Waking Up Anxious
Let’s talk about Waking Up Anxious….ugh. It’s the worst feeling, so frustrating when you have no control over it. Waking up with that sour feeling in your belly, your gut. Asking yourself “did I over share yesterday” “did I offended anyone” “wow that was really stupid when you said that”. The constant over analyzing until you’re exhausted.
Over the last couple years I’ve worked hard on changing my relationship with my mental health, teaching myself that it’s OK and actually a gift from my body telling me something is out of alignment. But honestly waking up with it and not being able to place where it came from is so annoying 😤 and on top of it the added pressure of “you should know this by now, we’ve been here before”. Now we have the avid big C stress do I dare mention the word one more time #covid We’re in a world right now that’s constantly changing so add that to the mix of pre-existing anxiety 🥳
So on those mornings this anxiety cloud just shows up, I ask myself what do I need today? Sit for 5 mins in meditation, drink more water less coffee ☕️😫, schedule a date with nature G R O U N D Y O U R S E L F!
And reminder yourself It’s all going to be okay.
Be gentle.
-Sarah Melody
#wakingupanxious #mentalhealth #yogaformentalhealth #selfcare #depression #anahatayogabarrie #anahatayogafromtheheart #clearyourmind #covid19
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Real Talk- Supporting Local
You’ve probably been scrolling through your feed and see posts saying “support local” or “when you shop local a real life person does a happy dance” It’s true we really do. 
But how often do we actually stop and consciously make that decision to support local? I get it, it’s so easy and convenient to shop at the big brands, sometimes there’s free shipping and great offers, I’m not saying don’t support the big guys cause come on I love my Lulu and Starbucks too 
and this post isn’t to sell you something (although memberships is what keeps studios alive)… this post is really to ask you what do you VALUE? When you make a purchase whether it’s a service or product it’s an investment, what do you receive in return, what’s its value? 
Is it quality, is it that personal touch, someone on the screen or in studio that remembers your name and greets you? That’s what we’re truly investing into …its connection, and man are we lacking human connection these days. 
This Fall 2020 is more than a change of season it really is the “fall” of local businesses, all of us trying to reinvent the wheel and get by. Some of my own favourite yoga studios and allies have closed during these crazy times, it breaks my heart 
and honestly scares me. The next time you make a purchase or sign up for a service I hope you will make a conscious purchase. What do you value? Who do you value? If you choose to support local, thank you! Not only will there be a happy dance at the end of that purchase, but your heart May be a little fuller too. -Sarah Melody, Founder and Yoga Teacher Anahata Yoga from the Heart
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Heart & Shoulders New Class Offering
With our fall schedule starting September 1st we’ve added a couple new class offerings! Join Sarah @sarahmelodymusicandyoga Tuesday evenings 7:00 pm Hearts & Shoulders, ️ open up the neck, upper back and shoulders with this Hatha based practice that incorporates a bit of gentle yoga flow to get the body moving and the heart centered. Focus on strengthening and toning through our asanas, students are encouraged to bring their yoga blocks, straps and other props to class. With heart affirmations and tuning inwards, this class is sure to bring some calm and connect to the heart center (Anahata) 🕉
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Be Still
Be Still. I joke with my yoga students almost daily that I teach yoga to find stillness and to balance out my yang energy. Being conditioned in our Western Society to work harder, do more, be more …ALL the time. This use to be me, actually its still me. How do you undo old programming of 20 plus years. Is it nurture? Is it nature? Is it society? Is it immigrant parents, the generation of the working force that conditioned you to work harder? All of the above plays a factor, but only YOU (me) can change that programming, that dialogue.
Some of my most recent talks with friends, family, and community have been around the idea that both social distancing and Covid have reminder us to SLOW DOWN, and that we truly have no control of tomorrow. This doesn’t mean to not have goals and dreams but maybe it’s the reminder to not hold on so tight. Appreciating the stillness, the calm, the quiet, that’s my intention for the remainder of Summer 2020, what’s yours ?
Peace&Love,
Sarah Melody
#calm #stillness #ontario #yogateacher #nature #getoutside #practicewhatyoupreach #selfcare #water #lakelife #intention #socialdistancing #covid19 #slowdown #meditation #meditate
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Social Distancing Times
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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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