Mantra “Letting go creates freedom to rise above.”

Buddhist principle of impermanence (Anicca)—that all things change, and through that change, we find new life.

Topic 1: The Art of Renewal – Becoming New Again

Metaphor: The River That Never Stays the Same

Imagine standing by a river, watching the water rush past. No single drop remains in the same place; it is always moving, always changing. Even though the river looks the same, the water within it is constantly renewed. Just like that river, you are never the same person from one moment to the next. Your body, your mind, and your spirit are in a constant state of renewal.

Reflection:

Every single cell in our body replaces itself over time—every seven years, we are physically a completely new version of ourselves. This natural process of renewal is a powerful reminder that change is not only possible but inevitable. If our cells have the wisdom to let go of the old and create the new, why do we sometimes resist change in our thoughts, habits, or emotions?

We are not bound to past mistakes, old patterns, or outdated versions of ourselves. Just as our bodies release what no longer serves us, we, too, can consciously renew our lives. We can choose to release negative thoughts, break free from self-imposed limitations, and embrace transformation. Renewal is an ongoing process, one that we can step into with intention and grace.

Take a moment to reflect: What part of yourself is ready for renewal? What are you willing to release so that something new can grow?

Supporting Quotes:

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” — Meister Eckhart

“Renew thyself completely each day; do it again, and again, and forever again.” — Henry David Thoreau

“When the soul wishes to experience something, she throws an image of the experience out before her and enters into her own image.” — Meister Eckhart

“Nothing in nature blooms all year. Allow yourself the space to rest and renew.” — Unknown

Call to Action:

As we move through our yoga practice today, let each breath be a symbol of renewal—inhale possibility, exhale limitation. Just as the body naturally regenerates, allow yourself to release what no longer serves you and make space for something new to emerge. Who you were yesterday is not who you have to be today. Embrace the wisdom of renewal and step fully into the version of yourself you are meant to become.

Topic 2: The Closet of the Soul – Letting Go to Grow

Metaphor: Clearing Out the Closet of the Past

Imagine walking into your closet and realizing that every piece of clothing is outdated—styles from a decade ago, clothes that no longer fit, fabrics that have worn thin. Some pieces might hold sentimental value, but deep down, you know they no longer serve you. If you resist updating your wardrobe, you risk clinging to the past while the world around you moves forward.

Now, think of your mind and spirit in the same way. Your beliefs, habits, and even your sense of self can become outdated if you don’t take time to reassess and evolve. Just as fashion changes, so does consciousness. If we want to grow, we must be willing to shed what no longer aligns with who we are becoming.

Reflection:

Growth requires letting go. Just as we declutter our closets to make space for something new, we must also clear out limiting beliefs, outdated self-perceptions, and old habits that no longer serve us. Holding on to who we were in the past can keep us from stepping into who we are meant to become.

What parts of yourself are like those old clothes—once a perfect fit but now too small for the person you are today? Maybe it’s a belief that you aren’t capable of something new, a fear that’s holding you back, or an old identity you’ve outgrown. Evolution isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about making space for the new, for the next version of you that is waiting to emerge.

Supporting Quotes:

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” — Mandy Hale

“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” — Unknown

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Socrates

“Renewal requires opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and being.” — Deborah Day

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl

Call to Action:

As we move through our practice today, think of each movement as a way of clearing space, each breath as a way of releasing the old, each moment as an opportunity to step into something new. Just as you wouldn’t wear the same clothes forever, don’t hold on to versions of yourself that no longer fit. Step forward with confidence, knowing that reinvention is not just possible—it is necessary.

Topic 3: The Garden of Your Life – Pruning to Thrive

Metaphor: The Overgrown Garden

Imagine you have a garden that has been growing for years. Some plants are thriving, but others are overgrown, taking up space and blocking the sunlight. Weeds have crept in, draining the nutrients from the soil. If you never take the time to prune, clear, and make space for new growth, the garden will become tangled and unmanageable.

Your life is the same way. We accumulate habits, relationships, and beliefs that once served us, but if we don’t take time to reevaluate, we risk being overwhelmed by things that no longer nourish us. Growth requires pruning—letting go of what no longer contributes to our well-being so that we can flourish.

Call to Action:

As we move through today’s practice, imagine that each stretch, each breath, is helping to clear away the overgrowth. With every exhale, let go of something that no longer serves you. With every inhale, make space for something new to grow. Trust that pruning is not loss—it is an act of self-love, making room for a fuller, more vibrant you.

Topic 4: The Phoenix Within – Rising Anew

Metaphor: The Phoenix Rising from Ashes

The phoenix is a magnificent, mythical bird known for its fiery transformation. According to legend, the phoenix lives for hundreds of years, and when it senses the end of its life approaching, it builds a nest of fragrant wood and sets itself ablaze. From its own ashes, a new phoenix is born, stronger and more vibrant than before. This cycle repeats infinitely—symbolizing impermanence, renewal, and the ability to rise after destruction. The mythical phoenix is a powerful symbol of renewal. It is a bird that, when it reaches the end of its life cycle, bursts into flames and is reduced to ashes—only to be reborn, stronger and brighter than before. The phoenix doesn’t fear destruction because it understands that within the ashes of its past, its future is already waiting to rise.

