Interconnectedness & equanimity

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

I am a bit overwhelmed this week as I watch the fires in L.A. and worry for the safety of family in the area. When disaster impacts us personally, we feel it more intensely. Yet, even when we don’t have that personal connection we are all still impacted in some way through the interconnectedness of our existence. There are so many difficult, challenging, and even horrific things happening around the globe that we can feel overwhelmed and helpless. We may not be able to solve the problems across the world, but we can do the good in front of us, taking smalls actions to make a difference.

We can also look for the beauty, awe, and wonder that are present even in the midst of difficulty and disaster. Not in a pollyanna-ish or toxic positivity way, but as a way to remember that joy and fear, pain and pleasure do not exist in a vacuum. The full range of human experience is always occurring and we can choose to hold all of it with equanimity, to be fully present for all that life offers. We can learn to surf as we ride its waves.

There will be no Saturday Morning Yoga this weekend as I am taking time to pause, explore, and laugh with some fabulous friends. Please plan to join me next weekend!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have scheduled two Winter Restorative Sound Baths at Harmonist Sanctuary for Saturdays January 25th and February 22nd. There are both in person and virtual options for attending.

NEW! Spring Reflection & Renewal - Usher in spring with a reflective afternoon of nurturing and restoration on Saturday, March 29th from 1-4 PM. More details coming soon!

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! My colleague Andra Brill and I are finalizing dates with Drala Mountain Center for the MINDFULNESS FOR EDUCATORS RETREAT in June 2025. We will share the dates as soon as they are confirmed and want to let you know that discounted pricing will be available for all participants, new and returning.

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
Previous

Embrace stillness
Next

Resolving to love ourselves