Living Your Healing

08/06/2023 by

You are ready, you’ve done a lot of work, dealt with so much, some issues many times over but… those old habits die hard.

The final part of the healing process is something that must be done by our SELF. No-one can live our life and create a response rather than reaction or feel old energy stirring and stay present without being triggered.

The ONLY way that works is to become self-aware – thoughts, emotions, physical sensations. Awareness gives the opportunity of a new action or no action. Instead of playing starring role in the movie of our life we become an objective observer. Initially we may be pulled into the role of hero, victim, or rescuer. It’s our habit. The biochemistry is familiar. That’s ok. Before we were oblivious and now, we are noticing. Hooray!

Once the intention is set, things can change fast. Every now and again a tsunami of energy may come and before we know it, we are back in the familiar waters of our habits and coping strategies 😊. It’s part of the process.

HOW do we develop this awareness?

It’s important to feel safe in our body and able to relax. This will down regulate the nervous system to parasympathetic rest and digest/tend and befriend mode and facilitate rational thinking which always helps!

Create quiet time for reflection to be able to hear/feel/sense/know the messages from the body and intuition. Stillness may help and it may also be a non-starter. There is a view that seated, silent meditation is more yang and women are better suited to a gentle, moving meditation practice. Experiment and see what works for you. Remember there is no right, wrong or only way. You are meant to change, and your practice is to support where you are at any time.

I find mindful yoga, walking, simple breathing practices and flowing movement work well but also have great insight when I am quiet and pottering at home. I’ve had profound realisations and releases while driving in the countryside.

When aware of a thought, emotion, or physical sensation this becomes our focus, watching, sensing without judgement while avoiding getting pulled into a story or looking for meaning. Thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the body are all energy. We are holding space for unprocessed energies to move through the body with compassion, curiosity and self-love.

Want to know more?

I support conscious women ready and willing to do whatever it takes to overcome their wounding and trauma to live with purpose and joy. Sessions are on Zoom and include movement, mentoring and mindfulness.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Healing, Yoga Therapy

Yoga Saved Me by Suzan J Wells

08/06/2023 by

I spent many years in a whirlwind of stress desperately trying to rescue or fix my family and friends. Blissfully unaware. I was subconsciously avoiding dealing with my own issues. My health and well-being declined. I was exhausted, isolated and my adrenals were close to burn out. Eventually I grew tired of symbolically banging my head against a brick wall. I started yoga and instantly my body sighed with relief. Over the weeks, months, and years my body and inner wisdom showed me the way. Processing an emotional issue resulted in more ease and fewer aches and pains. My body began to tell me of trauma she was holding. I gently give this part of me space and allow her to be heard and the energy flow. On my mat I am home and safe. This is the real me. At my own pace other areas of my life began to change. I saw things differently, and positively. If I hadn’t found yoga….

Over the years I have adapted, integrated other modalities, and created tools for first-aid, maintenance and moving forward. Most importantly I listen to my body and inner wisdom. I had ignored silent whispers or deep knowing many times and regretted it. As soon as I notice I am off-track I take a few minutes to regroup with something for my body or mind/emotions.

“Thank you for the yoga and for keeping us sane in crazy times.”

I love to share this deeper yoga with its healing potential. This poem sums up perfectly my intention with groups and individual sessions.

A Medicine Woman’s Prayer
I will not rescue you
For you are not powerless.
I will not fix you
For you are not broken.
I will not heal you
For I see you in your wholeness.
I will walk with you through your darkness
As you remember your light.
(Unknown)

Filed Under: Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

Your Body has the Answer

08/06/2023 by

Life is not random or co-incidental. We each have a curriculum, life plan, soul contract. From the get-go events, experiences, and trauma set us on our path.

As infants we subconsciously learn that we are not perfect, whole, and complete. Certain behaviours are encouraged, others discouraged. This is no judgement on parents. It’s the way things work. The best parenting advice has proved not to be so. Trends come and go.  If left to cry ourselves to sleep, we may have learned that our needs are not important or will not be met. Perhaps we learned to be good, work hard or perform to be accepted, or loved.

