Starting a home yoga practice can be a transformative journey for your mind, body, and spirit. Starting a yoga practice at home also offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. However, like starting anything, it can be scary and uncertain. By understanding a few tips to get started, you can begin with a little more knowledge and courage.
Here are some tips for beginners:
1. Set Your Intentions
Decide why you want to practice yoga (e.g., stress relief, flexibility, strength, or mindfulness).
Keep your goals realistic and focus on enjoying the process.
2. Start Small and Simple
Begin with shorter sessions (10-20 minutes) and gradually increase duration.
Focus on basic poses like Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, Warrior I, and Cat-Cow.
3. Choose the Right Style
Explore styles like Hatha (gentle and beginner-friendly), Vinyasa (flow-based), or Yin (deep stretches).
Experiment with different classes or teachers to find what resonates with you.
4. Create a Comfortable Space
Set up a quiet, clutter-free area with enough room to stretch and move.
Use props like a yoga mat, blocks, and straps to support your practice.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that allows free movement and doesn’t restrict your breathing.
6. Listen to Your Body
Avoid pushing yourself into pain; yoga is about progress, not perfection.
Use modifications as needed and honor where your body is each day.
7. Practice Breathing Techniques
Focus on deep, steady breathing (like Ujjayi breath) to calm your mind and enhance your practice.
Pair your breath with your movements for a meditative flow.
8. Stay Consistent
Try to practice regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes daily.
Consistency is key to building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
9. Seek Guidance
Consider joining a beginner’s yoga class or using online videos/tutorials.
A qualified instructor can ensure proper alignment and provide personalized tips.
10. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small progress and enjoy the learning process.
Remember, everyone’s practice looks different—focus on your unique path.
Check out these additional tips for beginning a home yoga practice. If you don’t think you have the perfect space, maybe this article will help you get started!
Here are five basic styles of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits:
1. Hatha Yoga
Focus: A gentle introduction to yoga postures and breathing techniques.
Best For: Beginners or those looking for a slower-paced practice.
Key Features:
Combines physical poses (asanas) with breathing (pranayama).
Emphasizes balance, alignment, and mindfulness.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
Focus: Flowing movements synchronized with breath.
Best For: Those who enjoy dynamic, dance-like sequences.
Key Features:
Smooth transitions between poses.
Often set to music, creating an energetic atmosphere.
3. Ashtanga Yoga
Focus: A structured sequence of poses performed in a specific order.
Best For: People who enjoy discipline and a physically demanding practice.
Key Features:
Follows a set series of poses.
Builds strength, flexibility, and stamina.
4. Yin Yoga
Focus: Deep stretching and relaxation, targeting connective tissues.
Best For: Those seeking stress relief, flexibility, and a meditative experience.
Key Features:
Long-held, passive poses (2-5 minutes).
Encourages stillness and introspection.
5. Restorative Yoga
Focus: Deep relaxation and stress relief through passive, supported poses.
Best For: Those seeking rest, recovery, and a calming practice.
Key Features:
Long-held poses (5-20 minutes) with extensive use of props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks.
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation and healing.
Check out this for more on several styles of Yoga
If you are ready to experience gentle yoga virtually, check out my new online weekly LIVE class! All Fromm the comfort of your own home!
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 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.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls make a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. They’re more than just a dessert—they’re a symbol of love, thoughtfulness, and indulgence, ideal for making Valentine’s Day extra special.
Here’s the recipe to make them:
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup white chocolate chips (melted for coating)
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for texture)
Extra raspberries or powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries. Be careful not to overmix; some chunks are okay.
Chill the mixture for 1-2 hours or until firm enough to roll.
Form the Balls:
Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze for 30 minutes to make them easier to handle.
Coat in White Chocolate:
Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
Dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coating. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs while the chocolate is still wet.
Let the coating set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
Serve garnished with extra raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also pipe red frosting for a touch of elegance.
“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.
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.
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.
Back when I was young, married and raising three people I was completely asleep when it came to self love. I was overweight and miserable. I was extremely heavy in all areas of my life. I did not like who I was. I was also very unaware at how much heaviness I was carrying in the terms of emotion. It became clear that when you love yourself, you take actions that care for yourself. I never connected that the heaviness I was in my body was a direct link to the heaviness in my emotions.
Losing Heavy Emotions
When I began to what I like to refer to as “wake up” and get healthy, I started to actually like who I was. I shed layers and layers of heavy stuff that was either put on me, or I put upon myself. Labels, disappointments, regrets, anger and so much more. I was finding dark shadows that were lurking in my heart that were asking to be let out.
Besides the practical tools I began to actually losing the physical weight, I also forgave others and accepted my circumstances. I began to surround myself with people who honored me and were good influences to a positive outlook on life. In doing this, I lost so much of the heavy feelings that were literally weighing me down.
Losing the Weight
The practical ways in which I lost weight were simple–I changed my habits. Recognizing what wasn’t working and learning to make a very conscious decision to change it was my new way. I swapped mindless habits for mindful living and the game changed.
