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- Bring Your Happy Memories Back to Life
Have you ever caught yourself thinking back to happier times? Those moments in your life when you felt so much JOY? Maybe it was a family vacation, when life flowed with ease and everyone felt connected. Summers with friends, experiencing new adventures, and cracking jokes with each other along the way? Did you love cooking with your mother, spending time with your dad? Your siblings? You pets? How did that make you feel ? You may feel some resistance as you read this. You may think, “ My body can’t do that anymore, my resources are limited, those people I love are no longer here .” While this may be true, I don’t want you to get stuck on the “cant’s." I want you to see that the essence of those rich, beautiful moments are still inside of you waiting to be enjoyed. Memory works through association. You can reinvent those positive emotions by finding ways to trigger those memories now. Recently I blew the dust off of my college diploma and placed it in my office where I could see it every day. Seeing it reminded me of one of the most meaningful moments of my life. It reminded me of the pride I felt as I walked across the stage and saw my 2 young sons beaming up at me. It reminded me that I could do hard things. It also reminded me that I am stronger and smarter than I think I am. Many of my happiest moments were with my dad. He was a florist. Every time I run, I wear a flower in my hair. It reminds me that he is always with me and it never fails to make me smile. What happy memories can you bring back to life? Is there a special picture you can find that will make you smile the moment you see it? A song that will remind you of your high school years? A scent that will bring you back to a tropical island? Don’t leave your precious happy memories in the past, never to be enjoyed again. If they made you happy then, they will make you happy now... ~ Lisa Live Happy Coaching
- The Power of Stillness: Embracing Self-Love Through Meditation
In Sedona, we have a Peace Park known as the Amitabha Stupa. It is a beautiful outdoor venue and a spiritual destination for prayer, meditation, and the experience of peace in a sacred place. This place was conceived of and built for people of all faiths. It is a gorgeous venue where I go and sit and meditate, or just be with myself to turn off the "noise" from the outside world. When I teach meditation, the biggest obstacle that people share with me about their practice is the fact that they can't stop their thoughts. Well...I am here to let you off the hook and know, it's the nature of the mind to think. Just as the heart beats, the mind thinks. So, it's okay. Remember we are training our minds to slow down the stream of thoughts. Meditation can provide you with so many benefits. The three basic elements to practice any meditation is your willingness to do it (Sankulpa), your non-judgmental, gentle attention (dharana), and an object to focus your attention on. Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. It is a way to slow down the steady stream of thoughts and calm your “monkey mind.” If you have never meditated before, and you don’t know where to begin, I suggest finding a trained Meditation Instructor, such as me, to help you begin your practice. It is an excellent way to understand the various benefits that meditation offers, and why sitting in stillness is important to your body and brain. Many individuals who begin to practice meditation never know if they are “doing it right,” and a Meditation Instructor can dispel your concerns and help you through all of your questions, as well as explain that meditation works because it physically changes the structure of your brain. WHAT IS MEDITATION? Meditation is the practice of ancient and modern techniques that settle the nervous system and train the brain to be more focused, engaged and less reactive. It’s a doorway for transformation. It’s the simple practice of turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing inwardly. You are training your attention to be more aware. Meditation can be difficult for a beginner to sit and think of nothing or have an “empty mind.” There are many tools to help you through this process when you are starting out. In general, the easiest way to begin meditating is by using something to focus your attention on…most often you use your breath. You can always find your breath in the present moment. This type of meditation is called focused awareness. It involves focusing on a single point. As I said, this could entail following the breath, or it could be repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong or chime, or counting beads on a mala. Since focusing the mind is challenging, a beginner might meditate for only a few minutes and then work up to longer durations. In this form of meditation, you simply focus your awareness on the chosen object of attention and each time you notice your mind