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Letter from Katie

Letter from Katie

My Love Letter to You This Month

This is a major time for change. The Solstice is coming. Can you feel the quickening weather changes? The tides turning? That SOLAR energy asking us to burn the old and snake-skin shed into our BECOMING? Yeah, me too. And it's not always easy to shed our skin.

When I heard of the murder of George Floyd weeks back, I intentionally held back on speaking. Truthfully, my own nervous system felt just completely overwhelmed. I wanted to process in order to be able to respond appropriately. I wanted to be able to come to the community as a beacon of stability and love.

I feel that capacity online in my system now. I know this is not about me or what is going on in my personal life. I just want you to know why I didn’t respond immediately. It was because I wanted to respond thoughtfully, authentically and from a resourced place.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been communicating with trusted friends and colleagues, both BIPOC and white friends that I know have a background in race equity. They have recommended resources to me, both professionally and personally, to deepen my education on how to be a better race advocate and ally.

My response has also been slow because I'm committed to authenticity. I don't want to be just another white person parroting back the current narrative used by many, and then moving on. I actually want to be changed and melted by this. This is the definition of yoga - to have the unconscious stuff made conscious.

This is a whole body, emotional experience. It is not enough to simply write an instagram post. I want to act and stand in solidarity with the Black community in dismantling racism once and for all. And I also want it to come from a trauma-informed, authentic place within me. 

And I also want to honor the fact that there are as many black experiences and opinions as there are black people. I realize that we are in a very necessary deconstruction time, where race matters. But I also hope that this break down can lead to a rebuilding that does hold true to the vision of MLK - where we will be judged by who we are and not the color of our skin. I realize that is a journey that will take time and effort from all of us.

I come before this topic with much humility and even moments of confusion. I am not an expert, in any way shape or form in this realm. I am a somewhat new student to this world, and I will make a conscious effort to continue to learn because it is important to our mind, body, soul and the well-being of others.

I am also deeply aware that it is so difficult for many white people to speak at this moment in a way that doesn’t hurt, dismiss or offend and I want to walk gently. I also believe that ALL beings have the right to think for themselves and should never be coerced or shamed.

We must shed light on systemic racism, frustration and the hurt that black and indigenous Americans have endured for hundreds of years.

So here is what I am committed to doing:

Perhaps by hearing this, you may feel inspired to write a list of actionable items that you will commit to do to bring about change.

  • I will speak up-personally and publicly on my commitment to being an advocate on terms that feel authentic to me.
  • I will personally commit to deepening my ongoing education on race and history by reading books and following leaders who I feel embody wisdom, fierce love and a trauma-informed approach.
  • In addition to the work we have done with charity and scholarships programs here at Shakti School, we will be doubling our Diversity Scholarship recipients for the 2021 school year.
  • We'll be partnering with our mentors and teachers to create more learning content that addresses issues such as racial diversity in the wellness/Ayurveda community, cultural appropriation and other concerns.
  • I will personally make donations and $ contributions to the organizations and thought leaders that I feel are in alignment with the support of black voices and healing for all.

I am not perfect. None of us are. I am going to do and say things, perhaps even in this letter to you, that may hold unconscious aspects of my bias and ignorance. But I am committed to showing up fully, with the capacity that I have each day, and in a way that feels right in my heart, towards being a support to the BIPOC community, as well as all beings who need to be heard. I ask that you truly use this school as a home for your body to unravel pain patterns. I ask that you USE the support and resources you have learned here with us to do the work as well.

The Shakti School is a home for people to work with being more in tune with the natural rhythms of our bodies. We are NOT a school that will teach a particular brand of social justice theory. We are NOT a school that will teach a particular ideology or politicized perspective. We welcome all women, of all backgrounds, including women who identify as trans.

Here we can support students by sharing ancient health wisdom that can support our bodies and minds in this incredibly challenging moment to come back into wholeness and goodness and safety. I can support you all by guiding us back into our bodies in a time where the images and news media’s words, while necessary to stay informed, are oftentimes so overwhelming and unsettling to our animal body and bones. These are the areas where I feel I can most support this community during this time. Here, with you, in this school, because we are SO firmly dedicated to being a place where the body can heal. And I am good at holding space for this.

