“Karuna” is a Sanskrit word often translated as compassion or empathy, particularly for the suffering of others. It is a central concept in several Eastern teachings and traditions. Karuna goes beyond pity or sympathy; it involves a deep connection and a genuine wish to help ease the pain or difficulties of others. It is often referred to as “compassion in action” because it includes not just the feeling of compassion, but the active part of demonstrating compassion.
This month in all of my yoga classes we are going to be focused on this concept as we strive to serve others.
Here are 10 examples of practicing or embodying karuna:
1. Providing Comfort to the Grieving
Sitting with someone who has experienced a loss, listening to their pain without judgment or trying to “fix” it.
2. Offering Support to the Ill
Volunteering at a hospital, Assited living home or hospice to provide companionship or practical help to patients and their families.
3. Advocating for Social Justice
Speaking up against injustices, such as discrimination or inequality, to alleviate the suffering of marginalized groups.
4. Feeding the Hungry
Donating meals or volunteering at a soup kitchen to ensure no one goes hungry.
5. Helping Someone in Crisis
Offering emotional or practical assistance to a friend or stranger going through a difficult time, such as homelessness, mental health struggles, or financial hardship.
Engaging in meditation to cultivate goodwill and compassion for yourself, loved ones, neutral people, and even those who may have caused harm.
7. Forgiving Someone Who Hurt You
Letting go of resentment and extending understanding or forgiveness, knowing that harboring anger can perpetuate suffering for both sides.
8. Caring for Animals
Adopting or rescuing animals in need, or supporting sanctuaries and organizations dedicated to their well-being.
9. Protecting the Environment
Taking action to preserve nature by reducing waste, planting trees, or joining efforts to mitigate climate change, acknowledging the suffering caused by environmental degradation.
10. Practicing Active Listening
Listening with full presence to someone who needs to share their story, showing understanding and validation of their feelings.
These are just a few simples acts to embody karuna by addressing suffering with kindness, understanding, and a desire to alleviate it.
Karuna is not limited to specific actions but extends to a mental and emotional state of being that influences how one views and interacts with the world. It emphasizes the interconnection of all beings and the ethical responsibility to act with kindness and care.
Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cranberries, creating a bright and flavorful preserve with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. This jam is enhanced with warming spices, making it an ideal spread for the holiday season.
The jam can be spread on toast, served with cheeses, or used as a topping for desserts like cakes and ice cream. It’s often packaged as a thoughtful gift during the holiday season, making it a popular homemade treat for Christmas celebrations.
Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
5 cups granulated sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (helps balance the tartness)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for extra citrusy depth)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added warmth)
Instructions:
Prepare the fruit:
Thaw the frozen strawberries.
Rinse the cranberries
Puree the strawberries with the cranberries using a food processor. I found added both fruit helped the cranberries puree a little easier.
Cook the fruit:
In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries and cranberries. Add the sugar. Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil.
Once the mixture starts to simmer, add the spices.
Add the sugar and spices:
Stir in the , cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest (if using). Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The mixture will start to thicken as it cooks down.
Remove from the heat and add the fruit pectin.
Cook the jam:
Let the jam return to a boil for another minute, stirring constantly. .
Add vanilla extract (optional):
Once the jam has boiled, stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor boost.
Jar the jam:
Sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or by running them through a dishwasher cycle.
Carefully spoon the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth before sealing the jars with lids.
Seal and cool:
If you want to preserve the jam long-term, you can process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure they seal properly. Alternatively, you can store the jam in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks or freeze it for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
Spread on toast or scones for a festive breakfast or brunch.
Use as a topping for cream cheese or goat cheese on crackers for a holiday appetizer.
Spoon over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a delicious dessert.
This Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam is a perfect homemade gift, too. It captures the flavors of the season and adds a personal, heartfelt touch to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy!
Giving a gift from a small business is giving a gift twice. – Anonymous
It is such a special treat to receive a handmade gift and I am thrilled to have put together a variety of my favorites things to make and use. Also, two of my most popular yoga and wellness offerings are also listed. If you would rather give a gift certificate and allow the recipient of your generosity to choose what he/she would like, please just reach out to me. I cannot wait for your loved ones to get some of these unique items.
Gratitude Essential Oil Blend
$22
This perfectly crafted blend is my most popular mingling of aroma and gemstones. This wonderful scent will instantly shift your mood towards a place of abundance and gratitude. Apply to the wrists, behind the ears and on the heart.
Siberian fir helps in breaking negative emotional and spiritual patterns
Frankincense raises awareness and helps to shine your bright light
Grapefruit teaches us to appreciate who we are
Wild Orange brings abundance, a bright future and gladness to the heart
Geranium is heart opening and helps one to feel security in what you do have
Clove instills personal power and a sense of protection and integrity
Amber chips are a fossilized tree resin. Amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. This stone holds the protective energy of our beloved trees, the guardians of Earth. Amber helps to alleviate stress. Amber clears depression, stimulates the intellect and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages decision-making, spontaneity and brings wisdom, balance and patience.
