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This is a moment of suffering.
Suffering is part of life.
May I be kind to myself in this moment.
May I give myself the compassion I need.

Being Kind to Yourself

"We are imperfect human beings by nature, so there is no reason to be so unforgiving toward ourselves."

In her book, Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff presents self-compassion as an alternative to self-criticism. She clarifies that this isn't trying to feel good about yourself; rather, it's about self-kindness, acknowledgement of our common humanity, and mindful awareness. It's also not about self-pity, as self-compassion involves the recognition that feelings of inadequacy and disappointment are universally shared.

"Sustaining compassion for others begins with compassion for ourselves."

The research of Dr. Kristin Neff and other leading psychologists indicates that people who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves. The feelings of security and self-worth provided by self-compassion are also highly stable, kicking in precisely when self-esteem falls down. This book powerfully demonstrates why it's so important to be self-compassionate and give yourself the same caring support you'd give to a good friend.

"Through self-compassion we become an inner ally instead of an inner enemy….Self-compassion should not be confused with self-esteem."

Our ultra competitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there is always someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. And even when we do manage to grab hold of high self-esteem for a brief moment, we can't seem to keep it. Our sense of self-worth goes up and down like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling in lockstep with our latest success or failure.

"We need to turn towards and be with our difficult emotions, so we can heal. Ask yourself, "What do I need right now?"

The 3 elements of self -compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness. This three part practice creates warmth, space and connectedness.

Practicing the three elements of self compassion will show you how to let go of debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to yourself. With self-compassion you recognize you are suffering, that it is part of being human, and you are kind to yourself. Recently, when attempting to help someone through a very difficult situation, I found myself in a state of suffering and turned to this three step process. Just simply, acknowledging and accepting the moment and remembering that millions of other human beings feel like I feel, was beneficial. I was comforting myself, as well as those directly impacted by the difficult situation. Jack Kornfield tells us the circle of compassion is incomplete if it doesn't include yourself. Reflecting on what was so troubling with kindness toward myself led me to two realizations. It is not my struggle and if it is not in my hands to create a change, my mind deserves freedom from the struggle too. When I begin to hold it more spaciously, I understood that my attempt to help came from a good place in me, but was not skillful. This internal awareness has informed how I am present for myself as I shift my intention and attitude, allowing self-kindness to light my way. "Cultivating a state of loving connected presence can change our relationship with ourselves and world around us."

"When we honor ourselves, we honor all those who have helped nurture and support us along the way."

Namaste,
Chris

ANAHATA YOGA
with Chris Morton On ZOOM!

11 Week Winter Session
January 1-March 30, 2024
(2 weeks off, TBA)

$17 drop-in
$121 once/week
$220 twice/week

MONDAY
8:00-9:15am

TUESDAY-Chair Yoga
10:00-11:00am

WEDNESDAY
10:00-11:15am

FRIDAY
9:00-10:15am

SATURDAY
9:00-10:15am

There are two ways for me to receive payments for this yoga session or for drop in classes. My preferred way is for you to send me a check made out to Chris Morton to my home address, 8 Beck Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. You can also CLICK HERE to make a payment to my Paypal account.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please let me know and I will waive your payment.

I sign into all Zoom classes a half hour early to talk with students. Please feel free to get on early to say hi, to ask a question about a pose and/or if you want to find a modification to accommodate a physical limitation.

The expanded size of my studio on Zoom allows for larger classes. Thank you for spreading the word about Anahata Yoga on Zoom. Interested people can give me call or send an email.

Gift Certificates are available for classes, programs and private sessions.
Email Chris for details!

Tuesday Meditation & Book Group

Tuesdays 8:00-9:00am
Virtual sessions on ZOOM
$110 for 11 sessions

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In Person Classes

Do you want to meet in person to discover ways to address an ongoing tightness in your body?

Would you like to experience anatomical cues and hands-on adjustments in a posture clinic?

Would you like to attend a small restorative yoga class?

Are you just wanting to get off Zoom and do yoga in person?

Zoom yoga classes will continue and I will be offering private and small group sessions (up to 4 participants) in my home.

Possibilities include:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Yogassage
• Posture Clinic
• Yoga on the Ball
• Restorative Yoga Poses
• The Yoga of Eating
• Preparing or recovering from surgery

Cost: $100 for an hour yogassage, $25 per person for a group of 4, $50 for group of 2, and $75 for an hour private session

Private and small group classes will require protective measures such as vaccinations, masking, and possibly testing.

Please email or call if you have questions and/or would like to schedule a session.

EMAIL CHRIS
cmortonyoga@comcast.net

PHONE
978-462-3626

MAILING ADDRESS
8 Beck Street
Newburyport, MA 01950

© 2024 ANAHATA YOGA