Tantra Immersion – Module 1 – Daytime & Evening Offerings

tantra immersion online

Tantra Immersion – Module 1

Seven Weeks – Nine Classes
April 16th – May 28th

Morning class:
Tuesdays 10am-12:30 pm AND Sunday April 21st + May 12th, 5-8:30pm

Evening class:
Tuesdays 7-9:30pm AND Sunday April 21st + May 12th, 5-8:30pm

Register HERE

“Fuse the powers of the sacred heart with the energies of the body, and you can transform everything.” ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Tantra Immersion: A Progressive Journey Inward

The Tantra Immersion is a holistic course that creates the conditions to reveal our true nature. The immersive, multi-level course is based on the teachings of Hridaya Yoga which was started by Sahajananda in Mazunte, Mexico. They stem from classical tantric teachings and are oriented towards uncovering who we really are.

You’ve felt that gnawing that says, There’s more than just work and sleep! Come find out what you’re looking for, what else is possible. The teachings of Tantra give us specific practices, techniques and understandings of how to find the deeper answers from within and how to orient ourselves toward a more holistic life.

Many of us want to go deeper into our Tantric journey and don’t quite know where to start. The Tantra Immersion begins with Module 1 and will deepen into future courses that give you a step-by-step path into the unknown of spiritual awakening.

Tantra Immersion: Module 1

Module 1 begins a life-changing journey where fundamental spiritual topics are introduced in both theory and practice. This includes tantric yoga, meditation and esoteric knowledge of the intimate inner workings of the physical body, energies and chakras (energy centers), emotional patterns and tendencies, mindfulness and exploration of consciousness – including subconscious tendencies and expanding our conscious awareness, as well as the revelation of our ultimate nature.

While practices deeply affect our human development, a contemplative attitude and an awareness of our spiritual essence are foundational to the teachings.

Note: this course is nonsexual. There are no intimate or sexual teachings in the Tantra Immersion.

Hridaya Hatha Yoga is a unique practice which teaches us how to open to the limitlessness of energy and consciousness. What we consider to be just our energies are revealed as being universal, unlimited and available all the time. Ultimately, the practice opens our Hearts deeply, bringing the perspective of Advaita, the vision of non-duality into everyday waking life.

The Tantra Immersion offers the gifts of deep relaxation, letting go of daily stresses, creating a whole new set of conditions for personal transformation, and an opening to realize the sacredness of the body itself. Learning to become aware of subtle energies, the chakra system and kundalini allows a profound body-emotion-mind rejuvenation. Module 1 is a transformative program that can jumpstart the process of deep purification on physical, psychological, emotional and energetic levels.

A note on accessibility: The practices in this class are accessible for most bodies and abilities. As our focus is on much more than the physical body, practices can be modified to fit practitioners abilities. Practice duration will increase during the seven weeks of the course. Instructors are happy to offer individual modifications as needed. Please contact us if you have questions about your accessibility.

Accessibility in our space: Our accessibility is currently limited. Our entrance and practice space is wheelchair accessible and students are welcome to sit on chairs, on the floor, or as needed for their physical abilities. However, the bathroom is not ADA and not able to accommodate a wheelchair at this time. If you are concerned about your accessibility needs in the space, please contact us.

Schedule

The Tantra Immersion is a 7-week course with 9 immersive classes. Each class includes a foundational teaching of Tantra, exploration of our daily life awareness, and one or two techniques. The teachings and practices deepen in future modules, creating us a holistic approach to integrate Tantra into our whole lives – both in our time on-the-mat, away from life’s demands, as well as in the midst of our relationships, work, community and personal growth.

We highly encourage a commitment to a daily practice for everyone in this course.

After you complete Module 1 by attending at least 80% of the course, you’ll be able to attend consecutive modules. You can also take Module 1 again at half the price to deepen your Tantric life.

Tantra Immersion Curriculum

Module 1 begins at the basics with questions like, What is Tantra? What is Yoga? What is Nonduality? What do they mean in my life? We focus each class on a specific value of Seattle Tantra, like love, interconnectedness or play, to bring these teachings to life. All of our techniques are rooted the message of the Consciousness of Oneness, and our highest priority is to offer this message, beyond dogma and biases. Students are encouraged to listen from the heart, to experiment with the teachings and to remember that were always pointing to the depth of uncovering our limitless being.

