The Modern Mystik Blog
If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unaligned, out of place, or simply unfulfilled in your life -- you're not alone.
This blog is for those who feel deeply, question everything, and are trying to make sense of life in a world that often doesn't make sense.
I share my stories and the wisdom I've discovered while navigating life, spiritual awakening, and the space in between, all guided by the ancient wisdom of the yoga sutras and my own lived experience.
This isn't about escaping life. It's about learning how to live intentionally, with purpose and awareness -- and creating a life you love!
If you've ever felt like you're hanging on by a thread... maybe that thread led you here.
April 26, 2026
You Don't Have to Believe Every Thought You Think!
Yoga Sutra 1:2 – “Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah”
Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind stuff.
When I first came across this sutra, it sounded simple… almost too simple.
Still the mind.
But in reality, this has been one of the most challenging and transformative practices of my life.
Because the mind doesn’t just “stop.”
It tells stories. Constantly.
Stories about who we are.Stories about who we’re not.
Stories about what might happen.
And stories about what already happened—on repeat.
And for most of my life, I was stuck in that loop.
I grew up with this deep, underlying feeling that I wasn’t enough.
No matter what I accomplished, no matter how much I achieved, there was always this quiet voice in the background saying, “It’s not quite right.” “You could have done better.” “You should be more.”
So I tried to fix it the only way I knew how—through perfection.
If I could just get everything right, then maybe that feeling would go away.
But perfection didn’t free me… it trapped me.
It kept me overthinking.
Overanalyzing.
Second-guessing myself constantly.
And without realizing it, I was completely caught in the fluctuations of my own mind.
This is what Sutra 1:2 is really pointing to.
Not that we need to force the mind to be quiet…
But that we begin to see the thoughts for what they are.
Temporary.
Changing.
Not who we are.
One of the biggest shifts for me was learning to stop engaging with every thought.
Just because a thought appears… doesn’t mean it’s true.
And it definitely doesn’t mean I have to entertain it.
Especially the self-sabotaging or self-deprecating ones.
The ones that say:
“You’re not ready.”
“You’re not qualified.”
“Who do you think you are?”
Those thoughts used to stop me before I even began.
But through this practice, I started creating space.
Instead of reacting immediately, I began to notice:
Oh… there’s that thought again.
And in that moment of awareness, something powerful happens.
You’re no longer inside the story…
You’re observing it.
You are no longer the main character.
And when you’re observing it, you have a choice.
That’s what stilling the mind really is.
It’s not about having zero thoughts.
It’s about not being pulled in every direction by them.
It’s about disengaging from the patterns that keep you stuck.
For me, one of the hardest patterns to break was perfectionism.
Because it looked a lot like discipline.
It looked like high standards.
But underneath it… it was fear.
Fear of not being enough.
Fear of being seen.
Fear of getting it wrong.
And that fear kept me from moving forward.
It kept me in my head… instead of in my life.
What I’ve learned is that sometimes growth isn’t about doing more…
It’s about getting out of your own way.
Letting go of the constant mental noise.
Letting go of the need to control every outcome.
Letting go of the story that you’re not enough.
Because underneath all of that…
There’s a stillness.
A part of you that isn’t caught up in any of it.
A part of you that is already whole and perfect.
And the more you connect to that stillness…
The less power those thoughts have.
They may still arise—but they don’t define you.
They don’t control you.
They don’t stop you.
So, if you take anything from this sutra, let it be this:
You don’t have to believe every thought you think.
Create space.
Observe.
And gently come back to that place of stillness within you.
That’s where your clarity is.
That’s where your peace is.
That’s where your truth is.
And that… is yoga.
Tina L.
Hanging On By A Thread
April 17, 2026
The Beginning Is Not the Beginning: What Now Really Means
There was a time in my life when I often used the throw-away comment, "I'm just hanging on by a thread." I would make light of my internalized overwhelm and that constant feeling that everything could unravel at any moment.
At the time, I didn't realize how true that statement was -- or how meaningful that thread would become.
Yoga Sutra 1.1
Atha Yoga-Anushasanam
The first sutra of the Yoga Sutras translates to: "Now...the teachings of yoga begin."
The word sutra means thread.
A thread that weaves teachings together.
A thread that connects ideas into something whole.
A thread that, if followed carefully, can guide you through something much deeper than you imagined.
Looking back, I can see that I wasn't just "hanging on by a thread."
I was unknowingly holding onto one.
Before the "Now"
In 2004, my life looked exactly the way it was supposed to -- at least from the outside.
I had a family.
A home.
A career.
All the things we use to measure our life.
