September Gratitude Challenge Starts On The 19th!

To join this challenge send an email saying “I’m in!” to Anne@FluidPortland.com

What is it:

  1. Sit with us live Saturday the 19th at 11 am PDT (or catch up later with the audio recording).
  2. Receive an email prompt from me, once each day, for 7 days.
  3. Write down one thing you are grateful for.
  4. Respond to my email, or post your daily gratitude on Fluid’s facebook page (if social media is your thing).
  5. Notice your feelings.

I am thankful for you!

This year we are changing up our September Challenge. In years past we have focused on nutritious food, healthy movement, basically using this time of year as a fresh start to get back on track, or back into a routine. This year feels so very different. Rather than a list of assignments, we are focusing on one thing – gratitude!

Studies show that expressing gratitude can improve your sleep, reduce cellular inflammation, and strengthen your relationships. While it may not feel like it right now, we have many things, and people to be thankful for.

How do you express gratitude? You can send your special person a quick text, or an email, you can write out an actual handwritten thank you card (yes, like with a stamp, thru the mail!), you can call your person and tell them what they mean to you. This could also be a more personal thing, maybe you keep a gratitude journal, that only you read.

So how do we get going? Join us live for a Zoom group meditation Saturday September 19th at 11 am. We will set our goals for the week, talk about possible stumbling blocks and how to address them, then sit for 30 – 45 minutes. you may join us for part or all of this, and I will record an audio file of our meditation that you can re-listen to anytime.

Each day I will email you one short prompt. I challenge you to spend one minute each day reflecting on gratitude. Start small, literally one minute, write down one thing, and see where this goes. Notice how this process makes you feel. Do it every day, first thing in the morning, creating a habit.

To join this challenge send an email saying “I’m in!” to Anne@FluidPortland.com

To recap our plan:

  1. Sit with us Saturday the 19th at 11 am.
  2. Read your daily email prompt from me.
  3. Write down one thing you are grateful for.
  4. Respond to my email, or post your daily gratitude on Fluid’s facebook page.
  5. Notice how this daily gratitude habit makes you feel.

Help me spread the word! Who do you know who would benefit from this? Can you send your special person this post, inviting them to join the September Gratitude Challenge?

Thanks, I appreciate you!

~Anne

Wakanda Forever!

I’ve been feeling the sads this week. Since I’m usually a positive person, when I do feel depressed or anxious it really throws me for a loop. Right now it feels like things that should be easy are difficult, and the bad things that are happening will go on forever. My brain knows that this is not true but my little heat is like “brain, are you sure about this?”


I took myself off social media, took some work off my schedule, talked to people who care about me, and got out in nature. I started to feel a little better, but what helped me turn the corner yesterday was stumbling upon this video of Chawick Boseman.

If you don’t know, he was an actor who recently passed away. He was an inspiration to people across all ages and cultures. While undergoing cancer treatment he filmed 4 movies, and regularly visited sick children in the hospital. If he could stay positive through all this, I can stay positive thru the small things that have been putting a cramp in my style.

In this video is he gets to see and hear people thank him and talk about what he means to them and how his actions have positively impacted their lives. The young boy’s face right around the two minute mark… just watch it…

Who has made a positive impact on your life? Can you call your special person today and let them know?

YOU have made a positive impact on me, and I appreciate you!
Anne

Are You Communicating Effectively?

Quick update since I posted this – I’ve contacted Kate and she has agreed to be our next interviewee!!! Log into Zoom this Saturday August 22nd at noon as we chat live with Kate! Use this ID: 5037054762.

Apparently the theme for me this week is communication. On Tuesday I watched an excellent PSU lunch and learn webinar with Leeza Steindorf, on Nonviolent Communication. Then today I came across Kate Hanley’s podcast How To Be A Better Person, and the episode – Confrontation Nation: We Can’t All Be Right. The common thread I noticed was being curious, and letting go of the idea that one of us is right and one of us is wrong.

Uh oh, this ain’t going well.

Have you had a conversation with someone who disagreed with you, and if so how did it go? Were you listening to understand, or waiting for your turn to speak (or yell!) at the person?

While I have yet to master these concepts, I truly believe in their power, and am continuing to practice using them to help me improve my communication skills.

This week I challenge you to think of someone you have a difficult time communicating with. Can you put yourself in this person’s shoes, to see where they are coming from, hear them, and feel what they are feeling? Message me if you would like a practice buddy.

Now this is a happy couple!

If you’d like the PSU NVC webinar slides, email me and I will send you the file. anne@fluidportland.com

Anne McCranie is a Portland (Sellwood) Oregon based personal trainer and licensed massage therapist. She wants to to be happy and healthy! Her motto for Fluid Fit Club is “Creating A Culture Of Healthy Movement” and she invites YOU along on this journey!

Meditation Workshop Saturday August 1st At Noon

Reduce anxiety, calm your nervous system, and learn easy to use self soothing techniques that help you get control of your breath and your thoughts. Often, we can’t control what’s going on in the world, but we can control how we react to it. A good place to start is with your breath. If I am feeling stressed, taking a big deep breath buys me some time, and gives me some space to figure out my next move, and think about what I should (or shouldn’t) say.

What does stress feel like in your body? Does your stomach ache, do your eyes dart around, does your heart race, does your jaw tighten up? Noticing body sensations is another great step in taking control of your body and mind.

Join me Saturday August 1st at noon as safely and gently explore these sensations, and play with breathing techniques and short guided meditations. This is a great workshop for those new to meditation, or those of you experiencing sleep issues (or, anybody feeling stressed to the max right now).

Click this Zoom link to join us. See you soon!

Meeting ID: 812 8135 3988S

Passcode: 212008 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81281353988?pwd=N3NBSjZneDc2YysvTm1Cd3NMWjlnZz09

*FREE* Meditation Workshop This Saturday At Noon

Are you suffering from anxiety, stress, or sleep issues? during stressful times when things feel out of control I like to focus on what is under my control. I can control my breath and my thoughts (well, most of the time)

This Saturday, in lieu of our weekly interview we are going to sit together. Please join us for five or ten minutes, or stay for the whole class.

We will go through simple breathwork exercises, guided meditation, and gentle movement. you will feel calm, centered, and relaxed heading into your weekend.

  • Meditation workshop
  • Saturday June 20th
  • 12 pm
  • No experience or equipment necessary

Click this link to join us.

Meeting ID 856 2194 7304

Meeting Password 875675

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85621947304?pwd=eGtKRnY5MkZVU1V4bm1WcFQzNE5kdz09

Anne McCranie is a Portland, Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She offers weekly Pilates, yoga, Barre, Energy Flow and R.O.S.S. classes, and one on one strength, balance, and flexibility sessions.