Falling Back in Line

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, Yogi!

I have been enjoying this fall weather! It’s been all over the place though! Now that the wind died down, I feel myself settle into planning a big adventure for me. Not actually going on a trip but to step out of my way of blocking my personal growth. I plan on working on those goals today because there will be a lot. I seem to sit on my hands a lot and let time get in between me and my goals. I have business goals, personal goals, community goals, financial goals, and we have a few holidays sprinkled in there. I must get a schedule locked in to help balance my excess vata, or maybe just redirect it. I will be excited to share as I get my life in order and start falling back in line.

Self-Reflection:

I have been taking the time to reflect on my desires and needs. Where do I want to be as a 43 year old woman? What do I want to embody? I feel I can go any direction in life. I am at a crossroads and there are directions that do not make sense. I feel encapsulated by all the different versions of myself I have lived so far. Which version do I want to nourish? I have so much more knowledge of myself than I ever have and this is the best time to get real clear on who I am. Who I want to be. How I want to show the world the new me when I re-emerge. Life is about to get real. Real fucking fabulous!

Goal-Setting:

I am great at planning. I am not so great at keeping track of who, what, when. I plan on creating short and long term goals using the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound), which will help me create a clearer path. I want to be so crystal clear and reasonable. I mean losing 1 pound per week is more feasible than 15. That way I can incorporate bigger goals on my long term dreams. Easier said than done? I agree! That’s why I plan on incorporating the next step.

I had to burn past regrets I was so I can re-emerge💕

Celebrate Progress:

I love to plan a big party! With that being said, I am very capable of taking time to acknowledge my achievements, no matter how small! Celebrating milestones will boost my motivation and confidence and reinforce positive habits of being kind to myself. I’m not planning on throwing a big, expensive party every time due to financial goals, but I will treat myself to a moonlit walk, a warm bath with bubbles, a 20 min face massage taking time to pay close attention to my movements, I will connect with myself by journaling. I love celebrating ME! I’m a pretty big deal to myself.

Positive Affirmations:

I love to use positive affirmations to repeat to myself multiple times in the mirror. I even make myself cry sometimes by hearing the kind words. It is magic to be kind to myself. When I am disappointed in myself, I disappear from acknowledgment. I have found that setbacks are a part of the growth process but instead of seeing the negative and seeing failure, I can see growth. I found out that way doesn’t work and will not keep going anymore.

Community:

One cannot do it all alone. Do you believe that? I truly do believe that. I know I need people around me that support me and that I can support. I want to surround myself with people that inspire me. I want to be on the path to be the best version of myself and I believe I attract those people. I need them and they need me. Community equals support and love.

The manifestation period is coming with the new moon tomorrow. Regain your traction. We got this🥰

I plan on sharing my next 30 days. I am excited to embark on such a spiritual journey to unknown territory. Who will I be when I am 100% focused? I cannot wait to see what doors open and how my life will be in 30 days….

Stay tuned!

Namaste!

Falling For Meditation

September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, yogi!

As the vibrant hues of summer gradually fade, the cool nights of fall usher in a season of reflection and renewal. The air becomes crisp, carrying with it the earthy scents of fallen leaves and the promise of winter’s approach. It’s during these serene evenings that many find themselves yearning for a moment of pause, a chance to digest not just the remnants of summer fun but also the experiences that have shaped their lives.

Summer brings an abundance of activity, filled with laughter, adventures, and a whirlwind of social gatherings. From lake outings to late-night barbecues, the season is a tapestry of joyful moments. However, as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, there’s an inherent call to slow down and internalize those experiences. This is where meditation can play a transformative role.

My loving, intentional time to be with my thoughts💞

Meditation offers a sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of life. It invites us to sit with our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to process the joys and lessons summer has imparted. As the world outside shifts into a calmer rhythm, meditation encourages a similar stillness within. The act of focusing on the breath or visualizing the changing leaves can ground us, helping to clear the mental clutter accumulated during the frenetic pace of summer.

Moreover, fall is a time of transition, not just in nature but in our personal lives as well. Just as trees shed their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us. Meditation fosters this release, promoting a sense of peace as we acknowledge our experiences and intentions moving forward. It creates a space for gratitude, allowing us to appreciate the warmth of summer while embracing the beauty of change.

