“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.
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“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
“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
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” ~ Alexander Graham Bell Destination Unknown
Next Right Steps Hello yogi friends! As we near the beginning of 2024, I hope you find time to rest. And reflect. While resolutions are popular this time of year, I enjoy creating spaciousness so I can get clear on my intention(s). The yogic concept of Sankalpa helps me along the way. San: a connection to the highest truth Kalpa: vow While making a pledge to live into our best self may sound like a heavy lift, I see this as an opportunity to explore our own growth:
These are just a few of the questions we can begin asking ourselves in order to gain clarity. And here’s the thing: living into our highest truth doesn’t mean we know the exact outcome, let alone the pathway forward so we can get there! It’s true. Our destination might be unknown. The pathway forward might be unclear, or rocky, or a massive set of switchbacks. But, if we stay focused on living into our best self, and use that vow as a lighthouse, then we have a built in GPS guiding us every step of the way. My New Year’s wish for us all? Create spaciousness around ourselves. For our introspection, our growth, and our pathway forward in 2024. Stay committed to the light within and keep moving towards the light. May there be peace, ~ m Four of the rockstars bringing us our cups of coffee Solomon Demeza, Pascual Hernandez, Martha Vazquez, Miquel Angel Cruz
“In the midst of darkness, light persists.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963 Season of Darkness
Season of GROWTH! I am extra happy we are connecting today! Winter Solstice is my favorite day of the year. I love that everyday from now until late June grows a bit longer and a bit brighter. Sure, for those of us who remain in West Michigan for the duration of winter? That can be almost impossible to believe, let alone see. 🙄 But, it’s true! Even in the darkness, the quiet, and the frigid temperatures . . . a new cycle is beginning. Those amazing daffodils that finally emerge in spring? They don’t begin their growth in April. 😉 This is the season to welcome in more stillness. Allow ourselves to explore what it is we want to nurture and grow. Can we invite ourselves to do a little less, rather than always push into more? How about choosing foods, friends, and activities that are both nourishing and nurturing? Even if we can’t find long periods of rest and restoration, where can we carve out small spaces to pause and become still? Think of this time as the chrysalis of the butterfly. A time to cocoon. True. This may look like nothing is happening, but our time of rest creates our transformation and our growth. This is the time to dream. To explore what we really want and need. To see what is ready to emerge into the light. With light and love, ~ m 🦋 “We are traveling the globe to find coffee farmers that are doing the right thing for their people, for the planet, and their communities.” ~ Bob Fish, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, Co-Founder of One Bigg Island In Space Spilling the Beans
People. Planet. Community. Hola! I hope you are wondering why in the world, or HOW in the world, I ended up on this incredible trip?! Seven years ago I got a text from Michelle Fish, whom I did not know, asking if we could do some private yoga classes together. That initial yoga class has turned into years of practice together, an incredible friendship, and so much more. 🥰 Michelle’s husband, Bob, started what has become BIGGBY Coffee. Bob and Michelle decided they want to have ALL of the coffee beans, used by ALL of the BIGGBY Coffee franchises, come directly from a farm, and farmer, they have a direct partnership with. They call this project: One BIGG Island in Space. Yes, I did say all of the coffee beans. And, by all the beans . . . I mean over 2,000,000 pounds per year. 😳 (Fact: There are over 200 labor hours invested in producing and processing a cup of coffee long before it gets to our lips.) And, while a direct parthernship sounds good, what does that truly mean? In this instance, having a direct partnership with . . . means that Bob & Michelle have extensively walked the farms, eaten and lodged with the farmers, and visited the farm multiple times. (Fact: So far, Bob & Michelle have travelled to Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and beyond in search of farm-direct partnerships. They have many more travels scheduled for this mission.) Right now, more than 35% of the beans consumed by BIGGBY Coffee fanatics are coming directly from these farm-direct partnerships. One BIGG Island in Space is on track to reach 50% farm-direct by 2024. Their goal is to reach 100% farm-direct by 2028. I love that One BIGG Island in Space is all about:
In other words, these partnerships are about finding the right people, who are doing good things for both the planet and their communities. I am deeply grateful for the groundbreaking work being done by One BIGG Island in Space because thanks to their efforts, I can feel good about where my coffee is coming from. And, now I am seeing firsthand that the people who did all the work to get it to me? They are truly empowered by these partnerships! Con luz y amor, (With light and love,) ~ m P.S. The Winter Solstice Yoga event is almost here! Saugatuck Yacht Club: Thursday, December 21 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM. SYC | 15 Park Street | Saugatuck Registration Required | Space permitting
“The only way we can make the most of our lives is to make the most of our moments.” ~ Cleo Wade Time to Check In
Gain Clarity | Find Flow Hello friends! Last week I wrote about how each one of us contains multitudes. And, whenever possible, we should err on the side of kindness. Deciding whether or not to go to the football game had me reflecting on my own writing. I was an athlete through college. I have coached young children, middle school, high school, and college. I love most sports! Several years ago, I made the decision to no longer watch football. While it’s an unpopular decision in my household and with our families, I have enjoyed my departure from this particular sport, and I have stuck to it. But, when I heard my husband’s enthusiasm over the phone about these tickets?! (His voice sounded like he was a kid in the biggest candy store. 😉) I told him I would talk to Jen and see if she was interested. With zero hesitation, her answer was, “Heck yes! I’m in!” To round out our group of four, Mike suggested we invite our dear family friend, Evan, who is a freshman at Hope College. He is from Park City, Utah, and he can’t wait to get to a game at the Big House. Unfortunately, we were unable to make that happen for him this year, but now we had this unexpected opportunity simply handed to us. So, I took a moment and paused. I needed to get clear within. Three of my favorite people on this Earth were super excited to go to this game. I love a road trip and an adventure. I believe in getting out there and doing things because that’s one way relationships deepen and memories are created. Going to the game would go against my personal code of ethics (whether or not that code holds any logic is an entirely different discussion 🤣) I’d have to let go of several of things I was looking forward to with Jen. I value my sleep, but we would be getting home in the middle of the night after the game. We had a busy Sunday already scheduled, so we’d have to rebound quickly and continue showing up. Of course, you already know what we decided. (Go Blue! 💙) Here’s the thing. In this instance, I felt okay setting aside my self-imposed restrictions. It was worth it in order to take part in this big adventure! And, as with most things in my life, if I decide I’m going to do something, I am ALL in. The important part for me was in the pause. The brief few moments where I checked in with myself. If I said “yes” to this, I wanted to embrace the entire experience. And, I also wanted to show up fully for all the people and events we were committed to on Sunday. Once the “yes” came through, I started creating ways to sprinkle more fun into our excursion. Little details that I enjoy! Great food for our pre-game tailgate. Snacks for the late night drive home. Michigan gear for all of us. I know this example of a decision making process is specific. In the big picture of life, it does not matter whether or not we went to this game. I also fully appreciate that this example may not relate directly to you and your life, at all. But, let’s all zoom out. In the hustle of the holiday season, please gift yourself a moment, however brief, to check in. That moment to pause, and breathe, and connect with your body. I promise, it will help you get clear, find flow, and foster presence. And, be kind to yourself. Yes, being disciplined can be good, but not just for the sake of being rigid and tough on ourselves. With fire and love, ~ m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
April 2024
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