On the benefits of meditation.
Meditation is not the most glamorous of activities as it mainly involves sitting with yourself in quiet. Most people I know are quite busy, so it can get challenging to allocate time to simply "be" and not do all of the things that life demands.
Science has dedicated time to study the benefits of meditation. My hope is that as I share some key findings you will find it worthwhile to bring meditation into you daily self care practice.
Let's first define meditation. One of my teachers, Ashley Turner, offered the definition of, "Mediation is the practice of sustained, voluntary attention." It's a practice that trains the mind to be stable in a sustainable way. That could include focusing on your breath, a phrase or mantra, or listening to particular guided practices. There are so many different ways to meditate, so the key is finding what works for you. I will offer more on this in the future. For now, I want to focus on the WHY behind a meditation practice.
Here are some of the few main takeaways science has proven as a result of a consistent daily meditation practice:
Gyrification: allows the brain to process information faster.
Brain function: increases whole brain function by synchronizing the right + left hemispheres of the brain.
Focus: improves focus by causing an increase in cortical thickness (responsible for attention).
Mood: dopamine + serotonin levels increase which is associated with positivity + happiness.
Stress reduction: decreases stress + anxiety by down regulating cortisol and adrenaline.
There is so much value to this simple, yet powerful practice. I have felt some of these benefits first hand. The other great part is ... there are no negative side effects to a meditation practice. So why not give it a try?
Some meditation tips, along with types of mediation coming your way in future blog posts. In the meantime, I would love to hear what you uncover if meditation is something you are willing to integrate into your life. Please keep me posted with your journey.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On expansion.
What does expansion mean to you? If you look in the dictionary, the main definition is “the action of becoming larger or more extensive,” and “a thing formed by the enlargement, broadening, or development of something.” I have been meditating on this a lot lately as I watch the seasons change in Chicago… buds forming, flowers blooming; there is growth and expansion everywhere.
As human beings we can continue to expand internally without any sort of outward shift. Whether it’s from education, trainings, or life experiences. It can also be a feeling. There are so many situations we encounter that could potentially offer an opportunity to expand.
As I continue to peel away the layers, have conversations with friends, and explore, I started to apply this to many areas in my life. Rather than the positive vs. negative mindset, it’s the idea of expanding and limiting. When working with a positive and negative mindset, I have found that this can get a little ridged and there is also a tendency for judgment and criticism. When focusing on expanding vs limiting, this can be applied to everyone’s own lives as it’s relative to where we are at in any given moment. What may be growth and development for one individual, may not yield the same results for another. This is pretty profound if you pause for a moment and think about it. This mentality can truly apply to all things in life… situations, people, food, experiences, books, etc. … anything and everything.
If this is something that resonates with you, please comment or reach out and keep on exploring. I am also constantly seeking the ability to grow, broaden, develop and expand. I truly hope that you can find a sense of expansion in all your endeavors.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On exploring spirituality.
Spirituality. I find this topic so fascinating as I look back on my own personal journey with spirituality. I was raised very strict Roman Catholic with weekly church services that extended all the way into the end of high school. As I left for college and explored my own independence, this was something that I started to have an aversion to. My faith was no longer a priority. Life always offers many twists and turns, and while I don’t currently subscribe to a particular religious practice, my belief in a divine entity is strong. This is where I consider myself spiritual.
Spirituality is a term that carries various meanings and connotations based on each individual’s experience, yet it is something that exists in all traditions and cultures. One common thread in spirituality is this curiosity and desire to learn about a power/entity that is greater than ourselves, and to dive deeper into the human experience as a means to connect with the greatest expression of our true essence.
If you are curious about your own spiritual practice, some self-inquiry could include:
Do you have a spiritual practice?
What do you think and feel when you hear the word "spiritual"?
What activities bring a sense of peace into your life?
Do you want a spiritual practice? Why/why not?
What does a spiritual practice look like? It can be something you do everyday that draws you deeper into who you really are by connecting you with your divine Self. It’s not so much about the form or what your spiritual practice looks like, but rather the connective quality of the time spent with your practice.
Some examples could include ... meditation, yoga, prayer, time in nature, journaling, gardening, living healthier, the list goes on ...
Just as with anything worthwhile, it takes courage and discipline to create the space for a spiritual practice. You must be willing to be present for however the process unfolds... not only for the moments that bring joy, but the challenging ones as well... in order to live life as your most divine and authentic Self.
