A knock at your door. A substitute teacher when you didn't expect one. Hurricane Florence. A surprise at work. A health concern. Meeting someone you feel like you've been looking for all of your life. News of a death. Reconnecting with someone from your past. Meaning given to a meeting with a stranger. Realizing you and your best friend have vastly different political views. A check written for the just-right amount, to you, to get you through. The feeling you notice in your gut right now.
Do we tend to accept or resist the unexpected? Are your plans for your life so well-laid that you miss the opportunity for Fate to meet Destiny? Is your map becoming your territory?
I have had many unexpected visitors in my life, no doubt recently some of the most potent: emotions, visions, interactions, people, experiences and opportunities. When I drew this Oracle card (the photo above) during a Qoya class, I thought it was referring to the visitors I had in my home - my sister and her family who had evacuated from the coast during the storm just a few short days before. Then I thought, "OH, this must also mean the girth of the storm itself." And again, "AHA, but I also have been surprising myself with new ideas" and "What a beautiful Labyrinth event we had where just the right people were there and how powerful our time together was." And so it went...day after day...experiencing JOY in noticing the MIRACLES of the unexpected...the pockets of light in the fury of routine. I also thought, "Shoot, I guess I should keep up with my day to day tasks like cleaning my car or making sure I have a back-up pair of shoes so I'm ready for the next surprise!"...take this both literally and metaphorically in the way that I believe in order to appreciate and receive these unexpected visitors well we must also recognize the importance of keeping ourselves up - hearty.
Soon there was meaning assigned to things that otherwise felt mundane and my heart opened to accepting more and being deeper in the spirit of living consciously, with curiosity and trust. Then, another unexpected turn that my vessel was able to handle with ease and appreciation. Bliss!
I once had a grief counselor share with me a recipe of sorts, as she stated, "If only we could accept the terms of relationship that are available". Life, relationship, our choice to lead a spiritual or neurotic path...some may defer to fight, flight or freeze. Some may stand in Warrior, others may bow gracefully; some may resist in fear of losing who they believe they are (or were) and others may throw themselves at the chance to be something they are not. Others may recognize the seemingly inconvenient nature of these surprises as Synchronicity.
Yogi Bhajan said, "I do not believe in miracles. I rely on them." When we expect, we deny ourselves of witnessing the beauty of life, flowing. We may fall prey to the constructs, or projections, of mind and let them control us...the worst possible outcomes, the self-fulfilling fears, the imprisonment of shame or guilt, the denial of our beauty, the ego distorting self. We can plan and force and deny the process.
Spirit knows what we may not know for now...
Are we able to let go of the lives we have planned to live the lives waiting for us? Can we let our situations be what they are instead of what we think they should be?
We can sit and think and believe that we have it all figured out or begin to live outside the mind...one of my favorite quotes of undetermined origin is, "Don't believe everything you think." Some of the boldest lies ever told are the ones we tell ourselves when we allow our minds to control us and conflict with our authentic nature.
It is my intention to bring this Unexpected Visitors card into your sphere of reference for October as we experience all Autumn stands for, the preservation of life. During this time of harvest, we can reflect on the fruits of our labor. Think of where you were six months or a year ago. How far have you come since spring? How far are you willing to grow? Will you greet the unexpected with haste, disdain, disgust, disapproval? Or will you embrace these visitors for the lesson they have for you?
Here's to adventure and living your best life.
Love, Heather
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SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, November 10th
Two Special Events
9:45-11:00am
WHAT IS YOGA, REALLY?
Presenter: Leslie Morrill, E-RYT 500, IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
2:00-4:00pm
ELDOA Workshop
with Jennifer Armstrong of Armstrong Integrative Movement
More details TBA
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Tuesday, October 2
nd
4:30-5:45
The Quieter Side of Yoga w/Emily (Class Cards Welcome)
Saturday, October 6
th
11:30-1:00
The Power of Food with Bob and Fran German (FREE)
Sunday, October 7
th
1:00-3:00
Inspired Women’s Circle, Qoya with Marina (Donation)
Tuesday, October 9
th
4:00-5:30
Slacklining & Mindfulness w/SlackLibrium: Learn in 30 minutes or less! (Sliding Scale $10-$40)
Registration preferred.