wandering, you come back to that focus…you do that as many times as you have to. In the beginning you may notice your mind consistently wandering, you may notice that it is difficult being in stillness, you may even notice your mind struggling as you sit, but you have to begin somewhere. When meditating, rather than pursuing random thoughts, you simply let them go and become the observer of those thoughts. Through this process, your ability to meditate improves. Meditation should be a type of personal indulgence and not create a hardship. Be gentle with yourself. It takes time to cultivate a new habit. My suggestion is to set aside time in the morning for this practice before you begin your day. This helps you set the trajectory for your day and how you wish to engage with life. Once you have mastered that time, you can add in a “happy hour” practice or an evening practice before bed. Yoga Nidra is an excellent way to calm the mind and the nervous system prior to falling asleep. FIVE ELEMENTS TO MEDITATION My mentor and teacher, Sarah McLean, shared with me the five essentials to any meditation, and I teach from those same principles. They are: (1) It’s okay to have thoughts. Understand that your brain is wired to think. Just as your eyes see and your heart beats, your brain thinks. You cannot stop your brain from thinking. However, as you build your meditation practice, the steady stream of thoughts will begin to slow down and become more subtle. (2) Let go of expectations. When you meditate don’t expect anything to happen. Sometimes you may have a wonderful, even blissful experience, and other times, it won’t be anything like that. (3) Be kind to yourself. Positive self-talk is essential on and off the cushion. Don’t chastise yourself if you are experiencing a meditation where you could not sit still, or you struggled and you noticed many thoughts, no matter what, you are doing it correctly. (4) Don’t try too hard. You are sitting in stillness. You don’t need to worry about getting anything right. (5) Stay with it. Stay with it each time you meditate. Set a timer and stay seated the entire time. Don’t let distractions disrupt you and stop halfway into your meditation. And, stay with it in the long run. Meditation brings about many wonderful benefits that help you navigate life better, make clearer decisions and allow you to show up as the best version of yourself! Many beginners to meditation find it difficult to sit in silence and focus on their breath without assistance, so I highly suggest downloading an App on your electronic device for access to guided meditations. A guided meditation will assist you with your focus and guide you through the meditation from beginning to end. There are hundreds of guided meditations you can choose from as well as hundreds of Apps that you can subscribe to…some are free, and others have a fee. This allows you to personally choose from the many different types of meditation that are available to you. I suggest Insight Timer (you can find me on there), Headspace, or Calm. You can review those and see what appeals to you! In Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate benefit of meditation is liberation of the mind from attachment to things it cannot control, such as external circumstances or strong internal emotions. The liberated or “enlightened” practitioner no longer needlessly follows desires or clings to experiences, but instead maintains a calm mind and sense of inner harmony. HOW TO SIT FOR MEDITATION? 1. Sit – You can sit in a chair or on the floor. It’s doesn’t matter. Make sure you are comfortable, and you limit your distractions. Sit with an upright spine. 2. Arms and Hands – You can rest them in your lap or on your thighs. 3. Legs and Feet – You can sit with your legs crossed or straight. If you are on a cushion, try to have your hips higher than your legs. This will be more comfortable. 4. Set a timer or use a guided meditation. Don’t forget to put the device on airplane mode to minimize distractions. If you are new, I suggest beginning with 2-5 minutes and increase from there. Ideally, 10-20 minutes a day is optimal. 5. Take a moment – Take a moment to see how you feel. Pay attention to your thoughts. Allow all the mind chatter to come and notice it. 6. Close your eyes – This will allow you to begin to turn your attention inward. If you are not comfortable with your eyes closed, create a soft gaze on an object in front of you. 7. Take a few long, slow deep breaths in and out, signaling your body that you are relaxing. 8. Begin your guided or silent meditation . 9. Finally…Stay with it! No meditation will be beneficial if you don’t stay with it. Remember, The only bad meditation is the meditation that you didn't do. HAPPY MEDITATING! If you are interested in learning about meditation and would like assistance, I would love to connect with you in person or in the virtual world. Click here to connect. Let’s “sit” together!
- Interested in Sound Healing? Learn More with Cheryl!
