Happy New Year!

2017 was filled with challenges, struggles, sadness, and heartbreak... But, it was also a year filled with memories, friendship, and family who saw me through tough times.  I am grateful for the friends and family who have held my hand, listened to me cry, and allowed me to vent.  When I needed comforting you all were there!  2017 was also filled with adventure - From Cookiecrumble Cookie Toss to Madeline's Christmas, my theatre family has been there for me through thick and thin.  It was through Mary Poppins that I lost my brother.  It was through Madeline's Christmas that my husband lost his job... Only 5 days before Christmas day.  I could of easily fell apart, but didn't have the choice to because my daughter had several more shows to go and I was working backstage or front of house for every single show.  I was thankful to have somewhere to go with families who shared their struggles and hardships in an attempt to comfort me and let me know that it will be okay. I am humbled by the love and support from our family, friends, and church family who surround me and my family with love and support.

May 2018 bring us peace, good health, even more friendship, and endless possibilities.

Here's to saying yes to new adventures!

With gratitude,

Kelley Sue

Focus Five: Prepare to Thrive and Feel Alive

I am in awe of this young lady.  Only 10 and so willing to share her thoughts, her heart and her Self with the world. Happy birthday, sweet girl!  Continue shining bright. You are amazing!

(A repost from Grounded Yoga .  All products for purchase through Grounded Kids Yoga.)

Focus Five: Prepare to Thrive and Feel Alive

Written by

Lillarose, Grounded Student, Age 10

(Grounded elevating student since age 3.)

It was a rainy day... A perfect day to do yoga to set my day straight and to breath in my emotions.  Sometimes we feel happiness, sometimes we feel sadness, sometimes we feel joy and even stress.  There is good stress and there is bad stress.  It's okay to feel these emotions.  Let's honor them all, let's talk about it and let them guide us to be the best we can be.  The Focus Five Prepare to Thrive sequence will help anyone who needs to be calm, relaxed or to become more confident.

FOCUS FIVE

I like to think that each finger has an emotion.  Think that the thumb has happiness.  Breathe in happiness and send out light.  The pointer finger has sadness.  Breathe in sadness and allow the light to embrace the darkness, shining out.  The middle finger has joy.  Breathe in joy and send out light.  The ring finger has stress.  Breathe in stress and allow the light to hug the darkness, sending out light.  And, the pinky finger has love.  Breathe into love and send out love to the world.  When you breathe and press your fingers together you are breathing in all these emotions.  Feeling happiness, sadness, joy, stress and love are all natural emotions.  Embrace them all and honor the dark, sending out love, light and comfort.  When you exhale you are allowing them out and they go into other people's breath and out into the world.

LOTUS BREATH

Imagine flowers... Like a Lotus flower, they are calming.  They grow in dirty waters, but are really pretty.  If you are in a difficult situation remember the Lotus.  You can always rise out of the muck and bring beauty to any situation.

WASHING MACHINE

In this pose, let your head and shoulders relax.  You will go in circles and in different directions just like life will take you.  Try to close your eyes in this pose.  Imagine life taking you somewhere.  Somewhere with a cool breeze and a gentle cycle.  Then, do it one more time with your eyes open and in the opposite direction.  Think about where the world is taking you.  Allow the water to rinse away all the dirt that is holding you back from living your life.

WAKE UP MOUNTAIN

Imagine yourself as a mountain... Strong and with a cool breeze.  Imagine you are that mountain.  You are feeling all the seasons (the spring, summer, winter and fall) in one swoop of wind.  Bring your arms in with an inhale and feel the wind inside you.  You will realize how beautiful it is.  When you move your arms up, exhale and allow the wind to breeze through the world for others to experience.

LEFT BREATH RIGHT BREATH

Imagine on one side you are breathing in your doubts.  On the other side, you are breathing in confidence.  With both sides there is a goodness... even the doubts.  The doubts help us push through to learn how to be more confident.  Stand tall and strong.  You are who you are.

FOCUS FIVE: PREPARE TO THRIVE

These cards are perfect to use on a rainy day, a sun shiny day or any given day.  Color, practice and breathe to prepare to thrive.

The singing bowl is just the thing to help you focus, clear your mind and set the day straight.

Lordy, Lordy... looks who's turning 40!

