Healthy Lifestyle

Making Lilac Jelly

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There’s something magical about lilacs in bloom as their fragrance catches on the breeze like a memory, soft and sweet, reminding us that beauty often arrives in the smallest moments.

Every spring, I find myself drawn to their delicate clusters—not just for their scent, but for the way they mark time. A fleeting season, a familiar rhythm, a sign that warmer days are finally here.

This year, I decided to capture a bit of that fleeting magic in a jar.

Making lilac jelly feels like bottling up spring. It’s subtle, floral, and just a touch old-fashioned—in the best possible way. Whether you’re new to floral jellies or a seasoned forager, this recipe is a lovely way to honor the season.

How to Make Lilac Jelly

First things first

  • Gather the blooms from your lilac bush
  • Pluck about 4 cups of flowers off the stems
  • Pour boiling water over the flowers to make a tea
  • I added a handful of blueberries to deep then color
  • Let it sit for 24 hours. You can keep it in the fridge up to 5 days if needed

Now you are ready

  • Get a large pot of boiling water or a water canning pot
  • Prepare your jars by heating them in the boiling water
  • Add the strained tea to a separate pot
  • Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Add 1/3 cup powdered pectin
  • Stir to remove clumps
  • Boil for one minute
  • Add 3 cups of sugar (one cup at a time)
  • Bring to a boil for one minute
  • Set aside for one minute, skimming off any foam

Let’s can the jelly

  • Scoop jelly into prepared jars
  • Wipe the edge of the jars and add lid and finger tight ring
  • Place in water bath for 10 minutes
  • Set jars aside somewhere to cool undistrubed
  • Can be stored up to one year (if they last that long)

How awesome is that? There is still time to make your own if you still have lilac blooms! Hurry, go!

There’s a quiet kind of joy in spreading something homemade onto warm toast, especially when it carries the scent of lilacs and the memory of spring mornings. Plus the pink color is just so amazing.

This jelly is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a way of slowing down, noticing what’s blooming, and savoring what won’t last forever.

Whether you gift it, save it, or spoon it straight from the jar, may it remind you to pause and find beauty in the simple things.

Lessons Learned

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They say we often learn the most during the hardest times. Having a total hip replacement earlier this year has definitely been packed with lessons. I have grown so much in the last couple months and despite the challenges, I am in some ways very grateful for this opportunity. It is my greatest hope that I will heal and continue to evolve into the best version I can, and also help others along the way.

My top lessons I have learned are:

  • Letting go of the “numbers” and instead listening to my body. For decades I have tracked my steps and calories to point of obsession. Since I am not walking as much, I have realized that the numbers are not a reflection of my worthiness or goodness. I have instead learned that tuning into my body and listening to how she feels instead of relying on an outcome or goal is way more joyful.
  • It is okay to receive. My whole life I have been one that relies solely on myself for success, accomplishment, comfort and most basic needs. I have learned the allowing others to give to me is not an indication of weakness. Instead, I have learned that receiving from others empowers both the giver and the receiver. How blessed I have been to be shown so much love.
  • Living equanimity is attainable. I chose the word equanimity this year and my intention was to remain steady no matter what life handed me. Despite infection, blood clots and many trips to the emergency room I was challenged greatly to remain steady and strong. Having daily gratitude is what has kept me steady. The intention that I set in the beginning of the year remains possible based on how I respond or react to the challenges I face. Remembering that I am in control of my thoughts is what grounds me.
  • Being more balanced. I have a tendency to give 100% to my work. I thrive in being productive and prior to hip replacement had very little time or energy outside of work. I have learned that I can work AND be balanced in other things that bring me joy.

Taking proactive steps every day to remain grateful is the key. The humbling this has taught me will propel me into something great. I encourage you to reflect on your own challenges and the lessons you may have learned through whatever life challenge you go through.

And for the millionth time–never dismiss what someone is going through because of their strength or project your experience onto someone else.

Maybe the greatest lesson is that my life may be different post hip replacement, and that is okay.

Changing of Seasons

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If we pay attention to the changing of seasons we notice that there are many subtle nuances. These often elusive distinctions are most noticed when we are living in the present moment.

The season I am in.

Like nature we too are constantly changing seasons. We have all experienced different junctions in life; college age, parenting, middle age, empty nest, retirement, etc. What about the little deeper subtle changes that within each season that occur?

As I am smack dab in my middle age season, I am humbled with the changes that are happening. I had planned to work really hard well into my 60’s. I had great intentions of hustling hard in my career for at least another fifteen years. But, my time in this season started to have physical challenges.

Life had other plans.

