{28} The Full Life

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Allow me to imagine, for a moment: I am at the end of my journey. I sit with a sense of calm & groundedness as I reflect on years of experience, discovery, adventure, love, & growth.

In this moment, I confidently declare: “I have lived a glorious life.”

I do not say this because I’ve completed a bucket list, or attained a specific goal, or maintained x amount of relationships, or am known around the world.

As I imagine this [hopefully far distant] moment, I know I have lived a good life because I have lived a full life. . . . “Align, & experience your full, authentic life.” I do not take my tagline for Yes& by Marin lightly. In fact, I am dead serious about it.

Based on what I have learned & experienced thus far in my beautiful life, and through incredible teachers & deep explorations with coaches — I believe my ultimate marker of a successful, good life is one where I confidently proclaim I experienced it completely; I stepped into the good, completely - I faced the fear and hardship, completely; I was open to change and growth and beauty and abundance, and compassionately sat with heartache and pain and discomfort and confusion.

I want it all. I want to experience everything this life has to offer. I do not want to shy away from opportunities presented to me just because they are scary, or unfamiliar, or different. I do not want to miss any sensation - even if it is one of overwhelm.

Why? I want to absorb my life experience in its fullest, because I view life as a gift. & I am not certain I will have another chance. & even if I did, why would I wish or waste the current one away?

Here’s to being with it all. Here’s to the gift of our full life.

Align, & experience your full, authentic life.

{27} Rest

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Restorative yoga has become one of my favorite classes to teach. At the conclusion of every class, without fail, at least one student thanks me with deep sincerity: “I needed that.”

I pride myself in being a go-getter. It feels good to accomplish my to-do lists, rock a great workout, and “achieve” in any form. However, I find my most fulfilling balance (on & off the mat) frequently occurs when I breathe easy; when I loosen my grip, trust my inner working, and release the idea that trying harder is always the best avenue.

At this point in time, I believe our society admires hard work and encourages a “try hard” attitude. This is not wholly negative – although it comes at a cost. When is the last time you took one full, deep breath? If you were to write a list of reasons why you should go to work tomorrow, and a list of reasons why you should take a personal day – which list feels easier to write? (Which list holds less baggage, or gremlin concerns?)

Especially in a world outweighed by exceptional work-ethic, I challenge you to consider the benefit of rest. I witness it every time a restorative yoga class concludes. I feel it every time I play my “peaceful piano” playlist on Spotify. I admire it as I watch a young man float through the grocery store isles without one concern on his shoulders.

If you aren’t convinced, that’s okay. Make a list of the beliefs you hold around rest. Are they serving you? Or, maybe, dive into the experiment just because: do one thing this week that embodies rest – even if only a 5-minute facemask to conclude your Thursday night. Observe your mindset. Experience your outcome. Decide for yourself if a restful practice may add to your best life.

{26} When is the last time you asked yourself?

External & Internal seeking when is the last time you asked yourself yesandbymarin yesand yes& by marin life coach yoga instructor full authentic life how to live your best life.jpg

Especially in a world where infinite data and resources exist with one click, it is normal to feel overwhelmed with external advice, ideas, and solutions; we listen to podcasts, read articles and self-help books, turn on an inspirational speech, look to friends and family… the list goes on! And then what happens? Information overwhelm might include:

  • Holding excessive information about products or solutions – and as they both have benefits and downfalls, it is no longer know which option is better.
  • Analysis paralysis; failing to make a decision because there will always be more research to consider.
  • Choosing the favored option of the majority, even when your gut disagrees.
  • Standing in the deodorant isle at target for 20 minutes because you’ve sifted through every brand, price, and smell, but still can’t decide between Dove Cool Essentials and Degree Shower Clean.

External seeking is a resourceful practice when used in tandem with personal awareness. External seeking provides new perspectives to consider, offers a gentle push toward your full life experience, acts as motivation and encouragement – especially when you find solidarity among like-minded individuals, boosts self-confidence as you realize why you disagree with opposing viewpoints, and guides your direction with research-backed concepts, practices, and findings.

However, I notice a trend in coaching clients (and myself) to persist with external seeking as if this is the only place we may find information of value. What this often leads to is no solution at all. Why? Because, as stated earlier, the data and resources available to us are infinite; we could search forever and still feel unfulfilled. Because no external source – even the most rigorous research findings – knows for certain what is best for us.

Please let me clarify: I am not encouraging us to abandon external seeking all together. I am extremely grateful for the knowledge I gained throughout my various modes of education – including a graduate degree absolutely founded by research thought, methodology, concepts, and practices. Rather, I prompt us to consider the importance of personal reflection in addition to external seeking – and write to you about this importance because I believe it is not practiced as frequently.

As I conclude this message, I invite you to ask yourself what wisdom you already have. Before, during, and after your external research, remember to check in with yourself: What resonates with me? What is my gut telling me? What would I like to try? How does this apply to my unique circumstance? What is my best guess?

Remember: this is YOUR full, authentic life. Trust your alignment.

Would you like support in this process? Coaching is a fantastic tool to foster personal reflection, growth, exploration, and alignment. Reach out to me via comment, direct message, or at yesandbymarin.com