I would love to hear some thoughts and insights on your own journey. If this is something you are looking to explore more, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and to connect. Wishing you many blessings on your spiritual journey.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On balancing energies.
Inhale and exhale. Day and night. Sun and moon. Masculine and feminine. Yin and yang. There are so many opposing energies that we interact with on a daily basis in our lives. We all carry these opposing energies within ourselves at any given point in time. It's the tension of the opposites. More than one that can be true in any given moment.
Over the years I have leaned into a more feminine way of existence due to the fact that our society is run predominantly on masculine energy. When exploring the more masculine/yang/solar energy, it's marked with more doing. The logical, confident, goal driven and linear way of showing up in the world. All these things associated with the masculine are beautiful just the way they are, but when only working with these qualities and characteristics you may experience a sense of imbalance.
Feeling imbalanced can show up in many ways, the most obvious having to be a sense of depletion, exhaustion and lack of energy. An exploration of the opposition might land in a place marked with more equilibrium and harmony. When cultivating a relationship with the more feminine/lunar/yin way of existence, tune into qualities such as intuition, nurturing, collaboration, receptivity and gratitude.
My own personal healing and transformation came in several forms. I started working closely with the prenatal population, which opened up conversation and trainings surrounding women's health, and how we can continue to better support and uplift each other in a system that is not designed to do so. I also started to get really curious about the Moon and started manifesting a life that feels authentic to me utilizing the rhythms and energy of the moon.
The work shows up differently for all of us. It could be as simple as creating a gratitude list daily. Doing a creative art project to open up your intuition. Meditation as a state of being rather than the constant doing associated with the masculine. It’s a constant practice as the world is always shifting around us. As you work to cultivate this relationship with both the yin and yang energies that exist within you, the hope is you can find a sense of ease, steadiness and feel energized as you continue to navigate the human experience.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On being sober curious.
It’s been 87 days since I had a sip of alcohol. At the start of this year, I committed to 100 days of sobriety with a few other friends. I noticed that my consumption in 2020 extended far beyond what was my “normal” and I was craving a reset. Below are some observations from my experience of being sober curious.
At the beginning of all this, 100 days felt like quite a large number. Now that I’m so far along on this journey, I haven’t quite decided how alcohol will fit in my life moving forward. The good news is that doesn’t have to be decided in this moment, but beyond the 100 days, I have no attachments either way. I consider myself very fortunate that this has not been challenging. Of course there were moments when a glass of wine sounded really lovely, but it was relatively easy to shift the focus to something else and carry on.
Some of the unexpected …
We store so much in our bodies, so it was very fascinating for me to observe how things shifted and adjusted along the way. As my system started to clear out, I noticed waves of emotions that I wasn’t quite ready for. Just like with everything, it passed, but still so interesting to notice. I also started to crave sweets and sugars more as I wasn’t getting it from alcohol. It’s been a variety of cookies, and cupcakes, but even that is subsiding.
Some of the expected …
I’m sleeping better. There is nothing better than a solid night of sleep to make the day ahead feel a little lighter and brighter. My mind and thoughts are clearer. This is particularly useful as I’m currently involved in an advanced yoga psychology teacher training program along with hosting a lot of specialized yoga events. My body is carrying weight differently resulting in moving better. Plus the energy. I have so much more for the day to day and everything that comes my way.
While everything feels a little realer being sober, it also feels so much more alive. Of course there are challenges, but the sobriety also makes the joy so much more potent. My relationship to alcohol has shifted, especially knowing that I am completely fine either way. I’m looking forward to seeing how this will show up in the rest of my life moving forward. All I know is that I’m currently more inspired and present for the entirety of the human experience.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On a year of the pandemic.
I spent a little bit of time reflecting on all that has transpired this past year…
I traded stories with fellow yoga teachers as to how we spent our last few days before moving into shutdown. It’s so fascinating the little details that we all remembered. All those details reflective our own personal experiences and perspectives. There was a sense of fondness, of camaraderie, but also some sadness.
Sometimes I cannot believe that it has only been a year. Other moments, this past year has felt like an eternity. So much has changed, but so much has stayed the same all at once. It’s been a year filled with heartache, fear, uncertainty and grief with a combination of joy, resilience, love and hope. A tension of the opposites. So many things being true all at once.