The teachings of Module 1 include three aspects of Tantra:

Aspect 1 – Exploring the Values of Seattle Tantra

Aspect 2 – Classical Tantra techniques like asana, pranayama, kriyas and mudras

Aspect 3 – Advaita Tantra teachings on the Consciousness of Oneness and the expansion of daily life awareness

The curriculum of the Tantra Immersion Module 1 includes:

– Hridaya Yoga principles and the stages of practice
– A comprehensive explanation and esoteric significance of each technique
– A deep investigation of the Tantric energy systems
– The Self-Enquiry Method
– The intimate power of the Spiritual Heart and how-to guide for living with an open heart
– Purification techniques
– Cultivating a Tantric attitude – the ten values of Seattle Tantra
– Yogic practices for the awareness, control and channeling of energy
– Pranayama  the control of the energies using the life-force of breath
– Concentration and meditation techniques

All participants will be given a course book to continue your studies and help support your practice.

“There are many mysteries to be unraveled, but the most important is the mystery of our being.” – Sahajananda, Hridaya Yoga

FAQs

Is this a yoga course?

Yes, and its not like what you might think of when you think of American yoga. Hridaya Yoga is a deep, internal practice which fuses the power of the sacred heart with the energies of the body. It is a deeply purifying, relaxing and internalizing practice that includes the body, breath, heart and mind.

Is there any sexual touch or nudity?

No, there is no sexual touch or nudity. We will discuss elements of relationships connection in future Modules. The Tantra Immersion is a nonsexual course which teaches a breadth and depth of Tantra practices.

Are there any prerequisites?

No. Module one is the first course and is required for all students wanting to enter the Tantra Immersion.

This says Module 1. Will there be other modules? How many?

Yes. Well offer Module 1 a few times before we offer Module 2 so that dedicated groups of students can move into successive modules. Modules will continue progressively as  there is interest. The depth of Tantric teachings is nearly bottomless.

What do I need to bring?

If you have a yoga mat, please bring one with you. We have some for public use at Seattle Tantra. Please bring your course booklet at each teaching and a journal or notebook to take notes.

Please arrive on a relatively empty stomach as some of our practices cannot be done within 2 hours of eating.

Course Dates:

April 16th – May 28th, 2019

Tuesdays 10am-12:30 pm AND Sunday April 21 + May 12, 5-8:30pm
OR
Tuesdays 7-9:30pm AND Sunday April 21 + May 12, 5-8:30pm

Students from both offerings will participate together in the two Sunday classes.

Module 2 is anticipated to begin in June 2019. Students enrolled in either the first or second offering are also invited to join our practice classes in March. Details TBD.

Cost:
$189 Early Registration – Before April 1, 2019
$239 Regular – After April 1, 2019

Register HERE

Limited scholarships are available. Please ask for details.

Tantra Immersion

tantra immersion online

Tantra Immersion – Module 1

Seven Weeks – Nine Classes

January 9-Feb 26, 2019

Morning class:

Tuesdays 10am-12:30 pm AND Sunday Jan 13 + Feb 10, 5-8:30pm

 Evening class:

Tuesdays 7-9:30pm AND Sunday Jan 13 + Feb 10, 5-8:30pm

Register HERE

 

“Fuse the powers of the sacred heart with the energies of the body, and you can transform everything.” ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

TANTRA IMMERSION: A PROGRESSIVE JOURNEY INWARD

The Tantra Immersion is a holistic course that creates the conditions to reveal our true nature. The immersive, multi-level course is based on the teachings of Hridaya Yoga which was started by Sahajananda in Mazunte, Mexico. They stem from classical tantric teachings and are oriented towards uncovering who we really are.

You’ve felt that gnawing that says, “There’s more than just work and sleep!” Come find out what you’re looking for, what else is possible. The teachings of Tantra give us specific practices, techniques and understandings of how to find the deeper answers from within and how to orient ourselves toward a more holistic life.

Many of us want to go deeper into our Tantric journey and don’t quite know where to start. The Tantra Immersion begins with Module 1 and will deepen into future courses that give you a step-by-step path into the unknown of spiritual awakening.

TANTRA IMMERSION: MODULE 1

Module 1 begins a life-changing journey where fundamental spiritual topics are introduced in both theory and practice. This includes tantric yoga, meditation and esoteric knowledge of the intimate inner workings of the physical body, energies and chakras (energy centers), emotional patterns and tendencies, mindfulness and exploration of consciousness – including subconscious tendencies and expanding our conscious awareness, as well as the revelation of our ultimate nature.

While practices deeply affect our human development, a contemplative attitude and an awareness of our spiritual essence are foundational to the teachings.

