SGchangeagent

I kicked off my summer solstice with a wellness retreat in Cocoa Beach this weekend.

The summer solstice is a time to rest and appreciate the work we have done. A time to rejoice, appreciate and love. A time to silent the mind and start to awaken the body. The timing for this wellness retreat couldn’t have been more perfect for me.

Time to rest also means a time to be intuitive. Give yourself space to listen to your intuition. Awaken the body!

Self care, self honor and self love all embody taking care of ourselves. Our summer solstice wellness retreat did just that! From guided meditations, sound bathes, energy taping and releasing to understanding the power of essential oils, our amazing chakras and yoga, we released the bad shit holding us down to make space for the new experiences coming our way!

Yogas has changed my life. I’m learning how to take the time and make the space to be silent. To understand what my body and mind need to be the best version of me. The principles of yoga are giving me the tools to help my body build resilience. Yoga is helping me be a better leader and a voice in my personal and professional world.

I am called to lead through yoga stepping into my Soul Space. #thriveinsidethesolution

A dear friend summed it up perfectly in a profound text the other day as she answered my question on the mixed emotions I have about wanting a city life. She said “you are a city girl who finds her moments of silence while the world buzzes around you.”

I haven’t been able to get this out of mind. She knows me so well. This has got me thinking and reflecting on what excites me about the city and why I’m so grounded in the silence. My yin and my yang.

Today, Stretch for Hope became real. It became real because a tribe of women connected to make a difference. We committed to a six week in-kind program to bring yoga, mindfulness and meditation sessions to the youth every Friday Night.

To me, Stretch for Hope is more than a six week program. It’s a movement we are creating with yoga, meditation and mindfulness giving and receiving without judgement building the energy of connecting that exists when people feel seen, heard and valued.

This is a reflection of my journey.

We had seven beautiful young ladies join us in our first session led by Tova. The power of breathing, stretching and movement radiated in the room. Everyone was engaged at our own pace in our own space. One of the girls even helped me to my first official wheel pose! We ended the yoga with a discussion around journaling. Each young lady decorated their own journals to take home. It was a beautiful experience to see everyone so open with no judgement only togetherness in the moment.

I’ve learned that the principles of yoga gives us the tools to manage ourselves better. Yoga helps regulate the nervous system and helps us learn to respond not react. Amazing.

Our second session was all about Balance. Yin and Yang. Energy and Light. I introduced the Summer Solstice “gateway to the rest of the year” preparing our group for beautiful Sun Salutations led by Jen. Honoring the sun and acknowledging the light within ourselves. We moved into a slow moving yin that I led encouraging everyone to move slowly, count to thirty in their stretching poses lying on our backs and twisting our knees to each side. In this slow moving silence, affirmations of “we all matter” ” we all have a voice” were repeated. We had some of the original ladies back for a second time. They brought their journals and made notes after class. This time we even had guys join the session. After yin, we went into sitting stretches and tree poses finishing off with a cool down savasana.

In preparing for this session, I learned that Yin yoga is a gentle practice that focuses on the heart, slow down, and surrendering to the joy in the moment. I’m realizing after this experience today that I am drawn to yin for these reasons. The solution, sometimes, really is in the silence.

We continued with balance in our third session. Serious balance. We now have a consistent group of young ladies and young men in our Friday evening yoga sessions. All the kids did crow, side crow, headstands and handstands. I tried. Tova and Jen did a fantastic job showing their strength and expertise on how to get into these poses. It really is mind over matter using the right form. Everyone made it look so easy. Although I couldn’t get into the poses, I appreciated energy around me. At the end, I shared a snippet from “Oh Shift” by Jennifer Powers. This mindfulness technique helps you make little changes in your own behavior which can make a big difference in how you respond to situations. When you make a shift in how you respond, you start taking back your personal power. Don’t let life’s bad moments spiral you out of control. The Oh Shift Principles address “how you can change your life with a little F’in shift.” Using Three words. Find. Flip. Freak as the basis on how you respond. I think everyone got the message around this and liked how it sounded. ” A little F’in Shift. Ha!

Winding down into final relaxation (shavasana), when it was over, none of us wanted to get up! In that moment, I realized minutes are so precious. Minutes to slow down, breathe, rest and restore. The quiet time of a minute helps me put so much of the BS nonsense that goes on in the real world gone. I leave every Friday night with a sense of gratitude hoping that one thing I do or say each time is that one thing a kid takes with them. The one word or statement, the one pose or quietness that gives them the strength to know this. We All Matter.

