Karuna Yoga and Wellness

Lean in . . #repost @koyawebb .... . #posttraumaticgrowth #leanin #socialchange #personalgrowth #collectivehealing #socialjustice #postraumaticresilience #courage See more

Love is love . . #repost @kriskling #pridemonth2020 #pride #loveislove #lovewins

Looking at the ways in which privilege can consciously and unconsciously perpetuates oppression and separation in our world can naturally bring up emotions of guilt and shame. . Some ways that people cope with those difficult emotions are to avoid/and ignore OR become defensive, which shows up as a protective mechanism. . I wonder, if we are able to shift our perspective of the the experience of shame and guilt from these emotions are bad to there is wisdom in these emotio...ns, we might actually be able to transform the relationship we have to our experience and actually see that the wisdom of these difficult emotions brings light to the importance that social justice and equity are essential for humanity and our planet to thrive. . What if the darkness, discomfort or pain that is within us is guiding us to the light waiting to be awakened. Might the light within the dark be the seed of acceptance for the impact our privilege has on the world, and shines us on the path of committed action to dismantling oppressive structures? . . If we continue to react through avoidance and defensiveness we will continue to betray ourselves and humanity and be apart of the the problem and not the change. . The practice of breathwork or other self-regulation strategies can be really helpful easing the fight (defensive) or flight (avoidance) response that might show up when being present with emotions shame and guilt and allow our bodies to process our experience rather than run or fight it and strengthen our response(ability) in collectively creating a world of equity and social justice. . . #socialjustice #equity #antioppression #privilege #responsibility #wisdom #socialwork #psychotherapy #emotionsaremessengers #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #bethechange #leanintodiscomfort See more

#repost @koyawebb . . . #juneteenth #blacklivesmatter #abolishslavery #abolishracism #antiblackracism #antiwhitehistory #systemicracism #whitesupremacy #whiteprivilege #equity #antiopression #socialjustice

One day at a time ... . . . thanks for the reminder @earthlyabundancejewelry ... . . . #dailymantra #dailymotivation #onedayatatime #selfcompassion #selflove #selfempowerment #selfefficacy #believeinyourself #believeinyou #yougotthis See more

#repost @nikkilynette . . INTERSECTIONALITY .... We must be able to learn how individuals experiences of oppression is not limited to just one aspect of identity. ALL of our identities (race, gender, ability, nationality, ethnicity, sexual and gender identity) intersect adding layers to our experiences of oppression and/or privilege. . Trans women of colour have incredibly high rates of death by murder. . #blacktranslivesmatter #blacklivesmatter #intersectionality #oppression #systemicracism #whiteprivilege #whitefragility #antioppression #antiblackracism See more

This process of learning and unlearning my biases that have as a White, middle-class able-bodied, Christian raised, straight, cis-gender woman began in my undergrad - almost a decade ago. My social location (identity) reflects the dominance in society that creates oppression among marginalized peoples - and this matters. It’s one thing to identify it and it’s another to do something about it. It’s not a comfortable journey to reflect on the ways you consciously or unconsciou...sly perpetuate oppression - but my comfort here is not what is important - my discomfort in this process is actually essential for it to be meaningful. . This journey of unlearning requires ongoing critical self reflection. This is not a check the box and my work is done. This is life long practice. Social Justice and anti-racism has been an important part of my life - And through my recent, honest and uncomfortable reflections with the uprise of the BLM, I realized that not enough of my energy in recent years has been focused on social justice. I need to step back into this work more... I need to do better - I truly hope we all do. Start where you are. . ‘Critical Hope’ - a term used by Senetor Wanda Bernard - is so important right now. The uprise of BLM gives me hope. I am grateful for the BIPOC community speaking up WHILE grieving the injustices that have been happening in their communities for centuries. . #blacklivesmatter #antiracism #whiteprivilege #whitefragility #whitesupremacy #criticalreflection #socialjustice #socialwork #criticalhope #whitesupremacy #equityforall #oppression #criticalaction #dobetterbebetter See more

