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

My Mat is My Mirror

Today, the sand is my mat. The way I move on my mat directly correlates with how I move in this world. There are days I move freely without judgement nor resistance. There are others when I take my time and I’m a bit more deliberate and reflective.

I slowly move into child’s pose (Balasana) examining the granules of sand beneath my body and recognize that there are many granules within my character that deserve exploration, improvement, enhancement and others that need attention, acceptance and praise.

Regardless, I choose to move methodically, providing my body, mind, heart and soul with what they each need. I choose to find balance and stability in my core as I integrate gently into table top (Bharmanasana). As I hold this pose actively, I prepare for what my body and mind decide together -one breath, one movement.

With each inhale, I soak up all the good there is in this life. With my exhales, I release what doesn’t serve me. Today I choose the good and all the possibilities. My self-talk becomes more positive as I actively hold my table top. I am stronger as I integrate and I begin to prepare for the flow of my practice into the flow of this moment of this day in my life.

I move deliberately into downward dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana) - yet again giving my entire being the opportunity to integrate into what’s next in my practice.

Move with me this week as I break down the sequences I am learning - three different poses each day. Today I am a student, learning from others in my yoga teacher training and learning to trust myself as my own teacher. When I commit myself to what’s uncomfortable and accept myself as I am today, I accept myself as I am and as I am not.

When I am able to let go of the control, I begin to believe in myself. I trust myself. A humble warrior emerges and I am filled with more strength than I could ever imagine.

I’ve made it to the quarter finals of @iamyogawarrior to benefit @veteransyogaproject. I am filled with gratitude for all who have supported me thus far!

Please continue to vote daily. It’s not over until it’s over! I am @iamyogawarrior

Click Here to Vote! - Pam Wilson | Yoga Warrior (iamyogawarrior.com)

Treading Water

Just when I thought I had life all figured out...I took a deep dive into the pool!

-I signed up for 200 hour YTT certification with @soulyogastudio

-I’ve been working harder to surpass my quotas at my day job.

-I signed a one year lease for my passion project, @thehavenyoga so I can continue to give back peace, serenity, personal growth & development to my community.

-I took on the @iamyogawarrior 2021 challenge to benefit @veteransyogaproject

And suddenly...I feel like I’m in the deep end of the pool, treading water for dear life, and I don’t have it figured out anymore.

So today I “surrender” (accept) my circumstances and change what isn’t serving me to recommit to myself and others.

I was recently asked “What does being a “Yoga Warrior” mean?

I started with a response of being a leader, setting an example for others to fight to live their most authentic life ever...but immediately felt the discomfort in my response because I was masking my intense feeling of vulnerability - recognizing that it’s not about the “fight”, but the “surrender”. It’s about being true to self.

So today, I am swimming over to the shallow end of the pool to place my feet on the bottom, to get grounded in my reality. I may even ask for some “swimmies” or “water wings” for support, to get even more vulnerable.

So from this space, I answer the “Yoga Warrior” question much differently.

Being a “Yoga Warrior” means:

-Checking the ego at the door

-Immersing in a tribe of like-minded yet open-minded individuals.

-Then kicking remnants of the ego to the curb, and asking for help when needed.

-Exercising daily rituals of self-care and personal growth such as yoga, meditation, exercise, journaling, etc.

-Being the best and most authentic, well rested version of myself so I can give back and lead effectively.

The Yoga Warrior Challenge benefitting @veteransyogaproject is just days away from selecting the Top 5. For the next 9 hours receive 2-for-1 votes benefiting Veterans Yoga Project. I hope you will cast your “free” 2-for-1 votes to support this mission!

VOTE HERE:

https://iamyogawarrior.com/2021/pam-wilson

#embracewhatsgood #breathe

-Pam

Embrace The Scars

You’ve got your share of battle scars.

We all do. 

You are one with the flaws which the battle wounds create.

Only if you choose to be. 

Your inner voice leads you to where you are in a lifetime starting in this very moment. 

Despite the scars,

Regardless of the flaws

Your body, Your mind, Your soul

Combined, is an Incredible machine

All three align. 

As you embrace the deficiencies, 

They flow together into alignment

The flow of it all is designed by you, to you or for you 

It’s what you choose

Created by awareness, acceptance, and the declaration that no matter what the condition, 

It is your very own!

When you focus on your very own flow, 

It is then, you allow others to do the same. 

Today, embrace the scars and declare a universal flow.

Anything Is Possible

 My life follows suit of my thoughts. When I was 49, I decided to do a 28.3 mile hike for @makeawishsc. When I was 51, I became a life coach through @thecertifiedlifecoachinstitute. When I was 52, I was given a second shot at opening my own business @thehavenyoga.

Today at 53, I embark upon my journey of being a certified yoga instructor at @soulyogastudio.  People ask me why and how do I find time. My answer is always the same. 

I listen to my inner voice. It directs me on the highest path that I am meant to be on. I choose to believe that anything is possible so I can give what I have to those who want and need it. I want to give back what’s been given to me...The support towards personal growth and self discovery. 

