Journey Into Power

Five months ago I embarked on a journey of self-discovery with eleven other souls.

I recall the first Friday afternoon we all came together at Shift Power Yoga. I entered the studio just like I had on so many other occasions only this time instead of rolling out my mat I made my way to one of the twelve chairs that had been arranged in the studio.

A few women and a totally cool looking dude were already there. They looked strong, powerful and self-assured. My eyes scanned the room looking for someone, anyone who I thought was "like me". Pushing late fifties, nursing a body filled with old sports injuries, cranky hips and knees who thought "Yup this is the perfect time in my life to become a yoga teacher!"

As my eyes searched the room there was no comfort or reassurance to be found. Welcome to Day 1 of YTT! I took a seat in the back row.

In some weird way I felt like I had somehow landed on an episode of Survivor. I knew it wouldn’t be Outwit, Outlast, Outplay, this was YTT after all, but it was immediately obvious I was going to have to show up, step up, FULLY.

So I find myself reflecting on that journey this morning. How do I put into words what the past five months has meant to me, opened up for me? What will continue to open up as this work truly begins to land?

Growth only comes through challenges, if life has taught me anything it is this! So it is with great curiosity that I observe the changes coming from within myself. This is not my first rodeo. I’ve been on the personal development path longer than some of the people in my training have been alive! It is also what I do for a living working as a Life Transition Coach. I know first hand the evolving never ends. If I am being totally honest I am not even sure it gets easier, but the value of the work is ever increasing.

Every person who was with me on this Journey Into Power had their own story, their own limiting beliefs, we were doing the work together, and on our own. It was beautiful, it was messy. Tears were shed and laughter was had.

Our paths to YTT may have all been different, yet somehow we had all ended up here in the same place at the same time. I believe now more than ever, all roads lead home.

We’ve all got work to do, things to let go of, messes to clean up. None of us feel like we are enough. There is a power in knowing this, not on an intellectual level or as a concept but actually knowing it on a cellular level, in our bones. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking how much better our lives would be if only we were __________ fill in the blank. Yet here I was with extraordinary humans; some were clearly much brighter than I, stronger, younger, more experienced, thinner, better looking, you name it, and guess what they all have challenges to overcome as well.

People, there will always be some reason to feel not good enough, for me and for many of you who are reading this. This is what I am committed to changing in my life because not feeling good enough “is not working for me”

Five little words, yet so powerful! Just saying those words out loud diffuses the thought of not being enough. There is nothing to justify, rationalize or defend. It's not working, end of story! That one simple sentence has been a game changer for me. It forces a change in the inner dialogue.

So.... if it’s not working then what am I a YES for? What must I give up? What's the next move? The more I step into this way of being the more empowered I become.

I remind myself that I am up to something bigger than myself and not good enough doesn’t have a place at this party.

The changes in my life are huge. Relationships that were good are even better. The ones that were not working? I’ve let them go with loving kindness, not everyone who starts our journey with us, will finish it with us. That’s okay. I feel happier, more at peace, inspired and freer than I have in a very long time.

I am very excited to see where this work will take me. To those of you who took this journey with me, taught, assisted and mentored, from my heart to yours thank you! 🙏🏻❤️

And if you are at all interested in embarking on your own Journey Into Power definitely check out Shift Power Yoga.

With deep gratitude, Namaste

Jenn🙏🏻