The Shakti Shine - November 19, 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.
Something I don't do anymore is talk bad about my body.
I used to. I used to cry sometimes about the way my body looked-- mostly that this, this, and this should definitely be smaller. Or I would count calories so I *couldn't possibly* gain weight. Or I would work out ~extra~ before or after special occasions so I could feel less guilty about eating "unhealthy" foods.
I'm really, really grateful that I trust my body a lot more these days.
Practicing yoga was the starting point, where I recognized that my agonizing over the appearance of my body was only hurting. And it was only hurting me.
The biggest leap happened when I opened Shakti. As I prepared to organize, open, and operate a small business, I lost brain-space-real-estate for eating disordered thinking. I basically said to myself, 'f*ck it. a girl's gotta eat. this girl also doesn't have a space for yoga *yet* and doesn't always have the energy to exercise. body-- i trust you. thank you in advance for being you.'
I remember being lost in my head about my body, though. Weight really mattered to me. So did the word 'flattering.' Mostly I was deeply afraid of being unlovable.
I love myself a lot more these days. And I think I'm pretty damn lovable.
It's still tough. Because everything about the fitness & wellness industry tells me to be a certain way, look a certain way, or eat a certain way. It's tough on my heart, and it's tough in my business.
I won't tell you what to do to look a certain way, I promise. And maybe you've already noticed this about Shakti: that we don't talk about your weight or that you need to earn your cookies or even that your best *should be* better. We don't believe those things. I'm really proud of that.
Maybe you've also noticed this about Shakti: that we talk a lot about gratitude, that we value connection, that we love to move our bodies!
This week is sometimes extra challenging, because there's a lot of talk about 'Turkey Burn,' and my grandmother often asks me if I've gained or lost weight...
So since I know this to be true... I commit to moving in ways that feel good. I commit to rest. I commit to enjoying every bite of every meal. I commit to meditation. I commit to connection. & I commit to gratitude.
I hope your week is filled with laughter, sleep, gratitude, and a whole lotta love.
xx
Ruby
PS We have classes all week so if you need some space, some movement, or just some time to be yourself, we're here. See you on the mat!
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:Intuitive Eating & Yoga
Wow! Thank you to Emily for this informative workshop with resources and challenges to take home. We learned, first and foremost, how important it is to ditch diet mentality!
Thank you Lotta Mae's
For hosting a lovely evening of bundling eucalyptus & sustainable gift wrapping. We love Lotta Mae's, their values, and everything they offer to our community!
Heartfelt
This past weekend was the final Heartfelt retreat of the year. We love how nourished, grounded, and clear we feel after a soulful weekend away. Check out more about the Duality Project. & stay tuned for 2019 dates.
Coming Up:
Thanksgiving Week Schedule
Tuesday: 8, 9:15, 12, 4:30
Wednesday: 8, 9:30 (Revival), 12, 4:30
Thursday: 8, 9:15
Friday: 9:15, 10:30 (iRest), 12
Saturday: 8, 9:30
Sunday: 9:30 (Revival), 4:30, 5:45 (Restore)
Gratitude Deals
(11/19-11/25)
Shakti is my haven:
1 month - $100 (save $19)
6 months unlimited - $460 ($77 per month)
1 year unlimited - $900 ($75 per month)
Shakti is my home:
5 year unlimited - $3,999 ($1,341 savings!)
Lifetime unlimited - $5,999 ($2,545 savings in just 8 years!)
Shakti keeps me sane:
20 class pass - $200
50 class pass - $475
Share gratitude with someone you love this week!
Get 10 Grateful greeting cards for $20 (save $4!)
Shakti at Home
new class recordings & meditations are live!
...on our website so you can practice with us
even when you can't be with us!
~ JOIN US ~
Shakti Movie Night:
Embrace the documentary
Bring a pillow and blanket for our first Shakti movie night on the 28th. We'll be screening Embrace, a film about a woman's journey with body image. She uncovers issues women combat everyday about self love and how to navigate an image saturated world. You will laugh, cry, and be inspired.
*popcorn will be provided!
*Free for anyone!
*RSVP!
Wednesday, November 28
7:15-9:15pm
Nineteen Voices: pt 1-3
(This is a blog series by Emily that brings to light interviews with 18 women about body image)
The start of gratitude month has been so GRATEFUL, naturally.
Thank you for showing up in the work with us!
We are committed to the practice of gratitude for the month of November.
Join the challenge for movement, meditation, & inquiry.
* Make sure you follow us on instagram @shaktiyogaathens *
Check out the Challenge and get your journal now!
(you can start on Day 1 at any time)