Some of my strategies were:
Eating meals on small plates
Chewing gum while I cooked
Teaching others to do their dishes
Putting trigger foods out of sight
Making sure my walking shoes were always with me
Changing routines to avoid mindless eating (taking long baths, going for a walk, learning to garden)
You see these simple changes were to avoid be being unconscious. This influenced my snacking, my portions, and my then sedentary lifestyle choices. Many of these changes still remain part of my life.
By swapping out the mindless munching on snacks for bubble baths or a short walk, my mind was beginning to see the value in me. It is extraordinary what happens to a person’s soul when time is spent consistently alone on a walk. The changes that occurred both on the inside and outside were amazing.
I began noticing myself.
I have spent a decade and a half living like these habits; mindful eating and multiple daily walks. I even became a yoga and meditation teacher. Basically transformed myself from an angry obese woman to a healthy and happy woman.
A vibrant life was mine. Once all the BS labels were shed, I found the true me and I found purpose.
Maintaining a light life.
While I have maintained a healthy weight for over 20 years, I have struggled with trusting my body. The multiple diagnoses I have received and the countless surgeries felt at times like a betrayal. In truth, I spent a solid 10 adult years living on double cheeseburgers, fries and chicken nuggets without a stitch of pain or health issues. Once I lightened up health issues began to surface.
I often ask myself how did I begin to develop inflammatory issues when I was now living my best life? My body’s ability to climb mountains, race bicycles, practice endless hours of yoga, walk miles and miles each day was endless.
And yet, my body was struggling.
I have since learned to accept what is. Learning to continue on living an extraordinary happy and healthy life despite pain.Making daily choices around movement vs sitting. Or ice cream vs a single bite of dark chocolate. And binging on stupid tv vs a long bubble bath. I’ve been extremely happy with the self love I have discovered by nurturing myself.
Amazing how much healing can happen when you say yes to YOU.
Whether it is food choices, walking, yoga, mindfulness or even getting down with lifting weights learning to love myself has been a journey I am so grateful for. Listening to the inner calling of my purpose elevated my game beyond any number on a scale could have.
I have found trust in myself. And isn’t trust a much needed part of loving this life?
Take a listen to this podcast I recently did that expands on these ideas. I would love to hear how YOU have lighted up and lost heaviness.
It is easy to find joy during times in our life when everything appears to be in place. We find joy in the lazy Sundays before the yard work for the season takes over. Finding joy is easy when we are sipping drinks on the beach enjoying a deserved vacation. The simple joy of being around young children who find pleasure in just being alive is packed with joy.
What about when life is hard?
How do we find joy during the painful seasons of life? When the daily grind overcomes every corner of our life. The chores are endless. Or our aging parents need constant care. Perhaps our lives are full of the demands of school age children and we have little self care time. The chronic pain that many live with makes finding joy nearly impossible.
Looking for moment of joy
After my last hip surgery, the complications have seemed to be endless. Infections, blood clots, multiple visits to the ER seem to have taken over my life. Constant doctor appointments and conversation about my pain is exhausting.
Until I chose joy.
There are always moments of joy. Waking up to the sound of a spring bird is joy. Watching as the trees begin to bloom is joy. Smelling the first cut grass of the season is joy. Carefully nurturing the garden seedlings is joy. Laying your hands in sourdough bread dough is joy. Tasting the fruits of your labor slathered in butter is joy.
We are going to be okay
Looking back at life, there are countless times when it is easy to see that indeed we did end up okay. When we are in the vortex of struggles it is nearly impossible to see it, but I do believe it is there.
We will be okay. I will be okay. You will be okay.
A mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower.
Mother’s Day is a great spring tradition to honor the people in your life who have nurtured and loved you. 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 for the special mom’s in your life. These little gifts make the perfect gift to appreciate the hardworking givers in your life.
Gratitude Essential Oil Blend
$22
This perfectly crafted blend is my most popular mingling of aroma and gemstones. This wonderful scent is the perfect gift to show your thankfulness to the special momma in your life.
Siberian fir: breaking negative emotional and spiritual patterns,
Frankincense: raise awareness, shine your bright light
Grapefruit: appreciate who you are;
Wild Orange: abundance and bright future, gladness to the heart
Geranium: heart opening, realize security in what you do have
Clove: instills power, sense of protection, integrity
Amber chips; radiates laughter, vitality, and courage.
Aromatherapy Bath Salts
$7
These gorgeous tubes are the perfect end to a stressful day. The make amazing 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.
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.
Glowing Face Serum
$35
This gorgeous face serum is my go to for glowing skin. This gorgeous blend includes rose hip oil, blue tansy, yarrow, rose, and geranium essential oils. I apply it in the evening after cleansing.
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.
Gift Certificates
Do you want to give the gift of goodness to your loved one? I have you covered! You can purchase a gift card from me and then your person and I can come up with exactly what they need! Reach out to me below to purchase!
