Free workshop - Saturday, October 10

Movement, Art and Spirit

A Free Workshop to Celebrate You!
Saturday, October 10 ~ 3pm-5pm
The Cathedral of St. Philip, Room 368
2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta

Nourish your body and spirit through yoga and art therapy-based techniques in a safe and positive environment. Group will be facilitated by, Caroline Correll, certified fitness and movement trainer, and Megan McSwain, art therapist and licensed associate professional counselor. Please bring a yoga mat. Email caroline@mybodyflow.com for info.

Baby Anna Caroline

My sister had her third child on Friday afternoon at 3:40pm. "Anna Caroline" weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces, 20 inches long. Even though she's a healthy weight, she's still so tiny yet so MIGHTY! I'm always in awe over newborns. And, perhaps I'm biased because she's my niece and my namesake, but it's amazing how someone so little and so new can be so peaceful and seem, like I said, so mighty!

And, I'm in awe not only about the baby but also my sister - and new mothers in general. The resilience and wisdom - I hope we're all blessed with those gifts.

The first photo is Nick, my fiance, holding Anna while she decides to stick out her tongue. (She must know he can take some teasing!) The second photo is my sister Judith holding her baby. Maybe more photos to come, but I couldn't resist a) showing off my new niece and b) sharing the miracle of new life.

The Deeper the Roots...

I'm at Starbucks in between clients, and I need to confess that I found a new favorite quote from a poster in the bathroom - "The deeper the roots, the higher the reach."

One could apply that quote to nearly anything, but naturally, I like to think of it in a body/spirit approach. The more connected you are to your body and self, the more connected you are to the world and possibility - the more able you are to reach past the glass ceiling, the more able you are to "break these chains that hold me back" (thank you, Dixie Chicks, for another borrowed quote).

On Friday, I presented to a team of specialists who treat eating disorders. Oftentimes, it's a quite a job to explain my method of personal training - how I like to encourage cross training (cardiovascular, resistance, flexibility training + rest) as well as Listening to Your Body. Every day is different, every body is different, so we need to learn to tune into our energy, what our body needs. We need our muscular, cardiovascular, bone and metabolic health, yet we also need to respect the wealth of information and sensitivities that reside in the individual body and spirit. We need to marry science and spirit. We need to build a foundation of trust between the person and healer/trainer/therapist/doctor as well as the spirit and the body.

Well, as you can see, that's a lot to explain, but it can be done. Or, maybe another creative way of explaining might how intuitive eating relates to intuitive exercise. If you're craving a tomato, eat a tomato. If you feel like flailing your arms, do it (or take a dance class!). If you feel like a cold glass of tea, drink it. If you feel like getting on the ground and breathing, soak up child's pose. If you feel like enjoying pancakes, savor them. If you feel you need direction, power or a mental break, take a hike or power walk.

The idea is to connect. It takes practice, but it works. Listen to your body, and it will tell you. It will give you the balance and strength you need. If you truly listen, it will give you the nutrients you need and the energy you deserve.

Prana Patience Prayer

It's been way too long since I've written, so why not take advantage of this Saturday night after I've had chicken noodle soup for dinner, taken a hot bath, and while my fiance watches a "futbol" game by my side.

The past month has been full of change due to moving in and merging my belongings and my life with my fiance. I've now got quite a commute, which isn't too bad. And, we're still praying for peace among our pets (the two dogs are still amazed with my furry little feline who's found a new love for hissing and arching her back around our good ol' dogs). Patience and prayer - I'm minding my P's until they're all friends.

Then, while I thought all was well besides mileage increasing and pets freaking, I got sick. It was one of those things I thought I could ride out...then I finally went to the doctor...then I went to another doctor. Next thing I knew, I had two procedures scheduled one day after the other. I've been scared and for good reason. Thankfully, my doctor gave two thumbs up after each procedure, so now I'm working on healing.

I believe we're all working on healing in one way or another - throughout our lives. Even throughout each day if you're open to looking at it that way. Or, perhaps, I believe, with each breath.

This past month, and especially this past week, I've had to slow down - way down. And, while I'm not an obsessive exerciser, I like a good dose of physical movement nearly everyday. Whether it's flow yoga, or a run/walk, or a great step class, or a tough Cathe dvd, it helps my body, my soul, my mind, to move. And, when that doesn't happen, I get cranky. Bottled up. Tight. Tense. Crabby. Moody. Really, really blah. It's like I get "out of my body" - yet, dare I even say it for fear of having this "thing" happen again - but perhaps this experience has taught me something important about "staying in my body" despite the chaos I can't control.

In order for me to make sense of the past month, and especially the past week, like many people in difficult life situations, I've turned to prayer and prana. Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning life-force, breath, vitality of spirit. Although the meaning of prana doesn't necessarily follow a particular "religious" path, I highly encourage applying any sense of religion or spirit to this practice that feels good to you. Sometimes we connect in a religious way easily through prayer - sometimes we need something more than words to connect to Something Bigger - sometimes that can be through the breath, the body, the well of energy that resides within...

Thankfully, with my yoga and movement practice, I've discovered something beyond the physical part of movement. I've discovered that energy that lies within me regardless of whether I've had a great "workout" or not. It's always there, you can always tap into it by going deep within and being open to your own healing energy.

I'd like to share two things that have helped me lately - I'll paste those below hoping maybe they can help you too. Additionally, my hope for myself and for readers is to carry this sense of healing energy throughout all phases of your life, your sickness and your health, your day and your nights, your inhales and your exhales....

#1

Inhale Grace,
Exhale Fear,
Inhale New,
Exhale Old.
Inhale Receive,
Exhale Let Go.

(I believe you get my drift - Inhale what you need, Exhale what you need to let go...)

#2

I need to be still and let God love me.
I need to be still and let God love me.
When this old world starts to push and shove me,
I need to be still and let God love me.

(from "I Need To Be Still ( And Let God Love Me )" written by: Archie P. Jordan and Naomi Martin)