Divinity, illuminated.

Tonight, I witnessed something that I’ll remember and cherish for a very, very long time.

I witnessed the Divine at work, illuminating a light so bright, it was blinding. Beautiful. Remarkable.

Yes, tonight I had the privilege and honour of witnessing the Universe, God or Divine (or any title you prefer) at work. It gave me hope for our collective future.  Hope for all of humanity.  Hope for our own community. And hope within me.

As I lay in on my yoga mat, surrounded by a multitude of others – all breathing in unison, with only the dlim light of candles flickering on the window ledges, and the warm air gently touching my skin, I experienced something remarkable and I could hardly wait to get home to capture some of the moments into words so they would not be forgotten.  For what I witnessed, what I experienced, was a gift that was, and is, truly too good to keep for myself.  May you find a small part of yourself on your yoga mat, alongside me in the following moments and may these words give you hope – for humanity, for our community and most of all, for yourself.

She said, “Listen for the whisper in your heart.”

In the silence, with just the sound of beating hearts and breathing, I listened.

How often do we stop and listen? How often do we slow down long enough to hear the whispers from within? How often are our ears muffled by the layers of stress, anxiety, busy-ness, worries, to-do lists, obligations, state-of-the-world fears, financial burdens and more…making the whispers inaudible?

As I lay with one hand over my heart and the other over my centre, I heard the whispers from my heart. A blend of seemingly random messages; “Think bigger.” it said.  “Surround yourself with the right people, right now.  Worry less. Consistency is the key to everything. Be more intentional. Focus on what you can influence. Forgive them, for they are doing their best. This will be your best year yet.” 

One of the whispers, I’ve heard before and have been honouring over the past year is; “Surround yourself with the right people, right now.” I’m not sure about you but my heart has been longing for collaboration, connection, and community – with other inspiring, creative, fabulous people – who, like me, want to bring their dreams to life and laugh (a lot) along the way! I’ve also been yearning for and searching for mentorship, for influence.

By the grace of God, I’m finding it. Or it’s finding me. I’m not sure which.

One of the beautiful human beings I’ve surrounded myself with is Melanie.  Last weekend, Mel and I created the most amazing collaboration.  She and I hosted a DIVA Retreat for a group of incredible women to go on a journey to “Discover their Inner Voice through Adventures of the body, mind and spirit (hence the name, DIVA).  We spent the evening laughing, connecting with our goals and dreams for 2022, with one another and with our breath. The connection, friendship and laughter was something to be celebrated – along with each and every extraordinary diva who attended! The Divine was present on this evening, too. I felt it.  In myself.  And I saw it in every woman in the room.

Tonight was the same.  I clearly saw the Divine in our yoga teacher, as she shared her thoughts, ideas, reflections and wisdom.  Some of the things I scrambled to write down as I got to my car, are here….Perhaps they may be words you need to hear.

Remember what you have forgotten – remember your absolute perfection. Breathe deeply. Breathe deeply and fall into that.

Allow yourself to be supported.  Here, on the mat, and everywhere.  I use blocks – in almost all poses.  To allow my body to be supported.  It’s OK to be supported. It’s OK to ask for support.  And maybe if I practise asking for support here, on the mat, I just might be able to do the same out in the world. 

It’s time for unity. It’s time to be in community.

Enjoy that sweet taste of letting go what doesn’t serve you.  (Read. That. Again.)

All of these wise words shared by our yoga teacher tonight were filled with power and vulnerability, in such a way that every soul in the room would be nourished as needed.

As I lay on my own mat, I could hear the person next to me breathing, crying, overcome with emotion.  Overcome with letting go of what didn’t serve her.  Her ability to be vulnerable and to let go reflected the possibility – the ability – to be vulnerable, myself. To allow myself to be even more vulnerable (in my heart and out in the world) and to let go….Just a little more. Of what doesn’t serve me.

Could you let go of what doesn’t serve you? Just a little?

In that moment, I realized the connectedness of how the Universe works.  For the woman next to me was being used by the Universe – a gift for me – just as the yoga teacher was being used by the Universe – a gift for her. I can only pray that I am being used by the Universe, in some small way, for someone reading this.  May we all find our way through the present moment – feeling just a little more connected to one another and to something Greater. May we all feel a sense of community.  And may we all collaborate and more forward together in a way that serves the greater good and our own higher good.  The time is now to connect, to be in community and to collaborate. On the mat – and off.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, nearing the end of the yoga class, as I lay grounded on my mat in shavasana, our yoga teacher began to sing a meditation. Her voice filled the room, with a depth of power that reached into the soul of every being in the room,  and with a weightlessness that could be heard among the stars.  I’ve never been to a yoga class quite like this.  Ever.  Her voice washed over me like the sweat on my skin, cleansing my worries away, leaving my hopes shining brightly underneath.  As she stood in her light, she brought forth the light in each of us.

Yes, tonight was a divine illumination of exactly what my body, mind and spirit needed most. It was blinding. Beautiful. Remarkable.

What I witnessed was profound.  In our yoga teacher, I clearly saw and felt her Divinity, illuminated. 

Perhaps 2022 could be an opportunity to not only be present to the Divine illumination of all things but to also be Divinity, illuminated. It’s time to let your light shine.  Now, more than ever. Humanity needs each of us to step up. To step into our own light. And to shine. Brightly.

Thank you Kylie and Modo Yoga – for who you are and the difference you make in this world.

Listen for the whispers.

Remember what you have forgotten – remember your absolute perfection. Breathe deeply. Breathe deeply and fall into that.

Enjoy that sweet taste of letting go what doesn’t serve you.  

Namaste (The light in me honours the light in you).

