“The Courageous Peony”

I want to tell you a story about The Courageous Peony. This story is prompted by an oracle card I pulled recently. It was no coincidence after leaving Lowes earlier that day, debating whether or not I wanted to buy some peony bulbs (my favorite flower).  I deliberated over the purchase because of how much time it would take to see a result from the time I’d plant them to the time they’d blossom. The story of The Courageous Peony goes like this... "Flowers don't open and close according to who walks by. They embrace what they are and show it to the world around them. The peony doesn't try to compete with the cherry blossom, and the cherry blossom doesn't try to compete with the tulip - THEY OWN WHAT THEY ARE AND TRUST THE TIMING OF THEIR TRUE NATURE." I began my own personal growth garden back in 2017, and figuratively speaking, I was that bulb that needed to be rooted.  First, I needed to agree to plant myself in the work that I needed to do and find the nourishment I needed to grow. This story is about being called to be open to being seen.  How are you answering that call?  As we approach the month of May and flowers are blossoming all around us, I ask you to consider opening up like a flower petal blooming and be seen too. In the spirit of the Spring Season, The Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary is continuously growing. We have been manifesting a lot of incredible things that are beginning to fall right into place for our very special studio! Stay tuned for many new updates related to new classes and services including breathwork, manifestation, infrared sauna therapy, and details on our big move to a new location in April 2023! Without all of you, this tremendous growth would never be possible. Thank you for your support over the past two years. Things are happening at The Haven! Thank you for joining us on this very special journey. Namaste

The Rocky Road To Authenticity

For awhile, I didn’t know who I was nor what my purpose is in this life.  I didn’t do what I loved nor loved what I did.  I was a puppet on a string trying to conform to societal expectations. 

My dad would tell me “either humble yourself or life will do it for you”. I never quite knew what that meant until I was faced with some pretty intense situations and experiences. Each of which, gradually peeled a layer away forcing me to examine and consider the rocky road to my authentic self. It wasn’t comfortable nor easy but I learned that I had a choice to contract or expand. I gratefully chose the latter. 

I face many ugly truths about myself, my life and my relationships each day to stay grounded in the process. I shed many people who were my closest friends, turned inward and took years to reflect on where my responsibilities lay in everything I have done and do. I was sad and discouraged about my losses, but letting go of certain people, places and things made room for closer connections with others seeking the same. 

I forgave myself and others. I’ve also been forgiven allowing me to connect and accept myself exactly as I was and as I am in this moment. 

I practice truth, love, kindness, silence and non-judgement and do more each day to sink into my values.  I am a work in progress. I am not perfect, nor do I strive for perfection.  I do what I can in each moment to lean into my goals toward authenticity so I can give everyone I meet, the best version of myself. 

For so long, I cared more about belonging than I did about finding out about who I really am and what I have to offer. I worried how I looked and what I had as opposed to what I have to give. 

Today, I spend more time on myself so I don’t have time to criticize others. I am anchored into my values and boundaries, and my desire for personal growth and abundance is stronger than my desire to belong. I’ve come a long way. I continue to peel away the layers. I feel lighter. 

I know my purpose, and I am passionate about going on this journey with others who are open to gain awareness, and do the work necessary to live their best lives ever.  Are you?  If so, find it at The  Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary.

Disconnect for Connectivity

Here is one last post before I sign off of social for the month of October…

Spending the day in the park, trying to clear my view through the trees, and it hit me!

Standing in the same spot causes seeing, hearing, speaking of and doing the same things.  Nothing changes if nothing changes. 

When nothing changes, either complacency prevails and there’s a certain comfort within the cookie cutter of life OR the boredom irritates, aggravates and ultimately motivates movement and growth. 

I had originally captioned the first photo “A view through the trees.” I thought, “it would be nice to see the view behind the trees”. Then I had the realization that in order for me to see the view, I needed to change my perspective. 

So I performed my own perspective experiment. 

I stepped back and explored the possibilities!  Check out the different views. 

For the month of October, I plan to practice this exercise in each area of my life and explore the possibilities!  I can’t wait to report the results through journaling. 

Have a beautiful October and please be sure to check www.steppingstonehaven.com for any studio updates. The website will begin updating on October 1st!

Finally, remember if you stop by in person, you will be entered to win a one month unlimited pass!! So come by to say “hey” or “namaste”.

And remember #embracewhatsgood 

Move Your Body, Change Your Mind

I practiced yoga this morning with my tribe. 

The support I open myself up to receive from them, sets the foundation for balance in my life. 

Today, it occurred to me that the more open I am to others’ support, the more supportive I am able to be of myself. 

Ultimately allowing me the opportunity to be a pillar of strength and inspiration for them too. 

I am on an overall health and weight loss journey. This morning I meditated on it and took an impromptu yoga class. 

I stood in front of the studio mirror in a sports bra and running shorts (Not my normal garb for hot yoga). 

My initial thought was “Ewwwww, I’m so fat.”

As I moved through integration, I recognized the impact of my words and quickly shifted my thoughts to more loving and accepting thoughts. 

As I moved with the asanas, so did my thoughts...

I didn’t look back or scold myself for the negative self-talk, I acknowledged, thanked and let go of my self-deprecating words. 

As I flowed through my practice, I moved into a kinder and more gentle vision of acceptance and gratitude for my body. 

For me, yoga is...

-Transformational

-Empowering

-Something to consider if you haven’t tried!

As We Are

Time passes so quickly. Situations and relationships evolve. People come and go. Kids grow up.  

There’s a level of adaptability required to get through this thing called “life”. 

We all have a story.