While we all faced our own individual challenges, it was this massive collective trauma. This rupture that created an opportunity … a threshold of initiation. A place to grow and transcend. Known as the hero’s journey, or the story of the wounded warrior. We are all warriors as you continue to navigate this human experience and what’s ahead.
Keep on fighting the good fight.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On working with your nervous system.
For several years now I have been studying the nervous system in various contexts. There is a such a close integration of the mind body connection present in yoga, which results in making this a very intuitive path to explore.
The primary function of our nervous system is to make sure that we are safe. There is a part of our reptilian brain that is constantly scanning our surroundings to ensure that we can safely move through the present moment. Most of us are familiar with our body's natural responses of the sympathetic nervous system having to do with flight, fright, freeze and fold... all in an effort to keep us safe.
Starting to get acquainted with your nervous system might feel like a challenging task, but it's actually quite simple. Tuning into your body's sensations and the messages your body sends your way is how you begin to cultivate a relationship with your nervous system.
Start to notice your body's response to what happens to you in your daily life. Notice those things that bring you joy. For example, a spontaneous 'sigh of relief' when you walk out into the sunshine. For me, driving causes a lot of anxiety, my jaw tenses up the second I sit in my car. Giving yourself that moment to pause and notice the signals your body is communicating is how you begin to understand safety, the implications on your nervous system, and how stress shows up in your life.
As you gather this information, I encourage you to observe from a place of non-judgement, and be really curious about the messages your body is sending you. Catalog this information and start to notice if there are any patterns as time passes. It's somewhat of a science experiment to better know yourself and how you respond to stressors in your life.
As you better understand yourself and your nervous system, the hope is you can utilize this information in your daily life to better take care of yourself.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On cold/contrast therapy.
A few weeks ago I wrote about some of the breathing practices that I have been implementing for several months now. The inspiration came from Wim Hof and the the science that supports the practices that he offers in his method. Some benefits include improved cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation in the body. Today I want to share some of my personal experiences with the cold/contrast therapy and how it has impacted my life.
Cold showers are not very enticing, especially this time of year when it’s already quite cold in Chicago. It takes time to get acclimated to the cold and Wim Hof offers a gradual approach. Here is a brief summary:
After taking your warm shower, shift the temperature to cold.
Begin with your hands and feet, from there, start to include your entire body; it’s a gradual introduction so as not to shock the system.
Start with 15 seconds. Each week increase the time to 30 seconds, 45 seconds, a minute, ultimately working your way up to 2 minutes.
It is recommended to do this 5 days a week.
Initially, I hated it. It was a struggle. I had to set a timer, play some music, take lots of deep breaths, some profanity was involved … all just to make it to 15 seconds. As time passed and my body began to adjust. The cold showers/contrast therapy turned into something that was not only bearable, but enjoyable. I would honestly have to say that it took a solid 6-8 weeks for me to get to this place.
This is what enjoyable means to me in this particular situation:
I started to feel more awake. The morning fog would pass very quickly. This is definitely an effective way to wake up.
I feel more energized. Not only feeling more awake, but my system was ready to go. More energy means having the capacity to do more of the things I have to, but also the things I love to do.
I am warmer. I was one of those people that was constantly cold. This made it extremely challenging to regulate my system when the external temperatures dropped. Once I get out of the cold water, this surge of warmth comes over me. I am able to regulate my body temperature and not as easily impacted by the external environment. If you are a person that is constantly cold, you know how this can significantly impact your life.
Of course there are ways that you can continue to build on this practice to make it what you want it to be. I am about 3 months in now, and I am so grateful that I experimented with cold therapy. I foresee this being a practice that I sustain throughout my lifetime as it has brought so much energy and vitally in my day to day. It’s simple to integrate into my day and it’s effective. I would love to hear if you have any cold/contrast therapy practices that have supported you. In the meantime, hope you are staying healthy and strong.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On mindful eating.
As I continue to move through my yoga journey, I notice how the mindfulness component that I cultivate on my yoga mat starts to permeate in my daily life. One big shift for me came with how I consume food, hence this exploration of mindful eating.