As the nights grow colder, wrapping ourselves in a cozy blanket and finding a quiet spot becomes an inviting ritual. With each inhale, we can draw in the crisp air, and with each exhale, we can release the remnants of summer’s heat, creating balance within. In this way, meditation helps us digest not only the fun we had but also the emotions tied to it—joy, nostalgia, and perhaps a hint of melancholy.

In conclusion, the cooler nights of fall provide an ideal backdrop for introspection. By engaging in meditation, we can harmonize our experiences, allowing the vibrancy of summer to settle into a deeper understanding of ourselves. As we embrace the change of seasons, let us also embrace the opportunity for inner growth, finding solace in the quiet moments that autumn brings.

Namastè!

Sitting in Contentment

September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi!

I have been in a creating mood. I’m ready to see what is out there. I have spent my summer cleaning, moving, organizing, working, and now it’s time to have fun! I’m ready to plan a vacation with my friend and another with my husband. I am enjoying the cool nights and find myself slowing down. Life is showing me that it is yet another season to reflect on the busy of summer, to process the major events, and sit with what I have and enjoy. I love this season! I feel the contentment of my hard work sinking in, I have come soooooo far! I am very proud of myself.

I’m captivated by every sunrise. A new beginning.

I decided to re-introduce my daily mantras routine Monday. I get up each morning and head into the bathroom. After I wash my face, I will look myself in the mirror and say my daily loving mantras. I am feeling the deep truth of my words. I even believe myself. I learned to honor me and be so kind. I am a builder. I will no longer tear myself down from my past. I will only love. Me and everyone. Love is the easiest to share for me. My love language shows up in serving others. I really love to serve. Yesterday, I ran myself into the ground serving. I need to relearn balance and boundaries. This will be my season to honor my boundaries and learn “NO” again. “NO” isn’t unkind. What could that mantra look like?

Do you feel the release of the summer heat? Is there cooler nights where you live? I love summer! I do enjoy the cooling effects of transition time. I used to be so scared of change because I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, my whole life changed from me saying “NO”. Just like that. I can sit and adjust and just be. Life is the coolest experience, and I have so much space to explore but for now, I am good just sitting in contentment. I really love where I am at, but I must keep moving through the seasons. What a life!

Namaste!

All pictures by Self-Diagnosed Yogi💖

Inner Peace Achieved

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hello, fellow yogi!

Today, my house is no longer mine and belongs to a new family to create new memories. I will miss that house, but now I am in a new chapter. My immediate future is unknown but fascinating. I find myself becoming curious in my new environment, and I enjoy making new plans and stamping my ever-loving impression on all my new spaces. I am digesting new experiences as they come up. I may sit with a feeling to discover the path I need to grow. It’s so easy to look at new difficulties with zero hope, but how does it feel to sit in it and learn to be ok? In the beginning of my spiritual awakening, I was always sitting next to the water. I would meditate and be entranced with the offerings of the water and wet earth. The smell, the sound, the water spilling onto the land, and receding as wildlife created ripples. I saw so many fish feed early in the morning. I was home. I finally learned peace and to be content with where I am now.

A meditative walk in nature with my sweet Alex💝

I had to be alone to understand my why and to heal. I had a lot of garbage from my past I lugged around. Thoughts, experiences, life that needed to be sorted. What did I need to get rid of and drop off at the lake? I spoke my truths to rocks and buried them deep to be cleansed by the earth. I knew I was getting better because I felt better. My yoga poses became unhinged. My hips were awakened. I was fluid and thriving in my new environment.

I remember so vividly how light I became. I wanted to be safe sitting at the water’s edge all the time. I was protected and thriving for the first time in my adult life. First thing in the morning, at 5:20 a.m., I rolled out my mat and began my ritual. My spiritual ritual and all the things that brought me joy. All the things people told me to stay away from cause its “devil” stuff. Well, those people and their opinions weren’t very prevalent in my life because I was able to find my truth through all the haze. I became unscared and unglued. I was freed from chains I was born into. Generational curses, traumas, living my life to please others, depression, alcoholism, it all began to speak to me to guide me away from the pain I didn’t have to stay in. I was my own abusive partner for so long, but I found out how much I loved myself. I thank nature for that. I didn’t heal myself, and I’d like to think I played a part in helping heal nature too.

