Exploring Dying & Death as a Transition

A Tribute & Share ~ My Grandmother’s Passing

The role of a shamanic practitioner in death is to guide and support the soul of the dying as they are welcomed into the afterlife.

Shamanically, death is seen as a transition where the soul lets go of the bounds of the body and fully enters into the spiritual world known as the afterlife. The transition into the afterlife that occurs in death is acknowledged as being equally as important as the one in birth. However, the transition into birth is the opposite, where the soul leaves the spiritual and enters the physical.

Think about the birthing process. Women have been birthing since the beginning of humanity. People have also been dying since the beginning of humanity. In the least, the baby has its mom to support. More often, the baby also has a group of loved ones – doctors, midwives, doulas, friends and family to share encouraging words and ensure the process is as smooth as possible. This is seen as normal and necessary in our world today. But who do dying people have? This is one of the roles of the shaman. Birth and death are transitions on opposite sides of the same coin, and require the same amount of space, tenderness, reverence and love.

Dying is a process in which the shaman acts as a midwife for the soul who journeys through the portal of death into the afterlife.

The role of the shaman up to, through and after death is to create the necessary space, energetic healing and support for the soul to transition as peacefully as possible, so they’re able to continue processing what they need to learn, evolve and ascend into and throughout the afterlife with the utmost ease and grace.

There are many helping, compassionate beings that the shaman works with to provide additional support for the dying as well as the living.

Often the souls of well ancestors present themselves to meet, greet and guide the dying, as well as a multitude of psychopomp beings whose only objective is to help guide the soul through this portal. Psychopomp is a Greek word that translates as guide of the soul. The shaman also acts as a psychopomp. Through the dying and death process, the role of the shaman includes providing comfort for the living, and if necessary, planning arrangements and/or tending to any ‘unfinished business’. It’s common for a soul to experience unfinished business if they cling to attachments or dynamics that require resolution in order for peace to propagate during and after death. Ultimately, shamanic practitioners help create a safe, healing space for the letting go of the dying, grieving of the living, and beyond. This is deep, sacred work.

I had the extreme honor and privilege to support my grandmother last week during her departure from this world.

She was and is a very important person in my life. She was like a mother to me, and some of my favorite memories, especially in childhood, were always with her.

Mom-mom, as I called her, was spunky, spontaneous, witty, independent, stubborn, so very caring, loving and hilarious. She touched the heart of pretty much everyone who came across her, and certainly everyone who knew her. I’ve truly never met someone quite like her. From being able to talk her way out of speeding tickets, to prompting her grandchildren for approval to follow signaling fire trucks to find the fire, there was never a dull moment. We laughed and laughed and laughed and had the most fun. I always felt so cared for, loved and safe in her presence, outside of when she still insisted to drive me at 90 years old.

She was full of life until she wasn’t. She lived until her body told her she couldn’t. Her spirit was strong to and through the end of her earthly life, with only her body that failed her, as it will for every one of us one day.

I was blessed to be at her bedside for the last 12 hours of her life. She waited for me. When I arrived at the hospital in MD and walked into her room, her eyes lit up. Her head was turned to the right, eyes half open, half closed with some movement from time to time. I knelt down to her level so she could see me and started speaking with her. I knew she could hear me because every time I finished speaking, she would take a big breath and sigh. Her mouth would open, and she would move her tongue, like she was trying to talk but couldn’t or didn’t have the strength. I thanked her for waiting for me, told her I loved her very much, and invited her to let go when she was ready, among many other things. She was cool to the touch.

Over time and many hours, she settled into stillness and comfort. Once we were alone for the night, I asked her if she was okay with me setting sacred space and inviting helping energies to support her transition. I intuitively knew that she gladly accepted, so I shared a prayer as I usually do in any shamanic or energetic work and helped to set the container. She softened into the container.

Around 9p, a nurse came in and tried to take her vitals. She couldn’t get a reading, but you could see that she was still breathing. I intuitively knew it would happen in a matter of hours.

As the container solidified and the helping energies surrounded us, we spoke about her unfinished business. As we talked through things, this gave her a sense of peace that allowed her to begin to let go naturally and gradually.

I helped to clear heaviness within her body and invited divine love and light to flow through her and the space that held us. I sang her medicine songs which called in the support of her helpers and Source/God energy. She loved it and didn’t want me to stop. When I finished, she had a soft smile on her face. Prior to this, she hadn’t moved for hours. I’ll never forget her smile that night. She looked very comfortable and at peace. I felt comfortable and at peace myself.

I could see and feel her spirit being lifted higher and higher, surrounded by love and light. There was a gateway in the afterlife that she was approaching. There was a significant amount of energy moving around and through her body. The cord that connected her to her body softened and stretched. Eventually, I was told she would become so ‘top heavy’ that the cord would dissolve naturally.

