"I found this workshop, read the description and thought it would be interesting. Then forgot about it. But I kept finding it – or it kept finding me. On a very emotional day I ‘found’ it again and decided to sign up. I wasn’t sleeping, I was more emotional than usual, my anxiety levels were rising. I felt like I had no control over myself. This workshop, I thought, would give me that control.

My history is that I had a health incident a couple of years ago. Since then I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, both naturally and medicinally induced, as well as a physical roller coaster. The emotional highs and lows were not me, the outbursts of tears, lack of patience, were not me.  However, not holding things inside as much is probably good for me. I wanted a happy medium, some control over what was happening.

The day of the workshop was not a good day – feeling ill from meds, slightly nervous about it, yet willing to learn. After the breath of joy, I felt invigorated, after the mantra, my feeling of unwellness was gone, there was calming. The exercises built upon each other and gave us different tools. It was a lot of information in one session and so worthwhile. I was tired, but it was the type of tired from working out – the good tired – not the physical exhaustion I had been experiencing.

That evening I was able to relax, I read a book, laughed aloud, totally enjoyed myself, was in the moment – and no guilt that I wasn’t doing things around the house. And my sleep – well, I went to bed early and slept like I hadn’t since I don’t remember when.  I woke early and allowed myself the luxury to lie in bed and enjoy the feeling. Usually if I’m still lying in bed it’s because I’m tired and want the extra minutes. This was pure luxury! I felt great that day.

Upon reflection I realized that this is not about controlling your emotions – something that we are told to do and society wants us to do. Trying to control our emotions is actually disempowering. It is about acknowledging, accepting and bringing them into balance. It is about opening and strengthening our heart. It is about having the tools to assist us during the difficult times and the easy times. It is about understanding ourselves, our body and mind and bringing them into balance.  It is about me and me being me.

This workshop was a great introduction – I look forward to seeing where this will take me in future sessions. Thank you!"