This is a shock. We are dependent on the approval of others to get our needs met and live. To cope we subconsciously split into parts.*

  1. The Wounded Self – feels it is not perfect, rejects aspects of the Healthy Self and takes on a false ‘acceptable’ persona.
  2. The Defended/Survivor Self – ensures we survive. Its role is to protect us through this false identity and hiding the Healthy Self. This is done ferociously and persistently.
  3. The Healthy Self – is non-judgemental, compassionate, deeply present. The destination of our healing journey.

Our protector/defender self does such a good job we forget about our wounded self!

The Defended Self kept us safe by shielding our true nature from the world. What a gift! It developed when we were young and acts from that place. This explains childlike responses and reactions that seem greater than the situations warrant.

It has done a great job but now it’s outdated patterns, limiting beliefs, and judgements keep us stuck or plays out the same old stories. It blocks the gateway to the Wounded Self – the root of the issue.

Developing compassion and befriending the Defended Self is the key. When it feels safe the nervous system calms, relaxation and rational thinking become accessible. We can then see beyond the drama/trauma/story that plays out.

As the barriers come down, we start to become aware of ‘defended/buried’ emotions. This can be tough. There is a reason you were protected from them. But it is not necessary to go into trauma, or relive events. Objective awareness creates a connection to the energy – as if watching a video rather than having a lead role. The energy can then be transformed, transmuted and new habits created. This is where I find yoga so valuable.

Conscious Yoga gives the opportunity to get to know our Self through the body. This is more accessible, and success orientated. Mindful movement, breathing, stillness and all the other yoga tools present an opportunity to get to know the Self more deeply. ‘Yoga is a journey of the Self to the Self’ – unity of all parts of self, unity with the cosmos, all that is. On the way we become aware and have the opportunity to accept all our parts with compassion from our Healthy Self.


I support conscious women ready and willing to do whatever it takes to overcome their wounding and trauma to live with purpose and joy. Sessions are on Zoom and include movement, mentoring and mindfulness.

*The 3 Selves by Franz Rupert

Filed Under: Anxiety, Healing, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

6 Ways Yoga Supports Your Healing

26/07/2022 by
  1. Your story and ancestry are held within the body.
  2. Regular time to be present (can be humbling, insightful and healing ????).
  3. Self-awareness, self-love, and self-compassion develop.
  4. Healing emotions brings freedom to the body.
  5. Chakras align and aura clear.
  6. Grounding and relaxation are the foundational for change, healing, and integration.

For advice on starting or deepening your practice email Suzan to book a complimentary online consultation.

Filed Under: Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

The most popular relaxation aid in 20 years is….

19/05/2022 by

Back by popular request for online sessions is Miss Georgia. Here she demonstrates plank posture.

plank posture demonstrated by Georgia the French bulldog

All I want is to be loved!

An unexpected outcome was the relaxing effect of her gentle, not so quiet breathing! Making Georgia’s gentle background snoring the most popular relaxation aid!! Haha. Take a listen.

 

Filed Under: Fatigue, Healing

7 Fascinating Yoga Facts!

11/04/2022 by

In these times of increasing change I smile and remember that yoga says the only certainty is change! Yoga has a vast arrays of tools and potential to support us as we navigate life, health and change.

Did you know?

  1. Ancient Yoga texts 4 list paths to yoga: –
    Karma – the yoga of action
    Bhakti – the yoga of devotion
    Gyana/jnana – the yoga of knowledge/wisdom
    Raja – the royal path – an eight-step path to Self-realisation – Patanjali Yoga.
  2. Asana – Sanskrit for posture – means a comfortable seated position.
  3. Patanjali’s Yoga does not include any postures – it states postures should be both steady and comfortable.
  4. Yoga was taught 1 to 1 to men only.
  5. Indra Devi was the first western woman to be taught yoga in the early 1900’s (by Krishnamacharya of the viniyoga tradition).
  6. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a much later text which describes 15 postures, breathing techniques, mudras & bandhas.
  7. Yoga means unity – joining all parts of self with soul and the oneness.

Are you surprised?

Want to know more? Email me to find out how yoga can support you.

Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

What If…

13/12/2021 by

What if you paid attention to the voice, nudge or knowing rather than reflecting that it would have been a more supportive decision than following your mind or what you have done before.

