Change it Up!
I am in the business of change and have been for some time. I am a change agent. I don’t get weary of this role, in fact, I remain intrigued and delighted with the process of personal transformation.
One of the things that we can be absolutely sure of is that things do not remain the same. We, as humans, are constantly in flux and we exist in an ever changing field. Yet many of us are uncomfortable with this. Change can evoke resistance and anxiety, perhaps because issues of control and/or a fear of the unknown show up. Can you relate?
Change is unavoidable. We sometimes encounter change unexpectedly, while at other times we are more willing and able to face it. I have always loved “wicked questions"; by that I mean provocative questions that ask you take a look at yourself.
A few compelling questions
to help you examine transformation:
How do you feel about transformation?
What gets in the way of expressing your essence?
What is it in your life that you wish to change/transform?
What is it that you need to let go of to enable transformation to unfold?
What support(s) do you need to allow transformation to take place?
There are a number of factors that help facilitate change. Yoga philosophy, along with my personal and professional experience, highlight these things:
- Awareness - an awakening to the sense that something needs to change; a stirring.
- A sincere desire to grow; effort.
- Support - can take the shape of a trusted guide and/or a like-minded community.
- Compassion - change is hard.
- Willingness to surrender and let go.
As a guide, I help people identify and dismantle the adaptations/masks (there are many different words for our protective shields) that obscure their true selves. We undertake this work through “svadyaya” or self-study. We explore using intention, authentic communication, mindfulness, movement, breath and somatic exercises. Somatic means dealing with the body. To me, it feels like a spiritual experience to witness someone shed the layers that encumber the pure expression of their true self. It is a magical undertaking that is a creative mixture of science, psychology, philosophy, art, movement and intuition. It is a collaborative, embodied and very alive journey that asks people to bring their entire beings to the process.
Summer Availability - Catch Me Before July!
This summer I am taking a PAUSE and will be enjoying the pleasures of Maine for the entire month of July with my family. Book with me for a private session if you wish to see me before June 29. I return to work in Toronto on Monday, July 30th. I see clients at the Healing Therapy Alliance on Wednesdays – book online using my website. I also teach classes and see private clients at 889 Yoga in Rosedale.
Other News...
I am, once again, returning to school. I am studying Spiritual Psychotherapy at the Transformational Arts College in Toronto. This is a two year, part-time pursuit. At the end of this endeavour, I will be further prepared to help people with connecting to their highest self. Stay tuned as I weave my learnings into classes, workshops and private sessions.
I leave you you with this quote by Anais Nin:
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Enjoy a happy, healthy, peaceful summer. May you take the time to pause.
