Totally Devoted

Hello and Happy Monday,
 
I hope everyone is staying dry this morning. We are in week two of Ishvara Pranidhara, devotion to the supreme, the fifth and last Niyama, personal practices. 

What are you devoted to? Are there conditions with your devotions? How much time do you spend on these people or things you are devoted to? 

I am devoted to my children. My children are my greatest teachers and have opened up so many doors for me. Before having my children I was shy and riddled with anxiety, I was full of so much fear of not doing something right, or even worse, doing something wrong, that I avoided most things. When Michael was born I couldn't live in that space anymore. And being new to Old Town Alexandria, I thought this could be my chance to start new. I wasn't alone anymore, I literally had a baby I carried around everywhere with me. Michael brought me out of my shell, he quelled my anxiety and lessened my fears. I had already found yoga, so I found a mommy and me yoga class that helped me meet other moms and remember my love for practicing yoga with a group. Having Michael reminded me to slow down, to smell the flowers, to remember how incredible this Earth is, this life is, and what is truly important. Michael and all he encompassed was the final inspiration for me becoming a Yoga Teacher. And Melissa, she's been with me from day 1 of teacher training. Both my children have taught me to be braver than I think I am, stronger than I believe and more capable than I ever imagined. 

As difficult as separating and divorcing my ex-husband was, I couldn't have done it without them. I knew I wanted to create a better life, to have them not live with miserable parents, but instead to be in a thriving environment. I knew it would be difficult on my own, but I also knew it would be better for everyone. (we all know how that story evolved) 

During my Yoga Teacher Training, I missed one day because of a previous commitment. As homework for missing the day, I had to meet with one of the trainees and go over notes. I remember my friend going over what I missed and telling me that during the lecture we received there was mention of devotion and love and how the lecturer stated there was no such thing as unconditional love. That all love came with conditions. I remember thinking about that one statement for a long long time, I still think about it today. I cannot see the future, so I cannot tell you if I will change, but so far, my love, my devotion has been unconditional for Michael and Melissa.

Maybe some of you are thinking, this is too easy. Of course she loves her children unconditionally. Sadly, I know of a lot of parents that give up on their children, that leave their children, that have many conditions for loving those children. 

Unfortunately, I do not get to see my children every single day. There are some benefits of having "time off", but truly I am never not parenting. There is always something to be done or planned for. I spend a lot of my time thinking about them, their next adventure, what they eat and the list goes on. 

I ask you again, what are you devoted to? Are there conditions with your devotions? How much time do you spend on these people or things you are devoted to? 

Love, 
Jess

P.S. I am also devoted to you! Offering fun classes, researching new theories and ways to move the body to share with you to create a unique experience on and off the mat. 

P.S.S. RETREATS!! 1 private room with private bath opened up for my Labor Day Goddess Retreat - registration closes this week, so let me know ASAP if you want in. Tomorrow Hawaii information goes out on Social Media - there are still spots so let me know if you are coming!!