The Shakti Shine - December 10, 2018

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.


For the first half of last week I was way out of sorts.

I think it's the season-- my body is begging me to take my time, my heart says 'be patient,' and the rest of the world says, 'Hurry up, there's a lot to do!'

I felt it hard last week.

The shorter days puts me at home earlier. The cold makes me want to stay inside. Which in theory, I love. I love the idea of slowing down and enjoyyyyying every moment. I love the idea of reading a book, playing a board game, or taking a bath with the extra evening hours.

The reality of last week was that my body & heart said 'slow down,' and my mind said 'but what if you miss something.' This translated to *spend too many hours on a screen, sit until frustrated, wallow in anxiety.*

Thankfully yoga has empowered me (given me tools, resources, & opportunities to succeed) to notice when I'm 'off.'

So what did I do?
I stripped everything down.

I taught slow, music-less classes fueled by breath. I prioritized my own movement-- got on my mat in the community, got on my mat alone, went for walks and runs. I put my computer (and my phone!) away after dark. I watched a lot of The Office. I took small naps. I drank extra water. I went to iRest twice and Sunday Restorative. I spent my first morning moments in inquiry, reading / listening / learning about myself. I took deep breaths.

I feel so much better.

It was funny because I also spoke on a panel at athensmade Grow Lab last week about personal growth & self-care-- which mostly just made me smile. In the past I think I would have spiraled into self-doubt or imposterism. But it's like I told a student last week...

I think we all think our whole life is a hot mess at least some of the time... or at least some piece of life is a hot mess all of the time...

Really, though, we're doing pretty great. We're here, aren't we?


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.

recap:
UGA de-stress fest
Good luck finishing your finals, y'all!
At de-stress fest last week we got to share stillness and study break yoga-- click here to check out a simple study break flow & before bed routine!

Athensmade Grow Lab: Personal Growth
If you missed it, check back here for a video of the event to be posted in the next few weeks. Big takeaways? Eat real food, drink water, sleep, bathe, move, connect, create.

This week @ Shakti

sign up

Nineteen Voices: pt 6
What are the stakes?
(This is a blog series by Emily that brings to light interviews with 18 women about body image)

read now

Survey Says...
help us know you better. thank you in advance.

take a quick shakti survey

December's class schedule is slightly revised, so be sure to check MindBody for the most current class times!

Need a perfect holiday gift that says you're feeling mindful this year?

Check out our
online store, purchase an e-gift card on mindbody, or come in the studio to shop!

Listen

Ruby Chandler