Lordy, Lordy... looks who's turning 40!  Yep, you guessed it!  Forty, fearless and fabulous!!  To celebrate, I asked several beautiful, wise and inspiring girlfriends of mine if they have any advice for turning forty.  Here's a few bits of wisdom they shared... stop wearing makeup, buy a miracle bra, don't dye your hair, throw yourself a party, embrace the sweet moments of dependence that the kids have, seize the dreams of your truth, climb a mountain, power up your activism, and have a heart to heart with your parents.  I love all of these!!!  So, I chose a few that resonate with me and I added several more of my own to live by. 

Let Your Glitter Shine.  I love old.  I love wrinkled.  I love glitter.  I'm gonna let my strands of glitter sparkle!!!

Be Authentic.  Maya Angelou said it best, "“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”  By striving to be authentic I'm allowing myself to be the woman God planned for me to be.

Seize the Dreams of Your Truth. I am here on Earth to share my God given gifts and talents.  So, I'm gonna keep on shinin!

Sleep In.  During the fall and winter I basically hibernate.  And, when it rains... I sleep like a baby.  The rain grounds me.  It teaches me to be still, to stay in bed, to snuggle and to finish that book I've been meaning to finish for months.

Shine Bright, Boldly and Beautifully.  When grounded and in balance we are better able to express what we think and feel. We communicate our ideas, beliefs, and emotions from a place of love and passion. Sound therapy, singing or meditation helps unblock the throat chakra so we shine our personal truth out into the world.  

Keep On Juicing...  The earthier the better!  It's good for me, its yummy and it has many health benefits.  I also love that I have rainbow colored poo! Yeah, I said poo.  Poops important folks!  (If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of juicing give this a read, here.)

Keep On Baking...  I've been making these amazing muffins.  I call them Pulp Muffins (I'll blog later with the recipe.).  Since I juice daily I've been baking muffins with the leftover pulp.  Its great because they are perfect to snack on, to grab on the go or give as gifts!

Go Braless... Why not?

Go To the Movies.  I've created a Movie Bucket List that may end up going on forever since I keep adding to it.  Watching movies is something I rarely make time for, except for when we have family night.  I have a long list of movies I would like to catch up on.  Some I've seen before and some I haven't.  My hope is if I have a list of movies handy I'll go to the list and watch them when able.  I'll keep you posted!

Embrace the Sweet Moments.  These days it is extremely easy to overshare our personal lives.   Social media makes it super easy!  When we embrace the sweet moments (ie. our children, a special date, vacation, etc.) all to ourselves we are more in the present.  

Dream Big & Live Even Bigger.  I am celebrating every single person who has lifted me up or touched my life in some very special way.  These people have helped make me a better person.  To help get me started, I started a Gratitude Journal.  In it, I am writing something special about every person I am grateful for.  Throughout 2017 I will share what I've written and let them know my appreciation in some thoughtful, creative way.  Because life is too short to leave it bottled up inside and I want to celebrate their awesomeness out loud!

Cherish Every Moment.  Being present in the moment is so important and grounding.  Unplugging every once in a while to absorb the miracle moments is the juice of life.

Walk Through Doors.  Continue practicing YESES with a healthy balance of NO's.  Pray that new opportunities will present themselves and when they do be fearless and walk right through those doors.  

Be the Change.  I'd like to share my gifts in some big way.  I have ideas and look forward to sharing in the new year.  For now, I am super proud and grateful for the work I've been doing with Grounded Yoga and The Atlanta Yoga Movement.  Take a look, below.

• Check out my most recent blog post, "Moving On" here.
• Read Co-Founder, Cheryl Crawford's most recent post which includes my photography here.
• And, be sure to also read Grounded teacher, Kira Wilsterman's post, "The One and Only Ivan Family Yoga" here.  You'll see my photography there as well.  My kids also joined in on the class.  Look for the super cute red heads!  
• Last, check out the slideshow I created here.  (There is music, so be sure to turn down the volume.)
• Be on the look out for more!

Volunteer.  One thing I've learned is essential in keeping myself grounded is volunteering my time in some way.  Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  Its true!  And, when we provide our services, not expecting anything in return we learn a lot about ourselves and others.  We learn compassion, connection and love.  

