Hello Depression, my old friend...

It's that time of year... that cycle in life... where I find myself saying hello to depression. It's not a new thing for me- in fact, it's quite old. And I'm never that surprised. But I suppose every time I'm still like, "oh, you again."

I was telling my lover about it last week and I was saying that depression doesn't actually really describe what I'm feeling quite accurately. What I feel is being overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time; a heaviness in my body; a lack of being able to eat; unease sleeping; a sense of apathy and distance; not enough connection.

Now as Covid continues to keep many of us separated and isolated, this is compounding the usual "winter blues." I mentioned in my last newsletter that I was experiencing some digital burnout. And it's a catch 22 because using technology is one of the only ways I have to connect right now AND it causes havoc to my physical nervous system.

So, how do we adapt? How do we find resiliency?

A few resources I have to help are:

In Love While Parenting App
(understand relating- even if you're not a couple or parent- and labelling your feelings)

The Soul in Depression Podcast
(a spiritual look at the impacts of depression from those who have been in it)

Yoga & Meditation
(I'm offering my monthly passes at a $50 discount until March 14th: use code ILOVEYOU at the checkout)
*All classes are recorded for viewing

I do have a few recordings up on Youtube for free (I plan to add more in the coming months) so you can also check there.

Masturbation
Now this one can get tricky... you don't want to bypass your emotions and just hit the endorphin button... so that's why I teach Meditative Masturbation.
Join me for 28 days in March (more details at the end of this letter).

I want to share with you WHY I started teaching yoga, what my journey was.

This is taken from my ATB BoostR campaign promotion, you can read my full story

there.

Hi, I'm Sarah Curts.

I was born and raised in Calgary. I grew up LOVING dance! I danced as many hours a week as I could while also getting straight A's at school. I went on to pursue dance professionally, ending up with an eating disorder and depression. I left my pursuits and dancing in Toronto to come back to Alberta and heal myself- mind, body and spirit.

I'm going to be honest- it was hard. I was suicidal, I was in toxic relationships, I was a mess! A few years living life like this, I decided I wanted no more... it was time to be happy, to enjoy life. So I searched for help and I found a trial run of a therapy program teaching mindfulness to overcome depression.

Gold!!

The program led me to gratitude, meditation, awareness, and being present! Truly and fully present. At the same time, I was going to yoga as a way to exercise since dance was too triggering. I found an amazing community and teachers and fell in love with the soulful and spiritual essence of yoga.

A few years later, I was inspired by the more dynamic postures of yoga and went to do my very own Yoga Teacher Training. Now I had no desire to be a teacher, I really just wanted to learn how to be a great yogi and do all of the cool things! It turns out my community wanted me to teach them. And it turns out that I fell in love with the philosophy of yoga AND tantra.

That was really just the tip of the iceberg. The next few years I studied all sorts of esoteric practices- such a reiki, witchcraft and Family & systemic constellations therapy. I became certified in many fields, kept reading and following these amazing paths.

Now, as part of my ongoing and constant healing, I share what I know to be valuable and true in my body and wellness journey with others! Cornerstones of my practice are a morning routine - be it in yoga or meditation or journaling- and monthly witch circles. The circles are opportunities to gather with women and men to share our authentic states of being and create deep bonds.

I love nature, I love dogs and I love eating good food.

There's so much more I could tell you and share, so for now, come to a class and see for yourself!! "