Leaping Lotus Wellness Studio

10/24/2025

Ayurvedic Well Being Retreat, Kerala India February 2026

10/21/2025

10/09/2025

CONFLICT CAN FEEL CATASTROPHIC...BUT WHAT IF IT WAS ACTUALLY THE GATEWAY TO CONNECTION❔❔❔

If you missed CHATT-TY Tea last night, the topic was:
WHAT IS MEANS TO BE HUMAN.
We will continue diving deeper into this topic next month!

There are many things that are unique to being a human. One thing is our ability to have relationships. Another is our ability to resolve conflicts.
Humans are given the opportunity to learn through relationships. From the Yoga, Ayurveda and Ta**ra perspectives, we are given the opportunity to discover our true nature through the conscious play of relationships.

Both Western Psychology and Ayurvedic Psychology (explained through the doshas and stages of life) talk about the 4 stages of relationships. These stages apply to ALL types of relationships.

Stage 1: The Honeymoon Stage 💟
We are all familiar with this stage. This is the infatuation stage where dopamine and oxytocin flood the brain. Those "feel good" hormones make us feel alive! The connection can feel magnetic, like nothing can break this bond.
This is the bonding stage.
THIS STAGE CAN ALSO MASK RED FLAGS!!! 🚩

This is the adrenaline rush stage. We can become infatuated with ourselves…a new haircut…a new gadget…a new anything.
We see things with a rose-colored lens in this stage. We believe that this feeling can cut through any type of conflict possible because it’s euphoric.

Stage 2: The Stage of Differentiation. 💔
This stage is like the slow unveiling.
The nervous system relaxes from the adrenaline high and the masks slowly start to come off.
As the masks start to fade away, old attachment wounds and survival patterns start to surface.
Conflict begins in this stage because truth is showing. It doesn't mean that not love is gone, but that the euphoria wearing off.
Many couples break up during this stage. Arguments feel threatening because we haven't established depth in the relationship yet. We interpret discomfort as incompatibility.
In this stage we view conflict as a threat. Our old patterns start talking to us through all the differences we see in the relationship.
This stage can be gateway for growth if we persevere.
Many relationships stay stagnant in this stage. They often coexist in difference, or become indifferent.

Stage 3: Repair and Growth Stage 💪
This is THE WORK stage.
If we decide to stick it out and dive into this stage, we start to learn the skills that love requires:
Here we learn how to communicate without becoming defensive. Mastering the art of healthy, effective communication takes A LOT OF WORK! However, it is incredibly beautiful.
We learn how to repair without creating conflict.
We learn how to set boundaries with clarity and respect.
We learn how to regulate our nervous system so it's harmonious to the relationship.
With work, this stage can rewire old patterns.
This is where a relationship has the opportunity to stop being a reenactment of childhood wounds.
This is where a relationship can start being a place of healing and refuge.

Stage 4: The Stage Secure Love 💞
In This stage HARMONY flows and repair becomes a natural part of that flow. Harmony doesn’t mean we are free of Conflict. It means conflict is no longer a threat to the relationship bond. It is embraced an opportunity to learn and grow both as individuals and within the context of the relationship.
Anxiety is replaced by Safety.
The safety allows Intimacy to deepen.
Intimacy deepens because trust has been built.
Trust has been built through many rounds of rupture and repair.
Disagreements can be navigated without fear of calamity.
We learn how to navigate and flow in and out of conflict and remain steady and loving.

Through our ability to have relationships, we have the ability to find out who we truly are.
With great respect and love, I honor my heart, my inner teacher. (from Mukunda.)
**ra

10/05/2025

INTIMACY AND COMMUNICATION....
What comes to mind when you think of the word Intimacy❔❔
Cuddles, affection, s*x, romantic relationships, physical closeness and so on...➡️

But let's dive deeper.
Intimacy refers to the deep emotional closeness and connectedness between two people. It can be in a romantic relationship, a family relationship, a friendship. Intimacy is the sense that we are seen, valued, accepted, and safe.

There are different forms of intimacy:
🪷Emotional intimacy: sharing feelings and being vulnerable.
🪷Intellectual intimacy: exchanging thoughts and ideas.
🪷Spiritual intimacy: feeling aligned in beliefs or values.
🪷Experiential intimacy: connecting through shared activities.
🪷Physical intimacy: closeness expressed through touch.