I sat in a chair close to her, covered by a blanket that my great-grandmother made, her mother. I reminded her on occasion that I was still present, and that I loved her dearly. Sometimes I would repeat “May you be held. May you be cared for. May you be loved. May you be at peace.” I watched her breathing become subtler and subtler for hours upon hours. From low belly breaths to upper belly breaths, to chest breaths, to collar bone breaths, to nothing. At some point in the night, I came to the realization that she witnessed my birth, and I had the honor and privilege to witness and support her passing. On occasion I would rest my warm hand on hers or comb her hair. She was cold to the touch now.

In the early morning hours, I noticed she was no longer faintly breathing. The nurse came in just a moment later and couldn’t hear activity in her heart or lungs. The doctor confirmed her passing shortly after. I was told she looked so peaceful. She really did.

Around 254a on Wednesday, 2/14/24, Valentine’s Day, Marylin Berman, my Mom-Mom, passed away. I will remember this day for the rest of my life.

I can see that she is ascending into her highest, lightest and freest version of self. She is looking down with love, awe and pride. I can feel her everywhere – She lives in all things now. She is infinite, loving space.

I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life. She lives on now within my heart and acts as a guardian spirit of mine. I will never forget her voice or her presence or her positive impact on my life. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to be there during her transition and more importantly to have been blessed enough to have her as my grandmother. She will be missed dearly.

I love you Mom-Mom. Thank you. Until we officially meet again,
Your Little Shanny<3

I offer a FREE Discovery Consult for all new clients. Don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule – Let’s connect to see what’s coming up and how we can work with it.

I’m sending you Love and Blessings,

Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellnes s

Teacher, Healer, Energy & Spirit Worker & Intuitive Medium

Becoming Sovereign: The Energy Behind Thoughts, Words & Actions That String, Tie & Bind

What would change if you could be more aware of the energy behind thoughts, words and actions?

The words you think, and the words you speak, hold power. The same is true for your actions. And you can bring others (energy) into the picture when you think, say or do things that involve them.

We can easily tie our energy to others by the things that we think, say or do.

This concept is shamanic in nature (spirit-based) and was/is understood by ancient and indigenous cultures from around the world.

‘Tying energy’ is not innately negative. It can be used for specific beneficial purposes. However, for the purpose of this blog, we will focus on how this kind of energy can be significantly limiting…

How you think, how you speak, or how you do something significantly influences the power of underlying energy…

It’s less about WHAT you think, say or do…but HOW!

Energy is much more complex than we often realize.

It lives within everything and can be easily influenced – whether by our own doing, by others, by our family and friends, by our environment (past or present), by nature or spirit, and more.

Things like intention, purpose and resonance influence the underlying energy behind thoughts, words and actions.

The type of thought and the direction it leads affects the energy that’s behind it.

Tone, cadence and volume affect the energy behind words.

The feeling that you have as you do something affects the energy that fuels an action.

There are many other factors!

Have you ever noticed the presence of an energetic string that was attached to something that was said or done to or for you?

For example, when someone says one thing, but means something else. Or when someone does one thing, but anticipates something else in return, with or without full disclosure or consent. Perhaps you have said or done things in this way too.

Energetic strings can easily live within expectations, anticipations, obligations, debts and more.

Shamanically, strings can also live within curses, oaths, vows, promises, dedications, devotions, traumas (abuse, neglect, manipulation, etc.) and more.

Strings, ties and bindings come into play when a certain kind of underlying energy is not at the forefront of an exchange in a clear and communicative way.

When something is strung, tied or bound, it locks the energy into a specific place or aspect for a specific reason or purpose, which then helps it to stay put. This typically creates a negative energetic influence.

When you expect something, you can easily end up tying an energetic string to that potential outcome. This might lead you into an unfavorable territory if the outcome doesn’t come to be in the way you expected (ex. disappointment). If I have an expectation about something, I also invite a level of openness, discovery and trust in that things naturally unfold in the best of ways, even if I don’t understand how or why. To me, this is a practice of having an intention while surrendering to the outcome.

The same is true for anticipations, which are quite similar energetically to expectations. When you anticipate, you could be reaching a string to that thing, which would then pull you from your body, and the present space and time, towards what it is that you’re anticipating or expecting. These energies could surface as anxiety, having a ‘busy’ or ‘distracted’ mind, feeling disconnected from current sensations and feelings in the body, and in some cases, the experience of catastrophic thinking (worse-case scenarios playing over and over).

The energy of obligation tends to go hand-in-hand with energetic strings. When you feel obligated to do or say something, you are being pulled in the direction of that string, regardless of if you want it/to or not. This generally does not feel good. Obligation tends to create feelings of guilt or even shame if it’s not fulfilled, regardless of the bigger energetic picture at play.

Debts without a doubt create energetic strings – Hopefully ones that are fully agreed to and deemed of worth to the holder of the debt. Debts that appear after-the-fact (ex. through the ‘you owe me’ mentality) represent the existence of energetic strings that were not originally at the surface, nonetheless still existed. I think about the giving of a “gift” that actually had strings attached. Or how some parents can make their children feel indebted to them simply because they are their parents, without consideration of their children’s best interest, or if they even served their children well at a larger scale.

