Mindfulness

The Benefits of Mindfulness and How to Apply It to Daily Life

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

The Benefits of Mindfulness and How to Apply It to Daily Life

In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, practicing mindfulness offers a powerful way to bring peace, clarity, and intention to our daily lives. Mindfulness is more than just meditation—it’s about being fully present in each moment, engaging our senses, and fostering awareness in everything we do. From baking to conversations, movement to creativity, mindfulness can transform the way we experience life. Let’s explore the benefits of mindfulness and simple ways to apply it to everyday activities.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

  1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety – By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness helps reduce worries about the past or future, creating a sense of calm.
  2. Enhances Emotional Well-Being – Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience and happiness.
  3. Improves Focus and Concentration – Being mindful strengthens our ability to concentrate, making us more efficient in our tasks.
  4. Encourages Gratitude and Enjoyment – When we slow down and appreciate small moments, we cultivate gratitude and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
  5. Supports Physical Health – Studies show that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even enhance immune function.

Applying Mindfulness to Everyday Life

Mindful Baking and Cooking

Instead of rushing through meal preparation, approach cooking and baking as a meditative practice. Focus on the textures, aromas, and colors of your ingredients. Feel the warmth of the oven, listen to the sound of chopping vegetables, and savor each bite with full awareness. Cooking becomes more than just a task—it turns into an act of nourishment and creativity.

Mindful Movement

Whether walking, stretching, or practicing yoga, movement can be an opportunity to connect with your body. Notice the way your muscles engage, how your breath flows, and the sensations in your joints. By moving with awareness, you cultivate a stronger mind-body connection and reduce physical tension.

Mindful Crocheting and Creative Activities

Engaging in creative activities like crocheting, painting, or knitting can be deeply meditative. Focus on the rhythm of each stitch, the feel of the yarn between your fingers, and the evolving pattern. Let creativity be a moment of presence rather than an outcome-driven task.

Mindful Thinking and Conversations

Mindfulness in our thoughts means becoming aware of how we talk to ourselves. Notice negative self-talk and gently shift toward self-compassion. In conversations, practice active listening—truly hearing what the other person is saying rather than planning your next response. This fosters deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.

Mindful Interaction with Others

Be fully present when engaging with loved ones, colleagues, or even strangers. Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and offer your full attention. Simple acts, like genuinely asking how someone is doing and truly listening, can enhance relationships and create a more compassionate world.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. By incorporating small moments of awareness into daily activities, we create a more fulfilling, balanced, and peaceful life. Whether through baking, moving, creating, thinking, or connecting, mindfulness transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Start today by choosing one daily activity to practice with full awareness—you might be surprised at the joy and peace it brings.

Consider joining my free Facebook group called 365 Days of Mindfulness for daily tips and community building of mindful people.

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

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Making the Best of the Way Things Turn Out

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

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

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

Shifting Perspective

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

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

Finding Gratitude in the Unexpected

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

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

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

Embracing Life as It Comes

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

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

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Hip Replacement Recovery

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

What is Helpful

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

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

What is NOT Helpful

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

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

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

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

Lessons Learned

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Meditation

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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

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

Mental Benefits

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

2. Enhances Focus: Improves attention and concentration.

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

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

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

Physical Benefits

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Benefits

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

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

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

Practical Benefits

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

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

3. Encourages Patience: Builds resilience in stressful situations.

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

Try this simple meditation to get you started!


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

Serving Others and Cultivating the Greater Good

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

In a world that often feels fast-paced and self-centered, the act of serving others stands as a profound counterbalance—a way to connect, inspire, and build a greater sense of purpose. Service to others doesn’t require grand gestures or vast resources. Instead, it begins with small, heartfelt acts of kindness that ripple outward, creating an impact far greater than we might imagine.

Why Service Matters

When we serve others, we tap into a deeper sense of humanity. Science and spirituality alike remind us that helping others not only benefits the recipient but also nurtures the giver. Acts of service release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, fostering connection and joy. Beyond this, service cultivates empathy, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the beauty of interdependence.

Small Steps Toward Big Impact

Often, we underestimate the power of small actions. A simple smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day. What may seem ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone in need. Consider volunteering a few hours at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with groceries, or simply being present for a friend who needs to talk. These moments of service weave a tapestry of kindness that uplifts everyone involved.

Cultivating the “Greater Good”

The “greater good” begins with individual intention. When we act with selflessness and compassion, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where these acts multiply—where kindness becomes contagious and communities are transformed. By cultivating an attitude of service, we contribute to a collective spirit of unity and hope.

Reflect and Engage

Take a moment to reflect: How can you serve today? Perhaps it’s through your talents, your time, or simply your willingness to listen. Every action, no matter how small, carries the potential to plant seeds of positivity that will grow and flourish in ways you may never witness.

As we move forward, let us remember the power of service. Together, we can build a world rooted in compassion, one act of kindness at a time. Serving others isn’t just an act—it’s a way of being, a path to cultivating the greatest good within ourselves and our communities.

What will your next step be in creating this ripple of service?

Implementing Your Intentions

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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!

Word of the Year-Renewal 2025

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

I believe wholeheartedly in the process of choosing a single word that becomes a thread to be woven throughout your life each year. This intention becomes part of you in thoughts, words and actions. This word of the year embodies your choices and actions.

Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one's purpose and connection to the world.

Word of the Year

For over 25 years I have chosen a word of the year. I do this not to set goals or resolutions, but to instead weave a thread into the tapestry of my life. The choices and thoughts that I make need to align with my word. In the yoga world we call intention a sankalpa.

