Life Transitions by Stephanie
How do we handle change with courage and grace? As the summer winds down, many of us experience "transitions" as we head back to school, back to work, back to life in perhaps a "new" way. Maybe our loved ones are entering or exiting high school, college, the world of work (or are trying to). Maybe we are feeling what they are feeling in addition to what we are feeling!!! Yup, it's "a lot". As I've written about in the past few weeks, especially as it relates to "anxious energy", at times it is hard to discern what we are feeling and where / who it is coming from! In addition, times of transition and change often bring about this "anxious" energy. While it's not always pleasant, the discomfort that comes with newness and the unknown is normal! And yes, it's healthy. Rest assured, you are not alone. It is simply part of being human :) During times of transition and heightened energy sometimes it feels as if we lose our way. We may be riding the roller coaster of feelings: depressed, overwhelmed, tired, confused, afraid...anything but relaxed! What can we do? Embrace ways of being that return us to a state of emotional balance...also known as equanimity. As I talk about in Chapter Two of my book Reclaiming JOY, the emotional roller coaster is not sustainable and keeps us stuck. We react and often cause more turmoil. This simple practice, called BRFWA, (that we love and use often at the Sanctuary) brings us back to a relaxed state where our emotions are in balance. From this place of emotional balance or equanimity, we are able to ride the emotional wave without drowning in it / losing ourselves for too long. In equanimity we find our way back to peace and clarity and perhaps even a chuckle. Once clear, we are able to take clear, focused action that keeps us on the path of peace as we move toward our goals. BRFWA Explained (Give yourself at least 3-5 minutes to experience this). Breathe: As a wave of emotion comes over you, slow down your breath. Allow your breath to flow freely in and out. Relax: As you slow down your breath, your mind and body will begin to relax. Soften your muscles, let go of mental and physical tension. Feel: As you relax, you are able to soften into what you are feeling. Stay open to the sensations and emotions moving through you in this moment. Watch: While feeling, you watch your experience closely, neither grasping what is pleasant nor pushing away what is painful. Allow: As you watch, you allow the process to unfold. You accept yourself and your experience exactly as it is, dropping the need to change it in any way. BRWFA is the practice of being present. Being present is what we learn during meditation. Looking for more support? Consider cultivating an on-going meditation practice.
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Last week I spoke about how to deal with anxiety while also practicing presence.
Today I want to speak about a topic that not everyone grows up learning about: our energy body. What is our energy body? The easiest way to explain the energy body is to give you an example. Have you ever walked into a room / met someone and "feel" something either wonderful or strange? That's your energy body talking to you. It's a felt "sense". Why is our energy body important? We are made of energy. As such, we are constantly receiving and sending energetic messages throughout our day. The messages we send out and receive are a result of many factors such as: our thoughts, our emotions, our physical health. On a particular day if we are feeling tired and stressed, we may be sending out this energy to others. Especially if we are not mindful and doing our inner work not only will we send this energy out, at these times we are even more prone to absorb the energy of others. Yes, a perfect shi* storm if you will. And that's why I am writing this!!! To help you. And selfishly to help me because I feel it :) Since many of us are unaware of our energy body, we don't know what to do to keep it functioning well. How does the energy body relate to anxiety? Since we are made of energy, often when we feel something, like "anxiety", our mind becomes engaged in the story. Meaning, the mind searches for why we feel anxious. We usually want a way out of the "bad" feeling so the mind tries to come up with a solution. The mind loves finding solutions! Unfortunately, in the search for a solution we become addicted to these thoughts, of why and of story, and it has the opposite effect on us. Instead of clearing the anxiety (or quite frankly whatever energy it is - we love to label everything and sometimes it's simply the energy of excitement), we end up giving the energy more attention. Remember, whatever we give attention to grows! To make matters even more interesting, did you know that sometimes, it's not even "our" anxiety we are experiencing? Especially those of use who are sensitive, often we absorb other peoples energy, thinking it is our own. When this happens, and we think it is "our" energy, we end up creating such suffering for ourselves because we get lost in the addicted thoughts. What to do? Learn ways to manage your energy body on a consistent basis. Read about it. Take a class. Seek out people you trust who know about the energy body. Remember, even someone who practices "energy healing" can be adding to your anxiety if they aren't diligent about clearing their own energy. Be open to modalities we offer here such as Reiki or Shamanic Energy healing. Forward looking -- in the Fall I will be offering more classes on how to effectively manage your energy body. Blessings and love, Stephanie Anxiety & The Present by Stephanie
