Welcome.
Today's inspiration is discernment.
There is a teaching in yoga called viveka,
Which loosely translates to right understanding or discernment.
This practice gives us the chance to go beyond our perceptions of what we think we know to be true.
And form a more clear,
Nuanced understanding.
Of what is actually happening beyond our own myopic view.
Viveka leads us towards the ability to see things,
The world,
Ourselves,
And experiences as they truly are.
We tend to lose this type of clarity when we're stuck in our ego,
Prior conditioning,
And the stories we tell ourselves.
Practicing discernment,
Or right understanding.
Connects us with deeper and clearer sight.
And helps us align with our truest selves.
Let's practice gaining clarity and connection with our inner essence.
When you're ready.
Come to a comfortable,
Upright position.
Allow your spine to lengthen.
And gently let shoulders settle.
Soften your gaze or close your eyes.
Begin to guide your awareness towards your breath.
Take a few grounding breaths in through your nose and out through your nose.
Bring your awareness to your mind.
Notice the pace of your thoughts.
Are they sharp and focused?
Maybe you're sporadic and distracted.
Without the need to change any part of your experience,
Simply notice.
Often when we are stuck in the ego mind.
We lose connection with our truest selves.
We might mistake the external labels and identities we align with as our true selves,
Yet beyond all of the labels that exist on the surface,
Our inner essences always remains.
Begin to reflect on the question.
O-M-I.
Who am I?
Notice if any answer rises spontaneously without forcing anything to be present.
The first things that come to mind might be your name.
Your job title.
Or labels that help you relate to the people in your life.
Parent,
Sibling.
Friend.
Partner.
Allow these external labels to rise and then to gently float away.
Return to the question.
Who am I?
Letting go of the external layers.
Perhaps certain qualities begin to come to mind.
Compassionate,
Caring,
Lively,
Excited.
Notice the qualities that resonate most with you.
Allowing any answer to rise.
And if no specific answer comes up.
Release the need for one to be present.
The simple practice of asking this question begins to open the door for connection with your inner essence.
Return to the question.
Who am I?
Beyond all labels,
Qualities,
And words,
Practice discernment as you consider who you are.
As your truest self.
Allow all labels connected with the ego self.
To dissolve.
If you ever notice your mind drifting in various directions,
We're taking you back into specific thoughts and labels.
Gently return your awareness to your breath.
Once you feel grounded.
Return to the question.
Who am I?
Who am I?
Who am I?
Allow yourself to settle into this space of reflection.
As you connect with your inner essence.
I'll watch the time.
Begin to release the question.
And allow yourself to simply rest here in the space of connection.
Allow your awareness to return to your breath.
Slowly,
Open your eyes.
Today,
Give yourself the space to reflect on who you are.
Beyond all labels.
Beyond what you do or how you relate to those around you.
Practice returning to your truest self.
Throughout your day.
Namaste.
