“We have to let go of the life we’ve planned, to receive the life that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell

Everything begins to gear up in this month. Out come the schedules. What’s important to you? How do you want to expend your energy over this fall season?

September is like a New Year. In many ways it is my January 1st. I begin to look at September to June and check in with what I really want for myself. What are the kinds of choices I want to make?

My mantra for September is “gentleness”. I bring the meaning of that word to the front part of my consciousness.

How can I bring gentleness to how I go about living – and especially to September when it is all about gearing up?

What is gentleness? What does it mean?

Gentleness is being present in the moment and being loving. It is listening to what you need. How many of you stay with the consciousness of listening to what you need?

Gentleness is a slowing down, a listening, and a relaxed way of being in the moment. For me I am appreciative of the moment and aspire to be in my heart. From that place I can access all the resources inside of me and be much more effective in all that I do. When you hold gentleness with yourself, it is there for others.

My best friend, in addition to laughter, is breathing. The more I vary my breath, the more I can watch what is going on and consciously bring in effective gentleness.

Here is a metaphor – if you are going to hold a pen – you can hold it lightly or gently. The writing still gets done, but the wear and tear on the muscles in your hand is less when you hold it gently.

This morning I did my yoga with gentleness, rather than striving for a position. What a wonderful way to start the day! Imagine each “posture” that you engage in today with a very pleasant flavour of gentleness. Watch yourself and the moment expend.

Have a productive September and hold the awareness of gentleness.