richer life as a result.

“Always let go” has never been more true the past couple of years. Not only did both of my kids leave for college, many other changes have happened that we can all attest to. Patanjali says in the Sutras that attachment (ragas) causes suffering. Did I suffer when things I was attached to were removed from my life? Yes. Did I learn to let go? Yes, I had to …. just like everyone did. What a lesson from the mat! Over time, I realized that the sooner I moved from attachment to acceptance, not only did new doors open, but also walls and roofs, too! For example, our beloved studio downtown closed …. but opportunities at other gorgeous places indoors and outside showed us all how blessed we are in northern Michigan. My kids left for college …. but the time I got back to spend with Jim and friends, plus the additional time to teach new classes at Yen, have been such a gift.

So, we are looking forward to the fall equinox because of the lessons learned on the mat. Facing whatever comes my way with a never-give-up “yes!", I also know that on the flip side, always letting go is an equally valuable path to a life well-lived.

Here’s to honoring the past and its lesons, blessing the future and the gifts it brings, and appreciating what is now, dear friends!

Becky