Note: this course is nonsexual. There are no intimate or sexual teachings in the Tantra Immersion.

Hridaya Hatha Yoga is a unique practice which teaches us how to open to the limitlessness of energy and consciousness. What we consider to be just “our energies” are revealed as being universal, unlimited and available all the time. Ultimately, the practice opens our Hearts deeply, bringing the perspective of Advaita, the vision of non-duality into everyday waking life.

The Tantra Immersion offers the gifts of deep relaxation, letting go of daily stresses, creating a whole new set of conditions for personal transformation, and an opening to realize the sacredness of the body itself. Learning to become aware of subtle energies, the chakra system and kundalini allows a profound body-emotion-mind rejuvenation. Module 1 is a transformative program that can jumpstart the process of deep purification on physical, psychological, emotional and energetic levels.

A note on accessibility: The practices in this class are accessible for most bodies and abilities. As our focus is on much more than the physical body, practices can be modified to fit practitioners’ abilities. Practice duration will increase during the seven weeks of the course. Instructors are happy to offer individual modifications as needed. Please contact us if you have questions about your accessibility.

Accessibility in our space: Our entrance and practice space is wheelchair accessible and students are welcome to sit on chairs, on the floor, or as needed for their physical abilities. However, the bathroom is not ADA and not able to accommodate a wheelchair at this time. (We are intending to remedy this in 2019.) If you are concerned about your accessibility needs in the space, please contact us.

 

SCHEDULE

The Tantra Immersion is a 7-week course with 9 immersive classes. Each class includes a foundational teaching of Tantra, exploration of our daily life awareness, and one or two techniques. The teachings and practices deepen in future modules, creating us a holistic approach to integrate Tantra into our whole lives – both in our time on-the-mat, away from life’s demands, as well as in the midst of our relationships, work, community and personal growth.

We highly encourage a commitment to a daily practice for everyone in this course.

After you complete Module 1 by attending at least 80% of the course, you’ll be able to attend consecutive modules. You can also take Module 1 again at half the price to deepen your Tantric life.

TANTRA IMMERSION CURRICULUM

Module 1 begins at the basics with questions like, “What is Tantra? What is Yoga? What is Nonduality? What do they mean in my life?” We focus each class on a specific value of Seattle Tantra, like love, interconnectedness or play, to bring these teachings to life. All of our techniques are rooted the message of the Consciousness of Oneness, and our highest priority is to offer this message, beyond dogma and biases. Students are encouraged to listen from the heart, to experiment with the teachings and to remember that we’re always pointing to the depth of uncovering our limitless being.

The teachings of Module 1 include three aspects of Tantra:

Aspect 1 – Exploring the Values of Seattle Tantra

Aspect 2 – Classical Tantra techniques like asana, pranayama, kriyas and mudras

Aspect 3 – Advaita Tantra teachings on the Consciousness of Oneness and the expansion of daily life awareness

The curriculum of the Tantra Immersion Module 1 includes:

  • Hridaya Yoga principles and the stages of practice; a comprehensive explanation and esoteric significance of each technique
  • A deep investigation of the Tantric energy systems
  • The Self-Enquiry Method
  • The intimate power of the Spiritual Heart and how-to guide for living with an open heart
  • Purification techniques
  • Cultivating a Tantric attitude – the ten values of Seattle Tantra
  • Yogic practices for the awareness, control and channeling of energy
  • Pranayama – the control of the energies using the life-force of breath
  • Concentration and meditation techniques

All participants will be given a course book to continue your studies and help support your practice.

“There are many mysteries to be unraveled, but the most important is the mystery of our being.” – Sahajananda, Hridaya Yoga

 

 

FAQ’s

Is this a yoga course?  

Yes, and it’s not like what you might think of when you think of American yoga. Hridaya Yoga is a deep, internal practice which fuses the power of the sacred heart with the energies of the body. It is a deeply purifying, relaxing and internalizing practice that includes the body, breath, heart and mind.

Is there any sexual touch or nudity?

No, there is no sexual touch or nudity. We will discuss elements of relationships connection in future Modules. The Tantra Immersion is a nonsexual course which teaches a breadth and depth of Tantra practices.

Are there any prerequisites?

No. Module one is the first course and is required for all students wanting to enter the Tantra Immersion.

This says Module 1. Will there be other modules? How many?

Yes. We’ll offer Module 1 a few times before we offer Module 2 so that dedicated groups of students can move into successive modules. Modules will continue progressively as  there is interest. The depth of Tantric teachings is nearly bottomless.

