Learning to Trust What You Already Know

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we sit in the darkness with others.” — Pema Chödrön

I’ve been working on being more attentive and trusting. Especially to my intuition.

Trusting my intuition means remembering there’s more than just this moment, more than this struggle or pain point, more than this story I’m telling myself.

This lesson has been coming through in my relationship. My marriage has been teaching me how to expand—how my husband mirrors back exactly what I need to see, how letting go of needing to be “right” opens everything up. And how even when my pain body shows up, there’s room for compassion always.

The Noise in Our Heads

One of the latest books I picked up was The Power of Now. Tolle reminded me that all this mental noise—the replaying of old stories, the planning for some future where I’ll finally have it together, the things that won’t happen but still occupy my thoughts: it’s all just noise.

Because here’s the thing: I’m not my thoughts. Those anxious spirals, the self-doubt, the endless problem-solving—that’s just my mind doing its thing. I don’t have to engage with every thought that shows up.

And unless there’s an actual bear chasing me? I don’t actually have problems, just a busy mind creating them.

And this allows for more compassion. More care and kindness. Because when you show up like that, you can allow your partner to show up that way too. Or anyone close to you. And that’s where you become catalysts for each other: healing these shadowy parts together.

Fear Disguised as Truth

There’s a quiet thread that connects the pain body, intuition, and presence.

When old pain lives inside us—what some call the shadow self or the pain body—it doesn’t just sit there. It reacts. It defends. It tells stories that sound like truth but are really fear in disguise. That voice says things like “don’t trust,” “don’t let go,” or “don’t get hurt again.”

And because those wounds are loud, it’s easy to mistake them for intuition. But intuition doesn’t rush, panic, or overexplain. It speaks softly, without emotional charge. It’s the calm beneath the noise.

The only thing that’s real is being right here, right now. And the moments I stop chasing these discomforts—the future and past—and just be? Just let what is, be? Everything softens.

That’s why being present matters so much. Presence quiets the storm long enough for us to tell the difference between fear and knowing. When we breathe into what’s here—without judgment—the pain body softens, the shadow feels seen, and intuition finally has room to speak.

It’s not about fixing or forcing anything. It’s about being here—long enough, honest enough—to hear what’s true.

Remembering, Not Figuring Out

Recently, I’ve been working with clients and diving deeper into past lives and how they shape what we carry now. It’s wild to realize that some of the blocks, patterns, or callings we feel might have roots way beyond this lifetime. That exploration has shifted something for me; it’s made my intuition and theirs feel less like guessing and more like remembering.

Like we’re not figuring it out. We’re uncovering what we already know. And when this work is done, we understand the pain body. And then when it shows up, either in our own quiet moments or in our relationships, we can handle it with care.

Coming Home to Yourself

And so I keep coming back to this: be present, be compassionate, follow the hurt until—maybe it’s not healed, but you understand it—and then you can truly trust your intuition that’s alive and growing, and the intimate knowing that we’re never really alone in this.

“The soul speaks in whispers and sighs, not in sentences. To hear it, we must unclench our hearts and grow comfortable with silence.” — Mirabai Starr, Mystic & Translator of Teresa of Ávila

The soul speaks in whispers. To hear it, we must unclench our hearts and grow comfortable with silence.

Xx- shana

Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

It starts with a slight itch. Like nothing quite feels right. Like when you have an itchy sweater on that you just NEED to take off. But once it’s off, that itch is still there.
That’s kind of what it feels like when you’re feeling ready for a new chapter… but unsure how to cross the threshold. Got the itch? Then keep reading ~ this is for you.
I write this from a place of lived experience… and then some. Many, many, MANY times I’ve changed directions (for my astrology peeps- that’s my intercepted MC hard at work!). And that “in-between” space? It’s a REAL place. Not only real, but a tender place where the old version of you is loosening(old routines, old roles, old identities) but the new version hasn’t fully been discovered yet. And if you’re an empath (or having a deeply ‘feely’ human moment), it can seem like: “Why can’t I just decide already?” “Why am I emotional for no reason?” “Why do I want change and also want to hide under a blanket forever?”

