SIMONE CALLAHAN’s wellness journey was instrumental to her healing process when her marriage to Shane Warne ended. Now, she’s determined to guide and support others in their search for inner peace during difficult times.
In Growing with Grace, Simone explores the power of self-care, resilience, bravery and positivity. She also shares the skills she has learned as a qualified yoga instructor – skills that have transformed her physically and emotionally.
Read on for an extract.
A healthy state of mind is important for emotional wellbeing
Wellbeing is more than physical exercise, eating well and getting eight hours of sleep each night. It’s living authentically, true to our values, in meaningful relationships. Wellbeing is being the best version of ourselves. Our attitude, mindset and daily actions – or rituals – either support or undermine our overall wellbeing. Simple acts such as waking early, moving the body and journaling can set the tone for a purposeful day.
Emotional and spiritual wellbeing – maintaining healthy relationships, being mindful, living in the moment and not worrying about unnecessary things – are as essential as physical health.
MINDFULNESS MATTERS
Faced with difficult times, I tend to shut down and keep to myself. Solitude helps me pause, deal with complex or troublesome thoughts, reflect and switch off from life’s distractions. I write a lot in my journal during challenging times as a form of therapy.
Through my yoga practice, I’ve learned not to dwell on things. I felt defeated when my marriage broke down, and my mind was in overdrive. At the time, I didn’t have a mindfulness practice or
clear intentions for my future. It wasn’t until I did my yoga teacher training in 2017 that I learned how stress and trauma build up in our body. Through my yoga practice and mindful practices of self-reflection, writing and meditation, I was able to heal the trauma and shift
unhealthy thoughts. Nobody could do the work for me. I needed to decide what I wanted and needed to do. I went deep within to find – and then let go of – what was causing pain and suffering.
MEDITATE
In addition to my asana and pranayama practice, I meditate daily. Meditation is integral to my emotional and mental wellbeing. Meditating helps to ground and centre me and eliminate unnecessary thoughts. Chapters 4 and 5 contain breathing and meditation techniques for those wishing to embark on a meditation practice.
PAYING ATTENTION AND LIVING PRESENTLY
This Zen Buddhism phrase illustrates the need to avoid getting caught up in the results of what we’re working toward among other interpretations. We miss the present moment if we focus only on the outcome. Living presently helps us not to worry about the future or fixate on past sufferings.
‘Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.ʼ
Zen Proverb
How often do we get in our car and drive to our destination without remembering exactly how we got there? When we focus on simple daily tasks – eating or driving mindfully – we tune in to the present moment. Our awareness heightens, and we see things from a different perspective.
When we live fully in the present, we are grateful for each moment.
We start to see mundane tasks as the valuable moments that make up our lives. Whether washing the dishes or brushing our teeth, we notice sensations and details. Our sense of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste can become enlivened. We slow down and engage meaningfully in interactions with people.
Living presently helps us to be open to challenges while easing anxiety. We also become less reactive to negative thoughts. There is more power and self–control in the present moment.
MANIFESTING
Manifesting is a powerful tool for wellbeing. By setting clear intentions, we’re motivated in the present moment to move towards our goals, rather than worrying about what might happen.
When I write about my future, it makes me feel hopeful and productive. I set goals and envision my future self while feeling a sense of gratitude for everything that I have in my life.
I feel connected to something more significant than me. I strongly believe in karma and that good things will happen if we do good things. I visualise good things for myself and others.
There is more about my connection with the universe and manifesting later in this chapter.
RESIST STRESSING ABOUT TRIVIALITIES
Adverse events have taught me that circumstances shouldn’t determine how we feel. Nor should other people’s opinions. The view you take on adverse events determines how you will cope. We cannot foresee what will occur and worrying doesn’t change outcomes – it just wastes time. I’m fortunate that I’ve never been a worrier. My mum used to say I was always off with the fairies. Although it can make me seem somewhat aloof, this is my way of protecting myself from the world.
Learning not to worry about insignificant issues helps prevent and relieve unnecessary anxiety and lets us focus on what truly matters. Our mindset becomes more peaceful, our relationships improve and our emotional and mental wellbeing is better when we let go of minor concerns. Letting go of the little things preserves our energy for serious life challenges and builds emotional resilience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Simone Callahan is a well-known Australian yoga teacher from Melbourne. She is also the mother of three adult children.
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