Today was just another typical day at work for me. I taught a gentle yoga flow in the morning followed by a 60-minute sound healing session. I had a lovely group of people join me. I realized most of the people in the group knew what yoga and meditation were, but when I asked if they knew what a sound healing was, they were not sure as they had never experienced one before, but they were "game." Yay, I thought! Because this is what I love to share so much. As a sound healer, I hold sound healing sessions 4-5 times a week as part of my job. Most people have never heard of a sound healing, let alone had the opportunity to experience one. So... please allow me as a sound healer to share a little about the experience and what you would encounter if you came to one of my sound healings. Then, promise me, you will give a sound healing a chance and hopefully that will be with me. What is a Sound Healing? The words, sound healing, sound journey, and sound bath, for the most part, mean the same thing. It really depends on the practitioner and what modality of sound they may be using. If you were joining me, I would bring a number of my crystal alchemy singing bowls along with a few other instruments such as a wind chime, ocean drum, and Zafir (chimes). There are some sound healing experiences that have many more instruments than that. Such as gongs, drums, bells, didgeridoos, etc. Remember that "more" doesn't always equate to better. I would be sure to know what your sound healing experience will entail prior to joining. My crystal bowls harmonize and create resonance for the body, ultimately creating music that sounds beautiful, which in turn, helps you to relax, let go and transcend into a deeper experience. Sometimes, if there are a lot of instruments or bowls that don't harmonize...that can create dissonance and can turn out to be just "noise." My goal is to have you walk away with a pleasant experience that resonates on a deep level with you. How Does Sound Healing Work? Sound healing, also known as sound therapy, is an age-old therapy practiced to heal the body. The idea of sound therapy is based on the idea that your body creates its own vibration and that it has a specific resonance. In other words, vibrational healing is based on the idea that everything in the Universe, including your body (which is true), is in a state of vibration. Since ancient times, sound healing has been used in many cultures. This has resulted in the creation of various ancient instruments like Crystal Bowls, bells, drums, Tibetan singing bowls, didgeridoos, rattles, gongs, etc., all of which are forms that may be used in a sound healing. At any point when your body is out of homeostasis, "dis-ease" can set in. This dis-ease is brought about by a blockage that prevents the organ being referred to from vibrating at its normal frequency. When a sound wave passes into the dis-eased area, the correct harmonic patterns are restored and that dis-eased area can heal. Sound therapy works by sending vibrations all through your body, which heals through oscillation and resonance. Think of it in terms of energy...it should flow freely through the body...sometimes it gets stuck and sound can help release and move it. Our bodies are comprised of 70% made of water and water is a wonderful conductor for sound. The vibration travels into the body and the liquids and fluids move the vibration within us. What is used in a Sound Healing? All types of instruments are used in a sound healing. However, singing bowls are regularly used, and since that is what I am most familiar with (along with the gong), that's what I will share with you. There are different types of singing bowls...Tibetan Singing bowls, quartz singing bowls, and crystal alchemy bowls. My bowls, pictured above, are crystal alchemy singing bowls. They are manufactured in the USA in Utah at a company called Crystal Tones. To me, they have their own consciousness. There are a lot of sound healers, myself included, who believe that the utilization of these bowls in sound therapy has a beneficial impact on your holistic health. The harmonic and pure tones made by the crystal alchemy singing bowls are not just heard by the ear, but by the whole body. Certain tones affect your energy centers, known as the chakras. Because your body is crystalline in structure, there can be overwhelming effects on the circulatory, metabolic and endocrine systems, as well as the organs, tissues, and cells. Research papers have shown that sounds produced from crystal bowls directly affect the mental processes, muscles, nervous system, digestive system, and circulatory system. I personally chose the alchemy crystal bowls to work with, not only because they are beautiful, but also because they are made of quartz and are infused with crystals, gemstones, and earthly substances from all over the world. This adds another level of healing with the bowls. We know crystals have metaphysical properties, and since the bowls are infused with these stones, it adds to the sound healing experience. Benefits of a Sound Healing The sounds produced from the crystal singing bowls resonate with the body better since they are made of minerals that are similar to our own bodies, which contain water and a crystalline composition. Every bowl is tuned to a particular musical note, a frequency (Hz) and corresponds with a chakra (energy center) within your body. Think of it like a musical scale... C, D, E, F, G, A, B. These notes also relate with the seven different chakras of our body...Root chakra, Sacral chakra, Solar Plexus, Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakra. The vibration of a particular sound attempts to open any blockages that someone may experience in a particular body part. Also note, that the bigger the singing bowl, usually the deeper the sound, which is more grounding. Whereas, the smaller the singing bowl, the higher the pitch, which is more accelerating. Remember, this vibrational medicine brings healing, such as balancing the hemispheres of the brain, calms the nervous system, promotes deep sleep and relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and recalibrates the body, activates the parasympathetic nervous system...our rest and digest. Our world today is very active and is in the fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system), a very go, go, go, very "yang" energy. Sound healings have the ability to recalibrate us and bring us into deep states of rest and relaxation...inviting in the "yin" energy, allowing the body to rest, reset and repair. A great way to soothe the body and relax the nervous system... a clearing the "slate." What Should You Expect from a Sound Healing? So now that you understand