Letting Go, Embracing the freedom of inner peace

There is a powerful and transformative practice that can bring freedom and inner peace into our lives. It involves consciously releasing attachment to what no longer is working for us. This practice is that of non-attachment - letting go, and acceptance. 

We can achieve this through our yoga and meditation practice with intensive observation without reactivity, also known as equanimity. Developing awareness of our reactivities and gradually achieving states of more balanced equilibrium of mind can allow a process of beautiful blooming and expansion. This takes a great deal of patience and regular daily practice to see the real fruits of our efforts. 

Through this process we allow space for unique and life affirming opportunities. While letting go can be challenging, it is a magical and powerful practice of self inquiry. It’s an ongoing process that requires patience, and conscious effort. By acknowledging and accepting what no longer serves us, embracing impermanence, practicing self-compassion, surrendering control, living in the present moment, and community, we can gradually release attachments and open ourselves up to new experiences and personal growth. Remember, letting go is not about forgetting or erasing the past; it's about allowing ourselves to move forward with a lighter heart and freedom through expansion. I invite you to embrace the art of letting go, and watch as your life unfolds with the natural joy that only inner peace can bring. 

With Love and Joy

— Kim Vidya 

What does self-compassion mean to you?

To me self-compassion is the loving embrace of our personal humanity, a nurturing response that acknowledges our inherent worthiness and our imperfections. It is the practice of treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and empathy, especially in times of struggle. 

Self-compassion understands that we sometimes make mistakes, and experience suffering as a basic puzzle piece of the human condition. It encourages us to extend the same warmth and understanding we would offer to our best friend, to ourselves. By cultivating self-compassion, we create a safe and supportive inner landscape where we may grow and find solace amidst life's tribulations. It is a profound act of self-love and an essential ingredient in building a loving life filled with authenticity and fulfillment. 

Elevate Mood and Motivation with Active Rest, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra

In today's world full of multi levels of intensity, it's common for many to experience low levels of energy, motivation, and a lack of focus. One vital element that contributes to our overall well-being is the neurotransmitter dopamine. Known as the "feel-good" chemical, dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and reward pathways in the brain. While there are various ways to enhance dopamine levels, incorporating active rest, combined with body awareness and breath work, can be a game-changer for achieving a sustainable and elevated baseline dopamine level. 

Active rest refers to engaging in activities that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and recovery while still remaining physically active. It stands in contrast to passive rest, where we engage in sedentary activities or completely abstain from physical movement. 

Body awareness involves cultivating a mindful connection between your mind and body. It means paying attention to bodily sensations, movements, and posture, and being fully present in the moment. By practicing body awareness during active rest, you can tap into the dopamine-boosting benefits it offers.

When you tune into your body and become more attuned to its signals, you activate the brain-body connection. This connection helps stimulate the release of dopamine and strengthens reward pathways in the brain. The more you consciously engage in physical activity while maintaining body awareness, the more dopamine you can potentially produce, leading to an elevated baseline level over time.

Combining active rest, body awareness, and breath work creates a powerful synergy that optimizes the release and utilization of dopamine in the brain. By intentionally engaging in low-intensity physical activities while maintaining body awareness and deep breathing, you create an ideal environment for dopamine production.

When you engage in active rest, you allow your body to recuperate from the stresses of daily life while simultaneously engaging your mind and body. The heightened body awareness brings you into the present moment, while breath work further enhances the oxygen supply to your brain. Together, these practices enhance dopamine release, helping to elevate your mood, increase motivation, and improve cognitive function.

So stay a little longer in that Savasana at the end of class and drink in those groovy restorative and Yoga Nidra practices and notice the positive effects in your work, home life and general outlook!

