"Kindness is Compassion in Action"

-Sharon Salzburg

As we step into this new month, I’ve been reflecting on the theme of kindness—not as an idea, but as something we actually live. One of my teachers often says, “Be kind to yourself so that you can be kind to others.” When we’re always pushing ourselves to do more, choosing the harder path, or feeling guilt when we slow down and truly rest, we’re not practicing kindness or compassion toward ourselves. And when that’s missing, it becomes very difficult to genuinely offer it to others who are genuinely needing that same care and understanding.

Kindness has to begin internally—in the ways we allow time and opportunities for balance, rest, and softness instead of constant effort, pushing and out-performing. Burnout is real and it often begins with a lack of kindness towards ourselves.

Recently, I spent seven days in meditation, and it reminded me how powerful contemplative practices can be as teachers of self-compassion. When we slow down and sit with ourselves for any length of time, there’s no avoiding what’s present—restlessness, tenderness, judgment, ease, all of it. Over and over, the practice becomes an invitation to meet whatever arises with a little more patience and care. This is what I think of when I hear that kindness is compassion in action: the small, internal moments when we choose to soften instead of push, to listen instead of fix, and to recognize our shared humanity. My hope for this month is that my classes offer you a space to practice that kind of kindness—quietly, imperfectly, and right where you are.

Class and Schedule information for February:

• That being said, I want to get the word out that there will be NO CLASSES the last week of February (2/21-3/1). As always, the schedule on my website is a good reference if you are unsure of class cancelations: www.JMountainYoga.com

• This coming Sunday February 15th there is space in my Sunday Reset class at Whisper Tree Wellness in Jay, VT. This bi-weekly class has been filling up in advance for months so if you have been trying to join this is your chance. You can find more information and registration here:

  https://www.jmountainyoga.com/offerings/sunday-reset-move-breathe-rest

• Also, I am excited to have the opportunity to offer a special Yoga Nidra practice at the Vermont Salt Cave Spa & Halotherapy Center in Montgomery on Sunday March 8th! I will be sharing a lot more information about the healing benefits of Yoga Nidra, or Yogic Sleep, in the weeks to come. Please see the advertisement for this offering below and you can register to join here:

  https://www.jmountainyoga.com/offerings/yoga-nidra-at-the-salt-cave

Thank you all as always for your willingness to be present, open and committed to exploring a yoga practice that values kindness over control and compassion over competition. Be well and hope to see you all soon on the mat.

-Joanne