Summer Bucket List

Summer is already off to a swift start! It's nearly almost July... when did that happen? I am truly finding myself on a path to discovery, constantly finding out what works and what doesn't. It's almost sort of ever changing too in that aspect, but I'm figuring it out.

I've got some time off coming up and I'm planning on using it to disconnect from technology, and connecting back with nature, life and my husband! I'm not sure what we'll be doing exactly, but I'd love to get the house in order AND maybe take a small road trip or something to get out and explore! 

Among many many MANY Summer plans I've got a pretty decent sized bucket list going of things I would love to accomplish by the time Fall rolls around! 

- visit Starved Rock
- go blueberry picking (the pups LOVE berries! So I try to keep them in the house at all times!)
- go strawberry picking
- tending to our small garden;

    -   I'll need to get some tomato cages and trellises for the vine plants that are growing
    -  My herb garden didn't work out to my advantage this time around. I've got about 3 plants from my kitchen planter that I think I can salvage into bigger pots. My mint though...  ON POINT! Same with my lavender! I think I will be looking up some DIY recipes to make sure it all gets used!

- I'm challenging myself to complete 5 (or more) classes, workshops, meetings with a mentor or weekend retreats to help being a little more self-care back into my life over the summer. 
- Sort through all of our closets and dresser drawers and get rid of things that don't suit our needs anymore.
- Complete the same task of de-cluttering our garage, shed and basement
- Car shopping
- Price the materials needed for our mini home renovation
- Get to Wisconsin at least once this year
- Begin at home yoga and meditation practice
- Set up a yoga space at home
- Dive into (and complete) 3 yoga books (seriously, they're everywhere!!)
- Secure space at a new studio for Fall
- Book a photo shoot for yoga advertising
- attend the flea market once (or twice lol)
- get to the pool and make use of my season pass

So, yeah... that and all other things that consist of teaching, weddings, showers, bachelorete parties, birthday parties, graduations, festivals and other various family events. I'm so looking forward to the remainder of summer!

On a side note; Cooper is finally able to be left alone! For those of you who don't know we have struggled this past year with Cooper and his separation anxiety! It was a long (really long) year of trials and errors! It what feels like, and could quite have been, overnight; Cooper was almost like a different dog. Calm... relaxed... and just chill! He didn't care whether he had someone by his side 24/7... or about pretty much anything about relaxing. So, we took this as a sign to try a little more vigorously as getting him to be home alone - well with his doggie brother.

The first week we tried anywhere from anywhere between 1 hr and 1 hr 45 min. He was completely fine. That got pushed to 2-3 hrs and from there we left him while we are at work with someone checking on him mid-day. He did fine and quite frankly, didn't really even care someone had come to check on him. So, we stopped that and officially, he is good at home for a period of 5-6.5 hrs! 

I just feel this huge sign of relief! We missed out on so much this past year! Friendships even ended because they didn't understand what was happening. It was so stressful! We were CONSTANTLY judged by others and truly were at our wits end! Oh the judgement... I am just oh so thankful to those that have and continue to offer their help and understanding! Without that, I don't even want to think of where we would be now. 

Until you've actually lived it, you probably won't ever understand. But I do encourage everyone reading to reach out to someone you know who is experiencing something similar and just offer your shoulder! Don't judge! And if you can, research what separation anxiety is like for the animal AND for the person caring for that animal! It's hard! OH so hard! I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! The pain and sorrow these animals go through before they are rescued simply baffles me. How can anyone be so cruel?

Alright.. Off to explore Summer! 

The blog will most likely continue to be pretty light. BUT you can find me over on my Facebook page; Savvy Serenity Yoga. Right now I'm starting #daretodream where I will be posting daily quotes and weekly meditations as I begin to embark on my journey within. 