In the simplest of terms, a curse is a very common kind of energetic climate that places a hold on an individual’s space, which limits, restricts or governs their destiny in unfavorable or undesirable ways, typically through repeating patterns, behaviors, situations and outcomes. A curse is a type of foreign energy, which means it’s not authentic or original to those affected. Although, the energy of the curse still lives within or overshadows those affected through a negative influence.

Curses can include the energy of strings, ties and bindings. This would in turn anchor the limiting climate and negative influence of the curse even more into the spaces of effect through having additional energies that, for example, keep it in place or hold what is being tied or pinned. To learn more about curses, read this blog: What is a CURSE?! Are They Common? – Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness Blog (surrendertosoulwellnessblog.com)

Oaths, vows and promises can easily create strings that bind the receiver of the oath, vow or promise to what is sworn to, for or by. Cultures including the Norse (Viking), Gaelic (Irish/Scottish), Old English and many others have detailed accounts of these energies existing within them.

If a dedication or devotion is made, it’s possible that the dedicate-ee or devote-ee creates energetic strings that intertwines them with what the dedication or devotion is to or for. Hindu culture, amongst others, have this imbued in their cosmology.

When working with these energies, it’s important to consider the terms put in place and the life span of the energy.

It’s quite common to overlook these things upon the creation of the energy, regardless of how it comes to be.

Energies can be put in place for a specific purpose and length of time, which would then hold firm for that period of time, sometimes even if circumstances change.

It’s possible for these to remain in effect throughout various lifetimes of the soul and/or affect generational lines and/or the lands we live on or come from.

Note: In my experience, almost all kinds of these energies are workable and do NOT have to continue in the same manner. Most things are able to be cleared, reworked or renegotiated – given new levels of awareness, circumstances and the individual’s right to their own optimal well-being.

This might propel you to think about or feel into how energies of the like may be influencing your well-being…

Energy lives within and fuels everything – therefore it influences and manifests within your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Your well-being is connected to the concept of sovereignty –

Sovereignty is a birthright that means you have the right to be in service to your own well-being in an authentic and beneficial manner.

With sovereignty, you have the ability to be your own self-governing individual, with agency and authority over your energy, thoughts, beliefs, choices and actions, so that they are of benefit and in right relation to you. Becoming sovereign includes becoming aware of your energetic space and what lives within or in accordance with it.

One of my teachers, Betsy Bergstrom, speaks beautifully about these teachings.

Betsy shares that becoming sovereign is a path, and our relationship to sovereignty grows and evolves over time, just as we do. Learn more about Betsy’s work here: About | Spirit-Wise

Sovereignty comes into play if there are energetic strings (created through a thought, expression or action) that tie or bind the sovereignty of those involved together (under a specific set of terms, conditions and period of time).

Some people have more power at their disposal to harness or create these energies.

Strings, ties or bindings can be created with love, or with the opposite, and anything in between.

There is an amount of intent involved, although it could be from a sub/unconscious place. And intent doesn’t equal impact. Even with the best of intentions, the impact can become something different.

When we’re stringed to something, we’re connected to it and influenced by it, whether we want it, like it, agree with it, or not.

There are many factors to consider when working with these energies.

Sometimes we do not or cannot fully understand what we’re getting ourselves into, or what we’re energetically agreeing to, or what is being forced onto us, or what still stands today even if the circumstances or arrangement has changed.

It’s possible to create energetic strings where your sovereignty and the sovereignty of someone/something else becomes intertwined. This means your will and the will of someone/something else is also intertwined.

Will is an aspect of sovereignty that influences personal power, energy levels, drive, sense of self, vitality, lifeforce and more.

I tend to visualize the tying or binding of sovereignty or will as a braid. The different sources of will can be braided together into one.

When your will is tied to someone else’s, or vice versa, there is a shift of influence.

This alters the field of energy that you share and impacts each individual (energetic) space of those involved. The quality of energy, thinking, expression, behavior, desire, motivation, even life path direction and more can be influenced as a result.

Energy is influenced much more often than we would like to think or realize.

It’s possible for an influence of the like to be of benefit, if there is conscious consent, understanding and choice for all parties involved, and if there is a potential for renegotiation if/when circumstances change.

It’s likely for these energetic situations to become undesirable or unfavorable if things are forced, withheld, repressed (sub/unconscious), altered, unknown, or coming to be through ulterior motives.

Often there is a lack of consent or comprehension about the totality of what’s happening, what or who’s involved, what the arrangement entails, for how long, and why.

Ancient and indigenous cultures knew/know that when something is thought, voiced or acted upon, it creates a line of energy that directs the soul.

For example, cultures have been intentionally tying or weaving prayer into reality through clothing, jewelry, tapestries, carpets, flags, baskets and more, which brings the energy of the intention and the energy of blessing into the everyday world.

Where and how is your soul being influenced, directed or affected through what you think… how you think it…what you say…how you say it…what you do…and how you do it?

There is a lot to consider here.

I work with clients to provide support, clarity and healing regarding these energies (whether it has occurred in this life, a past life, or in a client’s generational line) in my private practice, Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness.

Personally, I always strive for conscious intent, consent and comprehension. This is a work in progress.

