Author: embracingspirit

From “I Can” to “I Can’t”—And Learning to Be Okay with That

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For most of my life, I have been an “I can” person. I can push through. I can figure it out. I can keep going, no matter what. That mindset carried me through challenges, fueled my passions, and shaped the way I moved through the world. But this past year—facing three hip surgeries, constant pain, and now preparing for yet another grueling surgery—has taught me a lesson I never expected: it’s okay to say “I can’t.”

At first, those words felt foreign, almost like giving up. I resisted them, believing that if I just tried harder, pushed a little more, I could still do everything I used to. But the reality of my healing journey forced me to pause.

I began to recognize that saying “I can’t” wasn’t about weakness—it was about truth.

It was about listening to my body instead of fighting against it. It was about setting boundaries, asking for help, and honoring what I needed, not just what I wanted to be able to do.

Learning to accept “I can’t” has brought an unexpected sense of peace. It has opened the door to self-compassion, allowing me to focus on what I can do in this season of life—whether that’s gentle movement, meaningful connection, or simply resting without guilt. It has shown me that strength isn’t measured by how much we push through, but by how well we adapt, accept, and allow ourselves to be human.

The Benefits of Accepting Limitations

Accepting our limitations doesn’t mean giving up—it means making space for a different kind of growth. Here are a few ways this shift has been a gift in my life:

  1. Less Pressure, More Peace – Releasing the need to always push forward has allowed me to be more present. Instead of feeling like I’m falling short, I’m learning to embrace where I am.
  2. Deeper Self-Compassion – Saying “I can’t” doesn’t mean I’m failing; it means I’m honoring my needs. This mindset shift has allowed me to treat myself with the same kindness I would offer a loved one.
  3. More Meaningful Connections – When I let go of the need to do everything on my own, I opened myself up to receiving help and support from others. That vulnerability has deepened my relationships in ways I never expected.
  4. Redefining Strength – True strength isn’t about endurance at all costs; it’s about knowing when to pause, when to ask for help, and when to let go.
  5. Finding New Possibilities – While I may not be able to do certain things the way I used to, I’ve discovered new ways to move, teach, and connect. Accepting my limitations has made room for fresh opportunities.

If you’re struggling with your own limitations—whether physical, emotional, or something else entirely—know that “I can’t” is not the end of your story. It’s an invitation to shift, to soften, and to embrace life as it is, rather than how we think it should be. And sometimes, that shift brings more healing than any amount of pushing ever could.

For me, I have even learned that saying “I can’t” to mowing the lawn or doing heavier house work has brought so much freedom into my life. I never thought I would be okay with handing over the reigns of the lawn mower to a paid yard boy but it is truly amazing!

Have you ever had to learn to be okay with saying “I can’t”? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. ?

Unconditional Love: A Valentine’s Day Gift to Ourselves and Others

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Valentine’s Day often brings thoughts of romantic love—chocolates, flowers, and expressions of devotion. But beneath the surface of this holiday lies a deeper opportunity: to embrace unconditional love—both for ourselves and those around us.

True love is not just about how we feel toward others when things are easy. It is also about how we show up when things are challenging, how we extend grace, and how we honor the journey that has shaped us into who we are today. This Valentine’s Day, let’s shift our focus from external validation to the profound practice of unconditional love—a love that embraces growth, imperfections, and the beauty of being human.

Honoring Your Journey: The Path to Love

Before we can truly offer unconditional love, we must first acknowledge and honor our own path. Life’s experiences—both joyful and painful—have shaped our capacity to love. Every heartache, every challenge, every lesson has deepened our understanding of what it means to care for others and ourselves.

Rather than looking back with regret or resentment, we can choose to see our past as a teacher. What if we thanked our journey for expanding our hearts? What if we recognized that even the hardest moments have brought us closer to the love we seek?

Reflection:
Take a moment to consider: How has your past shaped the way you give and receive love today? What lessons has your heart learned along the way?