If you have been following me for long, you know I have had five hip surgeries on one hip over the last seven years. The last two attempts were within the previous three months. I have been writing about my insights and struggles as a way to distract myself. Perhaps it also gives help to others who are in the same boat.

The reality is my body is tired.

The Truth.

I had a rough week pain wise, but I am learning to leaning into what is. My pain is still very present and I have to tell myself often that it has only been two weeks since surgery. I reconcile it really has been three months since my first surgery and my endurance in the patience realm is fading fast.

At my follow up this week, my surgeon was very kind and also very real. He wants to keep a very close eye on me and watch how my body heals with a mindful watch of another hematoma. It was a hard thing to hear when told me that another 6 weeks minimum before I can really get back to my working life. I also realize what a blink that really is in the totality of my life.

The blood clots in my arm are still painful, and likely will be as they do what they do. I am seeing my hematologist soon to address all that. In the meantime I sport a snazzy sleeve and take blood thinners.

The Good.

The upside is I have been very blessed through this experience by people bringing me meals, financial support with groceries, lots of coffee deliveries, and generally TONS of love.

Those things will carry me.

I currently spend my days revamping my website, my Pinterest page and my YouTube channel. Taking short walks when I need a computer break is nice. I’ve been a guest on two podcasts recently and I bake a little on days when I feel up to it. I enjoy days in the sun when it peeks out.

What I have learned this week.

Much like nature, within our own lives there are seasons of blooms and growth, and seasons of dormancy and rest.

I am in that season of rest and dormancy but I trust that with proper respite and surrender, I will soon be blooming again.

Today, I am filled with hope for whatever comes with this season. Whatever it is, I am grateful and humbled.

Looking for Lessons

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It seems that many of us search for lessons in the challenging times or try to make sense of life when faced with hard times. Comparatively, I often wonder if we as humans also look for lessons in the joyful times? I did an inventory on some of my joys and my challenges to see if lessons could be found in both.

Looking for lesson in joy.

  • The magic of nature. Watching things grow from seed to harvest is a great source of lessons. We might give up on the seed, or find sadness when the bloom falls, or have expectations of a great harvest only to be let down. The lesson to trust the process and enjoy each stage is rich.
  • Raising children. There are plenty of moments of joy when you’re a parent. Sometimes the lessons come from the joyful times and sometimes from the heartache. The biggest lesson is learning to let go, which in the end will ultimately bring you more joy.
  • Finding purpose. When we align with our gift and use it for purpose we find joy. Finding our purpose leads us to living our best self. The sacrifice we often make to live our purpose brings intense lessons of grit, acceptance, and resiliency.
  • Simple pleasures. Baking bread happens to be my current simple pleasure and the lessons are plentiful. The rewards go far beyond the delicious taste of fresh bread into the lessons of patience and slowing down. Certainly baking bread is something that can fail with the smallest of errors so paying close attention to the details is key.

Looking for lesson in challenges.

  • Raising autism. I have shared many times the lessons I have learned raising a child with autism. The list is extensive, yet the most glaring lesson is that there is in fact goodness in what seems like devastation. A diagnosis is not the end of the world and in fact, just might open you up to a whole new gratifying perspective.
  • Chronic pain. Many times people, including myself, have looked for purpose in pain. The greatest lesson that I have learned is gratitude. Celebrating the days with minimal pain and acknowledging the people who support you and the random acts of generosity is imperative. Also, finding out that you are never alone in your pain can bring some sense of comfort. And finally, knowing that those who do not suffer are no better than those who do, they just have a different experience.
  • Loss and divorce. Face it, divorce is never easy. Even in the best of circumstances there is still great loss. The loss of a shared dream can bring lessons of self-reliance and resiliency. The loss of security can bring about tenacity. Within the loss, however if we truly look for it, we can find some pretty amazing lessons.

Do you think that gratitude plays a big part in the process of finding lessons? Although finding gratitude for the hard times can be a little more daunting than being thankful during moments of joy, I think it is the portal for many lessons.

Hip Replacement Surgery Update

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I feel like I have done this before….Oh wait, I have. A little over a week ago I had my second hip replacement surgery in just two months and this time it was a revision to the replacement. Another hopeful smooth sailing surgery with positive outcomes was the intention.

Of course the intention of the surgeon, who I admire and believe in 100%, was to remove the fluid and hematoma and get my hip functional. My intention was to trust and heal. Period. Just trust and heal.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

Maybe someone out there will hesitate to tell their loved one how easy they are going to have it or how the recovery will be such a breeze. I will keep saying that over and over despite driving people crazy.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

I knew going into the surgery that I would also be getting a picc line placed. A picc line is a long term IV that basically gives easy access to get IV antibiotics delivered into the body without having to poke often or deal with a peripheral IV. Sounded easy enough, but I was nervous as to how my body would respond to a plastic tubing in my chest given that every plastic, tape, or tubing inflames my skin and I end up being a blistered mess or having the culprits removed early.