What do I need to bring?

If you have a yoga mat, please bring one with you. We have some for public use at Seattle Tantra. Please bring your course booklet at each teaching and a journal or notebook to take notes.

 Please arrive on a relatively empty stomach as some of our practices cannot be done within 2 hours of eating.

 

Course Dates:

Jan 8 – Feb 26

Tuesdays 7-9:30pm AND 2 Sunday evenings 5-8:30p (1/13 + 2/10)

OR

Tuesdays 10am-12:30pm AND 2 Sunday evenings 5-8:30p (1/13 + 2/10)

 Students from both offerings will participate together in the two Sunday classes.

Module 2 is anticipated to begin in June 2019. Students enrolled in either the first or second offering are also invited to join our practice classes in March. Details TBD.

 

Cost:

$179 Early Registration – Before Jan 1, 2019

$229 Regular – After Jan 1, 2019

Register HERE

Limited scholarships are available. Please ask for details.

 

Location:

Seattle Tantra Center

9414 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

www.seattle-tantra.org

Satsang: Your Innate Sexual Essence

sexual-essence

We all have an innate sexual essence. And then we have loads of conditioning, sexual shame and default patterns piled on top of that. Most of us could use some practice awakening and listening to what our unique, innate essence is saying and how it wants to be expressed. Cultivating a consciousness around our deep sexual essence can give you the tools to become more mindful and present, surrender deeper, and free yourself from patterns that you no longer need.

Each week we hold Satsang – “gathering together to share truth” – at the Seattle Tantra Community in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle. We’ll begin with some personal practice (movement, meditation, mantra), share a teaching and discussion on a topic of Tantra, and conclude with a circle connecting with other community members celebrating the divine within each other.

10:00 – Brief intro to tantra for newcomers; introductions.

10:10 – Asana, pranayama, mantra, meditation

10:50 – Teaching & Discussion

11:30 – Puja

What is a “Satsang”?

In tantra, a satsang is a gathering of spiritual people for the purpose of sharing practice and wisdom. And this is exactly what we do. Each satsang brings different themes and topics, usually presented by Grace, with all discussion welcome and invited. The themes and topics generally touch on aspects of sacred sexuality and the embodied spirituality of classical and neo-tantra. Sometimes we branch into relevant teachings from other traditions, as well as the nuances of non-dual spiritual experience.

How much does this cost?

Satsang is offered on a donation basis. Your gift of any amount to help sustain the instructor and cover costs of the event is welcome. We offer the guidance of $20-$30 to help sustain the community. You can pay by cash, check or card. No one turned away for lack of funds! If you can’t contribute financially, please ask about how else you can support us by volunteering.

Who is this for?

Our satsang is suitable for beginning and experienced tantric practitioners interested in the full range of tantric teaching, including meditation, breath, visualization, yoga, diet, philosophy, and sexuality.

Satsang is open to absolutely all genders, ethnic backgrounds, levels of fitness, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual framework. No experience is assumed. Drop in visits are welcome.

Questions?

Contact Grace at [email protected] or [email protected]

 

 

How to Survive and Start to Thrive Again

Be Whole Be Happy - How to Survive and Start to Thrive

Surviving Today’s Trauma

This week many people have reached out to me asking HOW we do this. How do we navigate the continued violence, hate, rage, fascism and disconnection that isn’t going away? How do we keep an open heart in the midst of all of this?

It’s a work in progress called How to Survive and Start to Thrive (also working title). And it’s helped a lot of people to reel back, shift the acute perspective we keep being shoved into and remember that there ARE options for how we feel and act, even as hard as things are right now.

A teaching for anyone

In 2017, I created a teaching specifically about this and am going to start recording an online course soon so I can give it to you very practically. In the meantime, I’m happy to give it out to ANYONE. Below you’ll find three links.

The first is an explanation of the five kleshas or the obstacles to happiness according to the yoga and tantra traditions.

The second is the How to Survive and Start to Thrive course. You’ll find four columns: The obstacles to happiness; what we hear in the world; what we think when we hear that message; how else to hear that so we have more freedom to choose happiness.

The third document is a compendium which breaks down 4 or 5 actions to directly uncover our happiness according to the five kleshas.

Stay tuned for an online course coming in early 2019.

While I’m figuring out to how to bulk distribute the file (suggestions welcome), please message me if you’d like me to send it to you.

