Cynthia Chan

February 13, 2022

What do I need?

This month I wanted to share an experience I had just this morning.

Since Covid lockdown started, I’ve been practising yoga on Friday mornings but when I woke up this morning I didn’t feel like doing my usual 90 min vigorous Ashtanga practice.

I went back and forth in my brain with “well this is my new pandemic schedule – I should stick to it – but it may tire me out before my 4 hour coaching course today at 10am -but it’s what I agreed to – but I don’t feel like it”.

Then I remembered all the recommendations I had made this week to coaching clients and patients about listening to their bodies and remembering to ask themselves in the moment what they truly needed.

I decided to take my own advice.

What I my body/mind/spirit really needed today after a gruelling week was to simply get outside, do a short walk for 30 min, soak up the beautiful sunny rays on this perfect June morning and put my music on shuffle.

I think during these stressful times it’s particularly important to honour your needs moment-to-moment and to remember to be compassionate towards yourself.

[originally published June 2020]

February 13, 2022

Art of Compromise

Compromise does not come easy to me, which is why I thought it would be a good challenge to write about it this month. With recent world events we’ve all been asked to compromise for the greater good and I know for me, it’s easier on some days and harder on others.

Since I’m generally not a ‘gray zone’ type of person, the ever-changing landscape of pandemic survival has challenged me. Just when I think I’ve figured out how do to ride out the pandemic, new timelines and restrictions and realities come head on. I’m realizing more and more that surrendering to the unknown nature of how this pandemic is playing out will be my only saving grace.

Regarding compromise when it comes to my interpersonal relationships, it is helpful for me to remember something my husband taught me:

Do you want to be right? Or would you rather be happy?

For me, this mantra neatly sums up how “winning” an argument may cause more suffering in the end.

[originally published July 2020]

February 13, 2022

Positive Intelligence

This photo was taken a few weeks ago on my 48th birthday. Truthfully anticipating a ‘lockdown’ birthday had bummed me out the week prior but the day ended up being lovely. It included a walk in Toronto’s east end, an impromptu distanced celebration with great pals in my garage and culminated with cake (!) and watching Hamilton with my family.

Part of what helped change my attitude was my recent completion of a six week course called Positive Intelligence. The goals of the course were to teach individuals how to quell their sabateurs (the parts of ourselves that get in our way) and how to boost the sage (the part of our brain that can see things in a positive light).

Anyone can take the free Saboteur assessment – which tells you which of the 10 sabateurs you have in your personality. It’s been really useful in my life, and with coaching clients, to learn what behaviours we exhibit that may have negative consequences in our life.

It hasn’t been easy but this course has taught me ways to actively turn potential negative events around and to see them in a positive light.

Please message me if you are interested in learning more about this method or exploring the concept of sage/sabateur in a coaching session.

[originally published January 2021]

February 13, 2022

Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year!

When I was a kid Chinese New Year was exciting because it meant receiving lucky money. Now that I’m older and wiser CNY has a more special meaning to me.

As many of you know I like to follow the energetic patterns of the lunar cycle, hence the name of this newsletter. New moon means new energy, great time to start projects and relationships. Full moon can intensify events and have a frenetic energy, and a dying/waning moon is a good time to bring a natural end to things.

To me CNY and this new moon symbolizes a renewed energy and hope for a lucky, healthy and prosperous year. I would usually celebrate with large meals with family and friends but this year we will make the best of eating socially distanced noodles for a long and healthy life. And remember to avoid washing (the luck out of) your hair today!

[originally published February 2021]

February 13, 2022

Harnessing Spring Energy

Spring!

Working with patients in my chiropractic practice I have noticed several seasonal trends with injuries, and patient behaviours. Notably in spring people come out of hibernation and are energized to be more active in their lives. In my practice that results in new ailments related to spring activities including strain from gardening, golf, gardening, and baseball etc.

If we can harness this fresh wave of spring energy, it can be a real boost to our creativity and productivity from a coaching perspective.

If you are feeling more inspired this time of year I encourage you to channel that energy towards your goals – we have to use it when we can!

In the last few days I’ve been inspired to begin creating a program specifically designed to address Work/Life Balance. Sharing it here with you will keep me accountable (!) and I’ve definitely felt more oomph in my step compared to the darker days of winter.

[originally published March 2021]