Sharing our burdens

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

Hello Friends!

I’ve been working on a presentation for a high school class about being a social worker and learning to care for ourselves as mental health providers. In the process I have stumbled upon some unexpected pearls of wisdom. One is that the times when things have been hardest for me in life were when I believed I had to do everything on my own, that I had no one else to shelter and support me. What I have learned is that the power of someone else sharing our burdens is indescribable. We do not need someone to fix, rescue, or save us. Instead, we need trusted people to love, support, guide, hold space, advocate, provide resources, and to be present for us. So often we believe we cannot ask for help, but “it is in the shelter of each other that people live.” Across the country we are witnessing neighbors and strangers sheltering each other, protecting each other, advocating for each other. While there continues to be pain, sorrow, and darkness, the light of these neighbors and strangers can bring us hope and remind us we are not alone.

Sunday is a Full Moon in Leo and also the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, known as St. Bridgid’s Day or Imbolc in the Celtic tradition. This full moon is an opportunity to let go of heaviness and invite playfulness and courage into our lives. I invite you to join me for a Full Moon Sound Bath this Saturday, January 31 from 3-4 PM at Harmonist Sanctuary either in person or virtually. You can read more about the full moon energy at Forever Conscious.

Please join me for Saturday Morning Yoga via Zoom at 8:30 AM MT as we show up for ourselves on the mat and care for ourselves with lovingkindness.

The Mindful Self-Compassion 10 Week Course runs Wednesdays, February 11-April 22, 2026 (no class 3/11) from 6-8 PMMT via Zoom. Participants will explore the skills to cultivate self-compassion along with 20 CE Hours. Investment $500. Registration closes 2/6/2026.

There is still space available for my Spring Renewal Yoga Retreat for Women April 24-26, 2026. Treat yourself to a weekend of connection and renewal through yoga, meditation, time in nature, sound healing, and rest. Cost based on your room choice (options available on the website). Email lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com to reserve your spot.

Registration is open for next summer’s Mindfulness Retreat for Educators. Space is limited, so sign up early!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
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Nurture your light