It’s Leo season! Happy Birthday, you big cats!
Healthy Pride and Generosity
Yes, the archetype of Leo the Lion is brave and exuberantly expressive. But there's an overlooked side to Leo- the capacity for effortless generosity.
The zodiac sign of Leo corresponds with the cultivation of healthy pride and self-expression. When we feel full of ourselves in the best possible way- confident, vibrant, radiant- natural acts of generosity arise spontaneously. That’s the archetype of Leo in action.
Leo rules the Sun, so wherever our Sun is positioned in our natal chart is an area of life where we're meant to develop a healthy sense of ego. When we do that successfully, then we naturally become more Leo-like- magnimous, charitable, generous. Acts of generosity arise more effortlessly, such as-
Generosity with our attention to someone who is lost, confused, or struggling emotionally.
Generosity in celebrating another person’s happiness.
Capacity to be generous in assuming that people are basically good (without being naive or careless).
Being generous in our sympathy toward someone who has experienced loss.
Being generous with compliments and praise of others.
Being generous with unconditional respect for others.
Being generous when hearing another person’s opinions.
Being generous ascribing motives to a person’s action or speech.
Being generous with our willingness to be helpful.
(Thanks to local Buddhist Dharma teachers, Nancy Spence and Susan Grant for that list.)
Admiration and Appreciation
Another aspect of the Leo archetype is the ability to express and create without fear. Like the Sun it is ruled by, Leo shines brightly for all to see without a trace of inhibition.
In its highest expression Leo shares the spotlight with others and is generous with its appreciation, enthsuiastically applauding others for their genuine efforts in creative self-expression.
Leo Bodyparts
Leo rules the heart, the spine, and upper back (think “strong backbone”). This week’s sequence includes postures which stimulate Hridayam, the marma region for the heart, as well as those which strengthen the muscles around the spine.
The recording begins with a brief history and extended practice of Surya Namaskar- the Sun Salutation, a body prayer of appreciation for the Sun. That’s followed by a yin section with reflections on generosity, creative bravery, and appreciation.
Sound interesting? Here’s the link:
Leo: 70 min. Flow & Yin (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/736532720/2579a1cfae
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This recording is offered for free. If you enjoy it and know someone else who would, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$10 love offering, many thanks!
Paypal = shalarain@gmail.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
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Oh! And, in case you're interested:
Tuning In & Turning Inward: A Gentle Yoga, Breath & Live Music Meditation for the Autumnal Equinox (IN-PERSON) with Shala Worsley and musician Verena Wieloch
September 22, 2022
6:30PM - 8:30PM
In person at Asheville Yoga Center
with Yoga Instructor Shala Worsley & Musician Verena Wieloch
All Levels Welcome!
Also- I picked up another class at the Asheville Yoga Center:
Thursdays 4-5:15pm Hot Flow & Yin
Would love to see you there!
love,
Shala
Here's my full in-person weekly class schedule at Asheville Yoga Center:
Mondays in-person at Asheville Yoga Center:
4-5:15 Warm Gentle, Restorative, & Yin
5:30-6:45 Hot Flow & Yin
Wednesdays In-person at Asheville Yoga Center:
12-1:15 Hot Flow & Yin
Thursdays In-person at Asheville Yoga Center:
4-5:15 Hot Flow & Yin
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