The first place I lose the battle is in my mind. What I dwell on is what I draw in. Today and every day, I pre-condition my mind for success. 

I’m not going to lie.  I’m sitting in the parking lot @soulyogastudio writing this. This 53 year old is scared. I choose to replace the fear with excitement, and give life to my body with a positive attitude. Which makes me better and better every day in every way. 

So when I’m asked “why?” And “how”?  My response is always...I keep my mind set on the higher things.  I always #embracewhatsgood”

Now let’s do this!!!!

For Today

Personal growth and development allows for perspectives to change. 

Surrender to the change. 

For some, 

“To surrender” means

“To fail”

But what if we interpreted “to surrender” as “I accept”?

“Acceptance” allows us to go deeper into our personal growth journey. 

Self-acceptance enables each of us to give our greatest gift to the world...

...our authentic self!

Some who know us from our past, may not recognize who we are today.  

That’s okay. 

Despite the judgement or criticism, remember to continue to give your gift to others. 

Let them take what they like.  Allow them leave what they don’t.  

Surrender...

Accept...

Be comfortable where we are TODAY. 

When we embrace the change, those meant to will also. 

Some may be uncomfortable. 

That’s okay. 

When we accept ourselves as we are, we won’t ever say or do anything wrong to the right person. 

That’s right. Say it again. 

We won’t ever say anything wrong to the right person!

Because TODAY, when we commit so much time to the improvement of ourselves, we won’t ever have time to criticize others. 

TODAY, I am me.  

TODAY, You be you.

TODAY, Imagine walking a path where there’s  no guilt, shame or judgement. 

TODAY, surrender and hold your head and heart high in who you are. 

TODAY, embrace your authentic self. 

TODAY, find it @thehavenyoga

#raw #truth #authenticity

 

Life Is Simple!

.  

Life is simple.  

So why do we sometimes tend to make it so convoluted?

The past year was a rough one for opening a new business. No lie. 

But not only did we survive. 

We thrived!

Despite how many temper tantrums we wanted to throw because we were angry about what was happening “to” us, 

We picked ourselves up, gathered our tribe and together, we forged through it.

Our perspective becomes refreshed when we are mindful how we choose to think, feel and act. 

With the new perspective, those things thrown at us, then happen “for” us.  

We #embracewhatsgood and rise above. 

What we give the universe,

is exactly what we get back. 

What we believe about ourselves comes true for us. 

Each of our beliefs create different experiences. 

When we create peace, harmony and balance in our minds, we find it in our lives. 

I find mine in these beautiful hearts each day. 

Come find yours!

ALL CLASSES ARE FREE this week until 2/19. 

Check out @thehavenyoga.  Call 864-399-4428 to book your COMPLIMENTARY yoga, meditation and/or breath work class. 

Happy 1st Anniversary to us!  

We thank you for your support

Just Beyond The Dream

It was back in the early 90’s when I landed my dream job working as a publicist at American Movie Classics (AMC) working with Hollywood icons like Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, and Liza Minelli.  

One of my first assignments was to embark upon my first PR stint called,  “All Aboard! Riding The Rails of American Film.”  My job was to book interviews with news outlets from the hills of California, through the corn fields of Iowa, into the “The Windy City” of Chicago for AMC Host, Bob Dorian as we traveled cross country on a vintage, passenger train. 

The purpose of this production was to chronicle how the rails and Hollywood together reflected the passion, love and innocence of America's past, while capturing the thrills, suspense and romance on the big screen.  

Who better to do that than Bob Dorian, prime-time host of American Movie Classics who displayed his life-long zest for Hollywood classics...

Me, his very green, yet determined, “got something to prove” publicist... 

An eager and hungry freelance writer, named Ken Carlton and a wine sommelier whose name I can’t recall. 

I’ll save the details of the PR tour by train for another blog post, but it’s fair to say that what AMC set out to emulate in their one hour special,  was 100% authentic. 

The thrills and suspense of riding the first passenger train through The Royal Gorge in The Rocky Mountains (which hadn’t seen a passenger train since the 1890’s) was indescribable. 

Although there was no romance, I can tell you that the bond which developed between us all left an everlasting imprint on my heart.  Which is why I am writing this.  

I want to tell you about Beyondish - The result of what started as a passion project of that “hungry” free lance writer, Ken Carlton who rode the rails of American film with me back in the 90’s. “

Beyondish assists in not only finding the restaurant to which locals go, but discovering the “talk-worthy” dishes at that restaurant.  The best part is that the reviews are written and curated by the people who live there. 

Join me in congratulating my dear friend Ken for the birth of his brilliant, brain-child and check out Beyondish 

Finally, remember there’s no better time than now to support local entrepreneurs and businesses!

Cheers!

Change Your Energy, Change Your Life!

I turned to yoga, meditation and energy healing years ago in order to heal my body of a debilitating auto immune disease. 

