Whether you choose to or not, you are creating a pattern

'Whether you choose to or not, you are creating a pattern'
~ David Keil

This weekend I had the pleasure of doing a couple of workshops with David thanks to Michele at The Yoga Spot in Aberdeen for hosting. As always, it was great to spend time with David, although of course this time it was on zoom and not in person.

Whether you choose to or not, you are creating a pattern.

David was talking specifically about the 3 anatomical points of an effortless practice but I believe this is true in all of life! By living the way you live, even unintentionally, you are creating a pattern. A pattern that will keep repeating itself.

David talked about practising from the three anatomical points with intention. This intention brings energy and focus. When we move in this way, the impact will be different for each of us but generally there is a feeling of space, energy, ease or effortlessness and strength. Something many of of us seek in life too.

Setting an intention brings focus and energy. Sometimes we need to slow down, set an intention and move or live from there. I love working with people to get really clear about their core values and to live and work with greater alignment.

David talked about focusing internally, in an anatomical sense (although I know he also means more than just anatomy but that was our focus yesterday). We can mirror this in life with core values - they are your North Star. When you live in alignment with your core values it is easier to let go of the 'stuff' that can distract you, take up energy and space. Being guided by your values brings a sense of ease and strength to why, how and what you do.

Moving from the three anatomical points nurtures an effortless practice. This of course still takes effort. Living in alignment with your values brings ease, a sense of satisfaction and more flow but it still takes effort.

Just as old movement patterns sneak back in, so do 'slippery behaviours'. Slippery behaviours are those things that we find we are tempted to do. While they are not against our values they are a sign that we are not acting in an entirely aligned way.

This is where intention is important because it brings focus and energy. With this energy you can live from a fundamentally different place. You will live, learn and lead with space and ease.

What are your core values? Where might you place your intention this week?

📸 taken 2 years ago in Edinburgh after being David's groupie for almost 4 weeks and practising with him in Portugal, London, Aberdeen and Edinburgh #stalker