The Tug

Hope this message finds you in a place where calm overrides chaos, and stillness overpowers stress.

In a world that never stops moving, where distractions are endless and the mind is constantly racing, it's no wonder that stress has become so prevalent. Stress is a disease of the mind, born from ceaseless thoughts, repetitive scenarios, and the chaotic ruminations of an overactive inner dialogue. It’s a universal experience—one we all navigate to varying degrees, depending on our level of mindfulness and self-inquiry.

The root cause of excessive tension often lies in our inability to manage our thoughts. Rather than guiding the mind, we let it control us—allowing it to dictate our emotions, reactions, and overall state of being. And even when we seek quiet, the mind often refuses to cooperate.

At times, the chatter is overwhelming—persistent, repetitive, and exhausting. I've come to recognize it as a "tug"—a force pulling my attention in countless directions outside of myself. This endless loop of overanalysis, self-doubt, and distraction is the voice of the ego, the restless mind spinning its own narrative, beating to its own drum. Left unchecked, it drags us into an abyss of negativity, worst-case scenarios, and energy-draining thought patterns—often without real cause.

I believe we can all relate to this tug, whether it’s a person, an imagined outcome, a past regret, or a future worry. The endless "what ifs," "should haves," and "could haves" scatter our energy, pulling us away from the present and clouding our inner peace.

The primal cause of suffering is we forget we are directly connected to Source. Once we remember that we are infinite, eternal and whole, we will discover a lifetime of peace and stillness.

~ Kamini Desai

I’ve come to recognize this inner noise as the “10,000 things” tugging at my heart and mind—often repetitive thoughts of something someone said (or didn’t say), a lingering emotion, or an unresolved situation. At times, these tugs serve as distractions, numbing tactics, or unconscious pulls toward chaos and stress—a familiar yet destructive loop.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it offers us the tools to navigate these moments - with focused awareness, breath, and presence, we can step back and observe these tugs without being consumed by them. What is pulling at you? What is gnawing at your heart? Is it something left unsaid? An unsettling situation? An obsession with a person? A weight from the past? A fixation on what’s ahead? When we bring awareness to these inner pulls, we begin the process of loosening their grip.

Lately, I’ve been observing these tugs more closely, learning to detach from them and return to my center. Through conscious breath, Asana practice, Breathwork, Affirmations, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and intentional focus, I remind myself that I have the power to choose where my energy flows. By using the tools in my toolbox, I guide myself back to center—where the tug loses its pull, and peace takes its place.

After all, I am the creator of my reality, the master of my future. If I don’t take charge of my mind, it will take charge of me—wasting precious time that could be spent creating magic.

Humans have a unique ability to exist in two states of consciousness simultaneously. One of these is Witness Consciousness—an innate awareness available to all of us. It is the part of you that simply observes, watches, and notices your thoughts, perceptions, mental chatter, and inner dialogue. The witness is your awareness of your own mind, allowing you to step back without getting caught up, without judgment or criticism.

Although we are not our thoughts, we are the vibration of our thoughts. The energy they carry ripples through our body and being, shaping both our inner and outer worlds.

Absorbed in this world, you ‘ve made it your burden. Rise above this world. There is another vision. All your life you’ve paid attention to your experiences, but never to your Self. Are you searching for your soul? Then come out of your prison. Leave the stream and join the river that flows into the ocean. It will not lead you astray. ~ Rumi

In one of my favorite books, I Am Source Code, Dr. Janette Freeman explores the concept of vertical and horizontal alignment—how our connection to Source keeps us centered, while external attachments, expectations, and distractions pull us outward. This outward pull, or “tug,” can yank us away from our inner peace, leaving us caught in cycles of overanalysis, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. But when we prioritize our vertical alignment—our connection to the River of Light, our I Am presence—we root ourselves in clarity, truth, and peace. Through meditation, affirmations, and intentional awareness, we learn to navigate life’s inevitable tugs without losing ourselves to them, staying anchored in our highest self.

When we deepen the breath, slow down our brainwaves, and enter a meditative state, we gain access to the subconscious mind. Dr. Joe Dispenza often speaks about this, using the analogy of a computer: our thoughts are like programs running continuously in the background. But when we slow them down, we can deliberately enter the operating system of the mind, rewrite outdated patterns, and install new programs that better serve us.

Breathwork and Yoga Nidra, in particular, have the power to shift the brain out of the default mode network—the ruminating mind and space of the ego—and into higher states of consciousness. By moving into Alpha and Theta brainwave states, we create an environment for healing, regeneration, and deep transformation.

(See my schedule below for upcoming Breathwork and Yoga Nidra classes—I’d love for you to experience this shift for yourself.)

True peace arises when we consciously take the reins of our thoughts—affirming what nurtures our well-being and releasing what does not. By guiding the mind and grounding ourselves in presence, we create space for calm amidst the chaos. Remember, peace is not something to chase; it’s something to cultivate from within. Let’s begin today by choosing peace over panic and inner stillness over the relentless tug of the mind.

PRACTICE

Find a comfortable position—standing, sitting, or lying on your back—ensuring that your spine is straight. Close your eyes and connect with your breath. As you inhale, begin to sense and visualize the river of light flowing within you, an endless source of energy and wisdom.

Remain in your vertical alignment and use the simple yet powerful words "I Am" with each breath. As you inhale, feel yourself drinking from this river of light, filling up from the Source within—knowing that everything you seek externally already exists within you.

You may choose to affirm:
"I Am Love."
"I Am Abundance."
"I Am Perfect Health."
"I Am Pure Joy."
"I Am Prosperous."

With each breath, receive fully. Stay aligned, stay open, and allow the presence within to nourish you with all that is already yours.

Whenever you feel the “tug” or find yourself caught in horizontal alignment, return to this practice—breathe, realign, and drink deeply from the infinite source within. ♡