Choice

Change is hard.  When we experience good changes in life we celebrate them.  We plan dinners and parties with those closest to us.  We even celebrate on social media.  But, when it comes to heart wrenching, difficult life changes that keep us up late at night we clam up and want to close ourselves off from the world.  We refrain from posting on Facebook and if you are like me you unplug altogether.

Change is always there.  But, light is also always there also.  When we go through pain and suffering it is easy to get stuck.  Often times we become uninspired, possibly lose faith, begin eating unhealthy, surrounding ourselves with darkness from the shows we choose to watch to the books we choose to read.  Darkness is always there.  But, light shines through every nook and cranny, every crack in every wall.  Light shines at the end of every dark alley.  You get the idea.  We always have a choice.

“Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside of us, we always have a choice. It is our choices that makes us who we are, and we always have a choice to do what's right ~ Let love and forgiveness reign.” 

- Spiderman 3

I've learned the more I resist change the more anxiety builds.  Anxiety feeds off of worry, fear and darkness begins to latch on us like a leech.  The more anxiety which is fed, the more crippled we become.  I've often related this to the symbiote in Spider Man.  Anxiety is like a symbiote.  It envelops its host and creates a bond through which the host's mind can be influenced.  But, when we meditate, pray and surround ourselves with the support of friends and family we allow ourselves to flow naturally through the changes that are taking place in our lives.  We soften and remain open.

It's hard work.  But, possible.  Here are three steps to take charge of anxiety before it takes charge of you.

1.  Meditation - Look up Mindful Meditation or add the Stop, Breathe & Think app to your phone.  The app allows you to choose your mood and a meditation will be chosen for you based off of your emotions.  Meditation allows the brain to redirect itself by creating new pathways.  You may experience the anxiety creeping in begging for your attention, but avoid it by inhaling deeply.  As you breath in imagine your breath gathering up your worries.  Release them through a slow and steady exhale.

2.  Diet - Stay away from the heat!  Spicy foods add more fire to the fire.  Avoid refined sugar and heavy foods that make you feel heavy and sluggish afterward.  Eat often and carry a snack like fresh fruit or carrot sticks with you when traveling.  Also, drink plenty of water!  A friend of mine says she drinks her water at every red light during her commute to and from work.

3.  Exercise - Go hiking!  Exercise helps fight depression.  Try going for a walk or hike for at least 10 to 15 minutes.  Nature helps clear the cob webs!  If you have a dog take them with you!  If you are up for the challenge find a moderate to advanced hike in your area.  The more exercise the better! 

Investigate

WHAT PRESSES YOUR BUTTONS is under investigation!  Get a clue and start searching for clues.  What works for you and what doesn't?

When our buttons are pushed we react.  It's a natural response.  Most of us push buttons right back.  But, what if we chose not to?  What would happen?  What if we found a reset button?  What if we took a moment to pause?  

Breathe.  Scan.  Search for clues!

What if we actually listened to what the other person has to say without taking anything personally?  Without judgement.  What if we mindfully chose to open our hearts and understand where our friend, brother, sister, mother or the lady on the other side of the check out line was coming from?  Last week we focused on AWARENESS while we focused on our breath.  

What would happen if we welcomed CURIOSITY?  What if after our buttons have been pushed we were to STOP, zoom in on the problem and on what is happening within our bodies and searched for clues for finding our own "reset button"?  
  

The next time your buttons are pushed try these exercises:

1.  Get a Clue.  Become your very own private investigator and explore which button has been pushed.  Jot down the clues.  Do you feel misunderstood?  Left out?  Unheard?  Blamed? Most likely it is a familiar feeling that you have experienced before.  This is an opportunity for you to heal the wound.  Breathe deeply into the familiar pain, anger or discomfort.  Try not to react.  Release your breath and simply become aware of what pushes your buttons.  It is healing to journal about this.  Ask yourself what this experience is triggering inside of you?  What does this moment remind you of?  Why does this feel so familiar to you?  One of the reasons why we become upset is because the same buttons have been pushed before.

