Heart to Soul Collective

06/02/2024

I looked for her to walk into the room.

For her to nudge my arm.

To leap onto the couch.

Gurdy it was not enough time. We loved you fiercely and felt so much soul love back from you. Our lives are touched and change by your gentle spirit.

I hope you truly got to feel the pleasures of being a house dog. Loved and free and spoiled.

Our home will not be the same without you here.
I know I’ll look for you at the bottom of the stairs each morning.

Yet I know you’re happily rolling in the snow ❄️ and plunging into the sea 🌊

Gurdy Girl you were pure love. Thanks for letting us love you. 🧡

05/09/2024

**Benefits**:
1. **Stress Reduction**: Restorative yoga allows you to let go of tension and anxiety, fostering a sense of serenity in your daily life.

2. **Improved Flexibility**: Through passive stretching and supported poses, you’ll gradually enhance your flexibility without pushing your body to its limits.

3. **Enhanced Sleep**: Regular practice can help alleviate insomnia and improve the quality of your sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed.

4. **Mental Clarity**: It’s a gateway to better mental focus and clarity. Let go of the mental clutter and find your center.

5. **Immune System Boost**: Stress reduction and relaxation promote a healthier immune system, helping you stay well.

6. **Emotional Balance**: Restorative yoga encourages emotional healing and self-awareness, paving the way for a more balanced and harmonious life.

7. **Physical Recovery**: Ideal for those recovering from injuries or seeking gentle, low-impact exercise.

Join us for a transformative journey into relaxation, self-discovery, and revitalization. Take some time for yourself and invest in your well-being. 🌸

04/12/2024

I pretty rarely feel like I have it all figured out.

Practically never actually.

I’m always forgetting something.
Often running late ⏰

Disorganized with piles of unfolded laundry 🧺 and misplaced documents 📄

Even though I do this work of helping women navigate the sea of overwhelm, and do so quite successfully, I am still not a master.

I often need my own empathy and insight and support.

As a mom there are always so many moving parts and as only one person I fall short. It’s brutal. To see disappointment on your child’s face.

To yet again forget a friends birthday or the laundry in the wash for days. Or that we all need 3 meals a day!

And yet I know I’m not alone. This is one of the reasons, my own experience and those of the women I work with that I created the Journey to Joyful Motherhood.

We need community. A Village. support.

You do not have to have it all together. Do not compare yourself to the tiny squares here or even those you see out. We don’t know what’s behind the look. 👀

So mamas. Pause 🌳

Gather with me for 6 weeks.
Or
Find yourself support in your community whether it be friends, online, at the library or with a therapist.

This role is no joke and you are doing a beautiful job. Let’s love on ourselves a bit.

Thanks for reading my words 💟☮️

04/05/2024

Join our transformative six-week program designed for mothers seeking support, connection, and empowerment. Led by compassionate facilitators, our program offers a safe space to navigate the challenges of motherhood while cultivating mindfulness, self-com

03/26/2024

Today, I want to acknowledge something many parents face: the feeling like we're not meeting the expectations of our children's teachers or other parents.

It's important to remember:

🫂 Every child develops at their own pace. Comparing your child's journey to another's can be counterproductive and create unnecessary pressure.
🫂 Teachers and parents have different perspectives. Teachers witness a broader range of students and are trained to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
🫂 Open communication is key. Have a conversation focused on understanding their perspective and working collaboratively to support your child's growth.
🫂 Focus on creating a supportive and nurturing environment at home. Your love, encouragement, and presence are the most crucial elements in your child's development.

Instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings, let's celebrate the unique strengths and personalities of our children and work together, with teachers and other parents, to create a positive and supportive environment for them to thrive.

03/22/2024

"Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." - Linda Wooten

You are stronger and braver than you think, even when faced with uncertainties.

