Be Authentic…

Be authentically whatever you are, anxious, unsettled, afraid… it makes sense during this time of uncertainty. I personally know how difficult fear is to navigate and although I may not have had the same experiences, I’ve been there…staring fear in its face. I’ve had extreme fear AND anxiety. I know exactly what you’re feeling because I know this emotion first hand and in my experience, telling you “it will get better” or “to get over it” WILL NOT COMFORT YOU if you’re feeling this way.

What has helped me to find calm and release negative emotions …

MEDITATION…

MINDFULNESS…

YOGA…

NATURE….

It’s during times like these that we need these “practices” the most. My meditation practice whether seated, in movement, outdoors, or with breath, has been essential in transforming my life. I’ve learned to SLOW DOWN and accept where I am in the moment, by facing my fears and refraining from “fixing, fighting or hiding them”.
AND although we know trauma affords us opportunities to develop resiliency and growth, when we default to fear, we deplete our precious energy navigating through highs and lows.
TRUST in your power. Your strength will SHINE through, as you learn to hold space for experiencing your emotions and accept you can’t just chase them away.
Find compassion in the face of catastrophe. Let yourself off the hook for the ways you’ve faced fear before. The moment you shift your thoughts from fear to love, brings you closer to your authentic self. Take a long PAUSE and shower yourself with kindness. You are a survivor!
So if you’re afraid, I want you to know “I SEE YOU”… I LOVE YOU … I AM YOU …. and It’s ok if you’re scared, you’ve got this…you are not alone!!!

bewellnowyogameditation #inwardsun #bepresent #inthistogether #healingtrauma #mindfulness #mindfuleducator #selfaware #meditation #yoga #yinyoga #restore #relax #meditate #nature #outdoors #presentmomentawareness #breathe #stillness #strength

Perspective

Perspective is the way we look at different aspects of life + our perception is subjective, molded by the “lens” of personal experiences, interpretations + attitude. As we look at the world around us, our circumstances, the people we encounter + the news, we see different things + we react differently.

It is an acquired skill to be aware of the unconscious assumptions we carry that can block us from truly understanding other people + look at those things from a point of view other than our own. This doesn’t mean we need to constantly seek to please others, but being disrespectful to another person + their belief system is the quickest way to creating separation + division between people.

When presented with differing perspectives, practice mindful compassion + empathy in your relationships . This requires maturity to gain the knowledge + RESPECT of another’s personal beliefs.

We do not see things as they are, we see them as WE are”
~ANAIS NIN

perspective #mindful #awareness #respect #inthistogether

Distance Learning

Distance learning during a pandemic is a new experience for us all. While it may seem like the answer to maintaining the continuity of education for students, it is quickly becoming an additional burden of stress and anxiety. As a teacher and parent aside from supporting my class and their families through these unprecedented times, I feel strongly that you do what is important for your family first and foremost.
I understand you may be working remotely. It’s ok for your job to come first. Don’t worry” about being the “PERFECT “ homeschool teacher! Some of you may be up for the challenge, while others are not. These are challenging times, we can only imagine what burdens families are facing, so many find it unrealistic for a parent to be expected to suddenly become educators without proper resources. Remember when this is finally over, teachers will work diligently to ensure your kids catch up on their work. It’s our job!!!
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to alleviate additional stress. As we experience changes around us, it may help to create structure and routine to promote a sense of calm at home. Make a schedule, that in addition to distance learning, includes your child’s chores as well as educational activities, family time and outdoor play. Do your best to try and limit their screen time. Children shouldn’t spend all day on school assignments and as their teacher, I don’t expect them to.
What I hope is that you are well!! That you consider providing meaningful opportunities for your family to stay connected. Take time to find joy in the moments we have “being stuck”. Dust off your board games, cook a meal together, and if possible, spend more time outdoors. Allow the memories of this time to be of the fun times spent together, being connected, and feeling safe and secure. And just breathe…
Life will be a little crazier than usual during the next few weeks, but if we stick together and support one another, we will persevere!! “Together we are stronger”.

Empty

Empty Your Mind….. Fill your ❤️

🔆🌀🔆🌀🔆🌀🔆🌀🔆🌀🔆🌀🔆🌀

Emptiness is often associated with the narrative … “I’m feeling a void… or something’s missing”… But what if emptiness was associated with peeling back layers of consciousness exposing the highest form of authenticity & magical powers to make shit happen!!

#perspective #emptiness #meditation

How we treat ourselves…

When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. ~Maya Angelou

That may be a difficult thing to do… I’ve allowed myself to show up and be hurt repeatedly, then wondering why… feeling residual shame & guilt, until the lesson was acknowledged.

People may try to manipulate you or exploit a position of authority. When someone shows you a lack of integrity… or sugarcoats reality to get you to agree to something that may not be ideal for you, the yamas or ethical principles can be a guideline for behaving in a benevolent manner towards others. Yama meaning regulation or restraint. We maintain our dignity and act truthfully in the face of an ethical challenge. We must notice to understand the other side and be compassionate and kind to ourselves by LEARNING from the experience, remembering not to “beat yourself up” for not noticing the first time…

How we TREAT OURSELVES will INFLUENCE our treatment of others!!! Let KARMA do it’s job!

Challenge: think of a person you feel negative toward and send them positive uplifting thoughts.

#yama #ethics #karma #kindness #yoga #asana #bhakti #bliss #forgiveness #inwardsun

#balance #positive #restore

#seewithmyheartphotography