Mudita ~ Vicarious Joy

As March approaches,

I feel a sense of hope in the air. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that spring enters this month!
It has been about a year since the original lock-downs due to COVID-19 & I have some reflections I would like to share ...
March is often associated with the color green. This is due to St. Patricks Day, of course. The color green is also the color of the heart chakra. The heart chakra is the 3rd energy center located at the physical heart. Spiritually this is our center of connection. Connection to our highest Self, each-other, the Universe/God/Higher power (however it resonates with you), and with all beings on this earth and beyond.
One thing this pandemic has really taught us is how connected we all truly are. We have been asked to think not only of ourselves and our loved ones, but of ALL. We have been challenged to expand our hearts and open up to the unknown.

This week in class I have been sharing the Sanskrit word "Mudita". Mudita can be translated as vicarious Joy. It is empathetic joyfulness for another. One of my teachers offered up this practice of Mudita:"Be so happy for another, it is as if it is happening for your own self." This practice is not only meant for our immediate loved ones, but for all. The practice of Mudita is to practice genuine joy for another's peace and well-being - even a stranger.
I especially like to consider Mudita when I find myself in a comparison mindset. If I find myself comparing my own skills/success/experience to other Yoga Teachers or Yoga Therapists, I remind myself of Mudita and I feel relief. I can embody Joy for them and their successes. It has taught me that in this way, everyone "wins." The joy and love is sent to the other and it comes back to me. Comparison or envy is released.

I invite you to contemplate Mudita. Catch yourself when you are judging and comparing to another and share in vicarious Joy instead. The more we do this, the more it will come back to us. We are all connected this way.

Free Loving Kindness Meditation For Challenging Times

Hi dear ones,

I am writing this in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that is currently happening on a global level.

 Wherever you are right now, whether it be stuck inside, going to work, navigating being out and about, because you have to - I am sending you peace.

The past two weeks have felt like months as we all adjust daily to the current crisis due to COVID-19. I will admit, the first few days I found myself stuck in "self-centered" mindset, worried about my business, worried about my loved ones who are immune-comprised, etc. 

This week, it felt like each day brought a new awareness to the huge impact this is having on so so so many beings. Thinking of those who are already battling an illness and have to go to hospital and doctors, their loved ones who can't accompany them. Funerals that must go on despite lack of attendees and the healing touch that is SO needed during those times. Families who are about to welcome a new baby. Families who cannot feed themselves or their children. Homeless people who are lacking resources more then ever, small businesses - I can go on and on. Please feel free to share with me your own personal struggles. (just reply back to this email) <3

The more I open my heart to all who are impacted, the more gratitude I feel for all that I have. 
 

Opening our hearts can be a painful process. Worrying about others and the world can feel like a heavy burden. It is suffering that truly binds us. Through opening our hearts, we can feel connected to others, connected to the essence of existing.
During this time I find comfort in meditations such as Karuna meditation, also known as Loving Kindness meditation. Karuna means compassion in sanskrit. This meditation helps us to send loving kindness and compassion to ourselves and others, as we all need it right now. 

I would like to offer you a free recorded Loving Kindness meditation that you can do wherever you may be right now: 

Karuna - Loving Kindness meditation