You are so much more than a body or mind. X-rays, kirlan photography etc. reveal our electric/electromagnetic energy field – prana, chi or life force energy. Everything including the earth have their own individual field which is part of the oneness/collective consciousness.

YOU CAN CHANGE IT POSITIVELY AND/OR NEGATIVELY

  • Each interaction whether in-person, online or tv has an impact on your energy.
  • Every thought and belief are imprinted in your energy field.
  • An automatic hug, rubbing a child’s grazed knee are ways you use energy for healing.

Energy follows your thoughts, discover more with yogaDeveloping your awareness with energy brings potential to positively upgrade your life.

Energy is invisible for most – some see a shimmer or colours, others feel, sense, know or intuit. No way is better or more advanced.

Connect with energy with:

  • Yoga – asana/postures, breathing and meditation
  • Sound therapy
  • Healing/Mentoring 1-2-1
  • Sharing & Healing Circles

Email Suzan 

Filed Under: Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

I Might Not Have Made It…

11/08/2021 by

It could have been very different. I may not have made it this far. The pull of addiction beckoned but even in the depths of my confusion, despair, and darkness I knew deep down it was not for me – not this time anyway… I didn’t have the understanding or later the words to express it but there was something keeping me going.

Beneath my wounding, conditioning and unhelpful habits resides a part of me with great wisdom, my Wise Woman. Untarnished by the ups and downs of life she is a quiet, calm, knowing guide. When I listen to her things go well. I had forgotten this part of me existed but every now and again she would try and make herself known. For decades my mind overrode her. She didn’t give up.

I found her through my yoga practice, walking in nature, in the pauses between thinking, planning, judging, and zoning out. She led me well and here I am sharing with you. Never in a million years did I think this would happen!

You came from nothing into physical form helpless and reliant on others. To navigate life, you developed strategies and behaviours to ensure that you survive, are fed, loved, or shielded from painful feelings and memories. This is when you start of the disconnect from your inner wisdom.

These parts or programmes which are vital to you as a child haven’t been updated. They get in the way of you living life fully as an adult. Next time you get upset or triggered notice your reaction, what age comes to mind? Perhaps you struggle for words or there are no words – possibly linked to preverbal events.

You may have no conscious memory as to why your programmes developed. There may be a transgenerational link. Yet everything is stored within your body. It holds your pain and the answers you are seeking.

“Trauma comes back as a reaction, not a memory”
Bessel Van Der Kokk

Your body is designed to heal and return to homeostasis. Pain, both physical and emotional, signals something is wrong. Life continues to bring you opportunities to process unfinished business. Events may seem unlinked, unfortunate, coincidental or there may be patterns – ongoing issues with romantic relationships, money, self-worth etc. All are opportunities to heal and be authentically you – not a punishment. The body is signalling it is time to change course. It is exhausting holding onto your wounding and story. I know, I tried extremely hard. Each release felt like it created a new me, lighter, brighter, and happier.

If I can do it you can too! 

Yoga in its fullest sense was my way out of these unhelpful repeating events. Every time I came onto my mat I was guided to connect with my body, then my breath and notice – I discovered my Wise Woman. She is my guide. Our relationship continued to deepen as I expanded my practice with healing and development tools. My trust built. I now trust her above everything. It is my joy and honour to guide you, and others, to connect with your inner wisdom.

Here’s how

Start with one step, something that is manageable and celebrate starting. Before you were oblivious. Now you are aware AND have taken a step towards your goal. It takes as long as it takes. There is no set route or technique. You can take the scenic route or go directly, navigating obstacles, getting stuck in dead ends – it doesn’t matter. I have done all and eventually moved on. Sometimes I would charge ahead, think I was complete only to find something else to consider. All the while I feel better, more alive and my relationships are easier. My sense is that this is a life-long practice, and it feels good. This is my life purpose. To find me and live authentically.

I will guide and support you.

What is your next step? Would group or private sessions best help you? 

Email me to get started.

With love and acknowledgement for all you have experienced, your challenges and potential.

