Standing in Kindness

Update, written this morning:  As I look at what was on my mind for this newsletter, I see the connectivity in the Standing Rock Speak-up for our Water. If we lay down our greed and our anger, we see there is enough for all. Our Self-care is intimately tied to the care for our 'āina, our Earth.  On this watery full moon, let us considering sending kind thoughts to those protesting for our water. And if today you choose to move your feet when you pray, you may consider doing so here.

"The world is wide and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. "  - Frances Willard

Letʻs talk Self-care.  I know you see it everywhere - but what is it? What can we actually do?
One -  get outside. Itʻs a balance for me to be engaged on the computer and available off screen, yet that connection to the natural world keeps me connected to what matters in life, the people, the family, the bike-rides, the whatever!  Itʻs about balance (she says in her electronic newsletter.) When I am stressed, I go outside. Here in Philly, I drive 35 minutes to stand with my favorites trees - and when I want to complain, I remind myself what I would do without these trees and I thank goodness for them. (Turns out how you say thank you can matter, you can read my friendʻs perspective here).
Two - discipline our anger. What came up for me recently was rage. I mean, I could say anger, but really its velocity was rage - it rip-coarded out, crusty, gnarled and dangerous;  it launched at my partner. He pretty much neutralized  himself and I just kept going. The next day, with a calmer head and a cooler heart I could say: “I cannot be sorry for my anger right now, but I am embarrassed by how I expressed my rage. I know better and believe differently than I acted last night. No one deserves to be talked to like that. I am truly sorry.”
Did I really say that? Yes, I did. That awkwardly and honestly that is exactly what I said.
Did he receive this? Yes.
Is that a miracle? No. It is a testament of grace that is given from more regularly cultivating kindness.
(And —to be fair — he is an amazing partner + that he could receive my words is one reason I am so supremely grateful for the relationship we both worked on to build and maintain. I am learning how much work a relationship is to maintain, just like watering a plant or brushing your teeth — but that is another blog post.)
I had a client recently reflect, “… finding a way to appreciate the intention of the anger, and teach the anger its usefulness - when and where -  fierce compassion and expression (are) essential.” Powerful and potent horizon for us to consider moving towards. 
Which brings me to three: be kind. Be kind to yourself, to people you know or someone you want to cut off in traffic; be kind to the grass - can you imagine if we didnʻt have any? - and the littlest aspect of life; be kind to your mind, and train your mind to be kind to you.
I recently saw this little video and loved it.

We will never be perfect as we spiral into the better versions of ourselves, yet we can keep choosing to be kind. Kindness is not only a choice, but a skill set if we choose to develop it.
​
May we be kind,
Kate​

P.S.
Registration is open for my Introduction to Lomilomi Course at the Himalayan Institute this fall and I am over the moon about it, November 4 - 6.

September 11: Peace Begins Within: Meditation Circle
6:15 - 7:00 ||  Yoga on Main  ||  All donations go to Ammaʻs Charities

September 17: Sit In Your Center
12:30 - 4:30 || YogaLove, Yardley, PA

October 1: Sit In Your Center
1:30 - 6:00 ||  Mamaʻs Wellness Joint, Philadelphia, PA

October 18: Power of Patience
7:30 - 9:30 || Mainline Night School: Lower Merion, PA 

November 4 - 6: Introduction to Lomilomi an Aloha-based Perspective on Healing 
                           Himalayan Institute, PA


Upcoming: Whatʻs your story, a humble offering accessible anywhere to help you get out of and into YOU.  Think interactive Inspiration with a flare on the written word,  online connectivity and Kate-ness. It launches September 30th.