Ali Owens

One of the greatest gifts I’ll never quite be able to fully comprehend but strive to embody daily - the role of the mother.

What an honor it has been to raise three little ones in a world that is constantly evolving and to be their anchor, their home, for a short period of time before they find their own way. It is endlessly humbling and so nurturing to be able to spend my days with my kids, learning and growing alongside them.

To all the mamas out there, you are incredible and forever appreciated for being who you are and the work you do. Finding joy in these simple moments has made this chapter of my life so fruitful and amazing.

May you be celebrated today and always 🤍

Signing off this week with some inspiration from I’ll add my own:

Put down what is not yours to carry 🤍

Have a restful weekend, friends!

Solar eclipse in Aries 🔥 are you feeling the shift?

This is a momentary pause where the darkness encompasses the light. The subconscious gets revealed to show you the ways you have been living in unconscious patterns. We play with this in yoga nidra, dancing between the realms and the brainwaves to access that which is only viewed in deep sleep. When the subconscious emerges, we have the potent ability to transform our past and create a new future. We abandon self sabotaging beliefs and inserting liberating affirmations that propel us forward in the direction of our hearts desire. We must use this moment wisely, as it is easy to fall into confusion and chaos. Mercury is in retrograde. So journal - what are you abandoning (eclipse is Greek for abandon) and purging into the fire of destruction (Aries is a fire sign) only to nourish the seeds of intention you have consciously planted in the meadow of your mind? This portal only opens every so often, so now is the time. What do you have to loose? What do you have to gain? If you can believe it, you can see it. 🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑

And perhaps
what made her beautiful
was not her appearance
or what she achieved,
but in her love
and in her courage,
and her audacity
to believe:
no matter
the darkness
around her,
Light ran wild
within her,
and that was the way
she came alive,
and it showed up
in everything. ✨
-
Soaking up some much needed sunshine in Kauai 🌺

Spring is upon us and while we tend to set intentions during the new year, now is the time we have the energy and internal to move them into action!

During the spring season, we shed the stagnation from winter. We become naturally drawn towards detoxing, exercising, and spending more time outside.

Because spring is associated with Kapha dosha, we may still be feeling a little sluggish and lethargic. Things are slow to move when they have hardened which is why water is so important, as it softens the ground and allows new life to sprout! Our bodies and minds are greatly affected by the environment we are in, so if you are feeling this awakening at a steady pace, you are not alone, you are where you need to be.

Balancing Kapha during this time of year means lightening up on foods that are heavy and replacing them with lighter alternatives that stimulate digestion (think turmeric, ginger, and astringent tastes). You may want to incorporate more backbends, heart openers, and twists into your yoga practice. You may find yourself breathing deeper and practicing pranayama exercises such as breath or fire or bellows breath. You may even pick up running, hiking, or swimming which benefit your heart and lungs.

Our bodies (and lives) move in seasons. When we recognize these shifts, we can honor where we are with integrity. Oftentimes we struggle because we fight the current. During this season can you embrace the fluidity of your life and allow a river of love to move through you, cleansing what you no longer need and giving you the motivation that you need to move your ideas, dreams, and resolutions forward.

Want to learn more? Sign up for my email list, link in bio where I share seasonal newsletters with content that teaches you how to live in harmony with nature.

Anything that is done well, is done consistently.

I don’t recommend waiting until you are dysregulated to practice. Maintaining a consistent, regular practice will help you remain regulated for longer.

Many people don’t realize the impact of their practice. How we move on the mat is how we move off the mat. Oftentimes it is a more accurate reflection of our innermost behaviors because when we move and breathe in unison, we unlock energy centers that may be blocked to allow the stored energy to flow and circulate throughout our whole body. The mind cannot overtake this process, it must surrender to it, so we cannot will ourselves into doing it “right”. We have to just be with how we are moving and breathing and allow the energy to move through in order to transcend the resistance (or sometimes frustration!). I find that those who are willing to observe this process are the most apt and quickest to excel. They take more breaks. They show up consistently. And they love themselves a little more. Perhaps by being kind to themselves more regularly, they are able to be more kind to others because they realize that we are all moving through this life with things to let go of and when someone acts out or acts unkindly, they can see that as part of their process of neglecting to see their own internal resistance. It has nothing to do with them. All they can control is their response 🤍🙏🏼

I find that sometimes in life, we feel this inherent desire to be perfect.

