“Peace, in its most fundamental form, is the connection of one human spirit to another.” ~ Desmond Tutu Hi friends!
I’m so grateful for each one of you. For everything you are and that you are becoming. Thank you for your light in the world and your presence in my life. May we all find a few special moments to pause. May we gift our loved ones our presence. May we fill our bodies and our beings with gratitude. Blessings to all. Peace to all. And love to all, I’ll be in Guatemala next week visiting prospective coffee farm-partners, and I’ll be back in your inbox, soon. 🥰 ~ m P. S. Join us for the highly anticipated Winter Solstice Yoga Event Teresa Van Eyk, Harvey Deutch, and me ♥️ We’ll gently move, breathe, meditate, and enjoy healing sounds Sunday, December 22 | 4:30 - 6:00 PM Register today to secure your spot 🙏🏽
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“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer Hi everyone!
Thanks for being here. How are you?? I must admit. My body has been delivering to me some warning signs lately. Truth? I think I’m even sleeping with my shoulders bunched up around my ears?! 🤣 I am carrying a LOT of tension in my neck and shoulders, and some of my regular remedies are not doing the trick this time around. When Mike’s alarm went off the other morning? I was having a super strange stress dream. These days, I rarely have stress dreams. If I do? They always seem to involve diving. I’m back in college, warming up for a meet, and I am woefully underprepared. 😩 Or, something along those lines. 🤪 In this week’s dream? I was tasked with teaching a yoga class to a stadium PACKED with VERY uninterested teenagers. Let’s just say . . . it wasn’t going well. 😬 As I woke up, I thanked my subconscious for sifting and sorting through some of my stress and strain. Next, I tuned in. The fact that I had a stress dream tells me a lot, and I want to heed the signals. For me in this moment? My stress dream is serving as motivation. I have a lot of travel coming up, and I need to tend to some additional details for myself, for Mike, for my yoga business, and for our household prior to packing my bags. The buildup of stress is telling me it’s time to focus and start checking things off my list. Also, I need to pay attention to my fuse . . . because it’s a bit short these days! Things that wouldn’t normally cause me to get frustrated, or feel defeated, seem ready to practically topple me over. This is not how I want to be feeling on the interior, nor how I want to be moving in the world. My heightened reactivity isn’t something to beat myself up about, and it IS something to pay attention to. When I am feeling more agitated, I know it’s time to ramp up my self-care. Finally, I need to double down on my wind down. When my mind is more active and full, it takes me a while longer to wind down in the evenings. So, I need to be mindful of my routines that prepare me for deeply restorative slumber. So, my friends, that’s it. Let’s all tune in. Heed the warning signs. And return to gratitude again and again and again. With an abundance of light and love, ~ m 
“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hello friends,
What a week it has been. First and foremost, please continue taking great care of yourself. And please . . . keep checking in with others. Thank you. ♥️ I wish I had magical words that could serve as a balm for all. Knowing that’s not realistic, I offer a few personal reflections and takeaways. Primarily, I want to talk about our gaze. That’s right. What we choose to look at? Turns out it makes a big difference. For years in my yoga classes I’ve been saying, “Changing our view changes everything.” Typically, I offer this while in a particular asana or posture. For example: tree pose. While standing on one foot, we usually direct our gaze at a single spot to help keep our balance. But, what happens if we simply lift our eyeballs towards the sky? 🙄 Everything shifts! 🤪 Now, what if we applied this same concept as we walk around in the world? We decide for ourselves what we choose to look at. In other words, we have autonomy when it comes to where we spend our energy and to what we give our attention. I understand this isn’t true every minute of the day. But, when we do have choice, where do we direct our gaze? What captures our attention? Where are we directing our own energy? These days, a lot of algorithms create funnels that direct our gaze for us. It may look like we have scrolling through endless options. But really? It’s not choice. This never-ending loop has inspired me to be more curious about . . . curiosity. 