A Blythe Coach

As part of my birthday celebration this year I decided to indulge in sharing, in no particular order, these incomplete, unjustified, and unsolicited pieces of advice! The bite-sized nuggets come from a wide variety of influences from family and mentors to thinkers and celebrities and my own observations and beliefs. Usually careful to cite sources, provide context and justification, as well as practical applications, in this case I've cast all that aside. Instead, I've just compiled, willy-nilly, some of what I consider to be the most important lessons I've learned so far. Some might be thought trite, some are redundant, and there are certainly important lessons I've failed to include. Concepts here are also included in my work so far here on the blog, in my classes and coaching, online on YouTube and social media. Some will bear elaboration in future offerings and I'd love to know what peaks your interest. Which of these lessons resonate for you? What important lessons have you learned so far in your life? What words of wisdom have you learned from family, friends, mentors, study? What do you want to learn more about? More resources for further exploration linked in the companion blog article. You're always more than welcome to reach out to me via email or on Instagram​ @ablythecoac​​h​ and I'm grateful we're connected. Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalystshe/her or they/themA Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties

Perhaps you enjoy my offerings in-studio or online and would like to know in what ways we might further collaborate, or you are interested in supporting me in expanding what I can provide for your befit and that of others. Whether your interests lie in mindful movement, dance, coaching, education, or personal growth, I've got something for you, and you've also got oodles of potential ways to support me in return :) Glad that you are here with me to savor any and all of these ways to create and connect! This podcast shares ten ways for us to potentially work together or for you to help support my work. The associated Blog Article/Show Notes includes all the links and resources I mention, from completely free and low-commitment offerings, to higher-cost, -commitment, and -value contributions. My approach is holistic, rigorous, and truly unique, but you don’t have to take my word for it, you can experience the difference firsthand in a complimentary discovery call and/or sample class. Questions for Reflection What ways to work together resonate most with you? What is the next step? How did you hear about my work or in what capacity have we worked together? Have we danced or practiced mindful movement together, or would you like to try it out? Have you been coached?  What area of your life would you like to transform? Who do you know who could benefit from my offerings? Thank you for taking the time to consider creative ways we might support one another. Let's keep in touch, and never hesitate to let me know if I can be of service! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalystthey/them or she/herCreator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficultiesand take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Last October I tried out my first Inktober Drawing Challenge, and in January I've kept sketching going on a weekly basis. Drawing and visual arts is really a whole other way of being creative than my usual dancing and yet also very relevant to the enterprise of shape, shaping and space in my dance and movement practices as well. I got a lot of value out of the challenge of producing 31 drawing studies in in as many days. It was also super inspiring to see the works of, and connect on social media with, “real” illustrators and other visual artists. Great to be influenced by new works and creators! As November passed, I witnessed those who participated in the latest round of NaNoWriMo at work on their books, some ultimately "winning" the 50,000-words-in-30-days challenge. In 2019 I took on the challenge to write a novel in a month myself, not “winning” the challenge, but coming closer than ever before with a 18,600-word partial novella. This podcast and the show notes blog article below include a sampling of challenges I have enjoyed, learned from, and hosted in the past which have led to valuable insights and in some cases lasting positive change. ​Access the Charming Chosen Challenges​ Show Notes Article here Personally, I'm always on the lookout for fun and motivating challenges in different areas where I'd like to learn and grow. Questions for Reflection What sorts of challenges have you participated in previously and what was your experience? Did you experience lasting growth? What challenge would be the most supportive for you going forward? Which skills and habits are you working on currently? What tends to prevent you from taking on or succeeding at challenges? Let’s connect by email or on Instagram @ablythecoach, I would love to hear your perspective! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Doesn't it feel good to do a thorough clear-out at the beginning of a new chapter in your life? Our physical, mental, digital, and analog systems can all use a periodic audit to make sure we are on track to live the life we intend. The following methods bring order to chaos, help me reflect, plan, memory-keep, and create. However, your process and system are bound to look differently and I share this only as a brainstorm of ideas that I hope will inspire your own journey of discovery. Here's what I've been doing during the transition from 2022 into 2023 to look back in reflection, assess my current needs, and look forward to project the future. It is wintery indeed in Cologne this year, so it really feels like the right time to snuggle up in a cozy and organized space to reflect, journal, and dream. For full show notes and links, check out the accompanying blog article here. Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

