If you're like me, you are still recovering from the holidays a bit. That's why I am so excited to have the lovely Kerry Burki on the blog today. After working with makers on business, she's transitioned into focusing on how to help creatives through mindfulness and relaxation. I can think of no better time of year to start making changes through this.
Q: Introduce yourself and what you do and how long you've been doing it.
A: I am Kerry Burki and I have been working with creatives and teaching yoga since 2004. I am now combining those and teaching people how they can create the life or business they desire if they take the time to slow down, tune in, learn to accept themselves, and then make a plan to move forward.
Q: Tell us about this latest project you've been working on.
A: Last fall, I released Rejuvenate + Create: yoga for creatives. I created it because there are a lot of highs and lows that come with being a creative entrepreneur that can affect you on many levels. I wanted to share ways to boost your mental and physical well-being throughout your day. The program includes videos and worksheets for simple yoga stretches, breathing exercises, intention setting and relaxation techniques. You can get a free preview of some of the videos and content by clicking in the Class Curriculum area. Also, I love the idea of you taking care of others while also taking care of yourself so for every course sold I will donate one to a single parent with cancer through Singleton Moms. Since I think you Academy of Handmade creatives are the best, please use the code ACADEMY5 to receive $5 off.
Q: Why is it important that makers find ways to relax?
A: We are always looking and moving forward. We often feel restless and unhappy when we focus on where we want to go because we are not there yet. When we slow down, relax and notice how far we have come we can relax and enjoy the present moment. Also, when we relax and get quiet then we can hear our inner wisdom, our heart. This is where your great creative ideas will emerge from. This where your loving thoughts towards yourself and your work come from. It is very hard to hear this voice when we are tense and only focused outside of ourselves.
Q: What kind of signals should we look for that would indicate our body is still stressed out from the holidays?
A: Look for the following signals:
- Short breath (chest breathing)
Pause and take some deep breaths through your nose. They should be deep enough that you feel your belly expand. Inhale for a count of 4 then exhale for a count of 4. Repeat (at least) 5 times. - Hunched shoulders
Shoulder rolls - lift your shoulders towards your ears, then roll them down your back, bring them forward, back up and around again. Repeat 5 times. Ahhhhhhhh. - Clenched jaw
Open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out (I am serious!). Then let your tongue and mouth relax. Now take your fingers and gently massage along your jawline. - A feeling of uneasiness or antsyness (is that a word? lol! If you are feeling it then you know what I am talking about)
Find a quiet spot and do the above in reverse. Massage jaw. Roll shoulders. Then get comfortable either sitting up or lying down. Close your eyes and focus on taking deep breaths.
Q: What can people do to help recover from the holidays?
A: When you have time set aside 10 minutes to half an hour to relax doing the above exercises. Take longer massaging your jaw and maybe add your face and shoulders. Then roll your shoulders. Next focus on taking deep breaths. Then allow your breath to relax. If thoughts about the future pop in your head let them float away like clouds. Mentally scan your body. How are you feeling? Notice areas that need to relax or might need a little massage later. Remind yourself that you are taking a break from all of the hard work you have done. You are exactly where you need to be be. Relax. You can drift to sleep or set a timer so you can get back to your day. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You are amazing!
Q: Where can people find you?
A: My website is www.kerryburki.com and that is where you can find my magazine, lots of positive affirmations and ways to work together. You can also find me on Instagram @kerry_burki where I share what I am up to and reminders to breathe.
Q: Anything else?
A: We go straight from the holidays to trying to improve every part of our lives and businesses January 1st. Yikes! Again, we are looking to the future and seeing our present situation as not enough. Ugh. Take a moment to see how far you’ve come in the last year. Be proud. Be happy. Move into 2016 feeling those feelings and you’ll be sure to end it there too. XO!
I recently launched a magazine, KERRY, that uses real women as models. It also includes yoga, book reviews, small business features and ads. It started in an effort to see every woman as beautiful and is turning into a much larger project around discovering our own beauty and worth. I am now helping women transform their views and themselves through the magazine, workshops and coaching. If you check out the magazine and feel drawn to being involved, please reach out to me at kerryburki@gmail.com so we can chat about you being part of a future issue!
