Brahmacharya
This week’s yama is Brahmacharya, translated as energy moderation or preservation of vital energy. Historically, Brahmacharya has often been interpreted to mean celibacy, but can be more generally applied to how we use our energy across the board. We can practice by using mindful awareness to notice how much energy we are expending in various aspects of our lives, including our asana practice, doom scrolling on social media, interpersonal relationships, or the food, media, or music we take in.
Several years ago I realized that I was using an excessive amount of energy processing the frequent notifications of “breaking news” on my phone, which was a constant drain on my nervous system. This lead to me feeling continually exhausted and dysregulated. I removed the notifications and it made a huge difference in my overall well-being. Wanting to still be informed, I now try to mindfully look at the news when I have the time and energy to do so with an awareness of whether I can read headlines, read a full story, listen to a news story, or watch it visually. I encourage you to explore what may be unbalancing you and to make small shifts in moderation as you try out the practice of Brahmacharya.
Please join me this weekend for Saturday Morning Yoga at 8:30 AM MT as we pause, listen to our bodies, and care for ourselves with lovingkindness. The next Full Moon Sound Bath will be on Saturday, September 6 at 3PM MT under the energy of the Blood Moon Eclipse in Pisces. In person and virtual options available.
NEW! This fall I am offering The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion via Zoom on Sunday afternoons. In this 6 session course you will learn to use the skills of mindfulness to develop the inner resource of self-compassion and enhance your capacity for emotional wellbeing. Early Bird pricing is available through September 15. More course details are available below and on my website. 12 hours of CEs available. I will also be offering the full MSC course over 10 weeks through the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Continuing Education on Tuesday evenings beginning October 7. More information on registration will be coming soon.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for an in person Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat on December 20 from 3-5 PM at Harmonist Sanctuary, Denver. Registration and details coming soon!
EDUCATORS! Registration is open for next summer’s Mindfulness Retreat for Educators. Space is limited, so sign up early!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Full Moon Sound Baths
September 6, 3-4 PM
October 4, 3-4 PM
November 1, 3-4 PM
The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion
Sundays 10/12/25 - 11/23/25 12:00-1:30 PM MT (No class 10/26/25) via Zoom
Course Investment - $225 (Early Bird Price $200 if registered by 9/15/25)
Certificate for 12 Continuing Education (CEs) hours
Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat
Saturday, December 20 3-5 PM MT
Harmonist Sanctuary, Denver
Registration coming soon
Mindfulness Retreat for Educators - Registration is open!
June 13-17, 2026
Certificate for 35 Continuing Education (CEs) hours
Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!
I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.
As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.
May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️