Stronger, happier and healthier together!

Back to community....

After spending 2 years in Spain, I decided that when I returned home, I'd direct more of my energy towards community building. Living in Cuenca, I experienced firsthand, the reciprocity of community. One where the underlying assumption is that we all need support, whether we ask for it or not.

Unlike in the U.S., where the messages are more focused on taking care of yourself, hard work, going it alone, and projecting strength, in Spain, there is an honestly around the truth of the matter which is that we are stronger together, we are happier together and we are healthier together.

It's not surprising to me that a poll conducted by Spain's Centre for Sociological Research showed that 8 out of 10 Spaniards report being happy and in 2019, Bloomberg's Healthiest Country Index ranked Spain the healthiest country in the world.

Sure, there's the mediterranean diet and the siesta, but it's more than that. It's a feeling that you're not alone - that you're in it together. Some of you may have read my blogs during the Spanish quarantine where I dive into this feeling. You can check that out here.

What I'm getting at is that when we do things together, it's more enjoyable AND we are more likely to succeed. I'll dive into more of that research soon but for now, let's just feel into our own examples. Think of the times when you wanted to start a new habit like meditation or exercise or yoga. Can you remember times when you enlisted a buddy and it made it easier and more fun? Or a time when you needed to do something really difficult and you asked someone to do it with you versus times when you did it alone instead. I'm sure that you all have your own personal examples that come to mind.

I know that my yoga and meditation practices are stronger because of you! I know that teaching and having a community to practice with keeps me accountable and supported not to mention connected and grateful!

That's why I've been working to embed community support in all that I offer. It's not just for you - it's for me too! That's what I mean by the reciprocity of community. We should ALL be benefitting!

In that vein, I have a bunch of offerings (many free😀) this month to help you reduce stress, build your capacity to do hard things (a fun way to say, increase resilience) and feel better about life. I know optimism is a tall order these days, but when we're feeling connected, it's so much easier!

***Note that this month's "First Tuesday Taster" will be on the second Tuesday (September 14).

September is Your Brain on Mindfulness Month!

Tuesday Taster: Sneak Peak into Your Brain on Mindfulness
Join me on September 14, 6-7pm (MST) for a free class that highlights the foundations of Your Brain on Mindfulness. Through lecture and practice you'll get a taste of the 8-week course that begins September 27. Participants will receive a $150 discount on the course. Your questions are welcome!
Register here


Free 10-day "Get Your Meditation On" Challenge
Let's meditate together September 15-24.
Mark your calendars - more info to come!


Mudras and Mindfulness
I'm thrilled to be co-teaching with Denise Druce on September 18. In this 3-hour workshop we'll explore 5 gentle yoga practices incorporating mudras, movement and mindfulness and discuss the effects f each on your mind, body and brain. A recording of the workshop will be provided to all who register.
Register here


Your Brain on Mindfulness: 8 Weeks to Dissolve Stress, Build Resilience & Thrive
Next round starts Sept 27. Click here to join the pre-registration list and receive a $150 discount.


Your Yoga: A Virtual Community
This the sweetest online community ever. We practice on zoom 4 times a week (vinyasa, restore and meditation) and all classes are recorded. Get started with a free one-week trial.


Individual Yoga Therapy
I have a couple of available spots. If you'd like to talk about whether yoga therapy is a good fit, reply to this email or set up a discovery call here.


Podcast
Jennifer Bloom is a wonderful colleague who hosts a podcast/youtube channel called Soul Wisdom Abundance. Listen to a conversation between Jennifer and I here.


Virtual Coffee Date
I'd love to say hi. Reply to this email and let me know if you'd like to chat or just sign up here!

And if none of those resonate, in last weeks blog, I mentioned a bunch of resources I've been accessing to help me grow and connect. You can check those out here.

Wishing you a day full of deep support and connection. Thanks for being here and I hope to connect with you soon!

Much love,

Rachel