2.  Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation.  Sit in Easy Seat with your palms up on your thighs.  Close your eyes if you wish.  Take a deep and steady breath in through your nose.  Slowly exhale.  Take a mother deep breath in and rise up through the spine rolling your shoulders back and down.  Take a few seconds to find your natural breath.  Press your thumb and forefinger together with intention and say, "Sa".  Press your thumb and middle finger together and say, "Ta".  Press your ring finger and thumb together and say, "Na".  Then press your pinky finger and thumb together and say, "Ma".  Practice this in your regular voice three times.  In a whisper.  Then, silently.  Return to a whisper and then in your regular voice again.  Sit silently with your palms up and relaxed for several seconds returning to your natural breath.  Then, gently open your eyes and become aware of the shift in your energy and the sense of calmness you have achieved.  This mantra helps us to break habits because it accesses the level of the mind where habits are created.  

What Pushes Your Buttons?

What pushes your buttons?  Being criticized?  Being told on?  Being yelled at?  Feeling unaccepted?  The kids arguing?  Your sibling?  Loud noises?  Traffic?  The baby crying?  Being interrupted?  We've all had our buttons pushed.  Most likely we've even said to someone, "Don't push my buttons!"  It may even seem that our family members, spouse, friends, siblings or co-workers know exactly which buttons to push. 

When someone pushes your buttons what is your response?  Do you bite back?  Do you stomp off growling with your shoulders slumped forward and your head down?  Do you stuff your feelings away letting them boil up inside?  Do your eyes begin to fume with fire, watering because you wish someone would see it from your side?  Or do you stand strong, breathing calmly without reacting while listening openly?  Imagine if you had the tools to steer your perception to gain control of the situation.  

Bottom line, our buttons are going to get pushed and when they do it is an opportunity for growth.  I know, you didn't want to hear that.  But seriously, when we take a moment to not react and pause we experience stillness.  An opportunity for clarity appears.  When we practice this our perception shifts.

This past week I overheard my children arguing and walked into the room ready to separate them, but when I entered the room I decided to observe.  Trust me, this wasn't easy.  I don't know why this happened.  It just did.  I chose to honor the little voice inside of me that tugged at me and suggested that I remain calm and observe the situation.  I became aware of my breath and chose to not react.  I noticed that my children knew exactly which buttons to push.  They weren't listening to their brother or sister.  They were fired up and reacting while taking things personally.  They were committed to getting their point across.  Sound familiar?  I found myself wondering what would happen if one of them became silent and actually listened to what the other one had to say.  Without judgement.  Without anger.  I began to take note of how they could do such a thing.

As you may of already guessed, this did not happen and they continued to argue throughout the day.  I mindfully chose to give them space and encouraged them work it out together (and they eventually did).  But, throughout the day I continued to take notes and searched for clues on how they could shift the situation.  

I chose to share my study with my Saturday morning family yoga class.  And, everyone was able to relate.  Children, parents, grownups (without children).  I realized this is just the start to something bigger.  Something life changing! 

The next time your buttons are pushed try cultivating stillness by practicing this exercise:

1.  Remain Open.  Ask yourself if there is room for growth in this experience.  How can you grow in this moment?  Could your heart open more by rolling your shoulders back and down?  What part of your body needs to relax?  Breathe into that space and as you exhale release any tension you may be holding.  Don't overanalyze or judge yourself or the person pushing your buttons.  Just observe and remain open.

The perfect balance

Beginning January 23 on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. I will be offering a NEW Grounded Yoga class at Newnan Karate Center for ages 5 + and all levels.  There is something very sweet about teaching all ages.  I think we experience a softening that doesn't take place in an adult yoga class.  I've been told time and time again by other adults who have tried yoga for the first time that they walked out feeling intimidated.  Children help us keep it real!  Yoga shouldn't be intimidating.  Yoga shouldn't be only about the poses.  Yoga shouldn't leave us feeling small or inadequate.  

Saturdays Grounded Yoga class is for those of us who wish to step out of our head and into our heart.  When we mix laughter, playfulness and seriousness we walk away feeling refreshed and renewed, creating the perfect balance for the day!  

Click on the "classes" link above for more information.

Sat Nam

2016 Birthday Bucket List

This year has been one heck of a year!  A year of growth.  Lots of stillness.  And the best part, some good quality time with the Lord!

Last year I created a bucket list.  And when I go back to it to see what I did and didn't do I feel pretty good about it.  I've added one more goal to have 39 goals total (one goal per year).

1.  Enjoy eating a delicious grass fed, free range burger on my birthday and not feel bad about it.  ✓
2.  Commit to a daily yoga practice.  Break out in pigeon pose by the end of the year!  ✓
3.  Get a 1 hr. full body massage.  (I am very excited about this!!!)

