“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” ~ Brené Brown Four Statements
Facilitating Satisfaction Hello beauties! Happy start to spring! Yes, it truly is spring, despite the fact that around here winter wants to linger. 🥶 Back to the idea of how Bhutan studies Happiness. And who actually IS ranked the Happiest Nation on Earth? 😉 Bhutan implemented its Gross National Happiness Index in 1972 as a way to address the negative impacts of economic growth on the environment and society. In fact, its aim is to set the country on a development path that moves beyond material well-being. I hope you are asking, how in the world would you even go about measuring happiness? Let alone accomplishing this for an entire nation decade after decade. According to the University of Oxford and its Department of International Development, “the GNH Index is a holistic tool based on 33 indicators which measure nine domains: psychological wellbeing; health; education; time use; cultural diversity and resilience; good governance; community vitality; ecological diversity and resilience; and living standards.” Amazingly, the GNH figures released in 2022 saw an increase from 2015 despite the Pandemic. With all this commitment to its nation’s well-being, you might think Bhutan MUST be the happiest nation on the earth. Not so. In fact, for the last six consecutive years, Finland has been rated the World’s Happiest Nation. If this surprises you, you are not alone. In fact, most Finns are said to question this ranking. 🤔 They tend to view themselves as quiet, introverted, and maybe even melancholy. How does that translate into happy?! 😳 I am certain much credit goes to Finland’s wealth, infrastructure, institutions, and the way it cares for its people. But, that can’t explain everything, can it? Let me be clear. I do not see “happiness” as some sort of ideal, panacea, or ultimate outcome. And, I get curious about how a culture is facilitating contentment and satisfaction! Here’s where I’ll turn to Frank Martela, PhD, a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher who studies the fundamentals of happiness. Dr. Martela talks about the research that shows people who desperately seek happiness tend to be . . . less happy. Hmmmmm. In fact, the Finns believe if you have found happiness, you should not show it. The popular Finnish saying is, “Who has happiness should hide it.” Ostentatious displays of success and wealth are actually shunned. People who are wealthy tend not to stand out with the cars they drive nor the clothes they wear. How does this help overall happiness? Dr. Martela believes it has to do with our tendency to compare ourselves to others which often has a negative effect on our happiness. Dr. Martela identifies 3 more Finnish expressions he believes shapes the sense of satisfaction with their lives: The pessimist will never be disappointed.
Everyone is the blacksmith of their own happiness:
Some have happiness, everyone has summer:
To read Dr. Martela’s article in its entirety, you can click here. Well, I have officially added Finland to the long list of places I want to visit! 🥰 I’m so glad you’re here, ~ m ♥️ P.S. You know I LOVE learning. Recently, I learned I am behind the times in terms of my rates for private classes. Maybe because I haven’t shifted those rates since 2016?! 🤣 Of course, that’s on me. 😉 Beginning this summer, I’ll be incrementally increasing those rates. Thank you for your continued support. If the cost of yoga classes is keeping you away? Please connect. Let’s explore what’s possible.