I've also got a few classes coming up;

Curvy Yoga in the Park
Bliss Woods | Sugar Grove
July 30th, August 27th 8AM

Farmers Market Yoga
Batavia Farmer's Market
July 23rd 8AM

If you're interested in taking one of my classes, please email me at savvyserenityyoga@gmail.com
 

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NEW CURVY YOGA 6-WEEK SERIES CLASS BEGINS JULY 6TH! 

email curvyyogafocusom@gmail.com to register or visit www.focus-om.com

hello June, it's been a while!

Happy June 1st!!

Today I chose to be grateful for everything I have, kind to myself and others, happy to be alive, and present here & now!

Summer has officially begun in the O'Regan household! The last few weeks have been jam packed with family, friends and fun!

A couple weekends ago I went with the girls who I completed my yoga teacher training with to Stonehouse Farm for their Gardening Seva Weekend! We stayed in a tiny house and had so much fun the entire weekend! I woke up Saturday and decided to keep my glasses on thru yoga. BIG mistake. Honestly, I think when I switch from wearing glasses to contacts, it just messes with my eyes so bad it gives me a migraine! So... I left yoga early (and good thing, because it ended up being a 2 hr and 15 min class!) and I headed back to the tiny house. There, I took a nap. Woke up and cleaned, and then took a hike through the woods. Everything was so peaceful there! I can't wait to go back! They have a closing weekend in October that I am dying to go to!

Is was this weekend that I grew more fondly of tarot cards and that aspect of spirituality. We played with a friends set, which was BEAUTIFUL, and a few weeks later, I ended up ordering my own cards as well as the spirit animal cards by the same author. Now I've been really into that, and I've seen a couple June challenges that look pretty awesome!

My baby brother also graduated high school! Seriously. Time is flying! What happened to that cute little baby with the chubbiest cheeks I've ever seen? Seriously though, he was the CUTEST baby I've ever seen!

We have also started our Summer of swimming at the dog parks! Over Memorial Day weekend we took both dogs to one of our favorite places. Cooper now whines when we reach the dog park. Each time we go, he sets further and further out into the water. It's really nice watching him grow more brave each time. He's finally coming into his own. FINALLY! I recorded some video of them both. But only managed to snap a picture of Bennett as he so patiently waited for us to pick up his ball thrower and make him fetch his tennis ball.

Other than that, there hasn't been much happening. My yoga series in Batavia is going GREAT! I've got quite a few new students, which is awesome! I've been working on new things to class. new poses... different styles! I did a work-shop type class with Down Dog last week. In it I showed them 4 different versions of the pose. We started the class warming-up and connecting to the breath and from there we did a chair variation followed by wall variation. Did a few more warm-up poses and then the full version followed by a partner version. (Props to Jane for showing us that in training). Of all the versions, they LOVED the partner one. Which I suspected they would! I got great reviews of that class, so I am going to be planning more like it.

I'm also partnering up with a friend who just completed his Zumba certification. The girls have been bugging me for a Zumba and Yoga class and when it fell into my lap, I just had to make it happen for them!

I've got the majority of this month off from Oswego and then that will start back up towards the end of the month. I'm super excited for that series and have been promoting it like a crazy person!

I've also still got my eyes set on getting into another studio come this Fall. I promise, I'll explain all of the details once I can! It's going to happen... It's going to happen.... It's going to happen... (YOU HEAR ME UNIVERSE? lol)

Other than that, my plan for this month is to de-clutter and get organized before the chaos begins once again. Not that it has stopped though, because I promise you our little household is still just as chaotic as ever!

We've got some fun things planned for the rest of summer and fall! (I actually get to enjoy fall this year so you best believe I'M MAKING IT HAPPEN!)

Coming To Terms With My Own Reality

So, last night I went home with the game plan of getting down to the nitty gritty of planning what I want for my business. What I want to end up doing, how I am going to do it, how to bring in more self-care rituals, how to still maintain my own yoga practice, how I’m going to bring you guys blog content, class content, etc. all while I try to maintain my own sanity. Picture, if you will, me sitting on the couch, pen in hand, notebook in lap and me; staring dead into space... Because that's pretty much how it went!

