In this blog post, we'll explore the incredible benefits of appreciation and how to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. Appreciation allows you to shift your focus from scarcity to abundance, bringing joy and a new perspective. By practicing gratitude, you start noticing the little things that make your heart happy and experience the magic of appreciation.
In this blog post, we explore the significance of fall and offer easy activities to help enhance your well-being during this transformative season. Fall symbolizes a period of transition and letting go, inviting you to embrace the changing colours, cooler weather, and shorter days. Connecting with nature is a powerful way to invite relaxation, whether through hiking in the beautiful autumn scenery or taking a nature walk to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Diffusing essential oils like cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg can create a cozy atmosphere at home, while self-care rituals and nurturing the body and mind through gentle exercises and yoga nidra meditation help establish tranquility and release stress. Embracing the abundance of seasonal delights and incorporating gratitude into your relaxation practice uplifts the spirit and fosters a positive mindset.
Read more...Welcome to my monthly blog post where I create a simple intention based on a monthly card reading! If this intention resonates with you, feel free to use it as a focus for this month (or however long feels right for you)!
If you're feeling called to speak your truth about something, now is the time to muster up the courage to do so! Don't allow fear of being judged or not accepted so you can be your authentic self and shine brightly.
Read below for the full card reading and take what feels good for you and leave the rest. Messages are meant to find you in the most peculiar ways when you're willing to notice and listen ;)
Some things to keep in mind when using an intention:
- Write it down and put it where you can see it regularly (bathroom mirror, desk, beside table, wallet, etc).
- Say it several times a day clearly affirming it - you can stand in a power pose (like running across the finish line), hands on hips (like Wonder Woman), placing your hands on your heart, or even doing a little dance. Whatever makes you feel like this intention is possible when you say it, then do that!
- Visualize for just a few minutes each day your intention as if it has already come true.
- Practice your favourite Yoga Nidra meditation that allows you to state your intention during the practice. When the mind and body are relaxed, your mind is much more susceptible to suggestions, so this can help make this intention become true for you even quicker than by doing it on a conscious level alone.
- If you haven't done so already, you can sign up to receive access to listen to my free Yoga Nidra meditation here.
Intention Setting Reading
1st Card - TRUTH BE TOLD (14)
This card is inviting you to speak your truth. Are you hiding behind a mask because you're afraid to communicate in an honest and compassionate way? Sometimes you can wear a mask because you may live and act in a way that you think other's want you to be and not in a way that is authentic to your true nature. You may also hide behind a mask because you may hold beliefs about yourself that are untrue, but you believe them to be true. How can you peel back the layers that keep you from being your true self (which is pure love and joy). How can you communicate this is in an authentic way? Maybe there is something that you've been wanting to do, but you're too afraid to make that known to others? If that is the case, now is the time to speak this truth and take a step towards that desire!
2nd Card - QUEEN OF SWORDS
The Queen of Swords is here to validate speaking your truth. She is a mighty, courageous and wise Queen who is known for speaking the truth!! I'm telling you, I can't make this stuff up - these cards have a way of validating truths and hidden beliefs and this is no exception! The Queen of Swords has a way of seeing things from a higher perspective because she's been through a lot and she is wise and experienced. Because of this though, she may come across as cold or sharp tongued. So, with this card in the mix, while it's important to speak your truth in an honest way, do it in a way that is compassionate and not hurtful to others. Some may think that in order to be "real" and authentic, it has to be done in an aggressive way, but that's just not the case. Be yourself, and speak what is important to you, but bring compassion into the conversation and see how beautifully it gets received. You may also be afraid to speak this truth, but take courage from this Queen as she's here to support you! She knows you are fierce and flawless! Love and accept who you are - in this vibration, it will be effortless to express your vision and articulate your thoughts.
3rd Card - THREE OF PENTACLES
The Three of Pentacles is a card of co-operation and synergy! It's a time for starting a new project in communion with others who share your passion. If you're wanting to start something new, perhaps joining a group of the same interest is calling you now. If you're currently working in a group, maybe now is the time to speak up and share your ideas in a way that is helpful and positive. Everyone works together in partnership and harmony with the Three of Pentacles, so this may be something that is missing in your world right now. This could even pertain to family dynamics. Maybe you can plan something fun with your family or group of friends where everyone shares their ideas of what to do (including you). Whatever it may be, you're being called to work as a team at this time which may involve something you are wanting to do, but haven't spoke up about just yet.....
4th Card - 10 OF CUPS
I love this card! It speaks of peace, harmony and joy! This card is a reminder to enjoy the present moment and to count your blessings! Really take note of the beauty in every single moment. Too often you may miss perfect opportunities for joy and happiness because you're regretting something from the past or worrying about the future. Maybe you're missing out because you're worried about speaking what it is that you are wanting to do or wanting to say? Even though we may worry about things, don't allow these thoughts to occupy your mind. Don't waste these moments where you can experience pure joy and bliss (especially when you're with those you love)!! If you don't pay attention to a rainbow, you'll complete miss it. This is inviting you to stop and look at the rainbow and to give thanks for the beauty that the world around you brings!
questions you can contemplate: 🤔
- What truth are you not speaking?
- How can you honestly articulate your thoughts and express your vision?
- What new project or activity have you been thinking about starting lately?
- Write down a list of 10 things you are grateful for - or keep going if there are more than 10 things ;)
If you enjoyed this post, consider booking a live session with me (via zoom) or an email card reading.
BTW - If you're not on my email list, make sure you're on it so you don't miss a thing. As a thank you, you'll receive access to my FREE Yoga Nidra meditation designed for deep rest. I promise to never spam you or sell/share your email address and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Cards from this reading:
Card 1 - Wisdom of the Oracle - Colette Baron-Reid
Cards 2, 3 & 4 - Tarot of Mystical Moments - Catrin Welz-Stein
The information presented here is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
Sometimes I wish I was my dog.....