The day after the picc line was placed, I noticed that my arm was very swollen. In quick fashion I was soon learning that I had a blood clot in my arm likely from the poke of the picc line. Gah. I had already been on blood thinners so this was surprising and alarming, to me.

I was discharged the following day and ready to heal at home. Unfortunately, my first full day home was spent in the ER with a very swollen arm and more blood clots. It was such a scary and surreal experience. The picc line was removed and what a sigh of relief that was.

I will say it again.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

So I am faced with an impasse. Do I react or do I respond to these challenges?

A reaction is typically done so with force and effort, whereas a response is a leaning into and surrendering. If I react to the fact my arm is swollen with anger, how would that help me? If I accept that I have clots causing the pain, how would that help me?

Reaction vs Response

Even though this experience has been incredibly hard, I still believe 100% that reacting in a blame/shame/anger way is so not useful. Those emotions will not heal my hip.

Will responding and surrendering heal my hip? Maybe and maybe not. What I do know is that my heart will be happier and my mental health will be intact if I respond in kindness to what is happening.

Hip Replacements and revisions are not all the same.

My plan for healing is to enjoy the sunshine and the sounds of spring. I am going to reevaluate my life and what fits into the scope of peace and healing, and what doesn’t. Sometimes we have to face really hard challenges that shine a light into an area that has been darkened for a long time.

Stick around while I unearth some long overdue areas of darkness by responding to what is and what it all might mean for me. Check out the details of the week here.

Hip Replacement Surgery

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I have learned so much since my hip replacement surgery eight weeks ago. Some of the things I learned from the hip replacement process would be expected and others have been complete surprises.

My hip replacement on February 5th was much harder than I anticipated and it has been a true test of my patience and resiliency, so seeing the little shoots of green make their way through the hard winter soil is a good lesson for me to just stay the course. Sadly the course has made a major detour and I am heading back into surgery for a revision and to remove a large hematoma. I will be working closely with a team of doctors, including infectious disease, to make sure I am healthy and healing.

It is a devastating setback.

The major takeaways that I have learned from hip replacement surgery are:

  • Listen to your body
  • Trust yourself
  • Be patient
  • Fill your days with joy
  • Advocate for yourself

I head back into the throws of recovery from hip revision surgery this week so if it’s in your heart to send me some well wishes, I will gratefully accept them. If you’re curious about the details and would like to hear how the invitation to practice my word for the year — equanimity — is being played out. Take a listen to this.

My YouTube channel has a dedicated playlist of my hip replacement tips and tricks. I will be adding to them as we move along this time. I hope you find them useful.

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Must Knows for Hip Replacement

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If you been following me for the last month or so, you know I had total hip replacement six weeks ago. I have learned a bunch and came up with four “must knows” for hip replacement surgery. 

Of course there are countless other things you’ll need to know and anticipate but these are my top four must knows. 

Four Must Knows To Hip Replacement:

  • If you don’t already know yourself fairly well, make time before surgery to REALLY get to know YOU. Learn what you love, what brings you joy, and the inner whispers of your body. Practice how to speak truthfully and clearly to others because you will need to be precise with what you want from others and what you don’t want. Know ahead of time what you plan to do to distract yourself from pain and discomfort. Investigate ways you will pass the time while you are healing. 
  • Patience is going to be your new best friend. We have all heard of the people who recover quickly and without any complications. We also need to know that some people do have complications and hurdles to overcome. Assume you’ll be somewhere in between and get friendly with the idea of being very patient with your own healing process. 
  • Accomplish something everyday. Do one or two things every single day that will keep progress motion going. Take a hot shower, make a few phone calls, learn a new skill, put on a fun shirt, apply makeup, paint your nails, stretch your body, write an email, prepare an easy meal, or read a book. Try to not just whither away in front of the television. 
  • Develop boundaries around the “experts” who feel they know more about your body than you.  Everyone and I mean, everyone will have an opinion about your surgery and recovery. This is yours and only yours so you may have to have hard conversations with well meaning people. It is perfectly okay to tel people that their opinions are not useful. Truly, it is okay. Nobody will know exactly what you are going through so toss out their opinions with the weekly garbage. Again, know yourself and trust yourself to do what YOU need to heal.

Going into any major surgery the more tools that we can have in our toolbox the better we will navigate the challenges. These helpful tips go perfectly with all the other tools we have.

About Stacie

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. 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.