As I began my healing journey, I learned that my symptoms were amplified by the stress and negative mindset resulting from my "life stories" about the effects of addiction, divorce, bankruptcy - leaving me with feelings of unworthiness, abandonment and lack.

I was in so much pain, physically and emotionally and honestly I wasn't sure if I would ever feel better again...unitl I had decided that I had enough. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. 

Life's circumstances humbled me.

For a long time, I was searching in all the wrong places for happiness, and couldn't get what I needed from anyone in my life. It was then that I realized I needed to take a different approach.

Through the practices of yoga, meditation and reiki, I was encouraged to look inward.

It wasn't until then, I began my personal growth and development journey.

I pivoted with the pain, and my thoughts shifted. It was then I learned that I had the power within ME to change my life.

The shift in my thoughts caused me to take different actions which ultimately created chance happenings and opportunities that led me down the road I am currently on.

This tipping point opened doors for me that I could've never imagined. 

I had finally surrendered and had given myself free reign to let my imagination run FREE!

On February 26th, I embark upon my Baptiste Style 200 RYT Certification, and by May I will be teaching at Steppingstone Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary!  This is something that I've talked about doing shortly after I received my Master Life Coach Certification.  

If you are not familiar with this style yoga, Baptiste Yoga is about supporting people in finding their personal power, and living their best lives ever! Baptiste Yoga is about altering people’s sense of possibility. 

As an accountability coach, I believe that this will enhance my life, simultaneously enhancing my coaching practice.

I am a walking testimony for the combined power of these healing practices. And as a result, I feel compelled to give back.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to offer you this deeply discounted "kick-start" yoga, breathwork and reiki/energy healing offer.  

If you are interested in improving the quality of your life, please call to learn more about how Steppingstone Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary can help you "Change Your Energy and Change Your Life.

Curiosity Did Not Kill The Cat

 

Curiosity did NOT kill the cat! 🐱 

At least that was my experience.  I am now a self proclaimed Lioness! 🦁 

My personal growth journey began with curiosity after many unhealthy and failed relationships, financial struggles, health issues and more. 

Personally, I was sick and tired of doing the same thing over again, and getting the same results.  

My curiosity was peaked by self help groups, books, workshops etc. , all of which led me to where I am today in my faith and spirituality. 

Since opening Steppingstone Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary, I am asked often...

“What is the difference between "spirituality" and "faith".  

Faith is an internal feeling , a sense and belief that there is "something more." 

Spirituality represents the effort to identify what that "something more" might be. 

Spirituality results when one's faith has been activated. 

For 2021, one of my personal goals is to activate my faith even more. 

I am nurturing a better relationship with myself and my Higher Power (whom I choose to call God), with those around me, my colleagues, my new business, my clients and the value of the services I provide.  

I have vowed to be more vulnerable and true to myself when asking others for the value of what I offer as an individual and as the owner of Steppingstone Haven Yoga & Spiritual Haven. 

There are days I feel like I’m walking alone in this until I receive beautiful notes or calls (like one I received this morning) saying what “The Yoga & Spiritual Haven” has done for them.  

It is then I am reminded of my purpose, and the passion that fuels the fire during those lonely days of being a small business owner. 

We’ve made it through Covid thus far as a new business (since February 2020). I gave a lot away because I knew people needed our services more than ever before. 

What I’ve received in return in friendships, personal growth, strength and support is immense.

After visiting my accountant this week, and taking a true assessment of this year, I have a clear picture of what my goals are for 2021 related to the studio. 

I am floored by what the Steppingstone Haven team, friends, collaborators, and clients have helped me accomplish in the midst of of such uncertainty.  

I am grateful!

I’ve am reminded that I am in fact, not alone.  I recognize that the only way I can sustain my “passion project” is by understanding the VALUE” of the personal development services and tools we provide at  Steppingstone Haven, and not being afraid to ask for it. 

In 2021, we are raising our vibrations even higher!  We are soaring financially so we can invest more into creating a safe space and spiritual sanctuary for personal growth and development offerings. 

We ARE now Simpsonville’s official YOGA & SPIRITUAL SANCTUARY! 

The year of 2021 is one of abundance in personal and financial achievements for all!

Our goal is to serve the “curious cats” with a like-minded community  of Simpsonville who are looking to be “change-makers” - utilizing personal growth tools and services that will reverberate beyond our little city and state - through our country, and around the world!

We can support you in embarking upon your next level of personal growth, development and consciousness. 

If anyone is curious about the “who”, “what” and “why” of Steppingstone Haven Yoga & Spiritual Sanctuary, and would like to learn how to achieve a happier and more peaceful life through the practices of yoga, meditation, breathwork and coaching, reach out and connect with our tribe.

Together, we are raising the vibrations around us for a healthy, peaceful and abundant lifestyle. 

I’m beyond excited and CURIOUS to see what 2021 will present us!  We’ve got this!  We’re in this together. And remember...

#embracewhatsgood