When I last wrote, it was late fall and I was full of excitement and creative expectations (like putting together an MFA-worthy artist’s portfolio, after not having painted seriously or with any consistency in a long time) for the new year. Ironically, I felt there was a letting go of “should’s” and was feeling incredibly liberated by that prospect. So what happened? My creative play and artistic inspiration became blocked almost immediately, pretty much as soon as they became blocks of time on my calendar. There were brief fits and starts at the easel, followed by emotional wretchedness at the lack of focus – and fun. Time flew by and I had little or nothing to show for it. Even these newsletters were let to fall by the wayside, in part because my insecurities were up… If I couldn’t help myself feel better and grow in the direction I desired, if I wasn’t following through on my word, well, something was just off and I didn’t want to call attention to it or pretend otherwise.
Thankfully I’ve had a breakthrough, or two. Well, actually, a few…
What happened, at first, was that I got vulnerable. I let myself feel all those frustrated feelings. Completely. No holding back. Supported by a dear friend and another Mind-Body expert, we uncovered a fundamental yet unconscious belief that kept causing anxiety and stopping me in my tracks: Deep down I didn’t believe that things could work out for me; that I could do what I love, relax, be happy and be successful. To a point, sure, I love my work and have supported myself well while helping others for years. But succeeding to the level of realizing my most personal dreams and core aspirations? No way.
Recognizing the burden of this belief brought compassion and patience with my process. I continued to receive body-centered professional wellness counseling. I treated myself with CranioSacral and Acupressure therapies and rededicated to my home Yoga practice. I told that misplaced belief to shove off and replaced it with a knowing that being creative and doing what I most love is the only way to go.
Right now there are sketches for an 8-canvas series hanging from the walls of my studio. One painting is done and 5 others are in various stages of completion, which is thrilling! I’ve also started work as a part-time private natural foods chef two mornings a week. Improvising creative solutions as I cook, rocking out to music in the kitchen, making enough extra for me and my beau to feast on later in the evening, it’s been a blast. I still hesitate to create and doubt my dreams, at times, but there is clear momentum in the right direction.
And then there was a vacation in Ecuador. Within the amazement of traveling through Amazon rainforest by dugout canoe with native and naturalist guides one day, then hiking Andean trails the next; time itself took on an entirely different quality. Soon morning, afternoon and night were each their own long and experience-rich entities – even if I did nothing but read and write in a hammock consecutively through all three! Like a child I was absorbing the new information within my environment, books and imagination with full attention. The rewards for this intensified presence were numerous and profound.
Feeling rejuvenated by 10-20 years, being flooded with consistently inspiring ideas, and savoring my new happily slow-mo version of time (while getting more things done!)are rewards that, thankfully, have continued.
Four steps you can take to break through limiting beliefs and emotional pain, slow time down enough to savor it, and feel wonderfully rejuvenated and inspired:
- Get naked. Emotionally, that is. Be vulnerable. Throw off whatever resistance might be there and, without judgment, let yourself feel just exactly what you’re feeling. Notice what unchecked beliefs are behind your discomfort.
- Be compassionate. With yourself and for yourself. Talk back to those self-sabotaging beliefs. Whether it’s through Yoga, meditation, or getting support from a wellness professional, self-care needs to be a priority.
- Take action! Nothing breaks through a block like movement that disproves it.
- Receive. Open your eyes. Breathe in each moment with full attention. Listen to that “still, small voice within.”* There are possibilities beyond the usual borders of your everyday consciousness.
I can help you make these personal breakthroughs with issues such as work/life/emotional balance, nutrition, overall wellness – and creating a life that feels most relevant, vibrant and meaningful to you…
Typically, a comprehensive “Break through limiting beliefs and emotional pain, slow time down enough to savor it, and feel wonderfully rejuvenated and inspired” SomatoEmotional Wellness™ program includes:
* An initial in-person consultation and an intake questionnaire to assess your needs, wants, issues and imbalances.
* A customized assessment with emotional support, lifestyle, movement (Yoga, Qigong, Feldenkrais, therapeutic stretches, etc…) and dietary recommendations based in traditional Chinese medicine and Western natural healthcare. You will receive a printed and email copy for your reference, to help you stay on track between sessions and into the future.
* 4 weekly sessions at either the Buena Vista Park (Yoga/Qigong/Movement) or Financial District office locations combining SomatoEmotional Wellness™ consulting with CranioSacral and Acupressure treatments. We decide each week which approach would be most suited to your goals and situation.
Normally, the rate for this package is $450, but I’m dropping it down to just $300 for the month of August. Join the “Break through limiting beliefs and emotional pain, slow time down enough to savor it, and feel wonderfully rejuvenated and inspired” SomatoEmotional Wellness™ program by sending me an email or giving me a call.
You can also try an individual 50-minute SomatoEmotional Wellness™ consultation with CranioSacral and Acupressure therapies – normally valued at $90 – for just $75, this month only.
Gift Certificates for a 50-minute SomatoEmotional Wellness™ consultation with CranioSacral and Acupressure therapies are also available at that same $75 rate through August.
For those of you who are curious – or have been asking! – about where and when I’m teaching Interdisciplinary Yoga & Qigong classes, I will be seeking out a new studio in the coming weeks and will keep you in the loop as my schedule comes together. I continue to offer private and small group instruction at Buena Vista Park, Spa Vitale and the Soma Grand. Call me for details or to line something up.
Lastly, if you have any questions or want to discuss what approach to working with me might be the best fit for you, please send an email so we can set up a FREE 20-minute phone consultation.
Let’s be in touch,
Jenna