Suzan

Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

Removing the Fear from Freedom

08/04/2021 by

As restrictions ease here in the UK there is a desire for things to ‘go back to normal’. But what if you go a step further and create the normal that is best for you? What activities, spending and habits are no longer needed or supportive? How does you new daily/weekly/yearly life look and feel now? (Feel free to borrow my magic wand and share your vision:).)

However positive the future may be, a legacy remains. Relationships and jobs have changed or ended, finances have been impacted, sometimes with devastating effects. I know some of you have had a really tough time, others have been feeling sadness, fear and grief which is in the collective consciousness. Even if you are an introvert and lock-in was the best possible experience, everyone is in the same energy field/morphogenic field and impacted by these energies. What you are feeling may be yours or it may be from this field or perhaps a bit of both. It may be childhood and transgenerational issues coming up to be cleared and released.

It is vital that we get to know our fears and feelings. We are intricately connected with one another and with nature. Just as we care for and protect the environment (belatedly I hear some of you cry), it is important to care for one another. Living in fear of, judging, reporting one another evokes memories rooted in the horrors of genocide and wars. It is unthinkable. But it doesn’t have to be this way we can heal.

But how? Just as with all healing. With you, step by step at your own pace, without pressure. By changing you, your world will change.

Take time now to observe and reflect on the past and the future. Notice patterns and repeating behaviours. Perhaps you also notice them in a family member. What is your instinctive response? (If you are experiencing mental health challenges, wait until things have settled). This will help you cope when situations arise. How do you feel about mixing with others? What scenarios would be supportive and/or triggering? Are you mildly, moderately or extremely anxious, stressed and fearful? All of these are normal and if you are feeling fine* now, when the time comes your emotions may be different! It is okay if you are feeling stirred up. Everything is has the potential to help you grow and embody more of your true self.

My sense is that everyone is experiencing a degree of trauma simply by having lived through 2020! 

You have tools – the practices from our work together – use them when needed. Something as simple as a long, conscious exhale can make a difference. You can add counting back from 5 as you exhale.

You have connection and community – in all the groups.

You are not alone. I am in the Zoom sanctuary 15 minutes before start time and you are welcome to come along to connect or chat.

We can do this together.

Continue to prioritise well-being physical, emotional/mental and spiritual. The energy forecasts say that things may get a bit bumpy. The good news is that it gives an opportunity to transform quickly. It’s easier than ever before to clear old patterns, programs and behaviours. Simply being aware and giving space to these energies is transformative.

Keep coming to groups or private sessions, join our Signal group and use it for support. Share how you are feeling with others who understand. All sessions are stress, trauma and recovery sensitive and remain in our online yoga sanctuary. Perhaps you would benefit from 2 sessions a week or a private session to develop a home practice. NEW COURSES START 12TH APRIL. Together we will navigate what comes up. Here is a summary:

✨True peace is found on the other side of our challenges. Explore and heal what is holding you back in a safe, loving space in our Connection & Healing Circle for Women – Tuesday – Zoom 8.00-9.00pm Numbers are limited to 7.

✨Reset your nervous system for calm and a deep sense of well-being with YOGA PLUS – beyond the postures – A gentle, nurturing session to retune and align to harmony and peace. Includes sound bath, relaxation, energy balancing and healing. Wednesday 8.00-9.00pm

✨Find and free patterns and emotions held in your body. Ground your healing. A wonderful, holistic experience blending yoga, sharing and energy healing in Yoga for Recovery – Wednesday – 6.00-7.30pm

MINDFUL YOGA CLASSES

✨Mindful Yoga THERAPY & Relaxation – Monday – 6.00-7.15pm
Mostly lying, gentle, therapeutic, and restorative, with time for connections and sharing.

✨Mindful Yoga & Relaxation, Mixed ability – Monday 7.45-9.00 pm
From standing to lying, poses for strength, stretching and releasing physical and emotional tension. Relax, unwind, reconnect with yourself and the group

✨Chair Yoga – Tuesday – 10.30-11.30am
Gentle, safe, and fun – no lying or kneeling

✨Finding Freedom – Tuesday 6.00-7.15pm
Supporting parents of addicts with connection and gentle practices to reset and relax.

