Building Blocks

Roadblocks

When we come to a roadblock do we give up or find another way? We are equipped with a body, mind, intellect, past knowledge, experience, information, and intelligence. Most likely we have access to a phone, support system, map, Google, or a navigation system. How the heck could we truly be blocked? There is always another way through, around or out. It is up to us.

A building for my yoga studio location fell through. (Is that so?) While there were some tears, fears, and refunds, I carried on, stayed the course, and took the right actions that landed in a better building and location. “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Alexander Graham Bell.

I'mma Die Tryin'

Yoga philosophy, particularly Vedanta, taught me to pitch up a higher goal in life beyond my selfish interest. The goal should be in line with one’s nature/personality/tendencies, take into account the greater good, and must be seen through to the very end. Falling short is not failure; it is progress. Like CeeLo Green sings, “I'd ever stop now, I'mma die tryin', I'mma die tryin' And sometimes I get weak from walking the road I'm on, But I'mma keep on, I'mma die tryin'....” What we think is a block might just be an opportunity to build ourselves up, use our resources within and around us, gain strength, steadfastness, perseverance and to rise above!

Doing what is right, to attain higher goals in life, is bittersweet. It is much easier to fold and take the easy route, staying in what seems to be comfortable, safe and provides a steady paycheck. I made a good living, I had many offers thereafter, but the consequences were too grave. It would mean sacrificing who I am, what I stand for, and my own evolution as a human being. Life changes every moment and so do we. How we change is in our own hands, for the better or the worse. Transitions can be quite sticky but we do not have to get stuck! Move forward, do the right thing, it will always be the best move.

The Secret of Change

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates. I have grown leaps and bounds, become more at peace, less agitated and stressed. Along the way, I found out who’s who, what I am truly made of, and that I am much better off! I won’t stop until I get there. A building that falls through is not the universe telling me that I should go backwards, or cave in. It was a problematic building, landlord and management company that created a roadblock. When life gives us a roadblock, it is what we make of it that matters. We thrive by choosing to focus on what we can change rather than what we cannot. It takes wisdom to know the difference.

"The secret to change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." Socrates

The true roadblocks are our own fears, laziness, inability to handle our own emotions, take the pressure or criticism, let our pride get the best of us, throwing in the towel when things get tough, things become harder than we thought, someone says no to us, cuts us off, disappoints or threatens us, or more money is needed... Whatever be the case, my gurus taught me to stay the course and I will get where I need to go. Swamiji says, "Just be in the struggle… Do what you ought to do in life. Go about it in an independent spirit, Work then becomes a pleasure." Roadblocks and building blocks are just openings and opportunities for us to step up to the plate to keep going! . 

The community of Electric Soul Yoga has already begun to come together within my own soul and the souls of others… Our electricity is glowing and growing… However, we also need a studio to plug it in and a space to lay our mats down and gather. That location is now in the making! Electric Soul Yoga studio has landed at 210 W 9 mile Rd. right in the heart of downtown Ferndale! A lease has been signed and we are in the process of opening the doors to you!
 

Upcoming Events:

June 18 - Yoga Gives to St Judes Children Hospital - @ West Bloomfield Sports Club Registration: http://bit.ly/stjudeyogaMI

August 30-September 7 - Life & Teacher Training w/ Eric Paskel - Camp Tamarack Registration: http://bit.ly/1Y3NBtj

Plug in and stay tuned,

Caren Paskel

AKA CP

From Shock to Gratitude

At first I was in shock. Nothing life threatening or anything like that, but for me it was a big deal. An eleven year job over. In a blink of an eye, all my relationships changed. Yes, I am one of those who truly believe that people are honest. It has taken me 37 years to learn how to trust myself instead. Not many are honest and it does not matter. My guru, Swami Parthasarathy, taught me to lead the way; do what you are supposed to do, and don’t worry about who is full of shit, (my words not his). Our job in life is to become the best version of ourselves, and not by kissing the you know whats of others. Because that is a full time job leading nowhere, ending up in disappointment.

My release, we will call it ;) was a blessing in disguise. Although work was a mess for a long time, I held on because of my role, my love of what I do, and the people involved. It was comfortable and I was making a decent living. The point is, we are meant to grow and evolve. We are not made to get stuck in muck. When we do, it is hard to get out of it. I went from being totally shocked in a pile of muck to being fully grateful, rising above the swamp, like a lotus leaf! How? Well, for one thing, I stopped taking everything so darn personal. Sheesh, it is not all about ME, and thank God for that!

When Swamji says, “attach you lose, detach you gain”, I did not truly understand its full meaning until I actually applied it. This break up was the perfect chance to set myself free. Because of my attachment to what I did, where I did it, and who I did it with, I lost. When it was over, I felt betrayed by so many who I believed had my back, were my friends, and close colleagues. How could they? I knew these feelings were on me, that nobody controls others.  But damnit, I still felt that way and could not believe the fall out and reactions of those I thought I knew and knew me. The shock shook me. I was deeply hurt. My hurt took me to some dark places, but that just did not seem right. So I lifted myself up, dug myself out of a hole and rose above. Restoring my vision and higher goal in life is what pulled me out of the mud. Looking back, I say thank you so much. I now can move forward, and I know who has my back. If, for some reason I am wrong, it is ok. I’ve got my own back!

When something big happens, whatever the magnitude, we can go from initial shock to gratitude. Where there is attachment, there will be pain. This does not mean we have to protect ourselves from everyone and everything and live in a bubble. This means have an understanding of changes, turns, fluctuations, and never depend on any job, person, place, or thing for our own happiness. Nobody can possibly be responsible for that, only we can. How many times did I say, “I cannot believe he or she said that, or did that, or did not respond, or lied, or took advantage… or, or, or, or... “? I suggest not going there. It is a dead end.

What are we feeding; shock or gratitude? Let us be thankful to all those who have betrayed, abused, misused, miscommunicated and misguided us, and not take it personal. Even if it was meant to hurt, it is up to us to control how much we are affected. We have a choice in this! Every hurdle we jump over, our legs become stronger. Sometimes we do not make it over, and we fall. Get back up and train again, jump again. Then look back and say thank you, what a freaking gift!

My shock was selfish as it was all about me, poor me. This attitude got me nowhere. As soon as I stopped thinking about myself and started thinking about how best to serve others, my shock transformed into immense gratitude. This powerful and positive force catapulted me out of where I was and into where I am. The fact of the matter is that we cannot thrive with negativity surrounding us. When we get to see anyone’s true colors, we should be jumping for joy. Usually it takes something pretty horrible for this to happen. When it does, smile and wait. Sit back and watch. You will be able to see everything crystal clear.

There was a shock. It shook me up. I woke up from my slumber. I regained my confidence. An ideal was put in place; people came; a team was formed; gratitude took over, with no regrets, staying true to higher goals. Whoever wants to be a part of it, will. No force is needed. “Nothing forced is ever forceful”. Swamiji

CP