Choosing MySelf – A Journey to Know My Needs

I never knew what it meant to choose mySelf. Since childhood, I was so used to pleasing everybody, that I would never think consciously about my own desires and needs. “Consciously” - is an important word.   Of course I had desires and needs -just like everybody else - only I had become an expert in repressing them and putting them off. I remember how proud I was as a child to be able “to stand on my own.” I loved it when people praised me for how “mature” I was for my age, and how proficient I was at almost everything I started. I almost looked forward to talk to everybody about all the wonderful things I had achieved by myself. I wanted to be an easy child for my parents. …

Going Inward-Scanning our Bodies for Sensations

What are body sensations?  Are they useful? I am not taking about our five senses, which connect us to the outside world. I am talking about those body sensations that happen within us.  Being hungry is one of them. We all know what to do about that. But what kind of sensations do we feel when, let’s say, we sense that we are in danger? Or, when we face the unknown? Or when we are in the presence of someone we really like? More to the point, what do we sense from our body when we stop reading or working, and scan the body? Or when a beloved person says something that appears to hurt us? The fact is, that most of us simply don't stop and don’t scan our body for …

Focus Inward to Live an Intentional Life

For many Yogis, the best time to focus inward is in the early morning, when we engage in Sadhana, a daily spiritual practice. Sadhana has changed my life beyond my wildest dreams. I did not really “dream,” nor did I “make plans” or consciously ask myself: “what my life should look like?” Professionally, I have always been strongly guided by my values, but personally I lacked vision as to how, where and with whom I wanted to live. In the past, life was something that just kind of happened to me. Fast forward many years, I now live intentionally. To do that I need to focus inward on a regular basis during Sadhana. What are some things we can do in order to focus inward? Ask yourself how you feel about …

Why to Still Focus Inward in January

January has rolled around and if you are living on the northern hemisphere like me, you might become a little impatient for the light and energy  to return. I am usually in good spirits from late October, where winter in Switzerland begins, to the end of January, and then my motivation starts to crumble, for I know it will be a good two more months until the first signs of spring become noticeable. So winter is looooong. And for the longest time I have struggled with making the big moves in January. It was a fresh year, I had formed some resolutions, I was inspired: why was it so hard to get into gear? The year has not started yet Well, it is simple: The year does not really "start" before the …

2020: Re-Committing to Yourself

The New Year has come and gone and with it the time to reflect and making some plans for the future. Personally, I take it slow. The reason is my infant daughter of 6 months. As a new mummy, there is not much wriggling room for additional disciplines, reading 100 books or extended gym time. For the most part, I am grateful when I get to do my Sadhana (spiritual morning practice) a few times a week now. At least I’m going to take a cold shower, even if it is midday and not followed by a yoga practice. After a sleepless night - I’m breastfeeding and doing elimination communication with my baby - a cold shower will make you feel better. Also, in all other cases, a cold shower …