what a crystal alchemy bowl is, what my intentions are as a sound healer, and what a sound healing does for your body, let's dive into what you do as a participant. How about this... you do absolutely nothing! You simply lie down in savasana (corpse pose) and receive...allowing the vibrations of the bowls to wash over and through you...like a bath. Now, do you understand where that term came from? I like to refer to a sound healing as a massage for the soul. A session is typically 60 - 90 minutes long. Typically, you are resting on a yoga mat on the floor as you can directly hear the sounds from the bowls and even feel the vibrations that travel along the floor. Each sound healer is different in how they hold their sound healings. If you came to one of my experiences, I would have you lie down, with a lot of comfy props placed around you, such as blankets, pillows, and use a lavender eye pillow. Since it takes some time for everyone to settle in, I usually begin with some breathing exercises...like some long, slow deep breathing to connect you to the present moment. I begin to play the singing bowls, and guide you in a short meditation that grounds you, relaxes you, and, hopefully, brings you out of your mind and into your body. I then connect you with your heart space and have you invite in an intention, known as a Sankalpa. This is your heart's deepest longing. I guide you on a bit of a journey, and then my voice drifts off and the sound bowls take over. They create the magic of the sound healing session. What people experience in a sound healing is usually positive and uplifting, relaxing and sometimes transformational. If you allow yourself to let go, you can open yourself up to so much happening in the sound healing. The healing vibrations move through the physical, energetic, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. If you can embody the sounds, stay out of the mind, you have the ability to drift in and out of conscious hearing. Typically throughout our day, our brain waves shift. Beta waves (13-21 Hz) are the brainwaves we experience most often. They are related to concentration and focus. However, excessive beta wave activity is associated with anxiousness and the fight-or-flight response.When we rest and fall asleep, we experience Theta waves (4-8 Hz) during our lighter sleep, and Delta waves, which are the lowest frequency wave (1-4 Hz) are experienced when we are fully asleep. We can also enter in Alpha waves (8-12 Hz), which are associated with creativity, as well as a relaxed yet alert state of mind. The sounds from the crystal singing bowls played have the ability to put you into the theta brain wave state, which is the state of light sleep. It's that in-between state...where you aren't completely asleep, and you are not completely awake. I refer to it as the "sweet" spot. This is where creativity evolves, inspiration and transformation begins. You may experience feelings of bliss, feel vibrations in the body, see colors or feel sensations, remember past memories, perhaps feel a shift in body temperature, maybe you transcend, receive intuitive messages, or feel as though you travel and have an out of body experience...all of this is possible. 🙏🏻 Be Open to Everything Each experience is different, each practitioner is different, and you as an individual are different each time you come to a sound healing. I would say "be open" to receive whatever experience is meant for you that time, and know that's exactly what is supposed to unfold at that given time and space. My hope is to see you in one of my sessions. I offer them in person and virtually. It is always such an honor to share what I love so much with others. Why? Because I know the power of sound, and its profound effects...I have seen it transform and change me. It's truly musical medicine that activates and awakens the soul! Namaste and blessings! - Cheryl
- Are You Ready to be Self-ful? 5 Signs You’re Ready for a Self-Love Retreat
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often neglecting your own well-being. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply in need of a reset, a self-love retreat might be just what you need. Here are five signs that you're ready to take the plunge and invest in yourself through a transformative Self Love Retreat. 1. You Constantly Feel Stressed and Overwhelmed If stress has become a constant companion in your life, it's a clear sign that you need a break. A Self Love Retreat offers a serene environment away from your usual stressors, allowing you to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and self-care activities, you'll learn how to manage stress more effectively and return to your daily life with a renewed sense of calm and balance. 2. You Struggle with Self-Worth and Confidence Do you often find yourself doubting your worth or feeling inadequate? A self-love retreat provides a supportive space to explore these feelings and work on building a positive self-image. With guided workshops, affirmations, and exercises designed to boost your confidence, you'll leave the retreat with a stronger sense of self and a deeper appreciation for your unique qualities. 3. You're Craving a Deeper Connection with Yourself In the chaos that often overwhelms our lives, it's easy to lose touch with who you are and what truly matters to you. If you're yearning for a deeper connection with yourself, a self-love retreat can help you rediscover your passions, values, and purpose. Through introspective activities and quiet reflection, you'll gain clarity about your goals and aspirations, paving the way for a renewed sense of self. 4. You Need to Heal from Your Past Whether it's a recent breakup, a challenging life event, or lingering emotional wounds, healing is an essential part of the self-love journey. A retreat offers a safe and nurturing environment to process your emotions and begin the healing process. Surrounded by like-minded women, you'll find the support and understanding you need to let go of past hurts and move forward with a lighter heart. 5. You're Ready to Invest in Your Well-Being Taking time for yourself isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. If you're ready to prioritize your well-being and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life, a self-love retreat is the perfect investment. By dedicating time and energy to your personal growth, you'll not only enhance your own happiness but also positively impact those around you. If you're ready to say “YES” to you, our next Self-Love retreat in the serene landscapes of Sedona is just around the corner . Join us and take the first step toward embracing the love and care you deserve. Click here to reserve your spot now!