Well, there is a beautiful painting that reflects my healing process. It brought me to recollect my inner peace and write this blog. I am hanging this in my living room over my fireplace to bring peace in my new chapter. It will serve as a reminder how far I came. It will give me healing vibrations from memory of the water washing me clean. I am still here thriving in the midst of life.

My new painting, Silent River by Mishea Obiji💝

Namaste!

All pictures by Self-Diagnosed Yogi💞

Summer cool down begins

August 21, 2024August 21, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, to my fellow yogi!

The fire of summer is beginning to lessen on this side of the world. It is a nice transition to all the yogis who do not enjoy sweating in summer’s fire. I do! I thrive in the heat of summer and find ways to stay outside. I keep cool and hydrated with summer’s gifts of fruit and juicy, cooling veggies, and mint 🙂 I also feel like it’s go, go, go the whole season. I love being busy but I have to learn to sit and digest everything I’ve seen, heard, lived through, etc. How do you digest things you see or hear? Well, from my experience, mediation is my digestive power to process my senses.

I have had summers full of awesome experiences every day. I had no idea how to process and digest. I still remembered it but how can I incorporate it into my life or handle my future if I’m not fully sure what happened? Now, I sit. I cleanse my area and my body with sage or santo palo. The scent initiates the beginning of my ritual. I can sit outside in my hammock swing for hours. I listen to the sound of nature surround me and let myself know I am safe. Thoughts invade but I put them to bed by acknowledging them and letting go. I try to think of nothing. I concentrate on my breath….4 seconds in…..4 seconds out.

Can I just share that living in the moment is the most freeing choice I have ever made. I don’t think of past experiences or future ones. I just look around and concentrate on what surrounds me. The joy of the four inch grasshopper happily jumping through the grass. The butterfly that is so sure of it’s journey from flower to flower. The bees that fly around me without a care. I am amongst friends. Can you even think of the last time you sat with no worry or hankering to be busy? You can just sit and admire. I love summer and how alive it is! Do you agree?

I feel the communication my body gives me. I know how to nourish myself even though I’m super busy. I have to be sure I am shedding other peoples energies. I get bogged down with feelings that are not mine. I can very easily pick up energies from a room and they pester my brain and thoughts. No thank you! Not my cup of tea. I like to clear the channels daily and the best way is to journal and meditate. Maybe try the next time you feel clogged up. Try 1 minute. I highly suggest finding a meditation group or consultant.

My favorite meditation spot in Kauai, HI.

If you are in Lawrence, KS, try my friend, Jamelle with Bare Roots Energy. She specialized in reiki, mediation, chakras, and sooooo much more!! I also have her mediation handbook that is incredible! Let’s start our journey to better selves now, together!

Namaste!

My Home Is Where My Family Is

July 17, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Yogi!

It has been way too long! Life has its way of showing me who is really in control of this ship. I have found resiliency in the shit storms, and I have learned how to grow my roots in times of uncertainty. All of these lessons prove time after time again, yoga and meditation are key to my life success. I find myself craving these sessions time and time again. Especially, in the unknown and life has thrown a lot of uncertainty at me in unknown territory. I seriously, verbatim told my sister back in May, “My home is where my family is.” I didn’t think that would be tested the very next day…

Life has been unrecognizable lately and I crave familiarity 💝

One thing I do know for sure, I am a small, small, tiny speck in a huge world unknown. I might be big in my world but so small outside of here. Where is here? Home. Home is where I can recharge my light. My familiarity, my energy. I love to create the most welcoming and safe place with strong roots. I want the sun to circle my homestead with fatherly love and watch over the plant life and give them strength. I want to close my eyes and understand every detail of my home and each turn of the pathways. I lost and found myself in that old house. I raised my kids there. I lost my best friend and grieved in that house. I had to leave that house though. A life lost and here I am. Taking up space in a new space, grieved wound, new hope. I add hope because without hope, growth halts.

I have a new space with my family. The hardest part is over, and I am ready to embrace this new life. I am hopeful and ready to grow into my new pot. Change is hard. I am pretty adaptable though. I have a new cat room for my babies and my plants are enjoying the new space and dare I say, thriving? We have been here one month now. We still have painting at our old house before we put it on the market, but I am hopeful we can get it all done in two weeks. Fingers crossed!