#Namastecomittedtothecause.

What happened to the girls? We arrived to find 7 boys and 1 girl ready for yoga so we decided to focus on more balancing poses with Jen and Tova showing us crow, headstands and handstands. All the boys are so strong! I’m still working crow. After all our hard work, I led a short session on yin again talking about the importance of slowing down and just breathing, reflecting and being okay in the silence. I asked each person to think of one word to take throughout the weekend. My word was determination. One of the younger boys called out his word. It was happy! We ended with a Jen showing us sitting meditation. After the kids left, we talked about wanting to continue this as we all realized we only have two classes left. It’s amazing that only four weeks ago none of us knew each other. And we have been so in sync since day one. For me, this experience is one of the reasons I’m so adamant about making difference. Not just for others, but for myself.

Guys do yoga too! Yes, suddenly our class is filled with more guys than girls. They are appreciating the movement of strength and the silence of rest. I’m seeing a shift in their energy of understanding how yoga helps the body, spirit and mind. This evening, after Jen led an amazing flow and meditation at the end, I continued our slowdown resting poses. I now have my own mini sequence! Some of the guys took the journals we brought the first week and even decorated them. I’m learning that yoga doesn’t discriminate. We can be who we are, where we are, in our own space and on our own mat and just be. It’s an empowering experience, trying a new pose or just flowing with ease with a familiar one. Next week is our last session. We don’t want it to end. That’s why I’m facilitating Stretch for Hope fundraising efforts to bring this program to these same kids for the entire upcoming school year.

https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MzMxMzA

Connection really is the cure.

As we prepare for our 6th annual yoga trip to Costa Rica, my intention is simple. To focus everyday on what I’m grateful for. To take time to restore my body, mind and thoughts. To be at peace and meet myself where I am today. ⚡️

I added determination when I got here. Determined to focus on my needs and space. To know that the right opportunities are always within reach even if you don’t know what they are. Or who they are❤️

I’ve now been to this special place in Costa Rica six times. It’s a wonderful feeling to come back to a place where the people remember you and welcome you with such loving hello’s and authentic embraces. I’m grateful for the love I feel here. The simplicity of a space to do nothing but be.🌴

To me, time seems to slow down here. 10 am feels like 2 pm. 7 pm feels like 11 pm. Time doesn’t matter so much when I’m not on a tight schedule. It’s funny though because time is the same no matter where I go. Everyday is 24 hours. I reflect this morning on how I’m going to appreciate time more when I return to the states. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to live my life, for my son, for my cat, for my family and friends who are in my time and my space. For my work, for my spirit, for my love of life, for my desire to give back, for so so much. I’m grateful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and stay in a tent for four nights.

I’m grateful beyond words to stay in a suite the last night. I am grateful.

I will forever associate rain with restoration. It rained here a lot! With the rain you almost become stranded. Put in a position where you don’t want to leave and get wet. With that comes a variety of deep reflections, deep conversations with those you are with at the time, conversations with yourself if you are alone. A time for restoration. A time to be quiet. A time that you can’t get on the internet because there’s limited internet access here. A time to rejoice when something clicks that someone says to you. With restoration comes a time of change. I know I don’t have to travel anywhere to restore my body, spirit and mind. I encourage everyone to restore more often wherever you may be! ☔️

PEACE. At the end of the day, I love my peace. Peace of mind that I am good. That I am well. That I am safe. That I am capable. That I am thankful. That I AM. 🌈

Today is my last day here. During yoga classes, we are often asked to set our intention. To think of a word to associate with the intention. This is why I don’t end with peace today. I end with determination. 🌊

I am determined to be the best version of myself each and everyday. I am determined to be the voice of change for those I come in contact with. I am determined to continue to evolve at home and at work. I am determined to show the world that business and yoga have common principles. I’m determined to make a difference in other people’s lives. To continue to learn and grow. To travel wide. To love without fear. To give without expectation. To BE.

Please contact me if you would like to experience this together. Ode to a magical place until next time #thriveinsidethesolution

Anything is a possibility. To me, the process of being mindful, of being aware in my present state allows me to open my mind to the possibility of anything!

