Newsletter - The Spark That Ignited the Fire

Align & Awaken with Charlene

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There is a most wonderful way to help living beings overcome grief and sorrow, end pain and anxiety, and realize the highest happiness. That way is the establishment of mindfulness.

- The Buddha

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For most of my life, I lived in my head. My thoughts were like a runaway train. On the positive side my brain was creative, loved to learn and solve problems. On the not so great side, it never shut up which was exhausting and emotionally draining.

When I found Ashtanga yoga, it was like coming home. In addition to all the amazing physical and energetic benefits, it was like a vacation for my brain. On the mat, I learned how moving with my breath brought me into the present moment so that I could just be, leaving my thoughts at the door. However, as soon as I stepped off the mat into my life, the bliss began to slowly erode as my brain took back the controls.

Meditation was always something on my radar but I was too busy to sit down. Then one day a friend asked me to join an intimate meditation group where we could meditate, discuss and share our experiences. It was the spark that ignited the fire.

Mindfulness meditation helped me to see that my thoughts are NOT who I am and with practice I can live from a more centered place. Being more mindful and present allows me to respond to life from a place of wisdom as opposed to an emotional reaction.