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The Woven Ones

There is a common and shared thread of energy that ties the tapestry of women together; our visions are woven in the same fabric

Women encircling women and valuing each other and everyone’s contributions; with acceptance, without judgment

A safe haven to express our thoughts, release a tear, receive a hug and give a hug; it’s in that calm and nurturing space that a shifts take place.

—–

Since discovering Women’s Wellness Circles a year and a half ago, I have grown to understand the importance of circles of women coming together. Women have gathered in circles since the beginning of time. It empowers us to delve deeper into ourselves, learn, grow and speak our truth!

Thoughts, ideas and opinions send out vibrations of energy that effect us all. It is a powerful transformation for women who share that sacred space with other women, and it ripples out into our families and communities.

Thoughts that are repressed or dreams that are forgotten are slowly brought forward to the light to be nurtured and celebrated or acknowledged and released.

The world is changing, there is a definite shift and women are gathering together to assist in this revolutionary movement.

During circle, gifted presenters from many Holistic realms share their wisdom with us, and we take from them what serves us and leave the rest. It’s in those moments of sharing, role modeling and possibilities that we discover the women we are, and who we can become.

Dr. Daniel Amen, the author of (Unleash the Power of the Female Brain), stated that “Women are health leaders in their families and communities and they typically reach out for help and community support.”

 Our Women’s Wellness Circles offer this perfect opportunity to keep abreast of health and wellness alternatives and integrate them into our lives.

Life has many stages, with plateaus to rest and breathe, and then we continue to move forward sometimes feeling challenged, other times with open hearts and inquisitive minds.

In this beautiful circle of feminine energy, we can more powerfully live into the present moment, connect with the universe and find our inner joy.

The sisterhood of circle grows stronger as every woman sees every other woman as an equal part of the (whole) or circle, regardless of age or stage of life.

Nurturing ourselves with friendship and laughter builds self-esteem that we draw from and inspire in one another.

The value of circle is in the undeniable support and inspiration given and received. Change is inevitable, but the connection shared is innate and runs deep.

In our sacred place of Women’s Wellness Circles, you can expect an environment of inclusivity and acceptance, and within that freedom of space you grow – mind, body and soul!

Women are nurturers by nature. When we devote time to ourselves, in developing a strong inner life; our outer life reflects it.

With the same love and support you give your projects, colleagues, friends, family and/or children, there comes a time when the focus is to find a way to morph into a newer authentic version of yourself.

Together we can celebrate our worth, life changes and self discovery.

Its right and good for women to share, connect and be woven into this tapestry  called life, represented by Circle.

My response: “I’m in.”

By Debbie Armstrong
https://www.facebook.com/WWCbarrieinnisfil/

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Precious Sun, Precious Child & Precious You!

This year it seems as though there was no Spring. The Winter was an epic marathon as we braced ourselves from the cold. Yet as the school year draws to a close, our thoughts dare to turn to summer.

Those of us parenting or caregiving for school aged children are about to shift into a completely different gear…

HERE WE GO!

I know for myself, I always think that summer will be such a nourishing break, both from routine and from the rush, but I have had enough experience to realize it’s often busier in the summer, and that a constantly changing schedule requires even more preparation.

PRESSURE

I am the owner of my own business, so I do have some flexibility. In fact, that is one of the biggest perks of being an entrepreneur. So, at this time of year, I think “I have about 6 weeks to finish everything up for the year, prepare for my summer working schedule and plan for the fall so I can be present for my precious summer and my precious child.”

These summers with my daughter are a precious few.  She will soon be more interested in hanging out with her friends, and in time, focused on building her own life and family.

PRECIOUS CHILD

Sharing time with the children in our lives is a tremendous gift.  Nevertheless, the challenges and responsibilities of parenting are often arduous. Balancing caregiving and cultivating your child’s independence requires consciousness, focus, patience, discernment and compassion. This requires a lot of energy.

As parents we can often move into sacrifice, where our needs end up at the bottom of the to-do list. Personally, without my self-care practices I feel like a panicked chicken with my head about to be cut off!!

