Shift in with aanch

Hi, it's aanch.

Take a few moments to shift in with me.

I showed up to teach, and the gates were closed.

This year, two of the yoga studios I taught at regularly closed down. One I got to say goodbye to. The other I found out about standing outside those gates.

I wrote the whole story on Substack this week, about what it felt like, and what my body knew before my mind caught up. Read it here.

When the ground moves, the nervous system registers it before the mind finishes its to-do list. My mind first went straight into producer mode. But my body went to biting my nails, a tense jaw, shoulders hunching in. I realized I had to address what was happening in my body before I could solve any problems. I took some time to notice, acknowledge, and feel before moving forward.

The work isn’t to stay calm. It’s the speed and ability with which you can come back.

Here's a short exercise to work to grow your capacity to hold more and come back to yourself when overwhelm takes over.

Today's shift in action
A 90-second practice for the next time the ground moves

Put your feet flat on the floor and feel the ground under you.
Look slowly around the room. Name three things you can see. Repeat these to yourself 3x.
This tells your nervous system you’re here, now, and safe enough to settle.
Breathe in for a count of four, and out for a count of six. 5x. Option to say the thing you've named with your breaths. Longer exhales take your body into parasympathetic - rest & digest.
Remind yourself you are okay. You just gave your body the chance to catch up with your mind.

Curious to do more of this work?

There are a few more spots left in my workshop, Reframe.

Reframe is a workshop for people going through transitions.

It’s for those who tend to think their way out of problems but keep falling back into the same cycle. It’s for those who know what changes to make, and maybe are even making them, but haven’t felt or seen the change yet. We move between mind and body: naming the problem, connecting with yourself, understanding how to change direction, and embodying the change you want to make, so every part of you agrees with the shift.

• When: Sunday, November 8 · 2–5pm

• Where: Re/center: 4510 W Washington Blvd in Mid City, Los Angeles (located next to Re/creation Cafe).

• Investment: $95 early bird through tomorrow, then $135.

There are only a few spots left; join while you can!

REGISTER HERE.

If you’ve lost something that had a strong hold on your identity, hit reply. I’d love to hear your story.