I am getting back into my hustle mindset probably due to the fiery sun this summer has brought. I like the focus and I am preparing for the full moon this week. What are some full moon intentions you are working on? I am ready to get back into my work groove and surprise myself with some cool ideas and collabs! Stay tuned!

Namaste!

Eras Collab

April 22, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

Another week began, and I decided to vacate the usual hamster wheel routine. Things need to be rearranged to fit my new life aspirations motif. I am manifesting me. New me, improved me, a new eras me. I will embrace this change because it’s a collab of all the past mes at my highest self. I have a collection of personal highs that will encourage me to live as my highest self. I present an eras collab.

Youth me:

I could sit by this little stream and watch the patterns ripple over the tree roots and rocks. There was a comfort in the songs of the birds. I knew this wooded area so well. I spent so much of my childhood here. Alone. I preferred. I never needed anyone here. I was always safe.

There is nothing like an early morning walk to greet the sun. It’s amazing! I also like to workout early. My plan is to move every morning. This daily practice helped me tremendously with my recovery. I know I need it.

Teen me:

I loved to write. I would listen to Lauryn Hill and write poems, stories, and research papers. Lol! I was obsessed with words and meanings. There is a floetry to a love dance or hurt. Being a teen in the 90s was amazing. I had great women to admire and get inspiration.

I plan on getting word creative daily. I’m not sure how that looks, but infesting myself with words is my goal. In and out.

20’s me:

Social butterfly in the house! I was in it all! I miss having the hours long girl time conversing and not having to hold back cause your circle was tight. I could hold the same sacred circle for all my girls. What a huge blessing.

30’s me:

Lifting weights was unlike any other workout. I was so connected; mind, body. I was able to build muscles and squat heavy. I showed up for myself and surprised myself. I got pretty fit by myself. I can get back to this mindset, no problem.

As vast as this ocean is, I trust the journey.

40’s me:

Acceptance. I never fully understood what this would be like. I enter my 40s facing the unknown. Life after covid, wrinkles, finally facing my alcohol problem, new career turn, spiritual awakening, healing traumas. That’s in 2 years. Life is wild!

I might have this huge plan to slowly introduce my highest eras back into existence, but with my wisdom, I know acceptance for where I am is most needed. Acceptance is my peace and wisdom is my compass.

Namastè!

All pictures by Self-Diagnosed Yogi.

Self-Realization

April 21, 2024April 21, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

Spring is really showing out this season. We had wet, rainy days, cold days, blustery windy days, hot, sunny days, and chilly nights. My spring reset is officially fully integrated, and I am excited to see the sights with my fully functional senses. I would agree that April is flying by! I made an intention of posting every day, but I found it wasn’t beneficial to my life. I do want to share every day, but some days I get so busy, I forget. I also find myself in a repeating thought process. It’s where I am sometimes. I found myself in a familiar pattern of not finishing things. I will have big ideas and big plans, but I fall short and completely stop. I then move on to the next thing to partially build.

I noticed this huge pattern in my life. A huge hindrance and an elephant in the room I called ‘normal’. Now that I see it, what am I going to do about it, you ask? Well, I am taking big plans into action by building my lemonade business up. I began my week of research and writing and planning. I’m quiet on the internet, but things are manifesting over here! I want to see this out and invest my best in myself. If the business fails, I will take what I need and build it better the next time. If I thrive, I will share my knowledge as seeds for the next person. I am not a gatekeeper, I share. Knowledge is power, and I feel it in my soul that I am on the right path no matter the outcome.

Whatever I say now are my plans will change. I will change as a person as my business grows. This is the natural progression in life. I know what it feels like to be wanting more and have no idea how to get there. I just left an outgrown garden bed and found one with companion plants that will ensure my survival and show me how to thrive. One day, I will need to change out of this garden bed but for now, it’s home. My roots are getting stronger as I learn to navigate through these unknown times. My feet will not fail me now.

Namastè!

All pictures by Self-Diagnosed Yogi.

Lessons of Unpacking My Sh*t

April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè!

I had a great sleep last night and woke up full of energy and light on my feet. That is really odd considering I ate way less than I have, ever in my days. Unless I was sick. I am feeling pretty good today. It’s only 5am but who am I to block this productivity? I guess a fast-mimicking cleanse brings good medicine for me. I only have 2 more days to go. I feel the natural flow of cleansing to be rhythmic as it invades my body, space, and mind. Today I will share the lessons of unpacking my shit.