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, a solemn vow, an intention, or a resolve to do something. It is similar to the English concept of a resolution, except that it comes from even deeper within and tends to be an affirmation.

Choosing a word or sankalpa for your year gives you direction in which to lead your life. For 25 years I have chosen many different words and have taken action. I have worked on some great things over that time span and all of it has lead to some greatness! A few of my recent favorites have been: refinement, deliberate, bold, reverence, and limitless. My least favorites have been peace and equanimity as they were two of the hardest years of my life.

Word of the Year 2025–Renewal

2024 and all the physical challenges of the last decade cumulated with three hip surgeries. I am ready for a big shift in my life. To restore a freshness into my life much like we do as we renew our strength in sleep. I want to make new in how I self care, how I work, how I serve and how I love. In some sort of ways I feel regeneration is in the works.

To seek renewal is to embark on a deeply personal journey of rediscovery, shedding the weight of past burdens and embracing the boundless possibility of becoming whole again. It is a soulful act of nurturing the inner self, replenishing depleted wells of energy, faith, and hope. Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one’s purpose and connection to the world. It is the quiet yet profound courage to step into the light after seasons of shadow, to reclaim joy, and to realign with the essence of who we are meant to be.

My ideas so far to finding renewal include:

  • Choosing quality over quantity as it relates to movement, friendships, hobbies and more.
  • Moving my habits to a more yin style and quiet space
  • Shifting my work from being so active and to more passive
  • Creating content that is meaningful and lasting

Reclaiming My Power is Key

Here is how I intend to do it:

  • Set Boundaries: Renewal often requires protecting your energy. Learn to say no without guilt.
  • Embrace Self-Acceptance: Let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
  • Make Daily Changes: Choose mindful activities rather than active activities when stressed.

Essential Oil Blend for Renewal

Each year crafting a custom blend to support my vision. Here is this year’s aroma blend to support my word of the year.

  • Basil: The Oil of Renewal. This essential oil supports a strengthened and renewed outlook to life.
  • Peppermint: The Oil of the Buoyant Heart. This oil supports optimism and rediscovering joy.
  • Red Mandarin: The Oil of Perspective. This oil helps to feel refreshed and joy in simple things.
  • Green Mandarin: The Oil of Potential. This oil gives feelings of wonder and hope.
  • Bergamot Mint: The Oil of a Revived Heart. This oil brings feelings of hope and openness.
  • Ravintsara: The Oil of Expansion. This oil helps to expand the mind and find flowing ideas.
  • Immersion Blend: The Blend of Renewal. This blend assists in a peaceful, renewed mind.
  • Rainbow Moonstone: The Stone of New Beginnings. A stone for new beginnings & inner growth.

Affirmations for 2025

Daily affirmations can reinforce my healing intentions. Here are a few I have chosen:

  • “I release the past and embrace renewal with open arms.”
  • “Healing is a journey, and I honor my progress every step of the way.”
  • “I am worthy of love, peace, and happiness.”
  • “My heart and mind are open to the beauty of new beginnings.”

What Will You Choose?

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.

Follow along with me this year as I take action on my intention and renew areas of my life!

End of Year Ritual

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

“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.

Compassion

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

“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.

6. Practicing Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)

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.

What Is Holistic Health?

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Holistic health is an approach to well-being that considers the whole person. Mind, body, and spirit instead of just focusing on physical symptoms. It views health as a balance among these areas, each of which influences the others in creating overall wellness. Unlike conventional medicine that may concentrate on treating individual ailments, holistic health aims to uncover root causes of imbalances. It also helps to nurture each aspect to foster healing from within. This approach encourages looking at lifestyle, emotional well-being, and personal beliefs, emphasizing that true health is about harmony within ourselves.

The Mind

The mind in holistic health refers to mental and emotional well-being. Our thoughts, emotions, stress levels, and mental clarity all play a major role in our health. When we’re mentally balanced, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, make healthy choices, and maintain positive relationships. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and stress management can support mental clarity and emotional stability. This can help prevent or manage issues like anxiety, depression, or stress-related illnesses. Cultivating a healthy mind enhances our emotional resilience and contributes to better physical health.

The Body

The body in holistic health represents the physical aspect, focusing on maintaining the body’s strength, flexibility, and resilience. This includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and overall self-care practices that support bodily health. When we take care of our bodies—through movement, balanced eating, hydration, and rest—we’re better equipped to handle stress, fight off illnesses, and sustain energy. The body also directly impacts our mental and emotional states. For instance, exercise releases endorphins that improve mood, and good nutrition supports mental clarity.

The Spirit

The spirit aspect focuses on finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life. Spirit doesn’t necessarily refer to religion. Rather it’s more about feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves, whether through nature, relationships, personal beliefs, or a sense of inner peace. When we nurture our spirit, we feel a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. This can motivate us to take better care of our bodies and minds. This spiritual wellness adds depth to holistic health, recognizing that our well-being isn’t just physical or mental. Spiritual wellness is also shaped by our sense of purpose and our connection to the world. Together, mind, body, and spirit create a foundation for lasting wellness and a more fulfilling, balanced life.

I have a complete three part series that goes a little deeper into these aspects of holistic health. We will learn techniques for keeping our holistic health optimal, including yoga, essential oils, breathing practices and crystals.

Ready to dive in?

Get Your Access Here

Alignment

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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.