Living Present

Implementing Your Intentions

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Let’s face it, setting an intention is the easy part. Implementing your intention can be the true work. To implement your intention, you are basically saying to the universe you are willing to step into a relationship that requires work. All relationships take work and this spiritual marriage between you and the universe is no different.

My Intention for the Year

I have set out to bring a sense of renewal into my life. It is not that my life is bad, but I do have certain lifestyle choices that I know need to be adjusted. At one point in my life many of those choices worked for me. That is no longer the case.

To implement a sense of renewal, and align with the forces of the universe, I must be willing to have deliberate actions. Publicly proclaiming your intention is a powerful step to begin the process. Plus, it gives me a record for accountability.

Implementing My Intention

I know that some changes have to happen to bring my intention of renewal into action. To me, renewal means the process of making something fresh, new, or strong again. Here is how I plan to implement the energy of renewal into my life this year.

  • Ditch my tracking of steps walked. Yep, that is correct. After twenty five years of logging my steps, I am going to release it. I am not going to look at the amount of steps, but rather look for quality of steps. Are they in nature? Were my daily steps meaningful? Did I enjoy my time walking?
  • Shift directions a bit. By fostering the things that bring me joy, I am going to make more space for them. That will give me less space for things that cause me stress. I still intend to teach adaptive yoga as my primary “job”, but implanting my own bakery business is next up for cultivating JOY.
  • Nurture my creative side. I intend to create some magic in my life through publishing affirmation cards, a teaching manual for yoga teachers, and an online course for mindful manifesting. Watch out! It is going to be another new direction I take my business. These options will allow me to renew my physical body by reducing my demanding workload.
  • Foster my friendships and relationships. Most people know I work a lot. I genuinely love what I do so it never feels like work to me. However, in my desire to do what I love, relationships and friendships have been less of a priority the last 10 years. I want to renew some old friendships and create new ones.

Tips for Implementing Your intention

To implement your action plan for your intention you must do a few things that will bring the intention into your daily life. I find these simple things bring great power to your world:

  • Write it down. Put the word of your intention everywhere you might see it. Your mirror, car, planner, desk, and screen saver on phone. Anywhere your eyes will be, the word needs to be there.
  • Tell people your intention. You have to talk about it to anyone in your life. I have been known to even tell my dentist and barista my intention! When you speak it, you become it.
  • Choose daily. Everyday you must be willing to think, speak and act in alignment with your intention. Not everyday will be a success, but at least you can know that you are on your way!
  • Affirm your intention. Every day spend 3-5 minutes speaking your intention into an I AM affirmation. For example, “I am renewing”.

Not sure what your intention is? This video will walk you through the process of finding your intention! This step by step tutorial will help you find the direction your spirit is wanting you to take this year!

End of Year Ritual

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Every year I host an end of year ritual to release the year, look for lessons and growth, and find gratitude for what is. This year I was unable to host it so I recorded a sweet little ritual you can do in your own quiet space. I think reflecting on the year and closing it up is a powerful practice to then be open to new possibilities. Why carry over the things that no longer serve you into a new year?

An end-of-year releasing ritual can be a powerful practice for personal growth, emotional well-being, and setting intentions for the future.

Here are the key benefits:

Emotional Cleansing: Allows you to process and let go of emotional baggage, regrets, or disappointments from the year. Creates emotion space for new experiences.

Increased Clarity: Reflecting on the year helps identify patterns, lessons, and areas for growth. Clarifies what to release (habits, relationships, beliefs) and what to nurture moving forward

Stress Reduction: Symbolically releasing stress or negativity can bring a sense of relief and renewal. Encourages mindfulness and relaxation, reducing end-of-year tension.

Enhanced Gratitude: Reflecting on the past year often highlights moments of joy and gratitude. Focusing on what you value reinforces positive emotions and appreciation.

Intentional Goal-Setting: Letting go of what no longer serves you creates space for setting meaningful goals for the new year. Helps align actions with your values and aspirations.

Symbolic Closure: Provides a sense of completion, signaling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Helps prevent carrying unresolved issues into the new year.

Spiritual Renewal: For those who are spiritually inclined, rituals can provide a sense of connection with something greater, enhancing inner peace and guidance.

You can find the video below, or on my youtube channel. Listen to it while you are still, or while you enjoy a walk outside. Either way I hope it brings you closure and hope.

I personally couldn’t have made it through this hard year without all of the love from my friends, my family, my community of people, and those who I don’t even know.

The generosity of love, support, coffee, encouragement, and pure goodness takes my breath away.

I truly couldn’t have made it without you.

Thank you and let’s close this awful chapter and turn a page for a new direction filled with hope, opportunities and joy.

xo, Stacie

Reflecting on 2024

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“Equanimity arises when we accept the way things are”

Reflecting on 2024 is happening a little sooner than usual this year and I have begun the process of taking myself back to January when I first declared equanimity as my word for the year.