While the types may vary, the glue that holds all forms of intimacy together is communication.

The Many Layers of Communication....
Communication goes far beyond talking!
It includes tone of voice, body language, facial expression, timing, and intention. It's the way we convey our feelings, needs, values, and limits, as well as how we receive and respond to those expressions from others.

Effective communication in intimate relationships involves:
-Openness: being honest and transparent
-Responsiveness: tuning into others' emotional signals
-Empathy: showing genuine care and understanding
-Clarity: expressing yourself directly and respectfully

Why Is Communication the Foundation of Intimacy?
1. It Builds Emotional Safety.
Without emotional safety, it's impossible to have healthy communication. When we feel truly heard and accepted, we're more likely to let our guard down. Without this sense of safety, we often protect ourselves by staying emotionally distant. We also, protect ourselves from sharing depth. If it's not safe, it's just not going to happen.

2. It Opens the Door to Vulnerability and Authenticity. Connection derives from being able to share who we are beneath the surface. It opens us to share our hopes, dreams, flaws, and fears. Communication gives us the chance to share these deeper aspects. While showing vulnerability can be utterly frightening, it can deepen emotional connection with anyone. It has to be received with empathy and love. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is one of the most beautiful things you can do. It is not weak to be vulnerable. Just the opposite...it takes A LOT of courage!

3. It Builds and Maintains Trust.
Truth and trust are more key ingredients to building intimacy. When someone speaks truthfully, follows through on their words, and responds with empathy, it sends the message: "you can rely on me." Reliability is the foundation of trust, and, by extension, intimacy. When actions and words don't line up, the message being sent is...don't pay any attention to what I say because there's no truth to it. If there's no truth to the words, then there's no trust.

4. It Clarifies Needs, Boundaries, and Expectations.
Every relationship involves different needs, expectations, and comfort zones. Communication helps us express what makes us feel valued and respected. It also helps us understand those same needs in others. Without this clarity, it's easy to make assumptions and misinterpret information. This is highly damaging to any type of relationship. We must be able to express our needs, boundaries and desires with love and humility.

5. It Helps Resolve Conflict in a Healthy Way.
Disagreements are normal in all close relationships. What matters is how we work through them. When we communicate calmly and openly during conflict, we avoid emotional harm. We work lovingly to find understanding and resolution. This process of working through difficulty can deepen connection.

6. It Supports Growth and Change Together.
As people grow and change, their emotional needs often shift as well. Lasting relationships take work. In these relationships both both individuals remain committed to maintaining open and consistent communication. Initiating regular conversations, sharing thoughts and feelings, 🙏🏼

Intimacy is rooted in the self.
Yoga is rooted in the self.
Ayurveda is rooted in the self.
Ta**ra is rooted in the self.

The most important person you need to build an intimate relationship with, is YOURSELF!
**ra

10/02/2025

LOVE is a very complex word.
There are endless ways to express LOVE.
We most often think we have to express LOVE with words.

We also think that LOVE is all fluffy and nice. Wouldn't that be amazing if it was!!! It is sometimes, but not all the time.

LOVE is full of challenges. LOVE is full of Topsy-Turvy situations and emotions. LOVE makes you question every little thing sometimes. LOVE can take you to the depths of your self in so many ways. LOVE can crack you open into someone you never thought you could become.

LOVE can also push every button inside of you. LOVE is our biggest teacher.
LOVE teaches us:
How to communicate
How to let go
How to hold space
How to forgive
How to face all of our ugly stuff
How to see things from a different perspective

LOVE also happens in SILENCE. Sometimes words just don't reach a person. Sometimes, they just can't hear you. Sometimes words will get things more tangled up. What do you do?

There is so much LOVE in SILENCE, with the appropriate intention.
When words aren't working, SILENCE may be the most LOVING option. Not with any malice, just with LOVE.

In the SILENCE there is LOVE. There is PEACE. There is CLARITY. There is SPACE. Sometimes words get in the way.

With Great Respect and Love, I Honor My Heart My Inner Teacher!

10/01/2025

Healing Holiday

Ayurveda Well-Being Retreat ~ Kerala, India ~ February 2026

09/29/2025

Hi Everyone!
Theres been so many celebrations happening latley! 🙌

We are now on the last days of a 9 day holiday called Navaratri. This is celebrated in many eastern traditions. It’s a tripumph of goodness privailing over evil and honoring the goddess within each of us.