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“Was it a bad day? Or was it a bad five minutes that you milked all day?” ~ Sassy, a newsletter from Herself Media Speak Kindly
Support Yourself with Spaciousness Hi friends! Today, a loving reminder: please gift yourself ease in moments of transition. It sounds so simple. But in my own investigation, I’ve observed that transitions are where situations frequently go sideways. Example: you have gotten yourself neatly packed and organized for a trip. You arrive at the airport with time to spare. Your flight is on time. Everything is moving according to plan. Then, the moment arrives when it’s time to go through security. You’re juggling your bags, your shoes, your belt, your laptop, your coat, your water bottle, etc. Suddenly, you can’t find your driver’s license. Your passport has gone missing. You have no idea where your phone is. And, I’ll be honest. If Mike happens to be with me? I’ll most likely be delivering some snappy comment his way during this whole fiasco. How did everything go to shambles so quickly? A wonderful aspect of aging: I now understand I am not the only one who can be so easily discombobulated. In fact, many of us feel stress around packing, planning, and preparing. When my mind feels full, trying to store all of the details I “should” keep track of, I notice there’s very little space for anything else. Ugh! Let’s be honest. Everything feels better when there’s spaciousness around it. In the airport security example, with a line of people behind me, I also feel the pressure of being hurried. Again, no spaciousness, which adds to my stress and feeling out of sorts. Moments like these are when we really need our yoga. Now, when I start to have that wound tight sense of stress or anxiety, I know I can soften. I can feel my feet on the earth and allow the ground to support me. I can soften into my belly and deepen my breath to relax my nervous system. I can hear how I am speaking to myself, and, if needed, move the needle towards something more compassionate. These tools help me recover more quickly. I can move through the stress cycle and return to a place of balance. As I practice this, it all becomes easier. More readily accessible. Less downward spiral. Quicker return to calm. Those five minutes in security need not derail my day. Of course, this approach is applicable beyond airport security lines. In fact, it’s relevant to each and every moment we encounter. Yes, this is how yoga becomes our moment by moment, breath by breath way of living. . If you breezed by the quotation up above, take another look. 👀 Let’s speak kindly to ourselves. Gift ourselves ease in transition. And lovingly support ourselves when things go sideways. Think how differently our world would feel and flow if we all embraced these ideas? 💗 Thank you for being a source of light. 💡 The world needs it 🌎 ~ m ♥️
“You know you can do yoga without doing a single posture in your life. Yoga is not about being bendy. Yoga is a way of living. It is a journey to the self, through the self, a step by step coming home.” ~ Sattva Yoga Academy, Landsdowne India A Way of Living
To the Self, Through the Self Hi friends! Reminder; we change time this weekend. ⏰ That’s right. It’s already time to Spring Forward! 🌷 Truth? My body and my being feel a bit confused., The sun and the warmth have been delightful, strange, and a bit scary. Crocuses in bloom. Daffodils nearly ready. Barefoot walks on the beach. Lakefront towns bustling. Powerful thunderstorms. I can’t tell you the number of times Mike and I have said to one another, “We could be sailing today.” For me? It’s unsettling. And, I understand this could become our new normal. While I don’t long for mountains of snow, I do relish the winter months for the opportunity to hibernate. To live, move, and work at a different pace. More time for rest so I can recharge. This shift in output helps me come up with new ideas. To nurture connections. To take care of things I have neglected during the busyness of the summer season. However, when it’s unexpectedly sunny and 70, who can resist getting out there? (I hope the fruit tress can resist popping out too early, that’s for sure!) 😳 So, as the days become even longer, and the pace of life picks up for many of us, I want to remind us all . . . it’s a great idea to simply unplug once in a while. Taking a 20 minute savasana in the middle of the day is a gorgeous way to unplug. If you breezed right through the quotation up above, please take a nice, slow read. Yoga is not the performance of physical postures. Yoga provides a step by step, moment by moment, breath by breath walk through life. Sure, some expressions of this might make you hot and sweaty, or put you into a bind, but that’s not necessary . . . nor what it’s about. I love that yoga continues to nurture me, guide me, and support me. Every day. In new ways. And guess what? I am both happier and healthier because of it! Thanks for being part of my yogic path. I love that you’re here, ~ m ♥️
“Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl The Gift of Time
The Power of the Pause Hello beauties! If I drew a pie chart illustrating how the flow of the year feels for me? I’m not sure mine would look exactly like the cartoon above. But, I appreciate the easily digestible visual as a way to represent a rather complex concept . . . the passage of time. Relaxation opportunities, vacations, time with dear friends? Often these moments whiz by. 🚀 Flight delays, meetings, doctor’s appointments? Can feel as if they are trudging by at glacial speed. The hour at lunch with my girlfriend last week cannot be the same as the hour I spent getting my most recent mammography and bone density scan, can it? I’ll never forget being gifted a two-hour massage. It sounded SO luxuriously long, but truthfully? I questioned whether or not I would really enjoy the prolonged experience. Ha! 🤣 When the massage therapist let me know our time was up, I really did look at my watch in disbelief. I was certain I had been shorted. 