A goal in my business right now is to write a weekly blog for my website. The commitment to myself and my work is necessary. It’s easy to procrastinate when I am the business owner, marketing person, practitioner, investor, etc.
Yet, after an incredible (and full) anatomy weekend experience, I was at a loss for anatomical words. There was nothing left to say about muscles. So, one of my business coaches pointed me toward a reflection around rest, which is the other major hat I wear as a teacher.
As I reflect on 20 years of teaching at conventions, for private businesses and various schools, plus attending hundreds of educational seminars and conventions myself, I realize how much has shifted in my practices and ways of approaching learning.
It’s a wonder my body made it through the fluorescent lighting, large groups and late nights out dancing during many of my educational and professional endeavors over the years and across the US and back again.
Las Vegas. California. Colorado. Virginia. Georgia. Montana. New Jersey.
My weekend anatomy experience now has integrations built in on either side and throughout to nourish both the attendees and me. Restorative practices naturally merged with my teaching in 2021 after having them woven into my postpartum out of necessity. These practices also get upgrades as I learn new ways to hold rooms. Like at the May 2026 AXIS retreat in Sedona with a friend and mentor of mine named Lola.
The vibe and the feeling of education is different when restorative practices are nestled around the experience. When there is intention and a container. The experience can feel like a retreat and stimulate growth all at once.
Let’s be honest. We can only cram so much information in during a weekend, but it is convenient to do education this way in pockets of time so people can travel, so we can compartmentalize. To get it done. One of the attendees told me how much she values the container to grow herself and her practice.
Otherwise, it’s hard to fit personal and professional growth into the nooks of life, kids, work.
I am dedicated to making educational experiences feel productive, but also restorative. So, I was naturally elated when I received this text message on Monday morning.
“I came back feeling refreshed instead of overwhelmed. Best workshop EVER"!”
One of the other attendees said she realized she “can’t learn it all in one weekend”, even though she thought she would initially . This is so true and humbling. What a relief to realize that and take the pressure off. I’ve seen students hold a tight grip to getting all at once and it is stressful for the nervous system, plus of the entire room of people.
We cannot do it all. We need not push so hard. Rather, easing into the journey has better results - even though it is counterintuitive. Which brings me back to this blog and the intention to write something about muscles and anatomy, but instead circling back to my values of restoring rhythms.
So, here I am - finding the balance of my commitment to myself in both personal and professional endeavors. Doing the best I can in the moment.
This reflective blog is thanks to one of my business coaches, Emily Tosoni, who recommended it when I told her I was feeling full after the weekend and wanted to write my weekly blog but might just put it off. Finding the middle ground is nice.
We all need mirrors, mentors and coaches to keep us aligned.
Or, at least I do.
What about you?