I used to multitask while eating. Whether it was standing up and talking, sitting at my computer and doing work, even in my car while driving. The process of eating was one that I never really enjoyed. A lot of the struggles I encountered with food had to do with the complicated relationship that I have with my body. I actually don’t know too many individuals that don’t have a somewhat complex relationship when it comes to food consumption and their body. My own personal relationship with food is something that I have been working with for years, and I very much anticipate this to be a lifelong endeavor. I am currently in a place where I celebrate nourishing myself. This mindset came with eating mindfully.
Some mindful eating practices that have supported me on my journey:
I wait to feel the sensation of hunger before I eat. This insures that I am eating because my body needs fuel and not due to many of the other reasons why we eat food.
I think about what I want to eat. I eat what is appealing to me in the moment.
When time allows, I prepare my meals with consideration and care.
Before eating, I pause and say a quiet prayer or gratitude … grateful for the ability to nourish my body, mind and soul.
I smell the food I’m going to eat.
I take my time chewing, pausing between bites, with an aim to be fully present for the taste, texture, temperature, flavors, etc.
I stop eating when I am full.
I understand that all this seems simple and takes time, but what a scared act… to nourish oneself. This is something to be celebrated.
I have turned to my good friend and Registered Dietitian, Kristen Brogan Johnson, on many occasions when looking for information when it comes to nutrition, optimizing my health, and exploring delicious food. I am so excited to be able to partner up with her as we combine mindful movement with mindful eating. On Monday, February 22, at 5:00pm CT join us for a virtual event “Yoga + Buddha Bowls” designed to teach, inspire and motivate you to make mindful movement and mindful eating part of your everyday.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On experimenting with the Wim Hof breathing technique.
For a little over two months now, I have been experimenting with some Wim Hof techniques. I typically struggle with seasonal anxiety and depression during the cold winter months hence why I decided to explore the practices of breath retention and cold therapy. There is so much science to support the effectiveness of these practices for overall health and well-being. I will spare all the technical explanations here as all the information can be found on the Wim Hof website. I will instead share with you what I have noticed as I consistently work with these practices. Today’s post will focus on the breath.
Breath retention: This practice is a series for 30-40 rounds of deep breathes, followed by retaining the breath as long as you can without forcing, and then a 15 second hold reset breath. You repeat this for 3-4 rounds and track your results. I feel it’s important to take note that manipulating the breath in any way can actually result in inducing anxiety. But just being open and curious as to how the practice unfolds is a huge component to any sort of self-care routine. Some patterns for me…
1. The first round is always the shortest breath hold, and it progressively gets longer from there.
2. Days that I’m more stressed it’s much more challenging for me to retain my breath.
3. My lung capacity is expanding as my breath holds are longer on average from when I first started.
All this seems very obvious and makes sense to me. Working with the breath like this can be a form of exercise that the yoga practice recognizes as pranayama. It can also be a practice in meditation. Beyond the quantitative observations listed above, energetically I have noticed other big changes as well…
1. I feel so much more energized and awake.
2. My seasonal struggles are much less than any other year.
While this may not seem substantial … it is! Think about how having more energy impacts your entire day. You not only have the capacity to do all your adult obligations with more clarity and vigor, but you also have more energy to do the things that you love. When you can allocate time to the things you love, then that automatically invites more joy into your day to day.
I would love to hear if you have any regular breath practices that you integrate into your day that create a shift in how you are able to live your life. Truly, it doesn’t have to be a breath practice, it can be any sort of technique that you use. Next week more on the cold therapy.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On giving back to the community.
For as long as I can remember, service and volunteer work has been a part of my upbringing. Every night my mom would ask me to pray for three people, along with what I was grateful for. I recall high school afternoons of candy striping at the hospital and tending to the garden at our local church, just to name a few. Giving back to the community and supporting others is something that I value deeply.
I am so honored to volunteer and teach yoga for an amazing organization called Salt and Light Coalition. Salt and Light Coalition is a grassroots movement mobilizing individuals and organizations to empower survivors of human trafficking to live meaningful and purposeful lives. To learn more about the amazing work that Salt and Coalition does, please click here.
January is human trafficking awareness month. Sadly enough, Chicago has the highest number of human trafficking cases in the country. To bring more awareness and help fight the battle of human trafficking, I’m offering a donation based yoga class through Zen Yoga Garage. If you are unable to attend class, any financial contribution is greatly appreciated. Please also share with any family and friends that would be interested in supporting this cause.
Class is on Friday, January 29th from 8-9am CT. To sign up for class, please click here.
