Living in the In-Between

One of the highlights of every week is my Yin Yoga class with fellow mermaid Heather Berg, of Soul Garden Yoga. Yin Yoga is a type of yoga that includes stretching, meditation and relaxation. Since many of the poses are held for several minutes at a time, Heather provides snippets of yoga wisdom throughout.

In a recent class, Heather mentioned she had been listening to a podcast about a new book called The Namaste Effect, by Nischala Joy Devi.

Throughout our yoga session, Heather offered some great information from the podcast. It was enlightening, and Heather agreed to let me share it with all of you.

Highs and Lows are Bad for Connection

Imagine you’ve just had a big career win or a terrific experience. Or, something crummy happened, or you’re feeling down.

Those highs and lows aren’t the best time to connect with others.

Think about it. Whether you’re feeling exuberant or depressed, it’s hard to open up to others and be there for them, because you’re full up with your own emotional state.

So, when is the best time to connect with others?

The In-Between

There are many times when you feel neither happy nor sad — you are just living.

This “middle ground” state of being is the goal of yoga. Through yoga poses, breathing, and meditation, we hope to achieve calm and peace. 

Devi suggests that these “in-between” times are the best times to be open to others, to listen, to help.

Conscious Helping

To tie these thoughts together, the more you achieve a balanced, calm state in your life, the more you will be able to help others.

So, if you want to be a more receptive friend, parent, spouse, or loved one, focus on interacting when you feel most calm and open. If you’re feeling too high or low, suggest a different time to connect, or do something to get yourself centered.

Because time and relationships are precious. We want others to be fully present around us, and we want to be fully present around them.