The Power of Ritual and Practice

Beloved Tribe,
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I miss you all. I miss our circle of care. I miss hugs, inspired conversations, and doing powerful work in our communities. Times are tough to be sure. I don't know about you, but I can become quite downhearted. That is not my personality, so when it happens I must pay close attention. When it does, I gotta laser focus in on my daily rituals and practices to keep me positive, healthy, and creative during these new, ever quickly evolving times we are facing. 

Here's my 'current' top 10 rituals and practices:

1. Gratitude- I start my day with gratitudes before I even get out of bed. I take a few deep, full breaths and hold space in my heart for health, family, our world, each of you, and whatever moves me that day.

2. Meditation- Once I am out of bed I head to the living room to see if the deer are outside. They often lie in the early morning sunshine to meditate with me. I send them love, close my eyes, and get centered for the day.

3. Coffee- My coffee is my LOVE; I can't start the day without it actually. My husband Jason (he's my love too) and I create intentional time each morning to have coffee, share something positive we acknowledge in each other, and discuss life or laugh at Baby Yoda memes. 

4. Movement- Each day I carve out time to move my body. It's a non-negotiable. Whether it's yoga, hiking, doing abs on the back deck with our family of deer (true story), or jumping on the spin bike, I breathe, sweat, and change my state. Game changer every day.

5. Phone call to family &/or friends- As you are all aware, my family/community of origin is in Michigan. It seems really far away since I cannot see them in person right now due to the pandemic. I make at least one facetime call a day to see their faces and keep connected best we can.

6. Appreciate nature- Our backyard overlooks the Sonoma Mountains. Each time I look at them it's like the first time. It's magical and always fills me with awe.

7. Hot tub time- Just before COVID hit, we installed a hot tub. I never realized how much stress relief I would need. It's a beautiful way to immerse, relax, and reset.

8. Healthy food & vitamins- I love all things green and straight from the farm; fresh veggies & fruits, all of the organic style. Making healthy foods, smoothie bowls, fresh-squeezed juices, and protein shakes (Isagenix of course) for me and my family makes me so happy while keeping me fueled and healthy. Plus a fist full of vitamins!

9. Reading- I love a good book (actually, many books usually at one time ;) But no kindle for me; only paper that can be highlighted, dog-eared and revisited again and again. Currently, one of the books I am into is "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng. So powerful! The book touches on all topics that are powerfully relevant today. I highly recommend you check it out. The series starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington is currently on Hulu under the same name.

10. Stay in wonder- I regularly look up at the night sky, howl at the moon, go to the mountain top, all to remind me of the vastness of our universe, my connection to something bigger than myself & to tap into the limitless potential we all possess.

What about you? What are your rituals and practices? Make your list and share with family or a close friends. I invite you to send me an email at dana@feelbetterdogood.org  and tell me what your rituals and practices are to keep you positive, healthy, and creative during our time of being apart. 

Know you are magical!
Love, health, and community,
Dana

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Upcoming Events

Embody in Grand Rapids:

July 15
Virtual Yoga Practice with Dana 
6:30pm PT | 3:30pm ET
Go to Embody's facebook page (@feelbetterdogood)
Challenge: Host a watch party & invite people to join you! 

July 17 & 18
Dana Christian Lee is leading two free yoga classes at an on-line event: Isagenix Celebration 2020 with our partners at the IsaFoundation. Please join us! 

Registration IS required to attend Dana's yoga practices. Go to www.celebrationlive2020.com to reserve your spot. When it asks for your Membership ID, use 12770277 or 123456

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July 22
Wednesday evening virtual gathering w/Embody Team Teacher Peri Jill Phillips!
Wednesday, July 22, 2020- 3:30pm PT | 6:30pm ET  
View on Embody Facebook Page Host a watch party to invite your friends to join you.

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“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for our own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.”  ~ Marie Curie