I Pray

Interesting that the National Geographic cover this month complimenting the topic of my blog and theme for this week

The elephant in the room, the lack of using the word or name for a divine source to ensure comfort and avoid conflict with others. Most common names today seem to be Universe and God. Perhaps you refer to Source, Higher Power, or Creator. Most of us have a belief in something bigger than us. I refer to most of these depending on my audience. In private, it's God as I grew up with that name.

Ishvara (higher source) Pranidhana (surrender) is our last Niyama of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and the practice of surrender and devotion to that power. An act of surrender as I write about and post an image regarding God for the first time to our community.

Surrender is to trust, knowing the power is in my best interest as I give up thinking I know all the answers. The power has superior intelligence. When you put your hands in prayer position, Anjali (to salute) Mudra (to seal), it is a greeting in yoga practices and India. But it's also a universal gesture for prayer as it centers us with intention of offering your highest self and desire to connect with divine thanks and guidance. A gesture confirming our spirituality and aligning our beliefs.

So, I pray. I find quiet space to pause in the moment, calm my monkey mind to dedicate attention and purpose to give specific thanks. Like dialing my favorite phone number to connect and say hello and thank you for the gifts, lessons and solutions to my needs and woes. Then to share and reflect inwardly and upwardly what may be on my mind. I pause and listen without ego, aka the Edge God Out mind, a form of meditation for me. I have faith in the answers given are for my highest good, even it it's not what I want to "hear". Then I have more clarity with free will to move forward from the prayer process.

Enjoy the light of this June's full Strawberry Moon, the lowest it's been in 20 years. Named after the signal it gave to natives to plant their strawberries according the the Old Farmer's Almanac. It signals me in the light of the night to reflect upon the beauty and miracles of life all around us by our creator, whatever you wish to name that source of divinity.

With prayers of love,

Gina

Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.