THE FITTING ROOM + SANTOSHA.

Moment of truth.

I was either pregnant or nursing from 2014 - 2018 and in major avoidance of bra shopping from 2018 - 2019 as pregnancy and nursing both came to a close. While easy to avoid, this resulted in ill fitting undergarments and a lack of self confidence.

Why the heck did I care so much about my bra size? I feel fairly confident about my body elsewhere and in truth, I have a personal dedication to being in love with my body as a whole, because I've spent much of my life beating my body down and wishing is was different. 

The more I thought about my bras, the more this became a more and more ridiculous. So I decided it was finally time to go in and trust in the experts with the tape measure. To get measured, to try on some new undergarments and start fresh. 

The result? It was what I expected - my body has changed. And in truth, I stood in front of the mirror in my new under garment for many moments nit picking, feeling uncomfortable and still unsure of what the big deal was. I even asked for the sweet sales associate's opinion... 

And then it sunk in. "Celebrate, Bailey. This body (YOUR body) has birthed and nurtured two healthy little boys. It has carried you through the past 33 years and will continue to carry you through the many years that lie ahead. Who freaking cares what bra size you wear? And inside... be happy with what is. Contentment. Santosha."

So there I was in the fitting room, in my new under garments, repeating the niyama "Santosha" over and over in my head. I took a deep breath, I smiled and I chose to move forward in celebration with this body. 

What is Santosha? It's the second niyama (self-dicipline) and part of the second limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Santosha is an inner practice of peace and acceptance to what is. It is believed that from a practice of Santosha, happiness can become a choice we make. 

What we have is enough. Who we are is enough.

I know I don't have all the answers and I'm certainly not perfect, but I'm hopeful that this story helps to guide some inner light into areas where the practice of Santosha can show up. Where the choice of happiness and your journey of inner peace can come alive, because I'm right there with you, in my own practice 

xo
Bailey

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LEMON, LAVENDER, PEPPERMINT

The trifecta. Did you know there are more than 101 WAYS to use these three essential oils? I know many of you have essential oils at home, so this month I wanted to share this sweet little guide that gives some easy, simple uses of these oils.