You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway - Steve Maraboli⁠

I wanted to share some observations and learnings I have made through my yoga teacher training, and meditation/mindfulness courses I have attended.

I have noticed that things go smoothly when I ‘go with the flow’.  When I 'allow' things to happen.  

Unfortunately I am not very good at this.   I don't know if I was always like this.  I think it manifested as a way of life from managing a demanding job and running a household.  Come to think of it I have always been highly organised and run a 'tight ship' so to speak.  

This level of managing reached a peak when the kids were small.  Everything slotted into a window around when they ate and slept. Thankfully this is not the case and don't hate me for saying it but I don't miss it at all. 

⁠However I still manage to use up perfectly good energy thinking and planning for any and every possible outcome. 
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With my ‘eye on the prize’ setting out to achieve it come what may. ⁠

Part of the yoga practice is to learn the art of detachment.  I have found aspects of this easier than others.

For example despite my love of dressing I don't hold on to a huge amount of clothes.  

One thing I am terrible at letting go of is expectation, particularly towards myself and outcomes. 

An example of this would be if I have decided I am going for a run in the morning I do so regardless of the weather or how I am feeling.  Which can often be to my detriment for the rest of the day. 

Now it might seem an obvious thing but I have only recently come to pinpoint the word 'expectation'.  

The need to control this is rooted in my fear and outdated beliefs.

With this I have become closed to opportunity.

I am sure I am not alone in this.⁠

The art of surrender

This is not about inaction, rather being aware on what is moving and flowing and going with it. ⁠

⁠Stop fighting, with yourself, stop fighting the flow.
Who wants to paddle upstream when it's far more freeing to let the water do all of the work. 

When you notice you are in the state of agitation or there are too many negative voices.  Pause and take a deep deep breath.

Try this meditation to help

Then ask yourself

Whats the worst that could happen? ⁠

Pinpointing this helps to put it into perspective.  

Is this something which really affects you?

Sometimes the worry comes from someone else's business or life which in reality has no bearing to yours.

Think of the freedom of adventure

Like a page turning book or series you end up binging on why can't life be this way?  If you loosen the grip and see what shows up.  I could be better than you ever dreamed.

Trust in the universe

Einstein said "the most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a hostile or friendly universe.

Food for thought......