The Practice of Giving Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is love without expectations, without the need for anything in return. It is choosing love even when it’s hard. It’s showing up for someone on their worst day or offering patience when you’re frustrated. It’s giving kindness even when it’s not reciprocated.

Here are some ways to practice unconditional love daily:

  • Listen with your whole heart – Let someone feel truly heard without the need to fix or advise.
  • Offer grace – Remember that everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.
  • Be kind to those who challenge you – Love does not mean condoning harmful behavior, but it does mean releasing resentment and choosing peace.
  • Celebrate others without comparison – Love is abundant, and another’s light does not dim your own.

Self-Love as the Foundation

We cannot pour from an empty cup. If we do not first offer unconditional love to ourselves, how can we extend it fully to others?

This means letting go of self-judgment, embracing our imperfections, and treating ourselves with the same kindness we give our loved ones.

Ways to Cultivate Self-Love:

  • Speak to yourself with compassion instead of criticism.
  • Take time to do things that nourish your soul—yoga, journaling, time in nature.
  • Set healthy boundaries to protect your peace.
  • Forgive yourself for past mistakes.

A Heart-Opening Practice for Love

To close, here’s a simple mindfulness practice to open your heart and cultivate love:

  1. Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Place one hand over your heart.
  2. Breathe deeply. With each inhale, imagine love filling your heart. With each exhale, release any judgment or resistance.
  3. Repeat silently: “I am worthy of love. I give love freely. I receive love openly.”
  4. After a few minutes, bring to mind someone you wish to send love to. Picture them surrounded by light, and silently offer, “May you be happy, may you be at peace, may you feel loved.”
  5. Open your eyes and carry this love with you throughout your day.

For a lovely chair yoga practice to compliment unconditional love, visit my new video.

Love Without Limits

This Valentine’s Day, let love be more than just a fleeting celebration—it can be a lifelong practice. By honoring our own journey, offering love without conditions, and embracing self-compassion, we create a world where love is abundant, healing, and infinite.

The greatest gift we can give—to ourselves and others—is love without limits. ??

How to Make the Best of Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Resilience and Growth

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Making the Best of the Way Things Turn Out

Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways. No matter how carefully we plan, how much effort we put in, or how much we wish for a certain outcome, things don’t always go as we hoped. But there’s a beautiful truth in the words of John Wooden:

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

This quote is a powerful reminder that our experience of life isn’t just shaped by what happens to us—it’s shaped by how we respond to it. Challenges, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable, but our perspective and attitude determine whether we feel defeated or find opportunities for growth.

Shifting Perspective

When life takes an unexpected turn, our initial reaction might be frustration or sadness. It’s natural to feel this way, but after the initial emotions settle, we have a choice: we can resist what is or we can embrace it and find a way forward. The people who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the easiest path; they’re the ones who adapt, learn, and grow from whatever comes their way.

This doesn’t mean ignoring difficult feelings or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about acknowledging reality while choosing to focus on solutions, lessons, and possibilities.

Finding Gratitude in the Unexpected

Some of life’s greatest blessings come disguised as disappointments. A missed job opportunity might lead to a better one. A difficult breakup might create space for personal growth and a deeper relationship in the future. Even in the midst of hardship, there are often hidden gifts waiting to be uncovered.

One way to shift our mindset is through gratitude. When we take time to appreciate what we still have, even in challenging moments, we cultivate resilience. Gratitude doesn’t erase difficulties, but it changes how we experience them.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

History is full of stories of people who turned setbacks into success simply by shifting their perspective. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter after experiencing financial hardship and rejection. Oprah Winfrey overcame early career failures to become one of the most influential voices in media. These individuals didn’t let obstacles define them; they used them as stepping stones.