NOT AN EITHER/OR SITUATION

In truth caring for our children and caring for our selves is not an either/or situation. When we care for ourselves, we have the capacity to take good care of others. I have always appreciated the analogy of the oxygen masks in an airplane. The rule is, put your own mask on first and then your child’s. If we do it the other way around, we could pass out and we’d all be in trouble!

PRECIOUS YOU

Everything is Energy. It cannot be created or destroyed, only harnessed and transformed. WE are Energy, Vibration, Sound, and Light. The Sun, whether it is behind the clouds or shining down upon us, is a powerful source of energy. In the winter, when days are short, we can feel depleted and many people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As a yogi, throughout the dark winter I practice Sun Salutations and Tratakum (candle-gazing meditation) to remember the light within.

As the sunnier weather returns, we feel renewed. So much so that there can be a temptation to fill every moment of our long summer days with activity. Yet running too much energy can create crisis in the body such that we have trouble resting, and that leads to burnout. Just as we need sunblock and sunhats when it’s too sunny, regulating our energy flow can protect us from burning. As a yogi and meditator, Pranayama practice (breath techniques) helps to stabilize my energy states.

BOOK IT IN!

Women are often the planners for the family. If you are like me, the social schedule runs through you. The summer can be chock-full of plans; camps, cottages, BBQ’s, baseball games…you name it, the possibilities are endless.  So much fun to be had, but too much time with family and friends can also be overwhelming. If we want to enjoy our social time without burnout, we must schedule time for the Self.

Schedule time (without the kids) throughout the summer. Once a week plan a walk in the woods, a yoga class, or attend the monthly Women’s Wellness Circle near you to join other women committed to their wellness.  For maximum benefit, start a daily meditation practice. Even 5 minutes a day will create the space to listen to what it is we need in order to balance, replenish, recharge or release.

SIMPLE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Here is a simple daily mindfulness practice I put together:

-Put whatever is in your hands down (especially a cell phone!)

-Bring your attention to your body

-Notice the sensations moving through your body

-Allow them to be exactly what they are

-Notice and feel the sensation of your feet connecting to the ground

-Notice your sit bones and buttocks if you are sitting

-Invite your body to soften and release down to the earth beneath you

-Notice your breath

-Invite your belly to soften

-Receive the breath (Prana – Life force energy) deeply

-Release the breath fully

-Receive the gift of light from the sun and through the breath

-Release the breath through the body down to the earth

-Continue to receive and release staying present with each breath

-When the mind wanders, just notice without judgement, and bring your attention back as you receive the gift of your next breath.

 

FROM PRESSURE TO PRECIOUS

Only we can create that inner space for Self.  When we do, our time moves from pressure to precious…with a renewable flow of energy to share our precious Self in the precious Sun alongside our precious Children.

 

-Tanya Porter

Founder and Living Arts Director of The Inner Space

www.theinnerspace.ca

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A New Kind of Partnership

Because May is mental health awareness month, I feel that it is essential to share this poem about the overthinking mind with you. My poem, A New Kind of Partnership, speaks to the importance of building and strengthening a new and healthier relationship with your mind. It has been proven that a trained mind can quiet an overthinking mind. 

 

 It greets me first every morning  

And also tucks me into bed 

It’s my constant companion 

The voice within my head 

 

I set every intention to lose it  

To give it wings—to set it free 

Yet it always chooses to stay 

And to inhabit ALL of me  

 

My overthinking mind is very much like yours 

I’m at its beck and call 

It orders, commands, and loves to take charge 

It’s not a program I would ever choose to install 

 

But evolution deemed this necessary  

To help me to survive  

Yet my wants are so much greater 

So now I’m choosing also to thrive  

 

I’ve had enough of my unhealthy stories 

I’ve had enough of “mind-made” me 

There is a greater vision  

That my future self can see  

 

Beyond the overthinking 

And all of my false truths 

Beyond the limiting beliefs 

That still remain with me from my youth  

 

Yes, I’ve suffered because I’ve been bullied 

Yet it is I who am to blame 

It is my self-created “stories of struggle” 

That constrict me time and again  

 

By the way, this realization  

Took years to unfold 

And I can promise you, without question 

That it is worth its weight in gold 

 