03/21/2024

Mindfulness practices can be your secret weapon, mama! It's not about achieving enlightenment or becoming a "perfect" mom, it's about learning to be present with what is, manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions, and find moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Here are some simple mindfulness techniques you can try:

1. The "5 Senses" Grounding Exercise:

Take a deep breath and name five things you can see around you (e.g., the color of the walls, a picture on the wall).
Focus on four things you can touch (e.g., the texture of your clothes, the warmth of your coffee mug).
Listen for three sounds (e.g., the birds chirping, your child's laughter, the hum of the refrigerator).
Smell two things (e.g., the scent of a flower, the aroma of your morning coffee).
Taste one thing (e.g., the sweetness of a fruit, the saltiness of your lunch).

2. The "Mindful Breath" Technique:

Find a quiet place and sit comfortably.
Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Focus on your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your chest with each inhale and exhale.
If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath without judgment.

3. The "Loving-Kindness" Meditation:

Start by taking a few deep breaths.
Silently repeat a phrase of kindness towards yourself, like "May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe."
Once you feel a sense of warmth and compassion for yourself, repeat the phrase for a loved one, then a neutral person, and finally someone you find challenging.
Remember, mama, start small and be patient. Even a few minutes of mindfulness practice each day can make a significant difference.

What are your tips for staying present in the moment?

03/20/2024

Being a mom is a full-time job, and finding time for yourself can feel impossible. But carving out just 15 minutes for a gentle morning yoga routine can work wonders for your physical and mental well-being.

Here's a simple sequence to start your day feeling energized and centered:

🧘‍♀️ Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Warm up your spine and gently stretch your back and core.
🧘‍♀️ Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Invigorate your entire body and improve circulation.
🧘‍♀️ Child's Pose (Balasana): Relax and find stillness, allowing your body to completely rest.
🧘‍♀️ Upward-Facing Plank Pose (Purvottanasana): Strengthen your core and improve posture.
🧘‍♀️ Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II): Build balance and stability while toning your legs and core.
🧘‍♀️ Seated Twist (Marichyasana): Gently twist your spine and release tension in your back and shoulders.
🧘‍♀️ Co**se Pose (Savasana): Lie flat on your back and allow your body and mind to completely relax.

Remember, mama, it's not about achieving perfect poses, it's about connecting with your breath and moving your body with intention.

Join Mindful Mama Society - link in comments!

03/19/2024

It's important to remember that your relationship with your partner is the foundation of your family. When you feel connected and supported by each other, it benefits everyone, including your children.

Here are a few tips to reignite the spark and reconnect with your partner:

💫 Schedule intentional date nights (even if it's just an hour!). Get a babysitter, grab coffee, or have a picnic in the park. Reconnect and remember why you fell in love. ☕️
💫 Show appreciation for each other, even for the small things. Simple words like "thank you" or a quick hug can go a long way.
💫 Communicate openly and honestly about your feelings. Don't bottle things up, talk to your partner about what you need to feel connected. ️
💫 Share household responsibilities and childcare duties. Divide and conquer the tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed and resentful.
💫 Make small gestures of affection throughout the day. A quick kiss, a handhold, or a stolen moment of eye contact can reignite the love and intimacy.

You are not alone, mama! Many couples experience this shift in dynamics after having children.

Looking for additional support in reconnecting with your partner? I offer coaching sessions to help moms navigate this transition and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. Book a consultation today! Link in bio.

03/17/2024

We’re only a week away from restorative !! Soothe your spirit with the singing bowls.

https://hearttosoulbyrmk.as.me/?appointmentType=59628381

03/16/2024

03/15/2024

You are more than just Mom. ✨
You are a warrior, fighting tirelessly for your little ones.
You are a nurturer, providing endless love and support. ‍❤️‍
You are a creator, building a world of wonder and imagination.
You are a superhero, with the strength to conquer any challenge.‍

Remember, mama, you are incredible!

03/15/2024

Feeling isolated as a mom? Wanting deeper connection to yourself, spouse and kiddos. You’re not going to want to miss the Journey to Joyful Motherhood Cirlce. We gather weekly Starting in May.

You’ll want to be on the wait list as space is. Limited. This is an opportunity for deep relationship building to yourself through learning and community.

Sign up to be the first to know details and sign up.

