It's interesting... I've tried to write this post multiple times this year, but couldn't quite find the words. Now it seems to be time as I reflect on what was happening this exact day last year:
November 29, 2017. 

I was on Thanksgiving break, taking a road trip with my brother, Tyler, around the peninsula. This particular day I walked from our Airbnb down to the coffee house in Port Angeles, Washington. When I arrived I decided to call my husband to check in. I remember turning around and seeing this view of the Olympic Mountains.
​He proceeded to have one of the most honest conversations with me about his life, struggles and desires. It was a fairly short, simple, yet heart felt share. I felt honored to hear and witness. I thanked him, we hung up. I went in to the coffee shop, got a coffee and muffin, then walked back to the place I was staying. 

After checking out, my brother and I drove over to the Elwha River Valley just west of Port Angeles. Neither of us had been there and it was absolutely beautiful! A gushing river, beautiful trees, a waterfall and the light in the sky was magnificent. We noticed the road to go further up the valley was closed, which seemed odd as there wasn't snow around. Tyler and I decided to walk behind the barrier and check it out. About a mile up we were greeted with the most incredible site. The river was raging! It had split into multiple paths and days before had taken everything in it's way. We walked closer, over a remaining bridge and into an area that had clearly been completely covered. The road was buckled and wavy. The mud and silt was thick on everything. The picnic benches were nearly covered. The energy and vibration of that area was tactile. It felt immense and powerful! It was a little unnerving, but we continued walking. The rushing water got louder and seemed to be on all sides of us.

We then realized the road ahead was completely washed out. Gone. Now the river was running through it.

This was the end of the road.

My heart sank. 

What I didn't yet share was that this exact same experience had happened TWICE before in the last three days. ​ Once as we were trying to drive to the Staircase Trail head, out by Lake Cushman. Once as we were driving to Port Angeles on 101, past Lake Crescent, (thankfully this had already been on the mend, so we could get across through a narrow makeshift road). And now this was the third complete road wash out.

What is the saying about if you see three signs of similar substance you better be paying attention?? Hmm.. well I do often pay attention when "signs" or synchronicity happens, but I usually take it with a grain of salt. We see what we want to see, yes? Or perhaps it's my inner skeptic. But to those of you who have experienced this, you will know - this was such a visceral sensation in my body. The knowing of change.

Unavoidable, Life altering - Change.

I wasn't 100% sure what or when, but I knew. It was a terrifying, unnerving feeling, the rest of the day I was riddled with anxiety. 

Three days later my husband and I came to the mutual decision to get a divorce.
It was December 2, 2017. 

To be honest this "change" was one of many that have been happening since 2016. In these last two years my business changed, my clients and friends shifted,  my home situation changed, my relationship changed, my relationship to love itself, my connection to myself: my body, my energy, my awareness, my desires have all changed. And I know this period of change is not yet complete. Perhaps it will never be "complete" but this deep shedding, grieving, processing, going to the depths hopefully won't last too much longer. It has been incredibly humbling. Eye opening. Soul expanding. Through this process I've begun coming back home to me, my truest essence, my heart. Finding my authenticity and my truth. All while clearing a bright path for the way forward - shifting the way I show up for myself, my community, my family, my relationships and the world community as a whole.

I've always been a seeker and perhaps I always will be, but in this moment I know I have found what I've been searching for. It's been within me all along. It had just gotten covered by stories and beliefs that weren't mine or ones that I had held on to for safety and no longer served me. It was covered by my efforts to please others for fear of hurting, upsetting or most importantly... not being loved if I followed my own path.

A truth I've struggled with all my life: as a trailblazer and truth seeker you have to be okay with upsetting people or rubbing them the wrong way. 

Hello - this is me.

Trailblazer. Lover. Medicine Woman. Light bringer. Light bearer. Traveler both in Earthly & Cosmic plains. Spiritual. Artist. Dancer. Starseed. Empath. Healer. Guide. Earth Warrior & Guardian. Goddess. Truth Seeker. Human. Mother. 

​I am incredibly grateful for this life, this body, this breath, this never ending soul and this human experience. The challenges, the tears, the grief, the heartache, the loss, and the friends, the family, the unknown ones who assisted me on this path. Whether through support or challenge I'm grateful for them both. For the love, the beauty, the joy, the simplicity, the awe, the magic, the power, and the gifts I've been shown amidst this journey - I am forever thankful. 

Change is unavoidable - it is a constant. But when you truly call in life change and take the leap - change is what you get. Perhaps not in the way you dreamed or intended or prayed for it. But it will happen. And it will be the most challenging, heart breaking, beautiful, magical, unexpected and heart expanding thing you do in your entire life. Be ready to surrender. Come to your knees. Pray like you've never prayed before. But you won't regret it. 