It’s all so overwhelming. I mean, I’m feeling really overwhelmed! I never imagined how fast my yoga teaching would take off. That said, of course I have my good times and hard times as a teacher. But teaching yoga is really what I’m meant to do! As I continue to build up my classes, and long for more ways to be able to share yoga with you all; I’m feeling overwhelmed. My practice has slacked tremendously. My once sacred Thursdays are becoming a chore, and that’s something I hate. Part of this is because I yoga all throughout the week. So, on my day off from work, the last thing I want to think about is yoga. I just want one free day, aside the weekend because that doesn’t count;  where I truly am free to do things as I please.

The problem with this? My favorite yoga teacher only has offered class on Thursdays pretty much since I started yoga. She opened up a Tuesday class a few series ago, to which I tried but longed for my yoga sisters who routinely came on Thursdays. It isn’t guaranteed that she’ll keep Tuesdays. So there’s that.

I know she is taking the summer off. So I will at least have some time to figure out what I want to do.

Sundays and Wednesdays are my teaching days. I’m longing to get into another studio, and if I do, I will most likely add a Tuesday class to my schedule. I know, I know; here I am saying Help! Toss the life raft! And I’m wanting desperately to add yet another class to my schedule. But here’s the thing – my life’s passion is teaching. It isn’t blogging- though I so seriously wish it were, it isn’t electronic stuff- though I think I’ve found a knack in that.

Truly, it is teaching and getting as many people as I can into yoga. Ironically enough, I’m also finding a path beginning to form, that’s leading me to branch out to just one more studio, just like the one that lead me to teacher training. So, I cannot pass that up! It also isn’t happening as fast as I would like. BUT, like all good things; if it’s meant to be, it will be! I’ve said that since day one, and look at where I’m at now! Things will happen when they’re meant to! I truly believe that!

I don’t ever really see myself teaching more than 3 classes per week; unless I’m pursuing it as a full time career and who knows about that. Never say never! But right now, I’m great where I am at. I love my regular job. I love teaching, and I’m working hard to meddle the two together into my life.

What starts to become overwhelming is when I think about my blog and website. “Oh, I have to get this content out…” “I’ve got to blog this many times per month, and on these days.” Maybe if I was doing this full time, but even then; I feel like the majority of my energy needs to be going into the classes that I teach.  I’ve also created Facebook groups for each of my individual classes where I share our practices and go into more detail so that they can have their own home practice. I’ve also found this to begin slacking and I feel awful! I want to be able to answer their questions they have at random times and to be able to give them tips, tricks and handouts for practicing at home. I can’t even begin to think about what I’m going to develop or use to help them when I’m busy worrying about content for a blog.

So, here’s my plan;

 I will continue blogging sporadically. I won’t put content out for the sake of getting content out. I want to put just as much effort in as I do my classes. So, right now my blogging will be taking a back seat.

I’ll be simplifying my website.

I’ve got so many ideas. I rush to get everything together and out there in hopes that I actually have an original idea that no one ends up taking. On the contrary; I also don’t want to seem like I am copying, and I’ve come to find I’m pretty likeminded to some of my favorite teachers.

But, all of the content is just too much right now. So, I’ve decided to take it a step back and just be “basic” – but in a good way!

I am going to diligently work on getting my home yoga space together. I’m going to use our front porch; which is perfect for a one body yoga/meditation practice. I am going to start the plans for this soon, and then just hash it out. Right now, the porch is collecting so much clutter from things I’m not sure where to put or things that I’m going to be selling in a future garage sale. I’ve just got to sift through everything.

I am going to dive into the plethora of yoga books I have stacked all over the house!

Instead of worrying about what content I’m going to get up on my website, I’ll be working on what feels natural to me. I know 10 (heck maybe even 5) years from now, Facebook and or Instagram may be obsolete. Part of this is why I’ve so desperately wanted to create content for you on my own website. I’ve just got to find a way to cross post everything.

I’m going to pour my heart and soul into planning great classes!