Regular practice and spending time in positive energy develops resources and resilience. This helps you relax and see beyond conditioning and patterns as you are guided by your inner wisdom. This is the place of freedom. It is beyond fear.

Email me to book your place or discuss which is best for you.

*FINE = f***d up, insecure and emotional 🙂

Filed Under: Healing, Stress

6 steps to stay positive

01/10/2020 by

NOW is the time to see the opportunities that 2020 has brought. Yes the evenings are darker and the media is full of doom. I could go on… But we have a choice to focus on the challenges or potential. Proactive actions, thoughts and people lift our spirit and positivity.

Here are some simple steps which will help create good vibes. Aim for success, Choose something that you can do without too much effort. Add, or change as needed.

1.  MAINTAIN/BOOST YOUR MOOD

  • Use a lamp that imitates natural sunlight.
  • Take regular exercise, walk daily, practice yoga/qigong
  • Eat healthily with natural foods*
  • Create a routine – it gives a sense of control

2.  FOCUS ON WHAT’S GOING WELL

  • Every morning and every night take a few minutes to focus on 5 things that you have in your life right now. Food? water? A job/income? A home? Friends? Etc.
  • Each day share with a partner, friend, colleague at least one positive thing about your day.
  • Minimise exposure to negative input, tv, social media etc. choose feel-good programs and connections
  • When you focus on positive events and gratitude you will notice more positive events, people and ideas and your energy will become lighter.

3.  MAKE YOUR HOME A SANCTUARY

You can’t control what’s going on in the world, you can control how your home looks and feels.(children, partners, parents permitting LOL!). Find a space that works for you, perhaps a mobile one is the best option, simply roll out a mat. There are no rules.

  • Clear clutter
  • Rearrange, ornaments, pictures, cushions, furniture as appropriate. Experiment to create a feel-good energy
  • Place positive images and photos where you spend most time
  • Add colours that evoke joy, happiness and positivity for you. This could be with cushions, decor, plants.
  • Open the windows every day to bring in fresh air and energy

4.  PHONE A FRIEND

  • Reach out to a friend, by phone, online, over the fence. Depending how you are feeling, you may choose a positive friend where the conversation is likely to include laughter or someone who is alone and may need support. Receiving support is mood enhancing. Asking how someone else is will take you away from your own suffering for a while.

5.  STOP BEING HARD ON YOURSELF

You are doing the best you can with what you’ve got. Watch out for negative self-talk and judgement. It’s ok to feel however you feel. Accepting this is the first step to change.

6.  MAKE YOUR WELL-BEING A PRIORITY

Invest in yourself. This was a challenge for me in the early days. Now I realise that it must be my highest priority. The purpose of life is to unravel my history and story, bringing me to a place of equilibrium and wholeness. And the best possible way to be of service to others is by sorting myself out! It is a lifelong commitment.

NEXT STEPS 
If you would like support in groups or 1 to 1 sessions, I am here to help. Together things become achievable, change happens. I have come through dark  days and you can too.

Here are 5 key insights I have learned over the years.

☯  Everything that has happened is ok.
☯  We all have our own life path.
☯  Life isn’t meant to be a Disney movie.
☯  Challenges are here to catalyse positive change.
☯  There is no right way or only way.

yoga, healing, soul wisdom, online, sound, voice, meditation, relaxation - calm relax well-being

✨✨ JOIN ME ONLINE FOR SUPPORT OF BODY, MIND & SOUL ✨✨

LIVE, IN-PERSON WEEKLY ONLINE GROUPS
MONDAY EVENINGS YOGA
TUESDAY MORNING CHAIR YOGA
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS MEDITATION/HEALING/SOUND/RELAXATION

1 TO 1 sessions week days/occasional weekends.

If you have any questions please email me or call 07795 517157.

Love Suzan

*You may want to invest in personalised advice with a BANT therapist, such as Jo, who you may know from yoga. consult your GP if you experience SAD, Seasonal affective disorder, chronic depression/anxiety

**If you will benefit from the classes, are committed to attend regularly and have a genuine financial issue please donate what you can – this will be confidential. Please respect this policy and keep for those who really need it.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Pain, Stress
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