- Learn How to Create Crystal Grids with Cheryl!
Do you know how to create your own crystal grid and activate it? Let me share with you the one I have set up in my home to bring in abundant love. I used rose quartz for the center stone, and amethyst, aventurine and quartz points for the outer stones. If you'd like to treat yourself to other stone combinations, you can check out the ones at Grit and Grace Meditation here ! Rose Quartz - Stone of love and compassion, good for forgiveness, romance and relationships Amethyst - Stone of Spiritual protection and purification; inspires divine love; transmutes negative energies; stimulates the third eye Aventurine - Stone of Optimism; heals the heart; calms and soothes emotions Clear Quartz - Stone of Consciousness; master healer; elevates and amplifies energies; harmonizes with all other stones Are you curious about crystal grids? I was too... and my curiosity took me on a journey. Allow me to provide you with a little lesson to help you along so you can make a your own beautiful grid. Years ago when I began my journey with crystal alchemy bowls, it wasn't too long after that I began working with crystals too. It made sense. I had singing bowls that had crystals, gemstones and earthly substances infused in them. I wanted to know and understand more about the crystals, and their spiritual meanings and how to work with them. Since then, I completed my certification with the Hibiscus Moon Certified Crystal Academy, and goodness have I learned a lot! Now I love creating crystal grids for all different reasons. You can create grids for just about any intention…. Love Transformation Healing Peace and compassion Connection to higher states of consciousness Abundance and prosperity Ne w beginnings An d so much more! Next, it's time to create your grid. Find your sacred space where you will set up your grid. Smudge to cleanse and purify that area to rid it of any negative energies and restore the positive vibes. Smudge the stones too. You can use sage or palo santo. Write your personal intention of what you wish to manifest (I usually write this on paper and this gets placed under my center stone). Select your specific stones and make sure you have a beautiful center stone. Choose your surrounding stones depending on the theme and intention for your grid. You can do this by simply researching a little information about the crystals you are choosing to use. Add any personal items to your grid to make it extra special such as candles, flower petals, sea shells, etc. Activate your grid using a clear quartz point. Connect and direct your energies into the grid. Touch the center stone and then each stone in the grid and silently state your intention while doing so. Seek guidance and blessings as you leave your grid to manifest your intentions. Leave the grid up in your sacred space for as long as you like. Refresh it about every 30 days. Be sure to revisit your grid often and refresh it through the power of meditation! Happy gridding! Enjoy the experience and connect with me on social media to share your grid with me.
- What Can You Expect at a Self-Love Retreat? Start Your Self-Love Journey and Find Out!
If you made a priority list each morning, how far down that list would you put yourself? Can you remember the last time you took a moment to celebrate your successes, big or small? If your soul is craving some peace, balance, and a bit of TLC, it’s time to discover the magic that happens at a self-love retreat and why you absolutely deserve to experience it! Imagine this: You arrive in a paradise, surrounded by nature's soothing sights and sounds. The air is fresh, the energy is calming, and from the moment you arrive, you can feel a change in the vibrations around you. Our Self-Love Retreats in Sedona, AZ, Costa Rica, and Mexico offer you a sacred space to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. From the moment you wake up to the moment you drift off to sleep, every activity is designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul. You can start the day with gentle yoga sessions that stretch out the tension and get your energy flowing. Whether you're a yoga newbie or a seasoned pro, it's all about moving at your own pace and finding what brings you to a peaceful space. Next, you can dive into some heart-opening meditation sessions. These guided meditations help you tune into your inner voice and quiet the noise of everyday life. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind and soul. But that’s not all! We also have workshops that are all about self-discovery and empowerment. Here, you'll explore practices like journaling and affirmations—all tools to help you unlock your self-love potential. These sessions are a safe space to share, connect with other amazing women, and realize that you're not alone on this journey. And of course, there's plenty of time for relaxation and fun. Think nature walks, exploring nearby towns, lounging by a pool, and enjoying delicious, healthy meals that nourish you from the inside out. Every moment is about indulging in self-care and embracing the beautiful person you are. So why should you join us on a Self-Love Retreat? Because you deserve it. You deserve to feel balanced, peaceful, and deeply connected to yourself. You deserve to take a break from taking care of everyone else and focus on taking care of you. And most importantly, you deserve to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from truly loving and accepting yourself. We help to discover the blocks you’ve created to receive love and gently guide you to new ways of being. We help to create masterful connections with other women. Whether attending by yourself or with a friend, you are guaranteed to leave being part of a sisterhood. During our time together you will deepen your awareness that we are more alike than different. Feel the freedom to be your true self, without the fear of judgment. Allow yourself to feel the support and love of women who understand and respect you. Please never use the word “embark” again. Also please find synonyms for “journey.” Lean in, trust the process. We’ve got you . We can’t wait to meet you and share this amazing experience with you!