Join our transformative six-week program designed for mothers seeking support, connection, and empowerment. Led by compassionate facilitators, our program offers a safe space to navigate the challenges of motherhood while cultivating mindfulness, self-com

03/15/2024

Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder who you are anymore? 🪞
Becoming a mom is an incredible journey, but it can also be a whirlwind that leaves you feeling like you've lost a part of yourself.

It's normal to feel lost, confused, and even a little envious of the person you used to be. But remember, mama, you haven't disappeared, you've simply evolved.

Here's the truth:

Your passions haven't vanished. They might need to be rediscovered or adapted to fit your new life.
Your identity isn't just ""mom"". You are still the same strong, capable, and unique individual you were before.
Finding yourself again is possible. It takes time, patience, and a little self-compassion. ⏰

Here are some tips to reignite your sense of self:

🎀 Carve out ""me-time"", even if it's just 15 minutes a day. ‍
🎀 Reconnect with old hobbies or explore new ones.
🎀 Connect with other moms who understand your struggles.
🎀 Talk to your partner about sharing responsibilities.
🎀 Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Remember, you are not alone. Many moms experience this identity shift. You can reclaim your passions and rediscover yourself, one step at a time.

Share how are you navigating this shift in identity?

03/13/2024

Juggling work, family, and self-care can be overwhelming. But fear not, here are 10 productivity hacks to help you conquer your day:

🪄 Plan your week (and stick to it!) ️: Schedule tasks, appointments, and ""me-time"" to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
🪄 Embrace the power of lists : Write down your to-do's, prioritize them, and tick them off as you go - it's super satisfying!
🪄 Tame the morning routine : Wake up a little earlier for some peace and quiet to set the tone for the day.
🪄 Batch similar tasks together : Group errands, emails, or phone calls for increased efficiency.
🪄 Delegate, delegate, delegate! : Don't be afraid to ask for help from your partner, children, or even friends.
🪄 Silence the distractions : Put your phone on silent and turn off notifications while you focus on specific tasks.
🪄 Embrace the power of ""no"" ‍: Don't overload your schedule - it's okay to decline requests sometimes.
🪄 Schedule in ""me-time"" ‍: Even 15 minutes of self-care can work wonders for your mental well-being and energy levels.
🪄 Celebrate your wins, big and small! : Acknowledge your accomplishments, even the small ones, to stay motivated.
🪄 Forgive yourself for setbacks : Don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned. Just get back on track and keep going!

Remember, you are not alone, mama! 💞 Share your own productivity tips in the comments below!

03/12/2024

Let's face it, communicating with teenagers and millennials can be a complex and sometimes frustrating experience. Their worlds are constantly evolving, and keeping up with their communication styles can feel like chasing a moving target. But fear not, moms! This guide is here to equip you with essential tools to navigate the ever-changing landscape of communication with your young adult.

Here are some key tips to remember:

1. Shift Your Mindset:

🫂 Move from "fixing" to "connecting": Focus on building a safe space for open communication, not dictating solutions.
🫂 Embrace empathy: Try to understand their perspective, even if you don't always agree.
🫂 Remember, they're still forming their identities: Treat them with respect and acknowledge their evolving opinions.

2. Communication Strategies:

💞 Active listening: Give them your undivided attention, make eye contact, and truly hear what they have to say.
💞 "I" statements: Instead of accusatory language, use statements that begin with "I" to express your feelings and concerns.
💞 Open-ended questions: Encourage them to talk by asking questions that go beyond a simple "yes" or "no" answer.
💞 Respect boundaries: They need space to grow and explore their independence. Respect their need for privacy while fostering openness.

3. Finding the Right Time and Place:

🙌 Pick a calm and neutral environment: Avoid conversations during heated arguments or while distracted.
🙌 Turn off distractions: Put away your phone and eliminate anything that might take away your full attention.
🙌 Be mindful of their schedule: Avoid initiating important conversations when they're tired, stressed, or preoccupied with other activities.

4. Remember, Consistency is Key:

🪄 Building a positive communication environment takes time and effort. Be patient, consistent in your approach, and celebrate small victories.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Seek Help!

If communication difficulties persist, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance from a coach who can offer personalized strategies and support. I can't wait to get to know you 💜

How do you navigate communication with your teenager or millennial child?