I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately as I prepare for my seventh hip surgery—my fourth in just the past 12 months. Having my total hip replacement removed is not a journey I ever expected to take, and there have been moments of deep frustration, grief, and uncertainty. But through this experience, I’ve also found incredible lessons in resilience, patience, and self-compassion. While I wouldn’t have chosen this path, I’m choosing to embrace it, finding strength in small victories and gratitude in the support around me.

We can do the same in our own lives. The next time life takes an unexpected turn, ask:

  • What can I learn from this?
  • How can I grow through this experience?
  • Where is the hidden opportunity?

By making the best of how things turn out, we open ourselves up to new paths, deeper wisdom, and a greater sense of peace.

Embracing Life as It Comes

Life isn’t about having everything go according to plan. It’s about navigating the twists and turns with an open heart and a resilient spirit. When we learn to accept, adapt, and find meaning in every experience, we realize that things really do turn out best—because we make the best of them.

What’s a time in your life when things didn’t go as planned but turned out better in the end? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!

Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sourdough Loaf

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There’s something truly special about baking sourdough—it’s a slow, mindful process that transforms simple ingredients into a beautiful, nourishing loaf. This heart-shaped sourdough bread is a perfect way to share love through food, whether for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just because. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy crumb, this loaf is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Sourdough bread has been cherished for centuries, known for its deep flavor, natural fermentation, and gut-friendly benefits. The long fermentation process enhances digestibility while creating a rich, slightly tangy taste that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. This heart-shaped version is a playful twist on a classic, bringing warmth and charm to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, shaping your loaf into a heart is a fun and creative way to spread a little extra love. ??

Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sourdough Loaf

Ingredients

  • 500g (4 cups) bread flour
  • 350g (1 ½ cups) water
  • 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 10g (2 tsp) salt

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough (Autolyse)

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and water until combined. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes.
  • Add the sourdough starter and mix well. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
  • Sprinkle salt over the dough and mix until incorporated.

2. Bulk Fermentation (4-6 hours at room temp)

  • Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
  • Let the dough rest and ferment until it has risen about 50%.

3. Shaping the Heart

  • Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn out the dough.
  • Pre-shape into a round and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  • To form a heart:
    1. Shape the dough into an oval.
    2. Use your fingers to pinch a small indent at the top center.
    3. Gently elongate and taper the bottom to create a point.
    4. Tuck the sides slightly to enhance the heart shape.

4. Cold Fermentation (Overnight in the Fridge)

  • Place the shaped dough into a well-floured heart-shaped banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).

5. Baking the Loaf

  • Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  • Place the dough on parchment paper and gently score the heart shape for definition.
  • Transfer to the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake for 15-20 more minutes until golden brown.

6. Cool and Enjoy!

  • Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

Hip Replacement Recovery

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As I approach the one-year mark since my hip replacement surgery, I find myself reflecting on the journey.. This past year of hip replacement recovery has been a profound teacher, showing me the power of patience, resilience, and self-compassion. I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear; some days feel like giant leaps forward, while others require grace for the setbacks.

Strength doesn’t just come from physical therapy but also from the mindset we cultivate. What has been most helpful is staying consistent with gratitude, listening to my body’s cues, and surrounding myself with support—whether from professionals, loved ones, or fellow warriors on a similar path. On the other hand, what hasn’t been helpful is the pressure to “bounce back” quickly or compare my progress to others. Healing happens in its own time, and learning to honor that has been one of the greatest lessons of all.

I believe that beyond the practical advice we are given for recovering from a total hip replacement, if we learned to add mindfulness into the process we will embrace whatever comes our way. Mindful recovery means we look deeply at our thoughts, words and actions everyday.

Through reflection and mindfulness I have looked back at this year and created what I have found to be helpful and not helpful, and the lessons I have learned.