4.  Put flowers on my grandaddy and brothers graves.

5.  Visit my dad in Terre Haute, Indiana.  ✓
6.  Visit Rock City.
7.  Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.  ✓
8.  Take in the good and bad days with my grandmother.  ✓
9.  Have a date night with my hubby at least one night a month.
10.  Snuggle with my kids as much as possible.  ✓
11.  C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y. ✓
12.  Tell my mom and my grandmother I love them as often as possible.  ✓
13.  Have a spa date with my sister.
14.  Read the children's "Storybook Bible".  ✓
15.  Study therapeutics with Martin Kirk.
16.  Take a weekend trip to Ashville, North Carolina.
17.  Garden.
18.  Drink more water!
19.  Read more. And stick to one book at a time.
20.  Sit out the "technology basket" for all cell phones during family time.  (Actually keep phone in the basket.). ✓
21.  Rise with the sun and meditate.
22.  Rest at sun down. This can include sipping on tea or warm Almond Milk and/or reading a good book, taking a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, etc. ✓
23.  No technology after 10 p.m.!! (This allows for more snuggle time.) ✓
24.  Sneak up and love on my man more often. ✓
25.  Go away for a weekend adventure with my mom. No kids! (I rarely make time for alone time with my mom and it is so important.)
26.  Be patient.
27.  Be patient with myself.  ✓
28.  Make more time for "girlie time".
29.  To challenge myself after knee injury, hike a level I trail by the end of this year. ✓ 
30.  Live more colorfully! Draw and paint more!! And, yes mama, this may mean I'm getting a tattoo. ;) ✓
31.  Walk Janie Girl daily! (I missed this the most when I injured my knee.)

32.  Skype with my cousin, Jenny and her boys at least once a month. ✓
33.  Visit the "7 Places You Have to Visit That You Didn't Know Existed" (I grew up going to Callaway Gardens and Jekyll Island and so I have replaced them with two other locations.)

       1.  Bellwood Quarry

       2.  Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Rocktown   ✓
       3.  Brasstown Bald   ✓
       4.  Fricks Cave

       5.  Talulah Falls  ✓
       6.  Cumberland Island

       7.  Jekyll Island, Ga.Providence Canyon (a.k.a. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon). ✓
34.  Get a haircut!  ✓
35.  Take a class at Country Gardens.

36.  Write a cook book with my grandmother's recipes.
37.  Organize a book of poems in memory of my grandmother.
38.  Write a "love note" to my dearest and closest friends and family the old fashioned way... snail mail.
39.  Laugh more!!!

NEW Karma Class begins in

2016!

Beginning January 2016 I will be offering a NEW Karma Yoga donation class at Newnan Karate Center.  This class is designed with three objectives in mind. Community. Service. Love. It is a donation based class for those who may be struggling with finances, in honor of a friend in need, someone who needs a helping hand, a furry friend or a local charity or cause.  This class will be for all levels.  The first class will be held on January 9 at 10:30 a.m.  Click on the "classes" link above and "like" our Facebook page to be updated on future Karma Yoga classes.  Namaste.

shine bright

A few weeks ago my brother died.  It was hard saying goodbye.  Mostly, it has been heartbreaking watching my mom grieve.  This weekend I will be co-teaching another Grounded Yoga Module I training.  Several times I have thought about not going until I realized that it is exactly where I need to be.  Thankfully, I have people looking out for me, honoring my brothers death and allowing me time to heal.  I have a feeling this weekend will be different than the last Module I training.  I may listen more than speak.  Observe more than teach.  Either way, I am grateful for an opportunity to be with others while we learn and grow together.

I believe God designed each and every one of us in a way that we can do good in this world.  Each one of us have gifts, abilities, and talents.  I'm learning more and more about my gifts each day.  As I strive to be more mindful, embrace change, go with the flow and ground in my own heart, I must also remember to practice patience with myself.  Ease up on myself, soften around the edges and not forget why I love yoga.

Yoga teaches us to connect to ourselves and practice self-love and self-acceptance.  It also teaches us to hang in there during the hard times.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach and train alongside two of the most inspirational and beautiful women I know.  This weekend I will be surrounded with community, a group of compassionate and creative individuals who are hungry for change just like myself.