But internally, I was unravelling.
Overwhelm and anxiety had taken hold of me in ways I couldn't then understand. I was constantly trying to control the uncontrollable; trying to live up to this idea of what my life should look like.
And no matter how hard I tried, how much I accomplished, it was never enough.
Then my body started talking to me. All the dis - ease I was feeling emotionally began to show up as physical symptoms. So much so, that I convinced myself I was dying. I was certain I wouldn't be around to see my children grow up.
Doctor after doctor...test after test...
Searching for answers that never came.
Until one visit when a neurologist said, "Tina, this is anxiety." He then suggested yoga.
I remember feeling dismissed. I was angry. How could anxiety make me feel like I was dying? And even more, how is downward facing dog going to make me feel better?
I wasn't looking for a practice. I was looking for a solution.
The Thread Reveals Itself
Driving home that day, I felt hopeless. Tears streaming down my cheeks, I looked up and asked for help. I'm not even sure who I was asking.
The Universe?
God?
My higher self?
And then something happened. The clouds started to move in an unfamiliar way revealing a brightness that I felt to my core.
In that moment, something shifted inside of me.
Not as a thought.
But as a knowing.
Suddenly, everything I believed about life, about control, about God...wasn't what I thought.
I had a momentary revelation that everything was going to be ok.
It was as if someone placed a thread in my hand.
And for the first time, I noticed it.
Yoga Didn't Begin on the Mat
Eventually, I did find my way to a yoga class.
I remember laughing at the poses, unsure of what I was even doing there.
But by the end of that class, something felt familiar. Not new--like home.
As if I had been guided there.
But here's what I've come to understand.
Yoga didn't begin when I stepped onto the mat.
It began in that moment of awareness.
In that breaking point.
In that quiet realization that I could no longer live the way I had been living.
A teacher once said something that has stayed with me:
"The mat is a place to practice yoga. It is not the practice of yoga."
Following the Thread
As I began studying the Yoga Sutras, something clicked in a way I hadn't expected.
Each sutra--each thread--felt like guidance.
Not abstract philosophy.
Something I could live.
Something I could follow.
Something that could help me navigate anxiety, uncertainty, relationships, and the constant pull to control what was never meant to be controlled.
What once felt like I was barely hanging on...
became a realization that I was being guided.
Thread by thread.
Discipline as Devotion
The word anushasanam is often translated as discipline.
But this isn't about rigid rules or forced structure.
It's about devotion to awareness.
A willingness to return, again and again, to the present moment.
To notice.
To observe.
To choose differently.
This is the real practice of yoga.
Not the poses.
Not the performance.
But the way we meet our lives.
This is the Beginning
This--right here--is why this sutra matters.
Because now doesn't mean the beginning of learning something new.
It means the moment you're ready to see differently.
The moment you realize the life you've been holding together...isn't sustainable.
The moment you stop searching outside yourself and begin to look within.
That is where yoga begins.
Hanging on by a Thread
I used to say I was hanging on by a thread.
Now I understand...
that thread didn't break.
It led me here.
And this...
is the beginning of that journey.
Thread by thread.
Now.
Tina L.
Spreading the Love: A Fun (and Slightly Cheeky) Guide to Metta Meditation
February 1, 2025
Sweet February-The month when love is in the air… and so is the overwhelming pressure to buy overpriced chocolates and send heart emojis to everyone you’ve ever met. But what if, instead of stressing over Valentine’s Day plans (or scrolling through Tik Tok with a pint of chocolate chip ice cream), we focused on a love that never goes out of style?
Bring on Metta meditation—the practice of sending out good vibes like a human heart-shaped confetti cannon. And the best part? You don’t need a date, a box of truffles, or even pants to do it.
What Is Metta Meditation? (A.K.A. The Art of Being a Love Machine)
Metta, which means “loving-kindness,” is basically meditation’s way of saying, “Let’s all just be nice, okay?” It’s a practice of sending warm, fuzzy feelings to yourself, your loved ones, and even the guy who cut you off in traffic. (Yes, even him. Deep breaths.)
This ancient practice is proven to:
• Lower stress and anxiety (so you can stop stress-Googling “why am I like this?”)
• Make you more patient and compassionate (handy for when your Wi-Fi lags or someone is chewing too loudly)
• Improve relationships (because it’s hard to stay mad at someone when you’re literally meditating love into their life)
• Boost self-love (which means finally muting that inner voice that says, “You should be more productive” while you’re just trying to relax)
How to Practice Metta (Without Feeling Weird About It)
Now, if the idea of “sending love” to strangers makes you feel like a walking Hallmark card, don’t worry. Metta is less about forced sentimentality and more about rewiring your brain to be a little less grrr and a little more ahhh.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Love Yourself like your bestie
Find a comfy seat, close your eyes, and start by directing love toward yourself. Silently (or dramatically, in a whisper) repeat:
• May I be happy.