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

Got the Itch? How to Start a New Chapter When You Feel Stuck

It starts with a slight itch. Like nothing quite feels right. Like when you have an itchy sweater on that you just NEED to take off. But once it’s off, that itch is still there.
That’s kind of what it feels like when you’re feeling ready for a new chapter… but unsure how to cross the threshold. Got the itch? Then keep reading ~ this is for you.
I write this from a place of lived experience… and then some. Many, many, MANY times I’ve changed directions (for my astrology peeps- that’s my intercepted MC hard at work!). And that “in-between” space? It’s a REAL place. Not only real, but a tender place where the old version of you is loosening(old routines, old roles, old identities) but the new version hasn’t fully been discovered yet. And if you’re an empath (or having a deeply ‘feely’ human moment), it can seem like: “Why can’t I just decide already?” “Why am I emotional for no reason?” “Why do I want change and also want to hide under a blanket forever?”

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

A Moon That Remakes You: November’s Crossroads

A Moon That Remakes You: November’s Crossroads

You’re not imagining it—the magic really did disappear for a while. The world just takes from us, doesn’t it?
The bills. The to-do lists that never end. The constant pressure to keep up, show up, be more, do more. We’re so busy surviving the demands of modern life that we forget we ever had dreams. Forget what it feels like to be aligned with anything beyond just making it through the day.

And somewhere in all that noise and depletion, the sacred slips away. We lose touch with the part of us that used to believe in something bigger. That used to feel things deeply.

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

You’re Not Imagining It—The Magic Really Did Disappear For A While.

You’re Not Imagining It—The Magic Really Did Disappear For A While.

You’re not imagining it—the magic really did disappear for a while. The world just takes from us, doesn’t it?
The bills. The to-do lists that never end. The constant pressure to keep up, show up, be more, do more. We’re so busy surviving the demands of modern life that we forget we ever had dreams. Forget what it feels like to be aligned with anything beyond just making it through the day.

And somewhere in all that noise and depletion, the sacred slips away. We lose touch with the part of us that used to believe in something bigger. That used to feel things deeply.

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

Embracing the Soulful Growth and Expansion of Wintering

Embracing the Soulful Growth and Expansion of Wintering

Have you ever found yourself pondering over your deepest desires, visualizing how you want to express your life, and asking, “What is it that I want to attract and manifest?” It’s a concept that might seem bizarre to some, and one that is often met with a lot of doubt. This is especially true when it comes to the belief or concept of manifesting or attraction. You might have heard of “The Secret,” Abraham-Hicks, or Gabby Bernstein, and thought it all sounded a bit too “woo-woo.” However, it’s a concept that is definitely worth exploring.

Regardless of your personal beliefs, manifestation can be an incredibly useful tool for achieving your dreams. Whether you see it as a blueprint for action or a method of bringing your desires to life, the practice holds true value. And the best part? Its applications extend far beyond just achieving your goals – its principles can be applied to many areas of your life.

Manifestation is a powerful tool that can help you bring your desires and dreams into reality. While there are many techniques for manifesting, some of the most effective ones are often overlooked. Here are five tips for manifesting that will be sure to can bring you closer to joy:

Five Tips to Usher In Your Manifestations!

Five Tips to Usher In Your Manifestations!

Have you ever found yourself pondering over your deepest desires, visualizing how you want to express your life, and asking, “What is it that I want to attract and manifest?” It’s a concept that might seem bizarre to some, and one that is often met with a lot of doubt. This is especially true when it comes to the belief or concept of manifesting or attraction. You might have heard of “The Secret,” Abraham-Hicks, or Gabby Bernstein, and thought it all sounded a bit too “woo-woo.” However, it’s a concept that is definitely worth exploring.

Regardless of your personal beliefs, manifestation can be an incredibly useful tool for achieving your dreams. Whether you see it as a blueprint for action or a method of bringing your desires to life, the practice holds true value. And the best part? Its applications extend far beyond just achieving your goals – its principles can be applied to many areas of your life.

