Given too...

Kathrin of the Heart of Yoga shared hridaya Yoga Sutra 9 Yoga of Heart today, and we spoke in the group of the relationship between polarities expressed as ha (giving . sun) tha (receptive . moon) yoga. Illuminating the realisation of the hridaya, where giving and receiving is one and the

same. Inspired by the conversation,  care and compassion that radiates through the people who choose to share teachings. The value of giving and receiving being one and the same. And how do these express themselves in practical, experiences, and relationships?

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One example recently demonstrated that going against our own nature, consumes sooo much energy.

Some time ago in Costa Rica, i spent one hour fighting against rough waves with no clue how to surf but jumped in and tried my best. I did not give up until  exhausted, could barely move. Upon reflection, it was a metaphor for how I would approach life: giving away and spending energy fighting against things out of my control. Stumbling out of the water, to see an entertained surf coach approach me. Helping me with my board, we sat and spoke a little, and he shared some valuable wisdom. I learned much. Quickly realising the practice, was not the practice for me, but I enjoyed this teaching and learning to enjoy being bad at something. 

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We need to work with nature, not against it. I was looking so far ahead at where I wanted to be, I skipped out the moment to be present and work with the qualities of nature. can we use its power to discern, to take no action or action that does not deplete us.

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Feeling the movement of the body of water, receiving Her. To listen to the wisdom of wise teachers that guide you. To work with nature. That challenging, forcing, and striving towards a result takes away the ability to be present to see, feel the pleasure and nourishment of receptivity.

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Ocean waves transfer their energy to us. If we work in harmony with this force, equilibrium will be reached. The first law of thermodynamics explains how energy cannot be destroyed it is moveable. One gives, and the other receives, the qualities of both reside in one and other.

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Waves offer their movement, sound, giving of themselves freely to the shore, in turn, the shore receives with little resistance. The ocean once again receives the water gifted from the shore. i see through linking breath body and mind yoga when practiced consistently with teachers who care offers a kumbh for natures unconditional practice of exchange and allowing. 

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I never feel more given to than when you take from me

when you understand the joy I feel giving to you. 

And you know my giving isn’t done to put you in my debt, 

but because I want to live the love I feel for you. 

To receive with grace may be the greatest giving. 

There’s no way I can separate the two. 

When you give to me, I give you my receiving. 

When you take from me, 

I feel so given to. 

—Song “Given To” (1978)

by Ruth Bebermeyer from the album, Given To