Aromatherapy Bath Salts
$7
These gorgeous tubes make great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or special offerings for loved ones. Each tube is filled with epsom salt, lavender petals and soothing essential oils to bring a spa like experience for the lucky recipient. One tube will fill one or two baths.
This year I added FRESH lavender petals to the bath salts and the aroma is so good!
Woodsy Beard Oil
$20
Give the men in your life this wonderful, woodsy beard oil. It will be grounding and spicy and make their stubble feel soft and shiny.
Bath Fizzies
$20 for 10 Fizzies
There is nothing like sinking into a tub with a hot bubbly tub with fizzing bath bombs. If you know me well, it is my ultimate form of self-care. I have mastered the bath bomb and have found the perfect combination for a deep relaxation for the body. These smell amazing and are also so good for the skin and detoxing the body.
Custom Essential Oil Blend
$22
Do you have a special person in mind that would love a little remedy to help them sleep? Maybe manage some aches and pains? Boost immunity? Feel calm and centered? When you purchase this, you and I will chat and find the perfect blend for your loved one!
Body Butter
$25
This fan favorite is a popular gift for anyone! Handmade with natural shea butter and pure essential oils this creamy skin soothing butter is the perfect gift. Not only does this smell amazing but it is a completely natural and skin loving cream that makes the skin feel so soft.
This year I have three different varieties of body butter available!
Marigold Infused Body Butter
Marigolds are a relative to the ever popular calendula flower which is known for its skin healing properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh marigold petals the body butter comes out silky, creamy and ultra soothing for skin. I added Wild orange, Grapefruit, Siam wood, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Green mandarin other pure essential oils.
Geranium Infused Body Butter
Geraniums are commonly referred to as poor man’s rose, both of which are known for their skin healing properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh geranium petals the body butter comes out smooth, creamy and so soft. To enhance the floral theme, I added pure magnolia, jasmine, and geranium essential oils.
Lavender Infused Body Butter
Lavender is known for its soothing and calming properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh lavender blooms the body butter is perfect for a bedtime application to support sleep. Lavender is also one of the most calming plants so this is a great choice for any skin issues or simply to help dryness. To enhance the lavender, I added pure lavender essential oil.
Christmas Spread
$5
Christmas Spread is a fruit spread made with cranberries, strawberries, oranges, and wonderful spices. What a bountiful flavor of the holiday season in every bite! Perfect for toast, cheesecake, Brie cheee or homemade waffles.
I also have a limited quantity of Palisade Peach Jam!
$5/jar $3/half-size jar
Potpourri Simmer Pot
$8
A potpourri simmer pot is a natural, fragrant way to freshen up your home by simmering aromatic ingredients in water on the stove. As it heats, the ingredients release their scent, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These simmer pots are made of citrus peels, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
How to Order
To simplify the process of ordering, simply email me below (or you can text me) and tell me which items you would like and if you will be picking them up, or if you’d like me to ship them. I will email you back a confirmation and a total. You can use venmo, Zelle, PayPal or good old fashioned cash.
So many of you have been so supportive of me over the 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 in my life 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.
I realized once again today that in this great online world it’s hard to really know someone. We see their passions; perhaps perfectly curated food or vacation photos, and we see snippets of the person that they are, but can we really know someone and their quirks through an online platform?
Clearly, I love yoga, natural options like essential oils, inspirational events and situations, brain injuries and much more. I’d like to share a little more with you about myself.
Let’s get a little bit personal for a bit.
I have a love affair with smashed-nosed dogs (pugs, Boston’s, bulldogs, boxers). I can’t help myself.
It hurts my heart to see others not valued for who they are, especially those with disabilities.
My favorite color is any shade of orange, I’ve even had an orange car! (I had a VW beetle with three little kids—what was I thinking?)
I collect crystals and if you came to my house, you’d find them everywhere (even in most of the window sills). My sweet little granddaughters carry their own all around and it warms my heart.
I can’t stand unloading the dishwasher but I love cleaning the kitchen floor.
Walking is how I manage pain, stress and general life stuff. I average around 18,000 steps a day.
I technically have four paid jobs that I juggle each day (I teach yoga and adaptive yoga, I teach wellness and essential oil education, I am a provider for my daughter with special needs, I take care of my mom’s billing business, and I am always a mom to my girl. And, I am the best unpaid MayMay to some sweet littles!
Being outside is imperative to my health. I walk outside 99.9% of the days. I can’t do frigid wind chill, but I am up for bundling up any time to walk. It’s where I connect. Nature feeds me and it’s also where I have learned to listen.
About 20 years ago I decided that I was so done being overweight so I changed my habits, starting walking and eating better, healed my inner world and lost all the weight. At one point I weighed 100 pounds more than I do now.
I believe we are all here to make the world better and kinder. So simple.