Does being in the present moment help with anxiety? This is a question I often receive from people who are struggling with anxiety and at the same time trying to live a life of presence (a.k.a. being in the here and now). Many have shared that practicing presence does not seem to help with anxiety and wonder if they are doing something wrong? Excellent question!!! My response comes from personal experience dealing with anxiety while trying to live a life of presence. I break it down into these 3 steps, and usually in this order: 1. Practice Acceptance Here I find myself... experiencing the energy of anxiety. It’s energy and it will pass. Anxiety isn’t who I am. Exhale. 2. Love Myself Extension of above where I release mental judgment and holding on so tight to the current emotional experience. If possible, I will physically shake my body for 3 minutes to release the energy. Something else I do is pull up an inspiring photo, quote, etc. Basically I do the next “best” thing to shift the energy / emotional state. Exhale. 3. Turn It Over to God So this one is new to me. Usually after I go through steps 1 and 2 above, I arrive here, exhausted. May take several passes (moments/hours/days) through steps 1 and 2. Once I arrive here, a surrendered state really, the peace of letting go returns. Ahh. The storm has passed for now and I return to a peaceful emotional state which supports a clear mental state. With a clear mental state, the next right "action" emerges. Of course my “ego” intention is to arrive at step 3 first!! And yet... we are human, we resist, we forget that it does not have to be so hard. And the practice continues dear friends. Exhale. Blessing Note: You / we are not alone in feeling anxious. May these words help you feel at ease. Blessings to all of you, Stephanie Finding Our Way, by Stephanie
In the next few weeks, many of us will experience "transitions" as we head back to school, back to work, back to life…back to "reality". In addition to this time of transition and change, many of us are feeling the heightened energy around us. It's real. For some, it's really hard to ignore and/or overcome. During these times of transition and heightened energy sometimes we lose our way. We may be riding the roller coaster of feelings: depressed, overwhelmed, tired, confused, afraid...anything but relaxed! How do we Find Our Way? By returning to emotional balance...equanimity. As I talk about in Chapter Two of my book Reclaiming JOY, the emotional roller coaster is not sustainable and keeps us stuck. We react and often cause more turmoil. This simple practice, called BRFWA, brings us back to a relaxed state where our emotions are in balance. From this place of emotional balance or equanimity, we are able to ride the emotional wave without drowning in it. In equanimity we find our way back to peace and clarity. Once clear, we are able to take action that keeps us on the path of peace. BRFWA Explained: Breathe: As a wave of emotion comes over you, slow down your breath. Allow your breath to flow freely in and out. Relax: As you slow down your breath, your mind and body will begin to relax. Soften your muscles, let go of mental and physical tension. Feel: As you relax, you are able to soften into what you are feeling. Stay open to the sensations and emotions moving through you in this moment. Watch: While feeling, you watch your experience closely, neither grasping what is pleasant nor pushing away what is painful. Allow: As you watch, you allow the process to unfold. You accept yourself and your experience exactly as it is, dropping the need to change it in any way. BRWFA is the practice of being present. Being present is what we learn during meditation. Looking for more support? Consider cultivating an on-going meditation practice. Communication Workshop
Thursday, July 27, 2017 6:30PM-8:00PM @ Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary Ever feel like you aren't being heard? Do you want to speak your voice yet aren't sure how to do it without being explosive? Let's face it, open, honest, respectful communication is the foundation for all healthy & enjoyable relationships!! Yet so many of us were not taught skills on how to engage someone in conversation when the subject matter is emotional or challenging. In this workshop led by Stephanie you'll learn a model of conscious communication to help you get your message across, and get what you want, without all the drama. Kindly Note: Space is Limited. Payment of $50 is due upon registration. Register Online or Call Us: 914.337.9356 When things heat up this summer, in addition to drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, there are other ways to keep your energy levels balanced.
First, what do we mean by balanced energy? No question we are living in tumultuous times. There is much change, and as such many of us are feeling the effects. If you are an em-path, you are feeling the effects even more. Whether we feel the effects physically, mentally and/or emotionally, it all comes down to energy. As a result, some of us feel drained, tired...lazy, not motivated and we need to gain energy. Others of us feel wired and perhaps even scattered and unable to focus. As such our energy needs to be pulled back or "in" and re-directed. How do we bring energy back into balance? With an Energy Healing Session. During a session, the intention is to restore energy back to balance. At BWS we offer Shamanic Energy Healing Sessions with Stephanie and Reiki Healing Session with Maggie. While both are forms of energy healing, there are differences. The truth is, to feel the difference, you have to experience a session. Afterward, you will know what resonates with you. In the meantime, Stephanie explains Shamanic Energy Healing as a way to deeply uncover, uproot and reset the entire body in order to live the life we were meant to live - a JOYFUL one. As she shares in Chapter Two of her book Reclaiming JOY,shamanic energy healing helped Stephanie release her fear of living the life she desired. Maggie describes Reiki Energy Healing as raising your vibration level, helping you move out of whatever feels "stuck" into a place of expansiveness, freedom and choice. Summer is a time for play, and Reiki can help you connect to your inner child. Interested in booking an energy healing session? Call: 914.337.9356 or Book online Shamanic Energy Healing Benefits, by Stephanie