Lastly, I am also aware of that which does lie beyond our colors and races and backgrounds, which is the spirit within. This spirit is untouched by the injustices of the past and the present. Allowing this part of us to ALSO be here, alongside the pain and reactivity and confusion and fear and anger. Allowing this part to ALSO be here in NO WAY detracts from the deeper and uncomfortable work that we must do, especially those of us who have existed in a world that has historically valued whiteness, to unravel that bias and unawareness. 

It is HARD to take a look at our shadows, both culturally and individually, but if it is done in the spirit of Kali (fierce love) it is the fastest way towards our growth, and towards actually being able to connect with one another.

I hope you will join me in this global effort. Let’s grow our capacity to treat each other as individuals, with love, to use critique to uplift and not tear down.

With love,

Katie

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Wellness Inspired Interior Design

Wellness Inspired Interior Design

How to fine tune your Home to suit your Ayurvedic Life

For many of us, our home is the space where we spend the majority of our time. And if not, it’s at least the space where we return to for rest, comfort, rejuvenation, and joy. That’s why it's essential for overall wellness that the home is styled in a way that energetically supports the activity intended for the space. When it comes to wellness, where we go to rest and recover at the end of each day is vital.

There have been countless research studies showing the benefits of having a clear and calm space. Some of the top benefits are brain health and stress reduction. According to a study from Cornell University, stress triggered by clutter may also trigger negative coping patterns such as eating junk food, oversleeping, or binge-watching TV! So, not only will having an organized space help you be more productive, but it might help to minimize some of the bad habits you’ve been trying to break. When our homes are in harmony with our heart + health it can really affect how we show up in our day to day lives.

Jumpstarting Your Design Room by Room

1. The Bedroom: Make your Bed!

Making your bed plays a huge role in your overall health and how you set the intention for the day. It’s also the first step to keeping your bedroom free from clutter. Not making your bed in the morning can really set you up for adding more mess to the room throughout the day with the attitude of “I’ll get to it later…” This is the attitude you want to avoid. As much as possible try to do little things throughout the day that add to the organization or cleanliness of your space.

Studies show that simply making your bed every morning can have a huge impact on sleep, your mood, and your productivity. The same study demonstrated how sleep was dramatically improved when the sheets were clean. So, the first step for getting organized is to always start the day by making your bed (with clean sheets—I aim to wash them once a week).

For spaces to be in alignment with your Ayurvedic life (or to feel more in balance) it should easily welcome the activity intended for the space. The bedroom should be the space that is only for rest, sleep, and intimate activity. To support these activities, the bedroom should make you feel calm. Try to minimize any excess clutter in this room, keep it clean (especially free of dust to promote a healthy sex life), and choose colors that are more muted to promote rest and ease. Neutral shades like creams, beiges, antique white, and light pink are perfect colors for a bedroom. Or, if you don’t like white, go for the softer tones of your favorite colors.

Bedroom

For objects in the bedroom, keep it minimalistic. You really only need some beeswax candles, possibly a couple of plants to purify the air, and whatever book you’re nighttime reading calls for at your bedside table. When it comes to art, try to find something that makes you feel at ease and sparks joy, but isn’t too overstated.

2. The Living Room: Display only what you LOVE and what gives LIFE

The living room is the area where you welcome guests. This is the space that can be more vibrant, active, and entertaining when it comes to your decor. But, at the same time you still want to minimize clutter (that goes for every area of the house). This doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite sculpture sitting out or other relics and treasures, but the key is for everything in the room to have a life and to be something you love. Otherwise, objects will hold dullness and that will be expressed into the energy of the room. The living room is an area where you may have more pops of color: a citrus green pillow, eclectic art, or your favorite purple chair. When creating a space that’s more active and welcoming it’s still important to balance the elements. If you have a lot of modern pieces, try to focus more on adding some natural elements to the space like a wooden sculpture, a beautiful pottery piece filled with sticks, or a handwoven textile.