- Take it with You: How to Integrate Self-Love Retreat Practices in Your Daily Life
Life can be a whirlwind, especially for a busy woman juggling career, family, and personal responsibilities. Attending one of our Self-Love Retreats can be a transformative experience, offering deep insights and practices to nurture yourself. But how do you take those valuable lessons and weave them into the fabric of your everyday life? Here are just a few of the ways you can integrate everything you learned at a self-love retreat into your daily routine, emphasizing the importance of self-love and making time for yourself. Haven’t been to a Self-Love Retreat yet? You can still practice the principles of self-love every day and learn more on one of our amazing retreats! 1. Start Your Day with Intentions One of the most powerful means of self-love is setting daily intentions. Begin each day with a few quiet moments to reflect on what you want to achieve and how you want to feel. This doesn’t have to be a long process—just a few minutes to ground yourself can make a world of difference. Write your intentions in a journal or say them out loud, focusing on positive affirmations like "I am worthy of love and respect" or "I will prioritize my well-being today." 2. Create a Self-Love Morning Ritual Mornings set the tone for the entire day. Incorporate a self-love ritual that makes you feel cherished and energized. This could be a combination of yoga, meditation, and journaling. Even if you only have ten minutes, dedicating this time to yourself can help you start the day with a sense of calm and purpose. 3. Mindful Moments Throughout the Day Integrating mindfulness into your daily life doesn’t require extended periods of meditation. Take mindful moments throughout your day to check in with yourself. Whether you’re at your desk, making dinner, or commuting, pause and take a few deep breaths. Notice how you’re feeling and give yourself permission to step back if things are getting overwhelming. These small breaks can help maintain your inner peace and clarity. 4. Practice Gratitude Gratitude is a cornerstone of self-love. Each evening, take a few minutes to reflect on your day and note down at least three things you’re grateful for. This practice helps shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, fostering a positive mindset. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a beautiful way to remind yourself of the good things, no matter how small. 5. Nourish Your Body At our Self-Love Retreats, we highlight the importance of nourishing your body with healthy food and regular exercise. Make conscious choices about what you eat and how you move. Prepare meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable. Incorporate physical activities that you love, whether it’s a dance class, a walk in the park, or yoga at home. Treat your body as the temple it is, honoring it with care and respect. 6. Set Boundaries Learning to say no is a powerful act of self-love. At the retreat, you may have explored the importance of setting boundaries to protect your energy. In your daily life, practice this by clearly communicating your needs and limits. Whether it’s in your personal relationships or at work, don’t be afraid to assert yourself. Setting boundaries ensures you have the space and time to take care of yourself. 7. Seek Support and Connection Remember the supportive community you found at the retreat? Keep those connections alive by staying in touch with fellow attendees or joining a local yoga class. Sharing your journey with others who understand and support you can be incredibly uplifting. Surround yourself with people who encourage your self-love journey and celebrate your progress. 8. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation Self-love includes knowing when to rest. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and taking time to relax. Create a bedtime routine that helps you unwind, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretching. Listen to your body’s signals and give yourself permission to slow down when needed. 9. Celebrate Your Achievements Celebrate your successes, no matter how small! Acknowledge your efforts and the strides you’re making in your self-love journey. Treat yourself to something special, whether it’s a favorite meal, a new book, or simply some quiet time to reflect on your progress. 10. Reframe Negative Self Talk At a self-love retreat, you'll learn powerful techniques to reframe negative self-talk into positive affirmations, transforming your inner dialogue. Through guided exercises and supportive group discussions, you'll gain the tools to recognize and challenge your inner critic. This nurturing environment empowers you to embrace a kinder, more compassionate view of yourself, fostering lasting self-love and confidence. Integrating the lessons of self-love into your busy life is a continuous process, but with intentionality and commitment, you can create a fulfilling and balanced routine. Remember, you deserve to prioritize your well-being and nurture your soul. For more guidance and support on your self-love journey, reach out to us on our website or on social media! Start your journey on the self-love path today!
