After a couple long days on the computer and phone this week, I was experiencing lower back pain and getting frustrated with technology glitches (that are bound to happen in Mercury retrograde). I was putting a lot of pressure on myself, so when things weren't working, I fully surrendered. I dropped everything and went to Amma's ashram in San Ramon. If you're unfamiliar with my work or stories about Amma, she is known as "hugging saint" - a guru from India who travels around the world giving people hugs.
Upon arrival, I immediately felt a shift within myself. I felt the calming energy, I ate the food made with love, and I was met with smiling faces saying "Om namah shivaya." (I bow to the divinity that resides within us all)
I meditated, sang, and stayed up until the early morning hours to receive a hug from the divine mother, the hugging saint, Amma.
While there, I received a massage that eased my lower back pain, I held my intention to join women from around the world in 40 days of sacred practice and devotion, I prayed for renewal, and to surrender to how spirit would have things go. I fully let it go.
The next day, I went to our dear friend Tirza's yoga class. She had invited Michael to sing for her class, and for the first time, I got to receive Michael's beautiful songs while participating (rather than being the teacher).
On our tour, there were many moments when students cried (his music really touches your heart). I was always moved, but held the space for what wanted to arise in others.
As a participant, moving through the poses, I had the thought, "I have been so hard on myself!"
"For what?" I wondered.
I realized, any stress I feel in my life has been completely self-created.
Tears streamed down my face as a new mantra entered my mind, "My life is already so beautiful. There's no need for more pressure. Let it be easy."
Let it be easy! So simple. So true.
So today, I will continue to tune into my heart, and prioritize my practices and connection to spirit.
I know from experience, it takes courage to slow down, and prioritize our devotion and self-care practices. It takes courage to face our fears, and follow our dreams in service to our calling, and a higher good...
This is what I want for you:
Permission to love yourself first and to follow your dreams and your heart, no matter what.
To face your fears and take action, but to do it all with ease, grace, spaciousness and most importantly, faith.
Since that day at Amma's, a rush of women have joined me in the VISION sisterhood to manifest their desires this summer, and there are now only a few spaces left.
If you feel called to make space for this new way of living this summer, I would love to have you as part of this sisterhood. I invite you to join us here.
Love, Meredith
