The two questions in yoga class that changed everything for me.

And yes, this is going to get a little deep.

Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

In the midst of a busy morning, I decided to take a break and go to yoga🧘‍♀️. It’s been a busy month, and I’m at a point in my writing and my business where I’m waiting for a bunch of things - or even just one or two - to “pop.” But, as I wait for the “fruits of my labor” to pay off, I continue to labor pretty hardcore.

And, as any freelancer knows, getting projects is a neverending cycle of pitch/pursue/wait. (repeat)

It can be grueling. It can be ulcer-inducing. But it is also pretty awesome - this is the creative wonderland I’ve been aiming for my entire life.

Did I mention the cycle is grueling? I’m pretty sure I did.

And here’s the problem: when things get particularly grueling as we pursue dreams, we get tired.

We might even start to ask ourselves questions like:

Is it even worth it?

Should I just give it all up?

Is it time to ‘call it’?

When things get really bad, we might even yell…

I’m pretty sure all of this is normal - life can be frustrating, especially when things are taking a while to come to fruition. Hmmm, I think I heard that in a podcast and maybe even wrote about it once…

Well, I’d been asking myself some of those questions lately, and I thought my yoga class might help as this particular instructor usually sprinkles bits of wisdom as we contort our bodies in various poses. (Allow me to enlighten you while your foot is on top of your head.)

Well, I got to class and was really trying to be yogic and in the moment. However, I was completely, 100% in my head. My body may have been in downward dog, but my mind was in upward spiral.

And then, it happened.

Right there, in the first ten minutes, she hit us with two zingers.

(She wasn’t wasting any time on that day.)

Where is your energy?

Where is your focus?

🤯 yogic mind blown 🤯

My instructor nailed it and (wait for it) led me to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.

It’s easy to spiral into the land of questioning.

And while those questions are normal, they’re not very effective because they don’t really get us anywhere. Plus, those spiraling questions (especially at 2 a.m.) often come from fear rather than the facts.

Those questions also steer us off course rather than get us back on course.

Instead, it helps to pause. Take a beat.

Think about where you’re directing your energy and your focus.

There’s a great quote by author James Redfield that hits this idea on the head,

“Where attention goes, energy flows; where intention goes, energy flows!”

I’m going to let this all sink in a bit, and we’ll come back to it at the end.

In the meantime, I’ve got some great podcasts that will help you focus your intentions through manifestation, plus some fun with streaming, recipes, and a bunch more.

Abbey

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Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash

🎧 listen 🎧

• Unlocking the #1 Vision Board Secret for Manifestation with Sarah Prout. (FYI, Sarah also has a manifestation meditation podcast, “Dear Universe.”)

• The Yoga Inspired Life podcast talks about Embracing Change.

• Learn how to be a magnet for what you want from Earn Your Happy.

• Revolutionary Secrets to Living Longer and Building Muscle w/ Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on the Ed Mylett Show.

📺 stream 📺

• Astrology fans, astrologer Pam Gregory has important information on endings and beginnings in this video.

• Just discovered a great show on the Peacock Network called Poker Face. The show is so good, but it means we’ve added another streaming service to our lineup, which is getting out of control. Why can’t all my shows just be on one service?

This leads me to… the first What I’d Rather Be STREAMING About Poll!

🧳 travel 🧳

• If you want an adventure but can’t find a pal to travel with, consider going on a group trip and meeting fellow travelers. Responsible Travel is one option - they‘ve got a ton of options, including 18 days in Cambodia and Vietnam.

• Happy Birthday to you (whenever it is)… here are The Best Places to Go For Your Birthday, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

• Also, before you book a trip to France 🇫🇷, read this security alert. And actually, according to the U.S. State Department, all U.S. travelers overseas should be on high alert.

🧑‍🍳 cook/eat/order 🧑‍🍳

• I just made a promise to myself to actually use our slow cooker 🍲 this winter ❄️. Glad I found these NY Times recipes (some with meat) and these plant-based options from YouTuber Chanty Marie. Also, here are some “dump and go” vegan Instant Pot recipes you’ll want to try.

• Next, no cooking … just food fun facts.

👔 etc. 👗

• Fall outfit ideas using pieces you already have👖 and 5 Things Your Closet Needs That Aren’t New Clothes.

• Plus… here’s what organized people don’t do. 🤓 (Let me know if “save love notes from 5th grade is on the list.”)

• Have you heard of slow decorating? (I know I have, but I don’t think my method is what they’re talking about.) Learn How to Create Decor That Welcomes & Comforts. 🎍

❤️ on a serious note ❤️

Photo by Chase Clark on Unsplash

Whether you’re in the middle of an existential crisis, or you’re simply living your life and asking the questions we all have - wtf am I even doing?/Am I on the right track?/Where’s the “easy” button?/Should I give it up and move to an island?)…

Please don’t forget the two questions that can bring you back on track:

Where is your energy?

Where is your focus?

And then remember James Redfield’s quote:

Where Attention goes, Energy flows; Where Intention goes, Energy flows!

Here’s to putting your energy and focus on what matters to you and not giving in to fear or a path that’s not meant for you.

See you next time,

Abbey