There is nothing more valuable 

Than a peaceful mind and an open heart 

Mind training is immeasurable 

And it’s the only place to start 

 

But it has to become a daily practice 

To rewrite your script and to rewire 

For you are teaching your miraculous brain 

A completely new way to fire  

 

Remember, you’ve been using specific words 

Thinking specific thoughts, and behaving one way 

You’ve developed habits, good and bad 

That you’ve been living and supporting each day 

 

It’s the inner work that will lead you  

To overall ease and well-being 

There is nothing more transformative 

And ultimately freeing  

 

Than rewriting your most important stories 

And creating new versions of self 

And learning just how to prioritize  

Your state of mental health  

 

I’ve stopped needing to fix every part of me 

And everything I deem wrong in another 

I spend less time wanting for life to be different 

And so I’m a much better person and mother 

 

And so whatever life may throw my way 

I now have a tremendous toolkit with a golden key 

One that I can choose to open  

As needed—just for me 

 

So yes, it still greets me first every morning,  

And also tucks me into bed 

It remains my constant companion 

But it’s a new and improved voice within my head  

 

Because I have learned how to manage it 

And I continue to train it well  

My mind and I have developed a new partnership 

With a new and enriched life story to tell  

 

You too, can learn how to do this 

Your trained mind can be at your beck and call 

It will be kinder, gentler, and more mindful 

A program you would gladly choose to install! 

 

We have a duty to evolve the brain  

And a very real obligation 

To change collective consciousness 

For every future generation  

 

Essential? Absolutely 

Possible and doable? Oh yes 

The alternative…it’s not pretty 

Underlying unhappiness and chronic stress  

 

So let’s make this happen—  

One person at a time 

The responsibility needs to be shared 

For it is both yours and mine 

 

Sincerely, 

Terri Klein 

Author, Speaker, Coach 

 www.newlife-chapterone.com 

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Embracing Your Cyclical Nature

Good Gorgeous April, Sisters and Friends!

The seasons have shifted, and spring is now upon us in the Northern hemisphere.

This means new revitalized energy is returning. The ground is softening in preparation for planting, the animals are coming out of hibernation, and we begin to feel a “spring” in our step as the warmth and light returns.

A season like this makes it easy to feel the undeniable impact our environment has on us – from our clothing choices, to the fresh food that is more readily available at the local Farmer’s Markets, to the activities we engage in; thanks to the longer daylight hours and rising temperatures.

Do you find that your own personal cravings, inclinations, needs and desires seem to shift with the seasons?  This is not by coincidence.

Our external environment has a profound impact on our internal environment and in many ways, is a reflection of it as well.

Just as Mother Nature and her natural elements shift, so does the nature inside of us. There is a very deliberate and sacred cycle that we share with our planet; the seasons and the Moon cycles too.

Knowing this information and how to relate to it, and even leverage it, has the power to completely change how we function in this world and the results we get.

Both the moon and the women of the earth, experience annual and monthly cycles. These are referred to as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.In ‘Moon Speak’, New, Full, Waning, and Dark time.

These built-in rhythms, phases and cycles are here to work with us, and guide us. They lead us to what we need at any given time by communicating to us through our feelings and our senses. Our job is to listen carefully and respond accordingly.

Here are some ways this can show up in your life:

  • Have you ever noticed your reaction/response to something one day can be completely different than to the same experience just a few days later?
  • Have you ever felt more powerful at certain times of the month and exhausted at others?
  • Have you noticed your drive and desire to complete projects amplifies at certain times. Whereas other times you can’t find the energy to get off the couch for weeks on end?
  • Have you ever felt like a completely different woman at certain times of your month and year?

Yes? GOOD! Because you are constantly changing and shifting, so this is normal!

Unfortunately, many of us have misunderstood this relationship and natural tendency to shift in mood, energy, desires and decisions.

Instead, we have long used these experiences to feed into negative beliefs such as; we are lazy, erratic, moody, indecisive or procrastinating… etc.

But sisters this is simply not true!

As we cycle through different phases our needs change gradually and, at times, drastically. This is not something to fear or override. Rather, it is something to embrace.

