The other day I walked to Kundalini yoga class. I placed my mat on the wooden floor in a small, sunny room filled with people. An older, gray-haired gentleman asked me to move over as he needed more space. So I pulled my mat over a little but left space for the next person on my right.
Even though I had shifted over, the man on my left, gestured that he needed more space. I explained how I needed to leave room for the next person. But he kept talking about needing space. His gestures for more room continued so I turned away annoyed.
As yoga class started, the instructor commented about how the theme for the class was SACRIFICE. And I was having trouble listening to her because the man’s vibes seeped into my energy field and I couldn’t seem to let it go. How ironic that the theme of the class was sacrifice. This made me get side tracked in thought….
Women are socialized to make themselves small.
- Put your legs together.
- Don’t take up so much space.
- Don’t gain too much weight.
- Don’t be too boisterous.
- Stop being dramatic (read: emotional).
People’s energy does affect us. We are more aware of it than we realize at times. Yet we are told that it’s in our imagination.
I felt how this man pushed for more space and it bothered me for a while. If I could have moved over I would have but the room was packed. And I was tired of sacrificing myself to please others.
This made me consider:
- Where am I sacrificing myself?
- Where am I playing small when I have so much more to say or do?
- When am I containing myself to try and fit in?
Once I realized that I needed more space, not just the older man, then I felt my body release tension. I took a deep breath and gave myself more space in my mind. Suddenly the room felt bigger and I didn’t feel confined.
So I leave you with this to consider…
Where are you playing small when your soul cries out for more? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
