For those that weren't able to make it to the retreat over the weekend, I feel like I wouldn't be fully honoring the big picture of this group and its amazing energy by not sharing a small piece of what we cultivated over only a 4-hour period.
For those that were able to make it, I wanted to recognize you once more.
Everyone who came showed up. Like, truly showed up; with vulnerability, trust, strength, and a promise to do the work in order to show up better for their people. It was amazing. And I know those of you that couldn't make it would have done the same thing.
I love how all of you inspire me to keep showing up. Every. Damn. Day. But not the showing up where you just plow through your to-do's and ignore all signs from your body and mind that are screaming at you to listen.
After everyone left the retreat, I had a lot of feels. It helped shed light on where I need to be right now, what my capacity is, and what my role needs to be in this season -- in case you're wondering my answers are: at home surrounded by my favorite people; very low; caring for the boys and I.
I am still going to show up, but in a way that truly honors me.
So as you move through these next few weeks and welcome in a new year, I wanted to give you some tools to help you keep showing up in a way that serves you, and not just those around you.
Below I've listed some of the many tools I have cultivated over the years that help when things start to feel really hard and overwhelming. We used these this past weekend, so those of you who were there, these will be familiar. But let this be a reminder to continue doing the work for yourself. And if these are new to you, I hope they'll provide a little peace for you in this season. Never hurts to try.
Movement
This is one of my personal favorites. To me, there is nothing better than moving your body -- bonus when there is good music involved. With eyes closed, we listened to two songs and just let them move us in the way our body needed to be. Check out the Spotify playlist used during Holiday Unwind below! It has music from our movement practice, as well as our yoga practice.
Breathwork
**Before doing these practices, take notice of where you are and how you feel. If you have concerns, always consult with a trusted practitioner!
4 - 7 - 8 | This is an easy breath work practice that you can do (just about) anytime. If things get a little overwhelming, or you just feel like you need to come back to yourself for a minute, I highly suggest this technique. Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, breath out for 8. The numbers can vary based on your comfort. The most important thing is to keep the exhale about twice as long as the inhale. This allows your parasympathetic nervous system to activate, quickly taking you out of fight or flight mode, and into a more restorative, safe mode.
Alternate Nostril Breathing | This is a slightly more advanced form of breath work. Please only practice this when you have a few minutes to sit down and be still. Do not do it while driving or any crazy mom stuff! Click the button below for instructions - visual is much easier with this one.
Journaling
Peace Generator | Think of one thing taking away your peace. It can be anything -- health, family, financial, professional, personal, etc. Jot it down. Now, close your eyes, be still, breathe and connect to yourself. Once you feel calm, ask yourself: is this serving me? am I holding on to this out of fear? what's the kindest thing I can do for myself with this situation?
Go back to your journal and write down whatever comes to mind. Some things you may gleam from this could be that you should just walk away, set clearer boundaries, re-frame how you see the situation. Just know that whatever is meant for you will find its way.
Time Travel | Think back to a past you in an uncertain or challenging time. Journal where you are now and reflect on how far you've come from that place. This can be a beautiful way to see your growth, identify things you learned along the way, and validate yourself and your strength.
A Note From Your Future Self | Write a letter from your future self honoring all that you've done, how amazing you handled some of life's most challenging situations, and validating the choices you made along the way.
My wish to you this holiday is that you be your favorite present this year. Amongst the hustle, give yourself comfort and restoration, find presence and be the beacon of holiday light for your family. And I hope you all have a holiday...magical, good, bad, hard, amazing, or otherwise. Just have it. Because all our little humans truly need us to do is show up.
Love to you all,
Me
