Exhale Yoga with Rhonda Wilson

Timeline photos

Safe relationships are containers for healing trauma.

Studies show that what is most traumatizing is not just what happened, but how a survivor holds what happened afterwards.

In trauma-informed care we know that one of the automatic defenses to trauma is an isolation and immobilization response from the nervous system.

This is why so many survivors don’t come forward, or come forward decades later.

The body goes into a freeze and isolation response and automatically defends itself through remaining withdrawn and immobilized.

This is where trauma really takes its hold on survivors, when it is not shared and held alone for years or decades.

Safety and connection in relationship with others is how we heal.

It takes courage to bring your trauma into the light, on your timeframe, as you choose with whom you choose (a partner, therapist, friend, etc).

You are not alone.

I love you,
Mastin

Hello Spring!

The springtime, sunshine vibes are strong with this this group!

Each time we have met since the spring equinox, the weather was questionable and had us nervous that we would freeze but as God would have it, (and I don’t even know why I question it anymore) the sky opened up, the winds died down and the sunshine flooded and warmed our space so we could be comfortable and cozy despite the crisp air temps.

It’s difficult to articulate but to be there experiencing it, it’s a pure gift!

Thank you God for the miracle of warmth when it was least expected.

We had a beautiful practice space, refreshing practice, fun learning about flowers and building our arrangement and continued the celebration with tacos in the sun at the prettiest table space.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in the fun! Feel free to tag yourself in the photos and share!

Stay tuned for the next dates to be revealed for upcoming Petals & Poses Events!

Timeline photos

There is no amount of meditation, biohacking, spiritual practice or therapy that can work long-term if you don't have safe and secure relationships.

We are social creatures. We are wired for connection.

When we are in isolation too long, our spark starts to go out.

Our bodies know this, too, because humans have been evolving for millions of years.

On a cellular level, we know that we are better together. Because from the perspective of evolutionary science and biology, isolation, being by yourself makes you vulnerable as "prey" in the wild.

One person all by themselves is far more vulnerable than a group or tribe.

The Catch 22 is that we have to leave one tribe & join another that is meeting us where we are now.

This is a hard leap to make, from a dysfunctional family or tribe to a functional & thriving family or tribe.

But, that is one of the most fundamental leaps we can make.

When we have safe relationships, where we have trust and know that we can count on people and they can count on us to be there... that's when real healing begins.

Holding your emotions in isolation creates a disconnection.

That emotional disconnect IS trauma.

Make sure you aren't just focused on coping skills and biohacks (which are all SUPER important)... make sure you're also & primarily focused on healing your relationship to relationships and that you are connected to people who get you, who love you and who will be there for you.

And, make sure that you do the same for them.

When you know you can count on someone to be there and when they know they can count on you... that shared experience & connection is truly the best thing in the world for your personal development, your mental health, your earning capacity and your levels of stress/anxiety or peace and calm.

So, what's one of the most important tools for "affect regulation"?

A safe connection w/ others that is reciprocal (give and take is balanced), playful & non-judgmental.

I wish this for you in your healing journey.

Together, we got this.

Mastin

So excited about this weekends Petals & Poses at Firefly Cellars! See you there, Yogis!

Just a quick reminder of Firefly Cellars policies as we head toward warm weekends!

✅The tasting room and the deck are adult only seating areas. The backyard is family friendly, where children are more than welcome!

✅Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the deck or in the backyard. No dogs inside the tasting room. Dogs must stay on a leash for the entirety of their visit.

✅Outside food is permitted on the deck or in the backyard. No outside food is permitted inside the tasting room.

✅No outside alcohol is permitted on Firefly Cellars premises.

✅You are free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, pop up tents if you want to camp out for the day in the backyard or picnic area!

✅Reservations for the deck and tasting room are not required, but highly recommended. Backyard is walk-in only.

We look forward to seeing all of you over the coming months! Happy almost weekend!

So grateful for our Petals & Poses events here in - Just when the winter seems to keep surprising us with these chilly days, the rest of this week and weekend is looking promising!

Let’s bring the sunshine in and continue to celebrate Spring together at @fireflycellars with @blooms2u with another Petals & Poses event!

These photos are from our last event at @canavineyards and it was perfection.

I may love Florida but I love the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country equally and as much!

Let’s flow, sip, create and stay to play!

Tickets & Info: (link in bio)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/275043932807

Timeline photos

You are perfectly made.
.
One day, they will call it PTSR officially. We need a trauma-informed DSM.
.
For now, keep treating the symptoms and start to focus on your physical & emotional trauma work. (the root cause)
.
Create and live in a nurturing environment.
.
Create healthy relationships that are safe and supportive.
.
Don’t let a healthcare system that’s in the dark ages and broken make you feel broken.
.
You are not broken.
.
You can heal.
.
You are doing such a good job.
.
You are not alone.
.
You are loved.
.
In that love, include me.

I love you,
Mastin

The art of connection

Connection can be experienced within micro moments and observed from within as we observe the sensations in our body and our breath.

Can you be here now?

Observing, feeling, noticing and welcoming whatever comes up.

Noticing your heartbeat…

The pace of your breath…

The subtle movements you make, maybe even sounds, as you experience the mind creating waves of distraction from the connection in this moment.

Connecting in silence while gazing into someone’s eyes is one of the most powerful tools we have. It offers us a moment to see ourselves clearly.

