Let’s dive in together

Welcome to this space where I share my heartfelt thoughts, yoga & wellness tips for the week, and anything else I’ve been exploring.

Take a few deep breaths, make a cup of cacao (or whatever you like), and dive in with me. 💌

As we begin, I invite you to reflect: What is alive inside you this week?

Come into your own heart and mind. Let your awareness shift from the external world to your inner self—even if just for a few moments.

What is on your heart?

Authentic connections, both professional and personal, are vital to creating a fulfilling, heart-centered life.

This starts with connecting with yourself—dropping into your own heart and mind and making contact. From this space, deeper connections with the outer world can blossom. 🌷

What is a life where you are required to wear a mask (or many) to engage with others?

Most of us long for connection and to be seen for who we truly are in the world and in our relationships. Without that, we can feel begin to feel lost, confused, and disconnected from the Truth inside of us and our innate belonging to the world around us.

For me, authenticity is about putting down any masks, softening any shields, and allowing the rawness of what exists inside to be experienced by another.

A few weeks ago, I spent time with a family member with whom I often clash. Knowing our history, I set an intention to be open and stay present, no matter what arose within me.

About 24 hours in, tensions began to rise as our clashing personality types danced predictably. I tuned into my body: there was heat, a closure around my heart, and a burning tension around my jaw and brain. My thoughts swarmed with judgments about who this person is (or thinks they are), our past arguments, and my current frustrations.

I knew I had a choice. My habit with her is to close off, take space, and avoid authentic relating at all costs. In the heat of the moment, I chose bravely. I took a deep breath, looked her in the eyes, and expressed, “I am feeling extremely angry.”

Seems simple, right?

The beauty that unfolded proved my brave leap into vulnerability was worth it.

For what seemed like the first time in our relationship, she responded with calm curiosity: “Well, why are you angry?”

I began to express myself, not within the safety of my own mind but completely exposed.

I addressed one of my greatest frustrations in our relationship and my life:

I cannot stand pretending or as you may know it…sugar-coating.

It seemed we had both fallen into a pattern of inauthenticity, where our shared desire for harmony was masking the real hurts that still existed beneath the surface. She felt confused and powerless in the face of our conflict, so putting on a mask of ‘okayness’ served as a temporary fix for the turbulent waters within our dynamic.

We began to explore my needs in our relationship, my fears, and why I had not felt open to connecting with her at any capacity.

I stayed with my breath, aiming to listen and provide her the same level of curiosity she had shown me.

We began to explore her true emotions too: how hurt she felt by my distancing, her desire to be close to me, and her fear of not being accepted by me and never truly knowing me.

By leading with transparency, we entered a wider space of truth and tenderness. Tears flowed. My rage subsided, allowing me to truly hear her truth.

We landed in a space where we could begin to rebuild a more nourishing relationship, based on truth, compassion, and an honest heart connection.

Here are three tools you can practice right away to support deeper, more honest relating:

1. Connect with Yourself 
   The yoga teacher in me is still with you. 😉 
   

   Take a pause, take a breath, feel your feet, and ask, “What is alive inside of me?” or “What is trying to move through me right now?”
   
   From this space of inner connectivity and curiosity, you can begin to share yourself with the outer world.
   

2. Share Your Truth and Embrace the Discomfort 
   Sharing honestly often requires stepping out of our comfort-zone. It often invites us to dive deep below the safety of surface level connection, where we may feel vulnerable. Vulnerability is the birthplace of authentic connection.
   
   Ask the other person for their consent before sharing: “Can I share something with you?” or “I have something I need to be heard, is now a good time?”
   
   Once you have a confirmed yes, use “I” statements to express your truth. For example, say, “I felt hurt when…” instead of “You made me feel…” “I feel…” “I notice…” are great starters.
   
   Tip: Let it be messy. Don’t strive for perfection. Give yourself grace as you learn this new skill.

3. Allow Them to Respond 
   Take a deep breath and give them space to respond.
   
   Authentic connection isn’t just about sharing—it’s also about listening.
   
   Give the person you’re communicating with your full attention, as you’d want to be listened to.
   
   Listen to understand instead of to respond. Stay with your breath and get curious about what this person is trying to express to you.

Start this practice today by committing to speaking one truth EVERY DAY for the rest of the week. See what happens.

I’d love to hear how this resonates or lands with you. Share your thoughts or experiences by replying to this email directly.

I’m here for you. If you’d like to dive deeper, I’m opening a few slots for 1:1 sessions this month. Let’s explore this journey together.

Until we meet again, remember: every authentic connection, whether with yourself or others, brings you closer to a life of truth and fulfillment. 🌷

Stay alive inside. ❤️