Thoughts 
Actions 
Words
Emotions

These are all energy. Energy must go somewhere. Energy doesn't disappear. Even if it's bottled for years - one day it will release. It will move. It will take on forms of its own. So how do you wish you navigate your energy shifts and releases? How do you wish to navigate change? What do you wish to create? Are YOU really ready for your entire life to change?

I am. 

I humbly ask: Will you join me?

​Are you ready to break free from your cocoon? We, humanity, need you to come back home to yourself. To remember why you came here. Now. Not tomorrow or next year or when it's more convenient. This world is burning and drowning around us. Families are being pulled apart. Atrocities on humanity continue to happen. Entire species and ecosystems are completely disappearing. We need change NOW and we all have a part. No matter how big or small. Even the smallest pebble creates a ripple. But you don't have to do it alone. We can go through this transformation TOGETHER. 

There is no one way - I definitely do not claim to know your path or have the answers.  Raising awareness, being mindful, healing your heart, sharing your gifts and/or shedding light for your own path ahead doesn't mean you have to be spiritual or religious or new age or anything. It's simply about coming back home to YOU. The YOU you were before fear set in, before restriction and "adulthood" set in, before the should's and should not's, before you felt unsafe, before you were told you can't, before you were told you should be something or someone else, before someone else's story became yours. But the YOU you return to will be all that was before and more... because the challenges, wisdom and lessons you've learned along the way. It's like meeting the 2.0 version of yourself!  

I know many of you are already in the midst of big or small shifts. If you desire someone to walk with you or to shed some light as needed - I'm here. If you have no idea what I'm taking about, yet you feel led to reach out - I'm here. If this resonates even the smallest amount - I'm here.  And I'd be honored to be of service.

I love you,
Terri Lynn Hays

**NOTE: This offer has expired - 1/2/2018**

​Throughout history when one left the family, community or tribe to embarked on a journey it was for the healing of the entire group. Everyone was involved and had a part to play not only with the preparation and initial journey but also with what transpired once the traveler returned. I feel this truth and connection to each of you deep in my bones. 

My deepest desire and soul calling is to be of service for not only humanity but great Mother Earth.  I don't yet know all the details of how that is to be, but I feel very called to continue being a lightbearer, space holder and wayshower of awakening. 

I know I'm also being drawn into more of a leadership role, holding more sacred gatherings - for all beings, as well as sharing and offering healing through my voice - whether that be through my literal voice or through writing. 

All of this excites and terrifies me, but I can no longer resist the calling. 

This sacred journey to Peru is to assist me in my own healing so that I may show up with even more integrity, truth and clarity of heart. Grounding into my deepest essence and light to more fully serve my community, family and the world. It is also to assist in healing deep ancestral wounds within my lineage and shedding layers of old stories that no longer serve us. 

The world: all beings and dear Mother Earth need ALL of us to come together to make the changes that are so desperately needed. ​

​I am deeply grateful for whatever you give, no blessing is too small.  I am incredibly grateful for this experience of surrender, trust, asking, receiving, and BELIEVING in my capacity to make this a reality. I even feel so very grateful for the discomforts and lessons they continue to bring up. Thank you and blessings to each and everyone of you. 

With deep gratitude and love,
TerriLynn

​Fast forward through a challenging 2016 - full of many peaks and valleys, accomplishments and struggle. It's the end of February 2017, I'm again looking at my online calendar and typing some appointments into April when I notice what I wrote... every day that month. Then it hit me.....
​HOLY SHIT!!! Every intention we had set had come true or was coming true and then some!

This weekend my husband and I agreed wholeheartedly it really did FEEL like a whole new life had begun. AND now seeing it every day on our calendar has brought a whole new sense of excitement to our daily lives. While there are still things to accomplish..... it's happening!!!!!!! 

Moral of the story:  The power of aligning your life with the truth of your heart and soul's purpose- works! Seriously.

I'm thrilled with all the new shifts happening not only within Esoteria but at Sound Wellness! These shifts benefit me, YOU and our community.
 
I've also included upcoming Breath Circle dates at the bottom of this page - with one coming up this Sunday the 12th from 6-7:30pm. Come try it out! No experience necessary, just an open curiosity and a willingness to receive.

Acutonics®
I just completed Acutonics®: Level 1 two weekends ago. It was such a powerful learning experience and it's a perfect addition to my bodywork sessions. For more information about Acutonics®, the use of tuning forks and sound healing visit this link. 

I need your assistance. I'm already integrating this new work into my sessions, but I'd like even more practice. I am gifting 30 minute Acutonics® sessions for the month of March to each of you. All I ask in return is your time and honest feedback. 
 
The use of tuning forks in a session can assist in: breaking up scar tissue, chronic or recent muscle aches/pains, energy balance, sleep, stress reduction, migraines or headaches, increase relaxation and much more. This is a very tactile experience and you will feel shifts almost immediately to your physical system as the frequencies and vibrations resonate throughout. Our bodies are about 70% water. Water is a great conductors of sound. Essentially we're using sound to massage your system from deep within. 