We want to empower ourselves and others to make rightful and authentic choices and actions that are beneficial and supportive of well-being, firstly personally and therefore collectively. I believe what is in alignment with (the greatest and highest version of) personal well-being is also in alignment with (the greatest and highest) collective well-being.

We want to advocate for our own and one another’s sovereignty.

We don’t give ourselves enough credit to honor and acknowledge the power and influence we have over our own world, and the world of someone/something else.

Part of our personal and collective healing work resides in becoming sovereign through becoming aware of the energy behind thoughts, words and actions.

Awareness of strings, ties or bindings can be elusive, shadowed or hidden to those being influenced. Sometimes, a shift occurs in life that brings forth the clarity of need.

Whether of your own doing or someone/something else’s, in the past or the present, it is possible to work with these energies through a variety of energy, intuitive and shamanic healing techniques.

These kinds of energies require an attuned eye to neutrally, objectively and clearly view the energetic situation, so it can be tended to in a way that’s compassionate, ease-ful, functional, sustainable, graceful and beneficial for the well-being of the client.

You do not have to suffer through the negative influence of these energies on your own. And, you do not have to try to repair them on your own!

If you feel you have been subjected to or involved in something of the like, there are many ways that you can bring more awareness into the workings of your energetic space. Things like yoga, breathwork, meditation, journaling, self-reflection, specialized therapeutic support and/or energy work encourage and promote this.

It is possible to move forward with greater sovereignty, truth, authenticity, power, potential, freedom and flow!

I offer a FREE Discovery Consult for all new clients. Don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule – Let’s discuss what’s going on and how we can work with it.

May your day be blessed and beautiful.

With Love Always,

Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Why I Work With Empaths

Dear Soul,

Do you ever wonder why you take on so much?

Why you feel “off” around or after you’ve been with others?

Are you tired of feeling the pain of our distressed planet?

Are you tired of thriving only when you’re alone?

Well, you might be an Empath…it’s much more common than you think!

An Empath is a person who has a natural sensitivity to the energy of others and the world. You can be born with this, or it can develop over time.

Empaths play an essential role in society. They help to collectively usher humankind through vast challenges and changes.

Empaths are the compassionate feelers of the world!

I’m often asked why I’ve decided to support Empaths in my work, like the 12 week virtual course, Embody Your Empath, which begins Feb 9th 2022.

There are SO many reasons:
1. I’m a strong Empath. For the first 20 some years of my life, this was VERY difficult for me to manage.
2. Most of my clients and students are Empaths, too!

3. There are varying degrees and kinds of Empaths. Most people will feel empathy on occasion, but some feel it regularly…and to the point where it’s affecting everyday functioning.

4. Some Empaths don’t know that they’re an Empath! I didn’t realize it because it was my normal, until I began researching why I felt this way…

5. Most Empaths don’t understand what’s happening energetically. Eventually, I received the support of wonderful guides and teachers. Now it’s become a part of my soul’s journey to give back and support others in need.

6. If an Empath is unbalanced or inexperienced, it’s common to develop fatigue, discomfort and pain, sometimes even “chronically”. I used to feel exhausted after social interactions, lost in anxiety and overwhelmed by body aches as the “smoke”, or energy, from others weighed on me.

7. Empaths tend to grow more invested in others than themselves. For so long, I wasn’t aware that I was deferring or ignoring my feelings, thoughts and beliefs in an effort to please or protect others. But it makes sense…by doing so, I was avoiding feeling their discomfort!

8. Empaths are naturally drawn to helping others, animals or nature, personally or professionally. When an Empath stands fully in their truth and power, they’re able to emanate a stronger positive influence onto others and the world!

9. We need this work now, more than ever. In order to traverse these times with as much grace and ease, we must learn how to better manage energy!

10. This is deeply rewarding. It’s beautiful to witness the “Ah-has!” that come with developing and healing in community.

11. Lastly, Empath’s have a birthright to understand, balance and embody their sensitivity…not as a burden, but as a GIFT!

Does this resonate with you?

Or do you have someone in mind?

There are 4 spots remaining for Embody Your Empath, which runs for 12 consecutive Wednesdays 2/9 – 4/27/22 @ 6-8p MST.

We’ll engage in deep and interesting conversations, learn tools & techniques to support balance, and integrate healing energy through guided meditation, journeying and various other supportive practices.

The topics include: Care, Cleanse, Boundaries, Relate, Balance & Ground.

This course is for you if you’re ready and open to the work of learning about your sensitivity to help balance your energy.

It’s especially valuable for those of you who work in service to others: Social Workers, Teachers, Therapists/Counselors, Medical Professionals and Healers of all kinds.

All sessions are online, recorded and sent to participants.

If you register by 1/26/22, you’ll receive a $150 early bird discount with code EMPATH22 at checkout!

I facilitate this course once or twice a year. Visit my website to view up-to-date event offerings!

2022 Blessings to you.

May this year open the door to greater fulfillment, purpose and power.

