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Notes From My Practice Journal: Allowing Love Into My Life

January 2, 2014 By Monica Stone 1 Comment

It was a little chilly out this morning. When I pulled up to the little Shala where I practice yoga, I scurried out of my car to quickly get out of the cold rainy Florida weather. It felt so cozy when I walked into the heated room, and it was a blessing to see everyone practicing. I don’t know if it’s the shift of the new year, or if today was just special, but my heart instantly warmed being in the presence of these souls. I didn’t know it before I walked in, but the support of just being there was exactly what I needed.

I walked further into the space to set up my mat, and was greeted with a  smile, a hug, and a “Happy New Year,” in an enthusiastic whisper. I felt love. I stepped on my Manduka, and started to chant. Then, I started practice. Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations) felt so inviting. My legs felt a little weak and stiff, but my hamstrings embraced the flow of Upward and Downward Dog. I just let the breath take me – observing the feelings, sensations, distractions, changes in breath. I became a witness, and I allowed the energy to squeeze me tight like the hug that you’d get from a friend you haven’t seen in 10 years. 

About halfway into standing, I realized that one of my obstacles is accepting and allowing love. I tend to get all bent out of shape in my mind. I know exactly when I am doing it, and I know it’s my issue. I’m not quite sure where it stems from, but I have an idea. Perhaps it stems back from old friendships where I was betrayed, or relationships where I let myself be controlled? There is no one to blame here. No one to be mad at. Life just happens. Things just happen. We learn. We grow. Sometimes the issues we have are hard to let go of.

Sometimes we hold onto suffering because it is all that we know. It’s a weird sense of comfort to fall back on our problems. No one really wants suffering or drama, but sometimes it’s hard to imagine living without it, and we create it without even knowing or seeing the pattern. It’s just ingrained, which is where a yoga practice comes in handy. Yoga is THE tool that allows us to become more and more conscious and aware of our obstacles so we can be more compassionate, loving, and happier people. 

As I continued to practice, I continued to bring it back to the breath. I became so grateful for the community of friends, family, and yogis that I have in my life. I want to be there and love everyone like they love me. I want to love unconditional. The first step in all of this is loving myself, treating myself with compassion, and observing any judgement, irritation, or anger, and realizing it is my own. Taking a deep exhale and letting it go. 

When I finish practice, I usually dedicate my practice to a someone that I feel could use extra love or healing, but today I dedicated it purely to love. I told myself that I was going to allow myself to be loved. Learning to love myself is the only way to be better for everyone else. I cherished this moment and locked it in my memory. 

Sending love your way…

 

Love monica

Filed Under: Daily Life

Monica Stone

About Monica Stone

Monica is a lover of all things yoga, a vegetarian, an avid tea drinker, and never gets sick of soup and noodle dishes. She teaches yoga, practices daily, and runs a Spiritual Book Club in Orlando, FL. She likes to challenge the strict rules of yoga, and makes it accessible for everyone - especially people who suffer from daily life and work stress.

« I Set My Goals For The New Year, and Think You Should Too
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Hi! I’m Monica

Monica StoneWell hello there! I'm Monica. I'm a yoga & meditation teacher (and junkie). I teach yoga practices that are quick and effective for the busy person who just needs a few minutes of quiet time in their day. Click around and you'll find quick meditation tips for calming the mind to simple stretches to relieve stress and tension. If you are sick of being intimidated by yoga or just confused by all of the different styles out there - then this page is for you. Yoga helps me daily & I know it will help you too! I'll show you how! Welcome to The Yogi Movement :)

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Testimonials

  • Jaime ShearerJaime ShearerYoga Student Since 2012

    Monica is dedicated to her own practice and the true path of yoga - the one of personal experience - which makes her an outstanding teacher. She is warm and easy to talk with, and she allows the student to have their own experience on the mat. She explains postures and breath in ways that are understandable so that the student "gets it." She makes yoga real and tangible in ways that truly serve the student. Work with Monica. You'll be glad you did.

  • Jacob AbercrombieJacob AbercrombieYoga Student Since 2011

    have always wanted to try yoga, but was always nervous. Monica took that fear away and made me feel like i was the only one in class with a room full of strangers. She is able to work with multiple students during the same move and still make it a personalized class for one.

  • Serena JonesSerena JonesYoga Student Since 2010

    Monica has been a highly influential teacher to me. She creates a safe environment for learning and practice. I have always felt grounded in her classes, and she pushes me beyond my own expectations. She inspires and motivates! I can't imagine my life without sharing a path with her!

  • Angela OrofinoAngela OrofinoYoga Student Since 2011

    Monica is a caring, wise, thoughtful, and talented yoga instructor. She has an in-depth knowledge of the philosophy and spirituality of Ashtanga yoga. My previous yoga experience had mostly just been at my local gym. Luckily, last year I found Monica. She has been guiding my practice at least once a week since then. As a newcomer to Ashtanga yoga, Monica made me feel comfortable and had the patience to teach me the basics. She also encouraged me to start an at home practice so that I was able to obtain a deeper understanding of Ashtanga. Monica is always encouraging and lets me know in subtle ways when she feels that I am ready to move deeper into my practice. I feel that the growth in my practice over the last year has been tremendous. Not only do I notice the change in me but others around me do as well. I am so grateful to have found Monica!

  • Sasha TamarSasha TamarYoga Student Since 2012

    I’ve come across many a yoga instructor over the years, but Monica stands out as genuinely amiable, as she glows with an infectious inner light, and highly devoted to and passionate about her practice. Her dedication to Ashtanga as a lifestyle is very clear, and creates for a contagious motivating force. Every time I’ve practiced with her, she eagerly transmits her devotion and passion of Ashtanga and meditation to everyone in class; she makes the most fledgling beginner feel at home, and simultaneously challenges the more advanced students. While I only practice Ashtanga with her, I know she provides therapeutic yoga sessions as well as meditation. And, if her methods of guiding students out of the Ashtanga vigor into the more meditative savasana are indicative of her meditational techniques, I’d recommend her to anyone

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