What is Helpful

I have spent the last year learning what is helpful in my recovery. In addition to a daily gratitude practice, here are my top perspective take-aways:

  • Hearing the words “I am sorry” goes a long, long way when you are in a challenging situation
  • Being asked “how can I help” feels so supportive
  • Having someone ask questions like “how are you doing emotionally” can be game changers

What is NOT Helpful

On the other side of what is helpful, I found things completely not helpful. Here is my quick list:

  • Blaming the doctor, the hospital or the patient serves no good
  • Suggesting that I sue the surgeon or the hospital is a waste of time
  • Comparing my experience with anyone else’s
  • Being exposed to negativity and toxic energy
  • Hearing “you’ll be fine” or “tomorrow will be better”

Life’s challenges often serve as our greatest teachers, offering lessons that shape our resilience, perspective, and inner strength. Difficult experiences push us beyond our comfort zones, forcing us to adapt, grow, and find meaning in hardship. While struggles can feel overwhelming in the moment, they often reveal our capacity for perseverance and self-discovery.

Through these trials, we learn the importance of patience, self-compassion, and the support of others. Every setback carries a hidden lesson, whether it’s the value of slowing down, the power of gratitude, or the realization that we are stronger than we ever imagined. In the end, challenges don’t define us—they refine us.

Lessons Learned

I was able to reflect on the last year and compile my top lessons that I have learned. Here they are:

  • Every single day you MUST find joy
  • Learning to ask for help can be the greatest gift you can give yourself
  • Accepting help from others can be good for you and others
  • Practicing the great pause

In this video I capture the details of the helpful and not helpful thoughts as well as the lessons learned. I also give the much anticipated update and next steps for my recovery. Sadly, another surgery is around the corner.

To see the entire journey, click here and you will see my entire playlist devoted to the total hip replacement journey.

February

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February is a month of transition, love, and quiet resilience. The shortest month of the year, it carries the lingering stillness of winter while hinting at the promise of spring. It’s a time for warmth in small moments—steaming mugs of tea, cozy blankets, and heartfelt connections.

Symbolically, February is tied to love and self-compassion, with Valentine’s Day reminding us to nurture not just relationships with others, but also with ourselves.

Nature remains in hibernation, yet subtle shifts begin—a slightly longer day, a gentler breeze, the first signs of renewal. February teaches us to embrace patience, self-care, and the quiet beauty of growth beneath the surface.

A Month of Self-Love & Sweet Moments

February is a great time to focus on heart centered thoughts and actions. For many this includes showering others with love. This is also a great time to love on yourself. This month, I intend to plan a lot of fun online offerings around what it really means to live a heart centered life.

What is Heart Centered Living?

Heart-centered living is a way of approaching life with awareness, compassion, and authenticity. It means making choices based on love, kindness, and inner wisdom rather than fear, external pressures, or ego-driven desires. When you live heart-centered, you prioritize emotional well-being, meaningful connections, and alignment with your true values.

Some key aspects of heart-centered living include:
 Self-awareness & intuition – Listening to your inner voice and making choices that align with your soul’s truth.
 Compassion & kindness – Treating yourself and others with understanding, love, and non-judgment.
 Gratitude & presence – Appreciating the present moment and cultivating a sense of joy in everyday life.
 Authenticity – Living in alignment with who you truly are, without pretending or people-pleasing.
 Connection – Prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships with others and the world around you.

Final February Thoughts

As we enter into this finally month of winter and focus on love, let’s remember these simple ways to practice self love.

Self-Love Reminder: You deserve rest. You deserve joy. You deserve to treat yourself the way you would a dear friend.

Have a Mindful Treat: Whether it’s a piece of dark chocolate, a homemade baked good, or a warm cup of cocoa, take a moment to truly savor something sweet—without guilt, just love.

Gentle Affirmation Practice: Try placing a hand over your heart, closing your eyes, and whispering:
“I am worthy, enough and I am loved.”

What is on tap for your February? Here is more inspiration and tons of recipes!

What is Karma

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“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” — Wayne Dyer

Karma is a concept that is often misunderstood. Many people see it as a system of punishment and reward—a cosmic scorecard that doles out justice. However, at its core, karma is not about retribution but rather about cause and effect. It is the natural unfolding of consequences based on our actions, thoughts, and intentions.

