Beauty in Balance

“I was not ladylike, nor was I manly. I was something else altogether. There were so many different ways to be beautiful.” 
― Michael Cunningham, A Home at the End of the World

The deities Shiva and Shakti represent the male and female energies within Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist traditions.

Shakti is the feminine energy and resides in the darkness; lunar, cool, slow and soft. She is described as yin and is governed by the lunar cycle. She is the symbol of pure power, beauty, movement and change. The great mother, she nourishes all of life.

Shakti is reflective and observing in nature. She moves down into our bodies and delights in movement, touch and the feeling of the Earth beneath her feet. She relates to the fluidity of water and mysteries of the night.

The right brain is feminine. It sparks intuition, creative thought and emotional responses. It flows, abandoning the rules for a freer approach to existence.

Shiva is the masculine energy. He is consciousness and realises destruction as a means of creation. He is the seed which Shakti then waters with life.

Shiva is described as Yang. He is represented by the sun, is fast, hot, dry, and strong. He is driven by fire and resides in the conscious mind. He is dynamic and moves the air in order to manifest his thoughts.

The left brain is masculine. Logical and practical, it is focused and follows the rules. It thrives in an organised environment with set boundaries.

Together they represent perfect union. These energies are present in all of us. It’s important to note that they are complimentary rather than opposing forces. When we actively seek balance in the brain, the body and the chakras, we literally become one, abandoning duality for the singular whole. This is where we find true beauty.

This weeks classes are about seeking balance between the masculine and feminine. 

Seeking solid ground

For anyone who has ever questioned the 'design' of the universe, I feel like 2018 is here to show us who's boss. Since the year clicked over I have had moments where I felt like I was trapped in a washing machine with a tomcat! All snarling, cranky, crazy, while I desperately sought solid ground. Apparently we've just ticked over to year of the dog but so far my 2018 has been crazy cats for days. 

Until yesterday, I drew a line in the sand. Which is weird because unbeknownst to me that was the change over date in Chinese astrology. I shook my fist at the sky and said "Enough!" I packed myself off to the studio and beat my drum until the walls shook. I even sang to my ancestors (you know things are bad when I start singing!) and asked for them to lean in close for a while. I sung for my family, for my friends and for my untethered spirit. I sang until I cried and my arms got tired and then I sang one last song for my feet.

May I find the earth. May I find my way home.

I burnt sage, did some yoga and called my energy back to the centre. Life is not always about expansion. It's not always about what is out there, what we put 'out' or find 'out'. Sometimes we need to turn in. After all, the way inward is safe and enduring. It's the only thing that makes sense when nothing else does.

It's not always a clear path though. After years of practice I still sometimes lose my way. Sometimes I have to use my whole toolkit to find the bloody way in. I need to leave behind my partner, the kids and the dogs. The ever-updating-to-do list needs to stay on the damn fridge. I  need to call in all my teachers and their teachers, my songs and my sadness. I have to throw it all on my back and lug it up the mountain just to find....me.

And every time I get there I wonder why it's taken me so long. Why the tears and the fears and the fallout. "I've been here all along? Just waiting for you to show up. Knowing that you would get tired of being thrown around in that washing machine cycle of torment. Knowing that you'd get here eventually."

It's always so good to find the earth beneath your feet.

This week's class is all about calling us back to centre. May we all find our way home.

M xx

Good Vibrations

About twelve years ago I was a newly single mum with two young boys and a whole host of daily dramas. I was stressed out, burnt out and beaten down. I had no time nor energy for my yoga practice or indeed any spiritual or personal reflection. My days were about work and loving my babies and my nights were about an ever evolving deluge of worry.

Then, enter a dear friend bearing a gift...

A friend had been to see a local woman who did vocal toning and urged me to go along. She described it as one of the most bizarre but beautiful healing experiences she had ever undertaken. Sadly I wasn't in a financial or emotional position to take the leap so I declined. 

A week or so later she handed me a gift. It was a CD by Cathy Dean who was the woman that she had been raving about. I was very moved by her generosity and promised to play it that night. I was having trouble getting the boys to sleep and often we would play a soothing CD at bedtime. That night, with no expectations, I played Cathy's Cd while the three of us lay quietly in my bedroom.

Strange primal sounds filled the dark room. My older boy was fascinated and my small one settled immediately. Cathy's voice intrigued me and listening to it felt like a warm salve had been applied to all of those nasty wounds that were still so raw. After that curious debut, we went to sleep with Cathy's voice most nights. Something about those elemental notes made me feel still and safe and sure.

Thankfully those days are long past but I recently had the good fortune of meeting Cathy Dean and she has offered to come to the studio and hold a meditation session that will introduce us to vocal toning. Here's what Cathy's website says about the practice- 

"The subject of toning is an expansive subject so here is a brief description. Vocal toning is an ancient method used for altering consciousness.  Anecdotal evidence reveals that sound can alter brain waves, thereby changing the human condition to a state of relaxation or energy enhancement.  Toning involves the use of the human voice and body as an instrument.  The voice is used intuitively allowing sustained notes, abrupt notes and others that sound like wind to flow from the body.  All qualities of the natural voice are used which sometimes sound quite odd but at the same time is very enjoyable to experience."

If you would like to experience a vocal toning meditation and celebrate Valentines day with me :) it will be held on Wednesday the 14th of February at 11am-12pm. The cost will be $20 (all paid to Cathy). I will be conducting a one hour restorative class prior 930-1030am if you'd like to make a bliss filled morning of it. Text all bookings to me on 0430 222 274.

Michelle x