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 venmo, Zelle, PayPal or good old fashioned cash.
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.
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” —Eleanor Brownn
Self care Mastery
Over the years I have become a master at self care and what I once thought of as purely selfish or saved for the elite has long since diminished. When I had my great “wakeup” I realized that self-care is actually a necessity to living a whole and complete life. I learned that loving myself meant taking time for certain things that bring me joy and in doing that, I am able to more effectively give to others.
Self-care doesn’t have to be weekly (and often expensive) things like massages, facials or extravagant shopping sprees. Self-care should be simple in nature and definitely doesn’t need to cost a lot. It might be that taking the time to perfectly craft your coffee in the afternoon is your version of self-care–in fact, since I am not out and about as much while I recover from hip replacement, I have found sprinkling a little ground cinnamon on my afternoon coffee to be a fabulous substitute to my usual coffee shop Americano. It may be that your self-care is gardening, or baking bread (YES!), or a solo walk, or organizing your office, or a long shower with special smelling soap, or sitting in the sunshine, or the occasional binge on Netflix.
Self Care Before Surgery:
My self-care before surgery was long, long walks everyday and vigorous strength training sessions. It was also daily coffee(s), Yoga, and weekly massages. My self-care post surgery has changed quite a bit but I am still committed to making sure that I am loving on myself every single day. When I redirect my thoughts away from pain and towards something that brings me joy, I am practicing the best kind of self care there is. I am no longer taking long, long walks or hiking in the mountains. I am not getting on the floor for Yoga, or taking long bubble baths, or splurging on multiple trips to a coffee shop throughout my day. Since I am unable to do some of those things due to limitations in mobility, driving myself and being off work for two months, I have evolved my self-care to fit my current situation.
Self Care After Surgery:
Long hot showers instead of bubble baths
Daily affirmations (I have used affirmations for years, but being a bit more intentional about them)
Making anything and everything sourdough (who knew how fun that could be?)
Dabbling more in aromatherapy when I feel my mood changing to a negative one
Using and enjoying my crystals in a deliberate way
Jigsaw puzzles, digital planning and a lot of iPad goodness
I have come to realize that self-care is a constantly evolving practice. I know for me that being productive and using my creative nature to accomplish something everyday brings me joy. That something might be baking a gorgeous loaf of sourdough, or completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle, working on a new project, or finishing a juicy novel. Or, it might be whipping up a body butter for my skin or enjoying an extra long shower. Whatever it is, I am still loving on me and that is a must for all of us.
How do you self-care and how has it evolved in your changing seasons?
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.
As human beings we are likely to have had a few times in our life where we longed for the greener grass that others seem to have. We might even spend some of our time filled with envy wishing that our experience is different than it is and that others have it better than we do. Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
When I was a young mom I spent way too many days comparing myself and my kids to others. It was exhausting and I broke free of all of that during my great wake up in my early thirties. I dropped the desire to compare myself with others long ago for the most part, however, major life events typically bring out our vulnerability and we might find ourselves once again looking at other people’s experience and comparing ourselves to them.
This old feeling of comparing myself started to come back lately when it comes to my recent hip replacement surgery. If I had a nickel for everyone who has told me that their 80 year old whoever was walking in a week without a cane I probably wouldn’t have to go back to work. Seriously…how is that useful? Or the stories of young athletes getting back to their sport within weeks. I get it…those miracles and amazing stories do happen and that is awesome, but not everyone has that experience.
When I hear these examples it is hard to not compare myself with them and it is something I am working on daily while also finding the opportunity to remind others who share their fast healing stories with me that it isn’s always that way for everyone, although I am thrilled for them.
Awareness is the key to cultivating true compassion but that is another day’s blog post.
Instead of comparing myself to those stories I have decided instead to look for small daily wins and remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint. It might be that showering without any help is my win. Or getting out to my yoga studio to record a session is a win. Maybe making a simple dinner is a win. Definitely the sourdough English muffins this week were a win. ?
If I spent my days comparing myself to others I would lose my joy in those small, yet huge wins.
My surgeon and physical therapist were great this week at reminding me that my experience is vastly different than most. The factors that go into my own healing are unique to me, so breathe and be patient. Also look for those small wins each day to carry me through until I am back in the “normal” swing of things. And, I am reminding myself that “normal” may look very different for me compared to pre-surgery.
It is natural for people to compare themselves with others. I want to encourage the world to stop doing that. Many times people even compare themselves with me. Instead, I try to ask them to look at their own gifts and be proud of them. We are all special in some way. While it may seem to some that I have myself all together, I really don’t. I work at it each and every day.
Find the joy in YOU and in your own small victories. Comparing yourself will definitely steal your joy and life is simply too short to live a joy-less life.
I have also learned that although the grass may appear greener, there is always some other species of “weeds” that have taken space in the seemingly green space and my own green is perfect for me, weeds and all.
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.