3. The Kitchen: Merging Function and Inspiration

The kitchen is one of my favorite spaces in the house. Similarly to the living room, this room should also be welcoming, warm and spark inspiration. The kitchen is often where we begin and end each day. For many people it's not only the space where we are fed and nourished physically, but emotionally as well. It can be the key place for conversation, for networking, the blossoming of ideas, friendships and more. Cooking requires that you use your imagination, your creativity, and that you are careful. It is because of that that the kitchen must invite you to express yourself!

Mama Silcox Kitchen

Many designers refer to the kitchen as the “hearth” of the house, or even the “womb” of the house. The kitchen plays such an important role to the health and harmony of the entire home, it is SO important to keep the kitchen clean. When your kitchen is clean and organized it makes cooking easier and more fun.

If you don’t have a problem staying organized, open shelving can be a beautiful way to display your favorite dishes and can give them more life. We've found that open shelving leads us to use so much of the kitchen that was once hidden behind a door. However, if keeping things tidy really is difficult for you or if your kitchen already has a lot going on, it might be best to keep your cabinet doors on. 🙂

For centuries human beings have thrived off of food and connecting to the nature that provided sustenance, so bringing more elements that invoke nature will be beneficial in keeping that connection alive. Try adding materials like wood, stone, and greenery to the space. Items like wooden spoons, decorative wooden platters hung on the wall, stone bowls filled with brightly colored fruit, or even hang your own potted herb garden.

4. The Entrance: Make It Special 

The entrance, or foyer, of the house stems from the Latin word focarium, which means the "center of focus.” When you are greeted by the foyer of your home after a long day it’s best to be greeted with the feeling of opening arms, ease, and comfort. Your entrance should invoke a sense of happy relief to be home, not a reminder of the chores on your to-do list. Try to keep it a “dumping” free zone. Don’t let your bags, shoes, and coats pile up. Put them in a closet or an armoire as soon as you arrive through the door.

This is a great area of the house to keep fresh flowers. It’s such a sweet reminder of how little things can spark joy and gratitude. The foyer is also a fun place to be a little more expressive with your colors. This is the perfect space to paint the ceiling turquoise or display your favorite piece of art.

5. The Bathroom: Keep It Extra Clean!

We all know what the bathroom is intended for. There’s a lot that takes place in the bathroom that is vital for our health (we won’t get into that here). But, it is perhaps the most important area of the house with the potential to create bliss. Because of that the bathroom should always be kept clean. The bathroom is one of the easiest places to clean as you go: wipe down the sink after every use, take the trash out more often, keep a natural all-purpose cleaner in your shower to spray between uses (you can transfer it to a minimal glass jar to create an aesthetically pleasing look), keep your favorite hand towel out and refold it between uses.

I also love adding additional items that smell of my favorite bright essential oils. Keeping a candle lit in the bathroom (when you’re home) can be an easy way to maintain a nice fresh smell. Or, find your favorite space mist to keep the area feeling cleansed. This is also a great space for fresh flowers!

6. The Inbetween Spaces: One Step At A time

Creating the perfect design tweaks and establishing more order in your home is a process. When it comes to design, don’t try to change up the entire house all at once. It's best to start with one room at a time. Take time to make each room special. This is also helpful when it comes to organizing, but as for cleanliness, that’s something you can do right away. In fact, I would encourage you to first clean your house, then organize, then do the designing. You may find just through cleaning your house and getting rid of some unused objects that it enliven the space enough that it feels like a completely new home!

Key Tips To Takeaway

  • Move things around every once in a while to give it a fresh look and allow for your relics to have new life!
  • Be mindful of cleanliness throughout the day to avoid a huge task at the end of the week
  • Open the windows to invite fresh air into your home and to help circulate the air
  • Splurge on fresh flowers every once in a while or if you’re lucky pick them from your yard as often as the weather permits
  • Organize hidden nooks and crannies to alleviate hidden to-do tasks filling your brain space throughout the day
  • Most importantly, create a space that you LOVE!

