Intro: Hi, it's Amy here, and welcome to The Prana + Patchouli Podcast. I'm a restorative yoga teacher and this is where I share my self-care tips, spiritual tools, breathwork and guided meditations to reduce stress and raise your vibration. If you haven't already, be sure to hit subscribe, so you never miss an episode.
Yesterday I celebrated my 32nd birthday, and in between mouthfuls of the dreamiest white chocolate hazelnut cake, I got thinking about how often we slow down to appreciate and celebrate ourselves - or don’t.
How often do we pause and take the time to make it all matter?
I’m a driven and ambitious soul, and I’m also an Aquarius, a visionary by nature, so I have big dreams and goals.
But I can easily find myself in a place where, no matter how much I’ve achieved, it’s not enough and I’m ready to move on to the next thing.
For me, that constant future-tripping has only ever led to anxiety, overwhelm and exhaustion!
And about a year ago, I had a conversation with my therapist about this which stuck with me, so I want to share it with you.
She said… Imagine you’re hiking up a mountain. You’re getting hot, breathing heavier and it takes some time to reach the peak. When you get to the top of the mountain, instead of sitting down, relaxing and breathing easier, maybe enjoying a picnic as you take in the view, you head straight back down, ready to climb the next mountain.
That just sounds crazy doesn’t it? But my guess is that it’s what most of us do because the modern world conditioned us to be that way…
The magic is actually in that moment of pause because it brings you back to the present moment, where all of your power is.
When you choose to rest and celebrate your wins - big or small - you trigger the release of the brain chemical, dopamine, that keeps you inspired, and builds mental strength and confidence.
Like Oprah said: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Lately, I’ve been making this a daily practice.
So, in honour of my birthday week, and how grateful I am to be here with you, I want to guide you through a short mantra meditation to help you slow down and celebrate all that you are.
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, this meditation will calm you and call back your presence and your power.
While this is a meditation, if you’re unable to sit with me, you can just say the mantra - silently or out loud - wherever you are. So, let’s practice together now.
Close your eyes and settle into a comfortable seat. Take a moment to notice your breath. Inhale through your nose, allowing your lungs, your lower back, your side waist and your belly to expand. Exhale, releasing all of the air. Let go of any tension in your shoulders and your face. Take another deep, full breath in, and a long exhale out.
Now let your breath fall into a natural rhythm and as you inhale, you can gently repeat in your mind: SO. And as you exhale, HUM.
So Hum.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your mantra.
So Hum.
Inhale: So. Exhale: Hum.
It means “I Am”…
And like Gary Hensel said, “I AM: Two of the most powerful words, for what you put after them shapes your reality”.
I am breathing.
I am here.
I am one with myself.
I am one with the Universe.
I am calm.
Take one more deep breath in, let it go, and when you’re ready, open your eyes so the light can pour in.
I hope you have a wonderful week, keep celebrating the wonder that you are and I’ll be back next Tuesday with a brand new episode.
Outro: Thanks so much for listening. If you’re ready to go deeper, I have a free mini yoga retreat waiting for you over at pranapatchouli.com/retreat. It’ll help you find emotional ease, fill up your cup and follow the whispers of your soul. *Deep exhale*. All you have to do is head over there now and enter your name and email for instant access. I’ll be back next week with a brand new episode, so until then, from my heart to yours, Namaste.