Manifestation is a powerful tool that can help you bring your desires and dreams into reality. While there are many techniques for manifesting, some of the most effective ones are often overlooked. Here are five tips for manifesting that will be sure to can bring you closer to joy:

Discover Your Inner Wisdom: A Beginner’s Guide to Intuition and Feeling Your Vibes

Discover Your Inner Wisdom: A Beginner’s Guide to Intuition and Feeling Your Vibes

In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.

Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.

The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.

…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…

Full and Freaky: the Lunar Eclipse Full Moon

Full and Freaky: the Lunar Eclipse Full Moon

In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.

Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.

The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.

…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…

Related posts…

Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

It starts with a slight itch. Like nothing quite feels right. Like when you have an itchy sweater on that you just NEED to take off. But once it’s off, that itch is still there.
That’s kind of what it feels like when you’re feeling ready for a new chapter… but unsure how to cross the threshold. Got the itch? Then keep reading ~ this is for you.
I write this from a place of lived experience… and then some. Many, many, MANY times I’ve changed directions (for my astrology peeps- that’s my intercepted MC hard at work!). And that “in-between” space? It’s a REAL place. Not only real, but a tender place where the old version of you is loosening(old routines, old roles, old identities) but the new version hasn’t fully been discovered yet. And if you’re an empath (or having a deeply ‘feely’ human moment), it can seem like: “Why can’t I just decide already?” “Why am I emotional for no reason?” “Why do I want change and also want to hide under a blanket forever?”

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

read more
Why Most Vision Boards Don’t Work (And What I Do Instead)

Got the Itch? How to Start a New Chapter When You Feel Stuck

It starts with a slight itch. Like nothing quite feels right. Like when you have an itchy sweater on that you just NEED to take off. But once it’s off, that itch is still there.
That’s kind of what it feels like when you’re feeling ready for a new chapter… but unsure how to cross the threshold. Got the itch? Then keep reading ~ this is for you.
I write this from a place of lived experience… and then some. Many, many, MANY times I’ve changed directions (for my astrology peeps- that’s my intercepted MC hard at work!). And that “in-between” space? It’s a REAL place. Not only real, but a tender place where the old version of you is loosening(old routines, old roles, old identities) but the new version hasn’t fully been discovered yet. And if you’re an empath (or having a deeply ‘feely’ human moment), it can seem like: “Why can’t I just decide already?” “Why am I emotional for no reason?” “Why do I want change and also want to hide under a blanket forever?”

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

read more

You’re Not Imagining It—The Magic Really Did Disappear For A While.

You’re not imagining it—the magic really did disappear for a while. The world just takes from us, doesn’t it?
The bills. The to-do lists that never end. The constant pressure to keep up, show up, be more, do more. We’re so busy surviving the demands of modern life that we forget we ever had dreams. Forget what it feels like to be aligned with anything beyond just making it through the day.

And somewhere in all that noise and depletion, the sacred slips away. We lose touch with the part of us that used to believe in something bigger. That used to feel things deeply.

We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.

But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.

read more

About the Author…

Shana is a New Yorker and a native to Long Island’s east end. A lifelong passion in food, health and wellness led her to become an advanced 500 hour registered Yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, a Licensed Body Worker, a trained Herbalist, a Reiki and PEMF (Pulse Electro-Magnetic Field) Practitioner. She has studied abroad in India, as well as studying functional and integrative nutrition at IIN (Institute of Integrated Nutrition), is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and Certified Hypno-counselor.  She is well versed in ancient theologies and eastern healing systems such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. Working with these philosophies, and integrating holistic nutrition, yoga and meditation is how she serves and supports her clients to heal and transform their lives. Shana currently lives in Northport, NY where she works as a Holistic Coach.

 Did you know Meditation can reduce insomnia by 75%? It can reduce anxiety by 60%? It increases heart, hormonal and gut health!!

  The problem is… whenever you’ve tried it, a voice goes off in your head and the laundry list of to-dos rattles off, or there’s the train you need to catch or the dog that has to go out or the kid that’s late for school. Sound familiar That’s why I made this FREE Yoga Nidra recording. To make meditation EASY, ENJOYABLE and DOABLE so that you can gain ALL those benefits by literally just lying there!  An easy first step to ultimate health. Start with an “ahh….”
 
Send it to me!