The Shakti Shine - December 9th, 2019
Shakti Love Notes
We are always growing. I love that! And the more I grow, the more I recognize how important it is for us all to share what we're going through-- even (and especially) me.
So these Love Notes are a space for me to share with you each week-- about the studio, my life, how our community is growing.
On Sunday we had our end-of-semester team meeting AND our team holiday party.
I love our team meetings because they have transformed into a space where we all get to be really honest, including myself. It's two hours of weaving transparency, connection, and business. I'm blown away at how our team shows up ready to see and be seen- every. single. time.
A few hours later, we re-gathered at my house. I cooked. We hung out. I got to give them a small token of my gratitude. Secret Santa. We laughed a lot! And I got to hug (most of) my team all at once.
By the end of the day I was spent. And so so full!
We took the photo above after our meeting, and I was so excited to see it because the moment felt very complete and elevated! And I got to spend the whole day with these people. I love them!
This morning I woke up to a Slack from Maggie to our team with the photo-- So much joy! So much glow!
And then I took a closer look. I kid you not, this was my second reaction--
I literally look like a pregnant bear.
This is our team holiday photo, and I literally look like a pregnant bear. We have to send this as our holiday card. What's worse is that I felt so cute yesterday. I love that outfit. Why didn't I kneel down behind Maggie? Why did I wear a sweater? Can I crop myself out? Of course I can't do that. Oh god, this is terrible.
I know how ridiculous that sounds AND it's just the honest train of thought that went through my head before I was even out of bed this morning.
My intention for sharing this moment with you is for you know you're not alone.
(And you don't look like a pregnant bear. lol.)
My intention for sharing this moment is as a reminder to each of us that, while photos are a beautiful representation of a moment in time, and while they may even capture the essence of that moment, they are in no way reflective of your real life.
Your real life, really lived experience is dynamic in a way that even an iPhone 11 cannot capture.
I tend to need this reminder, especially around the holidays.
So just in case you needed this reminder, too:
Your real life, really lived experience is dynamic in a way that cannot be captured. It has to be lived.
There's so much more I can say about this ad nauseam--
about society...
social media...
the patriarchy...
belittling ourselves for the sake of looking a certain way...
the fear of fatness...
negative self talk...
self respect...
not giving a fuck...
you're more than an image...
you're more than your body...
how stupid it is that this probably resonates with all of us because of how engrained self-hate is...
racism...
capitalism...
influencer culture...
etc
etc
etc
But for today, for right now, I just need it to be simple.
Your real life, really lived experience is dynamic in a way that cannot be captured.
It has to be lived.
A 'bad angle' doesn't get to ruin my day.
xx
Ruby
Beyond the mat...
We love Athens.
And we love you.
So let's have more of that-- together.
Here's where you can see what we're up to outside of the studio.
Have ideas about where we should be / what we should check out / how we can show up?
Reply to this email to let us know.
The Edge
By: Jaclyn NolaN
“THE EDGE IS WHERE WE COME RIGHT UP AGAINST OURSELVES AND WHAT WE CAN DO AND BE. IT IS THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE GROW, THE PLACE OF COMFORTABLE DISCOMFORT, WHERE ALL GROWING AND HEALING HAPPENS.
~~~
TOES TO THE EDGE, GIRL."
~ Inquiry Corner ~
Emily's bringing back yoga philosophy for a
6-part series on the koshas!
Koshas are the energetic layers of being that surround our soul. When we align (or clearly see) all the layers of our being, our truest self is able to shine out.
Vijnanamaya Kosha:
The wisdom body encompasses your innate wisdom, awareness, and intuition. Vijnanamaya kosha is your faith, it's your gut instinct.
Emily talks about what utilizing this layer of being feels like on today's IGTV!
Meet the Shakti Team!
Sonja Moore
Why do you teach at Shakti?
I teach yoga at Shakti because I love being grounded, joyful, powerful, connected and because of the love I have for my community.
How do you honor the roots of a yoga practice in your every day life?
Practice and breathe, rewriting my mind for heartfelt compassions. Although, meditation is the key to practice.
What kind of teacher do you strive to be?
The best dam hip hop teacher there is!!!!! I really strive to be connected to my students, allowing them to bring true presence to the mat.
Come as you are!!!!