Lesson #1: Clean, Tidy Spaces

We have been upgrading our carpet and with new changes we have to get into the deep corners that are not touched to clean house. This has been wonderful to get rid of things in our bedroom. I have so much space and do not plan on putting something else in its place. It will just be an empty space now. Beautiful and purposeful. I want my bedroom to be a decompression tank for me and my husband. No piles of junk and extra stuff with no home to share my space with. Everything has a home and if it does not. Do I need it? Stay tuned on our upgrades sometime this summer.

Lesson #2: Light Dinner

I am not one to know what a “light” dinner is before Ayurveda came into my life. It took me even a few years after to fully understand what a light dinner does for me. Even cutting a regular meal in half is considered lighter. I am waking up feeling light and energized even more. I feel my body wringing out from all the processed foods and gunk I have exposed myself to. This is exhilarating to say the least! This is my only body and I have goals to live a long time and hug my family.

Lesson #3: Adequate Sleep

For me, I need to be in bed by 9:30 PM. No exceptions! If I want to wake refreshed and full of purpose, then bedtime is important. I spent many, many nights up at 11pm. Shoot, we used to eat dinner around 8 pm! That is crazy to me now! LOL! Me and my husband agree, going to bed early and waking early is a huge part of who we have become. I love getting older with this man! We sync up as we age. I can suggest a good, solid night routine. What are 3 things you absolutely love to do to care for you? I start with a decompressing bath with candles and an amazing book. The warm ambiance sets the tone. I oil myself up with my herby potions and get me a hot nightcap drink going. I will settle in bed with my journal and/or book in my peaceful space.

Lesson #4: Connecting Mind, Body, Soul

I am a sucker for yoga! It gets my mind off its usual role of survival, and I can connect my mind to my body and breath. Seriously, how often do you consider your breath? Do you notice how fast it can be when you are stressed? It’s not fully expressional and short. Imagine breathing like that all the time. You don’t use it, you lose it. I notice as my loved one’s ages their breath becomes shallower. I practice my full yogic breathing daily. That is a deep loving inhale in three parts: chest, diaphragm, and belly. It is a practice and accepting where we are with it now is love. Love yourself and keep going! Whatever the flavor, being mindful to moving the body daily is key to a healthy mindset.

Lesson #5: Community

There are people just like me, that are curious with change. I am attracting people to me just by being me. I love to engage with people and share stories. There are so many groups I become a part of and I am gifted new friendships. I am always busy but most of my time is spent alone. I am changing this and getting involved daily. If I have extra time, I will volunteer and get my face out in public. I notice a lot of the same faces in my community activities. I love being with people and being around the right people is healing for me.

Yogi Outro:

I am finding my space to be less confusing and more welcoming. I have thinned out my bookshelf even and donated some good reads. I love this season because it forces me to look at things I have neglected. Spring cleaning is epic! Last year, in my garden, I didn’t take the time to properly add nutrients back into the soil. My garden paid for my decision and I had a small harvest because of it. Lesson learned! I am just like my garden. If I take my time before growing season to ensure my body is detoxed and ready for work, then I will be MVP. I will be unstoppable with hitting my goals!

Namastè!

Overcomer

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè!

I have been on a wild roller coaster of a day! I just kept moving forward and accepting what is. I plan on meditating tonight just to find my mind. Today proves how little control I have over my life. I can not make my body accept anything it doesn’t want to. I can’t force insurance companies to pay what they say they will pay. I certainly can not speed up slow traffic that takes 1.5 hours to travel 20 miles. My evening will be sitting with these new complications and figuring out the best strategy to overcome cause I am an overcomer.

I will tend to my night routine after I write this. That will consist of an Epsom bath with an epic CBD rub down. I plan on resting in bed with a good book and will be asleep by 9:30. This is the plan, and however, this pans out is out of my scope. My loving intention is there.

I am hoping to share this not as a negative but as something that is a hindrance for my plans. Maybe my plans weren’t good enough anyway? Maybe it’s Mercury in retrograde or after effects of the solar eclipse? I’m wondering if anyone else has had a crazy few days? Well, I hope tomorrow has its act right. I can only hope, and if not, I know how to tend to my wounds.

Namastè!

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.