As I continue to struggle with my hip recovery, I often get people saying that I don’t deserve this because I do good in the world. Would I be experiencing this if I didn’t do good things? Is what they are referring to karma? I do not think so.

In my mind, karma is not punitive or rewarding.

In many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is seen as a teacher rather than a judge. When we act with kindness, integrity, and compassion, we tend to experience more peace and fulfillment. When we act with harm, dishonesty, or negativity, we may encounter challenges—not as punishment, but as an opportunity for growth and self-awareness.

A key aspect of karma is that it is not instant, nor is it always obvious. Sometimes the effects of our actions take time to unfold, and they may not always manifest in the ways we expect. This can be frustrating, especially when we feel we are acting with good intentions yet still face difficulties. However, rather than seeing these moments as punishment, we can view them as an invitation to reflect and realign with our highest values.

In our daily lives, karma reminds us to be intentional with our actions. How we treat others, the energy we put into the world, and the mindset we carry all contribute to the experiences we attract. If we want more love, we can offer love. If we want more kindness, we can be kind. This doesn’t mean life will always be fair or predictable, but it does mean we have more power over our experiences than we often realize.

Ultimately, karma is a mirror.

It reflects our choices and allows us to take responsibility for the energy we cultivate in our lives. Instead of fearing karma as a force of punishment, we can embrace it as a guide. A guide that helps us live with greater awareness, intention, and purpose.

As I move forward with my struggles I will continue to do good without any attachment to being rewarded (or punished). In my downtime I am crocheting hats for the needy, making cards for my neighbors, sharing uplifting messages on social media, baking bread for others and generally trying to share goodness from my heart.

Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

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Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Whoopie Pies are sure to bring a little love into your world. A heart-shaped red velvet whoopie pie is a soft, cake-like cookie with a vibrant red hue, sandwiching a luscious layer of creamy vanilla filling. The slight cocoa flavor adds richness, while the smooth frosting provides a perfect balance of sweetness. Rolled in festive Valentine’s sprinkles, each bite is a delightful mix of fluffy, moist texture and indulgent creaminess—making it a perfect treat for sharing love and joy.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk (1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice = buttermilk)
  • 1 tsp red food coloring (this is my fave natural food coloring)

Ingredients for the filling:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For decoration:

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter & sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
  4. Add buttermilk & food coloring: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in red food coloring until fully incorporated.
  5. Pipe heart shapes: Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off). Pipe heart shapes onto the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Let cool completely.
  7. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  8. Assemble: Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to make a sandwich.
  9. Decorate: Roll the edges in Valentine’s sprinkles for extra flair.
  10. Enjoy!

Spring Cleaning

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In order to grow we must first remove what it is in the way.

Spring cleaning is not just about sparkly windows and clean cabinets. We can take spring cleaning into a personal level and clear out the mind, body and the spirit. When we think about spring cleaning for the spirit, we can turn to the principles of Yoga.

Patanjali, creator of the Yoga Sutra, wrote about how the practice of Yoga contains 8 “limbs”. The Yamas and the Niyamas are the first two limbs and help guide us to being the best version of ourselves. The yamas are guidelines for how to operate in society, while the niyamas show how to elevate our inner being.

Suacha is the second Niyama.

It is loosely defined as cleanliness or purity. I believe this is a time more than ever for Suacha. The post pandemic opinions that run rampant AND it being a presidential election year this may be a LOUD cry for a radical practice of Suacha, (that may be a little dramatic…). Sometimes we get so clouded by the opinions of others and the internal response that it gives us, that we struggle to remember what is our own truth because it becomes so muddied with clutter and then uncertainty. 

Suacha is a principle in which we literally clean up our lives, and I believe this all starts with our thoughts. If our inner landscape is a mess, it is likely the rest of life follows suit. Relationships are probably splintered, and our general happiness may be clouded if our inner world is cluttered. This principle encourages us to watch the unclean thoughts that enter into our mind–fear, worries, competition, anger and more. 