😉 If I can remain curious, that means I want to know more. If I want to know more, that means I am also willing to listen and to learn. I hope we can remain curious so we can continue fostering connections. Through connections? We promote empathy. When my sorrow for humanity and this planet looms large? That’s when I really have to tune into my own gaze. And choose wisely for myself. Time in nature helps. Nourishing foods. Movement. Laughter with friends. Stillness. And, I also tune into what makes my jaw clench and my heart rage. These signals serve as motivation. And motivation inspires action. Then, I get still again to hear the wisdom that aligns action with my highest, best self. Please (re)-read the quotation up above. It says a lot. ♥️, ~ m P. S. Watch for this year’s Winter Solstice Yoga Event! Details coming soon 🙏🏽
“In 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.” “Three-quarters of respondents identified this year’s presidential election as one of the biggest causes of their anxiety.” ~ American Psychiatric Association Hi friends,
How are you? As I write, we don’t yet know any results or outcomes. So, my prayer is for peace. And, that all those elected will lessen the suffering of all people and this planet. For me, that’s the work. Continuing to show up as a source of light. Each and every day. For all people and for this amazing planet. In the long lead-up to this election, I’ve been reflecting on the ancient Buddhist saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment chop wood and carry water.” Regardless of outcomes, here we are. The work continues. So, I will continue checking in and honoring all that I am feeling and experiencing. And, I shall try and let go of any fears and anxieties. I know it’s important to understand ways to self-soothe. I’m grateful for you. Please take great care. I’ll see you again next week, ♥️, ~ m 
“Treasure this day and treasure yourself. Truly, neither will ever happen again.” ~ Ray Bradbury  Lumière et amour
💡& ♥️ ~ m 
“What is love? Gratitude. What is hidden in our chests? Laughter. What else? Compassion.” ~ Rumi Hi friends!
Thank you. ♥️ SO many of you celebrated our three years together through this newsletter. I appreciate you being here. Always. Amidst an extra busy time (FULL of goodness!), I want to create some spaciousness so I can be both quiet and still. I’m learning that that’s what I let go of, quite quickly, when I have a lot going on. And guess what? When I skip over, or cast off, my self-care routines and rituals, things start to . . . what’s the word? 🤷🏻♀️ Actually, I’m not sure there is a single word that encompasses what starts to slide when I’m pushing a bit too much and letting go of my support systems? Let’s just say I notice the shifts happening in many places: my nutrition, my digestion, my sleep patterns, my reactivity . . . you get the idea. 😉 And here's the thing. I'm thankful for the tender warning signs that begin emerging. These little bells going off? They're letting me know it's time to tune in and pay closer attention to what's going in my body and my being. From there? It’s up to me. I can ignore the signs and signals. Pretend they are not happening or that they are no big deal. Continue on as if all is well. If I choose this path? I know the direction things are heading. My body is going to get louder in its protestations. Things will become more acute. Or, when I notice and hear those initial warning signs? I can tune into what’s happening within. Find a moment to pause. Rest into how I am feeling and what I need. I am deeply grateful for the robust toolkit I have for helping myself. And, I'm blown away by the beautiful support system of love and community that is around me. I’m curious.
These questions for ourselves emerge from a place of loving curiosity. With a soft, internal gaze. I know that my pace, my energy level, my desire for solitude, my amount of required stillness and rest? It’s what works for me. And it is most likely different than what works for my husband, my friends, my family. And guess what? That’s okay. We ALL deserve to live well. To have fulfillment. To be loved and to love ourselves. Here’s to being oh-so-compassionate with ourselves and all others. ♥️, ~ m P. S. NO YACHT CLUB YOGA on Saturday, November 2. 
“If we begin to get in touch with whatever we feel with some kind of kindness, our protective shells will melt, and we’ll find that more areas of our lives are workable.” ~ PEMA CHÖDRÖN Hello!
