The Shakti Shine - January 6th, 2020

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.

Last week I asked briefly, 'In a single word, what can be your guiding intention for the year?'

But the focus of the message was 'What will you choose to leave behind in 2019?' and 'What does that create space for in 2020?' (Read more here.) And I considered leaving it at that, but it would feel remiss of me to not talk about the impact of setting yearly intentions in my own life.

While intentions alone can't make changes happen, the energy of an intention can be potent, and that energy can inherently propel the actions & awareness necessary to make big shifts.

Here's what I mean-

In 2013 my word was LOVE. This was the pivotal time in my life when I really began to give love in an open way. I started choosing love, even when I felt the fear creep up into my chest that told me to be careful. I started to open myself to the possibility of loving without reserve, telling people 'I love you,' allowing intimate, honest and vulnerable relationships. I began to truly see how to love myself, too.

For 2014, I chose TRUST. This was the year I finished college, lived in half of a yoga studio's manager's office, joined Tinder, got a big girl job, got a tattoo, quit my big girl job, led my first women's retreat, and packed my bags for L.A. I think that pretty much sums it up. And yeah, I learned a whole lot about Trust...

In 2015 my word was EXPANSIVE and, let's be honest, that shit was no bullshit. I was braver than I ever imagined I could be. I took stand upon stand for my truth. I put myself out there and moved to the west coast. I made things work. I kept up. And then I admitted that it didn't fit. I moved to Athens on 2-week's notice. I slowed down. I opened up. I really leaned in. It was expansive to the max. I mean, I literally drove across the country. Twice.

In 2016 I chose JOY. In all things. My intention was to be completely dedicated to all of my endeavors and to do so with a joyful heart. Joy was definitely present in my year, but in many unexpected ways. It wasn't how I thought it was supposed to be. I thought I would be carefree and exposed. I thought Joy was like a firecracker, but my Joy in 2016 was different. Joy looked a lot like Normalcy. Joy was being comfortable in my home, loving the people I surrounded myself with, and choosing powerfully. Joy was cooking for friends and letting myself rest. Joy was not worrying about things I can't control. Joy was realizing and accepting my own competency. Joy was showing up and figuring it out as I go. Joy was touch and laughter and love and a spark in my imagination.

For 2017 my word was AUDACITY. The willingness to take bold risks. Daring, brave, bold, courageous and, well, I made Shakti Athens happen. I learned how to be bold, vulnerable, honest, and candid. I got uncomfortable and stayed uncomfortable. I learned things I never imagined I would need to learn. I said 'I love you' a lot.

In 2018 I chose RADIANT as my word. I learned to radiate a lot of patience. I brought light to unclear corners and unwrapped a lot of darkness. I said 'I don't know' and 'tell me more' more than ever, and I think those words punctured new entryways for light to filter in and radiate out. I felt lightness in my spirit and fullness in my purpose in a brand new way.

Last year my word was VITALITY. I felt it in waves... a big wave in February, another in March, in June, August, November. My movement practice evolved to become softer, still present but much more attuned. My friendships deepened; I found myself in tears over and over again at the remarkability of my relationships. My priorities shifted, and I found myself valuing myself in a deeper way. (Therapy helped.) And in turn I found myself valuing life in a brand new way. The Universe took some weird turns, threw some wild curve balls, & taught me a lot about trust and how to put my values first in every area of life- including & especially in business. 2019 was tough... and vital. There were many moments that I felt alive. And I felt— more & deeper than ever before. I found myself especially grateful for how ~dynamic~ life is. I learned so much about the uncompromisable in all areas of my life.

A dear student helped me choose my word for 2020. I was looking for something that says IDGAF but in a powerful/graceful way... one that challenges, celebrates, brings us closer together, & offers lots of enjoyment. "What about 'moxie'?" she said.

MOXIE it is. Force of character, determination, or nerve. I'm looking forward to living into that definition this year. Structure that supports freedom and resolve that holds true to direction, and I look forward to surprising myself along the way.

What will your guiding word be?

How do you hope it will surface? Are you open to its unfolding? Are you ready to take the action necessary to bring it forth? What would it be like to live the new year in this new way?

I'm excited to find out.

xx
Ruby

Beyond the mat...

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We'll be back to our regular IC with Emily in a week or two...

Our next series will be all about:

Baptiste Methodology- This is the foundation of the style of yoga we offer and sets the stage for our Up to Something Bigger attitude. Everything from how to show up, practices & techniques, and the structures to support.

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