Tonight’s Mantra “I honor the pause, embrace challenges, release what no longer serves me, and trust in my ability to grow and transform.”

Topic 1 – The Power of the Pause

Yoga teaches us that as our consciousness evolves and we grow in wisdom, we develop the ability to pause before reacting. While the primitive brain is wired to respond immediately and instinctively, the yogic mind learns to take a breath, observe, and respond with intention rather than emotion.

This ability to pause is a mark of inner strength and intelligence—a practice that moves us beyond reactive, animalistic behavior and into thoughtful, compassionate action. A yogi understands the value of silence over negativity, choosing stillness and clarity before words or actions.

Think of a bow and arrow. Before the arrow flies, there’s a moment of stillness—the bow is drawn, tension builds, and power gathers. That pause is where the potential energy lies, ready to transform into focused action. In the same way, yoga reminds us that the space between what happens and how we respond is where growth and freedom are born.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Viktor Frankl

As we move through our practice tonight, let’s notice the spaces—between the inhale and exhale, between effort and ease, between thought and action. Honor the pause and let it become a source of strength, wisdom, and transformation.

Topic 2 – Seeing Opportunity in Challenge

Life is full of challenges. Some people look at obstacles and see opportunities—chances to grow, learn, or discover something new. Others see only impossibilities—reasons to give up or turn away.

The truth is, both perspectives can be right. It’s not the situation that defines us; it’s how we choose to see it.

Quote to Reflect On:
“Optimists are right. So are pessimists. It’s up to you to choose which you will be.” — Harvey Mackay

Imagine standing at the base of a mountain. An optimist sees the beauty of the view from the top and the adventure of the climb. A pessimist sees only how steep and exhausting the path looks.

But what if we shift the focus? Instead of focusing on the size of the mountain, we focus on one step at a time. That’s how progress happens—through steady effort and the belief that moving forward, even a little, is worth it.

Challenges are part of life, but how we approach them shapes our experience. When we practice looking for possibilities instead of limitations, we create space for growth, freedom, and resilience.

Topic 3 – The Courage to Get Unstuck

Growth is uncomfortable. Change can feel even more uncomfortable. But the truth is—nothing is as painful as staying stuck in patterns, places, or mindsets that no longer serve us.

We all get stuck sometimes—in habits, routines, or ways of thinking. But getting stuck isn’t the problem—staying stuck is. Growth happens when we find the courage to break free and try something new.

Metaphor:
Think of a river. When it flows, it stays vibrant and alive, constantly reshaping itself and finding new paths. But when water gets trapped in a pool, it grows stagnant. We are like that river—meant to move, adapt, and evolve.

Reflection:
What patterns in your life feel stagnant? Maybe it’s how you start your mornings, the way you respond to stress, or the limits you’ve placed on yourself. Change it up. Try a new routine, a new perspective, or even a new way of breathing today.

“May you have the courage this week to break patterns that no longer serve you.” And may you trust that even the smallest shift can set you back in motion toward growth and freedom.

Topic 4 – Overcoming our Insecurities

First Eka Pada Sirasana One Leg Head Pose

The Eight-Angle Pose, or Astavakrasana, is named after the sage Ashtavakra, who was born with eight bends in his body due to a curse. Despite his crooked form, he grew up to be incredibly wise and later defeated a great scholar in debate, proving that his physical challenges didn’t define his worth.

This pose reminds us that our struggles don’t limit us—they shape our strength. Just like Ashtavakra, we can embrace our imperfections and turn obstacles into power.

Just as Ashtavakra carried the visible marks of his challenges but still became a symbol of wisdom and triumph, we often carry unseen burdens—self-doubt, fear, or insecurity. The Eight-Angle Pose demands balance, strength, and flexibility, reminding us that we can transform perceived weaknesses into sources of power and grace when we focus inward and stay determined.

“Your inner strength is your outer foundation” – Allan Rufus

Mixed Bag

“Ability may take you to the top, but it takes character to stay there.” – William Blake

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

“Optimists are right. So are pessimists. It’s up to you to choose which you will be.” – Harvey Mackay

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra effort. Whatever you do, just give it a little more than you think you can and then suddenly the boundaries of your self imposed limitations will be pushed back; excellence and greatness will appear.” – David Scott

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” – James Oppenheim

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington

“If you aren’t making any mistakes, it’s a sure sign you’re playing it too safe.” – John Maxwell

“A smart person knows what to say. A wise person knows whether or not to say it.” Dahlia Lama

“When given the choice of being right or in being kind let us choose kindness. Wounds can be inflicted easily upon those we love, it’s often much more difficult to heal them.” – David Scott

“in life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people and let them be wrong.”

“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life”

walk Down The Street “Autobiography In Five Short Chapters by – Portia Nelson

Chapter I

I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in.I am lost… I am hopeless.It isn’t my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it.I fall in again.

I can’t believe I am in this same place. But it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there.

I still fall in… it’s a habit… but, my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter IV

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street.”

“I welcome a new path, new energy, new connections, new experiences, new thoughts, and new ideas. I am open to all things new, different, and adventurous. I am ready for a new beginning.” – Idil Ahmed

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coehlo