It’s interesting. For three years now, I have sat down every Tuesday to start my weekly newsletter. Sometimes? I know where my writing is going well before my fingers land on the keys. Other times? I have zero direction. 🤪 What then? It might be the selection of photos that inspires me. Or, the quotation that directs my thoughts. Oftentimes it’s a conversation, or a situation, or a feeling that I’ve recently experienced that finds its way to the foreground. Regardless of the creative spark? It always takes time. And stillness. Because, I strive to write from a place of truth. A truth that is distilled enough to (hopefully) be of some value to you. 🙏🏽 Last week’s message spurred on many wonderful conversations. I’m grateful for them all. Thank you for your courage, and your vulnerability, to share. Looking into our own issues isn’t easy. Sometimes, looking within can be unsettling and uncomfortable. And, I know being uncomfortable is something most of us hope to avoid. 😟 But here’s the thing. Some internal discomfort can be okay. I try and remind myself that what’s getting churned up is temporary, and it’s here to teach me something. Also, I don’t want my insecurities and defense mechanisms to take over, so I remind myself to use a soft internal gaze. No need to be staring myself down like my Mother used to when I hadn’t cleaned my room, or when I came in past curfew. 😉 🤣 If we’re into the concept of “always evolving,” then exploring our edges, looking into the corners, lifting up the darkness? These are wonderful ways of promoting growth. I’m a big believer that if we slow down. Find some moments to pause. Are willing to open ourselves up to an honest look within, we can continue making small shifts that make monumental differences. Here’s to thriving the best we can! Full moon blessings, ~ m P. S. Happy 3rd anniversary to US! When I started this endeavor three years ago, I promised myself I would try sending out a weekly email for one month. 4 newsletters seemed daunting, but doable. Some of you have been with me since that very first effort. Thank you ☺️ Three years later, we’ve grown larger, and we’ve come a long ways. Cheers to us all! 🎉 
“i will never have this version of me again let me slow down and be with her - always evolving” ~ Rupi Kaur Hello friends!
Today, I want to talk about this idea of “always evolving.” (If you missed the Rupi Kaur quotation just above, give it another go.) I recently had the joy of sharing time with friends we don’t get to see very often. This particular connection goes WAY back (to the mid 1970’s) in my husband’s family. And, because our friends live in Germany, in person time together is infrequent and always special. First, I want to honor, and celebrate, the longevity of this friendship. This has taken some effort, and I am thankful for the depth of connection fostered over the decades. I always learn something new when the reminiscing takes place. All that history? It adds depth and richness that cannot be replaced. ♥️ Beyond that? We currently have fun together. We enjoy sharing time outdoors, good food, intellectual conversation, a glass of wine . . . personally? I laugh a lot when we’re together. 😀 I also want to acknowledge that this relationship presents me with some challenges. This particular visit got me very curious about the “why” behind my reactivity that exists in this friendship. Turns out, the dynamics that challenge me? Those are the ones that mirror aspects of MYSELF I don’t enjoy. Does that make sense? Have you had this moment of awareness as well? The behavior from someone else that irks you, or frustrates you, or bunches you up is recognizable because it is something you see in yourself? Maybe it's particularly evident because you have done a lot of work around your own behaviors in a real effort to evolve? Without delving into the minutia, I’ll summarize by saying I have an increased understanding about my edge around the need to “be right.” I used to think of this as a form of stubbornness. Now, I understand it differently. Needing to be right seems to stem from insecurities and/or fears. Not being able to hear a difference of opinion, let alone a factual statement, that another is offering into the conversation? An unwillingness to accept a different idea or come to a new understanding? This puts me on edge. So, I come away with an increased understanding about the person I want to be. Especially in this time. 🙏🏽 Here’s to slowing down. Knowing ourselves. Loving ourselves. And always evolving. Love and light, ~ m 
“There's a song that wants to sing itself through us. We’ve just got to be available.” ~ Joanna Macy Hello, my friends!