I also love teaching others how to find their values and principles to navigating life. When I am living in these values I am aligned and in the flow. When I venture away from these I find myself lost and struggling.
1. Faith (in my purpose, in other people, in life) 2. Service (to do something without personal gain) 3. Kindness (simple…just be kind) 4. Acceptance (for everything) 5. Diligence (don’t half ass things or put things off) 6. Action (this is always necessary for success) 7. Awareness (be awake to life’s simplest things) 8. Belief (a deep knowing which is empowering) 9. Fulfillment (each choice is to support the good) 10. Love (act in alignment with my heart)
Have you taken the Clifton Strength Finder test?
Here are my top 5 strengths and how they show up in my life!
I have found it FASCINATING and can see how they all have influenced my business and personal decisions.
Belief—I have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values my life purpose has emerged. I can see now how this #1 also played a negative role in my marriage. I was unable to bend when I needed to and see someone else’s perspective. My work HAS to be meaningful or I either.
Responsibility—If I say I am going to do something, I will do it. I am commuted to values like honesty and loyalty. Sometimes this strength gets in the way of my ability to relax because I feel so much responsibility for getting things accomplished.
Connectedness—I have faith in the connectedness of all things. I am able to link people and lessons and experiences and outcomes. I am not a big believer in coincidence as I believe everything that happens has a reason. This has served me well in my own personal struggles as well as my business.
Discipline — I enjoy order and thrive when things are such. I love routine and predictability. When my kids were little I even color coded legos…a tad extreme I get it, but I thrive when things are in order. I also am very disciplined with my body and workouts. I hold myself to a super high standard of keeping my word to myself. Uummm, see responsibility above.
Focus— They say people with this strength can take directions, take action and follow through. I definitely thrive when I have accomplished what I set out to do. In fact, prioritizing what needs to be done and doing it first has been a stickler in many of my relationships where someone else may prefer to play first then check off the list.
Woven Together
Crazy how they are all interwoven for me! My main domain is in the executing realm so basically I get stuff done and believe strongly in living that way. Can you see how that might negatively influence a relationship? Over the years I have learned to channel these more into the business world and I am able to deliver my beliefs in a softer more palatable way for others.
Wanna know my bottom two? Individualization which basically means that I am unable to pick our unique things about people because I believe so strongly in we are all equal. There is that belief thing again. The next to bottom strength is competition. It means nothing to me. I could literally care less if I am first or better.
I think it is so cool to sit with yourself and learn about YOU. For decades I didn’t like who I was so even the willingness to look inward was terrifying. No more!
“Karuna” is a Sanskrit word meaning “compassion” or “empathetic compassion.” It is a core concept representing the deep empathy and kindness one feels toward the suffering of others, accompanied by a sincere wish to alleviate that suffering. We need to normalize kindness.
Karuna goes beyond sympathy—it is an active, heartfelt compassion that motivates one to take compassionate ACTIONS. It is normalizing acts of kindness for all.
I have some BIG ideas brewing for a “Coalition of Kindness”.
A “Coalition for Kindness” will be a small group of individuals united by a shared commitment to fostering compassion, empathy, and positive actions within their community. This coalition comes together to support each other in practicing kindness, encourage acts of generosity, and create a ripple effect of goodwill. It’s a collaborative effort, where each person contributes to the collective mission of spreading kindness, whether through small, intentional acts, community service, or simply by inspiring others to treat people and the environment with respect and care.
Buckle up kids, Karuna and compassion is action is coming for you.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melodie Beattie
Dear Friends,
This is a special time of year when we find ourselves being more thankful and extra appreciative. A deliberate practice of gratitude can truly change your life. Many years ago I began a daily gratitude journal and after a short time I realized that throughout my day I was looking for things to be able to write down in my journal. What a life-changer to be on the look-out for what is good versus what is lack. In times of fear or sadness, I can open up a past journal and be reminded of all that I really do have in my life.
Research says that a gratitude practice can boost the neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine. Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel. Amazing, eh?
When we think of abundance we often think of the tangible, material, often obvious things in our life to be grateful for; house, food, car, employment, etc. I would like to offer up acknowledging the abundance of less visible things, such as the love you feel for someone, the colors that surround your life, the sounds of music and laughter, the aroma that fills your home from a hearty soup, or the growth that you have shown this year.
I have a few ways you can join me in developing a mindfulness practice and maintaining a grateful heart. I am sharing my 10 days of Gratitude Virtual Yoga Series and I have created a fun Mindfulness group that will give you daily tips!
Soak in all that is untouchable. Fill your heart with the fullness of simply being alive and experiencing the sensations each day offers. I often use my five senses to tap into abundance in any given moment. Think about what you have touched, tasted, smelled, heard and seen just today!
As I reflect on my life, I know for sure that I am incredibly thankful for the path that has led me to each of you. What a journey the last seventeen years has been!