Call to Action:

During our practice today, step into the energy of renewal. As yourself, what cycle is nearing its end in my life? Am I resisting it? Can I accept it and embrace the renewal that comes from letting go.

With each breath, let go of the past. With each movement, embody the strength of the phoenix, knowing that no matter what challenges you have faced, you have the power to rise. You are not your past—you are the fire, the transformation, and the new beginning.

“As we settle into our mats, with Spring soon arriving in March, let us embrace the spirit of transformation that Spring heralds. The Northern Hemisphere is abloom with spring’s first whispers, from the delicate dance of orchids to the lush mango trees. Spring invites us to awaken, to be nourished, and to be inspired by the promise of renewal. It is a time when nature’s creativity flows abundantly, and the weight of winter’s darkness is lifted from our shoulders.

As the days grow longer, let us too lean towards the light, finding energy in the brightness and moving away from the shadows of the past. Like the houseplants stretching towards the sunbeams, may we also reach for the light in our lives, fostering growth in its warmth.

Remember, the ebb and flow of seasons teach us that change is life’s only constant, each transition a path to new beginnings. To end in certainty we must begin with doubts. As a tree sheds it’s old leaves to make room for the new, we find ourselves amidst the natural cycle of letting go, let’s honor both the loss and the hope of what’s to come. In our practice, as in life, let us embody the essence of continuous renewal, shedding the old to make way for the new with each breath we take.” – David Scott

“Spring cleaning isn’t just about sorting through things, and getting rid of clutter. It’s about taking stock of who you are, and how others see you. It’s a chance to redefine yourself, to change expectations, and to remember that it’s never too late to recapture who you were, or to aim for where you want to be.”

“In practicing the Science of yoga we strive gain ground on our illusions. Today we stand on the boundary of our finite knowledge, what is known, ot is not all there is, but it is all that we know. Our duty as yogis is to constantly explore the fringes and boundaries of our darkness using the flashlight of awareness. As we we expose more truths and take back more land in our quest for understanding of self and our universe we will realize we are infinite.” – David Scott

Theory of Cognitive dissonance—the extreme discomfort of simultaneously holding two thoughts that are in conflict and contradictory.

Remember how hard it is to change yourself, before trying to change anyone else. You cant wake up someone pretending to be asleep.

“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted (and they often double down on what they know to be false to protect their pride.) It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.” – Frantz Fanon

“A paradigm is a deep rooted emotional way of thinking. It is so ingrained in our subconscious that we may not even be aware it is there. A paradigm shift occurs when we break this pattern and think outside of our comfort zone. The journey of self-discovery involves unlearning what we discover to be false truths. Learning to unlearn is the highest form of learning. It is so hard to teach someone something they think they already know. What good is our eyes if our mind is blind. Our real enemy of truth is not ignorance, doubt, or even disbelief. It is false knowledge. Thankfully Yoga teaches us to not only be flexible in our bodies but also in our minds.” – David Scott

Warren Buffet, said “When science proves something we strongly or passionately believe in, to be false, we should write it down immediately, because the human mind will do everything possible to push it out of our memory, (due to cognitive dissonance) and we will forget it in 15 minutes.”

No rain. No flowers. When it rains look for rainbows. When it’s dark look for stars.

“Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” —Susan Gale

“Every single cell in the human body replaces itself over a period of seven years. That means there’s not even the smallest part of you now that was part of you seven years ago.” — Steven Hall The human body is a remarkable phenomenon of continuous transformation and renewal. On a cellular level, we are not the same individuals we were seven years ago. Each cell within us has embarked on a journey of regeneration, replacing old matter with new, such that every seven years, we are essentially reborn from the microscopic level up. This cycle of cellular renewal is a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life itself, a reminder that we, too, possess the innate potential for change, growth, and renewal. It is a powerful metaphor for personal development, echoing the idea that we have the ability to redefine and reshape ourselves, our lives, and our identities, time and time again.

“Please all, and you will please none.” – Aesop

“Be a voice. Not an echo.”

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss

“The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.” – Rita Mae Brown

“Sadness flies away on the wings of time.” – Jean de La Fontaine

“Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” – Gary Keller

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – William Shakespeare

“God provides the wind, but man must raise the sails.” – Augustine of Hippo

“The less I needed, the better I felt.” – Charles Bukowski

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop. Enlightenment is when a wave realizes it is the ocean. – Rumi

Just as a drop of water contains the essence of the entire ocean within it, each person carries within them the essence of the universe. Like a wave that is part of the ocean, individuals are inseparable from the larger cosmic reality. Enlightenment comes when one transcends the illusion of separateness and understands their essential nature as interconnected with all of existence. It’s a realization of the underlying unity and oneness that permeates everything.

“The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” – Richard Bach

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard

“Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.” – Khalil Gibran

“In true love, you attain freedom.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“If love appears, boundaries will disappear.” – Osho

When you’re happy you enjoy the music, when you’re sad you understand the lyrics.

“One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory.” – Rita Mae Brown

“Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be.” – Eckhart Tolle

“Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.” – Frank Tyger

The unexamined life is not worth living. Socrates

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.” – Lao Tzu

“You’ve got to spread your wings if you really want to fly.

-Take risks

-Try new things

-Go places you haven’t gone

-Be willing to not know

-Be OK with making mistakes

…and you will go further than you could have ever dreamed possible. Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to require the most from you and take you the farthest.”