By recognizing the cyclical nature of who you are, you can come to understand it and then utilize it. Work with your nature, not against it. Let it show you just how whole you really are.

Currently if you live in the Northern hemisphere Spring has sprung, there is a New Moon coming and this monthly creation cycle begins again.

On a bigger scale, if we have rested over the winter and listened to the call of hibernation, we will likely feel fresh, energized and hopeful at this time.

If our life, demands, and limitations didn’t allow for that rest and time for internal reflect we may be entering this time feeling unsure and tired.

And it’s perfectly OK either way! We can always course correct, but only if we recognize where we are at.

What can you do to better prepare yourself for this new season – whether you feel ready for it or not?

Here are Four Tips to Prepare Yourself for Spring:

  • Acknowledge the Season – Bringing a conscious recognition to the transformation that is happening in the environment both outside and inside of you, allows you to move forward with empowered awareness. You can do this through activities such as equinox or solstice ceremonies, outdoor gatherings, or simply just by closing our eyes and taking moments to breathe in the fresh air and connect to the gifts spring brings!
  • Eat for the Season – The vibration of food has a major impact on us. This time of year you may start to crave lighter, raw, fresh and colder foods. These cravings are a way for the body to adjust our system so our weight and temperature can align to the change in climate.
  • Dress for the Season – Do you notice you are eyeing your cute spring coat, flowing dresses, thin leggings, and sandals? You may start to crave more freedom;your body may long to move and stretch. Wear clothing that allows for this.
  • Listen to your body – It is always talking to you. Cravings, symptoms, and sensations are messages. We can listen and let them guide and inform our choices.

I hope you found these tips inspiring and encouraging as we prepare to face the new season ahead.  Wishing you an energizing spring!

Amanda Perrone

Moon Mother

https://risewithamanda.com

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WHY PRIORITIZE YOUR SELF-CARE?

What is self-care? The Oxford English Dictionary defines self-care as “The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being and happiness, in particular during times of stress.” So, it’s exactly what it sounds like: taking care of oneself. It’s an activity or practice that is embraced solely for the purpose of one’s well-being.

But what is a practice? It’s the actual application of an idea, belief, or method; as opposed to simply theorizing about to it. We have all heard the term self-care, but how many of us have a practice around it? Something we intentionally incorporate into our lives.

We all get caught up in our daily lives of work, kids, relationships, errands, aging parents, and more, so much so, that we often leave little time for ourselves. Mornings usually consist of some version of; hopping in and out of the shower, slapping on makeup in the car, getting everyone else out the door and eating breakfast (if we eat at all) while sitting at our desk. We’re very busy. There’s no time for self-care then.

Evenings are no better with supper, which perhaps you pick up on the way home, homework and dealing with the problems that the day has delivered to the rest of the family. Then you fall exhausted into bed. Again, no time there either.

Even the idea of self-care can feel indulgent when there are people relying on you. If you’re in this camp, and the very thought of putting yourself first makes you feel uncomfortable and selfish, think about when you are on a plane and the flight attendants go through the safety drill. They always say that if you are travelling with small children you should put your own mask on first. Why do they say that? It’s simple, you cannot care for others until you look after yourself.

What’s a Girl to Do?

Life is a whirlwind and there is clearly no time for self care, right?

But here’s the thing; if we don’t find the time or intentionally make the effort to care for ourselves we can become worn out, lack energy, lose perspective and be plagued by physical and mental ailments.

While it seems like there’s no time, what if I told you that by taking just five minutes a day for yourself, you can amplify your ability to accomplish everything else in your life. Five minutes spent on you will calm your mind, which allows you to approach everything else from a more abundant and balanced place.

Some Suggestions for Quick Five Minute Self Care Boosters:

  • Drink a cup of warm water upon rising
  • Go for a walk-in nature
  • Lie in Savasana for 5 minutes and just breathe
  • Express gratitude for who and what is in your life (gratitude has been proven to give both the giver and receiver the same heart-centered lift)
  • Dance around your living room to your favorite song
  • Meditate

Once you have incorporated five minutes of self-care into your life you can look for other opportunities to build on your practice.