She seems to know how to truly be in the present moment. Like this morning, I was practicing yoga, and guess who showed up on my mat again?? Coconut. She was completely relaxed and didn’t seem to have any other cares in the world.
Then, later on Steve and I decided to go in the hot tub. Although I was enjoying the sunshine and trying to relax on a Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t help but think of all the work I still had waiting for me inside. I was so annoyed with myself. It’s like I couldn’t wait to get out of the hot tub to go and do work!! Why do we ruin perfectly great moments thinking about the future? Then I thought to myself, I rarely go in the hot tub and it’s beautiful out today and I don’t want to waste this opportunity. So I closed my eyes and fully appreciated being in that moment. I’m so happy I did because it felt amazing. I was so grateful that I stopped the negative voice that kept telling me to go back inside and I actually gave myself permission to relax and enjoy my time.
When you take the time to appreciate and notice the moment it seems more real and can put things into perspective.
We spend so much time thinking about the past and worrying about the future. Hopefully this is a reminder to take a few minutes today to appreciate and notice the moment you’re in now.
xo, Bonnie
By the way...if you liked this post, click the link below to get access to my FREE Yoga Nidra Guided meditation for relaxation.
The information presented here is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
What is Yoga Nidra?
When you hear the word Yoga, you generally think of balancing on one foot, or being in a pose that sounds like an animal such as downward facing dog, pigeon or eagle. I used to think the same way. I practiced yoga for almost 17 years and never heard of Yoga Nidra until I took Yoga teaching training back in 2016. I was shocked and enlightened (pardon the pun) to discover this form of Yoga that is so refreshing and relaxing and not so main stream.
So what is it anyway? At it's basic level, it's a guided meditation. It's a type of Yoga that can be referred to as Yogic Sleep. Yes, I said sleep!! I know, it sounds like a dream.....practicing Yoga and sleeping.....What could be better than that? Well, the goal is not to fall asleep, but if that happens it's ok, it just means your body really needs to rest and subconsciously, you'll still hear everything even though you may not remember. There's no wrong way to do it. Literally all you need to do is lie down (or sit in a comfy position), listen and be guided.
After learning how to lead Yoga Nidra, I instantly knew this would be my teaching focus in order to introduce this healing and deeply relaxing practice to other people.
Because most of us live in a constant state of stress, this can negatively impact our emotional and physical health. What you may not realize is that it's vital to take time to still the body and mind. Imagine being guided on an inner journey through many stages of relaxation and waking up feeling fresh, grateful and relaxed.
Practicing Yoga Nidra can have an impact on your emotional and physical health because it activates your relaxation response. And that's important because it calms the body and mind giving you time to rest, digest and rejuvenate. And the more you do it, the easier it becomes to focus and rest even when you're off the mat!
How this practice can help you on and off the mat.
Creating a peaceful place
On the mat - During the meditation, you will imagine a peaceful place that surrounds you with feelings of comfort, love, joy and peace.
Off the mat - Once you've seen your peaceful place in your meditation, you can visualize being in this peaceful place any time during the day. Imagine that you're; in an uncomfortable situation, afraid of having to do something, having troubles falling asleep or worried about something. Just know that you can visualize your peaceful place any time you need to feel this sense of peace and comfort.
Creating an affirmation
On the mat - While being guided, you have an opportunity to go on a journey of self discovery and notice what your heart truly longs for. This can be anything that comes up for you such as: having more time for yourself, being healthier, having the financial freedom to do the things you love - you get the idea. From here, you'll create an affirmation based on this desire. You will use this affirmation as the focus of your practice. And you can continue using this affirmation in your regular practice until it becomes real for you.
Off the mat - Once you discover and create an affirmation, I recommend writing it down (so you don't forget it) and incorporating it in your daily routine. I write mine on a piece of paper and tape it to the bathroom mirror so I can say them first thing in the morning and at night before I go to bed.
Visualization
I love to incorporate moments of visualization in my Yoga Nidra practice.
On the mat - While being guided, you will have the opportunity to visualize what your life would be like when your affirmation comes true. Just seeing yourself in these moments triggers many positive emotions that you will experience during the meditation. You may experience emotions such as; gratitude, joy, love, and a zest for life.
Off the mat - You can do more of the things that trigger positive emotions in your daily life. For example, if you felt immense gratitude in your visualization, then you can feel that emotion in the present moment by being grateful for something that you have now. If you felt joy during the meditation, you can do more things in your life that bring you joy (whatever that means for you). When we truly desire something, it's because we want to feel a certain way when we have it. So, you can invoke those feelings in your daily life which will then bring you into alignment with what you desire.
If you've never tried Yoga Nidra before, you don't know what you're missing! You deserve to give yourself much needed time to rest, rejuvenate and let go of all the stressors you deal with on a daily basis. Your body and mind will thank you!
Interested in practicing Yoga Nidra with me? Click the button below for my virtual classes. Remember, there's nothing else to do but listen, relax and be guided or simply be without any doing at all!
You an also click HERE to get access to my FREE Yoga Nidra Guided meditation for relaxation. This is a 20 minute meditation that's perfect for beginners, or even those who practice Yoga Nidra already.
Namaste.
xo, Bonnie
*Please note: relaxation and meditation practices may cause you to experience upsetting memories or difficult emotions. While these practices can be a beneficial way to release these emotions and memories, it is important that you check with your health care provider before starting a relaxation/meditation practice if you feel you may have difficulties processing memories and emotions should they come up during practice.
The information presented here is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