With Love,
Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Pandemic Perspective

Hello Beautiful One,

Below is an excerpt from an email newsletter that I sent out in February 2021. (You can sign up to receive newsletters from me here)

—

I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Maybe you have, too?

Last week, I had the privilege to go on a long overdue vacation. Today, I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to briefly escape the compounding stress that the pandemic has added to our lives, families, communities, businesses, etc. I almost decided to work while we were there! Although I have the gift of doing what I love, I am glad that I gave myself time to do a lot of nothing. Most days included walking on the beach, laughing with my sweetie, sitting in the sun, reading, swimming, snorkeling, etc.

Below are a few reflections from the last year: My “Pandemic Perspective”. Perhaps one or two things will resonate for you…

*Love is the most important thing. Love yourself first, then others, as the ultimate healing force. Sometimes, love is cooking for yourself or your family. Sometimes love is holding healthy boundaries. Sometimes love is saying no. Sometimes it’s saying yes. Love can be self-care or romantic dates, words of affirmation or a loving touch or look. Love is authenticity. Love is being willing to show up and support ourselves and each other, especially when it’s not easy. Love is the glue that holds us together for ever-lasting health, happiness and joy.

*Appreciate the small and simple things. More does not mean better. Bathe in the beauty of the moment…may it be with yourself, with others or with Nature. These moments are precious to our well-being.

*You cannot take on the worries of the world alone. Monitor how you consume your external environment, and then monitor how it influences you in return. Does it pull you out of your center or contaminate your truth? Your loved ones may have differing opinions than you, and that’s okay. Catching up on the media may cause you anxiety with no benefit. The food you eat holds a vibration that fuels or depletes your body’s vitality. Your thoughts carry energy that shape your reality. Let’s ask ourselves, does ___ serve me well?

*Shift your priorities to match your present. The things that mattered the most to you years ago may not matter now and visa versa. As the world changes, we change too.

*Gratitude is the key to abundance. An “attitude of gratitude” opens the door to fulfillment and wholeness of how things are. We can always find something to be grateful for.

Perspective is everything. It shifts in the blink of an eye. It changes the direction of our inner winds. I’d love to hear how your perspective has shifted over the last COVID year!

https://surrendertosoulwellness.com/book-now

Click here if you’re curious about 1:1 healing work or check out the links below for detail on each session. The Intuitive, The Journey, The Spirit Release, The Space Clearing, The Womb Massage or The Mini

Stay well, and I hope to connect with you soon<3

With Love,
Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

WELCOME 2021!

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Well, we’ve made it…2021 approaches. We are currently stepping into the “New World”. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time…anxiety and excitement do have similar (yet slightly different) vibrations!

2020 has been the year of…challenge? Or growth? On the spiritual level, we know that challenge = growth. But on the physical level, challenge is just that, the opposite of ease.

Have you reflected on what this last year was like for you?

Throughout the challenges of 2020, humanity was given the gift of awareness. You could call it the “Great Awakening”. We were able to shine light and love on a lot of stuff that was previously kept in the dark. This means that we have been dealing with the icky, tough spots (personally and collectively) that we typically avoid because they are uncomfortable, embarrassing, scary, etc. These tough spots are often called “shadow”…and 2020 has been quite the year of shadow work!

The continued quarantine isolation may seem like an unbearable and heavy weight on your shoulders. However, we must remember that we always have choice and power over our own perspective. We, as individuals, hold the greatest influence over our own quality of life, especially during times of challenge and growth. The three words that I’m carrying into 2021 to sustain a positive quality of life are: Simplicity. Love. Health.Perhaps you can think of some that resonate for you.

I feel called to share a few words with you that I wrote for a recent Winter Solstice Ceremony:

Modern western culture tends to encourage a veil of fear, illusion and confusion regarding the deep dark that exists within and without. Darkness, within and without, is especially prominent throughout the season of winter. We rest in the dark every night. We close our eyes and open our minds to dream. The nighttime gives us a chance to vision and renew, re-center, rejuvenate and recalibrate our energy. Many life forms flourish in the dark of night. Love is often made in the dark. Creative bursts occur in the dark. Seeds rest quietly in their place of origin in the dark womb of the earth…and so on…

The universe works in mysterious ways. In 2020, I grew from a deeper, embodied experience of the art of surrender. My business is called Surrender to Soul after all! During COVID times, I developed an unbreakable trust in divine unfolding while surrendering to any possible outcome. This was a gift.

I am confident we will continue to learn no matter where life takes us in 2021. That’s what life’s all about, right? As souls on earth, we are here to learn, grow, and gain knowledge via experience.

I hope you can begin to let go of the heaviness of 2020 and welcome 2021 with a positive, new light. The energetic shift that we have been moving through over the last few weeks marks the biggest collective turning point that we have seen in our lives.

I pray yourself, your family and your friends stay safe and well. Please consider attending one or all of January’s special events. They are listed below.

Until next time, I’m sending you lots of love, and I look forward to connecting at a virtual event, weekly yoga class, 1:1 healing session, via my YouTube workouts, or another way sometime soon.

