Another Opportunity Granted

At this point, we can say, what a long strange trip 2020 has been. Hearin lies the opportunity…

It’s been an honor, a privilege, and in total transparency a challenge, to teach yoga and holistic health during this time. A time when we have less resolve within our nervous systems than ever.

Even those with practices in place for a few decades have been struggling.

It’s a next-level challenge to sit still with ourselves, be kind to ourselves, forgive ourselves for the many things said/done that we did not mean leading up to 2020. For many these less familiar energies were already at play during 2019 - if that’s not too woowoo for you. Most people are inherently good and mean well. But sometimes when we haven’t dealt with our “stuff” and/or just hit our quota on what we can handle with neutrality and grace, we may fly off the handle. Add in a potent mix of all that is, during a global pandemic, we struggle.

All of us. It is OK. Go easy.

So much to say, but I’m determined to keep screen time to a minimum. 

What I will share, is that if we did not, could not, or avoided spending time in full isolation during the lockdown, it seems the “powers that be” (and I’m not talking politics) are offering another opportunity. Covid cases are on the rise again. Lockdowns are happening right now in France and Germany.

Fall is already naturally a time of going inward. Spending quiet time alone, creating further awareness of ourselves, our thought patterns, our general patterns, and reflecting on the past so that we can birth the new come Winter Solstice… this is the opportunity.

Those with resistance to this “going inward” tend to be annoyed or depressed by shorter days. There is no judgment as we are all in different places in different parts of life. However, if this happens to be you… THIS IS IT. Even if this is not you and you enjoy autumn, THIS IS STILL IT.

This is your opportunity. We’ve been blessed with another opportunity to release and create something new. It can be brand new. It can be something from the past that we cleanse during this time and eventually renew.

The light is coming.

This time, from now leading up to the Winter Solstice of 2020 into around mid-February, is one of the most potent times of our lives.

I have been receiving information and transmissions from those far more “in the know” than I.

So, I’m going to stop here for now.

One more word of advice.

Forgive.

As I share with my yoga students all the time, take all of that chatter in the mind, and pull it down into the heart. Stay with it right there for as long as you can.

There is so much unconditional love for all of us - if we allow it.

Here’s to the next chapter. I can’t wait to see you - in real-time.

Support Your Immune System NOW + Year-Round with Holistic Preventative Measures and Solutions

Shelves sold out of hand sanitizer? Check.

Vitamins and powered mixes in plastic packets sold out? Check.

Toilet paper? We are all questioning WTH on that one. Um, check.

MOTHER EARTH TO THE RESCUE!

Poor girl needs a Good Long Break - yet she still endlessly supports us.

Ancient Nutrition + Holistic Support

Boost your immune system year round.

Given hand sanitizer flew off of the shelves (even though soap and water is the recommended first step for cleansing hands), we look back to ancient remedies, always at our fingertips, to boost our immune systems and whole health. 

1. Nutrition.

Fall back into this old post on SuperFoods to start your nutritional self-care.

2. Hydration.

Consume mostly water. Avoid plastic bottled water.

3. Herbs + Spices.

Quick list of common powerhouses. Cook with them. Take this current time-out at home to learn other uses, too. Some can also be found in high quality oils. Oregano oil is a great go-to immune booster.

            Oregano (antiviral)

            Thyme (antiviral)

            Clove (respiratory health)

            Garlic

            Cumin

            Tumeric

            Ginger

            Mint

            Cayenne Pepper

I snagged this quick list from Dr. Axe who also offers the following: Use Antiviral Herbs to Boost Immune System and Fight Infection. Worth checking out.

4. Hygiene + Other Therapies

            • One of my #1 go-to prevention techniques has been the Neti Pot used for Sinus Irrigation. I’ve used this technique since 1998 for seasonal allergies which vastly reduced sinus infections and irritating symptoms.

            • Oil pulling. This ancient technique pulls toxins out of not only your mouth, but your entire body according to Ayurvedic science. Coconut oil is most commonly used. Love this product is by Gurunanda although the plastic bottle deters my purchasing. (Hint, hint, Gurunanda.) My dentist is continually impressed – just sayin’.

            • Handwashing with essential oils. Lots of options here. I personally use a mix of antiviral herbs mixed with jojoba oil and whole leaf aloe. After washing with soap and water, I apply to my hands and around my nose and mouth during this outbreak of COVID-19 and new era of social distancing.

            • Sunshine. Gift from the universe. Good old sunshine is our #1 source of Vitamin D which will boost your mood alongside your immunity and much more.

            • Earthing/Grounding. Take your shoes off. Put your feet on the ground for 30 minutes. Read what the experts offer on the many benefits HERE.

5. Yoga, meditation and breathing practices.

Can’t say enough about these, but drop into this 3-minute practice to boost your immunity today with YogaToday. Use code ‘JONI30’ for an annual subscription at a ridiculous deal. Practice anytime, anywhere with internationally recognized teachers with decades of experience.

6. Mindset.

We all have a certain amount of control over our health. Know this. Trust this.

Cultivating deep trust in ourselves and our amazing biocomputers - known as the human body - is essential. Unsure of where to start? Talk to me.

7. Forgiveness.

Say what? It’s true. Harboring grudges is not to our benefit. While forgiveness can be extremely challenging, it does support the immune system. In times like this, conscious communication and relating is king.

If you are unable to verbally discuss and forgive, it is possible to do so energetically. One method I employ is the following:

            Find a comfortable seat.

            Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and release it through the mouth.

            Notice the chatter in the mind about this situation needing forgiveness.

            Take all of that chatter in the mind and drop it down into the heart.

            Notice any shift that occurs.

When you feel an energetic shift or pulse at the heart, relish in that deeply for a moment.

            If it feels appropriate, send that heart medicine to the person or situation you would like to forgive.

            Make this a practice.

Love to all under these circumstances. Immense good will show itself on the other side.

May the force be with us.

Love What Comes Up

When something arises that we don’t want or don’t like, our tendency is to resist.

When I was growing up, like most of us, I didn’t know any better.

Did you?

What I’ve learned is to notice my reactions to what comes up. 

Now this isn’t always easy.

I have admittedly not yet learned the art of paying attention - every single time.

But pay attention. Notice if you are triggered. Ask yourself why. 

Creating awareness around reactions to anything that comes up improves life immensely. 

It’s an opportunity.

To learn from reactions.

Understand them. 

Own what is ours.

Take radical responsibility for our part.

Then make an effort to shift. 

Shift to that place of learning and gaining from an experience rather than resisting and running away.

We tend to cling to the way we want things to be, to control people and our experiences with them.

Instead, dropping into and sticking with an experience - as it is - allowing the rush of feelings and emotions to pass like waves - we find that usually something better awaits us on the other side.

Relax.

Love what comes up, whatever it is.