Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland
So an interesting thing happened this week. A student forwarded us a copy of a newsletter from another franchise based yoga studio. Balanced Life Yoga’s Invitation/Promise (see below) appeared in the newsletter of this other studio who is located some 20 minutes from our Uxbridge studio. It was copied word for word and no credit or reference to Balanced Life Yoga was given.
At first we were shocked and alarmed that such a blatant case of copy-right infringement as well as unethical and unoriginal practice had occured. When we contacted the studio to ask about this they said they loved what we were doing and wanted to emulate it. Of course it is flattering that someone else appreciates your work though not so cool when they don’t attribute you as the source.
I always try to reflect on what unfolds in my life and see the opportunity. So as I reflected deeper on this incident I realize that at times it is challenging to find that place of originality within us – many people need guidance in this area. Not only are we are not shown how to be an original but we are encouraged to often follow along and not stand in our own light. This is compounded as many people do not know how to source deeply within or how to listen to their own inner being. I write this post with some tools to help you find your own passionate voice and to really be an original.
Svadhyaya : This translates as Self Study so I may know my Self better and then I may know my Source better. Simply it is the practice of really looking at ourselves…Who are you really? What are you passionate about? What are you innate skilles? What are you gifts? What have you been blessed with? What do you LOVE to do? These are bread crumbs on the path to your original self. They show us the way. You have been gifted – pay attention to those gifts.
Meditate – If you want to really learn what your heart and soul wants, you have to learn to quiet your mind. I meditate every day and often I just ask to be shown the way and the truth. If you want to hear your own original wisdom you must create space to be with it.
Trust – Of course then you have to learn to trust what you learn about yourself and what may be revealed through meditation. Our mind will tells us we are crazy. Our friends and family may even do the same but somehow you trust your Self. This also requires courage. Start with something small and see how it works out. Build your trust and your courage with each step.
Stand in Radiance – We are often afraid of our own light and power but it is a dis-service to your self and the worldwhen you do not seize your potential. You are powerful beyond measure and it is your birthright is to feel and demonstrate it everyday.
Radiate your original self. The world needs YOU not a second-rate version.
Love and blessings,
Shasta
Balanced Life Yoga’s Invitation— your place of possibility!
Imagine waking up energized, with a body attuned to its greatest potential.
Picture creating the life of you dream of, enjoying vitality, joy and self-confidence.
Envision a place where you feel deeply appreciated, cared for and supported.
In our sanctuaries you can begin your transformative journey, embraced by a warm community of like-minded individuals.
Join us…You’re invited to move, strengthen, rejuvenate and heal.
Shasta Townsend
A celebrated transformational leader and a leading pioneer in embodied spirituality and Yoga, Shasta has inspired hundreds of people through her breakthrough methods for awakening and empowering your inner voice and divine power. Director, founder and senior teacher with Balanced Life Yoga, she delivers public talks, seminars and trainings on evolution and empowerment. She draws on a wide variety of techniques including Yoga, Shamanis, meditation, energy healing, coaching and the Law of Attraction. She is especially appreciated for her passionate way of allowing individuals to make sense of their world and embodied, holistic means to become the change they wish to see.
As early as in her teenage years, Shasta embarked on her journey as a spiritual explorer which led her to India, where she studied yoga, meditation and energy healing. She has studied with many remarkable mentors and she has undergone thousands of hour’s intense practice of meditation and spiritual studies. Shasta has taken every opportunity to become adept in her field through her own practice as well as through extensive training in yoga, group dynamics, meditation and spiritual counselling.
possibility@balancedlifeyoga.ca
Written by Shasta
Shasta loves to see women of all ages recognize, access, and utilize the greatness within them, and to be a small part of it. She is skilled at cracking the lockbox of limitation and revealing one’s inner gifts. She is a feisty champion of creating an unlimited life where ease, joy, and freedom reign, regardless of the circumstances. Shasta’s expertise in these matters does not come from a few letters behind her name, but from her own investigation, learning, and journey. Thanks to this, her offerings are not regurgitated from another’s textbook, but from her own personal evolution and inner guidance. Shasta shares her passion for living well as a Featured Columnist at Elephant Journal, The Good Men Project, Rebelle Society and Vivid Life. Shasta leads retreats, workshops and talks around the world. She lives in Canada with her husband, cat and creative impulse. Her debut book, Happy, Sexy, Shameless – What Our Mother’s Didn’t Know About the Birds and the Bees is available through amazon.com