😅 There was NO WAY a full two hours had passed. And yet, as the tension in my body unraveled, that time had simply melted away. Today we all have these additional 24 hours, so I’m hoping we can take at least a few moments to pause. Why? Because the pause holds so much magic! ✨ If you skimmed the quotation up above, please take another read. 🙏🏽 This is just one example of how powerful a pause can be. The pause can simply be one or two breaths in between stimulus and our response, and that space can make all the difference. Next time you begin to feel annoyed, or impatient, or defensive, or overly reactive, see if you can gift yourself a bit of spaciousness. Enough space for a breath . . . down into your belly if you can . . . and to feel your connection with this earth. Making big shifts in our day, our week, our year, and our life truly can begin within the space of a breath. Please join me: Sit a little taller ✓ Soften your eyes ✓ Soften your belly ✓ Take a nice, expansive inhale ✓ Release that nice and slowly ✓ Want even more benefits? Do another 2 - 4 rounds 🥰 Now, take this shift with you and remember how simple and powerful it really is! Not every single thing in life has to be complicated. We really can create change one breath at a time. Thanks for being here and taking this leap with me 🐸 ~ m
“We’ll be friends forever, won’t we, Pooh?” asked Piglet. “Even longer,” Pooh answered. ~ A.A. Milne Warning Signs ❌
Healthy Emotional Habits ✅ Hello friends! I’m so happy you are here. 🥰 Today, a brief note . . . because I am indulging in time with one of my all-time favorite humans. 💕 Darcy and I met when we were 10 years old. Initially, we bonded over sports and potato chip cookies (her Mother’s specialty that really are better than they sound 😉). And, even though we haven’t lived in the same state as one another since high school graduation, our original connection has not only lasted. It has strengthened. When I first saw the post above about Green Flags, I took it in as inspirational. Reminders for the kind of person I want to be for others. Then, when Darcy arrived, I re-read the list. Yep. She checks every single one. ✅ Wait. Not checks. She gets gold stars everywhere!. ✨⭐️✨ So, as we talk and giggle and treat ourselves to massages, I am truly basking in the gift of friendship. I hope we all have people in our life who are full of green flags. Who lift us up. Help us be better. And love us through and through. And, I hope we can all be Green Flag people for others whom we connect with and care about. Until next week, big light and love 💚 ~ m
“The stress cycle needs to complete, and just eliminating the stressor isn’t enough to do that.” ~ Emily Nagoski Stress vs. Stressor
Complete the Cycle Hi beauties! I love writing to you each week, for so many reasons, but today it’s primarily because the newsletter provides me with a platform to share in more depth. I am deeply committed to the premise that each and every yoga class I teach must move beyond the physical body. Yes, it’s wonderful to loosen up, gain strength, and improve balance through physical postures (asanas), but that’s just a tiny bit of what yoga is about. So, I try and share more as we move through our asanas; however, there’s only so much talking that can happen while we are holding Warrior II?! 😉 (I know, I know . . . many of you are rolling your eyes and thinking: Michelle, you talk WAY too long when we are in Boat and Chair pose! 🤣) Today, I want to share some of what I talk about when hired to speak to groups. We all know about stress. Or, at least we think we know all about it because each of us experiences stress, and stress is something that’s readily talked about. However, did you know that there is a difference between stress and the stressor? Okay, it’s that time of year, so I’ll use filing taxes as the example. (Ugh. Sigh.) Maybe you fly right through it, but for many of us, filing our taxes (or preparing for someone else to file them) isn’t simple, easy, nor fun. In fact, for most, it’s downright stressful. That entire process of filing our taxes is what Emily and Amelia Nagoski, in their book Burnout, refer to as the stressor. Filing taxes, the stressor, is the thing that causes the stress. Oftentimes we think that as soon as we provide that final signature, or hit “SEND” and actually file those taxes, then we are finished. Task completed. Stress removed. Right? Unfortunately, not so. You see, when we are being impacted by a stressor (working on filing our taxes), our body experiences an entire range of responses. When we finish filing, our body doesn’t really understand that we have completed the task. There is no “off switch” for the chemicals we have been stewing in while under the influence of that stressor. In other words, while the task may be completed, our cycle of being stressed is not. Take another look at that picture of me and Javi out on the pier. That was taken this past Sunday when the snow on the ground was gone. And yet, look at the giant pile of snow, and sand, and grit, and debris behind me. Yep, that’s what’s left after our winter storm. That’s sort of how stress is in our body. It builds up and doesn’t immediately dissipate nor automatically disappear. In fact, we have to move through our cycle of stress in order for the stress to be removed. HOW do we move through our stress cycle and get it to leave our bodies? Thankfully, there are effective strategies, and we’ll talk more about them in future letters. But, sneak peek . . . Breath and Movement top the list! 🥰 So, please be kind to yourself. Even those of us with privileged lives can experience a lot of stress and/or live under a chronic low-level of stress. This stress does impact our body and our well-being. And, it’s not enough to simply brush it off and announce we’re fine. We are worth much better self-care, and we can support one another on our path of living well. Big love, ~ m P.S. Did you miss it last week? I wrote a guest blog post for One Bigg Island in Space. Check it out! You can find it here.
“Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” ~ James Baldwin Simple Question
Big Impact Hello! I don’t know if you heard all the recent Elmo buzz? (Yep. I really am talking about Elmo . . .that red furry character from Sesame Street). 😉 In case you missed it, Elmo issued a two sentence tweet (do we still call it that?) that created QUITE a stir! In fact, television talk shows and major news organizations were all a twitter about it. 😅 At this point, I hope you are wondering: What did Elmo say that warranted this much attention? Well, here is his post, in its entirety: “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” That’s it. Last time I looked, this post had received over 158k likes, nearly 15k reposts, and over 45k responses! While I don’t claim to have read all of those tens of thousands of answers, it’s clear there was a lot to be said. And, from what I gleaned? The answers were not exactly encouraging about our well-being. 😟 This got me wondering . . . is it that simple to show some love? Simply by checking in and asking how someone is doing? I believe it is. By engaging with another we are not only opening up a conversation, we are extending compassion. We are demonstrating our desire to listen. And, we are showing that we care. In this season of LOVE, when things may seem complicated, commercial, and/or costly . . . let’s remember how simple it can be to take off our mask and lead with love. If ever we’re not sure where to start? I think Elmo has given us a solid foundation from which we can build upon. 🥰 So, how ‘bout it everyone? Join me? Let’s ripple out our light and love simply by checking in on someone. I’d love to hear how it goes Happy New MOON! ~ m P.S. I am HONORED to have written a guest blog post for One Bigg Island in Space. Check it out! You can find it here.
“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus Internal Curiosity
Soft Gaze Hello friends! I have to tell you. I’m not sure I’ve evolved to the place Albert Camus mentions up above. 🤔 On Sunday, while walking Javi for the fourth time, I suddenly had a spring in my step. The SUN was actually visible, and there was a color known as “blue” in the sky. As we were strolling, I noticed a neighbor of mine was also out. With the enthusiasm of a child set free in a candy store, I called out: “Look , , , it’s the sun!!” In truth? The color and the light lasted about 5 - 10 minutes. That burst sure did give me a lift. For those of you here with me in West Michigan . . . you know the grey, fog, and rain of which I speak. It can seem bleak. I appreciate the concept of cultivating an “invincible summer within.” After all, my highest best self, my heart center, is always right here. There are so many tools we have in our kit to help lift energy and elevate mood. So, it is with a soft gaze that I look upon my own energy, my own thought patterns, during this season of hibernation. Let me reiterate. I am a huge proponent of internal curiosity. But, so often our internal gaze is harsh, and full of judgment and repudiation. This winter, no matter where we reside, and what weather we are experiencing, let’s soften that gaze. Let’s offer ourselves the loving kindness we bestow upon those we hold most dear. As much loving kindness as a Great Grandfather extends to his baby boy when they meet for the first time. How much more transformation is possible when we offer ourselves this grace? This gift of a soft gaze and loving kindness? And remember: “There is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it-- if only we are brave enough to be it.” ~ Amanda Gorman Here’s to finding our own invincible summer within and being a source of light. ♥️, ~ m
“We do not need to travel around the world when the source of all joy and all beauty is right within us.” ~ Eknath Easwaran We are Unique