Products We Love For The Home

Paavani Aromatherapy Space Mist

Somavedic EMF Harmonizers

References

Survey by the National Sleep Foundation

Human Visual Cortex

Clutter, Chaos, and Overconsumption

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What are EMFs?

What are EMFs

How to Limit Your Exposure to EMFs and Avoid The Potential Health Risks

During the Coronavirus epidemic we've probably all spent more time on our phones and computers than we would care to admit. And while these devices help to keep us connected and informed through such a troubling and uncertain time, we've mostly likely increased our exposure to EMFs.

An Electromagnetic Field (EMF) is a continuous field produced by electrically charged objects such as your cellphones and Wi-Fi. EMF travels in a wave-like pattern at the speed of light and this propagation is called electromagnetic radiation. Some electromagnetic fields are produced naturally, like the low intensity EMF emitted by our body. However, tech-made EMF — those transmitted by cellphones and Wi-Fi — are unnatural and can cause health risks. (getlambs)

Another definition according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, EMFs are “invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power.”

Harmful EMFs are not only produced by our cell phones and laptops, but are also from other devices like baby monitors, all bluetooth devices, cordless phones, smart thermostats, and Wi-Fi routers. So, what are the potential hidden dangers of these devices? Unfortunately, EMFs can cause potential health risks such as:

  • Cancer
  • Tumors
  • Oxidative stress
  • Reproductive harm
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cognitive and memory effect
  • Behavioral problems in children
  • Increased risks during pregnancy
  • Effects on testosterone
  • Cell growth and proliferation
Technology EMFs

Along with these risk factors, if exposed to too many EMFs, you can start to feel down right cranky. EMFs have also been known to have an effect on your circadian rhythm, your mood, your energy levels, and even your metabolism.

This may sound like a lot of bad news. Especially since it’s really difficult to control the placement of cell towers or how often we might need to use said devices for work or connection. But, fortunately there are some things we can do to limit our exposure to EMFs even if we have to be on the computer all day long…

    • Create guidelines to discipline yourself around how much time you spend on the phone/computer. Try to minimize unproductive insta-cruising.
    • Put your phone in airplane mode when you know you aren't going to be using it
    • Make sure your bluetooth is off when you’re not using it (iPhones now default to having it on)
    • Avoid using smart appliances
    • Try not to carry your phone directly on your body
    • Use the speakerphone instead of putting the phone to your ear
    • Do not sit your laptop on your lap!! (Especially not near your reproductive organs)
    • Avoid using your computer or phone when they're plugged into the wall as much as possible
    • Ditch the microwave!
    • Unplug your wi-fi routers at night or whenever you’re not using them
    • Increase your Vitamin D exposure (sunlight helps to mitigate the damage effects)
    • Use EMF blocking apparel (see links below for our favorites)
Lush forest

Increasing your exposure to sunshine and walking in the forest can have tremendous benefits when it comes to mitigating the harmful effects of EMFs.

References and Resources

Health Implications of Electromagnetic Fields, Mechanisms of Action, and Research Needs

Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast: “5G Dangers & The Shocking Truth About You Getting "EMF'D"

Dr. Joseph Mercola’s Books:EMF*D: 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself

EMF Blocking Apparel: One of our favorite EMF blocking apparel companies is LAMBS. They are doing some pretty amazing things when it comes to blocking the parts of your body you want to protect the most: your reproductive organs. They carry men's underwear, a T-Shirt (can be universal), and a beanie for protecting your brain! Their women’s line is launching soon and we are so excited to have partnered with them. For 20% off your first order just use the code SHAKTIXLAMBS. We love using their products especially for traveling on a plane when EMF exposure is at its highest.

Blue Blocking Glasses

BluShield EMF Blockers

SomaVedic Home & Travel EMF Harmonizers - Use discount code SHAKTI as checkout for 10% off

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10 Books to Read When You’re Feeling Lousy

10 Books to Read When Feeling Lousy

We all go through periods of ups and downs. It can be really difficult at times to pull your spirit up when it feel as if you're being challenged or tested from all directions. Reading is the perfect way to take a break from the negative mental spirals that could be swirling around in your head. It can be so helpful to take pause and read something uplifting, inspiring, or comical to nudge you back into the right direction of positive thinking and give you perspective.

