flow | flō | verb [no object ] 1 (of a fluid, gas, or electricity) move along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream: from here the river flows north | ventilation channels keep the air flowing | a cross-current of electricity seemed to flow between them. • (of the sea or a tidal river) move toward the land; rise. Compare with ebb.2 [with adverbial of direction ] go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers: the firm is hoping the orders will keep flowing in. • proceed or be produced smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly: talk flowed freely around the table. • (of clothing or hair) hang loosely in an easy and graceful manner: her red hair flowed over her shoulders. • be available in copious quantities: their talk and laughter grew louder as the excellent brandy flowed. • (flow from) result from; be caused by: there are certain advantages that may flow from that decision. 3 (of a solid) undergo a permanent change of shape under stress, without melting.

To live in ‘flow’ for the year 2021 has opened my eyes to what it means to honour my own values over not just a moment, but over a long period.

It’s easy to say our values, and it’s a lot harder to live them.

Over this year, I have written, produced and even ended long-standing projects and collaborations.

The process of ending long-standing projects and my own involvement in a handful of collaborations allowed me to truly understand what following ‘flow’ and its unique rhythm can do.

Authentic rhythm creates long-lasting and sustainable momentum.

We often think that it’s how much we are being seen, heard, and understood that makes us valuable in our lives and work, yet so much of what makes us valuable is the unseen moments.

That moment on the phone listening to a good friend share their burdens.
That moment of sitting at your desk despite tiredness and finding a reply in your inbox that makes you smile.
That moment of laughter at the end of the day over a silly observation in life.
That moment of knowing that what matters most is the two faces you wake up to in the morning.
That moment you pass a plate to someone who needs an excellent tasty something, and you get to rest in their enjoyment of being nourished.

So much of the world wants to tell us that we have to force it.

Ignore our feelings.
Fit in more hours.
Sleep less.
Hustle more.

But Flow says

You can move steadily along
From here to there.
There to here.
There is no one perfect shape.
But your shape.
No one perfect way.
But your unique way.
Not one particular pattern.
But the one you are still learning to make.

Living with Flow has given me the permission to move in a way that only I can.

In methodical, powerful and inspiring ways.

Onwards,

to 2022.

When June arrives, it always has a way of shocking me.

“June? Already?” I think like clockwork every June 1st.

With just under six months of putting the concept of ‘Flow’ at work in both the personal and professional I have had a few revelations, some struggles and some meditative thoughts sprinkled in.

Flow has eased into my thinking

and attempted at reminding my busy mind to let what is happening ‘happen’. It has also challenged me to tune in to the chaos and distractions that abide and find new ways to navigate through them.

There will always be a family crisis, a pressing social engagement, a work deadline, a chore, a medical / personal appointment, etc to tend to.

There is also S P A C E to flow through these things, if we but let it.

Part of it, is giving ourselves permission not to be rushed by our own expectations and those of others.

I see it in how we are approaching Summer this year.

Summer’s are usually stuffed with people ‘coming back home’ for visits, special events, road trips, and networking events.

Despite the pandemic, this year looks very much the same as most.

‘Back home visits’, special events, road trips and networking events...you name it.

Depending on who you are in the work you do, depends on the amount of days in a summer you can take off.
For an Electrical Engineer who specializes in oceanography equipment and a writer / producer in the film and television industries…our prime output times are in the warmer months of the year.

Ya’ll, there are only eight weekends in summer the ‘official summer break’ calendar, yet we act like it’s a four month occasion with no work deadlines, medical appointments, home projects mixed in.
That’s about sixteen days to attend to all of those needs without taking time off work.
That could seem like a lot, but in reality.. it goes by like a flash.

But this year…

Although we are honouring the special events of our own, the need to refresh our souls by the ocean and re-connect with our peers after almost 2 years of constant distance, we are letting ‘flow’ rule our calendar.

Setting down the plan book, the dates, the constant need to fit in ‘just one more visit’, and seeing what happens in the beauty of one day and one week at a time.

Having the the space enough to ask ourselves, ‘what do we need this weekend? How can we show up for what we have to do, what we need to do and also what we can do?

Although we may not always be able to have the weekend / summer schedule that we would wish, letting our personal family unit’s flow dictate the schedule and not the surrounding pressure of ‘summertime’ madness is one way we are learning from embracing what it means to honour momentum of now.