2022 was a tumultuous year for me personally and for all of us globally. I lost a beloved uncle and great-aunt, recovered from COVID, and watched as war broke out between Russia and the Ukraine, with unrest and natural disaster in other parts of the world as well. We all faced our own struggles. I was privileged to also enjoy a mostly peaceful and creative life, and learned through new experiences and encounters a variety of media. Personal highlights included outstanding live dance performances, in particular a new work from The Royal Ballet, “Like Water for Chocolate,” and a classic from Pina Bausch, “Orpheus und Eurydike.” My in-studio students had the opportunity to perform in an abbreviated “Swan Lake” and participate in an exam, I practiced yoga and ballet together with devoted students online and in-studio, and released a signature coaching program. The ability to travel home to Hawai’i as well as to the UK and on regional getaways, time with family, friends, and my love were also memories that I am deeply grateful for. Perhaps you’d also be interested in some of my favorite sources of inspiration, education, and entertainment from the year past. Some were newly-released over the course of 2022, others were simply new-to-me and recommendable. Even if no one else cares what I liked, this should be a fun reference for future me to see what I was into back in 2022 😉 I would love to hear what you especially got benefit or enjoyment from in the last 12 months, and if you’ve heard of or enjoyed anything from my list as well. Let me know on Instagram @ablythecoach or by email, I am always looking for positive and inspiring inputs. For the full text/show notes for this audio, here is the accompanying blog article.  Questions for Reflection What is on your “to be read” list this season? Which media sources do you find most enriching? What do you want to learn? What makes you curious? What creations will you make and share? I would be delighted to hear from you via email or on Instagram @ablythecoach Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of  A Blythe Coach : dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Distinguishing our life’s Purpose can provide a compass “True North” that guides all actions and decision making to accomplish/Be what you are on earth for. Another metaphor for your "Why" is that of taking a birds' eye view of life in order to ask if what we are creating and doing is aligned with who we are or want to Be in the world. In “real time” here in the Northern Hemisphere we are experiencing fall and are near the time of Halloween and many other traditional days of the dead, opportunities to reflect on beloved ancestors and others, our own harvest blessings, and prepare for the darkest days of the year. We are invited now, and at all times, to ask ourselves: “What light will I bring?” You are invited to consider your ultimate life purpose as well as your purpose for each project you undertake and action step you make. In this podcast and in the accompanying blog on ablythecoach.com, I share 5 tips for finding and using your Purpose or Why, questions for reflection, and in the blog I also have links to further resources for learning.  Reflection Questions What light do you bring to the world? What is your Purpose? In what ways are your actions aligned with your Purpose? Where are they out of alignment? How will you be reminded to be present to your Purpose/Why? What structures will you put in place to evaluate potential actions and decisions according to your larger Purpose? Let’s connect by email or on Instagram @ablythecoach - I would love to hear your perspective and assist in choreographing your next leap of faith! Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties

Lifelong learner and curious forever student that I am, the journey of reading, hearing new information and perspectives, and honing new skills is endless. I am learning to become a better teacher and coach for my students and clients, but also to further my spiritual, creative, and entrepreneurial journey. Currently I am studying, reading, and practicing a variety of “subjects” or “courses,” which overlap and could be grouped in different ways, which are related to my goals for the year.  Topics encompass dance and movement, spiritual practice, creativity, business and finance (including sales and marketing), languages, travel and adventure, love, connection, and relationship. Activities include reading, writing, creating music and art, listening to podcasts and music, practicing yoga, meditation, healthy financial habits, marketing skills, and more. Questions for Reflection What is on your "to be read" list this season? Which media sources do you find most enriching? If you were to choose your current subjects of study, what would they be? What do you want to learn but are afraid to start? With what subject are you familiar enough that you could teach beginners? What makes you curious? What creations will you make and share? I would love to hear about what you're currently working on and learning, come visit me at my website or on social media @ablythecoach to connect! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