Always grateful,
Stacie
For it is in giving that we receive. ~ Francis of Assissi
Wellness Offerings
HOLISTIC HEALTH SERIES
What if I told you I could give you some systematic choices and alternatives that are life sustaining and could possibly guide you to creating a balanced mind, body and spirit? What if I was in your corner WITH you as you bravely began to navigate across new territory? What if I held the map for you as you take the first few steps? This series includes yoga, discussion and practical tips and tools for your holistic toolbox. And, the content is yours forever.
This series will teach you practical tools and practices for the mind, body and spirit.
This guide is for you if you’re looking to learn about:
Be sure to watch later this month for my Shop Small Business Gift Giving Guide!
Essential Oils
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 exclusive VIP community group, on going 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. If you already are a customer consider gifting someone you love with the same amazing benefits! I can help you!
This wonderfully earth, spicy and warm aroma is the perfect blend to bring about feelings of thanks and gratitude. This is my MOST popular curated blend I have available. It smells heavenly. Plus, what a great gift for someone you appreciate!
Siberian fir helps to break down negative emotional patterns
Frankincense raises awareness and help to shine your bright light
Grapefruit invites appreciation for who you are
Wild Orange evokes abundance and gladness to the heart
Geranium is heart opening and helps to realize security in what you do have
Clove instills power, sense of protection and integrity
Amber chips—A fossilized tree resin, amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. .
Did you know you can use essential oils in your favorites dishes in place of dried herbs or zests of citrus? Plus, they can add a great aroma to your house!
The evidence for the impact of gratitude isn’t just anecdotal. There is scientific evidence for the benefits of gratitude. There have been numerous studies on the effects of gratitude. It’s been scientifically proven to improve the lives of those who practice it.
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.Gratitude Makes You Mentally Stronger Living a grateful lifestyle can make you mentally tougher. It doesn’t mean you won’t still have to deal with stress. It just means that you’ll be able to deal with it much easier. Stress won’t have as debilitating an effect if you’re practicing gratitude regularly. In one study, it was shown that Vietnam veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fared much better when they practiced gratitude. As a matter of fact, the study made it clear that the veterans who practiced gratitude were able to cope with their condition much more effectively than those who didn’t.
2.Gratitude Makes You Healthier. Gratitude is not only great for your mental health, it can help you physically too. It can boost your immune system and make it easier for you to adopt healthier habits. It’s been shown that those who practice gratitude also participate in other healthy activities such as exercising and eating healthier. In another study, it was shown that gratitude has other health benefits. In this study, people who suffered from neuromuscular disorders were examined. The group that wrote in a gratitude journal daily were found to be much healthier than the control group. They also slept better and reported fewer health symptoms.
3.Gratitude Makes You More Productive. Robert A. Emmons, one of the leading authorities on the science of gratitude said this about one of his studies: “Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions.”
4. Gratitude Makes You Happier. Focusing on the things that are going right in our lives is absolutely crucial if you’re going to be happy. After all, how can you be happy if you always focus on the negative parts of your life? Gratitude enables you to really see how blessed you truly are.
5. Gratitude Allows You To Impact Others. Everyone wants to feel like they matter. It’s the reason we do many of the things we do. When we help others, we feel a sense of significance. When you express heartfelt gratitude to someone else, you are showing them how important they really are. You’re drawing attention to an action they took that made your life better.
Thank You
So many of you have been so supportive of me during this unusual time in our lives. 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.
Most times when we do experiences pain, we deny it for a multitude of reasons. In my case I used to deny my pain so that I was always viewed as strong. I am not super open about my personal pain but I am realizing that may not be the way.
Finding fellowship with others can add value to our lives and sometimes it’s nice to not feel alone.
Experiencing Pain
Usually when we talk about pain, we talk about how much pain impacts us negatively. I mean, there is truth in that. Typically when we are experiencing pain it doesn’t lend itself to creating the best life. And feeling weak is also not a fun feeling and sadly, it usually goes hand in hand with pain.
Over the years I have been on both sides of that spectrum. I have felt deep, emotional pain and loss. I have also endured incredible physical pain that few really know about. I have minimized and usually have kept quiet about much of my pain. I have also created an amazing life and career that I believe would not have evolved without pain.
Certainly, at times I wish I didn’t have pain.
Using the Pain for Fuel
The pain that I have endured in my adult life has been fuel to help me become my best.
Some of my first pain came when I realized that my beautiful daughter was born disabled. When realizing I would not be having typical experiences with her, I was angry. I was deeply saddened and felt incredibly alone. I felt cheated and that life was unfair. I lived in an area of town that had a relatively upscale school system where the focus was on perfection. Her being different did not lend itself to being included. While other little girls were being invited to birthday parties, my little girl was being shunned. People were leading their children away from her because she was different.
Around the same time this was happening, my marriage was falling apart. Soon I was a single mom with three kids and no job.
