What to do with your feelings about the Kavanagh hearings and other news

Tribe of love!

Our world has been full of news recently that has taken many people to a place of darkness, anger, fear, and shame. The 'job interview' for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has created important conversation, for women in particular, around sexual assault. This brings up past experiences which may have been personal or may have happened to someone they intimately know. Not only is it important for people come forward, we also need to be reminded how challenging it is for them to do so. Whatever stance you take for the confirmation of Kavanaugh, it is the courage of Dr. Ford that I wish to bring to light. This is a woman who did not need to share her story. Her courage, though she was shaking, perpetually on the verge of tears, while struggling to stay strong and focused... she persevered. She spoke her truth as a civic duty. She felt she could not sit back and be silent. To me, that is inspirational. And to her I feel indebted. 

Many beautiful souls reached out to me directly, posted on facebook, and shared their stories, concerns, and confusion over what to DO about this issue in their lives. Sharing the stories is HUGE which then immediately following poses the question of what's next. So... I live by the saying that action cures fear. As a result, I personally put together an impromptu gratitude flash mob at my home this past Sunday!!! During these difficult days I felt I could offer a community of women who care & feel very deeply a place to take positive action. Literally, from inspiration to implementation it was 18 hours. I simply invited people to come over on a Sunday morning in their jammies to drink coffee & write letters to say thanks to Dr. Ford for taking a stand for all women; for being a voice for women. 

I believe deeply in the practice of gratitude as an ACTION, not just a feeling of the heart. Actual pen to paper, snail mail thank you notes. I have done that since I was a small child well trained by my mom in the art of thank you letter writing (she is an English teacher :) I learned the power of small actions having a huge impact not only upon the person receiving the gesture but upon myself as well. 

At Embody this week we are going to blend the practices of yoga, mindfulness, & gratitude together as an alchemy of healing. As a collective heart we will breathe & move with deep intention and then write an actual letter to one woman of our individual choosing that we admire who has used her voice courageously in the world to move the needle in a positive direction. This practice heals, transforms, and allows one to move with more grace and ease during especially the darkest of hours. It is scientifically proven that people who actively practice gratitude are happier & show fewer signs of depression. Research shows those who wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health four weeks and 12 weeks after their writing exercise ended. This suggests that gratitude writing can be beneficial not just for healthy, well-adjusted individuals, but also for those who struggle with mental health concerns. 

According to a recent article in HuffPost, there are 4 major benefits to gratitude:
1. Routinely practicing gratitude helps us experience increased positive emotions including interest, excitement, joy and pride.
2. Gratitude promotes optimism, which leads to greater well-being.
3.  Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships.

4.  If you receive gratefulness, you’re probably likely to pay it forward.

Show up this Wednesday and let your life be your laboratory. Let your practices come from your heart. Let your life be healed & inspired in the ways needed to be free to move forward and live a life you LOVE!

Bring a friend so we can share the "Feel Better Do Good" movement with all the people who need our circle of care.

Ever grateful,
Dana

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October 3, 2018

Who: YOU and friends
What: EmbodyGR Yoga of gratitude w/ Dana
Where: Social Hall - Fountain Street Church 
When: Wed Oct 3 - 6:30-8:00pm 
Why: Feel Better Do Good 
Ask: To give yourself back in service to your community 4+ hours/month

Upcoming Events:

Mark you calendars!! 
EmbodyGR Halloween Pumpkin Fest & Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 24- 6:30-8:00pm

Special goulish event of costume yoga, live music, pumpkin painting & more. 
Suggested donation: $25 

October 31- NO EmbodyGR- Enjoy the tricking & treating in our amazing city with family, friends & community! 
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As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.

– John F. Kennedy