As a coach and educator, I am a lifelong learner and huge nerd myself. As such, learning and productivity skills, organization and notetaking, gear and school supplies are always topics of interest.   I've been watching several videos recently on creative folks' Notebook/Journal Lineups and thought I'd create a little review of my current system and the changes afoot for fall and beyond. Perhaps sharing my own system will provide a little inspiration to evaluate your own system and take enjoyment in the process of learning and creation.  For a few years since going through _The Artist's Way_ by Julia Cameron, I've been practicing Morning Pages, and the last couple of years, I've been doing a version of the BuJo Method by Ryder Carroll, so those form a foundation, as well as other tools.    Key Notebooks and Idea-Capture Tools: Morning Pages a la "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron: college block, looseleaf, scrap  Daily Field Notes: small notebook (Moleskine Cahier or dupe) with leather cover from Liebhardt (gift from my gf)  Dance & Yoga Teaching & Choreography Notebook: dot grid "Let's Travel the World" (gift from a friend)  Signature Program Binder: tools, resources, inspiration, client notes, etc.  BuJo 2022: Tedi brand "Mein Bullet Journal" with annual focus and quests, future log and planning, monthly and weekly spreads, quarterly reflections, project collections, quotes, rituals, etc.  New BuJo for fall+: Moleskine Cahier A5 dot grid inside Manufactica saddle leather traveler's notebook-style cover Correlation between paper/capture size and media and what sort of idea I'm capturing, different notebooks and spaces for different purposes 10:16 Honorable mentions: Dry Erase Board, Evernote, Google Docs; iterations/drafts processed through system  Questions for Reflection: What notebooks (or idea-capture devices) do you have in current use? For what purposes do you use each? Which refinements in your system or supplies are you applying for this season? What are your plans for the coming year? 5? 10? How do you stay present to and keep track of your values, priorities, and quests? Glad you joined me for this nerdy voyage through my current notetaking, journaling, and productivity system.   I'll soon be sharing more about my personal fall "semester" curriculum, within and outside of my comfort zone, as well as the dance, yoga, and coaching content itself, see you again next time! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

“The waves is on fire, the day is getting hot. This is my desire to the one to hit the spot, yeah. Cool down.” I’m not a surfer, but I dig this song from Kolohe Kai. Just in the last week the temperatures have dipped here in Cologne from our scorching summer highs, but all year round it is helpful to have tools to unwind. Cooling down, getting complete, making transitions from one activity to the next, taking a breather, pausing to situate yourself in time and space, recovering from amplified or more intense physical or mental situations, experiences of cardiovascular exertion, vigorous challenge, or other heightened experiences of learning or creative work such as classes, rehearsals, and performances, all of these can benefit from some form of cool-down ritual. Cooling down doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated, just not to rush from one thing right into the next, instead to pause and complete and then move calmly forward. Full show notes and resources available on the blog at ablythecoach.com Questions for Reflection What would you like to be acknowledged for? Who would you like to acknowledge? What have they contributed to your life? How do you prepare to transition from one activity or mode of life into another? What would your ideal rituals look like to cool down and complete? Blythe Stephens, MFA they/them or she/her A Blythe Coach: helping multi-passionate creatives Dance through their difficulties & takes leaps of faith DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

In this podcast, and in the companion video on YouTube, I do an experiential exercise in the process of balancing while talking about the dynamic process of equilibrium in the body and in our larger lives.    Listen in, and if you like and in a way that is appropriate for you, with or without a balance board, play along experimenting with striking your own balancing shapes. Full notes with more resources on balancing in movement practices and in life will be available on the ablythecoach.com blog Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

Please, Thank You, I’m Sorry. I love you. Help, Thanks, Wow. Hallelujah. An academic, poet, and lover of words, I’m continually fascinated by what language inspires, propels, and empowers us. Time and again, I have found that words have power, to bring mindfulness, intention, medicine. Show notes and links in my Say the Magic Words: Musings on Resonant Affirmations, Powerful Phrases, Prayers, Stands & Mantra blog article at ablythecoach.com/blog Reflection Questions What language speaks to you? What is your favorite word or affirmation? Which words do you find yourself repeating when you need strength, courage, or solace? Are there words which you’d like to stop saying to yourself? How would you like to transform your self-talk? What do you want to create that could be supported by a prayer, motto, or powerful words? I would love to hear about your current inspirational intention, stand, or words of power as well as the challenges you’re currently facing on social media @ablythecoach 🙂 Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she Creator of A Blythe Coach: helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