I will be teaching twice a week (for now). Hopefully in the Fall you’ll be able to find me three times a week! We’ll see what happens. I’m going to truly pour my heart and soul into planning these classes and managing our online meet areas.

I’m going to work on my own self-care routines. From pedicures, to finding a mentor to maintaining my own daily or weekly practices…

I am so grateful for all of you and I hope that you all continue to follow me on this journey!  If you’re wanting to take an in-person class, be sure to check out my ‘Classes’ tab! I’ve got a once a month Park Yoga class I’m doing, and then my Curvy and Plus Size Yoga classes!

This isn’t Goodbye! I’m going to figure out what works for me! I’ll be blogging, but commitment free! So I won’t feel bad if I don’t make a certain number of posts happen. What I plan on doing is using the blog space however feels natural to me!

Love & Light

Mishelle

another little update:

If you participated in Mindful March and won a giveaway; I've still got a few things left to mail out!

If you collaborated in Mindful March; I've got a special gift for you that I've finally got completed! Also will be mailing those out/hand delivering shortly!

If you're looking for class, you can find me at;

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FocusOm Batavia;

There's still time to register!

Move, stretch, strengthen and simply let go.

{6-WEEK SERIES}
Classes will begin May 4th and meet on Wednesdays from 7-8:15pm

Cost - $85

*Space is limited so please register today to secure your spot!

http://focus-om.com OR email curvyyogafocusom@gmail.com

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Oswegoland Park District; REGISTER TODAY!

Center your body and mind, Stretch the possibilities.

Plus Size Yoga • Summer Series
June 26 - August 14
Sundays 5:30 - 6:30PM
Little White School House | Oswego, IL
Cost – $59 (R) | $68 (NR)

Space is limited so please register today to secure your spot!

https://apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks

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Yoga In The Park

I'm also offering up a once monthly park series class. You can find more info here (or by clicking the picture); http://www.savvyserenityyoga.com/yoga-in-the-park/

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I'm in the process of developing a schedule/content for all of you and in the next coming weeks I will begin to roll it out!

If you ever have any questions, please feel free to email me at savvyserenityyoga@gmail.com or find me on Facebook!

I'm always happy to answer!

May The Road Rise Up To Meet You...

Well hello there! You know, each and every time I swear to myself, I'm jumping back into the swing of things, something else happens and well, I fall even further behind.

Since we last spoke, our family lost someone near and dear to our hearts! My husband's Grandma passed away on May 9th. We learned that she hadn't much longer to live after a doctors visit a few weeks prior. Then it seems things took a turn for the worst, and progressed much faster than any of us imagined. We spent Mother's Day around her bedside and she passed away shortly the day after.

My husband grew up with her and had had a relationship much like I did with my Grandma Don. So, not only was it painful to watch, in a sense I felt like I was going through it all over again.

I first met Grandma O'Regan almost 11 years ago at a family St. Patrick's Day party. Little did I know she would leave such a huge footprint on my soul. I will most remember her for her gentle kindness. Her stories of Ireland as well as her map guide of "Who Came From Where"  over tea and toast with apricot spread were simply the best!

She danced away the night of my wedding to Eric. I remember multiple people coming up to me asking about her and where she got her energy from!

My favorite story of Grandma was when I had caught her smoking in the alley of the old house on Nottingham. I was heading out to my car when I saw her and thought I'd go talk with her before I left. In the almost 6 years I spent on Nottingham, I NEVER knew she had smoked. I saw her standing there, smoking her cigarette. She must have heard me coming, and when she did she turned to look. As soon as she saw me, she flung the cigarette out into the middle of the alley and stooped down. Odd, I thought. I continued further. Still stooped down, I asked her, "What are you doing out here Grandma?" and her reply, "These, damn kids... Always leaving their cigarette butts out here.. They're everywhere!" Now, for one; I had never heard Grandma curse before.... and two; I literally just saw her smoking that cigarette she blame on those poor neighbor kids. I just looked at her and we both laughed as I said, "Now Grandma, I just saw you throw that cigarette butt! You're going to get some kid who's mom is listening outside in trouble!"