• May I be healthy.
• May I be safe.
• May I be at peace.
You might feel a little ridiculous at first but trust me—if we can spend hours hyping up a stranger’s dog on Instagram, we can spare a minute to send ourselves some love.
Step 2: Share the Love (Starting with Your Favorites)
Next, think of someone you adore—your BFF, your partner, your grandma, or that barista who always spells your name right. Picture them, smile, and repeat:
• May you be happy.
• May you be healthy.
• May you be safe.
• May you be at peace.
Step 3: Send Kindness to That One Random Guy
Now, picture someone neutral—like the person who bags your groceries or the guy who always jogs past your house. You don’t know them well, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some love. Repeat the phrases for them, too.
Step 4: The Plot Twist—Loving the Unlovable
Okay, deep breath. Time to think of someone who annoys you. Maybe it’s your nosy coworker, your ex, or that person on social media who has polar opposite political views. Metta doesn’t mean you have to like them—it just means you’re letting go of the emotional real estate they take up in your mind. Send them kindness (yes, even them).
Step 5: Go Big—Love the Whole Planet
Finally, expand your loving-kindness to everyone and everything. The stressed-out parents, the grumpy cashier, the dog who gave you side-eye at the park. Imagine sending a giant, glowing wave of kindness over the entire world.
• May all beings be happy.
• May all beings be healthy.
• May all beings be safe.
• May all beings be at peace.
And just like that, you’re basically a superhero—except instead of flying, you’re radiating kindness like a human sunbeam.
Bringing Metta into Real Life (A.K.A. How to Be a Love-Spreading Machine Without Being Weird About It)
Loving-kindness doesn’t stop when your meditation ends. Try slipping it into your daily life:
• Instead of cursing bad drivers, send them good vibes. (Maybe they’re late for work, or maybe they just really had to pee. Who knows?)
• Smile at a stranger (or at least stop looking so stressed in the grocery checkout line).
• Offer yourself some grace. (That means no more beating yourself up for forgetting to respond to a text. We all do it.)
• Try thinking kind thoughts about someone before you react. (Like when your partner loads the dishwasher wrong. Again.)
Metta isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being just a little more compassionate—toward yourself, toward others, and even toward that loud chewer sitting next to you.
So, this February, leave the pressure behind and embrace a love that doesn’t require reservations or a gift receipt. Because when you practice Metta, you’re giving yourself and the world the best Valentine’s gift of all—a heart full of kindness.
May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be at peace.
And may you always get the last piece of chocolate.
Give Metta meditation a try and let’s share the love!
💕Tina L.
Embrace the Journey: Why Intentions Triumph Over Resolutions
January 1, 2025
As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, the air buzzes with excitement and a sense of possibility. Many of us eagerly draft New Year’s resolutions, determined to redefine our lives and manifest our dreams. Yet, how often do we find ourselves veering off course, leaving our well-intended resolutions gathering dust by Valentine’s Day? The reality is that while resolutions are driven by the desire for change, they often set us up for failure. However, by focusing on intention setting, we can pave a path that nurtures our growth and well-being throughout the year.
Resolutions: The Trap of Perfection
Resolutions often come with an all-or-nothing mentality. We declare bold goals like "lose 20 pounds," "run a marathon," or "quit sugar," framing them as do-or-die tasks. Although we take these vows with genuine dedication, their rigidity can quickly become overwhelming. Life is unpredictable, and when unexpected challenges arise, our enthusiasm can wane. The moment we slip, we feel like we've failed, leading to frustration and self-doubt.
This perfectionism can foster a cycle of guilt and disappointment. A single missed workout becomes a trigger for abandoning our fitness goal entirely. Instead of bolstering our sense of accomplishment, overly ambitious resolutions can erode our confidence and derail our progress.
Intentions: The Art of Gentle Guidance
In contrast, setting intentions transforms our approach to self-improvement. Intentions focus on the journey rather than the destination. They emphasize how we want to feel and the values we wish to embody, allowing more flexibility and self-compassion.