To make a financial contribution, please click here. 100% of funds raised will go directly to Salt + Light Coalition.
Thank you so much for your consideration, support and energy. Here’s to continuously lifting each other up and bringing some loving kindness into this world.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On a spiritual practice.
Spirituality is a term that carries various meanings and connotations based on each individual’s experience and religious background, yet it is something that exists in all traditions and cultures. One common thread in spirituality is this curiosity and desire to learn about a power/entity that is greater than ourselves, and to dive deeper into the human experience as a means to connect with the greatest expression of our true essence.
Some self-inquiry could include:
Do you have a spiritual practice?
What do you think and feel when you hear the word "spiritual"?
What activities bring a sense of peace into your life?
Do you want a spiritual practice? Why/why not?
What does a spiritual practice look like? It can be something you do everyday that draws you deeper into who you really are by connecting you with your divine self. It’s not so much about the form or what your spiritual practice looks like, but rather the connective quality of the time spent with your practice.
Some examples could include ... meditation, yoga, prayer, time in nature, journaling, gardening, living healthier, enjoying a delicious cup of tea, moon ceremonies, really the list goes on ...
Just as with anything worthwhile, it takes courage and discipline to create the space for a spiritual practice. You must be willing to be present for however the process unfolds... not only for the moments that bring joy, but the challenging ones as well... in order to live life as your most divine and authentic self.
I would love to hear some thoughts and insights on your own journey. If this is something you are looking to explore more, let’s have a conversation and see what comes up. Here’s to finding a spiritual practice that brings you peace.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On shifting your vibration.
Last week I explored the Law of Vibrations. It’s a big topic and I wanted to expand on it a little bit more as there is so much to discuss and discover. This idea of “good vibes only” is lovely in theory, but it is typically not the reality of the life we experience. As we dive a little deeper, I wanted to offer useful tools to potentially lean into when you find yourself in those more “low vibe” frequencies and ways to shift your vibration.
We have all been in a situation that has left us feeling somewhat “yucky” and not good, to say the least. This is your body talking to you and emotions that are processing. Sometimes it’s hard to shake off. I get it. I have been there more often than not myself. So then the question becomes, how can we shift the vibration/the energy?
Time is amazing. Sometimes we just need a little bit of space.
I also found the “Emotional Guidance Scale” extremely useful from Abraham Hicks. It ranks our feelings/emotions from lower frequencies to higher. For example, fear/desperation/powerlessness at the bottom, moving up to blame, worry doubt. You keep going up to contentment, optimism, and lastly joy/appreciation/love at the top. There are a whole lot more listed in between the ones that I mentioned, but I just want to give you a general sense of what this scale looks like. Identifying where you fall on the scale, where your vibration is at, and then gradually working your way up is much more of a realistic account of how we move through things. When trying to process something really terrible that has happened, it’s near impossible to find yourself in a place where you feel gratitude and joy. Knowing where you are at and being able to identify as you move up this ladder gives you a sense of awareness and ownership as you process and shift your energy/vibration.
Once we are able to take care of ourselves, and show up from a place that is a higher vibration, we can hopefully bring this same energy to those around us. We have the ability to create positive, impactful and sustainable change to the world around us from a place of love.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On the Law of Vibration
The Law of Vibration is one of the most important Universal Laws. It states that everything in the Universe moves and vibrates - everything is vibrating at one speed or another. Nothing rests. Everything you see around you is vibrating at one frequency or another, and so are you.
Tapping into the Law of Vibration is a power source behind living the life of your dreams... of cultivating and manifesting your dream life into reality. Think about it. Everything has an energy .. a rock, a book, your couch, even your thoughts and feelings. Literally everything in nature.
As we enter into 2021, I encourage you think beyond the resolutions, but rather get really clear on the energy you want to invite into this year ahead. It's powerful and it's the foundation for the life you want to live. Every action starts with a thought and a feeling. Start to get intentional on your internal dialogue and allow that to steep and create your reality.
Not sure on where to start? Here are some questions to consider:
What brings you joy and happiness?
What energizes you?
How can you invite more of that into your life?
"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality to want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics." Albert Einstein.
Wishing you a year ahead using the Law of Vibration and energy to elevate yourself. Happy New Year!
