Time, Space and Social Distancing
I think I use to measure time by a year or a month, during these days of social distancing my perspective of time has changed. Time feels quicker yet drawn out, and things can change by the day, or even the hour. Space and alone time have felt like eternity when there is no end date in sight. Is it the need of control, to know the outcome, or is it the need to have purpose or routine or security again?
I like to think I’ve been an optimist for most of my life. When one door closes another door opens, Love over Fear, Cup Half Full outlook, this is happening FOR me not TO me. All positive perspective not driven by fear. But there are days or hours if you will that the negative feels like it outweighs the positive and during those times “allowing” or “giving myself permission” to have those moments where I feel insecure, unhappy, scared, not the best version of myself. The reason I use the dialogue “allowing” or “permission” is from years of not forgiving myself for falling off track. With my 3rd battle of depression I was angry at myself for not being “perfect” and how could I let myself “get like that”. I had so much guilt, so much blame. Some of those feelings (along with other wounds) have resurfaced during these social distancing times. But looking back on those dark times, that was just one chapter, or 3 years (however you wish to measure time) of my whole life.
With the uncertainty it can feel like a lifetime.
I’m grateful for all the “time” or experiences before social distancing. Grateful I experienced India back in October and to think traveling will not be the same next time I board a plane, grateful for my last family gathering in February literally 2 weeks before we temporarily closed our studio doors, grateful for celebrating my 30th birthday with friends, grateful for our 1 year studio anniversary, all of these gatherings, gifts, and more.
So the days I start going to the negative I ask myself what am I grateful for?
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Women In Business Young Professional of the Year
Thank you to the anonymous member of my
Community that nominated me for The Women in Business Young Professional of the Year Award. When this email popped up in my inbox 4 days ago I was overwhelmed with tears. And in typical Sarah fashion (yes I talk in the third person sometimes) I immediately felt undeserving of this nomination. But through the excitement I shared with my family and closest friends they reminded me of the years I’ve spent in the Barrie community through my music and philanthropy work and now my yoga community. They reminded me that I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was 14! Wow 14? I totally forgot! So thank you to my community for seeing me, thank you for lifting me up, and thank you for believing in me. 2020 let’s go!
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Self Care Routine
What does your Self Care routine look like? One of my students thanked me today for always reminding them it’s important to put yourself first and it doesn’t make you selfish. Ive struggled with this for a long tine myself and trying to follow my own advice can be a challenge at times. With the end of summer approaching I dedicated Monday morning to myself. My day started with 20 minutes of chanting/meditation, 30 minute forest walk with the pup and taking a 75 min yoga class for myself. Now you may be saying I don’t have time for that, I hear ya, I used my “half day” off to accomplish this and started my day at 6am. But when we say we don’t have “time” we’re really saying we don’t value something. Even 5 minutes of what you love daily can make a difference. #selfcare #itsalifestyle #routine #earlyrisers #riseandshine #the5ammiracle #chant #meditation #meditate #practice #yoga #self #selflove
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LoveYourself
I had a realization today, a moment if you will. Where for about 5 seconds I actually felt fully happy with my body. My body is getting more toned with teaching, and I always feel my best in the summer, fit and strong. And in those 5 seconds I realized that I can’t remember a time where I was completely happy, satisfied with my physical make up. There’s always something to change or improve. It made me realize that we are never 100 percent satisfied, seems pretty obvious, but how freeing and liberating it felt to be at peace with myself and not have to criticize or judge “ME”. Wow imagine if I felt like that everyday. As a yoga teacher I use my platform to empower others and lift them up but I will admit that my own self talk is not always positive. Why can’t I see what others see in me but it’s so easy for me to see the beauty and good in others? And if I could be this happy with my body everyday what would my life look like? Is it realistic, or just a fantasy to be fully happy. What would make you happy daily ? What could you spend less time worrying or fixating about ? Affirmation: I love myself fully and completely, just as I am. #happiness #loveyourself #affirmations #bodylove #bodyimage #selflove #empowerment #selfconfidence #selfesteem #selftalk #loveyourself #yogateacher #positiveselftalk
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Speak Up
“Everybody has a story that can break your heart”. Remember that song ? It makes me think that in this day and age with technology most of the time we only post the good, making our life look “perfect” “fun” “glamours” “newsworthy” but behind each selfie or post there’s still a story we’re most likely not telling. We tend to only show the good. So what you may not know is that person is having a hard time at work, or maybe a family member is ill, or they’ve had a huge life change. Let’s stop defaulting to “I’m good” when someone says “How are you” and start opening up, asking for help if you need it, be vulnerable it’s a strength, and stop hiding behind that shield (screen). Everyone’s story is different, and YOU you’re important. #speakup #selfie #selfcare #mentalhealthawareness #stress #believeinyourself #speakyourtruth #youmatter #family #selflove #portrait #shield #speakup #vulnerability #strength #knowyourworth #selfworth #loveyourself #itsokaynottobeokay #yogateacher
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Mental health is more than just one day, it’s everyday.
Mental health is more than just one day, it’s everyday. It’s great for us to start the conversation but what happens tomorrow? Please reach out to your friends, your family reach, your community let’s keep the conversation going.
I say this from my heart that 6 years ago when I battled with my first sprout of depression I felt lost, there wasn’t enough awareness on mental health, so now is the time more than ever lean on your yoga community we’re here to be part of your journey
If you haven’t heard about Anahata Yoga from the Heart then here’s a quick introduction: We grew from a place of wanting yoga to be accessible and affordable for ALL even those suffering with mental health. Through our Pay it Forward class weekdays at that 3:00 pm we offer a 45 min Hatha class for EVERYONE! If your Mental Health is impeding on your life and you can’t afford the full cost of the drop in rate then pay what you can, or if you can’t afford anything this week then the class is on us! It’s our way of giving back to the community in a Mindful way, Pay it Forward. No more, I can’t afford yoga therefore I can’t manage my stress and anxiety. If you can afford a cup a coffee then you can afford a yoga class!
Yes lets keep the conversation going in a safe and inclusive space but lets also use our practice to help us through those hard times and manage the daily stresses. Here to listen anytime.
Peace&Love,
Sarah Melody
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