Namaste dear reader,

I’m starting this letter with a powerful quote from one of my teachers, the late spiritual guide Ram Dass.

This quote tells us not to be in a rush, to take our time advancing on our path—while using every moment as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Being aware at all times allows us to notice what patterns rule our lives.

Noticing them is already a big step, don’t blame yourself for falling victim to them once more.

Once you notice, you can study yourself (called svādhyāya in yoga) and understand what triggers those patterns, where they come from, in which situation they tend to appear, how they make you feel, what they tend to provoke when left unchecked.

Observe yourself with curiosity and compassion, no judgement or expectations.

Simply see what is present, as you would observe clouds in the sky or leaves in the forest.

The next step of course is to try to step out of those patterns, notice and catch yourself early when they arise, allowing you to take a step back, take a breath, create a pause before any action—and you might give in to the pattern once again after that pause, it’s ok.

Over time you’ll learn to act more consciously, less driven by automatic patterns that previously seemed inevitable.

Acting more consciously, free from the tyranny of your past conditioning, allows you to lead a virtuous and harmonious life.

You’ll avoid doing harm to yourself and others (ahimsa, non-violence, is the first precept of yoga); and you won’t perpetuate karma—meaning you won’t fuel the fire of people’s melodrama.

The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it—you can’t expect to be a pro surfer the first time you get into the water, can you?

That’s why you must use every opportunity to practice noticing and taking a step back.

Every MOMENT
Every INTERACTION
Every SITUATION
Every RELATIONSHIP
Every THOUGHT
Every EMOTION
Every DREAM

It might sound daunting, seem like a drag, “where’s the fun in that?”—well, you can see it as a game, it’s the best game there is for your transformation and liberation from suffering.

I’ve done this for a while now, and it works—now, I’m far from perfect or enlightened, I’m also far better from when I started. It’s worth it.

To recap, here are the 3 steps:

1. Notice

2. Study

3. Pause

4. Act more consciously

Practice with me

If you are ready to free yourself from suffering, and find sustainable peace and happiness—join my yoga programs below:

Save my website to see my complete schedule at anytime.

For Luxembourg folks,

I’m hosting a seasonal half-day retreat including an exclusive yoga series for Autumn, a deep dive into Ayurveda, and an ayurvedic plant-based brunch

And, I’ll start teaching 2 weekly classes in September at Urban Leaf Yoga Studio (Limpertsberg)—more details below.

Of course, if you need guidance, I’m here 🙂 .

I hope to see you around, and wish you peace.

With love,

Julien

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