I am looking forward to meeting new faces.  Laughing often.  Smiling when it feels genuine to do so.  Listen intently.  Share. Shine and receive.

Sat Nam

2015 Summer Camps

It's that time of year!  The countdown is on... summer is near.  That means SUMMER CAMP!  Be sure to sign your kiddos up for Grounded Yoga Camp!  Early registration is encouraged.  For more information click on the classes tab.

Happy summer!
Kelley Sue


Grounded Kids Yoga Camps (Ages 5+)

JUST BREATHE Camp ~ June 15 - 19, 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Newnan Karate Center, 254 C Bullsboro Dr. Newnan | $150

Contact Kelley Sue today to reserve your child's spot.  Early registration is encouraged.  Registration deadline is June 1.  Invite a friend and receive $10 off when they register!

Chattanooga, TN.

"Fear is nothing more than an obstacle that stands in the way of progress. In overcoming our fears we can move forward stronger and wiser within ourselves." ~ Unknown

7.  Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.

Yes, I co-taught a Grounded Yoga training.  Was I scared?  Of course.  Did I make mistakes?  You bet I did.  Did I learn?  Absolutely.

Thank you to my teachers, Amy and Cheryl for believing in me.  Thank you, Melanie for creating a sacred place at Balance Studios.  I am beaming with joy for these beautiful ladies! They worked hard, taught from the heart and blossomed over the weekend. And, so did I! 

Sat Nam 

grace

#21. Rise with the sun and meditate.  

The Sanskrit term for 'Anusara' is 'in the flow of grace'.  The experience of being in the flow of grace is not easy to explain or communicate.  But, in yoga, when we are willing to lay everything out on our mat, willing to get out of our heads and unfold from our hearts, it is then that we experience grace.  

In Doug Keller's book, "Hatha Yoga in the Anusara Style", he explains,  "At the heart of yoga there must be an inspiration - a feeling, an attitude, a 'bhavana' - which fills the practice with life, so that your yoga becomes a force that transforms your life in line with your own highest intentions - and in line with the intention of the Divine you.  Yoga begins with your choice to participate, your own intention - pravritti - which from the Sanskrit literally means a 'turning' of your heart toward your own highest good." 

Author, Iyanla Vanzant of One Day My Soul Just Opened Up, explains that "Order is the grace of God that brings to us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.  God's grace assures us that the divine plan for our lives will unfold in an orderly manner according to our level of development."  It seems that so many of us struggle with choices we have made in our lives.  Regret settles in and fear is invited.  Sadness, frustration, anxiety and even depression sets in.  I'm not talking about those who have mental illness or a history of depression in their families.  I'm talking about those of us who look back on life and hang onto the things that no longer serve us.

God's grace is order and we are all in the presence of grace.  So often we sit in our own crap, rolling around, practically bathing in it.  But, we always have the choice to stand back up, on our feet and wipe the crap off.  There is a divine reason why each and every one of us are where we are.  Through struggle we gain strength.  Through strength we gain courage.  And, through courage we gain clarity.  It is then that we are redirected onto our preplanned path.  But, only when we are able to listen are we able to clear our minds and flow willingly.

When we let go and tap into the greater energy within us, the light guides us and supports us.  It is through the hardest of hard times that we find who we truly are.  Find a comfortable place to sit.  Take a spacious breath through your nose. Tune in by closing your eyes. Gently exhale. Breathe in again to the count of five, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1".  Hold at the top of your breath.   Exhale slowly through your nose for the count of five.  Practice this throughout the day.  Mindful breathing helps us to connect with our unlimited space and goodness within.

Be kind, courageous and open.

Embracing Fear

"Teach if you want to crack your heart open more, deepen your teaching, and do something truly meaningful with your skills." - Unknown, Grounded Yoga

On my Birthday Bucket List I listed "Become more involved in Grounded Yoga".  About two years ago co-grounders of Grounded Yoga, Amy Haysman and Cheryl Crawford asked if I would be interested in helping train others to become "grounded".  Although I was honored, I have to be honest, the idea scared me to death.  Train others?  I thought of many reasons why I shouldn't commit.  "I already own a business of my own."  "I live too far away."  "We may be moving."  "How well do I know my "stuff"?"  The list goes on and on.  But, truth be told, I was holding myself back from a life changing opportunity.  Ghandi says, be the change that you wish to see in the world. I've known for some time now that change is near.  Big change.  I feel it in my bones.