We are all racist. Because of the pervasiveness of systemic, explicit and implicit racism, we all have a duty to end it and help those most impacted heal. It is not enough to not be racist, we have to be actively anti-racist by striving to rededicate ourselves, love our neighbours, and become the change we wish to see. This fund is a place for non-Black people to tangibly put their outrage, sadness, shock, fear, anger and solidarity into action to actively support Black-le...d healing from the impacts of white supremacy through mental health supports for Black people. . This initiative is being led my @melissatmsw @suzy_bas64 and Yemi Otukoya - therapists in TO . . We ALL have a duty to work towards ending racism! Consider supporting these therapist while the do really important work for their community. . #blacklivesmatter #blackmentalhealthmatters #systemicracism #posttraumaticslavesyndrome #whitefragility #whiteprivilege #whitesupremacy #antiblackracism #socialjustice #psychotherapy #socialwork #equity See more

Since the notion that we should all forsake attachment to race and/or cultural identity and be just humans within the framework of white supremacy has usually meant that subordinate groups must surrender their identities, beliefs, values, and assimilate by adopting the values and beliefs of privileged-class whites, rather than promoting racial harmony this thinking has created a fierce cultural protectionism. - Bell Hooks . . #bellhooksquotes #blacklivesmatter #antiracism #whitesurpremacy #whiteprivilege #socialchange #structuralracism #amplifyblackvoices #intersectionality #blackfeminism

#blackouttuesday

A touch of the tropics to sooth my soul . . #selfcare #tropicalplants #tropicalvibes #apinchofparadise #atouchofthetropics #naturetherapy #planttherapy #plantpower #costaricavibes #takemeback #selflove #selfcompassion

The journey of healing isn’t a smooth paved road to a known destination. Healing will take you off the beaten path and at times you might feel lost or that you have taken a wrong turn. Trust that you have the opportunity to discover incredible richness within the muddy terrain . . Repost @yogajournal .... . #healingjourney #healingisntlinear #yogajournal #yogatherapy #psychotherapy #trusttheprocess #trust #discover #truth #exploretheunknown #yoga #motivationmonday See more

Nature can have a powerful impact on the parasympathetic nervous system - the relaxation response. Therefore can help alleviate stress and anxiety . The best way to access this is of course to get outside and appreciate the beauty nature has to offer. However, studies also show that listening to nature sounds, having plants in your home, or even pictures/paintings of nature, can influence your state of mind.. . The element of earth helps us feel safe and secure. In the cha...kra system this is represented strongly in the root chakra, which helps us feel a sense of stability and groundedness . It is an incredibly beautiful day today in my neck of the woods. Feeling very grateful for the nourishment I received today from Mother Nature See more

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE . Our mind is a flow of energy that is embodied - Dan Siegel . In my last post I talked about states of #hypoarousal and #hyperarousal - conscious movement, like yoga, can be a really powerful tool in regulating, balancing and nourishing your nervous system - and thus having incredible benefits for the mind.... . When you are experiencing heightened anxiety, anger, panic or feeling numb, shutdown, or lethargic moving your body in mindful ways can repair and restore the disconnection that occurs in our minds and bodies when our stress response is activated. . By moving mindfully you can begin to shift the flow of energy and create new embodied experiences. . Consistent movement is the key to rewriting the way in which the stress response presents for you. You might notice an immediate shift in how you feel or it can also take weeks to actually feel the benefits of a movement practice. . #movementasmedicine #mindfulmovement #consciousmovement #mindbodyconnection #embodiment #resilience #restoration #yoga #yogaismedicine #yogatherapy #psychotherapy #integrativemedicine #empowerment #strength #prana See more

When can experience our stress response in different ways - sometimes we experience #hyperarousal (anxiety, anger, irritability, hyper vigilance) and other times #hypoarousal (depression, hopelessness, numbness, disassociation, fatigue) . When you can identify the ways in which your stress is presenting you can then implement tools can can support you in bringing yourself back into (balance)by either #upregulating or #downregulating .... Tips for regulation: -Move to increase your heart rate (ex. Run, jog, Jumping jacks) -Active Yoga practice -Sun salutations -Back bends/heart openers -Breath of fire + breath of joy -Gently tap your body from your feet up to your head . Tips for regulation: -Fold forward/ head below your heart -Diaphragmatic breathing, box breath, beak breath (lengthen your exhale when practicing all of these) -cold temperature (shower, ice cubes, drink cold water) -Progressive Muscle Relaxation -Gently tap your body from your head up to your feet See more

