“Is It Time for a Bigger Pot?”

Mantra “I grow through challenge, soften through humility, and rise through joy.”

Opening Reflection
“Welcome everyone. Tonight, we ask a question that can open the door to growth: Is it time for a bigger pot?

In nature, a plant can only grow as far as its roots can spread. A philodendron, for example, is a common house plant with small, two-to-three-inch leaves when kept in a pot. But plant it in open soil with room for its roots to stretch, and its leaves can grow as large as elephant ears. The plant does not work harder; it simply has the space and nourishment to become what it was always meant to be.
And even when the soil is full of stones, the roots do not give up. They find a way over, under, or around the rock. In the same way, when we overcome a challenge, we stretch our capacity for life.

Ask yourself: Have you reached your maximum potential? What is keeping you root-bound? Your practice tonight is an opportunity to notice where you may be confined, and to trust that, like those roots, you can find a path through whatever stands in your way.”

Topic 1 – Self-Study as Expansion

Reflection: The 4th Niyama, Svādhyāya, invites us to be lifelong learners of ourselves. Every time we learn something new about who we are, our inner “pot” gets bigger. Challenges along the way are not roadblocks, but shaping forces — each one helping us grow stronger and more adaptable.

Metaphor: Like the philodendron planted in the ground, when we move beyond the small container of our familiar patterns, we discover that our potential is far larger than we imagined. And just as its roots can weave through soil, finding a way around stones, our own spirit knows how to navigate life’s obstacles when given space and time.

Quotes:
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.” – Lao Tzu
“The study of asana is not about mastering posture. It’s about using posture to understand and transform yourself.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
“I have been a seeker… I started listening to the teaching of my Soul.” – Rumi

Topic 2 – Humility as Fertile Soil

Reflection: True growth begins when we make space for others and stay open to new perspectives. Humility is not weakness — it is the fertile soil that allows our roots to spread. The loudest person in the room is usually the weakest, trying to be heard over their own insecurity. Strength does not need to shout; it speaks quietly, with presence and depth.
Metaphor: The ocean is the lowest body of water, and because it is low, all rivers flow into it. Its humility is its strength.

Quotes:
“All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.” – Lao Tzu
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”
“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.”

Topic 3 – Releasing the Pot of Anger

Reflection: Anger is a pot with walls so tight, the roots of your heart cannot breathe. It keeps you circling in the same cramped space, draining light and life. Releasing anger is not about excusing harm — it is about refusing to live in a container that stunts your growth. Even one deep, intentional breath can begin to crack that hardened shell and make space for peace to take root.

Metaphor: Instead of another root image, imagine anger as a heavy anchor dragging behind you. The longer you carry it, the more it slows your journey. Release it, and you move freely again.

Quotes:
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal… you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha
“Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.” – Robert Green Ingersoll
“She did not know the weight until she felt the freedom.” – The Scarlet Letter

Topic 4 – Forgiveness as Transplanting

Reflection: Forgiveness is not about approving of what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt. It is the choice to step out of the tight hallway of resentment and into the open field of possibility. We don’t forgive because the other person deserves it — we forgive because we deserve to walk in the sunlight without carrying their shadow.
Metaphor: A bird cannot fly while gripping the branch too tightly. Let go, and the sky becomes yours.

Quotes:
“Maybe tonight give yourself permission to forgive someone… because you deserve the freedom.”
“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” – Chinese proverb
“And the day came when the risk… was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin

Topic 5 – Play and Joy as Growth Fuel

Reflection: A bigger life isn’t just more responsibility — it’s more joy, more light, more connection. Playfulness and laughter are nutrients for the spirit. Without them, even the richest soil can feel lifeless.
Metaphor: A kite only soars when the wind dances with it. Joy is that wind — it lifts us higher than discipline alone ever could.

Quotes:
“Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people… make them happy.” – The Clown Prayer
“Yoga teaches us to create a life that feels good on the inside and not just the outside.”
“Real people are never perfect, and perfect people are never real.”