Shakti Rios
Embodying Aligned Living
Consciously Unplugging: The Path to Inner Restitution
My husband and I live in Atlanta, Ga. This might as well be
Tahiti to the rest of our family which resides in small pockets
scattered around the south of Florida and whom have rarely
ventured far from their comfort zone. Ever since our son was
born, they have made a valiant effort to visit often. This last
time my dad and step-mom decided to visit, I thought that
staying in a family cabin in the northern mountains of
Georgia would be just delightful for us; this way they would
have a lot of one-one-one time with the little and we would
all get a little getaway.
Upon arrival, I immediately knew that this was going to be
quite the vacation – not only was there no WiFi (at all), there
was also no reception of any kind. And, to top all of that off,
the ‘smart’ TV had a horrendous cable connection which
made watching TV impossible and the DVD player made
movies look like they were from the 1950s – black and white
and strangely warped.
Needless to say, I was distressed as I had brought with me,
despite knowing that this was a getaway, a ‘little’ work to be
done. Workaholic, much? Yeap. That’s me.
In that moment I accepted that this was a message from the
Universe and decided to embrace the unexpected with total
non-attachment. Luckily, I had also brought a book with me,
so, I figured that if all else failed my inner work maniac could
at the very least, read.
What I discovered as the hours went by was that this was
perhaps the most fortuitous thing that could’ve happened to
me and to my family.
That night my dad, step-mom and I stayed up playing poker,
21, and war while we drank half a bottle of wine and laughed
until our sides hurt as my baby slept soundly in our upstairs
bedroom. My husband, who arrived later that evening,
poured himself a glass and rocked himself quietly in a
cushioned rocking chair next to a pseudo-tiffany lamp while
he basked in his newest collection – the Game of Thrones
novel.
Throughout the house the feeling was warm, familial, quiet
and romantic. At one point, my husband looked over at me
and said, “Honey, this is how I want to retire.” And, in that
moment I knew that this was how I wanted to live, period.
The rest of our days were just perfect – small trips to local
shops, barbeque, baby laughter, wine and a hot tub. The last
day of our stay as my husband and I soaked in the hot tub,
indulging in some alone time as lovers instead of parents
(for a change) we talked about our dreams, our hopes, our
visions and we laughed and cuddled. It was the first time in
a very long time that we had shared time together in that
way. In that moment I remembered why we fell in love and
why I was so grateful to have chosen him as my life partner
and as the father of my child.
During this time, away from seemingly everything and
disconnected from the constant stream of information and
stimulation we have become accustomed to, I became full of
so many ideas for clearing up the clutter in my home and
moving forward in my business. I felt overflowing with
creativity and joy – and then it hit me…
I felt restored.
For a few weeks prior to this trip I felt that I was losing the
joy in a lot of my life, particularly in my marriage and in my
home life in general. After a few days in that small and
remote cabin my appreciation for my partnership, my
parents, and my life overall blossomed tremendously. And
THAT is the magic of consciously unplugging.
I learned the value of truly taking a break – a real one that
does not involve a ‘little’ work. The value of choosing to
unplug and allow the mind and the spirit to just explore itself
surrounded by green things, sunshine and, of course, wine. I
learned that laughter cures almost all woes and whatever is
left will surely be taken care of by 20 minutes in a hot tub. I
learned that rainstorms in the woods sound absolutely
terrifying, but as long as our AC doesn’t go out, it’s also the
most relaxing symphony ever.
And, above all, I learned that I wanted to live a life where
unplugging was consistently scheduled into our journey. A
life where we could take our family into a quiet space and
enjoy each other simply and honestly. The spirit needs
restoration, needs reflection, and needs warmth of familial
love. The more time dedicated to all of these, the more
restitution in every area of our lives.
Message received. Message delivered.
Sincerely, Shakti. <3
![[BEFRIENDING • MY • HUNGER]
Years ago I wrote a blog about this concept while fulfilling a 21 nutritional reset program.
During the 21 days I came face to face with one of my greatest - unknown to me- fears: feeling hunger.
Until that moment I didn’t realize how uncomfortable hunger made me feel. How quickly I would rush to remedy that feeling upon the first inkling that I MIGHT be hungry. How much I would obsess over scheduling events and outings around snacks and food to avoid feeling hungry.
Can you relate?
I felt like a SLAVE to food.
Recently I decided to revisit that practice and have been allowing my body to feel full blown hunger before eating. This typically involves no snacking, way more water, and full meals.
In 3 days of this practice my body feels light, strong, and I feel a whole new awareness of my body and mind.
Such a simple practice. So valuable. You can read the blog on my site, scroll down a bit and you’ll see it.
Ps. Our post workout posing is super legit, Incase you didn’t catch that. #workoutpartner #thattoddlerlife #emotionaleating #healing](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/24c3fe2d7a35b3e80214e308d8e94c31/5DE65805/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/66655550_706658969777503_2509989712085455830_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com "[BEFRIENDING • MY • HUNGER]
Years ago I wrote a blog about this concept while fulfilling a 21 nutritional reset program.
During the 21 days I came face to face with one of my greatest - unknown to me- fears: feeling hunger.
Until that moment I didn’t realize how uncomfortable hunger made me feel. How quickly I would rush to remedy that feeling upon the first inkling that I MIGHT be hungry. How much I would obsess over scheduling events and outings around snacks and food to avoid feeling hungry.
Can you relate?
I felt like a SLAVE to food.
Recently I decided to revisit that practice and have been allowing my body to feel full blown hunger before eating. This typically involves no snacking, way more water, and full meals.