Even in the yoga system, I see people attaching to self improvement as a way to achieve a perceived level of perfection.

But yoga doesn’t actually teach that. Yoga teaches us acceptance. For, from acceptance, we can begin the self inquiry necessary to achieve our dharma (or calling).

We are all unique, and that is a blessing, for my dharma is different than yours. When we celebrate our strengths, we can see the inherent gifts in others. This allows us to work in a coherent ecosystem where each person is valued.

But this app, along with so many others, can keep us trapped in comparison, glamorizing the lives of those we do not know.

Comparison is the thief of joy. When you find yourself in that spiral, remember your worth, your talents, and your contributions to this world. They are important.

And perhaps, what we find when we embrace our individuality is the realization that it is all perfect. It’s perfect for you in this moment and that’s something to appreciate and celebrate.

Here’s to loving ourselves a little more and extending that love to others, worldwide. 🤍❄️

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

As we enter into a season of high expectations and family obligations, I am reminded of the simple act of kindness. We are all on our own journey and everyone is doing the best with the tools they have, as are we. When we find ourselves wrapped in judgement and comparison, remember your innate goodness and see the beauty in others. It will reflect your generosity and in turn, bring out the best in those you choose to spend your time with. It starts with being kind, first to yourself, then to others. 🤍

Sometimes you have to do it scared!

Will you ever feel ready? The answer is maybe not, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t ready!

The mind has a job - to keep you safe! - so when trying something new, you might feel afraid (to fall, fail, do it wrong, be seen, heard, hurt, or loved).

That’s why we observe the mind rather than believe our thoughts. We can reprogram our minds or learn to sit with our thoughts rather than acting on them. We can train the mind to find ease in uncertain situations.

Sometimes that requires reorienting our focus, choosing a new belief system, or simply saying something else that feels more positive and productive.

Sometimes we listen to our mind and that’s okay too! Whatever brings you more love, peace and joy, follow that.

The anecdote for feeling uncertain is not to create certainty - it is to develop self trust - knowing that you can persevere no matter the challenges presented to you.

Believe in yourself. You’re more powerful than you think 🤍

She lost herself in the trees
among the ever-changing leaves.
She wept beneath the wild sky
as stars told stories of ancient times.
The flowers grew toward her light,
The river called her name at night.
She could not live an ordinary life
with the mysteries of the universe
hidden in her eyes.
- Christy Ann Martine -

Happiest on the road seeing the great unknown 🤍

What’s one thing that lights you up inside?

Just remember you are the author to your story. You get to write the narrative, go through the edits and choose what you publish. Never, do you ever, have to tell the same tale as someone else. Embrace your uniqueness and share the words that have inspired and lit a flame within you. There is only one YOU and that is something to celebrate. ✨

Happy Birthday to my mama! I am so proud to be your daugher and so excited that you are on you way to visit today!

My mom has been the model for resilience in my life. She has overcome some pretty huge challenges and always remained calm, loving and approachable through all of the struggles.

She is fun, kind and has the most magnetic laugh! When you are around her, you can’t help but enjoy life. If I could give her one wish, it would be more opportunities for play because she has worked so hard in this life and deserves all the joy life has to offer!

Mom, thank you for teaching me the value of love and understanding. You continue to expand your awareness of what is possible and your commitment to growth is admirable. I will forever treasure the moments we spend together and thank you for everything you have done and shared with our family. ❤️

See you soon!

Love doing life with you 🤍 once a couple of kids with a dream to travel the world. Now a family of 5 with no end in sight as to where this love, commitment and curiosity may take us.

A rare moment of just the 2 of us 🤍