Dancing and Weaving to Find Balance Along This Journey!

My intentions are crystal clear and deeply rooted: to be the very best mother possible to my beautiful daughter Sienna, to strive for personal growth and development, and to excel as a dedicated and inspiring teacher. My mission is profoundly focused on helping others discover their unique love, radiant light, and personal paths to deep and transformative healing. This journey of self-discovery is not solely about my personal aspirations; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment in the lives of all those I encounter along the way.

Throughout my teacher training journey so far, I have encountered numerous profound realizations and insights that have shaped my perspective. I often find myself feeling irritated and frustrated by the inability to remain consistently in my personal bubble of peace, stillness, and tranquility. The thought of escaping to a remote, serene mountain, far away from the chaos of daily life, occasionally crosses my mind and lingers there. This fantasy represents a deep longing for solitude, clarity, and introspection, yet I am acutely aware that such a retreat is unrealistic and impractical in the long term. The key lies in understanding how to navigate my reality effectively, embracing acceptance as a fundamental aspect of this intricate journey.

Managing my energy has become increasingly important and essential in my life. I am learning to closely monitor it and maintain a high, positive vibration that uplifts my spirit. It's crucial to acknowledge that there will be days when my energy dips significantly. During these times, I must practice self-compassion and allow myself to take it easy, reminding myself that it is perfectly okay to have off days and moments of struggle. It is in these moments of vulnerability that I often find my greatest strength and resilience.

I've come to understand that it's impossible to be perpetually happy or energized throughout every single day of my life. There will undoubtedly be days when I don't feel 100%, and I've learned to flow with those feelings rather than resist them, allowing myself to experience the full range of emotions. This acceptance is vital; it's about being gentle with myself and recognizing that emotional fluctuations are a natural and inevitable part of life. I remind myself that even the most vibrant flowers must endure rain and storms to bloom beautifully and fully.

Finding balance in my role as a mother has been a significant journey for me, especially in my relationship with my daughter Sienna. As her teacher and caregiver, I often reflect on a piece of wisdom I once received: "Children do what they see, not what they’re told." This saying resonates deeply with me. When I observe children, it’s clear how closely they mirror their parents' actions and behaviors—how they speak and how they interact with others. This realization has profoundly impacted me.

I watch Sienna and how I’ve brought practices like meditation and yoga into our lives our home, and getting on the mat each day and bringing calmness to our lives, creating a calm energy environment that Sienna wants to copy me and get involved and learn, (Mammy what’s this) and (can I do it) that the days I have high energy I can give more, I can sit on the floor and practice together and on the days when your energy is low you still have to give as she depends so much on you, they look up to you, you are there teacher.

But I suppose what I’m learning is the Navigating of being a mammy and weaving my practice on this new journey in as a priority as how important it is to me and still being able to be the most present mammy I can be, and also work as I do as a hairdresser and looking after clients and running a home cooking dinners cleaning ect and being a friend a daughter a wife the many roles we have and hats we wear, Its finding balance in all of that, and it’s impossible to have each part or role of you balanced at the same time, and to be ok if your not balanced in some roles but that you just know you will get there! Don’t be so hard on yourself!

I am now expanding my teaching hat I suppose on my journey to becoming a fully qualified Shamanic kundalini yoga teacher, It’s about navigating all these roles hats dancing with life, but in reality we are always navigating and are always a teacher to everyone who we encounter there is always something to learn and to teach, that’s how I look at things, what can I learn from this person, even the most difficult ones, what is it in me that’s going on within this, feeling into the energy. I have committed to this Training and I want to do my very best and give it my all alongside balancing everything else. Awareness is the biggest learning.

Now that we are over halfway through our training, I can confidently say that I am not the same person I was six months ago. The knowledge I’ve gained has been transformative. One area that has profoundly influenced me is understanding the nervous system. The insights I’ve gained about the sympathetic nervous system have been particularly eye-opening. For much of my life, I believe I’ve operated primarily from this state, often feeling overwhelmed and on edge. Learning how it functions and how to balance it has been both fascinating and empowering, guiding me toward a more harmonious existence.

As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to embrace the lessons that lie ahead. The interplay between my roles as a mother, teacher, and individual is a complex dance, but it’s one that I am committed to mastering. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and lead by example, not just for Sienna, but for everyone around me. Through this process, I hope to instill in her the same values of mindfulness and self-awareness that I am cultivating within myself. By being intentional in my actions and demonstrating the importance of balance, I aim to guide her toward becoming a compassionate, grounded individual.

