06/04/2026
Many of us are struggling lately with fear or anger over what seems to be happening in the world. Everything from spiritual expression, personal and political freedoms, how we identify are hot button issues. It seems everyone and every platform I see are trying to tell me exactly how afraid I should be and how stupid or clueless I am for not being “up in arms” about everything mentioned above. But…..I don’t really feel afraid. I feel O.K...... sad fits more authentically tho. This surprised me! But in the stillness of the moment when I took the time to assess my mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, in those moments I felt O.K. I recognized that not everyone may feel this same way in this exact moment, but I did! I can’t explain how powerful it is to recognize feeling O.K. in the midst of chaos. And it has not always been so.
On my path of yoga, I have come to know it is my responsibility to figure out exactly what I do feel. It is no one’s responsibility but my own to notice my own feeling of wellbeing. I take time, every day to stop, sit still and assess what I feel. There is no wrong or right way of feeling in my silent space, but if I’m not feeling alright, I notice where, and try to explain to myself what “not feeling o.k.” is. That seems counter intuitive but when was the last you put language to and described what “fear” feels like; conversely what does “excitement” feel like. You may be surprised to note that these two opposite states “feel” the same in your body. It feels like increased heart rate, it feels like my mind is running in circles, and sometimes a bit sweaty. I started to notice when I was wondering if I should feel –not O.K or actually NOT O.K. There is a huge difference between the two!
During this past year, I had to work hard at figuring out just what my actual feelings, thoughts and beliefs were and what was most important to me in the face of all the unrest, anger, the war of opinions that still is spiraling in my small circle of loved ones, neighbors, friends and fellow humans. I keep finding that most import to me is kindness and compassion, to myself first as well as to those whom I don't quite agree with. I found that it didn’t matter to me whether everyone else was kind and compassionate. I simply want to live my life in this fashion. I found that noticing others unkindness didn’t help me be kind and there is where my “not feeling O.K.” began to show up. When I was feeling sorry for myself or angry or scared it was usually what others were doing not on how I was actually feeling. My path to feeling OK came from me trying to find the kindness and compassion that I valued; kindness and compassion that needed to come FROM me not necessarily bestowed UPON me or the world. That realization changed me.
This value of kindness and compassion is also consistent in every creed, faith or spiritual practice I have encountered. It is not unique to yoga. Karma Yoga-the path of unselfish action is simply a tool to use to maneuver ones way through life, a way of living and understanding. The Bhagavad Gita, a beautiful text that tells the story of Arjuna who in a state of despair and on the brink of war within his own family asks God (Krisha) to tell him what to do, he did not want to war with his own family. The story goes on to explain how one builds themselves up from a rock bottom of despair not knowing which way to turn. How many of us feel this same way today!
If you are a yoga teacher, you know a little about listening to that little voice that tells you what your internal state is. And as teachers we want to give as many tools to our students as we can. Tools to move your body, your energy and calm the mind. If this post in any anyway sparks more questions, maybe yoga teacher training is the path for you.
Join me for a free information gathering zoom meeting to discuss Bonnie Finneran Yoga 200 Hour Experiential Hatha Yoga Teacher Training. Private message me for more details.