XX,
Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

MY CURRENT WEEKLY YOGA SCHEDULE

Tuesday 10:00-11:00a All Levels Vinyasa, in studio + online MST
^ @ The Little Yoga Studio, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Monday 9:30-1030a Soul Flow, in studio + online MST
Saturday 10-11a Vinyasa Flow, in studio + online MST
^ @ Soul Tree Yoga, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER !

*Masks are required to practice in studio.
*Preregistration is required for all classes.

Shanin shares her intuitive gifts in 1:1 sessions, space clearings/blessings, yoga/fitness classes and group events. She thoroughly enjoys teaching others to build strength and enhance connection through conscious breathwork and body movement. Shanin also works closely with helping, compassionate spiritual guides and specializes in soul work that promotes healing and wholeness on every level, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. With a down-to-earth, relatable approach, She encourages conscious navigation through the trials and tribulations of life by better understanding and working WITH life experiences, energy and soul evolution.

Did you know Dreams create Reality?!

Shamans have long known the power of “dreams”, aka thoughts, beliefs, hopes and wishes. Dreams manifest and take form to create reality, consciously and unconsciously. What are you dreaming? What are you feeding with your thoughts and beliefs, and in turn your actions? Are you dreaming for a world filled with beauty? Or are you (consciously or unconsciously) feeding the web of fear and hate? What would it mean to be in alignment with your dreams? Personal dreams impact personal reality AND influence the collective web. Lately it’s become easy to enter into a space of overwhelm, helplessness, anger, blame and so on when trying to solve the world’s problems. No one can do it alone.

We, as humans, have been collectively disassociated from Earth and our Earth-bodies for quite some time. Meaning, we are distracted, numb and disconnected from reality. This isn’t anyone’s fault; it’s increased through the progression of technology and modern society.

We are seemingly more connected now than ever (via smart phones, social media, etc), but we are missing sense-oriented experiences (see, smell, feel, hear, taste) that allow us to regularly communicate and connect with the natural world, our bodies and each other.

Try to use your senses, especially feeling, to move through dense emotions rather than numbing out. There are many ways to do this safely, and I realize it takes perseverance!

I believe we must do our part to first look within ourselves before we can make effective, outward change. For millennia, the inner-healing methods of yogis, shamans, and spiritual beings alike have been known and respected. In order to create positive change for the collective world, we must first work to install change on an intrinsic and personal level.

The first step is to recognize the truth of reality. Work on that as long as you need! From there, you can begin to ask harder questions: How have I played a role in reality? Is there something I’m ready to do or let go of, so I can make space for healing and growth?

Trust that healing yourself is the best thing you can do for the planet right now!

With Love, Shanin & Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

May 2020 Energy Update

Hi friends, how are we holding up?

I hope you are taking care & feeling safe & loved amidst the current crisis. I have spent much time contemplating & feeling into my energy & the collective over the last few months. We are all facing challenges right now, and there are likely more to come. You may share your challenge(s) with neighbors, friends & family, or perhaps it’s unique to you & your life…

Challenge shows up in a variety of ways: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc… You may be facing online schooling or childcare concerns. You may be worried about paying the bills or keeping food on the table. You may be feeling too sedentary. You may be working more now than you ever have before. Maybe you are needing a break. Maybe you are feeling isolated, alone, overwhelmed, sad or frustrated. Maybe you are struggling within your relationship or household. Maybe you are getting used to fear & worry being a part of your everyday.

You are not alone. We are not alone. Everything that is happening is a part of a massive energetic shift & vibrational upgrade for Earth & humanity. Humans are the leaders in this for all life on Earth, and shifts of this magnitude always come with challenge, “hardship” and/or resistance. They also end in increased growth & awareness for those that are willing to *surrender* to the flow & *trust* the process.
If you are reading this & thinking “I’m not being challenged right now”…Take this as an invitation to look deeper & get curious about what is going on under the surface.

Yes, we do need each other now more than ever! Our primal needs of safety, security, support, companionship, love & community are seemingly being questioned or at risk. However, all of the above (& more) is readily available to us, if we truthfully listen & lean into our challenges rather than away from them.

Home space plays a big role in how we anchor this global shift.

Challenge visits me when my home is many things at once. I connect to a minimalist approach, so this spreads me thin & destabilizes the container. My home is currently holding space to: relax, be active, cook, teach, do inner work, have sessions, connect to community, etc! My home has its usual purpose(s), along with being my work/gym/studio/healing/
community space. That’s a lot! No wonder feelings of overwhelm & exhaustion find their way in, even with “so much time at home”…not to mention the impact of increased tech use. Perhaps you can relate!

Physically, your home is a place of protection & safety, the container for which you live. Within its walls, your home holds your physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual existence. Home is very symbolic of the body and carries both the beauty & challenge of life.

The challenges that are currently showing up are on hyperdrive & pleading to be recognized, heard & seen for what they are. This is a hard but necessary step that will speed up the individual & collective ascension process (they are linked). We are now able to realize that our challenge(s) is ____. This is something we couldn’t see just a few weeks ago, perhaps a silver lining!