Showing Up: Embracing Your Best When You're Not Feeling It

Us humans are always managing a constant ebb and flow of emotions. Some days, we wake up feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to take the bull by the horns (so to speak!). Other days, we may find ourselves engulfed in a sea of doubt, or simply not feeling our best. In those moments, the temptation to retreat and withdraw can be strong. However, it is precisely during these times that showing up and doing our best can turn the tables on our state of being and as a result rise higher than ever!

When we talk about showing up, it's not just about physically being present. It goes beyond that. Showing up means bringing our full selves, our skills, and our energy to whatever we engage in. It means honoring our commitments and responsibilities, even when our motivation is weakened.

The truth is, motivation is fickle. It can come and go like a passing breeze. Relying solely on motivation to carry us through life's ups and downs is an unsustainable strategy. However, discipline and commitment are steadfast companions. By cultivating a habit of showing up consistently, even when we don't feel like it, we strengthen our resilience, and our chances for success.

While showing up consistently most often is important, it is equally important to acknowledge and honour our own limitations. Pushing ourselves too hard without allowing for rest and self-care can lead to burnout and diminishing returns. It's crucial to find a balance between pushing through our discomfort and listening to our bodies and minds when they need a break. By practicing self-compassion and being consciously aware of our well-being, we can show up and sparkle.

Showing up is a testament to our character. It is a powerful statement of commitment and dedication to our goals. By cultivating the habit of showing up consistently, we strengthen our discipline and increase our chances for a happy and successful outcome. So, let us embrace the challenge, put aside resistance, and continue showing up, for it is in those moments of challenge that our true potential has the opportunity to flourish!

I hope to see you on the mat soon. Interested in joining classes with me? Reach out now!

With Love and Friendship

Kim Vidya

Alignment And Its Reflection In Our World

Alignment in our yoga practice serves as a metaphor for alignment in our daily lives off the mat. By cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness on the mat, we learn to extend these qualities way beyond the physical. When we focus on aligning ourselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually with a watchful eye, we may achieve upward growth, and lead far more fulfilling and harmonious lives.

As we focus on our inner landscape, we become immersed in the sensations and subtleties of how our body adapts to the posture, and how it relates to our sense of being. This conscious reflection spills over into our daily lives, allowing us to engage more fully with our surroundings, and tasks. By aligning ourselves in the moment, we develop a sense of deep listening, and compassion towards others, fostering healthier and more meaningful bonds. It goes way beyond simply attaining physical symmetry and balance; it extends into our life, shaping our attitude, and behaviours. 

In our yoga practice and beyond, alignment is not just about the body; it encompasses all aspects of the self. When the focus is on how we align ourselves we cultivate a meaningful understanding of presence which then translates into our daily lives, influencing our interactions. From this place a deeper sense of harmony can arise within and around us, with ease and grace. 

Aligned (with love),

Kim Vidya

Join me for daily classes! Learn more

Facing Truth

One of the great paradoxes of the human mind is that we often run away from what we need to face most, for the reason that it can open pandora’s box. We run from problems we don’t have answers for, not realizing that in running from ourselves, we are also running from the liberation of our mind. We are running from our own freedom, toward the more comfortable feeling of a familiar despair. 

Through our observation of where we are on our journey, and accepting all that we witness within ourselves with honesty and integrity, we can free our heart and lighten our mind - our frequency heightens and we are better able to hold our true source connection. 

And through this connection our being can be open to be filled by the sky, the sun, the stars and all of nature’s magical bounty. 

There are not firm answers to life’s questions. There are simply great stories to enliven the ideas that are forged by our experiences. And from these ideas the stepping stones reveal themselves as we walk upon our uneven footpath toward the future. 

As one who seeks for peace and balance in our mind, we come to a point and realize there is more to know behind our closed eyelids. We come to a point where we have experienced enough highs and lows to know that what we have been doing is not enough. What we have been relying on is not enough, and the path ahead of us may not look as bright as it once did. We may encounter obstacles and setbacks that test our resolve. But if we stay committed to our practice, we will find our essence shines brighter than ever before.

