The Final Days Of Summer

I have to admit, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. While I do enjoy the fall season, the thought of September’s busyness leading into the holiday rush— and even the upcoming election—feels overwhelming. I am, however, very ready to move past Mercury being in Retrograde, which ends on the 27th. It’s been quite the ride! Maybe part of my reluctance to see summer end is because its been so busy, far from the long, lazy days I remember  from childhood. Those days feel like a distant memory, back when life seemed slower and simpler.

As an adult, life has often felt like a non-stop race, and I’m recognizing a deep longing within me to slow down. I yearn to simply sit and take in the sounds and sights of nature in my backyard, returning to a natural state of simply being, not doing. This reminds me to let this be my practice. Can I just be without the constant doing? Can the doing naturally arise from a place of being, without force or strain, just like I guide you in your asana and kriya practice? Is it possible to live this way when there are bills to pay, work to complete, children to care for, and so many other responsibilities?

I’m suddenly reminded of when I was a professional modern dancer, and in particular, the improvisation I did back then. When I stepped onto the dance floor filled with fast-moving music and dancers, my response was always the opposite. I would move slowly, almost in slow motion, through the space and the flurry of activity. I sensed that I needed to do this to bring calm in the midst of chaos. Reflecting on the path my life has taken, I see that I’ve always had this instinct—the faster things move around me, the slower I want to go.
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So, I keep my daily practice sacred. Each morning, I light a candle and engage in meditation, pranayama, and movements to release the stiffness of the night. Throughout the day, I remind myself to stay connected to my breath, move my body, chant my mantra or other uplifting songs, pause when needed, and apply strength when more effort is required. And each evening, I close the day with a gratitude list and meditation.

May you continue to use these practices that I share with you as you navigate your way through life and may these last days of summer for you be peaceful and filled with a quiet joy.

Jaya Guru Devi
Kashi
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P.S. In closing I will say that this essay was written by me and in my words with a little AI help for grammar, but this next part is AI’s answer to my question of:
“How can yoga help me with the overwhelm and unbalanced rush of life?”
I thought its answer was pretty good, so I’m sharing it with you below.

Yoga can be a powerful tool to help navigate the overwhelm and unbalanced rush of life. Here's how it can support you:

1. Grounding and Centering: Yoga helps you reconnect with your body and breath, bringing you back to the present moment. This grounding practice can help reduce feelings of overwhelm by shifting your focus away from the chaos around you and back to a sense of inner calm.
2. Stress Reduction: Through physical postures, breathwork, and meditation, yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Regular practice can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety.
3. Mindful Awareness: Yoga encourages mindfulness, the practice of observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This awareness helps you recognize patterns of stress or anxiety and gives you the tools to respond more consciously, rather than react impulsively.
4. Balance and Stability: Yoga promotes physical and mental balance. Physically, it strengthens and stretches your body, improving flexibility and stability. Mentally, it helps you find equilibrium, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs.
5. Energy Renewal: Certain yoga practices, like restorative yoga or pranayama (breathwork), are designed to replenish your energy. These practices can be especially beneficial when you’re feeling depleted by the demands of daily life.
6. Emotional Resilience: Yoga provides a safe space to process emotions. By practicing regularly, you build resilience, enabling you to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and grace.
7. Self-Compassion: Yoga teaches self-acceptance and compassion, reminding you that it’s okay to slow down and take care of yourself. This can be a vital counterbalance to the external pressures to constantly do more.

Incorporating yoga into your routine, even in small doses, can help you cultivate a sense of peace and balance, making it easier to manage the demands of life.


And there you have it!
May all the world be at peace.

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