Peace, Peace, Peace
Ready to proactively practice peace?
In my early thirties, one of my meditation teachers suggested we read a book called Peace is Every Step by Thich Naht Hahn (TNH). This recommendation came shortly after my family both found our new house, and founded JoyWheel Yoga and Wellness (on the same day). Joined on this adventure by a husband, four kids, cat, dog, chickens, volunteerism, our massive gardens on three acres, and a small business, I was feeling very blessed.
The title and cover art of the book, a simple solo dandelion, piqued my interest. My life was incredibly robust and I knew I had much to be grateful for. Although, I was also sensing my bandwidth stretched thin like an empty balloon that had been inflated almost to bursting. Perhaps reading more about peace, could help?
At this point I had been practicing yoga for over a decade, yet I had only dabbled in meditation on its own. The sitting part — without the flowing part — had always intrigued me, gently beckoning. I had tried just meditation several times in my twenties, but it never stuck consistently. Now, I felt called to sit. I was leaning into better understanding how to not do, and instead, just be. It was time to listen deeply, steep in connection, feel into each moment, and not just stride through.
This may sound simple, however it was not an easeful process at first. I grew up in a household that valued hard work. Education and a strong work ethic were top priorities. With this achievement model embedded early on in my development, as an adult I struggled with the concept of holding still (unless I was sleeping). Wasn’t that being idle? Or lazy? What is the meaning of all this sitting and doing nothing?
These micro-challenges, in the form of resistance, would arise as I attempted to sit. Every morning I would preempt my kids, awaken before the sun, bundle in the crocheted blanket Grandma gave us and sit upon the wooden swing outside. I was determined not to be swayed. I would get there, I thought to myself. It turns out I was applying the same work ethic to mediation (thanks Mom and Dad!). That stick-to-itiveness started as a commitment to exploring the practice of mediation. Then it led to something much deeper, devotion. However, I sensed that I was still missing something. A huge and pivotal aspect of practice: the gentleness, grace, and compassion towards myself part.
I was called to stillness early on, knowing then that it was an essential part of living. As a young child I would wander off in nature — out in the field, beside the creek, up in an apple tree. Upon reflection, I recognize the wisdom of childhood that brought me to the open fields to listen to the swish of the hay in the breeze, to the gurgling water to skip stones, dangling in the tree to watch the bees in the blossoms. Reading Peace is Every Step as an adult launched my meditation practice into what I now understand is an everyday way of being. Something that was instinctual in childhood, now became an intentional practice in adulthood. Thankful to have rediscovered this, I was ready to proactively sit still, listen, play, and watch again.
Beyond the tools offered in Hahn’s book, there is encouragement to understand that we have the capacity to tap into mindset awareness. We are able to re-frame any situation — whether it feels bursting with excitement or crushing due to the weight of despair. We can learn to respond versus react. TNH provides methods such as breathing, listening to the sounds of everyday things like bells, and being with our sensations as they occur. For example, can you taste your food when you are eating?
Now, in my forties I am grateful for a daily meditation practice that is second nature. Every morning begins with sitting. I welcome that quiet time, most days. If you are interested in cultivating more peacefulness in your life, and perhaps even amplify peace in the world, I recommend reading this book as a step along your path. Peace, peace, peace…
Winter Events, Workshops, Yoga, and Services
Events & Workshops
Prenatal / Postnatal Yoga: Thursdays 1/15 - 2/26, 5-6:15pm at Serenity Yoga & Wellness in South Hadley, pre-register or drop-in
Family Yoga: Sunday 1/25, 1-2pm at Serenity Yoga & Wellness in South Hadley, pre-register online or at the studio.
During this playful class, we’ll explore imaginative movement inspired by winter magic — stretching tall like snow-covered mountains, sledding on our bellies like penguins, and gliding gently like snow angels. No yoga experience is needed. Come as you are and enjoy an hour of breathing, moving, giggling, and letting go. All are welcome. Price includes up to 6 participants per family.
Partner Yoga & the Art of Connection: Fridays 1/30 & 2/27, 5:45-6:45 & 6-7pm at Everyday Wellbeing in the Munson Library in South Amherst, please RSVP online
This donation based workshop offers time and space to connect with someone you care about. Starting with playful partner yoga poses followed by guided Thai yoga massage (no experience needed), and concluding with a conversation prompt to deepen connection. All are welcome.
Weekly Yoga
All Levels Yoga: Tuesdays 8-9am with Everyday Wellbeing in South Amherst, donation-based, all are welcome Munson Library on South East St
Gentle Flow Yoga: Fridays 9:30-10:30am at Serenity Yoga & Wellness in South Hadley, in-person OR online
Yoga Flow: Saturdays 9-10am at Central Rock Gym in Hadley: free for members or $20 to drop-in
Monthly Yoga
Partner Yoga: Friday 3/20 5:45-7pm at Central Rock Gym in Hadley: free for members or bring a guest for $5 (must pre-register online or at CRG). $20 for non-members.
Professional Services - In-person and Online (via Zoom)
Gratitude!
Thank you for reading. These words are offered in support of wellbeing for individuals, communities, and the Earth. However, if you prefer to unsubscribe at anytime, please click the unsubscribe link.
Stay connected and Upcoming:
Stay tuned for the next newsletter! Until then - remember to pause, connect, and nourish yourself often. Have questions or requests? Send them! Feeling inspired to pass this newsletter along? Consider forwarding this to someone who may appreciate its content, and thanks for spreading wellbeing. May all beings be peaceful…
Thanks for the book recommendation. I really like TNH so this will be exciting. I'm also a yoga teacher so I connected with and appreciated you talking about your yoga practice.