I believe in the process so much and have seen in my own life the power of intention. Not just choosing an intention, but inviting that intention into everyday choices.

Reflecting on the Year

As I set out in the early days of 2024, I knew that a total hip replacement was going to be my focus and I entered into it with a desire to be steady and unwavering no matter what. Little did I know that this often routine surgery that most people have great success with, would test me more than I can imagine.

Throughout the unbelievable amount of complications that begun with a fractured femur during surgery, I remained steady. The well-wishers reassuring me that I would be “fine” provoked me to use my voice to perhaps inspire people to be better listeners rather than solution-givers. The often used “you’ll be fine” was more painful at times than the surgery itself. I learned to utilize my strong nature to be a realist and stay grounded in navigating these painful moments. Being a realist to me means approaching life and situations with a focus on practical realities rather than idealistic or overly optimistic expectations. As a realist, I acknowledge the world as it is, considering its challenges and opportunities without distorting them through personal biases, fantasies, or extreme pessimism. It has served me well.

Midyear 2024

Remaining neutral to what was happening in my body was easier than most thought. I learned that expectations are often disappointments, so I opted to not have them. When April brought on a revision to my total hip, I forged on and just accepted it. During the first half of the year I used productivity to keep me centered and my online presence grew exponentially. I took courses and learned how to adjust my youtube channel for better viewership and overall content enhancing. Rather than spending my recovery days zoned out on TV I chose to stay efficient and productive.

This choice opened up the doors of opinions of others and assumptions. Those two things that can easily take us off our center, if we allow it.

Last Quarter of 2024

By the end of August I was facing more pain, more uncertainty, more tests, and new doctors. I was referred to a specialist who deals with complex cases of infection of the joint. This isn’t the ideal place to be, but I relied on my strong gratitude and faith to face the uncertainty.

The pain i feel everyday is becoming harder to manage and I am getting by with simply appreciating the days as they are. Part of my steadiness and unwavering way that I face challenges is by accepting it. I have found that when we strive for something different than what we have, we usually bring upon our own suffering.

Steady and Unwavering 2024

I relied on many tools to keep equanimity at the forefront of how I dealt with my challenges. I practiced daily mindfulness, I trusted my medical team, I relied on others, and I accepted what is. While the majority of my 2024 was dealing with my hip, I also found how to live steadiness in other areas:

  • hip surgeries and healing (all three of them)
  • out of work for five months
  • remaining financially thriving
  • learning and applying new skills
  • becoming super creative
  • navigating relationships
  • developing boundaries
  • speaking my truth
  • always practicing vulnerability

Final Thoughts on 2024

Years ago when I chose the word “peace”, I had intended the year to be an easy one where I filled my days with peaceful experiences. That year was one of the hardest years of my life. 2024 proved to be equally, if not more, challenging. I think that when we set our intention we visualize the best case scanrios. In truth, the intentions often challenge us more than we can ever imagine. It is not up to us how we are tested, but it is up to us on how we react or respond to the challenges.

Next year? Oh, I have a great word to weave into my life. It is going to be challenging for sure, but in a different way. Stay tuned.

Living More Mindfully

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Living more mindfully is about being fully present and engaged in your everyday experiences, with a sense of curiosity and openness. November is a great time to practice living more mindfully because we can learn to say No(vember) to things that do not serve us.

Here are some tips to help you live more mindfully:

1. Start Your Day with Intention

  • Take a few moments each morning to set an intention for the day. It could be something simple, like being patient or staying present. This gives your day a mindful direction.

2. Create a Morning Routine

  • Start your day with a mindful practice, like stretching, breathing exercises, or even savoring a quiet cup of tea or coffee. Engage fully in these moments rather than rushing through them.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing

  • Throughout the day, take pauses to focus on your breath. Breathe slowly and deeply, and notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. This can help center you and relieve stress.

4. Slow Down Your Eating

  • Mindful eating involves truly savoring each bite, noticing the flavors, textures, and aromas. Avoid distractions while eating, like phones or TV, and enjoy the experience of nourishing yourself.

5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Notice the details in your environment: the colors, shapes, sounds, and scents. Even on a familiar walk, you might discover new things. This habit can bring a fresh sense of appreciation to daily life.

6. Listen Fully

  • When someone speaks, listen to understand rather than just waiting to respond. Set aside any distractions, look them in the eye, and be present in the conversation. This can deepen your connections with others.

7. Limit Multitasking

  • Focus on one task at a time to improve your focus and reduce stress. When you’re working, be fully engaged in the task at hand, and avoid jumping between multiple things.