Principles of Yoga

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

The Eight Limbs of Yoga–the Niyamas

Patanjali, creator of the Yoga Sutra, wrote about how the practice of Yoga contains 8 “limbs”. These principles of Yoga have become the map for which we direct our lives. 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.

The principle 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.

What is the principle called Suacha?

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 is 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. 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 old stuff in our and heads and hearts? Feelings like bitterness, old hurts, regrets, shame and even the past. Without all that “stuff” in the way, it is likely you may have some amazing growth!

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

Ask your self this:

What is seeking to be released or cleansed from the very essence of our beings? What mental and emotional patterns are no longer serving us? Is there something 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 the principle of 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
  • To purify the body, Practice yoga for 30+ minutes 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

The principle 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? 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.

This is not a one time thing or even a springtime thing. Suacha, like Yoga, is a way of being.

About Stacie

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. 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.

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies are so good! The sourdough gives them moisture and a bit of tangy goodness.

I’ve been making sourdough bread for about six months and have mastered a few of the discard recipes like banana muffins, waffles, English muffins and crackers. If you aren’t sure what I am talking about the “discard” is the stuff you would throw away when feeding your starter—I keep mine in a jar in the fridge so when I get the push to bake something, I have extra for some fun recipes.

I am a huge fan of cookies but rarely make them because I have zero self control when it comes to cookies. Thankfully I have a house full of people coming this weekend who will gobble these up in no time.

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

*This recipe requires you to chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours FYI! Don’t skip this step because it will help your cookies bake up the best!

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. baking soda

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup sourdough discard

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 stick of butter

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips (butterscotch chips are great, too!)

How to Make Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. In a large bowl mix all your dry ingredients. Use a fork to whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and then set aside.

2. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the egg, sourdough discard and vanilla. Set aside.

3. In a mixer add your cold, cubed butter and both the brown and white sugar. Beat on low-speed until the mixture forms small crumbles. This shouldn’t take more than 1 minute. Add the chocolate chips and mix for another 30 seconds. You can also hand mix just make sure everything gets incorporated well.

4. Add all your dry ingredients and mix on low-speed for about 30 seconds or a few minutes by hand. Once the dough begins to pull away from the bowl, you’re good! Don’t over mix.

5. Make small balls of dough either with a cookie scoop or a large spoon. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Put cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. I have also used a mini muffin pan like this, or in a pinch for time made cookie bars using a baking pan like this.

6. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden brown.

If you happen to have any left, you can store in an air tight container and these also freeze really well. I also love to give a little gift to others using this cute boxes you can write a special message on.

Yum!

Evolving Self-Care

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“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” —Eleanor Brownn

Self care Mastery

Over the years I have become a master at self care and what I once thought of as purely selfish or saved for the elite has long since diminished. When I had my great “wakeup” I realized that self-care is actually a necessity to living a whole and complete life. I learned that loving myself meant taking time for certain things that bring me joy and in doing that, I am able to more effectively give to others.

Self-care doesn’t have to be weekly (and often expensive) things like massages, facials or extravagant shopping sprees. Self-care should be simple in nature and definitely doesn’t need to cost a lot. It might be that taking the time to perfectly craft your coffee in the afternoon is your version of self-care–in fact, since I am not out and about as much while I recover from hip replacement, I have found sprinkling a little ground cinnamon on my afternoon coffee to be a fabulous substitute to my usual coffee shop Americano. It may be that your self-care is gardening, or baking bread (YES!), or a solo walk, or organizing your office, or a long shower with special smelling soap, or sitting in the sunshine, or the occasional binge on Netflix.

Self Care Before Surgery:

My self-care before surgery was long, long walks everyday and vigorous strength training sessions. It was also daily coffee(s), Yoga, and weekly massages. My self-care post surgery has changed quite a bit but I am still committed to making sure that I am loving on myself every single day. When I redirect my thoughts away from pain and towards something that brings me joy, I am practicing the best kind of self care there is. I am no longer taking long, long walks or hiking in the mountains. I am not getting on the floor for Yoga, or taking long bubble baths, or splurging on multiple trips to a coffee shop throughout my day. Since I am unable to do some of those things due to limitations in mobility, driving myself and being off work for two months, I have evolved my self-care to fit my current situation.

