Oh the Feels...
Oh the feels…
Stepping into 2020 with intention and feeling grounded is something that’s very dear to my heart - especially after the busy holiday season.
I’ve always loved the Holidays for many reasons. Most importantly because my family is the most important thing in the world to me. I was blessed with an amazing one and with time it only continues to be filled with even more love. I fully acknowledge how lucky and fortunate I am to experience that.
Our traditions are quite quirky and initially intimidate most ‘newbies’ that join the family. Especially if they don’t have a big appetite.
We’re Polish and celebrate on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) with our small but very special family dinner that includes all the Polish traditions.
Before dinner we distribute a wafer called an ‘Oplatek’. We spend at least a few minutes with each person to exchange our wishes for their year. Each person breaks a piece off of the others oplatek and eats it. These moments always get super emotional for me because it’s a nice opportunity to get vulnerable with each person.
From mammas home made perogies, “barszcz” (beet soup) eaten with "uszka" (little mushroom dumplings), ”krokiety" (pancakes with mushrooms and/or cabbage), dads smorgasbord of home made pickled veggies, MANY more meat-free dishes to multiple delicious desserts… no one goes anywhere fast.
Alongside dinner we have "kompot" a drink made from boiling fruits. Sounds terrible and tastes delicious.
Basically my mom slaves away in the kitchen the entire week prior to making this meal all while making it look like Martha Stewart decorated my parents entire home. It’s beautiful! The rest of us leave with our pant buttons undone and at least 10lbs heavier.
This year Christmas was extra special because my 6 month old niece was experiencing her first one. The first baby in the family. This made for multiple celebrations - family dinners, lots of laughs, quality time with loved ones, plenty of food and no shortage of home made treats.
My sister and her hubby put together their first Holiday dinner in their new home. She definitely takes after our mom (Martha Stewart also made an appearance.) Name tags, a 5* meal, mulled wine, a projector screen and a Christmas movie for me and the kids, custom made popcorn filled with surprises and hot chocolate so we couldn’t physically move after. Can it get more special than that?
My personal Christmas Day tradition is going skiing in Whistler. Having no structure to the day and no pressure to be or do anything is absolute bliss. (it’s always sunny and there are hardly any line ups - a true Christmas hack!)
This year I started the morning off with our usual 7am Wednesday morning ‘Cold Plunge Crew’ at Lynn Canyon. Meditation followed by breathwork and a swim in 5 degree water.
I spent the last few days of 2019 and the first few days of 2020 in Big White with a group of friends who I’m highly inspired by. It seems like 2019 was quite the heavy year for most people, myself included. We had many heart led conversations, journaled, had lots of sporadic living-room dance parties and enjoyed nature. I tried ice climbing for the first time and we set some deep intentions for 2020 over a delicious Salmon dinner. We danced and sang in the New Year to live music by - “The Feels” cover band.
Although I had lots of time off work, it was a VERY busy Holidays Season. The introvert in me didn’t get as much down time (aka solo time) as she usually appreciates. So of course, as I should have predicted, I got sick the day I got back to ‘reality’.
At the beginning of every December, I begin diving deep into my intentions for the next year. I convince myself into getting a head start which is really a silly disguise for taking on too much at once.
A friend of mine said something beautiful ‘We’re always focusing on New Year, New Me. Why aren’t we focusing on embracing a New Year and being satisfied with ‘Me’”
We are whole as we are.
It was a nice reminder to just be.
To slow down.
Be at peace with being where I currently am at, even when it’s not where I had anticipated to be.
A couple of ways I get back to being grounded is coming back to my body.
Taking time to slow down.
Reflect.
Disconnect to reconnect.
In 2019 I discovered and experienced Reiki Energy Healing for the first time. For years of thinking it’s just trendy ‘woo woo’ stuff, I had a personal experience that made shifts within my body. Hard for one to explain without having a personal experience.
Another form of ultimate relaxation that I got to explore more of is my favourite form of Yoga - FEELosophy. A rare restorative yoga that mixes in safe, supportive, hands-on touch to help you become more connected with your body. A safe and comfortable experience, with the end goal being a renewed connection with yourself.
(You’re basically getting a freaking massage while you’re in the most relaxed state ever!)
I love sharing experiences with others and when I love something, I LOVE and won’t stop talking about it.
To ease into the decade, I wanted to blend these two magical experiences together for other people to explore the combined benefits of Feelosophy + Reiki Energy Healing.
I created an intimate event for people to get out of their head and tap into their heart.
Combine those two blissful experiences with a few of my other favourite things - a candlelit room, chocolate and hot tea … BAM, you’ve got yourself grounded.
If you’re feeling like you could use some time to reconnect with yourself, relax and restore, we would love for you to join us on Thursday January 23 // 7-9pm // Yaletown.
Space is limited to 10 people.
Tickets can be purchased here —> EVENT TICKETS
The night will be guided by Erin Grant of Feelosophy Yoga and Jill Lindsay of Es-snse Healing.
I wish you all an abundance of love from this moment forward.
Natalia Anja
Pardon my…
.foreign.grammar.