We never talked about it again. She got up, said come in for tea; and that was that.

She truly was one of the most beautiful women I have ever met; inside and out.

We are all heartbroken over her loss. But we know she is in a better place and is no longer suffering. These last few years have been extremely hard watching her slowly deteriorate. So truly, I am glad she is finally at peace.

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand"

we love you forever and for always,

xo

Second Look: LulaRoe Leggings

I've contemplated even writing this because I know so many of you are avid Lularoe legging lovers! But, I felt I also needed to be true to myself and share my experience with you. Because there are people out there like me, who may have had the same disheartening experience that I did with this brand. So, I have to let you know that you're not alone friend!

Here are the leggings I purchased, I ended up giving them away to my mother in law. She LOVES them!

I've watched students and mentors wear these cool leggings to class for quite some time now. I've yearned for the day I'd finally grow a pair and decide to try them. I'm sorry but $30 for leggings; even as a yoga teacher, still throws me off into a frenzy. I inquired a while back and spoke with a local rep. I never mustered up the courage to try them. But I had her there in my back pocket for when I wanted to. Then, a student of mine came in with the CUTEST and most soft feeling leggings I've ever touched. So, I had to try them. We didn't have identical body types - but we're similar in ways. So, I decided to try. I joined her group and made my move to select the first leggings I'd try from this company.

THEN, I joined 5 more groups and began planning my attack for ordering more (hey, they're a write off now!).

I should first start off by describing my body type for you. I'm plus-size. I run between a size 24 and 26 depending on the brand in bottoms. Unfortunately, I managed to get the worst trait from both sides of the family tree and got the fat flabby arms from my Mom's side and the big thick legs from my Dad's side. So I have trouble finding boots that fit my calves and have had since I was little. In fact, the only pair of boots that I've actually been able to zip up came from the men's section at Shoe Carnival and they're big clunky snow boots. I can't fit into Torrid's wide calf, nor can I fit into Avenue's extra wide calf. It just doesn't work. I've accepted it and I've moved on from jumping on the boot wearing trend. This past winter I was able to make a pair of fake Uggs from Target work for me by leaving them open and trimming the button loops.

That being said, my legs are much thicker than the average size 24/26 pant wearer.

Upon receiving my leggings I opened the package and unfolded them. They looked comparable in size to something my mother in law or sister in law would wear. I immediately thought "THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL these are going to fit me! HOW do these fit anyone over a size 20? There is no way! They can't stretch that much..." and they didn't. The bottoms fit fine. They were snug like any legging. As soon as I started to pull them up all I heard was "rip" "tear" "snag" "riiiiiip". I even remember laughing as I pulled them up. I knew these wouldn't work when I opened them, and there I was doing everything I possibly could to get into them. Laying on the bed, rolling on the floor, lifting here, stretching there. I stood up. It literally looked like I had just stuffed sausage into a casing and it was spilling out of the top. My crack was most definitely showing. I even thought for a second; "Well, if I wear a long enough shirt, these could work!" Then I busted out in laughter. Who was I kidding? There was no way these were going to work, and as much as I wanted them to work, it just wasn't going to happen for me!

To my defense, I'm sure that they sew these for the size tall 10/12 these are for, and that they're supposed to let loose a bit for a bigger size... 

Anyway... So I've tried Lularoe leggings. They aren't for me. But that doesn't mean that I can't recommend them. They truly are the softest leggings I've ever felt. The short 60 seconds I had those suckers on, it literally felt like I wasn't wearing anything. The pattern didn't stretch to an unrecognizable tye-dye mess ... They were nice! 

I don't know how they wear over periods of time or if they wear away fast on the inner thigh.

But if you're a "smaller" plus size and down, I would definitely recommend you try these. All of our bodies are so different, and so you just never know what's going to fit like a dream and what isn't.