In September, when I injured my knee I was given an opportunity to do a lot of soul searching. I asked myself, where are you holding back?  I realized that I was playing small and for a very long time and was hungry for more.  But, I was playing small by holding myself back.  One of my favorite quotes from Marianne Williamson's A Return To Love is:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

In practicing stillness, we gain clarity and nourish our heart and soul.  Stillness reminds us of the importance of compassion and self love.  As I continue to learn more about myself, I'm realizing more and more that its okay to not know what the future holds, to remain open, listening and receiving.  The key is, authenticity.  Just be me.  Offer what I know and flourish from there.

Two weeks ago I attended another Module I - "Get Grounded" training at Vista Yoga to observe co-founder Cheryl Crawford teach.  As always, I enjoyed taking in the beautiful people and what Grounded has to offer to the community.  On the first day, I felt confirmation that I stepped back on my path.  Cheryl and Amy are two of the most humble and genuine individuals I know.  They are mothers, inspiring women and have opened up their hearts to a community that wants to make a difference in this world.  

I look forward to the last weekend of this month, for Module 7 - "Expand" Your Teaching, created for Special Populations where I will meet new friends, learn more about individuals with special needs and the best practices for those who have been traumatized.  Here's to shining bright and facing our fears!

My 2015 Birthday Bucket List!

To celebrate my 38'th birthday my sister suggested that I come up with 38 realistic and achievable goals I would like to accomplish in 2015.  So, here I  go... (Thanks sis! xx)

1.  Enjoy eating a delicious grass fed, free range burger on my birthday and not feel bad about it. 
2.  Commit to a daily yoga practice.  Break out in pigeon pose by the end of the year!

3.  Get a 1 hr. full body massage.  (I am very excited about this!!!)
4.  Put flowers on my grandaddy and brothers graves.

5.  Visit my dad in Terre Haute, Indiana.
6.  Visit Rock City.
7.   Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.  

8.  Take in the good and bad days with my grandmother.
9.  Have a date night with my hubby at least one night a month.
10.  Snuggle with my kids as much as possible.
11.  C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y
12.  Tell my mom and my grandmother I love them as often as possible.
13.  Have a spa date with my sister.
14.  Read the children's "Storybook Bible".
15.  Study therapeutics with Martin Kirk.
16.  Take a weekend trip to Ashville, North Carolina.
17.  Garden.
18.  Drink more water!
19.  Read more. And stick to one book at a time.
20.  Sit out a "technology basket" for all cell phones during family time.  (Actually keep phone in the basket.)
21.   Rise with the sun and meditate. 
22.  Rest at sun down. This can include sipping on tea or warm Almond Milk and/or reading a good book, taking a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, etc. 
23.  No technology after 10 p.m.!! (This allows for more snuggle time.)
24.  Sneak up and love on my man more often.
25.  Go away for a weekend adventure with my mom. No kids! (I rarely make time for alone time with my mom and it is so important.)
26.  Be patient with myself. 
27.  Make more time for "girlie time".
28.  To challenge myself after knee injury, hike a level I trail by the end of this year.
29.  Live more colorfully! Draw and paint more!! And, yes mama, this may mean I'm getting a tattoo. ;)

30.  Walk the dogs daily. (I missed this the most when I was unable to walk and so have they.)

31.  Skype with my cousin, Jenny and her boys at least once a month.
32.  Visit the "7 Places You Have to Visit That You Didn't Know Existed" (I grew up going to Callaway Gardens and Jekyll Island and so I have replaced them with two other locations.)

       1.  Bellwood Quarry

       2.  Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Rocktown 

       3.  Brasstown Bald 

       4.  Fricks Cave

       5.  Talulah Falls

       6.  Cumberland Island

       7.  Jekyll Island, Ga.Providence Canyon (a.k.a. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon)

33.  Get a haircut!  
34.  Take a class at Country Gardens.
35.  Write a cook book with my grandmother's recipes.
36.  Organize a book of poems in memory of my grandmother.

37.  Write a "love note" to my dearest and closest friends and family the old fashion way, through ole snail mail. ;)
38.  Laugh more!!