In 3 days of this practice my body feels light, strong, and I feel a whole new awareness of my body and mind.
Such a simple practice. So valuable. You can read the blog on my site, scroll down a bit and you’ll see it.
Ps. Our post workout posing is super legit, Incase you didn’t catch that. #workoutpartner #thattoddlerlife #emotionaleating #healing")
![[M e t t a • M o v e m e n t]
Carried around my neck,
A reminder that I came here
Not just for me - but for you.
That I came here not just for now,
But for always.
That WE came here,
Able to serve
To uphold
To transform
With love
In love
For love.
I named you,
My beautiful team,
The Movement of Love.
So that, every action you take,
Be fueled with it
Led with it
Infused with it
Living it.
I gave you each,
My beautiful teammates,
The very sacred duty
Of walking the world
A love ambassador of the most high.
Reminding others
Of their power
Divinity
Ability
And Grace.
I lead you,
My partners,
I serve you,
My soul contracts,
I am forever in love.
May all beings be happy,
May all beings be free,
May I have the courage,
To serve them in spite of me.
#METTA
Ps. Come with us live tonight [FB Biz Page Link in Bio] and peep into the movement that changed my life, our lives, and continues to change all lives. 🙏🏼💕](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/f07cf490497223b479feb1ae0259d82a/5DAE0410/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/66001933_2211660502215772_8196069337365244861_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com "[M e t t a • M o v e m e n t]
Carried around my neck,
A reminder that I came here
Not just for me - but for you.
That I came here not just for now,
But for always.
That WE came here,
Able to serve
To uphold
To transform
With love
In love
For love.
I named you,
My beautiful team,
The Movement of Love.
So that, every action you take,
Be fueled with it
Led with it
Infused with it
Living it.
I gave you each,
My beautiful teammates,
The very sacred duty
Of walking the world
A love ambassador of the most high.
Reminding others
Of their power
Divinity
Ability
And Grace.
I lead you,
My partners,
I serve you,
My soul contracts,
I am forever in love.
May all beings be happy,
May all beings be free,
May I have the courage,
To serve them in spite of me.
#METTA
Ps. Come with us live tonight [FB Biz Page Link in Bio] and peep into the movement that changed my life, our lives, and continues to change all lives. 🙏🏼💕")
![[MINDSET IS EVERYTHING]
It wasn’t until I decided that feeling good in my body was more important than immediate comfort that my weight dropped.
It wasn’t until I decided to focus on my IMPACT and MISSION instead of what other people thought of me that my business exploded.
It wasn’t until I decided to stop feeling like a victim of my circumstances that my tenacity skyrocketed.
It wasn’t until I decided.
They were just decisions.
Small ones.
Big ones.
Collected, compounded, expanded.
You are just a few decisions away from a totally different life - where is your mindset?](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/1316061c476292a4454c2dc60dba8871/5DB95612/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/66344564_483061742495370_4512848941302207138_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com "[MINDSET IS EVERYTHING]
It wasn’t until I decided that feeling good in my body was more important than immediate comfort that my weight dropped.
It wasn’t until I decided to focus on my IMPACT and MISSION instead of what other people thought of me that my business exploded.
It wasn’t until I decided to stop feeling like a victim of my circumstances that my tenacity skyrocketed.
It wasn’t until I decided.
They were just decisions.
Small ones.
Big ones.
Collected, compounded, expanded.
You are just a few decisions away from a totally different life - where is your mindset?")
![[OUTSIDER]
At birth, born with a condition that kept me from activities other kids could freely do.
At 15 came out to a family that harshly rejected me and created an environment of shame and secrets.
In my 20s chose a career path that was criticized by peers and family alike as being “beneath” me.
Outsider.
Most of my life was spent on the outside looking in.
I told myself it didn’t matter. I was strong enough. I could go at it alone. I didn’t need approval. I didn’t need anyone but me.
Until I contemplated suicide postpartum. Until I found myself holding this perfect baby in my arms and wanted to drive my car off a cliff at the same time. I could no longer tell myself I was okay alone.
This is when my life broke open. When I was sheltered in the truest love. The truest support. The truest purpose I have ever felt.
Now I get to offer this to other women daily. I get to hold them, speak life into them, cast vision over them, lead them, mentor them.
No longer outside. I welcome all of you who still feel this way. There is a different way. A stronger way.
Looking for 10 women who are ready to build community businesses that empower and uphold LOVE. If this is you - message me. 💕 #community #postpartumawareness #healing #love](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/5dd57db68d1de3d892cfb0f0fa741550/5DE69C9E/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/66605793_121348212462263_2736245172450732869_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com "[OUTSIDER]
At birth, born with a condition that kept me from activities other kids could freely do.
At 15 came out to a family that harshly rejected me and created an environment of shame and secrets.
In my 20s chose a career path that was criticized by peers and family alike as being “beneath” me.
Outsider.
Most of my life was spent on the outside looking in.
I told myself it didn’t matter. I was strong enough. I could go at it alone. I didn’t need approval. I didn’t need anyone but me.
Until I contemplated suicide postpartum. Until I found myself holding this perfect baby in my arms and wanted to drive my car off a cliff at the same time. I could no longer tell myself I was okay alone.
This is when my life broke open. When I was sheltered in the truest love. The truest support. The truest purpose I have ever felt.
Now I get to offer this to other women daily. I get to hold them, speak life into them, cast vision over them, lead them, mentor them.
No longer outside. I welcome all of you who still feel this way. There is a different way. A stronger way.
Looking for 10 women who are ready to build community businesses that empower and uphold LOVE. If this is you - message me. 💕 #community #postpartumawareness #healing #love")