When someone comes to me for a shamanic session, we start with WHY. What it comes down to for most of us is wanting to feel: peace, stable, protected and nourished. Why do we want to feel these things? Because we are experiencing their opposite: stress, not grounded, unhappy, vulnerable, confused, disconnected, alone...to name a few. How do we end up feeling this way? By being human and getting caught in habits that no longer serve us. There are many habits so I will share the top 5: lack of awareness, endless doing, resistance to change, absorbing and then emitting negative energy (em-paths!), fear. Note to em-paths- April Workshop will be "Walking With Protection". What can we do? Change our habits!! At the root level = energetic level. So, when people ask me how shamanic energy healing helped me change my habits, I invite them to experience one of the 3 sessions I offer. The next question after that usually is, which one is "best"? Here's what I will say, try not to over think. Pay attention to what you are emotionally drawn to and try it. For those needing more mental explanation, kindly note: 1. Shamanic Reading- Best for getting a surface level sense of your obstacle and some ways to overcome. A snapshot if you will. 2. Shamanic Chakra Balancing- Best for receiving wisdom and also experiencing relaxation and clarity. In addition to above, I will clear and re-balance your chakras so you feel lighter and empowered. Also a great way to get to know me before we dive deeper together into a... 3. Shamanic Energy Healing Session- Best for those who are saying "I am ready and willing to change habits once and for all in order to fully enjoy life". If you aren't sure what I mean by enjoying life- read my blog here. This session includes all of the above at a deeper/root level to bring about lasting, positive, healthy transformation. Multiple sessions are suggested as we will be co-creating your future. Note: I offer all of the above in person and via phone. Remember: we are working at the energetic level which means there is no need to be physically together. In fact, some of the most powerful work I've done is via phone because the physical can be distracting. When we work at the energetic level, it is the deepest level, allowing us to get to the "root". While it may be more intense at first, it is more effective, less work in the long run, and faster than tackling it from the mental/emotional. It is also incredibly empowering as we learn to become self-referencing...our own best teacher :) Once we change at the energetic level, the physical, mental, emotional follows suit. It's why I LOVE it!!! LOVE. Book a session by calling: 914.337.9356 or book online here. Questions? Awesome! Please email me directly. Sadness, guilt, low self-esteem, loss of interest in people and activities, sleep and appetite disturbances... these are the hallmarks of depression, a serious condition that affects 400 million people today.
As we've talked about, we advocate holistic treatment alternatives to mainstream treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks. The Top 3 Services we offer at the Sanctuary for Boosting Mood and Alleviating Depression: Massage Did you know that regular massage helps depression? Several studies have found that massage lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) up to 50%, and can raise serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that stabilize our mood. The result is less anxiety, a better outlook on life, improved sleep, and fewer aches and pains, another symptom of depression. Yoga Yoga is another fantastic way to alleviate depression. Not only is there plenty of anecdotal evidence (just talk to anyone who has a regular yoga practice!) but research backs this up as well. Various studies have found that yoga improves mood, outlook, distress, anxiety, anger, hostility, stress, physical pain, and more. Heart opening poses and inversions are particularly effective. Energy Healing Energy Healing- Reiki and Shamanic- can be beneficial to clients with depression in multiple ways, and this has now been backed up by research as well. Published studies have found that people who receive regular energy healing sessions have improved symptoms of depression, which continue after treatment has ended. Some of the benefits of energy healing sessions for people who suffer from depression include: improved in mood, decreased feelings of shame, guilt, and sadness; a significant lowering of anxiety (both short term and long term); improvement in relationships and interpersonal effectiveness; and increased energy/less burnout. Have questions or want to book a session? Call 914.337.9356 or click here to book! Stress is Growth by Stephanie
Last week I spoke about daring to dream. I shared that we get to choose if we want to take control back of our life by learning from our fears. For many of us, stress, fear..being uncomfortable is to be avoided at all costs!! Yet, the wise one knows that it is exactly stress...fear...discomfort that helps us grow. Without growth we stay stuck. Watch this video and you decide. Other ways to manage stress include: my personal favorite meditation, yoga, energy healing and yes, go PLAY and have FUN!! One of the reasons I love my cats is because they remind me to stay curious and PLAY. Looking to give someone you love the Gift of Stress Relief?
Give a Gift Certificate for a Learn to Meditate Session. Looking to give even more bliss? Give a Gift Certificate for a 3 Part Meditation Series. Benefits of meditation are many including: managing stress, anxiety, and PTSD while helping to cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being. Benefits increase over time with practice. Here's what Elisa had to say about her meditation experience with Stephanie: "Thank you for giving me such a wonderful gift on Saturday. The meditation session and your words have been with me since. I'm making more of an effort to sow seeds daily and continue to acknowledge and appreciate my self worth. For starters, I wrote a Joy List to remind myself of things I do or would like to do that make me happy. The last several years has been emotionally taxing for me and I have lost sight of who I am. After your session, I'm trying to look at things as "opportunities" rather than obstacles. Again, thank you." Purchase instant on-line gift certificates here and choose from custom templates to print or email… Or, if you prefer to stop in to purchase, we'll gladly package it for you… and you can combine it with one of our specialty items! OM. |
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