Acceptance is a powerful antidote. It is a building block toclear perception & higher perspective. We cannot change what is happening, but we can change our perception of it. It is not something to be forced, rather something initiated by will & choice, then softened into. Welcome the energy of acceptance by being present, not by clinging to what was or reaching for what is yet to come. This is a challenge of its own sometimes. Presence requires clear & sufficient space (in your mind, body & home) to think, be, see & feel what is true for you.

Acceptance helps clear the smoke of illusion, confusion & conditioning. It opens our eyes to what is real. Soul-level acceptance exceeds what is “acceptable” by our ego & sub/unconscious beliefs. It encompasses our entire existence like a warm, eternal blanket of safety, love & trust.

Trust the resources/tools that will help you get through this with as much love & ease as possible. Listen to your innermost needs. Lean into your community & nature. We are all connected within the Web of Life. We share this planet & affect each other in so many ways. Your efforts will open the door for another, and create a beautiful ripple effect throughout the planet.

May we make it through this with bright illuminations & restored connections. May peace find its way into the hearts of all beings of Earth.

With Love Always, Shanin & Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

WHAT IF? COVID-19 Channeling

❤️

What if COVID-19 is bringing us back?

Bringing us back to what is essential, fundamental

What if we have long forgotten how to feel connection?

How to connect throughout the mundane, the everyday

What if this is a big lesson for the people of Earth?

A lesson of community, love, resilience and patience

What if what we are gaining so much more than we are losing?

We lose money, we gain appreciation

We lose control, we gain surrender

We lose each other, we gain new ways to connect

We gain time alone

We gain time with nature

We gain joy from simple and meaningful interactions

We gain gratitude for our fellow humans, the communities we stand with

We gain gratitude for the gift of living on Earth

When did we lose this?

When did we stop seeing beauty in the everyday?

When did our appreciation become replaced by competition, power, control and fear?

And WHAT IF fear is the true killer here?

Fear is what fuels the compounded suffering

Suffering is what breaks our collective hearts

The trees, the birds, the plants have long known

How to weather this storm from the start

They are stoic, patient and ready to be reborn

For they have endured change a time or two

Their wisdom fills the air, the fire, the water and the earth

Their steady grace is not anew

They have compassion for our suffering,

Sometimes immediately upon birth

The trees never question love

The plants never question love

The birds never question love

They are free to be

Each moment, a moment

Soon passes, another comes

Attachment is not in their vocabulary

They are masters of change and uncertainty

Nature is often brutal, but they survive

Without the need to control, and without collective fear

They know collective fear will only bring them down

Together, make them droop and wither

Make them die off, go extinct

Instead, they choose to build each other up

They understand and respect the circle of life

The tree people have an incredibly rooted community

Equality, cohesion, interdependence and TRUST

Many storms they have been through

And they do not question it

They know more will soon come

They have much compassion for us humans

We are bound by our fears and our suffering

It is difficult for us to ride the currents of weather

No matter sunshine, frost or isolation

We must resist, and fight, and fear, and fight, and fear

The tree people know how to hunker down

They know how to ride it out

Many moons have gone by

They still stand strong and true

Undeterred by a storm

How can we listen to the trees?

How can we listen to the plants, the birds, the whispers of the wind?

They have been through this before

It is when we get caught up in suffering

That hurts

What if our fear is what is preventing us?

We sink, we drown

But what if it is possible to swim through the journey?

The trees, the plants, the birds never give up

Within any weather pattern

They know this too, shall pass

Can we remain open in times of challenge, isolation, change?

Open to hear the messages, the LOVE exchange

Between all Life on Earth

WHAT IF COVID-19 is the perfect breeding grounds for a NEW WAY?

A new way of connection, love, community, and appreciation

For the circle of life

For its waves

For its peaks and valleys

For its burning flames of change

What if Earth knows how to be reborn?

What if we are meant to weather this storm?

And come out stronger, and braver, with more LOVE than before

Come out with greater CONNECTION

We just have to open our eyes

Receive the LOVE of being alive

And offer LOVE to those whose life cycle will soon end

Only to be reborn again

What if we will soon see?

That we are always where we are meant to be

WHAT IF?

❤️

Channeling & Poem by Shanin Weisberg

Why Do We Practice?

Why do we practice?
No matter what is going on –we show up; we practice.
We practice on our mat, and we practice off our mat.
Our life is one big practice.
No matter what is going on – we show up again and again.
To our mat.
Or to a walk.
Or to the dinner table.
We show up to our relationships.
We show up for ourselves, and we show up for each other.
We show up to and through all of our life experiences.
We show up in celebration.
We show up out of desperation.
We show up for inspiration, and we show up for resolution.
We show up when it’s hard, and we show up when it’s good.
We show up because we know we should.
But sometimes, just the act of showing up is the biggest challenge.
We know we will meet, feel and see what is there when we do…
Our thoughts, feelings, limitations and perceptions also show up all too true.
But nonetheless – we show up.
The hidden treasure is in the why.
Remember why. Why do you practice? And will it sustain you?
The goal is sustainability through it all: the good, bad, and the divine…
They beacon you with their call, “Yes – show up, practice.”
No matter what you are moving through, let it be….
An opportunity.
An invitation.
A shift in perspective or a chance to grow.
Practice, no matter what it be – so that you may Illuminate and Heal
The shadowed corners once filled with doubt and fear.
Practice Kindness. Practice Compassion, Empowerment and Love.
Not for me, but for you firstly.
You deserve your own approval. You deserve your own shower of Love.
And it’s OK if things get hard.
Especially when they do – practice, show up.
No matter how, the practice becomes a sanctuary.
A place to come home to what is real, essential and fundamental.
Take it…
Moment by moment.
Breath by breath.
Trust yourself and trust your why the whole way through.
Your practice today is a part of your journey, the greater journey of You.