We are the Same Hi beauties! Thank you for all of the powerful conversations around your single word resolutions. Hearing how you want to move forward has been a real joy and privilege. As you can see in our Word Cloud, many different words have been chosen. At first glance, these words may seem truly distinct from one another. Sure, some ideas like “thankful” and “gratitude” are easily connected, but then we jump to “elevate,” “flow,” “empower,” “discernment,” “action,” and on, and on, from there. Initially, this made me think our visions are unique. In fact, I found it fascinating that I was not receiving any duplicate answers. We have chosen different words because we have our own lens through which we view life. What resonates for us and inspires us? It’s specific, and different, for each and every one of us. The circumstances behind your word choices also tended to be quite specific. Maybe your word connects to a relationship in your life. Or the stage of life you are in. Or something you have recently been through and want to heal. But, as I listened to you, and reflected upon your words, I came to a new understanding . . . regardless of the word that helps us individually, we are all aiming for the same things! No matter the word, and the explanation that accompanied it, I started to discern some universal truths:
I think our internal investigation, including the exploration of our one word, is a beautiful step in this direction. It’s through our desire to grow, and shift, and transform, that we elevate. We elevate ourselves, our relationships, and our entire lives. And this means we are doing something for the collective good. If my massive forehead FULL of bangs distracted you from the quotation up above? I get it! 😅 But please, take another read. Keep going with the powerful work you are doing within. Proceed with curiosity. Gift yourself permission, and ease, and grace. And stay committed to your own pathway forward. Full Moon Blessings, ~ m “Everyone knows firsthand that life is messy and painful, beautiful and unpredictable. The endless practice is keeping our heart open to the whole of it.” ~ Mark Nepo Spark Joy
Create Connectivity Hello yogi friends! Today, kicking things off with a HUGE thank you! So many of you reached out and shared your One Word. Let me just say . . . I am inspired! You have beautiful vision and creative commitment for your pathway forward. 🤩 I’m fascinated by the responses because each one is a gorgeous snapshot into what you want for yourself in 2024. I’m amazed that everyone who responded chose a different word. That’s right, there were no duplicates. 😳 I hope your word continues to both guide and serve you. I know mine helps me every single day, and I have a LOT more growing to do. 😉 If you missed last week’s newsletter, you can find it here. If you haven’t looped me in yet, I’d love to hear from you! This week, I read some research about Connectivity being one of the most important (if not the most important?) factor for longevity. We can eat well, and exercise, and have good genes . . . but if we move through life without a support network, it can be detrimental to our both our health and our well-being. 😟 This really got me thinking about how I’ve been spending these FRIGID winter days. As an introvert, who values sleep and stillness, extra time curled up underneath my weighted blanket has been a luxury and a delight. 😌 With Mike home for four days, we had an unusual amount of time together. It was fun to do lots of shared cooking, spend time in the studio for Mike’s first sound bath, and try our hand at The New York Times Crossword puzzles. (Sundays are TOUGH!) 🧐 Of course, Javi is my constant companion. Figuring out how to provide him with his preferred amount of exercise (think ZOOM, ZOOM and then ZOOM some more) with this much snow and these dangerous temperatures has been a challenge. I’m so glad Mike was up for creative solutions! 😜 The unexpected joy of these blustery days came through connectivity extending beyond our own home. A spontaneous evening of homemade pizzas and salad with a couple of nearby neighbors. The next night, shared dinner for an intrepid few. It turned into a feast (and a victory for the Lions!) 🦁 Somehow, in these conditions, packing up pans of enchiladas and traveling a couple of blocks felt like a big adventure. 😄 I’m fortunate to have a home studio where I can still connect with people over Zoom for classes, Our local studio is close, so I can still make it to teach in-person class. 🙏🏽 I am grateful for all of these connections. They bring me joy and build a network of support. Now, after the reading I did, I further understand the importance of our connectivity. 😊 So, I’m also finishing with a heartfelt thank you. To each one of you. For being part of this community. No matter how we originally crossed paths, I am thankful you are here. 🥰 Keep it cozy and stay connected! ♥️ ~ m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
February 2024
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