Here are a few of our favorite uplifting reads.

For more of our favorites books, visit the Books We Love section of the blog.

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Tips for Sanity

Tips for sanity blog banner

We have shifted into a new way of living.

Being forced with no other choice than to embrace the uncertainty of each day, it’s not always easy to feel motivated or excited about staying at home and keeping “distance”. That’s why it’s helpful to call up your best friend, your mom, or your neighbor to share tips on how to keep feeling inspired and spread positivity. That’s why our team is sharing our current and favorite mood boosting tips. Here are just a few insights to what we’re listening to, what self-care we're loving, and what we’re snacking on.

Katie Online

Katie Silcox
Our Founder & C.E.O.

What music are you listening to? A lot of Beach House and electronic dance music....just gotta move! You can follow me on Spotify @Katie Rebecca Silcox

What’s your favorite podcast episode? The recent This American Life blew my mind - it's called "The Test"

What are you eating? Lots of salmon, smoothies, broths, sweet potatoes, salads with a ton of oil and vinegar, and chips and hummus 🙂

What is your go to product right now? The Wellness Formula

What has been the most helpful for keeping your sanity? Having my sweet friend in town from France. We kept each other strong and sane within the chaos. Also, laying outdoors, gardening, trying to walk everyday and Body Yantra!

Amaury Roseline

Amaury Vaillant
Our C.O.O.

What music are you listening to? Bachata and salsa to keep me moving and upbeat during the day. Joan Shelly's Like the River Loves the Sea in the morning and acoustics in the evenings. Spotify @Amaury Roseline

What’s your favorite podcast episode? Hard to choose! But I really liked Dr. Zach Bush's interview on Rich Roll's podcast from March 26

What are you eating? Lot's of Kitchari and bitter greens

What is your go to product right now? Goddess Ghee's The Hempress in my tea and a massage ball for my neck and shoulders. 

What has been the most helpful for keeping your sanity? Not reading the news and sticking to non-sensational reporting like NPR when I do check the news.

Sarah Waldron

Sarah Waldron
Our Operations, Membership & Event Coordinator

What music are you listening to? I have been listening to a lot of soothing music at night or during work hours: Sigur Ros and Slenderbodies. When I need uplifting or something to dance along to: Trevor Hall, The Revivalists, and the Classic Rock station on Spotify have been my go-tos the past month!

What's your favorite podcast episode? From The Ghee Spot I love We All Need Self-Love Training Wheels along with Haters Gonna Hate. I also love Unladylike for it's random, yet relatable and important topics. It addresses issues and patterns that I've never heard anyone address on a public platform before and brings in a bit of humor as well.

What are you eating? Roasted Garlic Lentil Soup!!  I am making big batches of soup with fresh and grounding ingredients. My favorite so far is my usual homemade lentil soup, but with a bunch of roasted garlic pureed and mixed in. I am also sipping on a tea of lemon, ginger, and tumeric root all day long.

What is your go to product right now? I am loving Life & Pursuits organic body massage oil after my shower. It's so nourishing and absorbs pretty quickly. I've also been taking Pior Living's Chyawanprash every morning with my lemon water to help boost immunity and ojas.

What has been the most helpful for keeping your sanity? Nature!  Getting outside daily for walks with my dog and pausing a lot to take in the subtleties around me. Hunting for morel mushrooms or other spring offerings in the woods is helping me keep my spirits high and bring beauty into each day.  The fresh air feels great after lots of time in the house.

Mary Silcox

Mary Silcox
Our Head of Creative Content & Communications

What music are you listening to? Alicia Keys, Wanda De Sah, and Mandolin Orange.

What’s your favorite podcast episode? Oprah’s Super Soul- Episode with Shawn Anchor (Part 1 & 2) on The Secrets of Happy People and The Life Altering Power of a Positive Mind. So uplifting!!!

