When looking to be closer to a balanced state we must first look within ourselves and trust that little whisper of a voice that is calling us to take some sort of action towards thriving on all levels. My little voice lately has been urging me to get out into nature more. When I took inventory of my life lately I've noticed this has been a missing piece. So I've been making it a priority and thankfully the weather here has been beautiful. I've started to schedule hikes, picnics in the park, and just putting my feet in grass for a couple of minutes with deep breathing. Connecting with nature is one way to help restore my energy levels. I find my breathing is deeper, that my 'problems' seem smaller, and that there is more trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be. 

December is knocking at our door and with it can bring a mixed bag of emotions. Elation for the holidays (whatever you may celebrate), the motivation to gather gifts and plan meals, the buzz of getting some time off of work (hopefully!), and the commotion that can come with spending time with friends and family. There is a lot of energy going around right now and we all are probably feeling it already. This week I wanted to pass along a few of my most simple and easy tips to bring calmness to the buzz that may be happening around you. 

There's been one word that's been popping up for me lately: Support. One definition of support is to bear all or part of the weight of; hold up. I've been reflecting on what this word means to me. In certain areas of life I feel extremely supported and in other areas I feel that there could be more support. Support can show up in many ways in our life and can come from many different people and things. We can use a block, blanket, or bolster to support us in our yoga practice. We can use technology to support us in waking up on time. We can receive support from trusted friends and family to lend an ear or to speak an encouraging word. 

While at the Chakra Retreat a couple of weeks ago I had another really profound moment. On the land that we were staying at there was a Labyrinth. A friend and I were hiking and when we came across it we decided to take a walk through.

This past weekend I went on my 4th Chakra Retreat over the past 6 years. Every retreat always brings profound shifts and changes for me. Normally, the shifts are all of the things I’d like to work on and they tend to bring some heavy emotions along with them. This year was different though.

As you may remember, in my first blog post I began to dive into the Yamas & Niyamas. I spoke about the first Yama: Ahimsa - Non-Harming. Today I want to explore the second Yama: Satya - Truthfulness.

As I look back to April 7th, 2013 I remember it being a significant moment in my life.  That was the day I graduated from a three month, Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training. Going through this training was challenging, and yet so thrilling. It began to stir up my soul. It gave me hope that the life I had been living up to that point didn’t have to continue to stay that way.