  • Go to a women’s retreat weekend
  • Visit an old friend
  • Sign up for yoga or Tai Chi classes
  • Go to a Women’s Wellness Circle near you
  • Take a course or class in something that interests you
  • Read a good book

If you need some ideas on how to approach change and incorporate your own self-care practice, check out last month’s blog by Karen Armstrong.

Make Self-Care A Priority

Of all the changes you resolve to make in your life for the year ahead, make taking care of yourself your number one goal. The investment in yourself will give you an amazing rate of return. You will feel calmer and more ready to tackle the ups and downs of life. Your friends and family will also benefit from having a better you. And the calmness and grounding that self-care can give you showers out around you and can impact the lives of strangers. When you feel balanced and good it is easier to be kind to others, share your beautiful smile with strangers, and make their day a bit brighter.

Whether you do five minutes of self-care everyday or something else that feeds your soul, it doesn’t matter. It is about what works best for you, as long as you remember it is a practice and not just something you do when you’re exhausted.

If we think about it this way – self-care is not indulgence, it is a gift you give yourself and everyone around you.

Make today the day you start to care for yourself with the same love, kindness and forgiveness that you give to others. You are worth it.

To Your Health and Wellbeing,

Jill Erridge Certified Personal Trainer and Coach,

Active Aging Specialist.

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January – Time for a New Story

It’s 2019… a New Year with new energy and possibility. Maybe it’s time to create a New Story? Now, I don’t mean become an author and write a novel, instead I’m referring to creating a new personal story. After all, we are the authors of our own lives.

The challenge is, as with many things, humans are basically lazy. We fall into habits, and these become who we are and what we do. They operate at an unconscious level that feels normal to us. If these habits are healthy and serve our highest good then congratulate yourself for a job well done. Many times though, we have outgrown our personal story. We just don’t realize it.

When do we need to change our story?

If our lives are draining our energy or leaving us feeling like we have no options, then it’s time for a change. Let me share an example. A couple of years ago I was sharing with a friend, once again, about the many unfinished projects at my house. These projects and plans had been on my “To Do” list for many years and, though I am married to a contractor, they weren’t getting completed. We made the same old joke, “if you’re married to the shoemaker, your shoes will always need repair.”

I felt stuck, sad and frustrated. I made up all kinds of excuses in my head for why they never got accomplished, including that they weren’t important to my husband or that he just didn’t love me enough. I’m sure you get the picture. The difference this time was my friend, who had known me for many years. She’d(or he’d) heard this old story many times, but this time asked if I was ready to change it.

What did that mean? I couldn’t think of any solutions or options as long as everything felt outside of my control. But who ever said that just because my husband is the contractor he’s the only one who can move the projects forward? We started to brainstorm all the possible things I could do to create the end results I was looking for. My energy shifted instantly, new ideas began to stream in. I got excited and felt empowered. In that moment, I was releasing my old story and creating a new one!

It sounds so simple, however as I mentioned above, these thought processes are typically operating below the surface and feel completely normal. The trick is taking time to ask ourselves what we believe is true about whatever area in our life we want to make changes in. What have we been telling ourselves about these areas?

How Do You Make A Change?

Here are thirteen tips that one person shared when they decided to rewrite their life story:

  • Look at who you are surrounded by
  • Become a podcast junky
  • Start creating something online
  • Turn your media habits upside down
  • Invest in your health
  • Bounce your way to a new story
  • Be ruthless with cutting out negative self-talk
  • Accept you’ll never know every answer
  • Travel the world
  • Quit your underwhelming job
  • Use the internet to reach out
  • Experiment with giving
  • Give up the perfection game

These suggestions are things he picked up from reading about famous game changers. They are big-picture, shift-your-life-story items. Some may resonate and others may not. But they will get your imagination flowing.

Start with one area you wish to have different results in. How can you shift into an empowered mindset?

It’s a New Year, bringing new energy. Why not join us at a local Women’s Wellness Circle if you live in close proximity to one? The presenters who show up each month share their story with us on how they ended up doing what they are doing. They are always incredible and always inspiring. If distance is an issue, keep tuned into this blog for more rich content moving forward. We are more when we share together.