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On the final days of 2020
Reflecting on this past year …
As I sit here at my computer, knowing that there are just a few days left to 2020, it is challenging to articulate what this past year has offered. I think the phrase that I repeated the most on a regular basis was, “What the f*ck?”. There were a lot of heavy sighs as well. It’s been a little bit of everything. All of the emotions. A roller coaster ride filled with moments of laughter to moments where your stomach ends up in your throat. Sometimes experiencing all of those emotions in the span of five minutes. 2020 has definitely left an impression, and one that I will most likely never forget.
To be clear, I consider myself very fortunate. In the grand scheme of things, I feel that I have made it through all that this year has had to offer, relatively unscathed. For this I am grateful and will continue to be grateful. But several things can be true all at once. And I feel that I am not alone when I say that this year was A LOT.
There was a lot of uncertainty. A lot of fear. A lot of pivoting. A lot of adapting. A lot of forced change. Along with all of that came a lot of transformation. A lot of growth. A lot of learning. There was so much to process all of the time. It has proven to be quite exhausting, but I know that I will be better for it.
In my heart, there is a resounding “GOOD RIDDANCE” to 2020. I am not naive into thinking that all the challenges of this past year are over. There is still so much work ahead. But I am so hopeful… hopeful because of the resiliency and the grit that I see all around me on a regular basis. I also feel this shift that is bringing me closer to truth and love.
Happy New Year!
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On the Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice Greetings!
December 21st at 4:02am CT is the moment when the Earth is tilted as far away from the Sun as possible. This is the shortest day, resulting in the longest night of the year. As we tune into the cyclical nature of existence, this is a great time to honor the cycles and seasons that remind us of the ever changing flow of life.
Each season has its own unique energy. Whether we are aware of it or not, the changing seasons have a profound affect on us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When we become aware of the different energies present in each season, we can better understand what we need in order to feel nourished and find balance.
There is a special stillness about winter. On the surface, everything appears dead and frozen, but deep within new life is quietly unfolding. Even though the Winter Solstice is the longest night, it is also the day we celebrate the birth of the Sun. From this moment forward, each days gets a little bit longer. Earth continues to shift, but now marks the transition toward light. As we celebrate the birth of the Sun, it signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is no coincidence that the Winter Solstice falls so close to the New Year.
The energy around the winter solstice has themes of:
Finding warmth. Resting. Dreaming. Letting go.
New hopes and ideas.
Reaching the end. Beginning anew.
Some ways to explore and honor this transition could include a candle meditation, sitting by a warm fire with a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea. Journal prompts are another great way to be intentional on what you want to let go of as you dream about new hopes and ideas. How will you celebrate?
The Winter Solstice marks the start of the solar year; it’s a celebration of darkness turning to light. It’s the perfect time to pause, to rest and dream in preparation for rebirth and renewal as we move into another year ahead.
Wishing you a beautiful Winter Solstice.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On creating.
What comes to mind when you thinking about “creating”?
I never considered myself a creative individual due to all the preconceptions surrounding creativity instilled from an early age. We all have our own definitions on creativity or what it means to create. Somehow I managed to find myself in a profession where I create on a daily basis. I piece together yoga poses with various intentions based on each individual and situation. I write monthly newsletters. I put together playlists. I organize marketing pieces for yoga events. I have put together a virtual on demand yoga library. The list is endless for how creativity shows up in my profession and in my life.
Recently, science has been curious about how creativity really works. There is an abundance of information out there if you choose to explore the topic more. But what I found very intriguing is that we all have the power to create. Every human being has the incredible capacity to imagine and change things. In fact, it's one of the most important characteristics of being a human being as it allows us to persevere as individuals and a species.
I’m going to say that again …
Creativity allows us to persevere as individuals and a species. Think about all the pivoting, adopting and innovation 2020 has demanded of us in order to survive. We are resilient and amazing as human beings.
Another interesting thing about creativity ... it's proven to make you happier. While there may not be an easy way to quantify creativity, I encourage you to consciously explore creativity in your life.
Some self-inquiry topics of contemplation:
Are you creative? Do you consider yourself creative?
How do you define creativity?
What is your initial reaction and emotion when talking about creativity?
What have you created in your life?
What do you want to create?
How does creativity unfold for you?
Hope you have fun exploring, playing and seeing how you can integrate more creativity into your life. Maybe even think outside the box for this one ;)
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On daily walks.
Who out there likes to go on walks?