In fact, the rep I worked with was AMAZING! I had my leggings within 2 days of ordering them. SO FAST! Her name is Kristen Cuellar and you can find her here or email her at; kristincuellar@gmail.com

My hope is that these will work for you, but if you find yourself out of breath after trying to get these on, and still find they don't work - you're not alone!

Come shop with me at Torrid! ^_^

links and loves

It’s been a while since I’ve been on social media other than planning/marketing for classes. Truth is, after Mindful March and daily posts,  I just needed a break! I feel like I’m still ‘detoxing’ but to get myself back into the swing of things, I thought I’d post one of my favorites to write and yours to read; links and loves.

O N E - Most of you know we took a trip to Florida a few weeks ago. Can I just say, I would move to Florida JUST for their water. It made my skin and my hair SO incredibly soft. Like I had bathed in the most moisturizing lotion the entire time I was there. My cousin had Ivory with Aloe, and in hopes that it would have the same effect with my hard water I bought it. I have to say I was really surprised! It is nearly the same, and almost makes my water when washing feel as soft as it did in Florida. It also soothes my itchy dry skin which I love!

T W O - When we came back, I also had a hard time with my hair getting used to the hard water once again. Well water is NO joke… It dries out your hair like no other. So it’s a real struggle to find a shampoo and conditioner that work with that. For a week straight I tried everything we had, then I grabbed my OmShe Botanicals. If you have hard water – this stuff is a MUST!

*I just bought a body wash to try the other day, so I'm excited to report back on that soon!

T H R E E - I also started using Johnson & Johnson No More Tangles. I know – back to basics. But I cringe every time I run even my wet brush through my hair. This stuff really helps! I was hesitant to try this again... BUT when I saw it here on InStyle, I felt better about my decision ^_^

Of course, I’ve since lightened my hair, so I’m back to finding things that work again. But these have both still remained staples!

F O U R – Isidris Apothecary Detoxifying Clay Face Mask – Never has a mask made my face feel as smooth as this did. I’ve been sick and blowing my nose constantly. This heeled the dry cracked areas around my nose almost instantly! And at $14, it’s a steal in my book! You can order directly through her Etsy shop OR find her on Facebook; here!

F I V E – Humble Hilo (as a company AND the bag in Nieve) I first saw this bag on Aubrey Kinch’s Instagram and fell in love! This company is really quite neat. The bags are individually handmade, handcrafted from one of a kind huipiles. Each bag is unique. They aren’t cheap. The small bags start at $69. However, the most amazing things about this company is they donate proceeds to women and children in need in other countries. Not only that, but you can choose where you want to send your money. Whether you want it to help feed the hungry, educate a child or provide a loan for a woman starting up her own business. It truly is amazing! The bags are amazing as well! I’ll be writing a more in depth review of my Nieve bag soon! So stay tuned for that.

S I X – Peaches!!! I’ve literally been obsessed with anything peach lately! Us stopping at Lane Peach Orchard in Georgia was no exception! In fact, it only added more fuel to my fire. Peach cobbler (the best I’ve ever had), peach lemonade, peach wine, peaches! Just peaches! Lol I also picked up Republic of Tea in Peach Ginger and made a Peach Ginger iced tea with honey and lemon. SO GOOD!

Upon searching, you can also order products online from Lane Peach Orchard! I cannot contain my excitement! The only thing I don't see (yet) is the Peach wine.... Maybe they'll eventually sell it online as well. I'll happily settle for the cider! ^_^

S E V E N –  Speaking of teas… Also a passion. Homemade or store bought, and I really prefer mine iced! Argo Tea in Carolina Honey is TO DIE FOR. Pure Leaf also makes Tea House teas in glad bottles! These are also DELICIOUS! My favorite from this brand is the Fuji Apple & Ginger. I’m also pretty partial to Panera’s green tea.