Thanks for being here; I truly love this weekly connection. On Sunday, my family gathered in celebration for my Dad’s 83rd birthday. We shared food, stories, and laughs. Since my Dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis at the end of 2019, I am especially thankful for any and all time I get to spend with him. While the disease is taking its toll, my Dad remains alert, physically active, and oh-so-sweet. Honestly? His diagnosis was a genuine shock to me. His side of the family has traditionally lived well into their 90s, and beyond (his Mom died when she was 101), with very few health complications. We always joked that my Dad would live to be 108. In truth? Up until very recently he could still out work almost any of us, and he remains in great physical shape. So, when I read this quotation from a new study about yoga and brain health, I definitely tuned in: “Before I started doing these studies, the usual perception of yoga was that it’s good for stress reduction. Nobody thought of yoga as being a brain-fitness exercise that could lead to better plasticity,” ~ Dr. Helen Lavretsky. I couldn’t wait to read more, and the opening sentence had me hooked: “Women at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease can boost their brainpower, enhance brain neuroplasticity and improve their sense of memory function by practicing yoga and meditation, according to a new study by researchers at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior” As I continued reading, I was SO excited to learn that the study was done using a specific meditation, called Kirtan Kriya, that I already know and have practiced a lot! Even better? It’s simple. Anyone can do it. And it only takes about 12 minutes a day! If this particular meditation is not your thing, no worries! Dr. Lavertsky outlines a variety of mind-body practices that can be beneficial. Yep, this is one of the MANY reasons I love being a student of yoga in modern times. The data and the science that’s furthering our understanding of the power of these practices? Incredible! Here’s to continuing to live well, the best we can, for as long as we can. Peace and love, m P.S. Yacht Club Yogis, it’s the magic moment you’ve been waiting for! 🎉🎉🎉THIS WEEK SATURDAY we switch to 9:00 class 🎉🎉🎉 That means you can sleep in a little longer, navigate the construction, and STILL make it on time! 😉 Join me. ♥️ 
“Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts. ” ~ Wendell Berry Bom dia!
I’ve missed you these past couple of weeks, and it’s good to be back. 🥰 There’s so much to share about my time in Portugal. We practiced yoga in some incredible spaces. First, nestled in amongst the 14th century granite walls at our hotel in Porto. Next, on the deck featured in the photo on top. And trust me, this photo does NOTHING for the 360 degrees of beautythat surrounded us. This vineyard where we stayed is a working farm, and it is owned by a woman. She specifically created this deck for yoga and meditation. There’s something so powerful about practicing in sacred spaces. Of course, this tour was also all about food and wine, and we indulged! I love that we were there during harvest time, This meant we had the opportunity to:
And, I knew nothing about Port before this tour. I didn’t even know that there’s such a thing as White Port, let alone Pink Port?! Turns out, the Portônico (or, Porto Tonico) is my favorite! It’s a super simple cocktail: white port and tonic over ice, garnished by mint leaves and orange, or citrus of your choosing. It’s light, refreshing, and lovely! As a long-standing vegetarian, I did miss out on the cod served 366 different ways (one preparation for each day of the year + a bonus dish for leap year), and you know what? I’m okay with that! 😉 I especially loved getting out on the water during our trip. We took two different boat tours along the Duoro River, and the scenery is over-the-top incredible. Of course, with any travel opportunity, there can also be challenges. And we had some of those as well. We were supposed to transfer to Lisbon via bus for the completion of our trip. An historic walking tour, our finalé dinner, etc. were all waiting for us in the capital city. Deadly wildfires kept that from happening. Thankfully, we all remained safe and had all of our things with us. But the smell, and the falling ash, and the evacuations of villages, and the devastation of land? Tragic. So, our tour got cut short. Our group unceremoniously splintered apart. Four of us traveled on together via plane to Lisbon. (Highways were closed. Trains weren’t moving) The air was clearer, and I’m thankful I got to spend a day exploring the hilly, coastal city. We took an historical tour via tuk-tuk and put together our own finalé dinner at Time Out Market. It’s true. Things don’t always go according to plan. And that’s part of it. I certainly did not plan on coming home and testing positive for Covid. But, that happened, too. Ugh. Sigh. I’m still resting up and recovering. Turns out, Covid likes to make me super tired and terribly congested, especially in my ears, just like last time. I hope to emerge from feeling like I’m both underwater, and in a tin can, sometime SOON! Take great care of yourself, Love, m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
November 2024
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