Next celebration….
Diwali 🪔
This is a Festival of Lights. A beautiful celebration of lightness overcoming darkness. Lights everywhere!!
The exact time is still TBD. As soon as I receive the details, I will share. Let’s celebrate together! Stay Tuned!! 📳🕉️🪷

Diwali is a festival of lights. Dipa means lamp. Vali means row. In Sanskrit it's Dipavali, which means row of lights. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. It is celebrated by Hindu's, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. It is a major festival celebrating the triumph....

09/23/2025

I was recently asked, "What does the word healing mean?" ❔

This person asked, "Why do I need healing?" "I don't have anything wrong with me. I have no injuries or health issues, so why would I seek healing?" ❔

I thought...WHAT A GREAT QUESTION!!!!

So, I sat with this question and here's what came up.
Each and every human is in need of healing.
Why???
Well, we have to remember that we are not just physical beings. We are multi-dimensional beings. In fact, most of our existence happens in places where we cannot see, in our subtle bodies. That means on our inside. We can't see our heart beating. We can't see our blood flowing. We can't see air moving throughout our entire body. Not to mention, our mental layer. We now know, that most humans have not tapped into 90% of our brain function.
We forget how our minds affect all the energy systems in our bodies, especially the nervous system.

Healing happens in so many ways, beyond the obvious healing where we need medical intervention.

We have all experienced emotional healing in some way, shape or form. Healing from a traumatic experience, loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, and so many things.
We actually spend our entire lives healing. When we allow healing to happen, we create the opportunity for new beginnings as well.

Healing is understanding what types of relationships nurture us and support us.

Healing is knowing how to set boundaries within ourselves and with others.

Healing is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable for the sake of moving forward and not staying stuck.

Healing is seeing our human patterns and conditionings and taking steps to undo them.

Healing is allowing ourselves to experience things in ways that we never imagined. This means doing things, even though we are scared, because we understand that our human life is more valuable than the fear that keeps us in the same place.

Healing is requires making really hard decisions for the sake of our own self worth.

Healing is honoring all of the substances that we use and seeing them for what they are.

Healing is not eating the cake when your mind says, do it.

Healing is making the commitment to be the best version of yourself every single day.

We heal in community. We heal in safe space. We heal in nature. We heal with food. We heal when we slow down. We heal when listen to our bodies. We heal when we listen to our hearts. We heal when we allow ourselves to experience different perspectives. We heal when we make a commitment to ourselves.

HEALING ISN'T LINEAR!
Why do I say this??
I say this because healing doesn't happen in sequential steps like we think. This is fact on every single level of healing. A healing detox will affect each person differently. Healing from trauma will affect each person differently.
Here's a great example. Healing from a muscle injury can be an incredibly humbling experience. Why? Well, all of the cells in our body have memory. So, the injured muscle has memory too. As we begin the healing process, we start to work with the muscle tightness. At first it may respond really well. As we continue, it may tighten up again. It may spasm. It may lock up. It may cause pain. It may trigger other muscles to hyper react. So many things can happen. It's unpredictable. Does this mean we are going backwards? What do we do? Stop or continue?
KEEP GOING. It may challenge your patience. It may challenge your resilience. It may push all your buttons. It will eventually get better. Will it be the same? NO. Nothing can ever be the same. However, it can become a new version of a muscle that functions again. This is how HEALING works on every level of our being.

Healing is unpredictable, because the body leads the way. Healing can be unexplainable tears, unexplainable rashes, unexplainable rage out of nowhere, unexplainable exhaustion, unexplainable grief, unexplainable loss of appetite, an unexplainable cold or ailment.
Healing can seem like you are loosing your mind...when in fact, you are actually finding it.
However, it can feel like you are going crazy at times.
Every person processes differently.
Every Ayurvedic dosha processes differently.

In the West, HEALING is coming back to homeostasis. This is self-regulation on all levels.

In the East, particularly in Ayurveda, HEALING is returning to Sattva. This is where everything is in balance and harmony.

Both East and West view healing in the same way, just using different words to explain it.