Having opted to have children instead of going to college, I didn’t have many skills. I learned to be anincredible advocate for my daughter. I could’ve chosen to wallow in the crappy cards that I was dealt. Or sit in sorrow. Instead, I chose to get going on my life.
Long after my divorce when my children’s father died, I went through a similar feeling of isolation and loneliness. His death put a huge reality of the finality of being a single parent. There was no longer any far fetched wish that he would decide one day to be involved.
Pain as Failures or Opportunities
A couple of marriages might be seen as failures, or they could be seen as amazing opportunities. I learned to see my part in the dysfunction of relationships, and begin to do differently. The breakups were grueling. Sure, I could give you a laundry list of all the things that they did wrong, but that would not be useful for growth. Instead I learned to look at my part on the dysfunction and my own abandonment and anger issues. I chose to resolve the deep wounds and allow them to scar over.
Living with Pain
I’ve lived with chronic pain for nearly 25 years. I first began to see a pain management specialist to manage my ongoing pain all the way back in 2007. At the same time, I was developing a deep love affair with Yoga. While I was hoping that the Yoga practice itself would help me manage my pain, and it has in many ways, it wasn’t the end all. Many failed surgeries and many failed attempts to reduce my pain could easily cause me to break. I could be sitting at home and complaining about what my body cannot do anymore, or I could be taking as many walks a day that I have time for while feeling the sun on my face and the breeze on my skin and feeling completely and totally alive.
I could spend my days complaining about my pain or I could spend my days having compassion for those who also have pain. I could use my pain as an attention seeking tool to have people feel sorry for me, or I could use my pain in a humble way to inspire people to live their best life.
Pain as Inspiration
You see, we all have pain. And the way that you and I handle pain is individual. This isn’t a blast on those who maybe don’t see through the same lens that I do. I just know that my pain is what inspires me to get up every day and be the best I can for my students, my kids, those who I love, and mostly for myself.
One thing that I do know for certain is this – my experience with pain has shown me just how strong I really am. It is showing me how adaptable and innovative I am. It has shown me the very essence of my spirit. Had I not experienced the pain, I may not have ever witnessed this amazing woman who writes this post. Without becoming this amazing woman, I would not developed beautiful connections in the community where I could use the pain that I once experienced with my daughter to be an advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. I would not be able to sit with someone else’s physical pain because I wouldn’t understand it if I didn’t have my own.
Pain is not the enemy here. Pain is actually the gift.
My pain has made me invincible.
Here is how I used pain to turn it into some useful in my life:
I let go of expectations of others
I learned to love myself
I made time for me
I chose me
I let go of people who did not align with my greatest potential
I released negativity in my life
I surrounded myself with love
I began to pay attention to my thoughts, words and actions
I stopped complaining and gossiping
I let go of competition with others
I accepted myself and the choices I had previously made
I practiced daily gratitude which made me actively seek out good in my life
I forgave others and myself
I stopped doubting myself
Not sure where to start? I would begin by listening to the thoughts you have and the words you speak, especially about yourself. You might just see that shifting those two things to something more loving with start the process.
One thing that I have learned for sure over the last eight months, being strong certainly has its advantages.
Thankfully, strength has carried me most of my adult life and continues to do so. The advantages of being strong is the ability to face challenges with the upmost of grace and yet, fierce determination. I rarely get rattled and usually let triggers roll right off my back because I honestly don’t have time for it. The ability to have solid boundaries in place is one of the gifts strength allows you.
One of the disadvantages of being strong is that people assume that it’s easy, it must not be *that* bad, or that you’re always okay.
None of that is true.
Another disadvantage is that people will often challenge your strength by telling you that despite being strong, you most certainly need the help of others. Which I mostly disagree with. I need help when I need help, not based on someone else’s opinion of when THEY think I need help.
Truth is I am strong. Rarely to my own detriment, but instead most often to my benefit.
In the coming weeks I will be asked to be strong again as I face more challenges with my hip. When the plan is in place, I will share it.
When you hear the word alignment, what comes to mind? The dictionary defines alignment as arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions or a position of agreement or alliance. This can mean a multitude of things as it relates to decisions we make, how we conduct ourselves, and even how we literally move our bodies in space.
To be “out of alignment” can be simply understood as an arrangement in which two or more things are not positioned correctly in a straight line or parallel to each other. In Yoga we hear a lot about the body being in alignment, but can that statement also relate to how you show up in the world?
Living Alignment
Remember last month I asked you to determine what makes up the roots or foundation that sustains you when life gets hard? Now it is time to put the proof in the pudding and see if your words, thoughts, and actions are in alignment with that.
Let’s say that integrity is a value you hold as something that keeps you steady. Then your actions dictate otherwise; you mislead people, you are a doormat for others to mislead you, you often fudge or hide the truth, or possibly you make decisions that are anything but ones packed with integrity. Simply thinking, if you say being healthy is important to you and you consume crappy food and toxic media, it is probable you are out of alignment with what you say you find important.
