Finding Our Best Self

Tribe of amazingness,
 
Ever feel like life is a treadmill (or as is commonly referred- the 'dreadmill') stuck on high? Wake up, jump on, hustle like crazy, erryday. Yeah, me too! I got the following image in a text message this week & could not stop laughing & crying because it so often true (of which I am not necessarily proud)

When I resemble Cruella Deville, I tend to hit the ground running, literally. I lace up & push, pound, sweat & usually get a good cry on, mile after mile, until I cannot take another step. As my wise son Wills observed me in this state often since he was little, he once asked, "Mom, you're just working it out right?" Yes buddy, mommy is working it out. 

After many years & many miles of running myself into a puddle of exhaustion & tears, into arms overhead in victory with a smile of satisfaction, into a more clear & sound mental state, into a more physically empowered self, I have recently come into new understanding--- what I have been running from... the smoking gun of looming deadlines, problems, worries, decisions, changes, the state of our environment, the weight of the world on my shoulders. You name it & I likely run from it. Or as I have been working on, trying to run with it but on hold- not toward anything. Run just to be, to breathe, to be fully alive. 

At the end of multiple miles on the 'dreadmill' kickin' it to U2 about 6 years ago, a song came on that stopped me in my tracks, literally. Bono was preaching & I was "Runnin' to stand still." The chaos of life had me running away from fear, worry, anxiety, crippling self-doubt, like someone running for her life; chasing after clarity, hope, faith, courage, & strength. In that moment I literally collapsed on the ground in a jumble of sweaty tears, choking sobs, and the realization I was running all just to tire myself out enough to sit & be still with my life- problems & all. Paradox as felt experience- liberating & terrifying. And I just thought I was running.

Yoga like running has been my practice for over 15 years; my personal time to work it out. All to connect my body, mind, & heart to know the 'self' better and live life from a place of connection, peace, and oneness with something bigger than myself. When I tire myself out enough physically, I am more easily able to sit quietly with myself & my life just as it is. From that place I can ground in gratitude, stay peaceful in chaos, and find clarity amidst confusion. Bob Marley's words become manifest, "The day you stop racing is the day you win the race."

Come join EmbodyGR this week as we wrap up the Jamacian vibes & bring in the energy of Usain Bolt, aka the Lightening Bolt, as inspiration for our gathering. Wear your fave "running gear"- shorts, sweat bands, tank tops, whatever you got let's rock it. We won't literally be running, we'll still practice yoga. Though the physical form will work so we can find stillness & connection within! 

One love, one heart... 
XO dana

Upcoming Events

April 25, 2017

Who: YOU, mon!
What: Wear your fave running gear & get your Bolt on!
Where: FSC- Social Hall
When: Wed. April 25, 2017 @ 6:30-8:00pm
Why: Runnin' to stand still. ​

April 28 - Function is Fashion Show & Luncheon
When: Friday, April 28th from 11:30am - 1pm
Where: Watermark Country Club
What: Fundraiser for EmbodyGR
Find more info or sign up HERE!!!


May


May 10 - Mental Health Month Yoga with EmbodyGR & i understand
When: Wed May 10 @ 6-8pm
Where: City Flats Hotel Grand Rapids
What: Come learn, stretch, and grow with us during Mental Health Awareness Month! This free community class on May 10 offers sound therapy, yoga instruction, and an opportunity to learn more about collaborative non-profit organization's i understand and EmbodyGR. Appetizers and beverages will be provided for all participants, plus photo booth fun! 
Please bring your own mat and/or towel. A limited quantity of yoga mats will be available for complimentary use at the event.

May 13 -
Heartside All Stars for Health- Let's Cheer them ON! 
Fifth Third Riverbank Run!

Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are the heart of the Revive & Thrive Project and we need a few more helping hands. Volunteering with the Revive & Thrive is very rewarding and we will provide you with training and gratitude.

Contact Wendy at wendy@reviveandthriveproject.org or616-581-4103.