I hope this is insightful!🙏✨
May we all find balance and harmony in all facets of our lives!
Namaste 🕉💟

09/18/2025

HEALING HOLIDAY ~ AYURVEDA WELL BEING RETREAT
KERALA, INDIA ~ FEBRUARY 2026

What is a healing holiday?
A healing holiday is a therapeutic and Integrative travel experience. The primary goal is to enhance our health and happiness through a variety of activities. This beautiful healing village offers us all the support we need to connect with the culture, connect with each other, give ourselves time to recalibrate, and to have fun.

Who can benefit from a healing holiday?
Anyone and Everyone, especially if you are experiencing burnout, excessive stress or just the heaviness of life. This is a sanctuary to detach from daily pressures and rechange your energy levels.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
DEADLINE FOR DEPOSITS - 11/30/25

For more information and to register click the link below.
https://www.leapinglotusfit.com/event-details/healing-holiday-ayurveda-wellbeing-retreat

07/08/2025

Here's a thought provoking question....This is a good CHATT-TY Tea topic. 🫖

DO YOU FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD❓

How many of us have lived feeling completely misunderstood?
It could be by anyone.
What happens when we feel like this?
Maybe we start to appease them, until we realize that isn't helping.
Maybe we become quiet, until we realize they now think you are being mean.
It can make you feel stuck. It's like you are damned of you do and damned if you don't. Sound familiar?

If you do what you want, you'll be misunderstood.
If you do what they want, you'll be misunderstood.
If you speak up, you are too much to handle.
If you stay quiet, you are distant and dismissive.
If you set boundaries your selfish and harsh.
If you don't set any, your a doormat and get stepped on.
If you succeed, you've changed, you aren't who they thought.
If you struggle, you aren't working hard enough, and didn't listen.
If you express emotion, you are totally full of drama.
If you don't express any, you are cold and removed.
If you walk away, you are the villain, and you failed them.
If you stay, they will keep crossing the line over and over.

Did you ever think it’s them and not you???

The truth is, in these types of dynamics, you'll be misunderstood no matter what you do.
So you might as well be misunderstood for doing what you love.
If you start letting go of what you love in order to be understood, you will never fulfill the place inside of you that just wants
YOU TO BE YOU!

The thread of Yoga ~ Ayurveda ~ Ta**ra gives us the tools we need to find out who we really are... so YOU CAN BE YOU!!
THE REAL YOU!

07/01/2025

Hi Everyone!
As many of you know, I am an Ayurvedic Partitioner, specializing in Ayurvedic Phycology. I'm also Registered Medical Assistant, here in the West. This blends so well into my Ayurvedic practice. It's weird sharing these things because I'm not a "Title" type of person, AT ALL In fact, I have shied away from calling myself anything for years.

Why am I sharing this?
The first reason is because I love this. The next is to help us understand that Ayurveda looks at health as a whole. If fact, it looks at every human as a whole, no matter what the circumstances are. Both the East and the West, take our environments into consideration, when determining our well being.
The practice of Yoga also teaches us to practice becoming who we truly are.

It's so important to look at our environments.
Are we surrounded, supported and met with love?
Are there subtle, undercurrents and threads of control with a partner, or a family member, or anyone?

What Is Intimate Partner Violence?
What is mental manipulation?

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. The term "Intimate Partner" refers to a current, or former partner of any kind. IPV can vary in frequency and severity, and it can easily go unnoticed for a very long time. Why? Manipulation can be very subtle. It can create self doubt, and a host of other emotions that can cause a lot of mental confusion.

IPV can range from one episode of violence that could have a long lasting impact. It can also start with one episode and slowly, morph into chronic episodes lasting for years and years.

IPV can include:
1. Physical violence. This is the most obvious because there's physical force involved.
2. Sexual violence. This can be obvious and not so obvious, if there's manipulation, or subtle malintent involved.
3. Stalking is not ok! This is a violent action because it is repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner, that causes fear or safety concerns to the other person, or persons.
4. Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a person mentally and emotionally. It can also be used as a form of control over a person. This is where many of us get confused, because this can be extremely subtle, using the word LOVE as a tactic for manipulation.

IPV is common. It affects millions of people in this country and all over the world.

The data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) shows this:
Approx. 41% of women and 26% of men in the US, have experienced some sort of physical violence, s*xual violence, phycological malice, and/or stalking, by an intimate partner, during their lifetime. These statistics are based on reported incidences.

