Hello amazing ones,
​
One of the most powerful & transformative experiences of my lifetime thus far was attending the Landmark Forum; a personal growth and development program. I could go on and on but bottom line it was a game changer for me, my family, and ultimately every human I encounter. I learned to look with new eyes, to fully listen with more than my ears, and be SUPER mindful of my word, to let go of the past, and open to limitless possibility. One of the core teachings of Landmark is, "Your words create your world." The words you say to yourself, to others, and in the world at large. Words really do matter. Words can be weapons or words can heal. Words can elevate or tear down; bring people closer together or further apart. It get nuanced with tone, interpretation by others and energy but let's keep it simple enough... be the gatekeeper of your words. 

Start with you. Say positive & kind words to you. Write them on posit its and put them all around your house. When we feel good about ourselves we are kinder & more generous with others. 

Then next level work is with others- notice your energy and intent when you enter any room, conversation or offer "feedback" to another. Are you coming from a place of love & positive energy or a place of fear, judgement, jealousy, or anger?  Pause & evaluate, take a deep breath or two, and reengage. Or if you're not able to shift, ask to have the conversation at a later date. Keeping your words within your integrity is pretty much everything. 

If you get the privilege of leading a family, business, community, or larger group of people, ask yourself again... what am I intending to communicate and how am I showing up. Before I teach a class, lead an event, give a talk, whatever, I call on spirit to support my words & work to have presence serve! While calling out to spirit I do handstands to change my perspective, I breathe deeply, I take power poses, and I repeat my personal mantra. Yup, I do all of that when it's possible because I need to garner all my resources to show up as my best self. Then I open and allow the most helpful and healing words & teaching to flow through me. I must get out of my own way. When I open to grace, I know I am not alone and am supported as I do my personal brave and courageous work in the world.

Bottom line: your words matter; your intention matters; your energy matters; your tone matters; how you show up matters; YOU matter. 

May your words flow with grace and love to make the world a better place. Share compliments. Speak with positive energy. Write thank you notes like it's your job. Shine the spotlight of gratitude on all you possible can. Tell people how incredible they are- and if they are not try forgiveness and refraining from negativity. Positivity holds a higher vibration, makes you feel better, has a better impact on your overall health, and increases your love of life. So always seek the side of love, of positivity, of goodness, of union, of light! That is why we are here- to make the world better in our unique way.

I love you all. I am your cheerleader, Together we make the world better! I am better because of each of YOU. 

AND all call for Grand Rapids peeps... this coming Saturday is the Stomp Out Stigma Walk. The info is below & so is the sign up link. It has no financial cost but it has huge potential impact if you show up! We need all feet in tennis shoes this weekend in solidarity for what we are so passionate about at Embody- physical & mental wellness for ALL. So live our mantra, "feel better do good"!! Team EmbodyGR needs YOU; needs all of us united. 

Namaste,
dana

​My name is Quinn Burke. I’m 23 years old and I’ve been coming consistently to Embody GR for
almost four years. I can say with full transparency that Embody GR has saved my life and continues to support my healing journey.

Since I was 11 years old I’ve struggled with severe depression and anxiety, accompanied by persistent thoughts of suicide. I’ve transformed my whole being because of this community. Four years ago, I dropped out of college to save my life and focus on healing. Since then, I’ve gone back, and am close to earning my associates degree. This is my family. My medicine and safe place to go. I do not want to die anymore. I have a tribe of support, love, and acceptance. The biggest barrier preventing me from attending a yoga or meditation class before Embody was the cost. Embody crushes this barrier by making yoga free and accessible to EVERYONE. I know that this is SO important for many of my friends that go to Embody. Of course, I could practice yoga for free on my own in my room by myself, but that is often lonely and I quickly lost motivation. Dana and the community of teachers who lead Embody, along with the incredible folks who show up each week to support each other make this community what it is.

A community of healing, loving kindness, gratitude, and service.

Embody GR is a priority to me. It’s blocked off in my week. Showing up every Wednesday is a "yes” to healing. A yes to breaking down walls of shame, self-doubt, pain, anger, and sadness. I even got the opportunity to attend an extremely effective therapy program thanks to the generosity and kindness of a tribe member.