How To Learn To ‘Pause, Rest, and Be’ During Times of Change with Octavia Raheem
The pandemic had since upturned our lives before we even knew it. With every overwhelming challenge we encounter, we are forced to be quick on our feet and adapt to these immense changes. Sometimes, in demanding situations such as these, taking a pause is crucial.
We invite you to take this time to be still and listen to yourself and your surroundings. Ask yourself, “How am I doing?”
In today’s episode, Octavia Raheem joins us to encourage us to shift our negative perspectives despite the uncertainties in our lives. She also shares how you can be courageous during these difficult times. These changes are often uncomfortable and terrifying, but Octavia hopes her book can provide you with companionship and comfort.
If you feel overwhelmed with changes and struggle with stillness, this episode is for you!
Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Find out about Octavia’s upcoming book, “Pause, Rest, Be” and why we all need to take the time to be still.
Learn how being still can help us navigate through endings, in-betweens, and beginnings in life.
Discover how to live with courage even if you don’t feel courageous.
Resources
Connect with Octavia Raheem: Website I Facebook I Instagram I Email
Pre-order Octavia’s book, Pause, Rest, Be.
Check out Octavia’s previous book, Gather
You can also sign up to her FREE Gather Ancestors journal to receive updates on her training and retreats.
If you feel alone and hope to be in a supportive community, check out Octavia’s Gather Ourselves Online Community!
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Episode Highlights
How A Community is Built
Although Octavia closed down her yoga studio in 2020, the essence of the space still continues.
A true community is built on heart and spirit.
Many spaces still fail to make their guests feel welcomed and accepted.
Her experience with discrimination and racism led her to create and ensure a safe space for everyone — her yoga studio.
Octavia’s Latest Book, “Pause, Rest, Be”
Octavia’s latest book is about reflecting on the effects of the pandemic.
It’s less about what she wanted to write and more about what needed to be said.
The book is divided into three sections: endings, the liminal, and beginnings.
She started her writing process with the “endings” and ended with the “beginning”.
You’re Not Facing Endings Alone
Facing endings can be uncomfortable.
The pandemic placed all of us in a time of immense change.
Octavia hopes that the book can be a companion to those who feel alone during times of change and uncertainty.
Octavia’s Writing Process
Octavia strives to embody the title of her book and be of integrity with her words.
Although she’s not perfect, she aims to reflect her heartfulness and presence in the creative process of her book.
She shares that her writing process is more like a rest journal.
When we want to hear and learn insights, we need to be quiet and listen.
Learn to be Still
The world wants to constantly fill the void and never rest.
We may be strong and resilient, but we are not built to take in all content from social media.
We consume so much content that we forget to listen to our own thoughts.
It takes courage to be still because it challenges us to understand who we are when we’re doing nothing.
The Goal of “Pause, Rest, Be”
Octavia hopes her readers will read the book with courage and feel hopeful, renewed, and fortified.
Courage is not about being courageous; it’s about living with heart.
How Octavia Feels Radically Loved
Octavia feels radically loved by being able to walk on this Earth.
The Earth is an expression of radical love.
5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode
[15:18] “Let's turn our being toward how much is truly ending right now and also just acknowledging the endings that we'd likely all face.” — Octavia Raheem
[19:38] “You have to have a way to come inside and listen and then bring forward with what you hear.” — Octavia Raheem
[21:24] “You can't teach grace. Sometimes you have to stand still enough for it to find you.” — Octavia Raheem
[23:53] “A lot of us define ourselves by what we can do…being still is asking us for nothing and then you have to start to contend with ‘what am I when I'm not doing all the things, [and] when I'm not producing.” — Octavia Raheem
[26:01] “Courage is simply to live with heart. I hope they [readers] feel renewed and fortified to face any ending, liminal space, and beginning with more heart.” — Octavia Raheem
About Octavia
Octavia Raheem is a yoga teacher with over 14 years of experience and nearly 10,000 hours of leading yoga classes, immersions, and online and in-person training. Octavia’s practice focuses on teaching individuals to manage stress, anxiety, and fatigue through restorative yoga, Yoga Nidra, and meditation.
Octavia’s work has been featured in Atlanta Magazine, Yoga Journal, Mantra Magazine, Well+Good CBB, WXIA, and more! In September 2019, she was named by Natural Awakening Magazine as one of four Yoga and Wellness luminaries who have transformed yoga in Atlanta.
She is the author of the upcoming book, Pause, Rest Be: Stillness Practices for Courage During Times of Change and Gather.
Want to learn more about Octavia’s work? Check out her website.
You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and email (octavia@octaviaraheem.com).
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Thanks for listening!
To feeling radically loved,
Rosie