One thing you can do

One suggestion I have is to practice SILENCE every single day. That’s right. Every. Single. Day. Whether you can take 2 minutes or 20 minutes or 2 hours, turn off everything – including those coping mechanisms and distractions – and let yourself feel, breathe and move through. You’re not alone, and in fact, it can be a sweet relief in moments of silence to feel more connected to the consciousness we’re all swimming in.

I’m here. For you and with you.

Yours in solidarity and in figuring-this-all-out,
Grace

The links

Here you go! Try all three in order and reach out with questions or comments.

  1. the-kleshas-or-the-obstacles-to-happiness
  2. how-to-survive-and-start-to-thrive
  3. kleshas-compendium

Deepening Your Practice

Deepen Your Tantric Practice

Join us at Moksha Tantra for a rare chance to be supported in deepening your practice.

A deep spiritual practice develops higher states of observation and consciousness in us, freeing us from the trance and robotic reactivity of the personal ego. Also said, it turns unconscious patterns into conscious actions and it shifts our relationship to everything in our world. This, in turn, leads to an increasingly-richer and deeper experience of every aspect of life, opening to inner radiance, clear inner guidance and the uncaused happiness that is the true nature of the soul.

In this class series, Grace & Hafizullah will offer perspectives, tools, specific techniques using sound, breath, focalized awareness, light, “deity,” and “subtle energy” for those wishing to deepen the “moksha” (liberation) aspect of their tantra practice. Through their 55+ combined years on the spiritual journey, they will share with you from their personal experience what it takes to shift into more and more liberation.

The first class on October 13th will be a chance to set-up, maintain and commit to a practice and what elements you’d like to incorporate. We’ll look at what gets in the way of committing to practice or what gets in the way of taking that practice to deeper and deeper levels. With a dedicated four-hours together, there will be time to develop or reformat your existing personal practice, connect with others and create accountability around your practice and grow in your confidence as an aspirant and Tantrika.

Saturday, October 13th, 2-6pm @ Moksha Tantra Center

Follow up classes will be scheduled in the autumn

Cost: Donations of $20-60 welcome

Register HERE!

Sacred Sexuality for Liberated Lovers

Ready to be liberated in your sexuality?

If you are intrigued and excited to ask some compelling questions, uncover your potential as a lover, and tap into the depth of an integrated, whole-life spiritual journey, then come join us!

Sacred Sexuality for Liberated Lovers with Seattle Tantra teacher Grace Bryant is a full-day workshop to develop the union of sex + spirit, or sacred sexuality. The workshop will offer tools for more sacredness and presence in your sexuality and a more liberated sexuality in your spirituality. We’ll address questions like:

What does liberated sexuality feel like?

  • How does my spiritual practice lead to a better relationship with my sexuality?
  • How can I be more present, available and surrendered with my intimate partner(s)?
  • How can I ask for want I want?
  • How do I find more sacredness in my sexuality and in my intimate relationships?

Complete with rituals, theory, practical + playful exercises, and a bunch of fun ways to connect deeply with others, this full-day workshop will give you a whole new vantage point for the union of sex + spirit or sacred sexuality.

We’ll also explore the following topics both in theory and practice:

  • Embracing your own sexuality with more freedom, adventure and acceptance
  • How to crack open and be more available to your partner
  • How Tantra helps build trust in intimate relationships
  • Expanding every intimate connection beyond just the body
  • Transforming desire into reverence
  • Deepening your connection with yourself and others
  • Creating a much, much bigger capacity for love – both giving and receiving
  • Tools to become a better lover
  • Playful and connecting exercises for exploring sensuality, relationships and energy
  • Tantric Rituals & Meditation

Open to individuals and couples of all gender identity and sexual orientation. Please note there is NO nudity or sexual touch in this workshop. Come with an open heart and a willingness to explore yourself and connect with others.

FAQ’s
I’ve been practicing Sacred Sexuality for years. Is this just for beginners?
Nope. This is a foundation that can apply to anyone, wherever you are on the path. The beauty of Tantra is that it encompasses all of life and we can always learn how to bring more intimacy to places we aren’t yet aware of. Experienced practitioners are welcome and encouraged to join! If you’re curious to know more, please contact Grace.

I’m a beginner to Tantra. Will this be accessible for me?
Absolutely. This workshop will lay a foundation that can apply to anyone, wherever you are on the path. For beginners, you’ll get a set of language to start delving into sacred sexuality as well as the experience of playing (in a safe, non-genital touching space) with some like-minded and like-hearted humans. If you’re curious to know more, please contact Grace.