EIGHT – I mentioned being sick earlier. A dear friend of mine recommended taking an Olive Leaf Extract supplement. I have to say, it totally works! I googled dosage for this, and then doubled it to help get over my cold. Once I was over it and I knew it was ‘just allergies’ I lowered it to a normal dose to support healthy living. I can really tell a difference; in the amount of time I was sick, AND in day to day!

NINE – Avocado Toast… Literally, exactly how it sounds; toast with avocado cut or spread and put on top. However, I’ve also found some amazing recipes I’ve made as well as once I’ve winged or been inspired by. Open face sandwiches have been my thing lately. Kate over at The Small Things blog posted her recipe here, and linked other fabulous recipes as well.

TEN - Hey hard water users, I've found the cure all (at least for right now) for adding softness back to my hair. This stuff works amazing at restoring my hair back to a normal PH level

Welcome to Mindfully Savvy!

Now that we've completed our Mindful March, I'm guessing you're wondering what's next? I am so happy to have been able to put together a program with such amazing content and such wonderful and inspiring people! This all started with one small idea to get back to being mindful. So, now that we've finished the month, I've decided to roll Mindful March into Mindfully Savvy. We will still keep the group; the name will change. There won't be as much content thrown out to you, though right now it may be a good thing since there is so much to sift through. I will be working on getting see new things together for you to continue to bring mindfulness into your routines, but you won't see a post every day.

As for me? I am going to be diving into the content myself actually. I'll be working through this the entire month of April!

I know that there were a TON of things thrown out at you. So if you need to take some time and work on the prompts separately (like all of the mindful eating at once, the mudras, or the mediations, etc.) then over the next few months or weeks then I encourage you to do so! Participate along with me through our Mindfully Savvy/Mindful March group.

Please continue to post questions and share with me how you are doing with the content. We will also still use the hashtag #mindfullysavvy

Our last Mindful March giveaway ends in a few hours. You can enter the giveaway here!

Meditate on Nature

My favorite thing about Spring is the beauty in life being reborn.

The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming.

Today I challenge you to take some time for you. Whether it’s on your lunch break, before or after work or in the midst of running errands; take the time to meditate on nature today.  Whether it’s on your lunch break, before or after work or in the midst of running errands; take the time to meditate on nature today.

This type of meditation can be done while sitting, standing or even walking. My favorite thing to do on my lunch is head to the forest preserve and either sit and eat my lunch or take a little walk through the paths of the forest. Once I find a great spot I’ll stop and just take in all of earth’s beautiful glory.

You can choose to meditate on the earth itself, the trees, flowers, animals or simply feeling the nice breeze as the sun peeks through the trees.

To deepen the experience, allow yourself to experience not only the sights but the sounds and smells. Close your eyes; what do you hear? Simply take notice of the sounds surrounding you without labeling them or giving them name. Just experience the colors, shapes, sounds and movements.

Experience everything with an open awareness, as if you’ve never seen anything like it before. Whenever the mind begins to wander, humbly bring yourself back to where you are.

Bonus: Share a picture of your meditation. After you've practiced your mindful meditation on nature, snap a picture of the beautiful sight you used to transpire your inspiration.

Be sure to use the hashtag #mindfullysavvy with your post on Instagram or Facebook. You can also post in our Mindful March group! 

Mindful March Collaborators: Meet Krissie!

Krissie Bentley (RYT 200, Curvy Yoga, Yoga for All) is a
non-practicing therapist turned yoga teacher and life coach. Krissie
completed her training through Curvy Yoga in Nashville, TN, directly
under Curvy Yoga founder, Anna Guest-Jelley. She has also received
“Yoga for All” certification through Dianne Bondy and Amber Karnes.
Krissie believes it is possible to create a world where we are at
peace with our bodies. With kindness, we can care for our bodies
through movement because we love them, not because we want to change
them. Krissie will help you find YOUR unique style of yoga that works
best for YOUR body. She is also available for coaching, private
sessions, and online classes.

You can learn more about Krissie and see her daily practice on her
various internet homes below;

or send Krissie an email at;
krissie.bentley@gmail.com