Back-to-School is a good time to practice flexibility, adjusting to learning, new knowledge and schedules. Also the late-summer heat in the northern hemisphere is that much more conducive to a good stretch out. But tests to our personal resilience and ability to respond with agility to change come all year long. Maybe you already love stretching and appreciate the experience and benefits. In that case, we’ve got the choir and the preacher, let’s sing! But it could be that your emotions around stretching and flexibility work could be more mixed, or even downright negative. The words you use to describe stretching practice could be mild, such as uncomfortable, boring… or strong, such as awful, excruciating, torture. In that case, it could be time for a shift of mindset and actual stretching setup, toward comfort, relaxation, and the positive influence, both physical and mental, of greater elasticity in our lives. It means more possibilities for movement, physical and metaphorical! Momentary discomfort can, through mindfulness, curiosity, and resourcefulness, transform into something savory, delicious, even indulgent. With the right timing, intentions, music, positions and approaches, props, and breathwork you may just fall in love with the spaciousness of flexibility. Come feast your senses with me 🙂 Show notes and all links available in the Sumptuous Stretching blog article linked here. Stretchy Reflection Questions What is the intention of your stretching/flexibility practice? What are your flexibility goals? Why do you have these goals, or what purpose do they serve? What tools serve your stretching practice? Where would you like to learn to be more flexible in life? Please tell me about your experience and challenges with stretching, flexibility, and mobility. Still to come, ever-expanding movement offerings and writing on the topics of Cooling Down, Elements of Dance, Riding Waves of Change, and more! Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she Creator of A Blythe Coach: helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

Dance theorists identify 7 basic movements of ballet or classical dance technique, and we can see these essential building blocks at play in every ballet pas, step, or movement.    I'm excited to announce that around these 7 essentials, I've designed a free summer dance challenge to begin or continue your ballet journey!    Balletlicious Basic Building Blocks of Dance is a 7-Day "not so intensive" challenge, enriching your knowledge of dance before the summer is over, at no charge in just minutes per day.   We will focus on one basic movement each day, then look forward to more resources on putting it all together to come!   Visit the sign-up page to be included in the 7-Day experience over the course of two weeks  27 July - 3 August: https://dogged-maker-9006.ck.page/405f54afe1  Can't wait to dance together :) Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment  DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

Not long ago I was in conversation with a physical therapist I know on Instagram about what we’d like to learn more about from one another. I shared that I seek resources for students with hyperextension/mobility, and Kelli told me: “It could be interesting to learn more about how you coach dancers who need to adapt in their careers either due to severe injury or age or other factors that are cause for shifting of focus.” - Physical Therapist Kelli Barton Schneider @electricedgemovement I thought it would be great to address this in a blog article and podcast, as working with the right coach is an awesome move for dancers and other creatives in transition.  Being creative by nature, it just takes an effective structure or container and catalyzing support to create empowered, transformational change! My clients typically come to me for support around massive career shifts and tricky health challenges, as well as working through nasty breakups and other cataclysmic shifts. In short, folks dealing with radical change, whether it is chosen and wanted or totally unexpected, seek out coaching for effectively navigating the thrilling and terrifying transitions of life. I have supported clients through career transitions such as from working within an organization to becoming an entrepreneur or founding a nonprofit, going back to school, taking on leadership positions, coping with injury, disability, and diagnosis, jumping from field-to-field, radical changes of medium, specialty and/or geography. They could be struggling to find any semblance of balance in changing life circumstances, or yearn to integrate seemingly disparate needs, interests, and passions. What all my clients have in common is wanting to live purposefully, passionately, and creatively. In the podcast I discuss the change process, coaching container, and my signature program. My approach is holistic, rigorous, and truly unique, but you don’t have to take my word for it, you can experience the difference firsthand in a complimentary discovery call. Better than trying to explain how coaching works is to put the tools to work and see how the coaching container and process could transform your life! Questions for Reflection Have you been coached? What value do you see in the coaching container? What area of your life would you like to transform? Who do you know who could benefit from coaching? What might extraordinary clarity and support provide in your life? I would love to connect with you on Instagram, where I regularly post and go live @ablythecoach as well as my weekly email newsletter. More details and further testimonials also available on my coaching page. In future articles I'll continue to share key tools and distinctions and expand upon the five touchstones of my signature program! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Do you feel a strong sense of personal direction, clarity about your purpose in life, and confidence that you are making the right moves to get there?   The A Blythe Coach Dance Through Any Difficulty Framework of Grounding, Centering, Orienting, Creating, Relating which is woven into all of my coaching and teaching work.   Recently I’ve been sharing a series of meditations to support the work, and so far have touched on Grounding, which is to do with foundation, focus, and our personal Essence, and Centering powerfully around our Purpose to create mobility and transformation. Later, Creating will have to do with living out our Mission or dharma, and Relating with sharing love, connecting with self, others, and spirit.   Now we take the step of Orienting towards our personal Vision. This stage is associated with the Manipura or Solar Plexus and Anahata or Heart Chakras. We also explored the Solar Plexus Chakra a bit in the Centering meditation, so now we’ll explore the insights and associations of the Heart Chakra. I provide Reflection Questions for before and after meditation, a simple Lovingkindness Meditation practice with or without music, Affirmations & Words of Power.  Message me your answers to any of the questions you’re willing to share on IG @ablythecoach. Sharing your purpose and vision can be a celebration of, and accountability to, living out your purpose and mission! How will you stay present to your vision when life and its obstacles inevitably come up?   Sources: Accomplishment Coaching Coaches Training Program Yoga Teacher Training with yogaloft _Real Happiness_ by Sharon Salzberg _Teaching People Not Poses_ by Mark Stevens _Chakras and Self Care_ by Ambi Kavanagh   Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education   DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

