Issue 114
I can’t believe I slept last night
Hello Beautiful Human – If you never noticed the fine print at the bottom of my emails, I write my newsletter from Minneapolis MN.
And if you don’t know much about me personally, or haven’t following along for long; you should know, that I am Latina, I have invested my career into creating positive system change, and I care deeply about human rights and equity.
So it nearly came to a surprise to me when I was able to sleep last night after what happened in my city.
I was aware of all the scary anxious thoughts bubbling inside.
But in slowing down, I was also aware that I am not responsible for making strategic safety calls for our city.
I know that mentally spinning weakens my power to be thoughtful, emotionally well, and take strategic action.
So as I crawled into bed, thankful that Minneapolis Public Schools decided to prioritize the safety of their families by closing school for the next two days and I focused my attention on my breath.
I felt the air in the top of my lungs.
I consciously slowed my exhales.
Noticing each breath my body calmed.
There was no “figuring it out” needed tonight.
In the calm a few ideas sparked of things in my control that I could do. (read to the end to learn what)
I returned to my breath and somehow found rest.
This mental strength and embodied practice was not always natural…
Back in 2016 there were so many sleepless nights. When this administration first started normalizing brutality against immigrants – I was emotionally wrecked, fearful of the damage what a lying, hateful, leader could do.
Through the pain of the first administration I committed myself to developing the ability to both care deeply AND support my brain and body to be focused, to be empowered. (This isn’t the email to list all the teachers, researchers, and coaches who supported the journey, but I am grateful to them).
I still feel the anger, the grief, the bewilderment and fear. I don’t resist the emotions.
What has changed is I have grown my emotional capacity to allow those AND find my way back to courage, commitment, and clarity.
Leadership is emotional and we hold all of it in our body – it’s how emotions work.
Now is the time to be tuned into how we care for our nervous system, mental and emotional wellness.
We do not make the best decisions nor can we maintain our energy when we are in chronic fear mode. Fear is a weapon I now know how to engage.
As I told a friend this morning, I wish the work that I do wasn’t so badly needed at this time.
But we all have a part to play, so…
I’m gathering my first Group Coaching Learning Circle Cohort this week, It’s called:
Wired for Joy and Empowerment
I have to be honest, that my mind gave me lots of reasons why I should wait until I was “more prepared”. Nope. It’s go time.
I listened to my body over the holiday break and I knew this is needed, NOW.
We start NEXT WEEK Jan 16th at 12 noon CST and meet bi-weekly for 12 weeks.
If you want to learn how to work with your brain, emotions, and nervous system so that you can powerfully create change in your life and our world, join me.
It will sustain and transform your life and leadership.
I’m not giving you a lot of time to think about it. Listen to your body and take action. More details -> Click HERE
For those of you in Minneapolis – I’m making some changes to the spa event next week…
Wednesday night, I decided to make the event pay-what-you-can and donate all proceeds to our immigrant community in need.
Use discount code: Breathe for 100% off to secure your spot. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP.
I will collect contributions at the door so none of it is eaten by Eventbrite fees.
Once again, listen to your body. If you need help calming your nervous system, remembering your power, or to be held in community, please sign up.
My amazing friends Mariyam will be providing a sound bath and Andres will be leading a breathwork exercises to connect you to your life force.
We all need this collective exhale.
We are always provided for, even in dark times.
In community we are strong. Power to the People.
Sincerely, Sonya
P.S. Do you desire to elevate the way you feel and show up in your life—as both a human and a leader? Holistic 1:1 coaching provides the tools and environment to create the internal transformation you desire. Book a free Discovery Call to see what is possible.