The impact of these experiences can be extremely detrimental. Physical injury, fear for safety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), missing work, increased anxiety and/or depression are just a few of the implications. IPV is connected to other forms of violence and is related to serious health issues and economic consequences. However, IPV and other forms of violence can be prevented.

This is me reporting information in a statical way, as we often do in the West. It is important to talk about this because this has an absolute, direct impact on our well being on all levels. Our health will be compromised by these things. There are tangible consequences to violence.

My Eastern mystical self says...even the most subtle elements of control or manipulation are not LOVE. Love and control cannot energetically co-exist. When someone causes you harm by projecting, manipulating, blaming, shaming, or anything like that...IT'S NOT LOVE! It could be anyone...a sibling, a parent, a friend, a neighbor, a relative, a partner...anyone.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! We have all come from unconditional love and we are still surrounded by unconditional love...all the time! We just lose sight of it, in the midst of our life entanglements.

The root of Ayurveda ~ Yoga ~ Ta**ra is Unconditional LOVE.

06/25/2025

Hi Everyone,

Have you been curious about deepening your understanding about Yoga?

Have you been looking for a way to support your community, but not really sure how?

I'm offering an opportunity for us to explore all these concepts together.

I’ve been thinking about how to offer my next YTT. Since Yoga Alliance has approved fully virtual teacher trainings going forward, I decided to offer my YTT in modules. This is a new way I’m offering this training program. This came about because I’ve listened to so many people express their love and curiosity about yoga in all different ways. Also, not everyone wants to be a yoga teacher, but they want to deepen their understanding for their own personal knowledge.

So, I thought if I made this training more accessible to people, we can build a community to support each other and humanity. This gives everyone the option to go for the full certification or just take modules that interest them. Certificates of Completion are provided after completion of each module.

In order to receive full certification all modules and any additional requirements must be completed. The full 200hr program is accredited by Yoga Alliance.

This is going to be something really special! This teacher training program will give you a solid foundation for teaching adaptable yoga classes that are safe and enjoyable for everyone. This program will be virtual with some in-person options.

If you are interested in learning more about this, please email Leelah at leapinglotusfit@gmail.com

DATES: TBD - if you are interested please send me an email with your general availability.

Once I gauge the interest, I will put together a follow-up post with exact dates, and cost.

We will start with a 2-3 day workshop covering:

The Fundamentals and history of Structural Yoga

The foundation for teaching breathing techniques

The foundation teaching for Joint Freeing Series

This workshop is for anyone interested in learning how to apply these concepts to your daily life, or as a possibility to teach others.

LINEAGE: Leaping Lotus Yoga Teacher Training program is based on the work of Mukunda Stiles. He is the founder of Structural Yoga and Structural Yoga Therapy.

​He is the author of the books Structural Yoga Therapy, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy, and Ta**ra Yoga Secrets. In keeping with yogic tradition, Mukunda spent years studying and refining his unique approach to teaching yoga within a yogic lifestyle. His work is founded in two principal yoga lineages: his physical approach is based on his studies with teachers in the lineage of Krishnamacharya - Paul Copeland, MD; Indra Devi; Rama Jyoti Vernon; and BKS Iyengar. Mukunda's spiritual approach is based on the teachings of his beloved mentor Swami Muktananda, and Muktananda's student, Swami Prakashananda. These are the teachings that are passed along - with great respect and love - from teacher to student, and form the dual lineages and foundation of Structural Yoga.

Mukunda was my spiritual mentor for many years, and I continue to honor that relationship, through my work.

I have broken down the program into 2 categories:

1. Full Certification

2. Module Workshop with Certificate of Completion

A certification will allow you to teach the course material. This credential will allow you to register with Yoga Alliance as a 200hr. Yoga Teacher. You will be able to refer to yourself, as a 200hr. Yoga Teacher.

A Certificate of Completion shows that you have completed a workshop with LLWS and have met any requirements for that module. It can be used towards YA continuing Education requirements. A Certificate of Completion does not authorize the person to refer to themselves as a Yoga Teacher, and the certificate cannot be registered with YA.

If at any point, a Module student would like to convert to become a Full Certification Student, the individual can certainly do that.