Walking. I used to scoff at the idea of a walk in the neighborhood. Now it has become an integral part of my daily routine. There are constant ebbs and flows with how I move my body, but for right now this is a non negotiable for several reasons.
With an increase in restrictions due to COVID, it gets very easy to sit at home most of the day. There is little reason to go outside. This is even more so exacerbated in Chicago as we have moved into the cold, dark winter season. Committing to getting outside, even if just for a 10 minute walk, can shift my entire energy for the day. There is something about the fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine, getting my legs moving and blood flowing, that invites a sense of joy and makes me feel more human.
Admittedly, there are some days that I don’t want to leave the house. As mentioned above, there really are some days where there is no reason to. It takes more effort to put on all the layers and get moving. Despite all the resistance, I get myself out there. I have to. It’s an opportunity to connect with myself and the world around me. Sometimes I listen to podcasts. Sometimes I call a loved one. Sometimes I even have someone join me. Other days I simply walk and I observe what is happening right in front of my eyes. My thoughts come and go. I can take the same route time and time again, but there is always something new to see. It’s incredible the way things change under different types of light; perhaps there is some texture from a previous night’s rain. The noises and smells shift all the time. It’s quiet and peaceful, yet leaves me in awe and inspired. The world is such a magical place. Walking truly has become a form of meditation for me.
Do you enjoy going on walks? Is there a similar activity in your life that has a positive impact on you?
For now, regardless of what is happening, walking is a high priority and has a designated space in my life. It’s a way to take care of myself both physically and mentally. I hope you find a practice that also supports you.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On cultivating gratitude.
In the month of November there is a lot of focus on practicing gratitude because we celebrate Thanksgiving. I love that gratitude is at the forefront of most people's minds due to this recent holiday that we just celebrated, but I encourage to consider this a part of your daily practice.
The power of a regular practice of gratitude is unquantifiable. Science has proven that it can expand our happiness, foster contentment, create loving relationships and even improve our health. It is impossible to be in a state of appreciation and fear at the same time. These are just a few examples that we know to be true.
My hope and wish is that this can become a daily practice for individuals, as the effects are so profound. Some easy ways to incorporate more gratitude in your life ...
a gratitude journal/jar
attach this to a morning or evening routine
share what you are grateful for with a partner or friend
Some self inquiry as you explore cultivating gratitude in your life:
Who or what inspired you today?
What small joys can you celebrate from the day?
What brought you happiness today?
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for YOU. I am so grateful to everyone that showed up this year ... whether that was at the studio, virtual classes, the Thursday morning outdoor crew, moon ceremonies and teacher trainings. Advice and help with technology and websites. Book club. Walks and distanced picnics. Care packages, notes and flowers. The zoom room. Reading this blog. However you showed up, I am so very grateful for you. Your support and energy has inspired me more than you could ever know. Thank you for that.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole
On an atypical Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving will look a little different for me this year. I have a feeling that is the case for more folks as we continue to navigate this pandemic. I’m just curious how people are still finding ways to find some joy, celebrate and still make the holidays feel special as we simultaneously keep each other healthy and safe.
I feel very fortunate that I have my partner, Patrick, to celebrate Thanksgiving with. While we typically spend time with a group of 40ish loved ones out in the suburbs of Chicago, this year will look nothing like that. There are several high risk folks in our group, and everyone has their own set of boundaries and priorities. The question becomes … How will we make this upcoming Thursday feel special?
It’s all about the connection and the food. As a gesture of gratitude, Zen Yoga Garage (one of the yoga studios that I teach at), if gifting a deep fried turkey to all the teachers. I have never prepared a turkey in my life, so I’m super excited about this. We will meet for a turkey pick up and an outside socially distanced masks-on holiday toast. Community.
Patrick and I will cook sides of our liking at home. We are taking time and care to select recipes that we love and cook them together. There will be some FaceTimes and phone calls along the way. I may even get a little fancy for the occasion and leave all the yoga clothes in the closet. It’s the small things too.
This above scenario is far from perfect. And it’s not my ideal. It’s been a hard year that has demanded a lot of us for so many reasons. But I’m still committed to finding something that feels good.
I would LOVE to hear what others are doing. Please reach out with any tips and tricks that you are implementing to make this Thanksgiving your own.
How will you celebrate your atypical Thanksgiving?
Take care of each other and yourselves. Happy Thanksgiving.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole