So as we’re deep into spring, and nature is in full bloom now, I’m contemplating changes and the inevitability of change. More specifically, how do we react to the changes that come. Do we resist? Do we lean into change with anticipation? What if we know something needs to change but we can’t seem to make it happen (ie: diet, lifestyle, habits, finances)? Our ability to change with ease is deeply connected to our identification with the past.
Tony Robbins often says that we won’t change until the pain of remaining the same exceeds the anticipated (often imagined) pain of changing. In this perspective of human nature, change is akin to fight or flight for survival.
Admittedly, I have often been slow to change in my life. And I have had many instances where change was thrust upon me long after I knew of the need for it to happen and when I could have taken action to position myself better for the change.
But what if we could condition ourselves to not only accept change but as Martha Beck describes: learn to surf the inevitable waves of change instead of letting those waves crash into you?
Lately, I've been finding plenty of opportunities to practice:

• We moved to a new apartment last month!

• I've been making schedule changes in my classes

• I'm bringing more emphasis to managing my independent classes

• I've started taking some lifestyle habits much more seriously- such as adequate sleep, less alcohol, and not straying as much from the vegan diet (It's hard to give up cheese).

And what's been in the back of my mind is becoming more and more clear:
All these practices I do and teach are training for living through change:

• Yoga is principally teaching equanimity. As the sutras say: a yogi finds stillness in action and action in stillness. So in whatever may come, you remain centered and able to cope.

• Mov Nat is a great teacher in that you are building an extensive natural movement vocabulary so that you can readily adapt for any circumstance or obstacle in the environment. The Mov Nat motto is in fact be fit to be useful. This training in skill and adaptability is not only physical but I believe helps train our minds and emotions to flow more easily with change.

• Restorative Exercise not only helps us move better, but brings a mindfulness to how our bodies work and illuminates what habits may be in need of change to live more fully and healthily.

• Thai Massage eases the tension and stress in our bodies that build up with our resistance to the present moment, the perceived future, or the held onto past.

• Breathwork truly brings us into the present moment. As Eckhart Tolle says, in the present, there are challenges, but no problems. So not only does it help your physiological stress levels, but changes your psychological perspective on our "problems".

• Cold immersion is a beautiful teacher. It trains us to experience that there is nothing to fear. And the determination and will required to enter the cold proves to you experientially that other challenges can be conquered as well.

• Tapping is an excellent technique for digging into beliefs and emotional patterns you wish to change. (and those are often the driving factors of our actions, so it's well worth looking into)

• Kinesiology is an excellent tool for, among other things, following your body's cues and honing your intuitive guidance system.

If you'd like to know more or chat about any of these tools and practices, or would like to study with me, feel free to contact me!

Also, I've added one more tool to my belt...

I am excited to announce I completed my level 1 & 2 of Reiki training! I trained with a wonderful teacher/guide, Geordie Numata, who helped me understand better the concepts and experience of energy healing. He teaches and practices in NYC under the name of Deer Spirit Reiki. I believe this will be a wonderful addition to the methods available to me. For those unfamiliar, Reiki is a Japanese healing art of transmitting healing energy through the hands with light touch or no touch. Excellent for unblocking energy, calming the nervous system, and relieving pain.
For anyone interested in experiencing a Reiki session, I am beginning to offer my practice at an introductory rate for the next month. Click below for more info!