Please visit Modo Yoga Kelowna if you are looking to expand your yoga practise. I’ve been attending their yoga classes on and off for a decade. Their team and space will welcome you and honour the Divinity in you, illuminated. Find them here: Pranify Yoga Kelowna

Rave Reviews

“All I can say is WOW! Crystal Flaman you were on fire at the recent Vernon Women in Business Leadership Conference. Your ability to tie the conference theme into your inspirational messaging. You had the entire room captivated with the interactive activities you brought to help solidify your messages. As the MC, it is my job to mind the room and the time slot. Your expert storytelling had us all captivated from beginning to end. Thank you! I would highly recommend you for any event where the group is looking to elevate their team and individual performances.”
Faith Wood, Inspiring Minds Consulting Ltd, Owner
“Crystal was invited to kick-off and set the tone for our Professional Development conference. She delivered an interesting and engaging presentation, and inspired us through her passion and leadership, focusing on creating significance in our successes. Feedback after the session was incredibly positive, appreciating the relevance to both work and home life. Crystal even left us with parting gifts – a crystal prism and rings with encouraging words on them…and I still have them hanging at my desk as a reminder of what she taught us.  I would highly recommend Crystal to speak at your next engagement if you’re looking for a moving, honest and successful woman to ignite passion and inspiration for your team.”
Caren Leinwant, Green Shield Canada, Individual Business Services Manager
“I have known and worked with Crystal for the past 20 years.  She is an amazing person!  Crystal is a great speaker – engaging, humourous, and has the ability to appeal to many different audiences – young and old.   She is always prepared and willing to be flexible depending on the needs of her clients.  She has worked with many start up businesses over the years to provide information and guidance.   I would not hesitate to hire or refer Crystal for any speaking, mentoring or coaching opportunities for businesses in my community.  I know you won’t be disappointed.”
Wendy McCulloch, Community Futures Boundary, General Manager
“Crystal is creative, innovative, passionate, and inspirational. She planned special, memorable, and meaningful activities for our students that helped them to recognize their talents, boost their self-esteem, and prepare them for their transition to middle school. Both staff and students were so impressed by Crystal. The students were excited about the gifts they received and these special tokens will forever remind them of the lessons learned during their time with Crystal.  It truly was an honour to work with Crystal and experience all that she has to teach and offer. Our students are better, more confident people because of the time spent with Crystal.”
Mrs Lara Davies, Teacher, North Glenmore Elementary School
“Her physical and mental strength is only matched by the kindness of her heart. Crystal Flaman is a talented entrepreneur and athlete who has combined her passion for humanity with sport. Every opportunity is used to promote the well-being of her fellow man whether it be at home or abroad. A gifted speaker who can inspire you to tears, or better yet action, uses her magnetic energy to promote positive change. Crystal is hard working, committed and her tenacity is evident in many of her successful projects. Working with Crystal will be one of the best decisions you have ever made. “
Laura Thurnheer, Associate Dean, Okanagan College
“The Diva retreat was the most amazing week of my year. I am new to yoga, so was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up but Amelie was an amazing instructor and paced the class to include all abilities. It was a beautiful way to start the day! Crystal guided the workshops in her bright and positive way. Each day we meet for a workshop in a safe and supportive environment, with great materials to take away. She created a warm and welcoming place to talk and share experiences. The group of ladies – new to me – became friends I am still in contact with.  We each were able to laugh, share and feel validated.

The location was gorgeous and we had ample free time to explore the village, head to the beach or hang out at the resort. I loved the balance of yoga, workshops and free time.

I would highly recommend the retreat to give yourself time to pause, reflect and refocus.”
Dianne Bondaroff, DIVA Retreat 2018 participant, Artist, Entrepreneur, Change Maker
“I have known Crystal for over 15 years as a colleague and good friend. She is a key component of the instruction team for the Leisure Development Course, a unique three-year professional development program for parks, recreation and community development personnel. Crystal’s presentations are always inspirational, sensitive, insightful and tailored to the needs of the respective students. She is one of the most passionate and enthusiastic individuals I have had the pleasure of working with and would not hesitate in recommending Crystal for whatever endeavor she wishes to undertake.”
Chris Nelson, Coordinator, Leisure Development Course
“I am not sure how to compact my gratitude for what DIVA Retreats really has done for me. My first DIVA Retreat was in 2014. I was seeking exactly what it stands for: Discover my Inner Voice and Adventure through body,  mind, and spirit. I was so blessed to have spent the week with such amazing women and it was the start of a great personal journey since then. My second experience in 2018 was equally amazing and an opportunity to hold the space for someone else’s transformation experience.  At the same time, in the end I was newly inspired again!  I wanted to give back and, instead, got so much more in return. I recommend this retreat for anyone. You are safe and instantly welcomed if you come alone or bring your BFF's. I loved it all! Yoga, laughing, learning, hiking, biking, creating, trying healthy foods, humanitarian contribution.... and most of all making connections with amazing women from all over Canada.  I don’t think there is another retreat like this anywhere that is this affordable.
Louise Sarauer, Administrative Professional, Saskatoon, SK
“I have known Crystal for over 10 years and in that time I have had the pleasure of being a participant in her workshops and presentations as well as being a fellow presenter. Her unwavering enthusiasm for her topics and her sincere, heartfelt messages for her participants, makes her presentations exciting and meaningful to her audiences. She uses her own life challenges and successes as the back-drop for her messages allowing her to use humour to engage and connect with those in the room. Often using a variety of props and techniques, participants are continuously engaged in her presentations. As a result, Crystal is an effective speaker, focused on sharing her passion and beliefs to motivate participants to take action in their own lives, towards their goals and aspirations.”
Deb Comfort, Facilities Supervisor, Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Culture, Red Deer, AB

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