It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time. ~ David Allen Coe
This time of year is ideal for getting back into ourselves after a summer season of play, vacations, kids home, and way less structure. This is the time where we reclaim our sense of self and rediscover the aspects of ourselves that support us in our everyday life.
As you experience a more predictable schedule and life begins to resume some sort of normalcy, take a few minutes to consider the four walls, or four main roots of a tree, that represent your foundation. This is the scaffolding which supports all the other parts of our home, or tree, during times of turbulence.
Here are some ideas– faith, service, accountability, kindness, diligence, love, fulfillment, action, compassion, determination, optimism, etc.
Take a listen to this short podcast on how this powerful understanding can bring much stability to your life.
Foundation Essential Oil Blend
You may know if you stop here often that I believe in the power of aroma to shift our chemical response in our brain. We can influence our state of arousal and our emotional state simply by smelling something. How cool is that?
Not sure where to start? Grab one of these blends, take 4-5 deep breaths, apply it to your spine and under your nose and then listen. You already know…now, you just need to listen.
By the way, check out the emotional benefits of these oils:
Douglas Fir.This one invites you to invoke your high wisdom and learn from the past experiences and people who may have crossed your path. This essential oil is perfect for turning inward in the season of more introspection.
Frankincense.Frankincense asks you to welcome in feelings of protection, wisdom, discernment, and a spiritual awakening. This sacred essential oil invites individuals to shed the lower vibration feelings that are often negative and draining. This truly brings our your own magnificence.
Ho Wood. This peaceful oil brings out a sense of calm and helps to quiet the mind. By clearing the mind of anxious thoughts or simply clutter, we can fine tune into the deepest parts of who we are. This helps us to live in alignment with our principles and aspects of our foundation.
Blue Tansy. This one is a powerful aroma that helps to bring out inspiration and the committed response of tacking action. This helps to be more purposeful and responsible, which is such a beautiful aspect to a solid constitution. Blue tansy welcomes in a sense of freedom and sense of walking towards your deepest dreams and desires.
Blue Chamomile.This sweet and delicate flower is commonly known as German chamomile and offers a beautiful blue hue to the oil. Like its counter part Roman Chamomile, this flower oil is the perfect choice for bringing out a peaceful and serene mental state. This brings out emotional harmony and illuminates the wisdom with your soul.
Spruce.This stable, grounded aroma brings out an enduring balanced outlook to life while also giving strength through your wisdom. When we soak in this aroma we are reminded of the rhythms and ancient wisdom the earth offers.
Cassia.This bold oil which a friend of cinnamon is warm and earthy as it invites you to feel courageous, strong, self-assured and confident in your authentic self. This brings an embracing warmth to the confident and meaningful connections in our life.
Petrified Wood Chips. It helps to create balance and offers a foundation from which to launch new goals or undertake a different path. This grounding stone helps to calm scattered energies and look closely at the essence of what guides our decisions.
These beautiful oils and solid gemstones will be a constant as your dive into the fall season of a slower pace, a calmer mind, and as you seek out the principles in which your life is sustained by. To learn more about the principles I have chosen for myself, check out this blog post.
You can purchase this blend here and it will soon arrive in your mailbox with lots of grounding love.
Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.
The Harvest
Hello there!
I hope that you are doing well and are finding ways to bring joy into your everyday life. I am hopeful that as we move into a new season we can settle into a sense of calm and peace. The shift to fall can sometimes move us from the chaos that summer sometimes brings to a more grounded way of being.
The Autumn Equinox is a time of letting go and also harvesting the good that is abundant in our lives while also allowing the stalks and leaves to fall aside and go back to the Earth. With this beautiful and colorful season emerging it is our time to loosen our grip on the focus of growth and prepare to move into a more dormant season. This is also a great time to look at the cycles of life; seasons, months, breath, and even life.
We know that with each ending there is a beginning, in whatever shape that takes—self awareness, growth, wisdom, letting go, etc. We see this so easily in the changing of leaves–the amazing color that emerges following a season of bounty, and then the ease in which the leaf lets go. Watch as they effortlessly fall to the ground to be taken into the loving arms of Mother Earth for the new growth that waits for the next season.
I have been recently thinking that it has been such a challenging time for me since my last major hip surgery. Through that process I have changed so much. I no longer am pushing my body in the ways I once did. Rather I am enjoying the pace that my body wants to go at. I enjoy slower walks and have learned a little bit about being at ease instead of extreme activity. Sure, sometimes I miss the hard push up a mountain or the thrill of kickboxing, but through these past months of recovery I have certainly learned about letting go. And that has been a good thing.