-Poem by Shanin Weisberg, RYT-500 & Intuitive Healer

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Can You Let Yourself Love?

How often do we REALLY let ourselves Love?!

I came across this Universal understanding and participated in the Collective opening over the last weekend…I was blessed to have attended a powerful Womens Retreat in the mountains of Estes Park, led and organized by a great friend and gifted yoga leader, Brooke Coletta. The retreat was filled with Healers, Teachers, Mothers, Daughters, and Students to SHE (the Wild Woman). The group theme was all about deepening our relationship the Feminine, while letting ourselves nourish and nurture from the inside out. Shout-out to Brooke for being the fiercely loving and authentic leader that she is! I had the honor of facilitating a group Shamanic Healing with mini personal readings during yoga, as well as leading the Full Moon Ceremony & Journey on Sunday night (picture of altar above). WOW – I am still blown away by the depth, connection, and sisterhood that develops when we truly LET OURSELVES LOVE.

What is your relationship to LOVE? Is it easier for you to give than receive? Do you find yourself receiving more than you give? What would it take for you to deepen your relationship with this equally Earthly and Cosmic force that connects us to all that is? Where do you feel these words in your body?

To quote the Beatles… “All you need is LOVE.”

I hear you… “But isn’t Love supposed to be shared?” “What if I don’t have a partner to express my Love to?” “I feel numb inside…how am I supposed to fill up with just the energy of Love?”

Truth is, Love is a Universal energy that is available to us in every moment.

You can experience Love within the rhythm of your breath, especially receiving it as you drink in each inhale. Have you ever stepped outside and invited a BIG breath of fresh air deep into your lungs, heart and body? That’s Universal Love! You can bathe in the Love of Grandmother Moon as she radiates power in the night sky and encourages you to release and let go of your uncertainty, fears and doubts. Have you ever gazed in wonder at the moon and stars as they appear as light sparked in the darkness…or at the rays of the sun as they penetrate and illuminate the clouds? That’s Love!

You have all the power you need to feel Love in every action you take, every step you walk, even every physical experience you have through manifested form. This is the gift of being human. We are able to use our senses, inner and outer, to perceive and experience the Love of Life. Sometimes, because of conditioning and embedded non-truths, we forget.

Have you lost your sparkle that glistens in the early morning as you wake, emerging into the dawn of a new day? Have you forgotten what it feels like to be grateful as you close your eyes and rest at night, drifting into the dreamtime? Have you unintentionally deemed Love as something that is irrelevant and insignificant to your everyday Life?

Once felt, Love is expressed through the different actions we take – admiring nature, purchasing flowers, vocalizing feelings, showing up for someone in need, snuggling with a loved one or pet, and yes – through sex. But Love is not limited. It is not able to be contained or boxed when we are experiencing it through the unconditional, dynamic and infinite eyes of the Universe. The process of opening to Love is a constant.

In what ways can you open so that you are able to let MORE Love in?

This is definitely a vulnerable state to be in – to say the least – AND it is a practice that shows us something more, again and again. Our society likes to tell us that we must be tough, strong and closed-off, while hiding our authentic selves, in order to be accepted and loved by partners, friends, communities and the greater world. This is simply not true. Also, we have many celebrity rockstars leading the pack (like Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga) that give me hope for the changes that are occurring in our society.

Humans are on a desperate search for connection. We hold within us an innate, heart-felt desire to connect…to something!

Truth. Love. Energy.

These 3 Shamanic principles are coming through big time for us as both human and spiritual beings, crocheted into the collective Web of Life. We are all works in progress. You owe it to yourself, over anyone else, to let some Love in – as it is right for you!

Love is all around you – waiting patiently – for the Divine moment to crack you open in ways that you have only dreamt about. It is also true that any heartbreak, loss, grief, desperation, abandonment, etc. hollows you in a way so that you can eventually experience MORE Love, because there is newfound space for it to enter Mind, Body and Spirit. I personally believe that although these are generally undesirable pathways to get there, devastating emotions are some of the most effective conduits for connecting us to something Greater.

Your entire existence is rooted in Love. Can you let it in?

It is my sincerest wish that we all Love and let ourselves be Loved – by Earth and nature, by ourselves and each other, by the greater Universe and the Web that connects us all. And So It Is!

With Blessings & Love Always,

Shanin Weisberg

surrendertosoulwellness.com