Entering 2021, there was a strong rising up in me to embrace the growth and shifts that had occurred in 2020, not with a rebellion, but with a spirit of quiet confidence.

Much has shifted in the personal and professional aspects of life this year that it seems the only way to continue is to merely that: continue.

Sometimes one needs a shakeup, and other times, one needs to allow the growth from before to allow the next wave of change and progression to continue.

Flow

noun 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream: the flow of water into the pond.

I have recently come into an awareness of how to harness my daily rhythms to allow me to work more openly and efficiently. Starting work at six o'clock am, getting the bulk of my tasks down first thing to free up my mind for any lingering or surprising tasks/events has allowed me the creative space to be innovative in my work.

It's easy to get caught up with the busywork. Scrolling on social media, answering emails and falling down rabbit holes when researching.

Embracing the idea that I can plan my days to flow in a natural way instead of trying to cram every second with a to-do list and inevitably numbing my mind with scrolling as breaks that were inefficient methods of pretending productivity was a game-changer.

The questions I keep coming back to:

How can I harness this new awareness?

How can I not lose what I have learned?

How can I go into a new year and not forget?

And there it came.

The concept of flow.

That you can go from one thing to another with a steady and continuous movement. That it doesn't need to crash or bang, or even shout. That it can be as simple and beautiful as the quiet confidence of moving from one year to the next.

Throughout this new year, I hope to continue the work I have begun. To push projects into production and to the writers' rooms, be them physical or virtual.

I will remember the rest that is required when working hard to create and collaborate. I will set up boundaries to keep myself from getting distracted with the mindless busywork that seeks to distract me, like fast food.

I will remember that to create is to also allow the concept of flow to produce a rhythm that is as sustainable as it is in motion.

What can you expect from this inspiring women-centered special event?

Your Presenters

Amy Grace

by Amy Grace is a writer, producer and performer who is passionate about empowering women through collaborations and various art forms. In the past year Amy wrote and starred in The Mom Show or the Most Boring Show Ever at The Atlantic Fringe Festival. Since 2013 she has been running a monthly collective meet up for creative women in the Halifax area “The Creatives”. She trained at Neptune Theatre's Pre Professional Training Program, is married to her high school sweet heart, Jeremy Lai, an engineer and her online/all things technology right-hand. Together they have a toddler and live in Bedford.

Katherine King

Katherine King is a Registered Massage Therapist, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and a mom to three snarky but loveable tween and teen kids. She believes in living life FULLY and giving out vibes of caring and authentic connection to every beautiful soul she meets. She is THRILLED to be bringing back her signature touch style to yoga practitioners in the Bedford / Larry Uteck area. Currently, Katherine teaches a variety of awesome yoga classes: Flow, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, and Yoga + Massage at several studios in the Bedford/Hammonds Plains area as well as through private instruction. Katherine's unique style of teaching asana and intention both UPLIFTS your spirit, as she guides you in each practice to become more GROUNDED in mind and body than ever before.

YOUR SHOW

The Mom Show or The Most Boring Show Ever, is an empowering and comedic take and journey through new motherhood from prenatal to postpartum. Using yoga as a platform, along with comedic honesty, Amy performs the journey of a woman becoming mother in todays society and aims to empower by delving into self care, self worth and what it means to see oneself as whole and worthy. The Mom Show isn't just for moms. It's for anyone wanting to take back their worth and have a laugh while doing it.

YOUR FLOW

Your 60 minute Yinyasa practice will bring vitality and nourishment to your body through 30 mins of all-levels flowing standing series asanas linked mindfully with breath, followed by 30 mins of glorious body softening Yin postures (floor series) with Katherine's amazing assists and grounding, soothing massage touch (optional, to each attendees consent).

YOUR VENUE

Enjoy your show and yoga flow in a beautiful sunlit and spacious practice area at 37 Shaughnessy Place in The Ravines of Bedford. A former QEII Show Home, it is situated along a private cul-de-sac where you will find ample and easy street parking.

YOUR TREATS (!)

We want to say "Thank You" for showing up and being involved in women supporting other women!

Every attendee is welcome to a celebratory, complimentary signature bevy post flow.

You will also depart with a truly unbelievable 'SWAG BAG' of awesome items from local Bedford/Hammonds Plains Womenpreneurs . You are not going to believe these goodies!!

A portion of the proceeds will be going to Dress for Success - Halifax Chapter.