Understanding the Law of Pure Potentiality

In our yoga classes at The Ayurvedic Path, we study The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. The first of those seven principles is the Law of Pure Potentiality. 

This is a principle innately understood by babies and small children. Initially, everything is open and new. When we are young, all is amazing and the world is a realm of all possibilities. Then very quickly, through our upbringing, we begin to narrow our view of the world. This happens through no fault of our own. Our families, teachers and caregivers, help shape who we are and a lot of that includes setting limitations. 

Growing Up and Growing Out

While fitting into a mold was helpful as we grew up, staying in the parameters that were set for us, may not work in adulthood. I know a family who, through the generations, has encouraged their children to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. Understandably, these are fine areas of study, which often guarantee a good source of income. However, many children, even within the same family don’t necessarily fit into any of these areas easily. But, if you were raised in this family, you might think that you can only choose one of these career paths to be completely accepted and successful. 

Expanding your limitations into full potential includes overriding something you’ve been taught your entire life if it’s no longer serving you. 

Raising the Ceiling of Limitations

Some of us live with a ceiling so low that we frequently hit our heads on it. We are so used to living with our own excuses that we many not even hear our own voices anymore. “I can’t do this because...” “When I get more money, I will...” “If I was younger, I could...” or “I’ve tried that before and it hasn’t worked.” 

Pure potentiality calls us to open up and raise the ceiling to infinite possibilities. This means you must let go of disbelief. What you thought wasn’t possible before, now becomes possible even if you don’t see it right away. Small children dream and speak the impossible. You must have the innocence of a child if you are to embrace pure potentiality. 

Listen to Your Thoughts and Speech

Retraining the mind can be a challenge. One way to begin is to observe yourself. Observe your thoughts and see which ones are limiting. Notice which of those are regular in your thought patterns and write them down. Then make a commitment to yourself to rewrite those thoughts into ones which open you to infinite possibilities. Do the same with the things you say. Make an attempt to not speak limitations on yourself or others. 

You are a piece of the creative mind that orchestrates the world into existence. You have the capacity, therefore, to be limitless. Embrace this aspect of who you are and live the life you’ve always dreamed of living.

Love,

Michelle

Michelle S. Fondin, author of The Wheel of Healing: An Easy Guide to an Ayurvedic Lifestyle. 

www.michellefondin.com

Why Prenatal Yoga is Optimal Preparation for Labor and Childbirth

So you've just found out you're pregnant. Congratulations! It's such an exciting time of life. If this is your first baby, you're most likely in the "pregnancy bubble" where you only see pregnant women on the street, in stores or at the office. You fanticize about what it will be like to see your baby for the first time. You worry about your baby's health or your pregnancy. Or you're just plain tired and nauseated all the time. All of these feelings are normal and part of the excitement.

One thing you may find is that your significant other is not quite as excited as you are. He may not understand what's going on in your body or your facination with every change. He may not share your affinity to reading every single baby book or posting that's out there. As the weeks go on, you may begin to feel a bit disappointed with his lack of enthusiasm. After all, you both wanted a baby right? So, what's wrong?

For a Dad, the pregnancy is not as real as it is for you. You are feeling the changes from the very beginning. The surge of hormones give you the mothering instincts from the get go.

That's where a pregnancy class comes in.

What your prenatal yoga class will give you first and foremost is a chance to meet and share with other expectant Moms. This is a safe environment where women really care and understand first hand what you're experiencing. They can sympathize, listen and offer advice.

The second advantage is learning how to breathe. Labor and delivery is like running a full marathon. Runners never go into running 26 K without preparation, they would collapse or give up after the first few miles. Giving birth is the same way. It will require breathing properly to allow the muscles to relax and do their job. It will keep you calm, centered and prepared for welcoming your baby into this world.

Thirdly, pregnancy doesn't come without aches, pains and muscle discomfort. Your body is changing at an incredible rate. Growing pains are normal. Yoga poses help you assist your muscles in lengthening, strengthening and releasing tension to allow you to feel more comfortable.

And finally, you are taking time once or twice a week to truly focus on this miracle that's taking place inside of you. You're giving yourself permission to let everything else go for 75 minutes to create a memory and enjoy the process.

At The Ayurvedic Path, we offer Prenatal Yoga twice per week in Herndon, VA. Our students often come on both days Monday and Saturday. But we keep our classes small, under 12 students, to allow each Mom to share and learn optimally.

If you are in the Northern Virginia area, check us out: http://www.theayurvedicpath.com

If you are outside of the DC area, look up a Prenatal Yoga class in your area.

Wishing you a beautiful pregnancy,

Michelle