Facing Challenging Times with Reflection

We are navigating through the next few months working with the energies of Pluto and Venus. From the end of December to mid March, we are asked to welcome in the deep transformations within the areas of love, finances and our core values.

During this time we are asked to be more silent and observe. When we observe our triggers we are able to withdraw from reacting and instead explore ways to respond. A helpful way to use this time would be to keep a journal and commit to writing in it every day. Writing out your triggers and seeing what it brings up for you, and why you are upset, angry, or triggered will allow you to be the psychotherapist of yourself. This can also be called Shadow Work. Where we explore the darker parts of ourselves and bring them to the light so that they may be healed and transmuted into wisdom.

Recently, I started sitting with anger. This is not a comfortable thing to do because when we feel angry the last thing we want to do is sit! I would feel anger rise up in me, observe it and say "Ok, you're here and looking for some attention" and head to my meditation corner. Just like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, our triggers are looking for attention. If we sit and give our attention, we can see that there is usually some fear that needs to be addressed and some love that needs to be given. By giving our undivided attention to triggers, we are able to get to the root of our hurt and heal it.

Sometimes I would get up and think "well that was useless, I am still angry" but I continued to practice with dedication and give myself whatever alone time I could, and ask what I was really upset with. Just like with any yoga practice, the real "test" is when we are off the mat. I was put in a situation that normally would have triggered so much anger in me and instead, I was able to stay neutral and present in the moment so much so that I forgot it was even supposed to be upset, which I realized hours after the situation upon reflection. This felt so liberating!

I invite you to liberate yourself from your triggers. Sit with them. See what comes up. Stay silent and observe what is happening on the inside and keep a journal. Make a note to go through your journal in March and see where you have grown and evolved!

Yours in Yoga,
Amanda