Saturday, October 20
th
5:00-8:00
Thursday, Oct. 25th TBA
Labyrinth Walkshop with Chuck Hunner (Minimum $15 Donation)
Saturday, Oct. 27th 6:30-8:00
Gong Meditation with Jagdeesh (Minimum $15 Donation)
Sunday, Oct. 28th 3:00-5:00
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Members of The Shift receive 20% off workshops
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The purpose of the event and Global Grid is to come together to unify our collective consciousness, to bring balance between the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine, and invoke Sacred Balance throughout the world by linking powerful ceremonies in Unified Field from a multitude of nations. Come Join Us to Awaken a Beautiful New World of Sacred Balance that Serves the Highest Good for All Beings!”
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FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE
THE GALLERY OF
CHARLET L. SNYDER
(one of The Shift's long - time students and newest members!)
Beginning
October 15th
, our studio will be transformed by the beauty of nature through Char's creative lens. Char will be exhibiting her paintings and jewelry in our studio's foyer and front treatment room.
My love of the arts began as a child. I recall having a mini easel on which I enjoyed painting birds and cats and all sorts of animals in watercolor. I remember taking art classes in school and just immersing myself in it!
My choice of medium has been watercolor but I also dabble in pastels and mixed media. I attempt to capture the spirit of animals and birds and it’s a real challenge sometimes.
Painting flowers and landscapes are also a favorite subject.
Each gallery subject is for sale and can be purchased at The Shift at the front desk.
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As the seasons change I flow between painting and creating color and pattern through my handmade jewelry. Enjoy my work! -Char Snyder
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Meet Suzie and Ruth Ann of Healing Touch for Health
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About Healing Touch
Healing Touch is an evidence-based and nationally accredited Energy Medicine therapy which activates a person's natural energy flow to enhance & support physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health & healing.
Reduce pain, increase mental clarity, relieves stress & anxiety, accelerate healing form injury, support your healing process and sense of well-being..naturally!
60-Minute Session $40-$70 Sliding Scale
Shift Members Only $30!
Book your appointment at The Shift today!
Ruth Ann Hoffman 828-230-5439
or
Suzie Engel 828-689-3292
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A Word About Qoya
& Farewell to Marina
In just a few months, Marina's presence has become such a large part of The Shift. We appreciate her deep dedication to giving women the Wise, Wild & Free gift of love, in Qoya. As she prepares for her next chapter, she will be offering two final Qoya events, her last class on Friday, October 5th and an Inspired Women's Circle (by donation) on Sunday, October 7th. We hope you'll join Marina and the women of Qoya at either or both of these final classes. We are so grateful for the heart and truth of Marina's time here at The Shift...she is truly an inspiration and poet of life.
OCTOBER 5TH THEME, “SISTERHOOD”
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The Shift welcomes you to come be yourself. We will practice breath & movement and will not push one's ego. No experience required! The practice is a path within one's self, our intuition and to the subtle connections within our bodies, spirits, minds & communities.
Yoga is about making life more comfortable, by practicing in the present moment with honor and loving the occasional uncomfortable.
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The Gift of Yoga for our Children
Our fun Saturday morning classes for Ages 3-8 include 45 minutes of Yoga, as well as time for craft.
Saturdays,
11:30-12:45
(no class October 6th)
This is a drop-off class (Win/Win!)
Through the use of yoga games and poses, your child will become more aware of the connection between their mind and body. The ultimate goal is to achieve overall flexibility, strength, and well-being, while having FUN!
First class for child is complimentary. Class cards can be used for children's and adult classes.
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I, Heather, serve as Co-Chair of Dementia Friendly WNC, a grassroots organization that aims to increase awareness and decrease the stigma often associated with the disease through education, advocacy and engagement opportunities.
Want to learn more?
and/or have a listen! Our newest Steering Team Member, community therapist, Shift friend, and senior care consultant
Mark Neville will be interviewed this week on Thursday, October 4th by Matt Mittan on 1350AM Radio at 5:30pm!
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FINAL THOUGHT:
“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance and in inverse proportion to my expectations.”
–Michael J. Fox
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The Shift Studio, 708-B Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
www.theshiftstudio.com
theshifthendo@gmail.com
828-450-1166
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