This thought brings me to the exploration of vital needs. In a recent learning program that I just finished, I learned there are 25 vital needs. That it’s important to identify the 7 vital needs that are personal and unique to each of us. That once these vital needs are fulfilled at the highest level, these’s a better quality of life with less stress. That to ground and center ourselves around the fulfillment of actions around these core needs helps us find a new perspective which in turn opens the door to possibility.

Here are three vital needs and actions you can take today. Does any of this resonate with you?

Spirituality is the need to pursue beliefs through meditation, study, or fellowship with like-minded individuals. This vital need can be met through quiet time of reflection, writing, volunteering and taking yoga classes. For me, yoga principles of kindness and peace impact my soul to be more mindful, thus satisfying my need for spirituality.

Need to Give and Do for Others is all about giving back. This vital need can be met by volunteering for a cause, to bring awareness and light on situations that matter to you. To be that voice to affect change and make a difference. To mentor young talent. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to mentor many people over the years. To bring hope and encouragement into their lives by showing up with a positive vibe and a smile, with no judgement. I’m now on a mission to combine the mindfulness I’ve learned with yoga and the business acumen I’ve learned in corporate America to a whole new level! Stay tuned on this possibility!

Learning Something New is all about stepping out of our comfort zone. About admitting we don’t know a certain topic, application or area very well. It’s about taking the time to study that topic such as what’s changing in the world of business today or how technology is transforming the way we work and play together. It’s about scheduling time to take that certification you been thinking about in business or through your yoga practice. And finding a way to share that education with others.

So here’s to a wonderful start to April 2018 and beyond. To all the possibilities that surround us to embrace life each and everyday. Namaste 🌸

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “you can’t give what you don’t have.”

For those of you searching for something more, it starts with you in any type of relationship. The relationship you have with yourself is the foundation for building a stronger relationship with others. Where we struggle is when we abandon self, constantly craving approval and attention. You start to become much more open to everything when you learn how to stop abandoning yourself. So here’s to opening doors to ❤️, intuition, wisdom and our capacity to listen and be in the moment.

Do you struggle with a friendship and wonder why? Asking yourself what your intent with that friendship is helps create a guiding system inside you. To work on being the best you can be without focusing on trying to change someone else’s perception or vibe with you. Enter from a place of understanding. Notice the difference in how you feel when you are open versus when you are shut down. Embrace the moment and live life to its fullest! Now that’s a mantra to repeat over and over!

Love this!

Why is it that we put expectations on people? Are they just certain people? What’s the best way to make this shift? This was on my mind during a long drive back to Mobile to celebrate the holiday season.

I really do believe you can live a happier life letting go of expectations and focus on appreciating each and every moment for what it is.

My son and I were blessed to spend Christmas with my mom and sisters family this year. 8 days has been the longest time I’ve spent in Mobile since I left over 28 years ago. I really wanted to be mindful of being appreciative this season so this phrase was on top of mind throughout the week. It got me thinking about 2017 and all the moments I am grateful for. And the times of appreciation for what I have in my life.

So here’s to 2017 for giving me peace of mind when it comes to my son! I can’t say enough how he is thriving in his college environment. For the first time, I’ve seen glimpses of the man he is becoming. Of course I’ve always known he was special, exhibiting leadership and negotiating skills at a very young age however today I am seeing so much more insightful thought processes, grounded, focused and compassion coming from him. This gives me my number one reason to be so appreciative.

Florida🏖👙🛥🌴 is my place! I’ve spent the last six weeks in Chicago, Arizona, NY, NJ and Mobile, Alabama. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love a big city however it’s cold in all of these places. So I’m officially appreciating my Florida space and plan to just visit my favorite cities over and over in 2018.

Travel is what I want to do, ❤️ whether it’s for business or pleasure. The perfect scenario for me is to combine the two spending the days after work exploring the cities I have a passion for. I’m so thankful to be able go back to places that continue to find a place in my heart. For the first time in my life, I traveled to Italy 🇮🇹 and can’t wait to head back to explore my Italian roots. Of course, Manhattan is always near and dear to me on the horizon for 2018 travels. I’m appreciative that I have the ability, strength, health and time to travel far and near.

As a young girl, reading and writing have always been my passion 🌸. As a grown women, I’m so very grateful and appreciative to write for business and for personal growth. Little did I know that a business leadership class and a yoga retreat five years ago would start me on a path of focus and mindfulness weaving the world of corporate America and the spiritual place I find in yoga together for me in such an amazing way.