Self Care After Surgery:

  • Long hot showers instead of bubble baths
  • Daily affirmations (I have used affirmations for years, but being a bit more intentional about them)
  • Making anything and everything sourdough (who knew how fun that could be?)
  • Dabbling more in aromatherapy when I feel my mood changing to a negative one
  • Using and enjoying my crystals in a deliberate way
  • Jigsaw puzzles, digital planning and a lot of iPad goodness
  • Easy stretching and spine work
  • Making soothing DIY skin products
  • Being creative and productive every day

I have come to realize that self-care is a constantly evolving practice. I know for me that being productive and using my creative nature to accomplish something everyday brings me joy. That something might be baking a gorgeous loaf of sourdough, or completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle, working on a new project, or finishing a juicy novel. Or, it might be whipping up a body butter for my skin or enjoying an extra long shower. Whatever it is, I am still loving on me and that is a must for all of us.

How do you self-care and how has it evolved in your changing seasons?

Follow me for more goodness!

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.

Movement is Medicine

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We have all heard it before, but I am here to tell you there is so much truth to it. Movement truly is medicine in its most natural form.

For years and years I have struggled with the effects of fibromyalgia and I have learned the more I move, the less I hurt. Many people who live with fibromyalgia—me included—would probably rather lay on a heating bad and hope the exhausting pain goes away, but the reality is movement will in fact make you feel better.

When we live the yoga lifestyle and endure challenges like this it’s imperative to pull our awareness into the sutras, or principles that enhance how we show up in the world. For examples, living with truth means we listen to our bodies and only do what truthfully feels right. It’s about not stealing from ourselves by overdoing (or under doing) it and taking away from healing process. It’s also about non-harming and being intentional with what we say yes to.

Each day since coming home from the hospital I have made a deliberate and mindful choice to move my body. It may be that my six directions of the spine is my max, or a simpler morning sequence, or I might add onto my physical therapy exercises by grabbing my dumbbells for some upper body endorphins.

Besides the intentional ways to get movement, it’s so important to realize the simple everyday tasks that count towards movement! Think back to your first few days home from surgery, or when you were struggling with illness, and the small victories that came with making your own meal or even showering! I am so thrilled that I am not as exhausted showering and getting dressed as I was just a week ago.

All the ways we navigate our day also count as movement!

  • Showering and getting dressed
  • Preparing an easy meal
  • Walking to the mail box
  • Emptying the dishwasher
  • Doing a load of laundry
  • Making the bed
  • Walking around the yard
  • Tidying up your space
  • A short trip to the market

Of course deliberate and intentional movement is important, but during this recovery time be sure to pat yourself on the back for the small everyday tasks that require movement and congratulate yourself on a job well done. Try to incorporate the yoga principles into your daily life and opt for staying aligned with who you are, and not what you happen to be going through.

You CAN do this and you ARE doing amazing.

Watch this—

With over sixteen years 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 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.

Yoga and Traumatic Brain Injuries

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A person with a traumatic brain injury can practice yoga, it just might not look like the yoga we have learned in our Western view. I have permission from this man’s family to share a little of his story. I no longer work with him because of the pandemic moved him out of the facility I saw him in. My time with him was a great experience for me and we worked together for three years.

His Story

His injury occurred when he was just 12 years old coming home from a family ski weekend in the mountains. An oncoming vehicle struck his family’s car and he was injured badly. His traumatic brain injury caused a long term coma, loss of communication, and severe body damage. His cognitive ability was stunted to a young child’s level and yet, he continued to age and become a man.

I began sharing yoga with this man about 10 years ago. He never wanted to participate in the group class I was leading at the assisted living home he lived in. He has some pretty tough “behaviors” due to his injury and lack of communication so group settings were really hard for him.

People would often ask me how I was teaching him yoga since he was paralyzed on one side and had very rigid limbs and atrophy in most of his major muscles, and actually even his hands. He has minimal language and was very hard to understand so he often resorted to yelling and destruction. I asked his family if I could try working 1:1 with him. I wanted to give this guy some goodness and show him he had value and he was often viewed as a challenge by the 24/7 staff.

Our yoga sessions consisted of me talking to him like a normal person, sharing silly things to make him laugh, bringing in his favorite color red in the form of balloons and balls to have him attempt to swat with his working arm, sharing wild orange essential oil, taking deep breaths together, moving his affected limbs gently in range of motion exercises, giving him a neck and shoulder massage, talked about the good in our lives, and mostly connecting with this human.

Is this Yoga?

Did we do a sun salutation? Nope.
Did I speak in Sanskrit? Nope.
Did I stand and just guide a series of movements? Nope.

Did we connect in Union? Yep.
Did he experience movement? Yep.
Did we breathe together? Yep.
Did we share gratitude? Yep.

The Four Pillars

Those are the four pillars that I teach and preach when working with someone with different abilities. Actually all my classes regardless of ability have those four pillars.

Connect
Move
Breathe
Gratitude

Last I heard from his mom he was doing well. He is now 45 and still loves the color red.