Consider shifting from "lose 20 pounds" to "nurture a healthy relationship with my body." This intention encompasses a holistic approach to well-being, encouraging mindfulness around eating, exercise, and self-care practices. It supports sustainable changes, empowering us to make choices aligned with our values.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Intentions encourage us to stay present, grounding our actions in the now rather than projecting into the future. By cultivating mindfulness, we become more attuned to our habits, emotions, and triggers. This heightened awareness empowers us to make conscious decisions, reinforcing positive behaviors and gently steering away from negative patterns.
For instance, instead of resolving to "run a marathon," we might set the intention to "experience joy and vitality through movement." This subtle shift alleviates pressure and opens us to various activities that bring joy, whether it's hiking, dancing, or practicing yoga.
Embracing Self-Compassion and Flexibility
Intentions also foster self-compassion. When we stray from our path, intentions gently guide us back without harsh judgment. They remind us that personal growth is non-linear and that setbacks are part of the process. This gentler approach allows us to navigate life’s unpredictability with grace and resilience.
Instead of viewing occasional indulgence as failure, an intention to "practice balance and moderation" encourages us to savor treats mindfully and return to healthier habits without guilt. Embracing flexibility, intentions provide room for adjustment, ensuring our goals remain supportive rather than restrictive.
Setting Intentions: A Practical Guide
Reflect on Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you. Let your intentions align with your core values and vision for a fulfilling life.
Be Specific, Yet Flexible: Craft intentions that are clear but allow for adjustment. Instead of "meditate every day," try "cultivate daily moments of stillness."
Focus on Feelings and States of Being: Frame your intentions around the emotions and experiences you wish to cultivate, like "foster gratitude" or "nurture inner peace."
Create a Ritual: Set aside time for regular intention setting and reflection. Whether it’s a weekly journaling practice or a monthly ritual, consistency deepens your commitment.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate progress along the way. Each step forward is a victory, deserving of recognition.
Embrace the Journey
As you embrace the journey of the New Year, consider trading in your resolutions for intentions. This year, let go of the pursuit of perfection, and instead, cultivate a path of mindfulness, compassion, and alignment with your values. By setting intentions, you'll not only find joy in the process but also create lasting, meaningful change that resonates with your true self.
Wishing you a vibrant and intentional New Year! 🌟Tina L.
Uncovering Stillness in the Chaos
November 3, 2024
In today’s conflict-ridden world, finding stillness can often feel like an elusive goal. The constant barrage of news, social media, and daily stressors can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. However, amidst this chaos, there lies a profound truth: all life is interconnected. By embracing this connection and detaching from low vibrational energies such as fear and anger, we can begin to cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony.
The Interconnectedness of All Life
At the core of many spiritual and wellness practices is the belief that all life is interconnected. This concept, often referred to as “oneness,” suggests that every living being is part of a larger, unified whole. When we recognize this interconnectedness, we begin to see ourselves not as isolated individuals, but as integral parts of a vast, living network. This shift in perspective can be incredibly grounding and can help us feel more connected to the world around us.
Detaching from Low Vibrational Energies
Fear and anger are natural human emotions, but when they dominate our lives, they can lead to a state of chronic stress and disconnection. These emotions are often referred to as “low vibrational energies” because they can lower our overall sense of well-being and vibrancy. To find stillness, it is essential to learn how to navigate these energies.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: One of the most effective ways to detach from fear and anger is through mindfulness and meditation. These practices help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to observe them without becoming entangled in them. By regularly practicing mindfulness, we can create a space of calm and clarity within ourselves.
- Yoga and Physical Movement: Yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a holistic approach to well-being that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Through the practice of yoga, we can release physical tension and emotional blockages, allowing us to experience a greater sense of peace and balance. Physical movement, in general, can also help to release pent-up energy and reduce stress.
- Positive Affirmations and Gratitude: Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our emotions and overall energy. By consciously choosing positive affirmations and practicing gratitude, we can shift our focus away from fear and anger and towards love and appreciation. This shift in mindset can elevate our vibrational energy and promote a sense of inner peace.
- Connection with Nature: Spending time in nature is a powerful way to reconnect with the world around us and to find peace. Nature has a calming and rejuvenating effect on our minds and bodies. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting by a river, being in nature can help us feel more grounded and at peace.
Embracing a Higher Vibration
By detaching from low vibrational energies and embracing practices that promote higher vibrations, we can create a more peaceful and harmonious life. Remember, finding stillness is not about escaping the chaos of the world, but about cultivating a sense of calm and connection within ourselves. As we nurture the stillness within, we contribute to the collective well-being of all life, reinforcing the beautiful interconnectedness that binds us all. -Tina L.
