Yoga With Audra

This past week my views and approach to mental health and my own self care were been referred to as koombaya jargon. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life, I can say that this is a touchy subject for me. I’ve been there. In the depths of it. I’ve felt lost, confused and alone. Out of control. I was helpless and too ashamed to tell anyone. With love and support, I have slowly and gradually learned about and practice some amazing skills avai...lable to me to help me through the triggers and the intensity of this struggle. I now have an arsenal of tools available to me when I need to reach for help. Many of which are things I can easily do on my own. How empowering is that?! To not only know that I hold the key to get myself through this moment or circumstance but also to be able to (in a moment of fear or panic) reach into that toolbox, get a perspective and take some action!! I’m not saying I cured my afflictions. I’m saying, I can DEAL now and THAT is powerful shit! No longer a victim but a victor, a warrior, a FORCE! So please don’t tell me that this is KOOMBAYA JARGON. I find it deeply offensive. I’ve faced way too many demons and fought way too hard to get here and I am damn proud of it! As science continues to study the brain and all its functions, endocrinology and the effectiveness and side effects of medication as treatment for things like depression and anxiety, it’s being proven more and more that breath work, mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, proper nutrition, exercise are all highly effective methods of managing and regulating ourselves. This is not pseudoscience or witchcraft. SCIENCE is suggesting it and backing it with evidence. I’ve said it before and I will say it again. There is a place for medicine and I am grateful for it DAILY!!! I am Not ANTI-MEDS. However if you are choosing to simply take prescription meds, using nightly wine or weed to escape or numb emotion hoping that everything will get better or go away you may be sadly mistaken. You’re simply avoiding or masking the problem. We have to be brave enough and willing to delve deeper. Face the demons. Identify and work through them. On our own or with a trained professional. Avoidance, intoxicating or simply medicating is NOT going to fix it. Empower yourself. Take charge. Reach out. There is so much help available to us. Now more than ever!

Thank you @jeanettesealy for the reminder that we are all one and that self love is where it’s at! Maitri is a Sanskrit word meaning unconditional friendship with oneself. Buddhist principles as applied to everyday living, describes Maitri (my-tree) as, feeling at home with your own mind and your own body. This being able to relax with yourself, is the basis of compassion, the seed of happiness, and the foundation of well-being Anyone interested in a guided meditation led by me where we can explore this on a deeper level? Would be via zoom and later in the evening. Maybe around 8pm. Comment below if you are game.

It’s all here....