“I am here”

What do you see?

What do you feel?

Sitting in such a space feels almost unnatural due to the social conditioning of the electronic tools we use. But really, it is the most authentic, most natural space.

Just as a parent might gaze into their child’s eyes for the first time after they are born - this is the purest form of love and connection.

How can you provide a more welcoming space for yourself?

How can you experience love and connection more deeply within yourself so you might share that space with others?

This is where our practices on the mat become practical.

Sat Nam, Sweet Yogis
Namaste

Timeline photos

When it comes to working with clients to heal emotional trauma, the number one rule for any facilitator is to create a safe container and connection.

People are stronger than many give them credit for and it’s amazing how healing a simple empathetic witness can be to someone’s story.

Cultivate a safe environment, safe presence and safe connection... a safe connection is the most powerful modality in the world for healing emotional trauma.

The clinical term is “co-regulation” emphasized by Dr. Stephen Porges (the author of The Polyvagal Theory) and when a facilitator co-regulates by sending signals of safety, play and calm in a face-to-face interaction with a client... it goes a long way.

Modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Tapping, NLP, CBT, DBT, etc are wonderful... but will be ineffective if the facilitator isn’t co-regulating with safety and connection.

A truly trauma-informed approach focuses first on creating safety... and then brings in the “tools” as needed. Without safety transformation is impossible.

If you want to change the world, be a safe container for that change to occur in.

You got this,
Mastin

Ready to heal your past, align with your purpose and unlock your full potential? Click here to join my FREE Life Purpose Challenge starting 3/28: https://mastinkipp.com/lpc2022

Loved spending another beautiful morning with @blooms2u and co-hosting Petals & Poses at @canavineyards

Yoga and the arts go hand in hand naturally and this is one of the manifestations of it.

I can’t wait to share the next event with you!

Upcoming Events:
03/20 🎨 Pallets & Poses at Firefly Cellars

04/02 🌹 Petals & Poses at Firefly Cellars
04/23 🌻 Petals & Poses at Vanish Brewery

05/14 🍻 Bend & Brew at Lost Rhino
05/28 🥂 Illumination Yoga at Firefly Cellars

06/01 🌻 Petals & Poses at Bear Chase

All ticket links and event info can be found at: https://linktr.ee/exhaleyogi

The “Petals” portion of the Petals & Poses event at Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg has just sold out!

In order to have enough supplies for the events both Angela and Jill need an accurate headcount a day before the event.

Full event tickets are still available for “Pallets & Poses” on Sunday at Firefly Cellars.

If you for any reason decide at the last minute on either day that you’d like to still come out and yoga - please message me then come!

As I’ve always offered, there is an open door policy on all the yoga classes I teach.

Come as you are and let’s do some yoga 🥰

This weekend!

Tickets still available for both events!

Click here for tickets and details on both 🥰

https://linktr.ee/exhaleyogi

Hope you can join us!!

Exhale Yoga with Rhonda Wilson updated their website address.

Exhale Yoga with Rhonda Wilson updated their website address.

Today’s Bend & Brew at @lostrhinobrew was a blast! I’m already looking forward to the next set of events this month!

Click the LinkTree in my bio or here for details: https://linktr.ee/exhaleyogi

🌺 3/19 Petals & Poses with @blooms2u at @canavineyards

🎨 3/20 Pallets & Poses with @jillperlaart at @fireflycellars

Lots of classes and events already on schedule for the next couple of months! To follow along, select “Follow” or ❤️ thru the Eventbrite ticket links. Reminders are sent out before each event!

Xoxo
Rhonda

Thank you to everyone who tuned in for tonight’s live on the Tracy Hamlin Show!

A HUGE thank you to @tracyhamlinmusic for inviting Angela Rabena of @blooms2u and me for an interview on her new show!

We are thrilled to be sharing all the yoga and flower love with Loudoun County!

When that lunar energy has you feeling oh so very heavy.

Namaste in bed for days…

February is for rest, recovery and slow, gentle mobility.

Peep the new video on Instagram for a morning practice.

https://youtu.be/IV_iI6ERs-4

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with your BFFs, Family or Partner?

Join us for this inclusive event celebrating community, love, yoga, the art of floral arranging topped off with a great of local craft beer or beverages all in one sweet package!

One raffle ticket is included per ticket to redeem for your beverage of choice.

This event will begin with a beginner accessible yoga practice focusing on breath and body awareness.

Awaken your mind and body with gentle movements designed to release tension and stress, build strength and stability, and allows your mind to experience a deep state of rest.

Please remember to bring a yoga mat, blanket and water bottle.

Class will start at 1030 am so please arrive by 1015 am to get situated on your mat.

Please layer your clothes for comfort. You may also want to bring warm socks, a blanket and a water bottle.

After your yoga practice, learn tips and tricks of pro floral arranging using fresh, seasonal flowers and a reuseable Mason jar.

Create a beautiful floral display to enjoy during your day at Beltway Brewing Co. and home.
All floral supplies will be provided.

Lastly, enjoy this fun Loudoun brewery by relaxing and connnecting with your friends over a cold Beltways Brewing Co. beverage of choice. Your first glass is included in the ticket cost.

Ticket price: $55.00

Ticket sales will end on 2/10 at 4 pm.

For Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/petals-and-poses-at-beltway-brewing-co-tickets-253358511127?ref=eios