The Cosmic Connection: Exploring the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
June 1, 2024
The Enigmatic Origins of the Yoga Sutras
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali stand as a cornerstone of philosophical and spiritual thought. Composed of 195 aphorisms, they outline the path to Samadhi, a state of meditative consciousness that transcends the ordinary experience of reality. The authorship of these sutras is traditionally attributed to the sage Patanjali, a figure shrouded in mystery and reverence.
Patanjali: Man or Myth?
While Patanjali is widely regarded as a historical figure, some speculate that the name may represent a group of scholars or a symbolic entity from the Patan region rather than an individual. The sutras themselves are remarkably advanced for their time, offering insights into the human psyche and consciousness that seem almost otherworldly in their depth and clarity.
A Celestial Guidebook?
A more unconventional theory posits that the Yoga Sutras could be knowledge imparted to humanity by extraterrestrial beings. This perspective suggests that the sutras serve as a guidebook for interfacing awareness or consciousness with the biological body—a manual for navigating the complexities of the human experience with wisdom that surpasses earthly origins.
Interfacing Consciousness with the Body
The idea that extraterrestrials could have provided such profound knowledge taps into our fascination with the unknown and the possibility that we are not alone in the universe. The Yoga Sutras emphasize the importance of mastering the mind and understanding the nature of reality—concepts that could be seen as essential for any advanced civilization, terrestrial or otherwise.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Universal Blueprint?
The eight limbs of yoga outlined in the sutras—ranging from ethical precepts to physical postures to meditation—form a comprehensive system for personal development. If these teachings were indeed of extraterrestrial origin, they might represent a universal blueprint for consciousness evolution, applicable to sentient beings across the cosmos.
Embracing the Mystery
Whether the Yoga Sutras are the product of a single enlightened sage, a collective of scholars, or the gift of an advanced alien civilization, their impact on humanity is undeniable. They continue to inspire seekers of truth and offer a path to inner peace and enlightenment. As we practice and study these timeless teachings, we embrace the mystery and wonder of our existence, ever open to the infinite possibilities of the universe.
The above exploration of the Yoga Sutras’ origins reflects the enduring allure of these teachings and the human tendency to seek connections with the greater cosmos. The Yoga Sutras remain a profound and influential text, offering guidance and wisdom for the spiritual journey, regardless of their origins. 🌌🧘♂️- Tina L.
The Art of Alignment: Balancing Body and Life
May 4, 2024
In the practice of yoga, alignment is not just a physical concept; it’s a metaphor for living. Just as we align our bodies in each pose to achieve balance and harmony, so too must we align our thoughts, goals, and vision to navigate life’s complexities with grace and intention.
Physical Alignment: The Foundation of Yoga
When practicing yoga on the mat, alignment refers to the precise way in which the body should be positioned in each pose to maximize benefits and minimize the risk of injury. This involves engaging the right muscles, aligning the joints, and distributing weight properly. It’s about finding the optimal position for your body, which can lead to a sense of ease and strength within the pose.
Mental Alignment: The Clarity of Thought
Similarly, in life, we seek alignment in our thoughts. Clarity of thought is much like to the physical alignment in a yoga pose. It allows us to focus, make decisions that serve us well, and move forward with purpose. When our thoughts are scattered or misaligned with our true intentions, we experience mental and emotional imbalance, which can manifest as stress, anxiety, or a feeling of being ‘stuck’.
Intention Alignment: The Path to Achievement
Intention gives direction to our lives, much like alignment gives direction to our yoga practice. When we set intentions that are in alignment with our values and deepest desires, we create a roadmap for our journey. Each step taken guided by these intentions is a movement in harmony with our personal vision, leading to fulfillment and success.
Vision Alignment: The Big Picture
Our vision for life is the ultimate form of alignment. It encompasses our values, dreams, and the legacy we wish to leave. In yoga, this is comparable to the final pose in a sequence, which everything else builds towards. When our daily actions are in alignment with our larger vision, life flows more smoothly, and we move with intention and joy.
The Interconnectedness of Alignments
Just as a yoga pose is not static, neither is life. Alignment in both requires constant adjustment and awareness. It’s a dynamic process that evolves with practice and introspection. The beauty of yoga is that it teaches us to be present and mindful, qualities that are essential for maintaining alignment in all aspects of life.
Living Yoga Off the Mat
Yoga is more than a physical practice; it’s a way of life. The alignment we strive for in our poses can guide us in aligning our lives with our highest aspirations. By practicing both on and off the mat, we learn to live with balance, purpose, and harmony.
Embrace the art of alignment in your yoga practice and life. Let the principles of balance, focus, and intention guide you to a state of well-being and fulfillment. 🙏- Tina L.