Of course this also can mean making time for cleaning up our environment. When our living space is orderly and tidy, it I likely we will feel more grounded and clear. The level of tidiness in our outer world can also make a substantial difference in how you feel. When your rooms are tidy, it has an influence on your unconscious. The less cluttered your environment — the less you have to think about — and the more you can ease into everyday life.

I love to think about a garden this time of year. We might see the beginnings of green shoots but we also see all of last years growth laying on top and around the attempt of new growth. In order for the green stuff to grow into amazing beauty, we must first pull out and throw away all of the old material that is in the way. Imagine if we got rid of the same old stuff in our and heads and hearts? Things like bitterness, the past, the hurt feelings, regrets, shame and the like. Without all that stuff in the way, it is likely you may have some amazing growth!

More than anything I believe, Suacha invites each of us to look at practicing a deep, soul cleansing. This is a time to ask ourselves what is bringing clutter into our hearts and minds. Is it the media? The gossiping and negativity? Perhaps it is the barrage of opinions that run rampart on our social media. The division we witness in our current world is evident as an apparent onslaught of emotions that clog the veins that lead to our spiritual self. And in turn, we have become hardened, angry, tarnished souls with little compassion for each other. Ouch…

This is a pivotal time in our own responsibility to ask ourselves hard questions. 

What is seeking to be released or cleansed from the very essence of our beings? Are there mental and emotional patterns that are no longer serving us? What is seeking to be cleansed on a micro (individual) and macro (global) level? How can we get curious about this deeper meaning?

Here are some tips to allow Suacha to become part of your practice for living your best life:

  • To cleanse the mind, meditate, pray and/or journal for 10–20 minutes each day
  • Purify the body with a yoga practice a few times a week
  • Sweat out those toxins–go for a hike, ride your bicycle, MOVE
  • Doodle in a journal and let your creative side process your feelings
  • Clean your entire home at least once a week
  • Burn incense, lay your crystals out in the moon, diffuse oils
  • Acknowledge all your emotions, positive and negative write them down, then tear the paper and release it.
  • Trust your intuition, it will guide you on what are the best Suacha practices for YOU

Suacha is not a one time thing or even a springtime thing. 

Suacha, like Yoga, is a way of being. Learning to begin watching your thoughts, you may find that your words and actions that follow may be in need of a little cleaning up.

Stay tuned for more springtime wisdom as we enter into the fabulous season of growth!

About Stacie

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life. With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor.

Benefits of Meditation

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Feeling super lost, unfocused, cranky? Wonder what meditation is all about? Do you have to be perfectly still? Check this out!

Meditation offers a wide range of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some key advantages:

Mental Benefits

1. Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.

2. Enhances Focus: Improves attention and concentration.

3. Boosts Emotional Health: Encourages positive thinking and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. Increases Self-Awareness: Helps you connect with your thoughts and emotions.

5. Improves Memory: Supports better retention and cognitive function.

Physical Benefits

1. Lowers Blood Pressure: Supports heart health by reducing stress-related hypertension.

2. Improves Sleep: Helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest.

3. Boosts Immunity: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.

4. Relieves Pain: Eases chronic pain by increasing body awareness.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Encourages Inner Peace: Creates a sense of calm and harmony.

2. Deepens Connection: Fosters a sense of oneness with yourself and the world.

3. Enhances Gratitude: Cultivates a mindful appreciation for life.

Practical Benefits

1. Improves Decision-Making: Helps with clear thinking under pressure.

2. Supports Productivity: Balances mental energy for better performance.

3. Encourages Patience: Builds resilience in stressful situations.

Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can yield noticeable benefits.

Try this simple meditation to get you started!


With over seventeen years of experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is featured on Insight Meditation and all major podcast platforms featuring her podcast Embracing Wisdom with Stacie.