I encourage you to go outside. Take a breath. Take time to look at letting go of what no longer serves you. Thank it for its time in your life as the teacher it is and then release it.
Finally, welcome the harvest that is within and always look for opportunities to be grateful. I know for myself, the practice of gratitude has lead me into a life of awareness that has enhanced my life everyday. Let the practice of acknowledging gratitude for all that you have become.
Life is really good, friends.
Blessings, Stacie
Essential Oils & Wellness
Many of you know that I use and rely on essential oils to maintain the health of my mind, body, and spirit. I use them throughout my home from cleaning, for pain management, energy, sleep, mood and much more. One of my favorite things is helping others get started using natural remedies and plant medicine.
You will also get an awesome welcome package from me, access to my VIP community group, education and mentoring and much more. It is easy to get started! I am also happy to chat personally with you to find the perfect options for your needs.
I offer FREE wellness consultations to talk about your goals and desire for a healthier, mind, body and spirit. Together we will create a personalized plan. Schedule yours today!
This ultra grounding blend is a fan favorite. It is all about being grounded and soaking up that forest floor aroma. The result is a calm mind and a super chill feeling. Plus, the petrified wood stones are soooooo pretty!
Cost: $22
Recipes & DIY
Did you know you can use essential oils to add flavor and health benefits to your recipes?? Fall is such a great season for warm, inviting and soul-feeding foods. Check out some of my favorites below.
I have one more batch of marigold body butter left from my summer growing and blending. Marigold’s are in the family of calendula and both support skin and inflammatory responses in the body. Plus it is luxurious. Let me know if you’d like a jar. $25
Peach Jam
Finally, I have PEACH JAM for sale. Let me know if you’d like a jar of this tasty treat. It pairs wonderfully with fresh sourdough bread, but let’s not get crazy, right? $5
Fall Diffuser Blends
I love the smell of fall and these diffuser blends which not just smell great, but your family will benefit from the healthy supports essential oils add when used aromatically.
YOGA
Online LIVE classes
Following my 30 Days of Yoga (you can find everyday on my Youtube Channel), I decided to offer at least one LIVE ONLINE class. This month I am offering a RESTORATIVE class on 9/18 at 6:30pm. You will simple need a quiet space, some pillows and this link!! The passcode is yoga.
My YouTube channel has continued to grow and you can find all kinds of videos there. Everything from chair yoga to restorative to traditional classes. Plus, you’ll find some bonus stuff, too!
This format is one of my most popular and loved! Just click on the link below and you’ll have access to the online class. Donations are appreciated. If you need samples of essential oils to fully enjoy the practice, just reach out to me.
Are you a current yoga teacher? I am also offering a yoga teacher mentoring program to help yoga teachers learn how to modify and teach to those with different abilities. Ask me more!
Life Lessons from an Autumn Leaf
We know change is coming, so we embrace its beauty for all the world to see. It’s exciting when my friends and I all begin to turn colors. I can imagine its much like when humans get their hair done or change their style of clothing. You just feel brand new, hot, beautiful–a sight to be seen, for sure. When most of us receive our new colors, and a few begin to fall, the humans come out by the droves. I’ve watched so many walking hand-in-hand. I’ve heard many intimate conversations and often witness family portraits. Children ooh and ah about the wonder of our change, and the whole world seems to take a second glance to admire our new look.
However, as the cold winds begin to blow, we know we must hold on tight to our branches until it’s our time to fall. It’s interesting because none of us want to drop. We just want to stay in our spot, high above the ground and admire the magnificent atmosphere fall brings.
1. Radiate Beauty. Autumn brings an abundance of fall colors and textures. The reds, oranges, yellows, golds and rust tones of autumn delight the senses in landscapes and rich sunsets, inspiring poets and visual artists. Take the time to radiate your own beauty and creativity to the world.
2. Connect with Your Shadow. After the long, bright sunlit days of summer, autumn brings earlier sunsets and longer shadows. It’s an ideal time for thoughtful introspection and shining the light of awareness on our own shadow parts.
3. Let Go. Trees willingly and naturally shed their leaves after putting on a radiant fall show of colors. Is there anything in your life that’s ready to be released? Enjoy the brilliance of all that has ripened and come to fruition, but be willing to let go; it will pave the way for new beginnings.
4. Save for Lean Times. Even as birds and woodland creatures are enjoying the abundance of fall, they are also storing away portions of their autumn harvest and preparing for leaner times. Enjoy the blessings of the season, but remember to plan for the future.
