I Would Love Your Help!
Hey there!
I hope that you’re staying well.
I’ve been staying warm and toasty inside as we’ve had a stretch of freezing cold days.
I’m also really enjoying January so far!
I decided to sign up for a couple of challenges at the beginning of the year.
I signed up for a 30 day self-compassion program and the Daily Stoic “New Year, New You” challenge.
The 30 day self-compassion program is a series of guided meditation practices and reflection prompts. I start my day off with this practice as I feel that it sets the tone for the rest of my day. I am reminded that I am worthy of compassion.
The “New Year, New You” challenge has been very interesting and a true challenge. I feel that my favorite challenge was putting your phone away for 24 - 48 hours. My husband and I decided to challenge ourselves to putting our phones in isolation for 48 hours.
First, we were instructed to take a look at our stats - how many times we pick up our phone on average each day, screen time average, average usage per app, etc.
Well, I was shocked by the stats.
I didn’t need any more convincing to tell me that I needed to lock my phone away!
It felt a little strange at first. Like I was missing a part of me. Even my purse felt super light without my phone in it.
I spent some time working through the initial discomfort.
I logged what thoughts, feelings and sensations were coming up in my body in my journal.
Within a few hours, I felt okay without my phone.
My husband and I spent some time doing the things that we usually say that we have “no time” to do.
We decided to declutter some spaces in our home.
Decluttering can truly change how a space feels emotionally and energetically.
By the end of the 24 hour mark, we felt more energized, focused, open and creative.
So, we decided to work on another project that we’ve been putting off for some time…my website!
It felt as if we were in a flow state as we made updates and changes.
We felt calm during the process, meeting any unexpected setbacks or challenges with curiosity and an openness to learn something new.
When we arrived at the 48 hour mark, I didn’t want to be around my phone.
I felt so good creating space between myself and my phone.
I felt lighter, calmer, more at ease, free, creative, energized and open.
Since this challenge, I have created some boundaries in relation to my phone usage.
Here’s my boundaries:
I don’t touch my phone for the first hour of the day.
I create physical distance between myself and my phone from 9am to 5pm (e.g. leaving my phone in a drawer where I can’t see it or hear it).
I set time limits on YouTube (before the challenge, I already had Facebook and Instagram removed from my phone).
I am more intentional about my usage.
I will respond to text messages when I can give my undivided attention to the message. This will help me refrain from task switching.
These boundaries help keep me accountable.
There have been times where I have slipped. When this happens, I meet myself with compassion and understanding. There’s typically a reason why I violated my own boundaries, and it’s usually related to the desire to distract myself from something.
These challenges have been so useful for my overall mental, physical and emotional wellness.
I intend to continue these new habits, attitudes and behaviors moving forward as it feels real good in my body!
Before I forget, I would love your help!
I am looking for testimonials to be featured on my website.
Testimonials are so useful, not only for me, but also for those who find my website or YouTube channel. It can offer them insight in relation to my character, the services that I offer, what our yoga classes are like, and so on.
If this is something that interests you, I invite you to email your testimonial to: contactme@yogawithrachelmarie.com
Thank you in advance!
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Okay, this week’s free practice will help you access the healing power of the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve is known as the “wanderer.”
It’s the longest cranial nerve that wanders from your brain all the way to your large intestine.
This nerve reaches many areas of your body, such as your throat, lungs, heart, stomach, kidneys and more.
The vagus nerve regulates vital bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, digesting food, muscular sensations (tension and relaxation), speech, blood pressure, mood and more.
Stimulating the vagus nerve is so useful for sending messages of safety to the mind and body, encouraging relaxation and restoration.
I invite you to join me on the mat for this Vagus Nerve Stimulation practice! See you there!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter.
It is an honor to be able to share my thoughts, feelings and experiences with you.
I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!
Sending love, light and gratitude to you,
~Rachel xoxo