The Season of Transformation

Our Internal State of Being

Author

Blair McLendon
January 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Peace and Abundance, Ankhora family!

Welcome to Ankhora's biweekly nurturing of the sacred trinity - mind, body, and soul. In each newsletter we intend to bring you a dose of inspiration, wisdom, and practices to enhance your well-being within those three major layers of life.

In this season of release, detoxification, and refinement, this is the time to tune into the subtle messages the body is always giving us before those subtle messages turn into loud screams. These screams come in the form of mental obstacles, pain, inflammation, dis-ease, and other ailments within. 

To tune into how you are feeling internally and allow yourself to fill your cup, one practice I like to utilize is yoga nidra. Yoga nidra is a body-scan type of meditation where you are able to quiet the mind and breathe into places of tension, becoming more self-aware of what is happening inside. With all of this potent and transformative energy hitting the planet at this time, it is important to clear space within and allow space for the new energies to implement themselves.

The past couple of weeks have been ebbs and flows of energy in regards to how I’ve felt. Sometimes I have needed to rest and relax for a bit, other times I have been super inspired from a creative perspective and felt like I’ve had an endless battery. As I have gained more life experience, I have learned to truly go with the flow, although still improving with the aspect of surrendering to the plans of the Most High and not my own. Work when it’s time to work and rest when it’s time to rest.

Based on societal programming, we often feel guilty about giving ourselves time to rest and relax. There is nothing wrong with rest and often times it is much needed in order to fully recharge and be the best version of self. The rest is just as equally important as the work. Remember, we live in a dualistic reality where one aspect can’t be present without the other if we want things to flow harmoniously. One other thing to note is, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure your cup is full first. Some call that being selfish, others call that being wise.

In this time of cleansing and refinement, it is also a great time to plan and prepare yourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for the “New Year” with many changes to come. Set your intentions and move forward accordingly.

Sidenote: There is a lot we have to unlearn and re-learn. Not much grows in winter; the true “new year” for the collective is actually in spring when everything begins to grow and bloom. And from a personal perspective, your real “new year” is your solar return aka your birthday. Nonetheless, have a great 2025 on this Gregorian calendar... We don’t have to wait on a “new year” to set goals, intentions, and do things that align us to be a better version of self; start whenever the thought comes, no matter the time of year.

I came across this quote and it resonated very deeply, so here’s some food for thought: “The ultimate legacy is that you leave the Earth in a better place than you found it purely because you existed.”  - Solarah Rises 

Mindful Alignment:

  • Mental Gem: Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone. The more flexible you are in your body, the more flexible you are in life.

  • Mindful Moment: Morning Stretch Ritual - Start your day with a gentle full-body stretch. Focus on how each part of your body feels and set an intention for the day.

Physical Alignment:

  • Herbal Spotlight: Ashwagandha is a revered adaptogenic herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote balance and resilience in the body and mind. Known for its stress-reducing properties, it helps calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and enhance overall mood. Physically, ashwagandha supports energy levels, reduces fatigue, and can help strengthen the immune system. It’s also associated with improved cognitive function, potentially sharpening focus and mental clarity. By nourishing both mind and body, ashwagandha encourages a state of well-being that supports you in navigating life’s challenges with greater ease.

  • Top Tier Nourishment: 

  • Tuning into the Body: With waves of inspiration, I’ve been working, writing, and contemplating how I can best serve others, while also making sure I am taken care of along with those around me. I’ve taken a couple weeks off from lifting to give my body a break, but still doing yoga and qigong daily, which is most important to me. Being in tune with the mind and body via the breath and movement has transformed my life in many ways that I am forever grateful for. Remember this mantra and breathe deeply, “quiet mind, open heart, relaxed being.”

Soulful Alignment:

  • Soulful Insights: Your inner light never truly dims; it only waits for you to recognize its glow.

  • Affirming the Best: My thoughts are GOD’s thoughts. (This is aligning yourself with thoughts of the highest vibration)

Music is Life - 3 in Rotation Right Now:  

  • Mansur Brown - Forward

  • Soul II Soul - Keep on Movin’

  • Xavier Omar & Elhae - Vulnerable

Community Corner:

If you have a business in mind that you would like to see highlighted, please email me at [email protected] and include ‘Community Corner’ in the subject line along with details and contact information about the business in the body of the email.

We also want to hear about your journey - tell us about your struggles, successes, goals, etc. Email us at the address above or DM us on Instagram @3layersofwellness to connect!

Also, remember to check out my books if you haven’t done so already!

Grab your copies today, only at 3layersofwellness.com

Thank you for being part of the Ankhora | 3 Layers of Wellness community. We look forward to accompanying you on this transformative path to holistic wellness.

Gratitude,

Blair McLendon - Founder, Ankhora | 3 Layers of Wellness

Disclaimer:
The information provided by Ankhora | 3 Layers of Wellness is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The content shared is based on holistic wellness practices and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.