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To Love or To Fear...That is the Question

7/14/2023

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Namaste Friends,​

I hope this finds you and your loved ones well. It's been awhile since my last blog post. I have no good reason except just the busy-ness of life. However, these days I try to be more deliberate in taking what I call "sacred pauses" in the busy-ness and one way that I do that is my daily practice of reading A Course in Miracles (ACIM). So, I thought I would share one of the most influential thoughts that I have come across in ACIM with you, and it is this:

"Every choice you make is either an expression of love or an expression of fear. There is no other choice."
 
Now, I'm sure this is not a new concept for most of you; you've probably heard this or some variation of this at some point. But recently I've been asking myself what does it really mean to choose, consciously and consistently, to move through the world from a position of love? How does that work practically? What does that feel like? And, perhaps most importantly, who would I become? I think about what each entails: love is expansive, light, open, joyful, contented, trusting and spacious; fear is contracted, angry, heavy, anxious, depressed, protective and jealous. So, I think the first step is deciding what qualities you most value. Then, you have to be willing to let go of the defensiveness of the ego to make space for the intelligent responsiveness of the heart (see the brilliant work of the Heartmath Institute to learn more about this).

And finally, you have to practice softening the sharp edges of the ego-self through breath, presence and stillness in any given moment where you have a choice between love and fear, and lean into the softness. This requires courage, but it is where our true strength lies. We discover not only that we can choose love, but that we are love and are rewarded with a freedom that surpasses all other freedoms. Ultimately, it is through our willingness to stop defending our idea of ourselves that we discover our true and indestructible Self.

Love & Light,
​Shanti
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Taking a Self-Care Break (republished from Nov 2021)

12/13/2021

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TAKING A SELF-CARE BREAK
Namaste Friends,
​
I often begin my conversations with friends by asking one simple question: "how's your heart today?". You'd be surprised at the depth of responses that question receives which instantly serves to connect us on a deeper, more authentic level, than the generic "how are you?". It clears the path for real sharing to occur, for us both to be seen. So, I ask you, in this moment friend: 
"how's your heart today?". Have you checked in with yourself today or have you just launched into your to-do list? Have you paused, that beautiful "sacred pause" I invite you into sometimes during class, and taken a moment to breathe deeply and listen closely to the needs of your heart, mind, body and spirit today?

My intention with this newsletter is just to connect with you for a moment and give you an update on me, my classes and my healing work practice @ Shambhala. I've had several inquiries about when my next yoga class, sound bath, or energy work sessions are happening, so I realised that not everyone received my email some weeks ago saying that I would be off island visiting family and taking a much needed break from the rock. I am still away spending time in nature, in the awe-inspiring forests and mountains of Asheville, NC (where I used to live many years ago). The healing and restoration I'm experiencing can't be fully articulated, but suffice to say it has been a blessing.

So, please be patient with me as I attempt the old adage "physician, heal thy self", and my new motto, "teacher, study thy self", both of which will enable me to serve you better in the coming months. I am also cultivating some new ideas of offerings that I think you will enjoy. In the meantime, you can expect that we will resume yoga classes in the lead up to Christmas, and in-person / indoor classes beginning in January 2022. I will also resume sound baths and energy work at this time. Stay tuned for more details!

Love,
​Shanti

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Soften Your Gaze

9/11/2020

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SOFTEN YOUR GAZE
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Namaste Friends,

Can you feel the winds of change approaching once again as we drift away from Summer and head somewhat precariously towards Fall? We have been faced with great challenges and opportunities these past few months - ones we could not have anticipated.

Some people have lost jobs. Others have birthed new jobs through online services. Some have endured illness, either their own or loved ones'. Others have discovered new ways of caring for their bodies, strengthening their immune system and living a healthier life. Some have lost loved ones and had to navigate less than ideal "socially-distanced funerals". While others have tapped into a deeper level of empathy for human suffering.

There has been dissolution and resilience, conflict and reconciliation, pain and healing. Although the Universe seeks balance, the road there is not always an easy one and it seems increasingly difficult to steady.

A metaphor that has often come to mind during this time is that of the blue sky, ever-present above the changing parade of clouds. An unchanging Source of grace, steadiness, and peace is here for us now if we soften our gaze and see beyond. If we remain fixated on the changing scenery, the whirlwind of life, we may miss the unifying thread that runs through it all. 

As a society, we have had to digest and assimilate a massive amount of information and changes to our lifestyle in a very short period of time. The "soft gaze" seeks a compassionate approach in how we treat ourselves, and our fellow human beings.

Admittedly, I have not always held a soft gaze over the last few months. There have been moments and evens days where I've felt squinty-eyed and jaded. I have found my return to equanimity mostly through being in the ocean. We are so blessed in Bermuda to be surrounded by healing, crystalline waters. If there was any "normalcy" for me, it was found here. Looking towards the horizon and its meeting with the infinite sky, always brought me back to an easeful breath and a softer gaze.

The soft gaze sees that we are all learning as we go along in this unfamiliar world, and that no singular ideological viewpoint ever possesses all of the answers absolutely.

The soft gaze looks upon the world with gentle, loving and forgiving eyes. Essentially, as we soften our gaze we soften our heart and regain the insight and humility to understand the quote above: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio...". 

Stay well friend.

Love & Light,
Shanti Devi
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