So here’s to the core of going to the edge! To focus on the leadership principles of authenticity, coaching, innovation and communication. To practice these to the best I can with love and compassion to those around me. To be ok with different opinions, to disagree without anger, to let judgements go and to find peace in the simple things. To forge ahead, stay focused, continue to push beyond limits, in and out of the boardroom, on and off the yoga mat and to work each day to let go of expectations taking a mindful approach to life in 2018 and beyond! Love ❤️ Peace Always🌹

“In the process of doing nothing, everything is a possibility.” This statement become part of my intent to be in the present moment and appreciate everything life has to offer during my recent excursion and yoga retreat to Italy.

Although it’s been a couple months since I returned from my trip, I’m still thinking of how to incorporate the process of doing nothing into my weekly schedule.

It’s amazing how busy we get with stuff. I totally understand busy with priorities when it comes to work and family commitments however how many of us really make ourselves a priority?

As I reflect on all the amazing opportunities that presented themselves to me in 2017, I’m thankful and appreciative. I’m looking forward to 2018, to work hard, play hard, travel wide, have fun and sometimes even do nothing!

This wasn’t a traditional spa day for me. This was a day filled with introspection,  love, peace and surrender.

I had the opportunity to participate in an amazing workshop. Here you will find my notes.

We are made of body, mind and intellect. How we relate to others is in direct correlation to how we use our mind and intellect. Now many of you in a different profession than mine, may already have a clear understanding of body, mind and intellectual so please skim through if this is too basic for you. For the rest of us, here you go!

The mind is where our feelings, emotions and impulses come from. Many of us are totally controlled by our mind. I’m sure we can all recall impulsive behavior. The intellect is the only piece of equipment in our body that operates off reason and logic. Now how’s that for education 101 so far?

We must develop our intellect to learn how to relate better. So the big question now is HOW? and WHY?

You have to start with knowing your own nature and others. Human beings are individual natures. We can’t be lumped together in nature like animals. Before you can understand someone else’s nature, you must know your own nature first. This starts with showing up whole, by having your own attachments and addictions under control, by letting go of the ego, and by being self sufficient.

At the beginning of any relationship, it’s important to ask questions, listen, watch and even stay quiet at times. This stillness gives you the place to hold your space. I love this. Hold your space. What does that mean to you? Holding space to me means staying grounded, balanced and at peace with who I am and the decisions I make going forward. Holding space, to me, is giving me the space to continue to do the work on ME! To be the best I can be in any of the relationships I have. I firmly believe that when you do the work to improve yourself, you improve your relationships. So, with that said, what work are you doing for your own self?

Wake up early and read, study or write. Most of my writing is done in the early morning hours sitting on my balcony as the sun rises. I feel at peace here and ready to start my day. Question everything! By that I mean question yourself and why you are thinking a certain way. Question your own desires and check your own motivations. Become more introspective. I often say that the solution is in the silence. Do you take downtime in the evening to reflect on your day? Don’t analyze or critique it, just go through the steps of your day. Look for patterns or things you can change about yourself and how you handled things. Make that change in you!

It’s important to build your intellect to fortify it and become more adult. As your intellect becomes stronger and you react with reason and logic to triggers in your life, guess what? You silence the mind and find more peace. Don’t get Intelligence  confused with Intellect. Intelligence will help you earn a living. Intellect will help you make a life!

In closing, it always goes back to LOVE ❤️. Love is about identification. It’s about seeing yourself in the other person. It’s about letting go of your own ego and selfishness. Love is about the way I feel about YOU regardless of how you feel about me. For those of us looking for love, it’s there within YOU.

On a lighter side, yes I did a yoga class, sat on the beach to reflect and had a fabulous massage. Life is what you make of it.

Namaste reflective<<
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This is for anyone hurting today. Life is meant to give you experiences, growth, adventure and love ❤️.

Without risk, there is no reward. Stay gracious, open and stand tall. Treat others the way you want to be treated no matter the pain you may receive. Every single one of us walk our journey at our own pace. Others stroll side by side only for a moment in time. Cherish whatever that moment is and stay focused on your own internal peace.

Love, Dance and Seize the Day🌴✈️🇮🇹👠🏖🌹👙🎉🍷