When we explore, we find that people encounter similar circumstances yet the interpretation of them can be so different.  Different interpretations usually create a different experience as well.

I discovered that this week as I traveled with my oldest and we played “Truth or Drink”. Yup, you heard it.  I played a drinking game with my kid. #motheroftheyear

We really just sipped and chose the truth over the drink. 

The truth never felt so good. 

Each of our stories had a common thread despite the differences in our experiences. 

We stripped away the anecdote of each and discovered that the one common denominator was the feelings we experienced. 

In every case, each narrative managed to leave us with an array of feelings - happiness, sadness, anger, forgiveness, regret, pride, unworthiness, deservedness and so on. 

Even if we disagreed on an experience, we found a bond in the feelings it created.

I’ve always known that, but it wasn’t until I spent some incredible quality time with my beautiful daughter that it became so apparent. 

Experiences can be similar yet the interpretation of those can be so different. However, we can all identify with the feelings that remain. 

When we strip it down in thatMaybe, just maybe, we can show a little more empathy towards one another in this world. 

#letsbuildeachotherup #asweare

On The Road Again

 

Hallelujah!  On the road again 🎶...(cue Willie Nelson music)

It’s a bittersweet travel day today as I am reminded of the impact that 2020 has had on us all. 

I haven’t been on a plane since last February. Although things look different this time around, I’m reminded that I am not alone in the way I feel about what’s going on. 

This past year, I have managed to continue to live my life as authentically as I can, and with select friends and family. So being around this many people and being forced to cover my face is truly triggering some of my shortcomings. 

“Just breathe”, I tell myself however the anxiety I feel when I am forced to put on a mask is immense. It translates as a bold yet simultaneously subtle statement that our mental health is not much of a priority. It heightens even more when I get stern and concerning looks from strangers as I clear my throat, cough or sniffle - all due to the current pollen count. 

I really am open minded. I live to see the positive things that have come from this stifling experience. In fact, the one benefit 2020 brought me personally, is the ability to dig deeper into authenticity and into being true to myself and others. 

I am also more educated, so there are so many things that don’t make sense during these days. I witness our intelligence and common sense being challenged as we are asked to stand 6 ft apart on line checking in, yet instructed to gather up like cattle as we board the plane circulating the same air for 4 hours. I scratch my head and feel compelled to raise awareness to this whole situation. 

And yes, I get triggered when I am asked if I’ve been vaccinated or been around someone who has tested positive.  I’ve never had to explain my personal health practices or treatments before when I traveled. I am again challenged to make a choice to be true to myself and not feel pressured into doing anything I don’t believe in or know enough about at this point. #mybodymychoice

It appears that our level of common sense is being questioned and our strength is being tested. We will either rise above united or we will fall divided. 

This is not a political debate. I plan on complying when it is absolutely necessary. I won’t stop traveling or living my life, but I won’t sit silently while I step outside and observe what is really going on. 

I was raised to believe that there is a power greater than I, whom I choose to call God. You can call it/him/her whatever you wish. No judgement here. My life is in God’s hands and just like I’ll never convince you to change your beliefs, nobody will ever change mine. 

Remember, this is my post. It is my observation and interpretation based on my experience. Take what you like and leave the rest. I’m so okay with that.  In fact I encourage it. You do your authentic you, boo. 

At the same time, I’m eager to hear about what opportunities came about for you all, how you handled things over the past year. I encourage you all to seek opportunities for growth during this time, and hope to see people unite instead of divide. 

I’m equally excited about still having the choice to eat my egg sandwich very slow and drink my kombucha even slower so I can be mask free a little longer as I await my connection to the "Centennial State". Colorado became a state 100 years after the signing of our nation's Declaration of Independence in 1776!

Ahhhh, independence!  🇺🇸 

Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?  

You too can have it as you explore and discover whether you want to take the negative route or the more optimistic journey through this thing called “life” in the 21st century. 

My wish for all of you is to pay attention to what the “real you” wants from this life and form your own views. Sit comfortably in a more mindful way of being, identify and anchor yourself in values, and dig even deeper into 2021 to live your best life ever!  Oh, and have fun. 😊

Namaste Baby!🙏🏻

My Mat Is My Gift

 

My mat is a gift. I continue to practice each day.

How I show up on my mat reflects how I show up in my relationships - for my family and my community.

I let out a big sigh as I move into ragdoll (Uttanasana)

I reach opposite hands to opposite elbows and pause here and allow gravity to pull my head closer to my knees.

As I shift my my gaze from the earth to my knees, the sand granules trigger more reflection of my character. Simultaneously, I let go of my thoughts and feel the release of my neck muscles,

I breathe in all that serves me and exhale all that doesn’t.

I prepare for halfway lift (Ardha Uttanasana).

I suddenly become more mindful of my practice, and deliberately engage in this posture.

I release any self-judgement, negative thoughts and regret as I fall into a forward fold (Uttanasana).

One breath, one movement...

What will my body, mind, heart and soul decide today?

The results are determined by just doing my best.

My thoughts create my feelings

My feelings dictate my actions.

My best changes from one moment to another.

How I show up on my mat is a reminder, and an incentive for how I choose to show up in my life.

My mat is my gift.

Follow me through my “One Breath, One Movement” journey as I continue my 200 hour yoga training certification and throughout my quest for Yoga Warrior, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities.

TWO-FOR-ONE VOTING IS HAPPENING NOW! Please continue to vote daily until April 15th to help me get through to the Semi-Finals.

It’s not over until it’s over! I am a Yoga Warrior! Let’s go!

Link to vote: https://iamyogawarrior.com/2021/pam-wilson