Want to feel more powerful in your movements and in everything you do?   Centering and Integrating generates power for movement and taking effective action from the core of your being. This is a Centering Breathing & Meditation practice that can be done in any comfortable position, with or without supportive tools. Recommended Props & Tools depending on preference and access: Colors, Elements, Stones, Aromatherapy/Essential Oils, Tea, Journal; involving all the senses, or practice without any tools required Come into a comfortable position--seated, reclining, or standing--that is rooted/anchored, evenly distributed, and stable Options for hand/arm positions, holding crystals Gently close or softly focus the eyes Imagine a flame burning at your center, casting yellow and orange light, your breath fueling your central fire, sending energy out into the world, emanating from your core Continue breathing calmly and naturally, or join me in Ujjayi Pranayama with a slight closure to the throat, like a straw on the inhalation, and fogging a mirror on the exhalation, such that you hear an ocean-like sound (or continue to breathe normally and notice how the core expands and shrinks with each cycle) Take a few slow and mindful breaths in this way, then return to breathing naturally Choose a Centering Thought/affirmation/stand or compose a different phrase that resonates in your core. Examples: I need/want/act I know who I am I honor and embrace my true self. I am confident in who I am. I am confident in my ability to create what I desire. I believe I am worthy of my desires. I have the strength and energy to pursue my passions. Creativity flows through me. Joy flows through me. Abundance flows through me. Repeat your chosen Centering Thought to yourself as we continue with the meditation (with music), then release your Centering Thought and slowly return to the room and gently open your eyes. Record or write down your chosen centering thought in a place where you will encounter it throughout the day and be reminded of your personal power. Questions for Reflection What is the core of my being? What are my strengths? What are my core values? What are my core beliefs? Where are my actions in alignment with my core strengths, values, and beliefs, and where am I out of alignment? Other resources mentioned (full show notes will be up on the blog soon): Concentrated Core Conditioning YouTube Playlist for more physical core integration and strength exercises Get Grounded Stabilizing Meditation YouTube Video for if you’re feeling a bit flighty or uprooted Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life Music: “Glacier” by Patrick Patrikios on YouTube DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