Alignment in Yoga
If you have been paying attention for long you may notice that I am big believer in living yoga and not just practicing yoga. I believe that far more of the yoga principles are implemented off the mat (or chair) and teach this all the time. The shape our bodies create while practicing is just a small part of it.
In Yoga, the principle of Alignment is closely related to principles like: balance, symmetry, precision and harmony – all are fundamental principles in yoga practice. Iyengar Yoga is the practice of precision. Poses are held for long periods and often modified with props. This method is designed to systematically cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness, and can be therapeutic for specific conditions. B.K.S. Iyengar, an Indian teacher and guru, founded Iyengar Yoga. Iyengar says:
Alignment is to bring balance between the flow of energy and intelligence to connect the body to the mind.” And then, he says “We adjust not the body, but the awareness. The moment the awareness is brought to function, then the body finds its right alignment and adjusts; as water finds its level, the awareness, too, finds its level.”
Having Awareness
Practicing yoga on the mat (or in chair) is a sure way to bring awareness to the language your body speaks. It invites you to pay close attention the nuances of the shape your body is in. It encourages you to listen and make adjustments along the way.
Imagine having this type of awareness in the thoughts you have? Or the words that you speak? How about the actions (or lack of) that you do everyday?
Putting the principles of alignment into your daily life following the “practice” will integrate the principles of this beautiful lifestyle into your life.
Join me on Youtube this month as I walk you through a weekly practice of alignment. There I will suggest ways to align yourself with what you said keeps you steady.
The Greatest Gift of Alignment
We have all had that magical feeling when everything in our life is flowing well. Our relationships are easy and fulfilling and we feel balanced. Or, when it seems that everything we attempt becomes a success. When life feels “easy” and we are rarely agitated by everyday things, it is likely we are in alignment. You might say it is as if you are in the beautiful flow of life where a gentle reciprocity exists in all areas.
CHANGE IS ONE OF OUR GREATEST TEACHERS. IT ASKS US EVERYDAY TO PROVE OUR COMMITMENT TO OURSELVES. IT LEADS US INTO THE DARK PLACES AND ALLOWS US TO FILL THEM WITH LIGHT.IT SHOWS US THINGS ABOUT OURSELVES THAT WE NEVER KNEW. AND BEFORE WE KNOW IT, IT SHOWS US HOW POWERFUL AND STRONG WE ARE.
AUTUMN GOODNESS
Dear Friends,
My favorite season is here! I was remarking the other day the reason I love fall is the constant changes that I see outside. I think I love the movement and transformation that fall brings. Most of you know I don’t sit still well so this ever changing season is perfect for my personality.
Often this time of year we hear about the concept of embracing the change and ‘letting go’. One of my greatest teachers ever once told me that not all change can be embraced and that sometimes change is very hard and not easily welcomed. So true, right?
Though we may not always fully embrace changes, we might be able to lean into the process and see just how strong we really are. We can come to know that as we move through what is showing up in our lives, we are often making space for something else.
The season for me is coming to a change as I feel and listen to the pull to welcome in something different. In fact, I have been feeling this nudge for a variety of reasons in the last few months. Part of it is the push to complete some big projects that I have been working on and the other part of me is listening to the interior landscape of my soul asking me to align my actions with its deepest truth. Add to that some reminders that the Universe is always putting in my path exactly what I need in order to pause, look and learn. And maybe even slow down a bit to refuel. I am hoping with a bit lighter load in my heart, I will find the space to shine even more. Isn’t that what we are here to do anyway?
I realize that there will be some disappointment, much like many of us feel as we watch summer come to and end and we pull out the snow shovels and warm sweaters for the coming months of cold. I ask you though to feel the disappointment, and then consider the curiosity that a new season can bring you. Sometimes the change is just what we need.
For the rest of the month, I encourage you to take in the glory of the changing leaves. Breathe in the fall air. Let go of something weighing on your heart. Shed an old belief. Release what doesn’t elevate you. And most importantly, know that all is well.
Much love,
Stacie
OCTOBER SERIES ON SUNDAYS ON YOUTUBE
Each Sunday of the month I publish a new YouTube yoga practice to help guide you into a new week. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and get a notification when it pops up.
Are you wanting to have access to a yoga or pilates practice at home that fits into your busy schedule? I offer chair yoga, sensation and intuition based guided gentle yoga, pilates and meditation without having to log in to a specific class time. All of my classes are offered at a donation. You can find ALL of my videos on my YouTube!
SPECIAL ONLINE CLASSES
Essential Yoga-Release
Did you know that you can get Essential Yoga online!? Just click on the link below and you’ll have access to the online class. Donations are appreciated. Also, I am happy to send you samples of the essential oils needed for the class so you can fully enjoy the practice.