8. Cultivate Gratitude

  • Notice the good things around you, no matter how small. Keep a gratitude journal or mentally note three things you’re thankful for each day. This practice encourages a mindful appreciation of life’s gifts.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

  • Notice when you’re being hard on yourself, and treat yourself with kindness. Allow yourself to make mistakes and be imperfect. This can reduce inner judgment and promote self-acceptance.

10. End Your Day Mindfully

  • Wind down each evening with a mindful activity, like stretching, journaling, or reading. Reflect on your day, savor the good moments, and let go of the less pleasant ones.

11. Bring Mindfulness into Daily Tasks

  • Whether washing dishes, folding laundry, or taking a shower, focus fully on the sensations and movements involved. This simple practice can turn routine tasks into moments of calm.

Would you like any specific exercises to help integrate these practices into your day-to-day life? Watch this introduction video and take on the assignment to choose one activity or chore to practice mindfully. In time you will find it easier and easier.

Join my FREE private group for daily tips the month of November for living a more mindful life.

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Experiencing Pain

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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.

You got this!

Alignment

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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.

This is the divine alignment. You are in it.

Affirmations

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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?

Follow me for more goodness!

Self Reflection

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Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…. then better yourself.

How much time do you spend self reflecting? Do you ever hit the pause button and reflect on your decisions for the year and if they are aligned with your goals or visions for your life?

We are headed into the final quarter of the year and it is a good time to reflect on your beginning of the year visions and see how they have evolved and what you can do in the final stretch to reach them.

Equanimity

I set out the year with a quest to live with equanimity. To be steady and unwavering no matter what shows up. I should have known to be careful what I wish for. What a year it has been. I had two major hip surgeries and an infection in the hip. Add in some horrific reactions to the medications to treat the infection AND blood clots in my arm that resulted in permanent damage to the veins.

Despite it all, with the exception of a few days where I struggled to see beyond the pain, I feel that I did a great job maintaining equanimity as it is defined: evenness of mind especially under stress… a calm mental state and without hurried movement…right disposition or balance.

Self Reflection

Reflecting on the year is a great way to see the actual tools and actions that were put into place to lean towards your goal. Where did you grow and what is left to do?

I dug into some new things and discovered quite a bit about myself.

How did I remain steady and unwavering given all that this year asked me to face?

Learning a new skill can be a great way to redirect your mind away from what ails you to a new place of curiosity and challenge. I took on learning how to bake sourdough bread, canning jams and jellies and more.

Getting creative is a great way to bring happiness to your life if you are struggling. I opted to use a fun digital planner to help me create a system of graphics and ideas for my YouTube channel. I also found joy in creating homemade body butters, lotions and serums.

Participating in education and classes uses a part of your brain that can ignite interests in other areas. I explored a variety of free online courses to keep my brain working and sharp while my body healed.

Being outside does wonders for our mental health. Whether it is caring for a simple garden, sitting under a tree or basking in some sunshine, it all helps.

Gratitude is proven to be a tool that can truly change your life. When you practice gratitude, you shift your thoughts away from negative emotions and uncomfortable sensations. A daily heartfelt gratitude practice is a must.

What will you do in these final few months of 2024 to come closer to your vision?

How can I support you? Look at my podcast for past and upcoming episodes that dive deep into this.

Yoga Principles – The Yamas

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My favorite example of what Yoga really is comes from my first Yoga teacher training. We learned the Yoga principles make up very important aspects to the practice. The teacher shared that Yoga is best described as a bicycle wheel where only one of the spokes on the wheel has to do with the body (asana), and the rest of the spokes is how we show up in the world.

What are the Yamas?

The Yamas are best described as five guidelines or principles in which we relate to others and the world around us. Another spoke of the wheel (the Niyamas) relate to our own personal guidelines and relating to the Self. When we understand and apply these guidelines to our life we can begin to see we are truly living our Yoga.

Ahimsa

(non-violence). When I first began practicing Yoga I thought ahimsa meant I had to give up eating meat, which I did for a while. It is actually much more than that. Violence begins in our thoughts and goes outward to our actions, and our words. Violence can also relate to how we treat the Earth. Our actions have profound effects on others and the world, so living a non violent way can impact people as well as animals and plants.

Satya

(truth). Satya is truthfulness, but it’s more than just telling the truth. The word ‘sat’ literally translates as ‘true essence’ or ‘unchangeable’.  One example of how living Satya exists is how we present ourselves to others and how we relate from the space of truth. For example, exaggerating facts to appear more extreme, or withholding facts to appear more pure, are acts that do not align with Satya. Also the thoughts about others and the stories we make up about others can relate to this Yama.

Asteya

(non stealing). We often think of stealing in the material sense, but this Yama is much more than that. To live asteya means we are mindful to not steal someone else’s grief by comparing it with our own grief. It also means that we do not steal someone’s celebration by becoming envious. Further, it is an honoring of one’s time and not “stealing” their resources to benefit us. Oh, and stealing their donut off their desk counts, too.

