“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
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“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 
“New me? Naw, I want to excavate the old me, the full me, the nurtured me. The me that's searching for the right - words, time, routine, space . . . ” ~ Austin Channing Brown Nano Victories
Big Change | Start Small Hello yogi friends! Now that the sparkle of the holiday season is behind us, and the winter months stretch before us, how are you feeling? Are you still energized and committed to your aspirations for 2024? Or, is the excitement beginning to fizzle? Sometimes, when we establish BIG goals, that require LOTS of shifts in our daily patterns, it can be tough to stay committed to the changes we want for ourselves. So today, let’s break it down to a bite-sized piece . . . something small, so we can remain steadfast in our vision for ourselves. After all, we’re worth it! Sometime over the next week, please create a one word resolution for yourself. That’s right. One word that will guide you and help you maintain focus and enthusiasm for your pathway forward. This one word will create clarity, so when things get tough, go sideways, and feel confusing? You can begin to reset simply by returning to your one word. How you arrive at your one word is up to you! Meditate. Dream. Journal. Draw. Talk. Listen. Check in with your heart space to see what feels like a magnet steering you in the direction you want to go! Once you unearth your word, why not create a support network for yourself?
Now, this last step is important . . . give ME the opportunity to support YOU on your pathway forward!
As always, I’m here for you, and I’m here for it all. 🙏🏽 Light, love, and longing for peace, ~ m 
“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” ~ Meister Eckhart Being Ourselves Loving Ourselves Happy start to 2024! Recently I read something about the success rate of New Year’s Resolutions. Let’s just say, it was not encouraging. This got me thinking about all of the hope and determination that is generated at the new year. I am definitely supportive of personal growth and evolution; in fact, it’s one of the main reasons I practice, and teach, yoga. I believe in our ability to transform. And yet, resolutions often don’t go according to plan. This year, perhaps we can shift our lens a bit. Instead of trying to “improve ourselves,” we might try softening into being ourselves. We can do this by building in moments to pause. We can feel back down into our belly and find our breath. We can re-connect to the earth below in order to ground and return to presence. I also recently listened to a fascinating podcast about how the way we think shapes our own pathway. Our inner dialogue matters. This year, let’s allow our hearts to lead the way. “Put down your petty grievances, Your jealousies and comparisons, Your burdens of guilt and blame. You have something more important to carry: Your own life purpose, Your fullest flowering.” ~Elizabeth Lesser With love, light and longing for peace,
~ m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
May 2025
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