I’m LGBTQ+. Will the practices be relevant for me?
Oh, yes. Grace identifies as Queer and Gender Queer. She offers non-gendered work that plays with how we sit in the masculine/feminine balance at any given moment and how that changes with our different partners, life experiences and moods. We’d love to have more of our LGBTQ+ family at this workshop and at Moksha Tantra Center.

What is Moksha Tantra Center?
Moksha (sanskrit: mokṣa): liberation, emancipation, release from bondage, freedom.
Tantra: a system for awakening understanding beyond the limitations of normal cognitive thinking.
Moksha Tantra reconciles classical tantric spiritual practice with neo-tantra celebration of sacred sexuality. We are a Seattle-based community exploring the practice of freedom.

I’d love to come, but it’s a big financial stretch. Are there scholarships?
Yes. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. And, we are a non-profit organization running on your donations and event fees. Please consider how much you’re able to contribute and contact Grace to see how you can energetically support our community as well.

Cost:
Individual – $95
Couple or Bring-A-Friend – $170 for both
Polycules + Moresomes – $85 per person
Register by September 1st for a 10% discount
*Snacks and tea are included. Please bring a lunch or be prepared to grab something nearby.
No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds – please contact Grace to talk about other financial options

Yogassage

Join Grace and a team of massage therapists for a 75-minute guided yin yoga practice with the added experience of massage techniques and adjustments. This evening promises even extra goodness because Grace will be joined by the sounds of the sweet didgeridoo.

Now with fewer spots available to ensure more hands-on attention per yogi!

$40 | 15% off for VIP Members
Space is Limited.
REGISTER HERE
*Limited waitlist available. Cancellations with 24 hours or more notice are eligible for refund (account credit only). Contact management at [email protected]

Satsang: Nada – Outer Vibration and the Inner Sound

Each week we hold Satsang – “gathering together to share truth” – at the Mokṣa Tantra Center. For two hours we share body geometry (asana), white tantra practice (meditation, mantra, visualization), and teaching and discussion on a given topic. We usually conclude with a puja celebrating the divine within each other, or other energy-sharing practice.

In tantra, a satsang is a gathering of spiritual people for the purpose of sharing practice and wisdom. And this is exactly what we do. Each satsang brings different themes and topics, usually presented by Matthias, with all discussion welcome and invited. The themes and topics generally touch on aspects of sacred sexuality and the embodied spirituality of classical and neo-tantra. Sometimes we branch into relevant teachings from other traditions, as well as the nuances of non-dual spiritual experience.

Continue reading

What is an Identity?

aware of identities

In my work, both personal and professional, I spend a lot of energy becoming aware of identities, both my own and supporting those I work with in uncovering theirs.

But what is an identity?

Here’s a simple example. We are all born FREE. Completely, infinitely free. But soon after we’re born, we start responding to and being conditioned by the world around us. In my case, I developed an early age the identity of being self-sufficient. This came from a feeling that others’ needs were more important than mine and so it began to feel like a waste of energy to share my needs or ask for them to be met. Regardless of what the actualities of my childhood are, this is an identity I created: I will do it my damn self.

Where we can find empowerment in discovering this identity (also called a story) is in letting go of what actually happened to create this story and seeing that at its core, it’s completely hollow. Transparent. Nothing. When I see that, feel that, breathe that, I get to choose to be free again.

This morning, the aforementioned identity came up and smacked me in the face. It’s one that I’ve seen in my intimate relationships repeatedly this year, that others’ needs are more important than mine, so I will just take care of my damn self. It’s an identity that causes me to not state my needs or desires for fear or disappointment. It’s an identity that puts me in a holding pattern of fear and traps me into not expressing what’s alive under the surface of, “No, it’s fine.” And it makes it difficult to trust.

So, I have a choice: I can hide behind this identity, fault others for playing into my pattern and stay locked away in hiding. Or, I can see that whenever I feel that way, it’s most likely just the world bumping up into my identity and rubbing my bruise until it hurts. I can let it go. Again and again, every time it rears its head. Most powerful of all: I can love the shit out of that identity. I can hold it, embrace it, see it, accept it, love it, sing to it, cry with it, ask others to love it, and let it be absorbed and dissolved as part of me.

The more I meditate, ask for self-reflection with people on the Path, and pause to listen deeply to the ripples around me, the more the strings of my identities start to unravel. At times, this feels very liberating. At times, it feels dismantling and shattering. Today, it feels like a mix of both, the complexity of being both human and divine. Dissolving into the ocean of, well, myself.