5. Find Balance. In a world of duality, balance is key. The autumn equinox signals equal amounts of night and day, serving as a reminder to find balance in our own lives.
Autumn is a study in contrasts, and the result is a rich, multi-sensory experience. Apply these five lessons from autumn in your own life, and drink in the bounty of this inspiring time of year.
Thank You
So many of you have been so supportive of me for over 17 years! I am so blessed that I can continue to share my passion and touch your life. It means a lot to me that you know that you are very important to me, and I am incredibly grateful that our paths have crossed. I believe that now more than ever, we need to recognize the people and meaningful connections that we all have.
As always, it is my hope that you stay healthy and happy in your mind, body and spirit.
Webster’s dictionary definesacceptanceas willingness to tolerate a difficult or unpleasant situation. Acceptance involves acknowledging the unvarnished facts of our situation – the good and the not so good, without judging.
Acceptance does not mean we lay down and bury our heads in the uncomfortable. Acceptance also does not mean we give up and quit.
How to practice Acceptance
Learning to accept the events and situations in our life, especially those that we have zero control of can be a liberating practice. By doing this, we actually create an open space for something new, and possibly even better.
Here are my top five ways to lean into acceptance:
Gratitude. I say it over and over. Gratitude is the #1 way to redirect the thoughts of woes into the actual gifts our life does indeed offer. Gratitude won’t change your negative experience, but it will help you with seeking out happiness in your life despite the uncomfortable challenges.
Finding Joy. Discovering things each day that bring you joy will remind you that even though there are challenges in your life, there are also opportunities for joyful moments. Joy comes in all forms and it is imperative to keep finding new things that brighten your day.
Radical Selfcare. As we go through hard times our self care becomes so important. Sometimes our self care changes as we navigate new ways of being, but there are still many ways we can involve self care in our life. A special tea, a new book, time outside, or anything else that makes you feel special.
Connection. When we surround ourselves with like-minded people we feel seen and valued. The perspective of others and their challenges also remind us that we are not alone, and that everyone has some form of challenge.
Hobbies. Much like gratitude, finding things that occupy our mind can empower us to not feel defeated by the present challenges. Learning a new skill, dedicating time to something, nurturing other things like a garden or plants, are all ways to put our mind elsewhere.
After the last seven months of my life, I have had to dig extra deep into acceptance. I have a little to say about this. Take a listen.
Many have asked and wondered how the ol’ hip replacement is healing. The hip is eh…the arm is not.
I have gone back to work and mostly doing what I want to be doing….however the pain is still very prominent. I adjust things constantly and have adapted almost everything in my life so that I can carry on. It still takes great effort to do everyday things. I stopped using a cane awhile ago because it was aggravating my arm…more on that.
I will see the infectious disease doctor later this month to check status of the infection.
When the infection arose I had a picc line (IV) placed and that caused a blood clot in my arm. Then my body made more clots. The blood clots in my arm have taken up space and seem to like living there rent free. Sadly, after a recent ultrasound it shows the veins are chronically inflamed and damaged from the DVT and superficial clots. The solution is finding comfort and not aggravating it. She suggested not lifting anything heavy or doing heavy work and minimize stretching it.
She also said this is permanent damage that rarely resolves.
So there is that.
It seems my adult life has been one opportunity after another to show up, to be strong and forge through challenges.
I am so so so grateful that I have the strength I do.
They say it takes twenty one days to create a new habit. I am not sure who “they” are but it seems like a logical and probably pretty true statement. Years ago when I had my great wake up and decided that I needed major changes in my life, I wanted the results to happen immediately but was kindly reminded by a friend that for as long as it took to get unhealthy, it would take that long to get healthy. And, it really did.
What began for me as a weight loss program became a life changing experience that altered the path that I was on and opened hundreds of doors for me. I not only lost the 80+ pounds and created many healthy habits I also discovered a holistic approach to living and an incredibly grateful heart.
One of the biggest game changers came by learning the beautiful practice of Yoga. After a few years of practicing I became a Yoga teacher and sixteen years later, here I am. I teach many classes a week but have honestly lost much of my personal practice. I am like anyone else and make a million excuses as to why I don’t “have the time” to unroll my mat or pull up a chair. I decided it is time for that to change!
