take care of yourself
Wide open right? Maybe your mother’s wisdom included eating well, or exercising. Maybe she wanted you to get outside and push yourself. Maybe she was telling you to be kind to you. The definition shifts like sand under your feet, meaningful fragments that offer collectively solid support. Together, all these little particles of maternal wisdom invite you to stand on a mountain of health, self-care and well-being. I stood on a mountain top last week with Michelle Davis during a virtual yoga session and it was transformative, lovely and inspiring.
Michelle has taught yoga in person for over 15 years. She trained at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and at the School Yoga Institute and is certified through the 1,000 hour level, granting her the authority of facilitator for yoga teacher training. With a world of experience, her classes seamlessly blend classical knowledge with an intuitive celebration of movement and energy. New to the world of virtual yoga, Michelle ensures that nothing is lost to the virtual connection.
I went to my mat to explore the tension in my low back and shoulders. I went to stretch out and strengthen. I went to test the virtual practice of yoga. Six seconds in, with my dog sleeping at the edge of my mat, I was enamored. The session began with the sweetly enchanting sound of Michelle’s voice. Moving into the space of my mat, she encouraged me to set up my intention for the practice. I wished to be open to this opportunity. Fully open. I listened attentively to the insightful and inspiring readings and welcomed the application of incorporating essential oils, carefully selected beforehand to optimize the hour. I challenged the depth of my strength, investing one hour in my mother’s wisdom, fully open to the opportunity to take care of myself.
Throughout the hour, Michelle was attentive to every move, adjusting and encouraging my practice. Simply because she was there, I worked noticeably harder, unlike other online videos, where I can scroll through Instagram and do sloppy sit ups. Warmly cheerful and inviting, she created space for hidden emotions, deeply stuck in the corners of my frame. It was a remarkable blessing, bringing a stunning range of space and devotion to my morning. I wondered, hours later, if eating well and exercising and getting outside and pushing myself were all tantamount to connecting with another human being filled with love and gratitude. I remain so thankful for that precious hour.
Take care of yourself. Gather up the meaningful particles of support that collectively put you on top of a mountain of health, self-care and well-being. From there, enjoy the timeless view of this very moment. Include the peripheral vision of yesterday and tomorrow, finding concentrations of past beauty and abundant hope in the future. Twist, stretch and bend with Michelle and transform yourself through yoga, deeply exploring the corners of your mat. Nurture your body and spirit. Celebrate the sweet advice from your mother and live your best day.
Michelle Davis is an Esthetician, Reiki Practitioner, Yoga Instructor and Owner of Essential Wellness Holistic Day Spa. With yoga classes, facials, and essential oils, her space is dedicated to self-care and wellness. Formerly a NH licensed Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor, Michelle works hard to ensure that every client is rejuvenated and nourished on all levels. Michelle is offering a monthly virtual membership for $19 which includes access to six classes per week and one specialty class or workshop per month. Private virtual yoga classes are currently offered at a donation rate in good faith and can be shared with up to three participants. Connect with Michelle Davis.
Written by Tiffany Mannion, owner of wren word.