In this journey, I’ve also learned the importance of self-compassion. There are days when I feel like I’m excelling in my roles and others when I stumble. Embracing these fluctuations is part of the process. It’s essential to acknowledge that perfection is not the goal; rather, it’s about being present and doing my best in each moment.

As I weave my practices into our daily lives, I am reminded that the journey of motherhood is not just about nurturing Sienna; it’s also about nurturing myself. By taking care of my own emotional and physical well-being, I can be a more effective mother, teacher, and guide. The balance I seek is not just for me but is a gift I offer to Sienna as she grows and learns.

In conclusion, this journey of finding balance is ongoing. Each experience, each lesson learned, shapes who I am and how I relate to those around me. As I continue to deepen my understanding of myself and my practices, I remain committed to being the best mother and teacher I can be, not just for Sienna but for everyone whose lives I touch along the way.

Finding balance in this chaotic, fast-paced world poses a significant challenge, especially when I am deeply immersed in my Shamanic Kundalini yoga practice. There are moments when I wish to retreat from social interactions, particularly when faced with individuals who drain my energy or environments that feel overwhelmingly chaotic. This heightened sensitivity requires me to protect my energy vigorously, whether by avoiding certain places or grounding myself before entering them. Wearing the metaphorical hat and the invisible cloak serves as a powerful reminder to shield myself from external negativity and cultivate an inner sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Grounding, centering, and protecting my energy is also a must each day and has become a big part of my daily routine, essential for my well-being.

Despite the overwhelming desire to remain in a serene state of mind, reality dictates that we must engage with the outside world, which can often be hectic, chaotic, and filled with individuals carrying their own pain and struggles. It's crucial to cultivate awareness that prevents me from becoming overly attached to others' emotions or taking their words personally. This practice of emotional detachment does not signify a lack of empathy; rather, it allows me to approach interactions with clarity and compassion, understanding that everyone's journey is unique, complex, and deserving of respect.

A significant lesson I've learned throughout this journey is that we cannot remain in a state of rest and relaxation (the parasympathetic nervous system) all the time without consequences. The training has illuminated how much I have strived to stay in this peaceful state, leading to feelings of depression and irritability when I inevitably returned to a more activated state (the sympathetic nervous system). I often lived in a state of survival, unaware of how unregulated I had become over time. Practicing yoga and meditation has helped me return to that restful state, and it’s clear why I resist leaving it behind. This awareness has granted me the ability to recognize the importance of balance in all aspects of life, emotional and physical.

This understanding has been transformative for me, both personally and in my aspiration to become the best teacher I can be for my students. I now grasp the difference between breathing techniques that elevate my energy and those that calm it down. Acknowledging that I have the power to choose my emotional state has been incredibly liberating, and I recognize the need to prioritize my practice consistently. Each breath I take becomes a vital tool for my well-being, a reminder that I am in control of my internal landscape and emotional responses.

Committing dedicated time to my practice—whether it's 60 or 90 minutes on the mat or a focused 3-minute breath session—has a direct and profound correlation with my overall happiness and contentment. When I make this time a priority, I feel fulfilled and capable of giving more to others around me. This commitment is not just a routine; it’s a sacred ritual that profoundly nourishes my soul and spirit.

Life is a dance, a continuous weaving in and out of various stages, experiences, and interactions that shape our journeys. This training has equipped me with the necessary tools to be the person and teacher I aspire to be, and it has undoubtedly been life-changing in numerous ways. The rhythm of my journey teaches me to embrace uncertainty, allowing me to flow gracefully with life’s symphony, trusting that each note contributes to a greater harmony that resonates with my soul.

When I step off my mat after practicing, I carry with me the energy I've cultivated through my practice, a sense of peace and empowerment. I engage with the world—whether it's during the school run, at the busy supermarket, or in the workplace—altering my energetic field in subtle yet powerful ways. My heightened sense of joy allows me to connect with others more meaningfully and authentically. Simple gestures like smiling warmly, wishing someone a good day, or holding the door open for a stranger create waves of positive energy that can heal, even if we are unaware of the impact they make. In these moments, I realize that each interaction is an opportunity to spread light and love, reinforcing the connections that bind us together as human beings.