Starting August 1st
I am inviting anyone to join me in sharing accountability to practice Yoga consistently(again). Each day I will send out a 15-30 minute Yoga gentle session directly to your inbox that you can do on your own time and not have to worry about logging in at a certain time. Knowing that I have people like you counting on me to get on the mat, I am hoping to cultivate that glorious habit of practicing Yoga consistently again. If you need help creating a home practice time and space, check out this blog post.
Will you join me in this habit creating Yoga accountability month? It is simple to sign up!
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 E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.
In addition to teaching classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.
I have been teaching all month long the idea that if we were using a monocular to view our problem(s), we would be blocking out everything else. Including any sort of possibilities of beauty, solutions, hope and much more.
How many times in your life can you recall being so focused on the problem that you may have missed everything else? You might have even missed a solution to the problem.
You may have been following along the last six months I have been struggling with a hip replacement that has been anything but easy. If I use a monocular to stare at my hip all day long and focus on the pain, limitation and fear, I would miss everything else in my life.
Certainly there are moments when the hip is so distracting this is challenging. Even in those moments, I still have choice as to what I focus on. When I begin to widen my lens a bit I can see possibilities, beauty, and what lies in my vision.
How to Widen Your Lens
When it comes to seeing more than the problem, I have found the following ways to help me put down the monocular:
Gratitude. I say it over and over, but it really is the fastest way to broaden your view on life. Shifting from “I have” to “I get” immediately opens you to a better place.
Take a deep breath. Simply closing your eyes and taking 3-5 long meaningful breaths can start to open up your perspective to something bigger.
Spend time outside. Taking a few minutes to notice the textures, colors and shapes of your outside environment can move you from the feeling of tunnel vision to a larger view.
Simple, yes? Watch my latest podcast to learn more!
Habits are often described as good or bad. I say a habit is neither. Habits truly are the foundation of building and creating a life you want. Would you like a different outcome? Look at your habits and see which ones are directing you to that dream, and which habits are getting in the way. Do habits change your mindset? Let’s take a look.
“Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? “
Look at Your Habits
How does your day begin? Do you grab your phone and begin scrolling? That may or may not be a good thing. If you find it triggers anxiety or sucks you into online debates, then it probably isn’t a great idea. If it inspires your work, feeds your soul or informs you with information that serves you, then it might be a good idea. Do your habits feed your soul?
Do you have a habit of doubting yourself? How does that serve you? Is that self doubt fueling you to do better? Or does that habit bog you down where you can’t proceed with a direction?
Have you found yourself mindlessly eating? Is that a habit that could be replaced with someone healthier? Mindlessly going through your day can lead you to a very dissatisfying outcome.
How to Change or Build Habits
Building in a few simple supports to increase helpful habits and eliminate less helpful habits may be helpful.
Decide what habits are working and what aren’t. Are your daily habits leading you to the life you want? Adjusting your daily habits to serve you puts you in control for creating your life. A stable mind and an open heart is available, unless your habits are preventing that from happening.
Creating a visual schedule. Checklists, sticky notes, or a calendar can be a powerful tool to making it happen.
Accountability Partners. Find a friend who has similar goals and desires and use each other to keep you on the track. Relying on someone or being relied on by someone can be a game changer.
When Habits Play with Our Mindset
Sleeping late is fine unless it creates an internal dialogue of negativity about yourself. Evaluating what daily habits are working for you and tweak the ones that aren’t. Staying confident, grounded and centered is the mindset goal. Establishing what IS working for you is the way that you can stay in control of your daily destiny and how this leads you to your dreams.
Not all habits are “bad” and not all are “good. Habits are just part of our routine that establishes a pattern to our life. Finding what daily things you want to do and what you need to do is where you find the mindset to forge ahead.
Bottom Line
Do what works for YOU. Make some changes to your life in small ways and see if you can tweak a few things so that you feel better about yourself, how you spend your days and your overall outlook on life.
Take a listen to this short podcast to learn more!
Yes, that is right! I am a believer in body butter for my skin and it is the only thing I use! Adding in some flower power just makes it better! Marigold petals are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. They also contain compounds that can help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can reduce the signs of aging. So why not add some marigold to my already amazing body butter!
I have been collecting marigolds all month before they freeze outside and infusing oil with them. This has been the BEST body butter I have ever made. It’s creamy, soothing and don’t worry, it loses the marigold smell which can be super pungent. What you don’t lose is the powerful benefits.
If you are not a fan of DIY projects I probably will have 10-15 more jars before it’s all gone. Get on the list! Just email me!
Marigold works best with most skin types. It can help with skin prone to dry spells, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help skin that is experiencing inflammation, sun burn, rashes and redness and even more!
Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, marigold is something that should make its way to everyone’s home apothecary cabinet.
Making Marigold Oil for Body Butter
You’ll need to plan a little ahead for this body butter so be sure to read this first and then get going. The first step is to gather marigold blossoms and let them dry. Pick the blossoms off and set on a cookie sheet or tray to dry outdid, but not directly in the sun. Once they get a little dry, pull the green part off and gently remove the seeds (they look like tiny match sticks). Continue to let them dry for 2-3 days. Grab a pint size mason jar and add the dried flowers and seeds.
You’ll need about one cup of infused oil so be sure to add enough almond or grapeseed oil to completely submerge the flower parts and give enough extra for the body butter. I let mine sit for three days before I made the butter.
• 20-30 drops of your fave essential oils For this butter I added ylang ylang, magnolia and peppermint.
• Put all of the ingredients except the essential oils into a mason jar. Place the jar in a pot of simmering water until it melts. Once it is all melted together, pour into a glass bowl to become hard again. I even put the bowl in fridge for a while. Once it is hard, add the essential oils and whip with a hand mixer until fluffy. Store in glass jars. ENJOY!
And just like that you have marigold infused body butter packed with skin supporting ingredients!
Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.
When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.
Tools for Living with Chronic Pain
A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.
Gratitude
Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.
Self-Care
Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.
Movement
Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.
Reframing Your Thoughts
It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.
Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.
Back when I was young, married and raising three people I was completely asleep when it came to self love. I was overweight and miserable. I was extremely heavy in all areas of my life. I did not like who I was. I was also very unaware at how much heaviness I was carrying in the terms of emotion. It became clear that when you love yourself, you take actions that care for yourself. I never connected that the heaviness I was in my body was a direct link to the heaviness in my emotions.
Losing Heavy Emotions
When I began to what I like to refer to as “wake up” and get healthy, I started to actually like who I was. I shed layers and layers of heavy stuff that was either put on me, or I put upon myself. Labels, disappointments, regrets, anger and so much more. I was finding dark shadows that were lurking in my heart that were asking to be let out.
Besides the practical tools I began to actually losing the physical weight, I also forgave others and accepted my circumstances. I began to surround myself with people who honored me and were good influences to a positive outlook on life. In doing this, I lost so much of the heavy feelings that were literally weighing me down.
Losing the Weight
The practical ways in which I lost weight were simple–I changed my habits. Recognizing what wasn’t working and learning to make a very conscious decision to change it was my new way. I swapped mindless habits for mindful living and the game changed.
Some of my strategies were:
Eating meals on small plates
Chewing gum while I cooked
Teaching others to do their dishes
Putting trigger foods out of sight
Making sure my walking shoes were always with me
Changing routines to avoid mindless eating (taking long baths, going for a walk, learning to garden)
You see these simple changes were to avoid be being unconscious. This influenced my snacking, my portions, and my then sedentary lifestyle choices. Many of these changes still remain part of my life.
By swapping out the mindless munching on snacks for bubble baths or a short walk, my mind was beginning to see the value in me. It is extraordinary what happens to a person’s soul when time is spent consistently alone on a walk. The changes that occurred both on the inside and outside were amazing.
I began noticing myself.
I have spent a decade and a half living like these habits; mindful eating and multiple daily walks. I even became a yoga and meditation teacher. Basically transformed myself from an angry obese woman to a healthy and happy woman.
A vibrant life was mine. Once all the BS labels were shed, I found the true me and I found purpose.
Maintaining a light life.
While I have maintained a healthy weight for over 20 years, I have struggled with trusting my body. The multiple diagnoses I have received and the countless surgeries felt at times like a betrayal. In truth, I spent a solid 10 adult years living on double cheeseburgers, fries and chicken nuggets without a stitch of pain or health issues. Once I lightened up health issues began to surface.
I often ask myself how did I begin to develop inflammatory issues when I was now living my best life? My body’s ability to climb mountains, race bicycles, practice endless hours of yoga, walk miles and miles each day was endless.
And yet, my body was struggling.
I have since learned to accept what is. Learning to continue on living an extraordinary happy and healthy life despite pain.Making daily choices around movement vs sitting. Or ice cream vs a single bite of dark chocolate. And binging on stupid tv vs a long bubble bath. I’ve been extremely happy with the self love I have discovered by nurturing myself.
Amazing how much healing can happen when you say yes to YOU.
Whether it is food choices, walking, yoga, mindfulness or even getting down with lifting weights learning to love myself has been a journey I am so grateful for. Listening to the inner calling of my purpose elevated my game beyond any number on a scale could have.