Feel free to share your stories with us.

May you create an outstanding 2019,

Karen Armstrong

Reiki Master, Biophoton Light Therapist & Enneagram Coach

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The Beginning of Blossoming

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

This quote by Anais Nin has been a source of profound inspiration to me over the years, especially in the early days of embarking on my wellness journey.

Have you ever felt a strong urge to burst forth into a new realm of growth and life experience, yet uncertain of what that would look like or where it will take you?

This has happened to me on countless occasions and I’ve come to realize that while it can feel big and daunting at the time; it’s a natural part of growth and in hindsight we typically realize it was simpler than we thought.

When we feel clear and confident, we can take action easily, without much thought or hesitation. Tangible and satisfying growth comes naturally and we are rewarded with progress and a sense of accomplishment.

But realistically, how often does this happen? It’s certainly not the norm!

One Simple Action Can Open The Bud

Life, in order to give us ample opportunity to grow, learn and strengthen physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, is full of unknowns, resistance, plateaus, curveballs and unexpected challenges at various phases and stages.

So feeling unclear, confused, stagnant and perhaps even afraid at times is part of the life experience and what makes us human.

During these times we may be unsure what to do to change or improve the situation and this can be frustrating and disheartening, and can go on for days, weeks and even years…

Until one day, without a clear plan or certainty, in the face of the unknown, we risk grasping onto the familiar – for the possibility of something better; essentially, we leave the bud, so we can blossom.

How is this done? Not by having it all figured out!

In fact, it can be as easy as making one clear decision and taking one simple action; we begin to release ourselves from the bud. This is the beginning of blossoming.

In my experience the female brain, does not typically work in a linear fashion, with all the details succinctly mapped out anyway. Thanks to our impressive capacity to sense and feel, and our openness to incorporate other peoples input, we tend to follow a more organic course of growth and pay attention to cues and clues along the way.

This is a powerful form of leadership and stewardship.

It Takes More Than A Plan

Anyone can just throw together a plan and then head full force into implementing all the details, but it takes patience, awareness, heart and soul, to breathe life into a vision, while continually considering and incorporating life’s many moving parts.

Nonetheless, as women it is vital that we listen to ourselves, prioritize our dreams and goals and move forward in accordance with our inner knowing. Our inner GPS is powerful and from your own experience, you likely know that there isn’t any pay off in ignoring it or you’ll just end up retracing your steps.

Life’s journey is not linear, it’s a spiral path. While we may want to have a clear set plan that plays out perfectly straightforward, there is a good chance that what actually transpires is better anyway.

So, at the soon-to-be dawning of a new year and a question we can certainly ask at any time; what one decision and action might you take to further blossom into a healthier, happier and more fulfilled version of you?

Likely it begins with a shift in priorities, mindset, and the readiness to leave the captivity of a bud that no longer serves your desire and readiness to blossom.

As I was reflecting on my next stages of growth, and thanks to the inspiration of Anais Nin, these words came to me. Maybe they’ll resonate with you as well;

And the day came…

And the day came when it became easier to make good health choices for longer term benefit, that to succumb to unhealthy choices for immediate pleasure.

And the day came, when it was more enticing to ignore unpleasant comments than the allure of retorting back.

And the day came when getting to the truth, even if it meant vulnerability, was more important than gripping onto a false illusion.

And the day came when being true to self was more inviting than continually pleasing others at the expense of our self.

And the day came when trusting that inner voice was more appealing than be influenced by outer chatter.

And the day came, when embracing positive thoughts triumphed over ruminating in negative ones.

And the day came when cooperation and collaboration favoured over competition and comparison.

And the day came when breathing deeply was prioritized over a fast paced rush of getting things done.

And the day came when it was easier to choose laughter over argument.

And the day came, when self care triumphed over personal neglect.

And the day came when confidence prevailed over self doubt.

And the day came when it was more powerful to lead than to follow.

And so the day came.

 

To the Blossoming of your Bud,

Jill Hewlett

Founder & Mentor Women’s Wellness Circles

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