Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

I find I am constantly exploring different aspects of the universal principles of Abhyasa and Vairagya. Although traditional translations are usually “practice, action” and “surrender, detachment” respectively; you could also include “doing/non-doing”, “structure/space”, “holding on/letting go” and the definition I want to explore today of “moving forward/pulling back”.

A lot of our practice involves knowing when to push forward, knowing when to pull back. When we are stagnant, frustrated, or in fear – it may be appropriate to push forward into a pose/practice. When we are exhausted, unwell or creating depletion, we need to know when to pull back. Sometimes adding a load strengthens bones and joints, but if a joint is unstable, adding a load can irritate it and lead to injury. (TIP: If our muscles are tight around a joint, it could be because they are trying to protect an unstable joint – pull back and begin from the ground up, see if you can move into the pose safely, communicating to the body with your breath, creating alignment and building awareness).

The same principles apply in life off the mat too. As the famous Kenny Rogers said “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em”. Who knew Kenny was so wise!!  😀

But what about when we feel stuck emotionally and find it hard to move forward? Especially around a person/event we perceive has harmed us in some way, and we can’t forgive?

Over recent years, I have done a lot of work around forgiveness. Here are a few strategies that really helped, that are loving and inclusive, and truly liberating…

1. Ho’oponopono or similar. A Hawaiian practice of repeating the statements “I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you” like a mantra whilst visualising the person you want healing with. I’ve been told several ways to do it, but the one that worked best for me was finding a recording that I could play (google Ho’oponopono) and let the words wash over me while meditating.

2. One of my favourites is to visualise you and the person connected by a beam of energy. When you cut/break that energy see their energy return to them, yours to you. No harm to either but no longer connected. (Double whammy if you play the Ho’oponopono chant at the same time).

3. I also visualise the person in my morning blessings and chant for them “May they be at peace, May they feel love”. (Sometimes imagining them surrounded by golden/white healing light). It feels amazing to exercise love towards them instead of anger. If they heal, they will no longer be in pain, and far less likely to hurt others. I feel very empowered and free when I do this – even though it may seem difficult and counterintuitive at first!

I hope this helps to free you up and be able to move forward again.

Wishing you all much love and freedom,
Suzanne

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