Hello everyone, as I write this, my daughter Isabella is curled up next to me. We have been chatting about who we are and the future we'd like to live. She says she's a kind person and that she hopes the planet will be okay. I said that I too feel like I am a kind person and that I hope I'm able to make a positive difference in my future, that I am able to help when help is needed.
That I am able to help.
Since becoming a mother, my time is no longer just "my time." "My time" is also Isabella's time. As a result, I do not get to spend every second of my life contemplating yoga, teaching yoga, traveling to teach yoga, or living yoga all the time. Now my time includes reading Isabella stories, playing veterinarian or school, organizing our schedules, and accompanying Isabella to her classes and shows. And the best part? I get to witness her life and guide her along her path. What a life! What a beautiful life we have together. I'm so very grateful!
Do I miss the life before Isabella? I do, sometimes. I do miss the quiet life. The early morning sadhanas with like-minded friends. The afternoon talks about yoga philosophy with a fellow practitioner, and the hours spent in meditation or savasana. I miss the ability to take off for a month or so to deep-dive into a yoga training or workshop. Oh, and the 10-day Vipassana meditation retreats! God, I miss those.
Back then, I was different too. Before becoming a mother, there was more of me to give to others. Back then, I was able to teach yoga classes every day, sometimes two or three times a day while still attending a class for myself. I was able to deep-dive into a yoga therapy client intake form, or their Ayurveda Consultation results, and then spend months perfecting science-backed protocols for them. It was a different life. Also, a beautiful life.
So many Ashley's. SO many lives. Who am I now?
I am adaptive.
As many of you know, I've been deeply committed to holistic wellness and yoga for almost two decades now. With certifications and training in Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Hatha Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga (Pre & Postnatal), Restorative Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Children's Yoga, Chakra Yoga, Reiki I and II, Medicinal Aromatherapy, Vipassana Meditation, and Conflict Resolution, I've had the privilege of guiding unforgettable individuals on their personal wellness paths.
And now, my focus is organically shifting towards an holistic approach to women's health, particularly through pregnancy and beyond.
Continuing My Journey
As you may recall, I recently embarked on a journey to become a doula and childbirth educator through Birthing From Within. This renowned organization offers comprehensive training in holistic birth support, empowering individuals to provide compassionate and informed care to pregnant women and their families.
NEWS:
In addition to my doula and childbirth educator training, I'm also honored to have been awarded a scholarship to participate in the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Teacher Training (MBCPTT) program, starting September 1st. Mindful Birthing is a leading organization dedicated to promoting mindful practices for pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Through this training, I'll gain valuable insights into mindfulness techniques and their application in supporting women during the perinatal period.
What does this mean? Well... I'm evolving. It's sort of all coming together. It's like the path was already there, waiting for me. It just feels right. Does that make sense?
Allow me to share my yogic Path & Holistic approach to Women's Health
Holistic Wellness: I believe in a comprehensive and holistic approach to pregnancy and birth, incorporating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects to promote well-being and empowerment. I will still offer private and public yoga classes, but my primary focus is on women's health and wellness.
Empathetic Understanding: I have a Master's Degree from King's College London in Comparative Literature with a focus on decolonial feminism. My experience with decolonial literature and feminism gives me a deep understanding of social and cultural issues that can impact women's experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. I offer a safe and supportive space for clients and students. In addition, I offer all my services for free or significantly discounted for people who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or who are single parents.
Practical Skills: My yoga teaching experience and certifications in various practices provide me with practical skills to guide women through physical and breathwork techniques during labor, birth, and beyond. Not to mention my Ayurveda background and its valuable application to supporting women's health and nutrition.
Mindful Presence: My training in mindful birthing will equip me to create a calm and present atmosphere, which can be invaluable for women seeking a peaceful and empowering birth experience.
Personal Experience: As a mother of an almost 6-year-old daughter, I have firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Combined with my expertise in mindful birthing, doula work, childbirth education, yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki, aromatherapy, and decolonial studies, I am exceptionally well-equipped to support women through the transformative experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
Tailored Content for You
Many of you have been with me since the very beginning. You've witnessed my growth as a yoga teacher, my exploration of Ayurveda and aromatherapy, my journey through motherhood, and my personal challenges. Together, we've navigated the ups and downs of life, finding solace and inspiration in our shared experiences. However, I understand that our interests evolve over time, and I want to ensure you receive the content that most resonates with you.
To better cater to your needs, I invite you to share your preferences for blog content by going to the following GOOGLE FORM. By selecting your desired topics, you'll receive tailored updates directly in your email inbox. You can still access all blog posts on my website, but this option ensures you only receive the content that most interests you. If I don't receive a response to the survey, you'll continue to receive updates on all topics.
You'll be asked to please choose from options such as these:
Mindful birthing techniques
Ayurveda and herbal remedies
Yoga and meditation practices
Doula services and childbirth education
Decolonial feminism and social justice issues
From the archives (blog posts from my original blog, reposted here on my new platform)
I'm deeply grateful for your continued support as I embark on this new chapter of my journey. Together, we can create a more positive and empowering experience for women during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. By focusing on holistic wellness and providing comprehensive care, we can foster a sense of well-being, empowerment, and connection.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support means the world to me, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion with you as I continue to grow and evolve as a holistic wellness practitioner.
With gratitude,
Ashley
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