Embracing change!
That was quite some storm which passed through as we head to the solar eclipse tomorrow. Today is so calm in comparison, the dark night, argued as being the most intuitive part of the moon’s cycle, likened to the day before us women may bleed, many an insight can come through if we are quiet and listen.
We are reminded of course that all of life is subject to change. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali talks about this – Sutra 2.15 proposes that our suffering arises from our resistance to change.
We are encouraged to accept changes and not allow our underlying patterns around consistency and control fight against it. We don’t know. And we are never truly in control.
Acceptance then is key. The Sutras has something to say about this too, in 2.1, when Kriyā yoga – the yoga of action - is presented to us and offers us tools to navigate these times of change and the choppy waters that such times can bring. There are three components:
Tapas – meaning to heat/purification. We are encouraged to make a certain effort towards doing things that are positive and constructive and in the right direction such as getting on our yoga mat, eating better, getting more sleep.
Svādhyāya – reflection. This can include reading spiritual texts and reflecting on these as a guide.
Iśvarapranidhānāni – surrender – the idea that we are not ibn control and the world does not revolve around us. This includes our acceptance of our place in things, and recognition that there is something higher than us.
We are reminded – like karma yoga in the Bhagavad Gita – to do the work without attachment to the fruit. We surrender to that – do as an offering for the greater good -most of the time we have a motivation of gain.
We are reminded to let go of things that don’t work out and in the process change our attitude. We are also reminded that change is inevitable but we can learn to make the most of it, reducing our suffering which in turn offers us a more peaceful state of being and indeed living
It does feel that this eclipse season is trying to encourage change. I can certainly feel it and am excited by it, being open to what the universe now wishes to co-create, and letting go in the process.
I find myself dropping deeper into my practice and beginning new yogic studies, eating better, getting more sleep, immersing myself in more of what sets my heart alight, and letting go of ways that cause stress (driving on Guernsey!). It’s a work in process. But I am trying to make certain effort.
Beinspired embarks on its first women’s series this evening, having started its first Opening to Self-Love series which was delightful on Sunday. We have more exciting offerings ahead. We have our last Sark Retreat next weekend, and a provisional booking for a retreat at Chalice Wells in Glastonbury in April 2026, and more ideas for future locations whirling in my head. There is another opportunity to become attuned to Reiki in early December – albeit there is an also an online offering.
Yoga wise, I hope to have some more recordings soon to help those of you practice at home. Albeit we are encouraged to work with a teacher directly, so we don’t fall into bad habits, and my intimate classes have been well received in this regard and of course the Monday evenings and Friday morning drop-ins. There’s another Spiritual Rejuvenation this Sunday. And more Vedic chanting coming soon and a new three-week Breath Well series for those who need to maximise their prana and positively shift their vitality.
Lastly, the Spiritual Life Coaching is really helping people to embrace change. It incorporates Reiki and Ayurveda and various other tools and really makes a difference - we can only stay stuck so long until we fall into sickness and bouts of anxiety and depression. We don’t need to. Every moment of every day we have the choice to set outlives free and life differently, thrive! See the website for all these offerings!
Enjoy the new moon and the solar eclipse and I hope you can flow with the changes it ushers in.
Love Emma
