Our Present Truth
There’s a lot of talk about speaking our truth. The truth is, I wrote this intention a while ago but something about it was not just settling. So, here you have it – Take Two!
Showing ourselves authenticity to those around us. Often, we see this now in the front of large audiences, from our screens, or through our fingers on the keyboard. In all ways, many times speaking our truth has arrived in the form of a public statement. But does that make it any less authentic?
You’ll often see someone sharing their personal experiences online. A means to let people come deeper into their lives, people who we communicate with through these public channels. There’s no doubt that we need shared experiences. Sometimes there is nothing more comforting than knowing someone else on this planet; friend, associate, or social media personality, understands what you are going through.
What about speaking your truth to yourself? Are we honest to ourselves about who we are, who we’ve been, and who we aspire to be? For years I told myself I wanted to be a leader/teacher. While that was true, I knew I wasn’t travelling the right path to arrive. I kept seeking it in another way and eventually found it – it was a long and frustrating journey! Over that journey there were times I lied to myself, “yes, this is a good opportunity for me.” While I listened to others around me reinforce that same sentiment – so then it must be true. However, I found I avoided the deep self check-ins. Why? Because it’s as if I knew digging deep into what I really wanted would mean a lot of work, which would only lead to more work towards what I truly wanted. It would mean I would have to let things go to embrace the new things coming in, in both small and big ways.
I’ve noticed that speaking truth is often associated with the past. What about speaking the present truth? Yes, I have several past experiences I could spill your way, and I know you do as well. I don’t ignore them; I value those in my present truth. Who I am right now; how they shaped and informed who I am now. But I can truly say that I don’t feel less authentic because I’m not willing to revisit those here with you – at least not today. But the truth I want to speak is who I am now. What I need to work on now. How I can add value to the world now. In honour of this, here are a few of my present truths:
- I am someone who values big dreams and hard work.
- I need to work on valuing people’s emotions over what might seem logical in the moment.
- I can add value to the world one yoga conversation at a time.
Let me be clear, I am not speaking negatively about anyone who shares their life stories. I have come to lean on some people and their stories over the years, and I am so grateful to hear and learn from them. If you know me personally, you likely know some of mine as well. But if you know me professionally, just know the life I choose to lead today is very much influenced by a past that is full of beauty, struggle, and significant people who have guided me, or set me free, along the way.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Journaling Suggestion: Can you make a small list present truths for yourself this week? When you revisit the end of your day did you see those truths, positive or negative, through your day? What did you learn from this process.
Asana Practice This week we are practicing withing Restorative Yoga to find stillness to allow the time to think about our truths and then be present with them. Take out your yoga bolster or pillow for this one. A blanket is also welcome for cover and comfort. You will want to set a gentle timer and try and remain in each posture for 5+ minutes, depending on your ability to be still. Soft music can help but make sure it doesn’t have any lyrics. Here’s an example of a song I love for a Restorative Practice.
Supported Child’s Pose w/bolster > Supported Side-Lying w/bolster (R) > Savasana > Supported Side-Lying w/bolster (L) > Savasana
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR yoga Teacher Training beginning September 6, 2025, and become a Certified Yoga Teacher before the end of 2025. We are ¼ full already. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
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With gratitude,
-Stephanie