I have found trust in myself. And isn’t trust a much needed part of loving this life?
Take a listen to this podcast I recently did that expands on these ideas. I would love to hear how YOU have lighted up and lost heaviness.
You have certainly heard the term “good vibes only”, right? I actually have a T-shirt that says it! Learning how to raise your vibration and live at a higher state of being is not easier than you might think. In fact with some simple adjustments to your attitudes, behaviors and choices you could easily raise your vibration and live in the good vibes only place.
What Does Raising Your Vibration Mean?
Just as music has various pitches and frequencies, we, too, emit vibrations that affect our mood, health, and overall wellbeing. Raising your vibration means increasing your frequency to a more positive, healthier level. Everything in the universe, including us, is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies.
The Scale of Vibration Frequencies
The lower end of the scale includes emotions like fear, anger, guilt, shame, grief and sadness. Mid range emotions are things like contentment, courage, willingness, and neutrality. Higher frequencies include emotions like love, peace, joy, happiness, and gratitude.
As we go about our days the more we tend to land in the mid and upper frequencies the better we will feel and the higher our vibration will consistently remain.
How to Raise Your Vibration
There are several natural ways to raise your frequency and like anything, the more we practice the easier it becomes to consistently be in the “good vibes” zone.
Connect with Nature
Spending time in the great outdoors, or even tending to houseplants, can raise your vibration. Being with living things like trees, flowers, grasses, plants and animals provides an unparalleled source of high frequencies. Being exposed to the pure essence of life can do wonders for your frequency.
Change Your Thinking
Using positive affirmations, redirecting your thoughts from negativity to positivity, and becoming mindful of your everyday thoughts is a great starting point to raising your vibration. A gratitude practice has been shown to be a great source of wellbeing and can increase your vibration in a very short time. Also limiting negative influences can have a powerful impact on your thinking.
Movement
Consistently moving your body can positively impact your vibration.Exercise plays a critical role in stress management and as a result, when we are less stressed we are more resilient to the usual triggers that might shift us into fear and other low end frequencies. Regular physical movement can help clear mental clutter, allowing for a more focused and positive mindset.
Aromatherapy and Colors
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, typically essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Different scents have different effects; for example, lavender can be calming and relaxing, helping to reduce stress and elevate your vibration. Citrus scents, like orange or lemon, are known for their uplifting and energizing properties. I often say the plants that become oils that grow close to the ground will be calming. The plants that are higher up on the tree, typically elevate our mood and help us to feel higher up on the frequency scale. Likewise colors can impact your mood and energy. Colors are light of varying wavelengths; each color has a unique vibrational frequency. Bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, and red are often associated with energy, joy, and vitality, whereas cooler colors like blue and green are linked to calmness, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Feeding Your Body Well
Choosing to eat healthy and fresh foods are a great option for raising your frequency. The fresh plants that you eat are high-vibrational foods as they are those that are alive and full of natural energy. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed and packages foods have lost that vibrational essence and as a result can bring us down as they can contribute to feelings of lethargy and negativity due to the lack of nutritional value.
Want to learn a little more? This short YouTube video is a brief introduction to how to raise your vibrational frequency! Listen and let me know what you think!
Authenticity has been on my mind for the last few weeks. I often ask myself how authencity shows up in my daily choices, especially lately.
Am I trying hard to be something I am not? Am I revealing the honest parts of myself?
Truth is I have been emotionally absent to many for quite some time. I haven’t taught my special students with dementia since January. I have been unable to host yoga in my studio and feel that human connection until just very recently.
I find myself overwhelmed with the demands of each day while simply trying to heal. The healing process has been so challenging and energetically consuming.
You might see that I am doing work, or creating things, and continuing on “as if”.
Truth is, the “as if” is what helps me cope. The major lifestyle change and everyday pain I experience overcomes me. The effects of the surgeries and medications are grueling. Every little task takes so much effort.
Each day I choose to function as best I can and put in a solid amount of time “working “ on other areas of my business and finding things that bring me joy.
By 2pm everyday I am shutting down. I don’t engage much with the world as I am trying my hardest to simple exist without agony.
From the outside looking in, I appear that I am doing so well. The inside however is grieving and scared.
Each invite is an emotional negotiation. If I say yes, I am risking overwhelm. If I say no, I am risking loss.
I want you to know I am sorry. I am simple acknowledging it and not justifying it.
I am truly doing my best. I am being my true self.
