I was going through my folders and perusing things that I’d written many years ago. Just like going back and reading old journal entries, doing this helps me to reflect on how my thinking and writing has developed and grown.
Interestingly, I found one that stood out and spoke to me, perhaps as much today as it had when I wrote it many years ago. It's entitled ‘Strength and Softness’. I’m not 100% sure but I think when I wrote this it was to explain yoga as a comprehensive practice for balanced wellness.
And of course, that same message comes across now. But the thoughts that arose for me at this time, were less about yoga as a practice and more about me as a human being and how easy it can be to swing too far to one side or the other.
How easily strength can become stubbornness and obsession while softness can mutate into the lack of both boundaries and gumption. As I reflect, I can certainly recall this happening in my life. Indeed, balancing strength and softness is a skill — one that must be continually exercised and honed.
I’m including my earlier piece below with the invitation to reflect on what balancing strength and softness means to you at this time in your life. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this so feel free to comment below iif you feel called to share. 🙂
Strength and Softness
When we think of improving our health, one of the things we think of is increasing our strength. But strength alone does not equate to a healthy body.
How 'bout a little softness with that strength? Yes, that's right... softness. I know it sounds strange, a total oxymoron?!
But think about it... We want to gain strength but not in a way that causes our muscles to remain stiff and tense, or our joints to continually experience "wear and tear" and feel strained.
Unfortunately, many of the workouts we do maintain this one-sided approach to physical well-being. What about the other side? What about the soft "yin" to go with the hard "yang"?
This idea - to be strong and active, yet soft and still - is a key principle of yoga. It is the ideal balancing act that can not only transform our physical health on the mat, but also affect our mental approach "off the mat".
Even in our thoughts and attitudes, we can demonstrate strong, unwavering focus while also displaying nurturing, kindness.
Speaking of nurturing… that’s the WORD of intention for my ‘Raise the Vibe’ guided meditation on my YouTube channel this week.
Check it out, share the video with others who my enjoy it, ‘LIKE’ and Subscribe to my channel so you always know when I’ve posted new material. Much love and gratitude! <3