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Strong back, Soft front, Wild Heart

By March 4, 2024No Comments

‘When we cultivate a strong back and soft front within ourselves, we can weather the storms of life with strength, wisdom, grace, and an open heart.” -Joan Halifax

I’ve been waking in the early darkness with a boatload of thoughts swirling in my head. With a broken arm, and the inability to put pen to paper, it’s been hard to capture my feelings and sort my thoughts. Hence, the unexpected pause in sharing with you.

Since before I can actually remember, journaling has been a powerful method of processing for me. Yet, I had no idea I’d be rendered somewhat mute when writing wasn’t possible.

Interestingly, though, in my inability to express myself, I’ve found words from other writers and music more powerful. Funny how things work like that.

I’ve been particularly drawn back to a quote by Brene Brown, which speaks to standing in your truth, being open to all that is unfolding before you, while courageously showing your authentic self to the world.

“Strong back. Soft front. Wild Heart”

When I first came across this quote years ago in Brene’s book, the Power of Vulnerability, I stopped reading, grabbed paper and a few markers, scribbled it down, and stuck it on the fridge.

It is short and sweet, yet encompasses how I wanted to live my life back then…and remains true to this day.

More recently, I came across these words again, instead by Roshi Joan Halifax.

Since I’m struggling to articulate my own thoughts these days😌, I’m here with some words by Joan Halifax that have fed my soul.

And a brand NEW “Wild Heart” music playlist that may be too revealing…but what the hell.  We’re all in this messy, beautiful, chaotic, fantastic life together, right?

No matter what is unfolding in your life, may these words, lyrics, and melodies add depth to your experience.

Strong Back, Soft Front by Joan Halifax

“Having a strong back and soft front is about the relationship between equanimity and compassion.
A strong back is about stability and our capacity to uphold ourselves, especially during difficult times.
It means we are cultivating an ability to maintain a calm mind with emotional and mental stability. It enables us to be grounded, rooted, and strong while remaining flexible, adaptable, and open to change.
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The soft front is about opening to things as they are. It’s about accepting life as it is rather than longing or worrying about the future and wishing things were different. Cultivating this quality within ourselves enables us to remain open to life without shutting down or collapsing.
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When we cultivate a strong back and soft front within ourselves, we can weather the storms of life with strength, wisdom, grace, and an open heart. We develop the ability to grow as a result of the challenges.”
Without question, Sara Bareilles will knock your socks off with her powerful song, “Saint Honesty.” And the light lift of Emmitt Fenn’s “We Could Have It All” will bring you back to earth again.  hope you enjoy the ride. xo

Over the next few months, in my yoga classes and “lovenote-newsletter” sharing, we’ll unpack and explore how to live with a Strong back, Soft front, and Wild Heart. To receive lovenotes directly in your inbox, go here:  Stay Connected

As it unfolds, I welcome thoughts that “come up” for you, as well as poems and songs that “speak” to you right now.

As always, I’d love for you to join me on the mat on STUDIO TEN. 

From my wild heart to yours, ox,

Tener

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