To be the best teacher and person I can be, I must embark on a lifelong journey of healing and selfdiscovery. I understand that we are never fully healed; there will always be aspects of ourselves that require attention, compassion, and growth. Every person we encounter has something to teach us. They challenge us to reflect: Can I be more patient? Can I extend kindness to those who are struggling? Can I show compassion to someone who repeatedly makes mistakes or falters? These important questions guide my interactions, reminding me that growth often lies in the lessons we learn from others, both big and small.

Each day, I strive to maintain a high, balanced, and pure energy. That is the absolute best I can do in any given situation. I am human; I am love; I am light. Embracing this profound truth allows me to navigate life with grace, understanding that my journey is as important as the destination I seek. "On the days when my spirit soars and dances with joy, I will embrace my fullest potential. And on the quieter, more introspective days, I will honor my need for rest and nurture my well-being with gentle care."

Most importantly, I trust the journey unfolding before me! I enjoy the dance of life, knowing that each step, each breath, and each emotion contributes to the beautiful tapestry of my life story. As I continue to weave my path, I invite others to join me, creating a collective dance of healing, love, and transformation that uplifts us all. Below I have included more information about the Nervous System that i found fascinating to understand.

The human nervous system is a complex and intricate network that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and responses. Among its various components, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is particularly important, as it governs involuntary physiological processes. The ANS is further divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Understanding these two systems and their functions is essential for grasping how our bodies respond to different situations and how we can maintain balance for optimal health and well-being.

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the "fight or flight" system. It prepares the body to respond to perceived threats or stressors by triggering a series of physiological changes. When the SNS is activated, several things happen:

1. Increased Heart Rate: The heart beats faster to pump more blood to vital organs and muscles, preparing the body for action.

2. Dilated Pupils: This allows more light into the eyes, improving vision and awareness of the surroundings.

3. Increased Respiratory Rate: Breathing becomes more rapid to supply more oxygen to the bloodstream.

4. Redistribution of Blood Flow: Blood is directed away from non-essential functions, such as digestion, and redirected toward the muscles and brain.

5. Release of Stress Hormones: The adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, which further enhance the body's ability to respond to stress.

These physiological changes are designed to prepare the body for immediate action, whether that means confronting a threat or escaping from danger. While this response is essential for survival, chronic activation of the SNS due to ongoing stress can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is often described as the "rest and digest" system. It promotes a state of relaxation and recovery, allowing the body to conserve energy and perform maintenance functions. When the PNS is activated, the following occurs:

1. Decreased Heart Rate: The heart slows down, allowing for a more restful state.

2. Constriction of Pupils: This helps protect the eyes and reduces sensitivity to light.

3. Increased Digestive Activity: The PNS stimulates digestive processes, promoting nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

4. Enhanced Blood Flow to Organs: Blood flow is redirected to the digestive system and other non-essential functions, supporting recovery and healing.

5. Release of Relaxation Hormones: Hormones such as acetylcholine are released, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

The PNS is crucial for recovery and restoration, enabling the body to heal and recharge after periods of stress or activity. It fosters a state of balance that is essential for maintaining overall health.

The Balance Between SNS and PNS

The key to optimal health lies in the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In modern society, many individuals experience chronic stress, leading to prolonged activation of the SNS. This imbalance can result in a range of health issues, including anxiety disorders, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases. Achieving balance between the two systems is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Here are some strategies to help maintain this equilibrium:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can activate the PNS, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. These techniques encourage awareness of the present moment, helping to quiet the mind and body.

2. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can stimulate the PNS, encouraging a state of calm. Focusing on slow, deep breaths can help counteract the rapid breathing associated with sympathetic activation.

3. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can help regulate both systems. While intense workouts can activate the SNS, moderate activities like yoga or walking can promote PNS activation and relaxation.

4. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports overall health and can influence the function of the autonomic nervous system. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy nervous system.

5. Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for restoring balance between the SNS and PNS. Establishing a regular sleep routine can help regulate the body's natural rhythms and improve overall health.

6. Social Connections: Building and maintaining strong social connections can promote feelings of safety and security, which can reduce SNS activation and enhance PNS function.

Conclusion

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play vital roles in how our bodies respond to stress and maintain homeostasis.

Understanding the differences between these two systems and the importance of balance can empower individuals to take control of their health. By adopting practices that promote relaxation and reduce stress, we can foster a state of equilibrium that supports our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Ultimately, achieving this balance allows us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity, leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.