Brahmacharya

(moderation of the senses/right use of energy). In the ancient origins of Yoga this may have been interpreted as a form of celibacy, which no longer applies in our modern world of Yoga. Instead, this Yama actually can mean that we are aware of where we invest our energy. Another way to see this is directing our energy away from external desires and instead, towards finding peace and happiness within ourselves. Participating in drama and gossip is a form of energy that is not a useful place to invest in.

Aparigraha

(non-greed). This important Yama teaches us to take only what we need, keep only what serves us in the moment and to let go when the time is right. This can be in a literal sense as it relates to materialism but it can also lean towards a greediness of demands on someone else where expectations are high. Holding onto relationships, people, jobs, money and other areas can be a form of greed.

Reflecting on the Living the Yamas

We can learn that Yoga is much more than laying on the floor and creating shapes with our bodies. As we do, it is important to remember that while we are practicing the physical part of Yoga, we can infuse all of these Yamas into the time on the mat (or in a chair). For example, when we expect and demand that we have our “spot” in the yoga studio, or when we put too much focus on perfecting our headstand, or we push our bodies into pain we have just been harming, untruthful, greedy, and not using our energy appropriately.

I have much more to say on the Yamas here.

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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.

Hip Replacement Update

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Many have asked and wondered how the ol’ hip replacement is healing. The hip is eh…the arm is not.

I have gone back to work and mostly doing what I want to be doing….however the pain is still very prominent. I adjust things constantly and have adapted almost everything in my life so that I can carry on. It still takes great effort to do everyday things. I stopped using a cane awhile ago because it was aggravating my arm…more on that.

I will see the infectious disease doctor later this month to check status of the infection.

When the infection arose I had a picc line (IV) placed and that caused a blood clot in my arm. Then my body made more clots. The blood clots in my arm have taken up space and seem to like living there rent free. Sadly, after a recent ultrasound it shows the veins are chronically inflamed and damaged from the DVT and superficial clots. The solution is finding comfort and not aggravating it. She suggested not lifting anything heavy or doing heavy work and minimize stretching it.

She also said this is permanent damage that rarely resolves.

So there is that.

It seems my adult life has been one opportunity after another to show up, to be strong and forge through challenges.

I am so so so grateful that I have the strength I do.

Onward.

Establishing Habits

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Habits are often described as good or bad. I say a habit is neither. Habits truly are the foundation of building and creating a life you want. Would you like a different outcome? Look at your habits and see which ones are directing you to that dream, and which habits are getting in the way. Do habits change your mindset? Let’s take a look.

“Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? “

Look at Your Habits

How does your day begin? Do you grab your phone and begin scrolling? That may or may not be a good thing. If you find it triggers anxiety or sucks you into online debates, then it probably isn’t a great idea. If it inspires your work, feeds your soul or informs you with information that serves you, then it might be a good idea. Do your habits feed your soul?

Do you have a habit of doubting yourself? How does that serve you? Is that self doubt fueling you to do better? Or does that habit bog you down where you can’t proceed with a direction?

Have you found yourself mindlessly eating? Is that a habit that could be replaced with someone healthier? Mindlessly going through your day can lead you to a very dissatisfying outcome.

How to Change or Build Habits

Building in a few simple supports to increase helpful habits and eliminate less helpful habits may be helpful.

Decide what habits are working and what aren’t. Are your daily habits leading you to the life you want? Adjusting your daily habits to serve you puts you in control for creating your life. A stable mind and an open heart is available, unless your habits are preventing that from happening.

Creating a visual schedule. Checklists, sticky notes, or a calendar can be a powerful tool to making it happen.

Accountability Partners. Find a friend who has similar goals and desires and use each other to keep you on the track. Relying on someone or being relied on by someone can be a game changer.

When Habits Play with Our Mindset

Sleeping late is fine unless it creates an internal dialogue of negativity about yourself. Evaluating what daily habits are working for you and tweak the ones that aren’t. Staying confident, grounded and centered is the mindset goal. Establishing what IS working for you is the way that you can stay in control of your daily destiny and how this leads you to your dreams.

Not all habits are “bad” and not all are “good. Habits are just part of our routine that establishes a pattern to our life. Finding what daily things you want to do and what you need to do is where you find the mindset to forge ahead.

Bottom Line

Do what works for YOU. Make some changes to your life in small ways and see if you can tweak a few things so that you feel better about yourself, how you spend your days and your overall outlook on life.

Take a listen to this short podcast to learn more!

Living with Chronic Pain

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Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.

When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.

Tools for Living with Chronic Pain

A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.

Gratitude

Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.

Self-Care

Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.

Movement

Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.

Reframing Your Thoughts

It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.

Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.