The difference may lie in the approachI was overjoyed to pull out the rainbow bag this week. That’s because it’s Luna’s safe space during a thunderstorm. Hence: we finally got real rain in MN this summer! Back to the bag, though: it holds the shivering Luna snuggly, and (via a shoulder strap you can’t really see here) keeps her close to my heart. When I sit down with her in the bag on my lap, she even falls asleep. The bag and my presence—we are her external comforts. Last night I attended a sound bath in a chapel at a historic cemetery. It’s a meditation in which you find stillness, close your eyes, and focus on your breath as the guides play beautiful sounds on various instruments. They encouraged us to hum along with one buzzy vibration, an act which I know stimulates the vagus nerve, calming us from deep within the belly. For the next hour they tinkled chimes and filled the space with the deep resonance of a gong. It was challenging to remain still as the awareness of aches and tension grew, but I strove to breathe through it, asking my body to relax and let go. I felt transported, and even at one point: dispersed. Like I was one with all. Peace growing from within. Now, beforehand, I didn’t feel particularly stressed or negative as I was driving on my way to the event last night, but interestingly, I yelled loudly (with expletives) at a passing car that didn’t slow down for ducks crossing the road. I noticed this. Evidence of maybe someone not so zen. After the event, I smiled as I slowly walked through a downpour to get to my car, enjoying the feeling of the rare, giant drops on my skin. All the way home I hummed and chanted. I was not in a hurry. I was calm and grateful. This is a long lead-in, but here’s what strikes me: comfort can be achieved pretty quickly, and it makes us feel better in the moment on a surface level. I should know—7s are pretty darn good at that. Peace, however, takes conscious effort, time, and you may feel some discomfort along the way. But wow, is it worth it. The yoga is challenging this week, Subscriber First Name, but if you feel up for it, I ask you to breathe and move through the discomfort so you can work your way toward peace. Click on the image above and sign into your member area to access the class.
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