|
As I was pondering the topic “Allowing Receptivity,” I realized I didn’t have a clear set of words to describe it. I believe I have a deep internal sense of what “Allowing Receptivity” means. And, because Rodney didn’t really define this term, I thought maybe I should just check the actual meaning. So I turned to Webster – Merriam-Webster that is. But - Do you remember when we were kids, we were always taught that you can’t define a word with the word. Well, that is exactly what happened. Receptivity is the ability to be receptive! Thanks. Since that didn’t help very much, I looked some more and found this: receptive is “willing or able to accept new suggestions or ideas.” And by new, I’m guessing they just mean different than the idea or thought that you might be carrying around with you. And you can change out the word “accept” with words like “listen” or “consider.” Rodney uses the term “allowing.” I think he is spot on. Because we can be receptive – to a point. We can begin and then stop. But if we allow then we get to go deeper. But receptivity is more than just a couple of words. To me there’s a feeling associated with the sense of being receptive. There’s an openness, a lightness, and a sense of curiosity. And, there’s a sense of letting it in. Whatever it is, you are allowing this new idea into your being, into your thoughts, into your body with a welcoming heart. No judgements, no rejection. In our bodies, we can use our breath to facilitate receptivity. We breath in to create an opening in the chest, we exhale and allow a softening. We breath in and receive the breath, we exhale and receive the stretch associated with the softening. In our minds we can be open. When we rest our minds in meditation, it creates space that allows attention to roam and new ideas to arrive. By being receptive to ideas, suggestions and the like, we can try them on for size. Allowing doesn’t mean that you’ve made a decision. That this new idea is permanent in your world. Nope. You’re just trying it on. How does it feel? You get to explore this new concept. And once you decide that this new idea is acceptable, or worthwhile, then you make the decision that it truly becomes part of your life. Or maybe we should look at it from a different perspective. Because I now see that this new idea is more acceptable, I can let go of this old thought or belief. Allowing Receptivity opens us up. It moves us forward. Being receptive opens muscles to relieve tension, opens our hearts to welcome in love and inspiration, and opens our minds to new ideas. It helps us live life in a more full, loving and meaningful way. I’ll see you on the mat to practice “Allowing Receptivity.” Blessings to you, Vicki 
0 Comments
 Being vulnerable can be scary! Correction. Being vulnerable is scary. It is hard. But when we open to vulnerability, we open to creativity, kindness, and love.
The opposite of being vulnerable is being closed off. I'm sure you've felt that way. I have. And, I've done it on purpose to protect my feelings. So, instead of going to a party, I stayed home. Instead of trying out for a team, I watched on the sidelines. Instead of taking a risk, I've "played it safe." I could even do that today. Stop and not practice with all of you. Let's face it, I've gained some weight and it is a little embarrassing. But rather than stop, let's work through that together. I'll get the weight off, but I don't want to quit because I don't look "perfect." It's tempting. It's crossed my mind. Thoughts like, "Who wants to see a fatso on their screen while doing yoga?" have floated through my brain several times. I'm beginning to understand that fear is the biggest drawback emotion there is! Worry is another one. A long time ago a friend's mom told me, "Worry is a useless emotion." She said that because you don't gain anything from worry. If something is going to happen, it will. Worrying won't stop it. And, you can worry yourself sick. When you realize the scary thing that could have happened didn't (like most scary things don't), you've wasted all that energy worrying, wasted all that time worrying, instead of having a pleasant day. Let's not do that. Instead let's practice opening to vulnerability with a mixed practice of restorative poses to open our hearts (and hips) and a few active poses (just to get the blood pumping). We'll add a breathing practice and end with our traditional iRest Meditation that explores being vulnerable. This photo shows the props needed for tonight. A couple of bolsters, two blocks, two blankets and a strap. It also shows some items you can use if you don't have typical yoga props. Couch pillows, robe belt, a few books (maybe put them in a bag or wrap them in a towel with tape so they don't come apart), two small blankets or larger towels that can be rolled up and a fuzzy blanket to stay warm and cozy! "See you" this evening in class! Love & Light, Vicki You can sign up for tonight's practice here: https://app.ubindi.com/Vicki.Schneider |
Inspiration Blog
Archives
June 2021
Topics
All
|
RSS Feed