A relaxing, centering, and meditative body scan exercise that can be practiced reclining or seated. Beneficial for dancers, athletes, and joyful movers. Pulled from my Yoga Nidra Practice available on YouTube, and if you enjoy this sort of centering work you will also enjoy my Yogalicious Yummy Gentle Yoga for Dancers Video Playlist. Share your favorite relaxing practice Instagram @ablythecoach, I would love to hear your perspective! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Move gracefully through whatever challenge you may currently face! I’m Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst and Creator of A Blythe Coach, helping multi passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into joy and fulfillment. I’m dropping in today to invite you to join my FREE 5-Day Dance Through Any Difficulty Virtual Coaching Challenge, which will take place May 16-20th for International Coaching Week! It is so exciting to see people stepping up to the challenge, ready to clear obstacles out of the way of their ability to make moves with ease and power and live with joy and fulfillment! Just pop your information at the _link here to sign up_, or visit my Instagram @ablythecoach and send me a DM to get started. The week of the virtual coaching challenge, we are going to clarify the obstacle/s you face and dance our way through them, choreographing your next quantum leap into joy and fulfillment in just a few juicy minutes per day! I will lead you step-by-step through a powerful coaching tool and distinctions, get clear about our current obstacles, practice embodied techniques, and take effective action. Each day I will email you with a coaching tool or distinction to provide clarity, a short meditation, breathing, and/or movement practice to get grounded and centered, reflection to deepen understanding, and action steps to make your insights have a permanent impact in your life. The information will also be presented in video form in a link in each daily email. I will also include links to the previous day’s content going forward, so you can refer to it, start again anytime, and go through the whole challenge again with your next difficulty. If you get stuck on any step, it can also be helpful to go back and re-do the former one with more clarity. Each time you use it, the insights deepen and you propel yourself forward. ***and if you found yourself here seeking more specific dance or yoga related content, check out those videos on YouTube and look forward to my Virtual Yoga Retreat in June and Virtual Dance Intensive in July! Monday we are starting with a brief breathing practice to get centered, then identifying the stuck area, breakdown, or problem that you wish to dance through, then I’ll guide you through the process of removing the obstacle currently in your way, as well as provide the framework to use in the future. Please spread the word to those you know who would enjoy or benefit from support in navigating their next step, and I’ll look forward to busting barriers with you! It can be even more effective to go through the challenge with a buddy. As always, send me a message with any questions, and I’ll look forward to seeing you in the challenge next week! Love, Blythe Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Inspired by an article about a pair of friends who write and send each other a Haiku poem each day, I toyed with the idea of writing such a tiny poem daily in 2021. Then, I just started doing it, filling post-it notes and my journal with haiku and reaching 365 poems in all. During the year of Haiku writing, I shared my work weekly on my personal blog, and I've included links each to the individual blogs in the show notes blog post up on my website. More than anything, I sought the creative experience of daily short-form creative writing, just building a consistent poetic practice, trying to describe a time and place, people and things I appreciate, value, am curious about, or wonder at. The creative process generated insights for me personally, and I feel I improved as a writer and poet through this structure. In reviewing the poems, it's interesting to see that few major themes are emerging, with a lot of them being about important people in my life such as family members, friends, lovers, even a few strangers. The natural world, weather, and seasons were a biggie, as well as animals, pets and wild, travel and adventure, politics and current events, spiritual and philosophical ideas I was chewing on, Tarot, Yoga, my identity, lots and lots of prayers and gratitude celebrations, declarations, questions, and some sad expressions of grief. Also food, family, and some about food AND Family, reading, the process of inspiration and creating in writing as well as dance. I share insights from the challenge and read selected poems in this podcast, and even more up on the blog. I will combine reflective practice, meditation, and creativity with powerful coaching tools and embodiment practices in my free upcoming 5-Day Dance Through Any Difficulty Coaching Challenge, which I’m offering during International Coaching Week May 16-22. In just minutes a day, you can dance with me through whatever obstacle you may be facing right now, and you will be well-equipped to navigate all future breakdowns and difficulties to the joyful multipassionate life you dream of leading. What do your reflective/journaling, meditative, and artistic practices involve currently? Which area(s) could use a boost to create the life you want and solve the problems you currently face? What tiny habit would you enjoy picking up? What do you want to create? Let’s connect by email on Instagram @ablythecoach, I would love to hear your perspective! Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

Hello beauties, happy Spring!    This is a gentle 20-minute seated/chair yoga practice to bring you into the present moment, stretch, refresh, relax, and invigorate anytime of year.  I narrate this short practice entirely in the sitting position in a chair, although it can also be done seated on the floor or standing.    Come connect with me between podcasts on IG @ablythecoach!   Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education Music: “Mer-Ka-Ba” by Jesse Gallagher   DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.