I am SO excited to share with you my charka series online. You can choose which chakra you’d like to focus on. For each chakra we will focus on the aspects of that energy center and how to balance it through discussion, yoga session, and visually pleasing ebook. Cost per chakra is $10. There is also an option to purchase an essential oil blend for $20 to compliment each chakra. Want all seven blends at a discounted rate? Grab all seven chakra blends for just $120
These beautiful blends are also for sale as a set!
WELLNESS COACHING
Why wait until January to focus on your health goals? How about closing out the year with a new mindset towards your physical and emotional health? I have space for a few new wellness coaching spots.
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 exclusive VIP community group, on going 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!
When we combine our thoughts, our bodies and our minds with the magical gifts of mother nature, we reveal wisdom.The wisdom of our true Selves.The wisdom of the Earth. The wisdom held in the vibration of every living cell.
This beautiful blend I perfectly crafted includes Frankincense–Oil of Truth, Rosemary–Oil of Knowledge, Lavender–Oil of Communication, Roman Chamomile–Oil of Spiritual Purpose, Sandalwood–Oil of Sacred Devotion, and Tiger Eye which is a stone of protection. Tiger Eye may also bring good luck to the wearer. It has the power to focus the mind, promoting mental clarity, assisting us to resolve problems objectively and unclouded by emotions.This blend is perfect for creating a sense of alignment with yourSelfand with others.
Did you know you can use essential oils to make non-toxic, affordable and super effective cleaners? These great DIY’s will keep you and your family healthy this season with powerful immune boosting essential oils.
Pumpkins are a staple of fall. We go to the pumpkin patch and scour of the field full of pumpkins, searching for the perfect one. We use them to make pies, cakes, breads, pasta, and virtually any food imaginable. We carve them, put a candle inside, and set them on our doorsteps. We spend a season obsessed with pumpkins, and then they’re gone on to something.
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.Your size and shape don’t matter. You are magnificent just as you are. Embrace all of you!
2.Sometimes we need to remove the yuck from inside. Doing the inner work is so rewarding. Take time to get rid of the negative.
3. People may only like you for a season. We all know that people are seasonal sometimes. Enjoy the people while you have them, but also know that some may not stay.
4.You can be anything you want to be. Believing in yourself is the first step at creating the life you want and deserve. Go for it!
5.You may look great on the outside, but it is what is on the inside that makes you shine. That light inside of you is what people are attracted to and admire..just keep shining.
THANK YOU
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.
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 seventeen 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.
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.
It is amazing to me how our inner narrative about ourselves can be so negative. Years ago I started a pretty solid affirmation practice and continue to this day. By rerouting our thoughts and words to a positive place, we actually retrain our brain to think and see the good in our lives.
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.
When you repeat them often, and truly believe in them, you can start to see positive changes in your life unfold. Practicing positive affirmations can be extremely simple, and all you need to do is pick a phrase and repeat it to yourself.
I don’t know about you, but I have spent many years, speaking things like “I am a mess, I am overwhelmed, I am stressed, I am in so much pain.” I still catch myself and can now rephrase to “I am doing my best or I am handling this with grace or I am feeling my body tell me something”.
Affirmations require regular practice they can help you to make lasting, long-term changes to the ways that you think and feel.
Do you have a list of affirmations? What’s your favorite one? I love having sticky notes and reminders around my house and I even have an app in my phone that periodically throughout the day sends me an I am_____ reminder of something good.
I encourage you to start a 30 day affirmation practice and see what shows up in your life. Need some help coming up with affirmations? I am happy to help!
You have probably heard about intentions, right? Especially at the beginning of a new year, it is quite the buzz. I am all for people setting new year goals, visions, intentions, or whatever you want to call them, but I am talking more about a daily focus on something you want to create in your life.
Over the years I have worked with intentions and affirmation on a daily basis. I have seen first hand when they work, and when they do not work. They work when you truly feel what you are saying, when you visualize it often to the details, and the same holds true when they don’t work. Feeling it is key. You can’t expect results just by just repeating it. The more you speak it, the more you feel it, the more you feel it, the more you speak it, and the cycle continues.
Positive affirmations require a consistent and regular practice if you want to make lasting, long-term changes.
The good news is that the practice and popularity of positive affirmations are based on widely accepted and well-established psychological theory, –yes, science backs up the new agey, hippie feel-good vibes. Pretty amazing, right?
Practicing positive affirmations can be extremely simple. You pick a statement that is positive and you repeat to yourself. Over and over. You write it down and then sit with it. Next, you believe it. This repetitive practice is powerful. Try a meditation called Japa meditation using mala beads.
Choose intentions to motivate you, encourage positive things in your life, or even boost your self-esteem. The subconscious patterns of negative self-talk can be eliminated by a regular positive affirmation or intention practice.
Here are the steps I follow to living my intention with affirmations:
Get clear. Sit quietly without distractions and think of one (or two) areas in your life that you would like to be different. Some ideas include generating more income, finding true love in a partner, having a healthier body, or increasing self-esteem. I also love to use lime and rosemary essential oil when getting clear. These two essential oils are powerful when it comes to the brain and can bring a sense of focus and inner knowledge.
Create a powerful statement. Whatever you choose, having a very clear and deliberate statement, preferably spoken in the terms of I AM_____ (healthy, abundant, happily in love with a loving partner, surrounded by supportive friends, confident and strong). The two most powerful words in any language is I AM, so start by speaking in those terms versus I want, or I need. I AM is ownership.
Incorporate your intention into your daily life. Write down your affirmation and put it in a place where you will see it often. Or even better, invest in sticky notes and put throughout your home. Mirrors, refrigerators, planners, cabinets, your car, etc. are great places. I also like to may a simple photo and make it my wallpaper on my phone.
Affirmations as a practice. Recording your voice on your phone and listening to yourself speak the affirmation is a great way to reinforce your intention. There are also some awesome apps you can get on your phone that remind you throughout the day to pause and listen to your affirmations. Setting aside five minutes each morning to get still, quiet, and then repeat them in your meditation practice is also wonderful. If you want to incorporate the mantra/affirmation into your japa meditation practice, this can be incredibly powerful as well. Basically, find a way that works for you to repeat the affirmations as often as you can.
Be deliberate with your actions. Setting an intention is an amazing way to create the life you want, and deserve, but sitting back and expecting the Universe to plop it into your lap is a set up for a big-time disappointment. Manifesting and creating also take effort on your part. Let’s say you want a healthy body. Speaking about it but continuing to be a couch potato and indulging on cheeto’s probably isn’t going to make that happen. Expecting or desiring to have a steady source of income while absorbing yourself in leisure activities (TV, video games, reading novels, going fishing), isn’t going to make a lot of financial deposits. The truth is, whatever you desire in your life, you first have to FEEL you deserve it so begin sort through those common feelings of not being enough now because it’s blocking your flow, FEEL it in every cell of your being when you speak it as if it has already happened, and FEEL so strongly about it that you begin to take mindful and deliberate actions steps towards making it happen. That is what we know as co-creating.
Gratitude. Without a solid a practice of gratitude all the affirmations in the world aren’t going to make a difference. And by solid, I mean a deliberate and consistent sitting down and acknowledging all the good in your life. Remember, what you focus on is what you’re inviting in. So, the more you focus on your abundance the more you will have. So simple.
Now, it is time to get busy. What do you want to create?
The Autumn Equinox is a time of letting go and harvesting the good that is abundant in our lives. To allow 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.
Autumn Equinox and cycles
This is also a great time to look at the cycles of life; seasons, months, breath, and even life. As we embrace the time of gathering our harvest we are also preparing ourselves for the cycle in which we become more hunkered down. A little more in hibernation mode. The paradox of understanding cycles exists everywhere.
The simplest observation is the breath; to inhale you must also exhale.
When we are awake we come to know that with each ending there is a beginning in whatever shape that takes; self awareness, growth, wisdom, letting go, forgiveness and grief. If we pay attention, we can see this so easily in the changing of leaves. The amazing color that emerges following a season of bounty. Then the ease in which the leaf lets go. Watch as leaves effortlessly fall to the ground. They are taken into the loving arms of Mother Earth for the new growth that waits for the next season.
Take time to look at letting go of what no longer serves you.
At the autumn equinox there is a dynamic shift. The season of sunshine, growth, taking action, movement to a more quiet and still season. This time of year during the equinox is a powerful time to pause after the often chaotic energy of summer. Back to school and busy-ness to a more dormant and contemplative time.
This is time where we replenish, regenerate and recuperate from a season of push.
Well, at least we should try to as the we are so in tune with nature and the natural rhythms of the world, if we are paying attention. Nature responds to the lessening hours of daylight by slowly fading into dormancy. Watch as the leaves fall from trees, the lush green of shrubs and vegetation fades, and animals forage and gather for a season of hibernation. How do we mimic these natural occurrences? We withdraw from the rush of outward action to a season of a more contemplative inner reflection of our spirit.
With this season also comes a wonderful reminder to gather your harvests and share with others and to celebrate the abundance of the world with your neighbors, your family, or even a stranger. We tend to want to hang on to “things”, both tangible and intangible and really all that does is is exhaust us and stop the flow of goodness.
During a yoga practice watch as you move in and out of balance and neutral. How your breath becomes rapid and slow, though we strive for equality of breath. Notice how the tension in our body is often paired with ease. Thoughts come and thoughts go.
The skills that we learn on the yoga to find neutral, equanimity, and harmony teach us the gift of following the rhythm of nature. Remember, our time on the mat is truly a practice for living yoga as we know that yoga really happens off the mat.
Our practice this time of year should reflect the message of the equinox and allow it to be filled with times of pausing to gather your breath, to reflect in mountain pose with a sense of neutrality and to find the balance between dynamic postures and stillness.
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.
Life is really good, friends.
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. 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.