What are you eating? Tons of vegetables spiced with turmeric, cumin, & garlic, leafy greens cooked with backyard dandelions, a little bit of fish, blueberries, and roasted carrots dipped in almond butter. 

What is your go to product right now? Foria’s CBD intimacy lube (gotta keep it interesting), Banyans Breast care balm, and magnesium calm. 

What has been the most helpful for keeping your sanity? Facetime hangs with my sister & my mom, SUNSHINE, and my man.

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Ayurveda in the Spring (antiviral tips included)

Ayurveda in the Spring

The beginning of spring is such a magical time of the year. For many of us there is a feeling of relief having survived another winter when there is less sunshine and blue sky to keep our moods elevated. During this time, most of us are overjoyed with the sight of the newly forming buds, the daffodils poking their heads out, and the return of all the chirping birds.

In Ayurveda this is the time when the water and earth elements are most present. When water and earth come together it can make for some pretty beautiful happenings: the growth of new seedlings, flowers bloom, trees grow and reproduce, ice melts, and rivers flow freely. However, when water and earth combine it also forms mud! This mud, or kaphic overload, can take up space in our physical bodies which can cause some imbalances like lethargy, allergies, congestion, and more mucus. And what’s worse: it's often when we're feeling out of balance that we tend to reach for the things that will further take us out of balance such as overeating, laziness, overconsuming sugar or alcohol, or going down a social media spiral. Here are some things you can do to avoid getting stuck in the mud AND that will be extremely helpful for boosting your immunity.

Practices to Pacify Kapha

  • Wake early
  • Dry Brush
  • Exercise first thing in the morning: take a brisk walk, do some jumping jacks, or go on a short run
  • Keep warm
  • Get an invigorating massage
  • Add stimulating music to your playlist
  • Go out dancing!
  • Laugh and spend time with loved ones

Foods Tips to Pacify Kapha

  • Add foods that are pungent, astringent, and bitter: aloe, nettle, dandelion, quinoa & barley, turmeric, mung beans, mustard greens, lemon, spiced broths
  • Add apple cider vinegar to your foods
  • Consume less meat
  • Avoid dairy
  • Add activating spices like Cayenne, ginger, black pepper, and mustard

Herbs & Supplements to Support Immunity, Viral Infections & Decrease Kapha

Herbal Nature Study

It’s important to take care of your health at all times, but especially during flu season and other viral epidemics. These foods, supplements, and practices will help to boost your immunity and to ward off viral disease.

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Finding Light and Hope During Global Crisis

Finding Light and Hope During Global Crisis

“We make things and seed them into the world, never fully knowing — often never knowing at all — whom they will reach and how they will blossom in other hearts, how their meaning will unfold in contexts we never imagined.” PICO IYER

It is no secret that we are currently living through a global crisis.

It's truly heartbreaking how many people will be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic in a way that will be life altering forever. And, many others that are suffering in ways that will affect their livelihood in the months to follow. Throughout all the terrifying uncertainty, the one thing that is certain is that we are all united in our shared experience. In times when we are experiencing grief, pain, loss, or uncertainty, it can be difficult to fall back on the practices, routines, or rituals that we know serve us best on our hardest of days. This is the time to really study the teachings on impermanence, non-attachment, and on what is most essential to your spiritual well-being.

While we don’t want to neglect the importance of educating ourselves on the devastating statistical facts that this virus has and will have, we also know that there are millions of news broadcasts doing that very well. So, as much as possible we want to share with our community all of the GOOD that is still happening at this time, all of the positive news and togetherness that has already come of this crisis, and all of the resources we have for inspiration and motivation to help get us through these troubling times.

There isn’t much that is certain living in the middle of a pandemic, but what is certain is that we have to move forward. And, if we choose to take this one day at a time, we can choose the intention of how we approach each day. I urge you not to stop seeking out joy. We can't stop noticing the flowers are in bloom, we can’t stop noticing the sun rising and setting, and we can't stop counting our blessings.