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it can be tempting to rely on external sources of comfort and distraction. We may turn to social media, television, or other forms of entertainment to numb ourselves from the challenges of the world around us. But in doing so, we miss out on the opportunity to connect with our true selves and to tap into the deep well of peace and balance that resides within us.

So, let us continue on our journey with open hearts and open minds. Let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead and trust in the power of stillness and reflection to guide us through them. As we close our eyes and turn inward, we will discover that there is more to glean than we ever could have imagined. And we will emerge from our practice stronger, wiser, and more at peace than ever before.

Unify and Restructure

Have you ever considered your microbiome, digestive system and entire internal environment can work in symphony with your outer environment? And when we bring the two together we can begin to unify and complete the intricate puzzle of our place here on the earth? Unifying through a restructuring of all aspects of ourselves. 

Today in meditation I had a clear vision of being sheer - transparent in such a way that the patterns within matched the patterns around me that was almost psychedelic. We can create a less dense version of ourself through deepened awareness and comprehension of our dream of being. 

What a revelation it can be to have this come together in such a way that we express the light of ourself from the seed of what is real and true for us.

Powerful! 

Join me for my 10-Day Group Cleanse where we explore these ideas and more while supporting one another on a beautiful journey toward wholeness and personal connectivity.

Under Pressure?

Today’s Breathing Circle is breathing for anyone wishing to calm, relax and take the pressure off. This breathing exercise can lower blood pressure and ease effects of hypertension, help us sleep more deeply and gain better mental focus and awareness.

Noticing the differences for yourself in how your body feels is more powerful than anyone describing it to you and after a while, you will start to notice your body feeling more relaxed. You may notice a sense of calm and well being.

Often life's challenges and our ability to manage stress through various crutches, and not-so-healthy choices, can cause deleterious physical effects to take their toll on heart and mind. By taking a moment to breathe deeply in a stressful situation, you can train your body to react in a calm manner when facing daily emotional challenges. This can improve overall cardiovascular health and help you face problems with a calmer clearer approach.

Freedom From Overthinking

How often have you been in a state where you are anxious and the mind is overthinking things, and you say “When this is all over with

I will finally start living my life peacefully!” The truth is the roadblocks and challenges will continue coming. We may find moments of peace however the pressures of life are part of the essential living experience.

Unfortunately a lot of us humans live with a mind that has taken possession of them. They have become subservient to the mind, thoughts and charged emotional reactivity.

Many of the supposed thoughts that we attach ourselves to as “My” thoughts are actually arising form a collective mind. They are energetic frequencies that we are not obliged to accept or believe. We can choose to watch them pass like a leaf floating downstream. Acknowledge it, and let it float away..

There is an understanding of who you are beyond the surface material self. The I, ME, MY, MINE self. The self that identifies which such things as appearance, personality traits (things that define you), status, things you own/have, your level of education, relationship status, etc.

Then there is your self essence or deeper aspects of self. What can you say about the self that comes from a much less tangible place? It’s a challenge as it is almost impossible to conceptualize. But we can perceive it in moments of alert stillness. We don’t need to know our name or where we live, or our personal history. We do not need to know these things in order to be fully present or truly live from the essence of who we are. Our stories do not come alive in the spaces between the thoughts, or in the quiet moments when we are residing in a state of being.

I’d like to share a story about my late father who had a stroke several years ago, and had lost much of his memory. During our visits he cycled in and out of conscious presence, from being in a dream state or sometimes memories of his distant past and back to the present. In the beginning I would often correct him or dig deeper to find out what he was trying to say. But when I was simply present with him, rather than trying to correct his mistakes of memory or people’s names, or even the present reality. He was able to simply be, without agitation or sensing my agitation. We were allowing the moment to arise and resting in the spaces between words. He was more his true essence of self in those moments than he was before his stroke.

