Grief & joy

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

This week has been heavy and full of grief for me as we endure the hateful speech and behavior of our new administration and those who support it. While not much is unexpected, it is difficult to witness intentional harm being inflicted on people who wish only for safety, justice, and equality. I feel fortunate to have a supportive community to lean on in moments of despair along with their ever present reminders to hold myself with gentleness and the light they shine that strengthens mine. If you are in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to those you trust, including me.

I was also reminded today of the moments of joy and peace that can be found amidst the chaos. Sharing a sound bath with staff of one of my favorite schools, seeing their beautiful faces and hearing how supportive they found the experience lifted my spirits. Then stumbling upon old friends and colleagues at a dinner celebrating the birthday of their colleague. Both reminded me that we must maintain our vigilance in noticing and celebrating everyday joy. To paraphrase the phenomenal Alice Walker, joy is the secret of resistance. When our light and our joy shine on, we cannot be cowed, we cannot be silenced.

Next Monday the New Moon in Aquarius brings a shifting energy around new energy and beginnings. There are also various planets influencing this energy as explained by Forever Conscious pushing us to resolve unfinished business and open toward new possibilities.

Somatic movement where we focus on our internal experience allows us to process and heal the emotions, experiences, and stress we are holding in our bodies. Please join me for Saturday Morning Yoga as we move our bodies gently and care for them with lovingkindness, releasing what is no longer serving us.

There are still spots available for Saturday afternoon’s Winter Restorative Sound Bath (January 25) at Harmonist Sanctuary with both in person and virtual options available. The next opportunity will be February 22nd.

NEW! Spring Reflection & Renewal Mini-Retreat. Usher in spring with a reflective afternoon of nurturing and restoration on Saturday, March 29th from 1-4 PM. The afternoon will include an exploration of the energy of spring, journal reflections, gentle yoga, meditation, sound healing, yoga nidra, and Reiki.

There are still 2 spots left in a shared room at our Spring Renewal Yoga Retreat for Women in Fraser, Colorado next April. Gift yourself and/or someone else a nurturing weekend to find connection and renewal through yoga, meditation, time in nature, sound healing, and rest. I am so excited to guide you! Please let me know if you are interested.

EDUCATORS! The MINDFULNESS FOR EDUCATORS RETREAT will take place June 22 - 26, 2025 at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Registration will be opening soon. Discounted pricing will be available for all participants, new and returning. Let me know if you have questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel. You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
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