Self-isolation has shaken the masses to look at what is essential to survival. All throughout social media I see people spending time in solitude under nature's backdrop, I see families making homemade meals together, I see friends laughing through zoom chats, virtual happy hours, and viral meditations.

I also see people taking control of their health. I see people planting seeds, building garden beds, organizing their homes, and learning how to live with less.

And yes, while we still must be vigilant about what we can do to overcome this and stay real about what is happening, let's not forget life still has the ability to be GOOD. And, we can learn from this.

We know you’re spending a little more time inside, so here are a few articles we have found that highlight ways in which people have turned their Coronavirus situations into a vehicle of hope and love. We hope that they are uplifting and inspirational for you during these days when things feel so heavy and hopeless.

Virtual Happy hour Concerts: LIVE concerts in Richmond, Virginia from one living room to another. I’ve been seeing these pop up all over the globe. Artists sharing their gifts in the time of crisis. https://richmondgrid.com/virtual-happy-hour-house-show-series/

Italians in Quarantine & Still Singing from their balconies:  Still finding joy, raising their spirits, and uplifting the global energetic vibration. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/03/16/coronavirus-italians-keep-spirits-up-by-singing-from-balconies-during-lockdown/

Jimmy Fallon Home Shows: Not only is Jimmy Fallow broadcasting from home to help generate some laughs (videoed by his wife), but he has already created a donation platform to help those in need during the current pandemic. https://www.wzpl.com/2020/03/18/jimmy-fallon-does-the-tonight-show-from-home/

#VIRALKINDNESS: Becky Wass, from the county of Cornwall in the U.K., created a postcard stating, “Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help.” With space for people to fill out their contact details and whether they would like help with shopping, posting mail, or simply a phone call. This act of kindness went viral and caused others to do the same. One woman posted, “Let’s spread kindness instead of viruses, because kindness is contagious too.” https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-compassion-the-kindness-postcard-and-other-heartwarming-gestures.html

The Front Porch Photography Series: Throughout history creatives have used times of struggle and despair to propel them into projects that seek to spread light and hope to their surrounding communities and beyond. The Front Porch project is not only raising funds for photographers and other freelancers affected by the pandemic, it's bringing communities outside and together in our temporary physical separation:

The Sofa Singers: "The Sofa Singers is a free & weekly online singing event that aims to bring people together from around the world to spark joy and human connection. Set up by vocal leader James Sills as a response to global self isolation during the Coronavirus outbreak, The Sofa Singers bring together hundreds of people in real time for 45 minutes of simultaneous singing, learning a classic song with some optional harmonies/backing parts.” https://www.thesofasingers.net/

Coronavirus leads to huge drop in air pollution: This could be mother nature’s way of telling us all to slow down and respect the earth in ways that we haven’t been practicing up until this point. Perhaps the decline in air pollution will be a motivator for the world to shift into a more sustainable and responsible life. https://www.positive.news/environment/coronavirus-pandemic-leads-to-huge-drop-in-air-pollution/

Reduction in emissions in China could save as many as 77,000 lives:A Researcher from Stanford University has calculated that the reduction in emissions in China during the Coronavirus could save as many as 77,000 lives. If that number is put into context, that's more than 20 times the number of people who died from Coronavirus during that time. http://www.g-feed.com/2020/03/covid-19-reduces-economic-activity.html

Woman doing grocery runs for the elderly: In all parts of the world where people are struggling the most, many people are taking action by being a superior neighbor. People are reaching out to those around them that are in isolation, are elderly and unable to shop for groceries. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/grocery-runs-for-seniors-during-coronavirus/

A new light on the internet causing more connection: Forced video chatting during a period of global anxiety could improve our quality of communication leading to more frequent and more meaningful conversations. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/03/social-distancing-coronavirus-videochat-facetime/608038/

Couple Married on the Streets of New York City during the Coronavirus outbreak: This couple didn’t let the outbreak stop them wanting to make their commitment to each other public. With their friend officiating from his 4th story apartment, they were married on the streets of NYC. https://www.today.com/news/good-news

Nurture

One of the most important things we can be doing at this time is to take care of one another, keep moving, keep finding sources of JOY and ways to inspire ourselves and our neighbors. This may be the universe giving us a little extra time to use as an opportunity to straighten out our own soul and to ask ourselves questions about how we can live optimally; Are we finding daily connection to nature? Are we expressing gratitude towards the people we love? Are we taking care of our neighbors? The planet? How can we live more sustainably? What does our body need in order to be more creative and live our most inspired life? How can I help someone today?

