Monthly Archives: January 2018

The Importance of Ritual

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This morning I explained my morning routine on Instagram:

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“Morning ritual. I used to wake up with just enough time to get ready and run out the door; usually with a granola bar hanging out of my mouth and half the time spilling tea or coffee everywhere in the rush. This year, I have committed myself to waking up at least an hour earlier to practice yoga and have a relaxed breakfast and journal/planning time with my Desire Map Planner. I was the person who would roll my eyes and say “I’d rather have the extra hour of sleep…” But I find this hour invaluable now. Starting my day in a centered, grounded, and intentional way helps to set me up for a less stressful, more joyful, and more productive day. Try it for yourself for a week, and then keep enjoying it as you won’t want to go back!“

After posting, I continued contemplating the importance of rituals throughout the day, not just in the morning. For my Reiki practice, I begin with a specific prayer to signify to spirit that I am ready to connect and begin the healing process. For my yoga practice, I always start in a seated pose breathing deeply to become fully present, and I always end in savasana, followed by a bow to signify the end of my practice. These ritual cues allow my mind, body, and spirit to shift into and stay present with my different activities.

After considering the practices where I already have rituals, I began to think about other times when a ritual may be useful for getting prepared for a transition. The two that really stood out are my arrival at work and bedtime. For the next week I have decided to incorporate two new rituals to see the difference they make in how I feel. I plan to sit in my car upon arrival to work, close my eyes, and take a few diaphragm breaths to center myself before starting my workday. Before bed, I plan on applying my sleep essential oils, taking a few deep breaths, and mentally reiterating what went well during my day and what I am grateful for. As I said in my post yesterday, I already focus on gratitude in the mornings, but I think it would be excellent practice to begin and end my day in gratitude.

Think about your own life and where a ritual may be beneficial to help you with transitions. Try to incorporate one for a week, and see if you can feel the difference!

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

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256867-When-You-Are-Grateful-Fear-Disappears-And-Abundance-AppearsSome days there just seems to be a recurring theme that keeps popping up throughout the day. Today, the theme is definitely gratitude! I began my day with a heart-opening and gratitude-focused yoga flow, followed by my daily ritual of journaling and writing down what I am thankful for.

A dear client today was talking about how she is going to stop talking about how good she is doing and the progress she has made because it is turning her support system away from her and causing trouble. She explained that other people think she is being pretentious when she speaks of doing well, instead of understanding that she is trying to express gratitude for having moved away from the depression and anxiety that once inhibited her from being her best self.

When I heard her say this, I almost shouted at her “You will absolutely not!” I helped her to see that it was not her expressing her blessings that was the problem, it was the people around her who just wanted to bring her down as misery loves company. I explained that she will know a true friend when she expresses how well she is doing and they respond with “That’s wonderful! Let’s celebrate!” and find their own JOY in her happiness.

I also gave a brief overview of the law of attraction– which is how we attract into our lives that which we focus on and believe. If we expect negativity and trouble all of the time, you will attract such. However, if we focus on everything going right and the blessings and joy we have in our lives- we will continue to attract these things tenfold.

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I encouraged my client to continue to sing her song of happiness, health, and gratitude- and to use people’s responses as an indicator of whether they are truly supportive or someone she must love at a distance. I encourage you all to spend more time focusing on what is going right and what you want, and see the amazing positive changes that will follow suit.

My Story

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My name is Kristina Odom Hoff, and I created Manifest Wellness to incorporate my holistic and alternative practices such as Reiki, yoga, meditation, and essential oils, into traditional therapy to treat the entire person- mind, body, and spirit.

My schooling includes a BA in Psychology and a Master of Social Work degree. I am a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. I have worked with a variety of clients of all ages as individuals, couples, families, and groups. Extensive time has been dedicated to working with anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma; but I am also well versed in working with individuals with adjustment issues, addictions, grief and loss, personality disorders, identity issues, spiritual concerns, chronic pain, and relational issues including codependency, infidelity, and divorce. The goal of therapy is to empower my clients to make positive changes through the use of skills, resources, self-awareness, and introspective work. This work ultimately allows clients to be able to live their healthiest, happiest, and most vital lives.

Along with therapy, I am also passionate about complementary alternatives therapies. I am a Certified Reiki practitioner and 500 hr Certified Yoga Teacher. I incorporate these modalities into therapeutic sessions when desired and appropriate.

I offer a dynamic array of services that are tailored to individual needs and desires. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy because life is a constant current of change. There is always room for growth and the ability to strive to be your best self, no matter your circumstances. I hope to be able to assist you in achieving your goals and dreams soon!