So the transcendent dimension can not be experienced as an object because it is the eternal “I”. You know yourself as consciousness. Not conscious of something….but just consciousness. It does not take time or practice to be who you are. It is here right now in this present moment. This is how we escape the overthinking mind. Recognizing it, and actively deciding to let go of the storm.

Where is your mind when you are feeling overwhelmed from an overthinking mind? Is it in the future? Or perhaps the past? It is certainly not in the present moment. It is in a state of worry rather than a state of being. The first step is to become aware of your mind patterns. You may notice certain triggers that may cause you to start thinking obsessively. Once you start to become aware of your conditioned behaviours you can begin to work on reconditioning your mind.

“If there is an awareness of how thought begins then there is no need to control thought. We spend a great deal of time and waste a great deal of energy all through our lives, not only at school, trying to control our thoughts …’This is good thought, i must think about it a lot. This is an ugly thought, I must suppress it.’

There is a battle going on all the time between one thought and another, one desire and another, one pleasure dominating all other pleasures. But…. if there is an awareness of the beginning of thought, then there is no contradiction in thought.”

— Jiddu Krishnamurti, Indian Spiritual Philosopher, from his talk “Freedom from the known”

One can perceive the thought’s point of entry, and every thought that arises when aware and present becomes a fork in the road. You decide! You are the charioteer steering the chariot of your mind. Take control of the reigns and steer yourself toward a life-affirming journey.

An Ocean of Pure Love

Need a Cleanse?

When we develop a harmonious relationship to our food it no longer consumes our energy, as it does when we struggle with food addictions or weight. In fact having this mentality frees up our energy because we release the struggle.  We then learn to tap into our own self healing force that is part of the nature of the human when we dismantle the barriers that prevent us from feeling into our innate ability. 

As such, food no longer depletes us, but rather energizes us. In this capacity, because the fundamental nature of our relationship to food has changed to one that we enjoy, we can then turn to the more important things in our lives, like embracing our highest potential and doing more of the important things that bring us joy.

The state of nutrition in our world today is horrifying. The food choices on the street corners are chemical laden, the soil which grows our food is depleted, and the access to healthy, alternative and informative choices has been cen$ored. 

Join me and our 10-Day Rejuvenation Reset crew for a journey into the true nature of healing our body with food, water, breath, movement while finding meaning through it all with others who are walking with you in your journey. 

This reset is excellent for anyone who is looking to increase energy levels, reduce inflammation/body pain, enjoy deeper sleep, balance blood sugar and hormones, reduce headaches, bloating and digestive related ailments. 

Through a reset and reassessment of our dietary approach, while substituting life affirming choices, we are better able to manage our mind, emotions and thereby our level of happiness. 

We will meet twice on Zoom, receive a beautiful PDF booklet which includes delicious recipes from my former restaurant Vidya’s Veggie Gourmet, along with an individualized protocol based on your health goals. Also included is the option to enjoy daily classes with me via YouTube meeting each other in the chat to catch up, and ability to ask questions anytime, as you progress. 

Learn more or register now

*If registering, please fill out the form on the 10-Day Reset page of the website. 

Rise Through Those You Admire

We each carry the seed of enlightenment. It resides within our true nature as we have an inherent goodness and consciousness that is fundamental to our being.

In the Buddhist (Mayahana) tradition I love the idea of the Bodhicitta or the “Enlightenment Mind”: The mind that strives toward awakening, empathy, and true compassion for the benefit of all living beings.

When we practice Bodhicitta we let go of preconceived notions of how things are “supposed to be” and stop being so afraid of and controlled by our own suffering. Through this daily practice we may attain new levels of patience and inner discipline. We may also develop a sense of bravery and courage. We are like spiritual warriors, willing to see the suffering of the world and stare it in the face in order to unshackle ourselves and others. 

When we are in the company of one who is grounded in Bodhicitta there is connectivity to magic and ability to float in our own pond of compassion. Compassion for ourselves and for all sentient beings.