More Interesting Links on Living with Positivity Through Coronavirus & Resources for Inspiration:

Interesting Interpretation on What’s Happening Astrologically 

Wim Hof's Advice on CoronaVirus

GoodNewsNetwork

Brainpickings

On Being

The Shakti School Blog

The Happiness Project

ZenHabits

TinyBuddha

Charles Eisenstein's essay The Coronation

Our Love in the Time of Covid podcast episode

 

Ted Talks and Other Videos:

Elizabeth Gilbert

Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability

Shawn Achor - The Happy Secret to Better Work

The Surprising Science of Happiness

What Makes a Good Life

Jim Carey on Awakening

Oprah Winfrey talks with Thich Nhat Hanh

Woman Blowing Dusts on Her Hand
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A love note from Katie — Staying Healthy and Calm in Chaotic Times

March 16, 2020

Oh man. They say this era is the Kali Yuga — the time of great tribulation and great LEARNING. When times are seemingly at their darkest, there is the greatest potential, the teachings say, for LIGHT to come through.

I just wanted to connect personally with the community here at Shakti School to say that truly there is no better time to become even more seated in the inherent GOODNESS of our being than now. How can we love ourselves and others more authentically and fully. Times like these remind us of how SACRED all of life is. We never know what tomorrow holds.

Here’s a small insight into my thoughts around facing the massive health scare we are all privy to on a global scale, and what I am trying to keep in my own practice right now.

  1. It's normal to be afraid. Try not to beat yourself up over feeing it. But try not to dwell there. In all traditions we practice the strategic use of our attention. Stay informed, but don’t run to the news every hour. When things feel chaotic it's a good time to find the center of you that is calm and unchanging. Practice returning there.
  2. Follow the instructions from our medical and CDC community. By this point, you are all well aware of social distancing, quarantine and hand washing. Perhaps our global community can benefit from some unintentional hibernation and the simplicity of “no events” on the horizon.
  3. Practice gratitude — it is what keeps our cellular matrix (and immunity) in good communication.
  4. Do all the things — so many of you KNOW how to care for your immunity. Choose the foods that you know boost your body. Avoid junk, sugar and fried things. Dry brush. Exercise. Sleep. Take baths.
  5. Neti pot neti pot neti pot.
  6. Oils to the ears and nose.
  7. Herbs that I’m leaning into during this time: echinacea, turmeric, tulsi* and my go-to for feeling yuck is Wellness Formula (which is incredible and full of all the good anti-virals and vitamins).
  8. Zinc. An abundance of evidence has shown the antiviral activity of zinc against a variety of viruses.
  9. Reishi and Astragalus. Both very well-known adaptogens and immune-protection.
  10. Fresh air
  11. Lay on the EARTH as much as possible
  12. Laugh — we are watching old episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race.
  13. Marvel at the incredible way in which our entire global community is truly united against this thing. I’ve heard reports of Chinese doctors going to Italy to help out. That’s some SAINTLY stuff right there. What about Italians coming out on their balconies in Rome to collectively sing the national anthem? Read this to feel instant heart upliftment.
  14. Listen to our podcast with Mary Thompson
  15. Practice self-regulation (join the Shakti School Subscription for meditations that do just that!) And practice co-regulation (speaking with others who can love and support you). We all need reminded that most likely things are gonna’ be okay. It is highly likely that we will survive this. And even if things get worse, we are loved and protected by our Creator.
With love and prayers that we all remain healthy,
Katie
*Use my discount code Katie15 for 15% off at Banyan Botanicals
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