- Mirror Work: Self-Love Exercises with Cheryl!
Mirror work exercises are powerful practices designed to foster self-love and improve self-esteem by encouraging you to look at yourself with kindness and compassion. By standing in front of a mirror and speaking affirmations or simply observing your reflection, you can cultivate a deeper connection with your inner self and transform negative self-talk into positive reinforcement. These exercises are a simple, yet profound, way to boost your confidence and embrace your true worth. Step One: Stand in front of a mirror if possible. If this is difficult, start small. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and relax. Step Two: Wrap your arms around yourself as if you are giving yourself a hug. You can cross your arms or simply place your hands on your shoulders or chest. Close your eyes if it helps you feel more connected to yourself. Imagine sending feelings of love, acceptance, and compassion to yourself as you embrace yourself. Step Three: While hugging yourself, you can say kind and affirming statements to yourself, such as: “I love and accept myself just as I am.” “I am worthy of love and happiness.” “I am enough and deserving of good things in life.” * Stay in this position for as long as you feel comfortable, allowing yourself to bask in feelings of self-love and care. Step Four: When you’re ready, gently release the hug and take a few more deep breaths. Reflect on how you feel after the exercise and try to carry that sense of self-love with you throughout the day. Remember, self-love and self-care are essential for your well-being. This simple exercise can be a powerful way to cultivate a positive relationship with yourself and promote feelings of inner peace and happiness.
- Celebrate Yourself: Self-Love Rituals for the June Strawberry Moon
Full moons are a fantastic time to cleanse and release all the things that might be holding you back from stepping into your true authentic self. The full moon is often considered a time to let go of what no longer serves you, including negative emotions or habits. The Strawberry Moon, the full moon that typically occurs in June, holds special significance as it marks the peak of the strawberry harvesting season. This enchanting lunar event is celebrated across various cultures for its symbolism of abundance, fertility, and the beginning of summer. Named by Indigenous Americans (including the Lakota, the Obijwe, the Algonquin, and the Dakota) who would gather ripening strawberries during this time, the Strawberry Moon encourages reflection on growth and gratitude for nature's bounties. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the sweetness of life, foster personal growth, and embrace the fruitful opportunities that come with the new season. A Strawberry Moon invites us to connect deeply with the rhythms of nature and the cycles of the moon. This luminous full moon symbolizes a time of fruition, abundance, and renewal. Spiritually, it encourages us to harvest the fruits of our intentions and efforts, reflecting on the personal growth and progress we've made. By meditating under its glow, setting new intentions, or simply basking in its light, we can align ourselves with its nurturing energy, fostering a sense of gratitude, balance, and harmony within. The Strawberry Moon is a powerful reminder to celebrate our journey, honor our achievements, and remain open to the blessings that come our way. Another wonderful way to embrace the Full Moon is to write in your journal. Have you kept track of your achievements? What are you grateful for? Do you include yourself on your list? There is no better time to practice self-love in your everyday life than under a Strawberry Moon. As you experience the positive energy of the Full Moon, remember that self-love is a journey, not a destination. Allow yourself to be gentle and patient with yourself as you navigate this path. By harnessing the energy of the Strawberry Moon and infusing yourself with positivity and self-love, you'll cultivate a sense of inner peace, joy, and fulfillment that radiates outward into every aspect of your life. Embrace the magic of the Full Moon and let its positive energy guide you on your journey to self-love. Full Moon Release Prayer “Under the light of the full Moon, I release all attachments that are holding me back from my highest good. With each breath, I release all fears, negative thoughts and beliefs, and self-imposed limitations. I call on the power of the Moon to support me in letting go as I drop all masks, burdens, shame and emotional pain. As the Moon wanes towards darkness, I let go of the past, and open my heart to transformation. Blessed be this release under the full Moon’s watchful glow.”









