reset

 inner work  ~

I just returned from a backpacking trip in Shenandoah. I feel reset. The trip involved 16 miles of hiking, sleeping in a tent when the temperature was 34 degrees and being with my thoughts, lots of thoughts. I went with a friend who is both great to talk with and probably more important, is great to be silent with. I enjoy backpacking because I love being in nature, food tastes amazing after carrying your pack and it helps me recenter. It gives me space to remember what I want in my life and what I don't. 

During a frigid mountain stream crossing which we had to do barefoot I had the experience of how intense and then temporary discomfort can be. My mind screaming "get out this will never end", and then it did. Reminding me of all the times I think, I won't survive this and I do. And then we got to do it again a 1/2 a mile later. The second time the feeling just as intense but my mind being more elastic and knowing it will be over soon enough.

We also spied the beginnings of the spring emphermels. They always show up right when I'm so weary with winter. 

This year I've tried to schedule these type of resets because my calendar tends to get crowded if I don't. I also have been trying to create resets within my day. Each of these times offers a moment to re-focus, I can bring my attention back to the life I want. I can ask what is my intention for the day, the moment? Here's a few that have worked for me; Reiki self practice in the AM, when I walk the dog (making it a choice not a chore), making a cup of tea mid afternoon. 

If you're looking for some resources to tune into yourself, may I suggest the following; Reiki training (see below), the book Effortless; Make it Easier To Do What Matters Most by Greg McKeown and the song, Best Time of My Life by Cloud Cult and if you want a healing to reset, my schedule can be found here. 

I hope this finds you well and if you have things that have worked well to recenter, please share.

Best ~ Kim

Below is an upcoming event offered at Hara Studio in Crozet.

March

I have invited Becky Holtzman of Orange Flower Healing to come and teach First Degree Reiki. If you aren't familiar with Reiki it's a type of energy work / healing that uses a light touch. I've found it can bring a sense of relaxation to the energy field. Reiki is something you can practice on yourself or others so it is a valuable tool to calm the system. 

First Degree Reiki

This will be held March 30th, 31st, April 1st, and 2nd, 2023.

Thursday 5-8 PM, Friday 5-8 PM, Saturday 5 -8 PM, Sunday 9 AM -12 PM. 

$175 / $100 deposit by March 10th to reserve space. *

Space; limited to 6 students.

*Deposit is refundable up to March 20th, after that date deposit can be applied to a future class.

To register contact Becky.

Already taken First Degree and want to dive deeper? Becky will also be offering Second Degree Reiki when she is here, contact her for more information.

Be-ing Present

coming back to now

Recently I’ve been catching myself say, “I can’t wait to come back here” (ten minutes after I arrive) or “I wish I could bottle this misty morning, it feels so magical.” It’s as if I can’t even assimilate what’s in front of me before moving on to missing it.

This is hitting home hard as my first-born is about to turn 10! How many times had I thought when he was younger that I couldn’t wait to get through a particular stage only now to go, how’d he get so grown up? It’s making me think about how often we have this with all sorts of experiences, especially as we move towards winter.

Attending family gatherings with an abundance of amazing food and then overeating because I’m not present and fully focused on the food I’m putting in my mouth. Or that thought of scarcity that makes me believe it will never taste this good ever again. Drinking an extra glass of wine at a holiday party because I’m triggered by someone and feel like I can’t tolerate the discomfort they are bringing up in me, even though it doesn't last that long.

When I catch myself moving in fast forward, I’ve been repeating this lyric (My Mind Is An Endless Sea by The Wind and The Wave) to bring myself back in the moment:

Breathe it in, let it out, settle down
Why you carrying all that mess around?
Breathe it in, let it out, settle down
Why you carrying all that mess around?

Here’s the full version if you’d like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq4CPchBPEk

What brings you back when you’re not staying present? Please feel free to share your techniques with me.

Circle ~ ongoing energy meetup
Deep self care - December 12th, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
As we enter the season of renewal and spiraling inward this month’s Circle will focus on deep self care.

We will balance our chakras and solidify our energetic boundaries so we can enter into this time with the ability to relax and enjoy the wonderment that accompanies these dark and cozy nights.

To register: here.

Cost $25.

Here’s to waking up our consciousness around the ways in which we check out and keep from be-ing in the moment.
Take care,
Kim

Grief & Loss

I was asked by Little Mended Hearts of Charlottesville to lead a meditation for parents whose children had passed away as a result of a congenital heart condition. It was an honor to help provide a container for people to share their grief and their love for their angel warrior. I was reminded of how important it is to be able to share your story with others who understand and how we can connect with our loved one through our heart connection. Thanks to Little Mended Hearts of Charlottesville for all they do to support families with heart conditions. 

Mundane or magic?

I keep getting reminders that the mundane is actually not. I was at the gas station and my car wouldn't start and right when I was about go down that path of getting grouchy, I looked up and saw this, a beautiful Luna Moth. Luna Moths only live for 7 days and during that time they can't eat (they have no mouth) and drop 400-600 eggs. They are often considered a symbol of intuition, reproduction and rebirth. And for me a reminder to find the pause. 

Free Community Event

Elizabeth and I are joining with lots of wonderful folks presenting at the first ever Retreat Week at IX Art Park. From June 12th through the 19th, there will be a variety of mindfulness offerings for everyone, from those just starting their explorations to those with practice under their belts. Please check the schedule and you can follow it on Facebook. Click here to like Elizabeth's page or here to like mine where we will also be posting schedule updates. 

Newsletter Signup Here

Elizabeth’s Upcoming Classes

Explore Your Inner Realms
This same presentation will be offered on two different days.
Sunday, June 12th, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Thursday, June 16th, 5:00PM-5:45PM

Join me for a different perspective on meditation as well as some guided meditations. With my guidance you will journey within to explore the landscape of your heart space, and discover your elemental support structure specifically finding your major and minor elements. This class is for all who are interested in knowing self in different ways. No experience necessary. If you have already worked with me and experienced these meditations, know that repeating them is always helpful and can sometimes be very different. Please join me for this special gathering and to meet some wonderful folks.

Elizabeth can be found at here.

Kim’s Upcoming Classes
 

So many fun opportunities coming up in June.

Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils ~ Tuesday, June 14th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Crozet Studio
Tricia Lucas will discuss the practical application of medicinal plants for common everyday complaints, illuminating the wisdom behind this lost yet reliable tradition. I will teach about the body's chakras, and which oils can open, stimulate, and bring them back into balance. Please RSVP tokimberlohan@gmail.com

Mindfulness for Kids ~ Saturday, June 18th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM IX Art Park Charlottesville
It's never too early to teach your children about self awareness. Join us for a fun active class where children and their parents learn to develop body awareness through a variety of exercises that utilize all of our senses. This class is designed for ages 3-10 but all are welcome. Following the class, kids can make a calm jar ~ supplies provided. 
 

Chakra Readings ~ Sunday, June 19th, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM IX Art Park Charlottesville
Come get a status update on your chakras. Chakras are gateways that regulate energy flowing in and out of the body. When these flows are unbalanced we may experience problems on a physical, emotional or spiritual level. Self awareness of your chakras can help you bring them back into alignment and provide important insight into your life. If you know someone who has been curious about what chakras are, please send them down for their own chakra assessment.  

Find Kim at Hara Studio