Filmed a yoga class for the first time today and in the works of figuring out how to share it . . This felt terrifying to do and feels terrifying to think of sharing because I know that it is far from perfect or professional looking - but that’s okay. Fear of judgement is very loud - but that is inevitable. I have already watched some of it and have caught some mistakes... :... So I have the choice to not share it or try to do it over again with hope that it will be better next time - but I am choosing to share it anyways (when I figure out how) - as a radical act of self-acceptance and to start to re-write old thought patterns that do not honour my heart. . You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. - Brian Tracy . . If you have had a similar experience would love to hear your story! Comment below or shoot me a DM . @shophalfmoon @byoganow See more

This too shall pass . All of what we experience in life is impermanent - the good and the bad, the ease and resistance, the coming and the going... . .... The last couple of days I had been experiencing strong and difficult emotions and I am now flowing back into connection with my centre. . Life is a journey through the rhythmic patterns of ebs and flows . . Sometimes the ebs last longer than the flows, and for many of us, we might be feeling like we are in a deep deep eb and coming out on the other side might feel so distant or uncertain. And for some of us the ebs and flows might be coming a going so fast that we might feel as thought we are riding an emotional rollercoaster or taken by the rip tide. . Anchoring your self into the concept of impermanence might give you some relief in knowing that - even if it feels impossible - this too shall pass . #buddhism #impermanence #thistooshallpass #ebsandflowsoflife #mindfulness #yogatherapy #psychotherapy #socialwork #ridethewave #resilience #innerstrength See more

Tapping, also know as Emotional Freedom Technique, is a practice I have used for myself and that I have offered to clients as a coping strategy for working with fear-based or negative thinking that elicits difficult emotions, such as anxiety and stress. . . In this video I demonstrate how I practice Tapping and use an example that perhaps many of us are experiencing right now. If you choose to practice this do it with thoughts that speak to your own personal experience. . I h...ave used this in the moment when in states of anxiety as well as a daily practice to address deeply rooted thoughts that don’t serve my peers on growth. . I would love to know how this practice works for YOU! . #tappingsolution #emotionalfreedomtechnique #selfregulation #anxietyrelief #covidcalm #turbulenttimes #resilience #chinesemedicine #nueroscience See more

#repost @karma11eleven

I am incredibly grateful for the privilege that I have had throughout this crisis; a safe home, ability to continue to work (from home), not needing to risk my health and my family’s (unlike some of my coworkers - nurses and physicians), and no serious financial stress as a result of this. . While experiencing this gratitude, at the same time I have experienced some grief. Today, I would have been on a plane back to Canada from Costa Rica - I would have spent almost 2 weeks ...with my partner, my puppy, and seen my home almost finished. It has been a year doing long distance with my partner and always had a date to look forward to on when I would see him next - it’s hard not knowing when that next time will be. I was also expecting to see my house in Costa Rica come to fruition - a dream of mine that has been 4 years in the making. . Ways that I have been coping with this is trying to stay in touch with the joyful qualities of all of these aspects of my life as much as I can. . 1)Continuing to connect with partner every day via WhatsApp, reminiscing on our wonderful memories, and he will take me to the ocean in his front yard. 2)Watching videos of my puppy playing and loving life in Costa Rica 3)Signed up for Spanish lessons 4)Listening to my favourite Latino music from my partners playlist 5)Planning to learn how to cook a tradition Costa Rican breakfast (Gallo Pinto) . I recognize this is an incredibly privileged space to be in, and many others are not able to afford the these luxuries of coping that I am. I am honouring this privilege, while honouring my difficult experiences at the same time. . AND, if you are experiencing loss in similar ways that I am, I wonder if there are creative ways you can connect to the qualities of things that brought you joy that you are currently missing out on #copingstrategies #covid19 #gratitude #privilege #loss #joy #creativity #connection #psychotherapy #socialwork #yoga #acceptance #commitment #humanexperience @ Finding My Way See more

https://www.upworthy.com/coronavirus-productivity-motivatio