​If you have questions or you'd like to sign up please call or text me directly at 206-619-2976. I look forward to hearing from you!

​My deepest wish is that this note finds you transitioning into the new year with more ease, grace and love in your hearts.

I am personally finding great comfort in the spaciousness I'm feeling as I move into 2017. The "to do list" seems to be disappearing when I'm in flow and allowing space - tasks are easy, enjoyable and finish quicker when I wait for the right time to do them rather than pushing "to just get it done" (This one is still an ongoing practice. ha!). I've been finding a new delight in cooking, specifically soups that I've never had before - finding meditation in the chopping of vegetables and allowing the aromas to permeate deep into my being. 

It hasn't all been peaceful days of comfy bliss - I've also had days of wrestling with my demons - doubt, guilt, anger, and fear is always the big one. There are a lot of unknowns in my world at the moment, but here are a few things that have helped me during these moments of struggle.

1.) Allowing Creative Flow - I recently went to an Intuitive Painting Group in Tacoma and it blew my mind! To step into a space where your heart and breath are the leaders (Reminds me of the Breath Circles - nudge, nudge). There was no lack of abundance and no judgement neither positive or negative. It was meditative painting where no thought was involved - just a constant question to the heart - "whats next?" Allowing the mind to take a back seat and the heart to lead. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this was a daily existence?  It's very freeing to create with wild abandon, making a mess, all while laughing and sometimes crying at what comes forth.

2,) Get Outside! (or at least look outside) - yes it's rainy and cold, but there is something that makes me feel so alive when I bundle up, rain gear on, and go for a walk - feeling that brisk air enter my lungs, the cold wind on my cheeks, hearing the trees sing and seeing them sway in the breeze. The simply act of walking moves so much energy in my system. Then of course the deliciousness of coming home to the warmth and perhaps a hot cup of tea. Even on the days when I can't work up the nerve to brave the weather outside (which has been this last week) it's been so nourishing to simply sit in a chair by the window and bask in the glow of the moonlight. It's been a brilliant one these last few days, even amidst the clouds!

3.) Just Be - this is a hard one for me, but the more I can sit with it, the more I see how it affects my life in very profound ways. I've pushed and pulled most of my life. It can be unnerving to simply be - agitating actually, especially when it can feel like there is so much "to do". It can be hard to listen to my heart when I'm out doing errands and I "just have one more", but my system is done. Or I have a preconceived notion what I will get accomplished in a day and nothing seems to get done, in fact the list gets longer, WHAT?!?. But in those moments of low energy, stress, annoyance, etc - stopping what I'm doing to take a little nap or just sit down for a while, close my eyes and breath - really feel into my body, my system, and simply being quiet - really helps.

A quote from the book Making Space by Thich Nhat Hanh:
"Often we tell ourselves "Don't just sit there, DO something!" But when we practice awareness, we discover that the opposite may be more helpful: "Don't just do something, SIT there!"

Sending Love and Light,
Terri Lynn

​​As many of you know September was my last month at The Massage Place. It was a beautiful space to grow both personally and professionally these last five years, but as I stepped more boldly into living my soul's purpose - I was led to take a giant leap of faith that would not only change my work, but my LIFE.

Transition 
​
When I gave my notice at the end of August I had no idea what the next step would be. Would I continue in the massage therapy field? Would I find a whole new line of work? Would I take an indefinite amount of time off to figure out what was next? how would I finance this transition time? Would I be traveling abroad sooner than expected? Would I take more courses or get another license? Would I even continue living in Olympia?? 

As I moved through September - getting closer closer to my last day - the questions continued, both within my own mind and from others. I was in free fall.

At times I felt a deep sense of empowerment, excitement and adventure, while others I was left overwhelmed and riddled with fear of the unknown. 

While I still didn't have answers regarding where I was going to land next and what I was going to do - In mid September during an amazing, soul opening session with the dear Amanda Lux of Earth in Heart, it became clear that I was to shatter the box that I had so carefully put myself in. Shatter the fear, the control, the walls of protection and open to vulnerability, deep self-love and my true self - in all it's perfect imperfection.

No small task! Where was I to begin???

I knew I'd be taking most of October off to figure out what was next and that an open ended road trip was in my near future. October 1st (the new moon) I packed my car and headed south, but to my dismay excitement was replaced with stress - where was I to go? where was I to stay? was I going the right direction? what if I missed something important? The onslaught of questions and the unknown was all too familiar. My shoulders tensed, a headache started and anger came boiling to the top. What the hell was I doing?? In that moment I almost turned around and came home.

But I continued on - heading south on I-5, rain pouring, I sat with both the physical and emotional discomforts I was feeling - curiously asking about all that was coming to the top. With the help of deep breathing, a phone call with a friend and a break in the rain, I began to find some moments of clarity as well as a place to sleep for the night: Beacon Rock State Park. As darkness settled in I found a great place to set up camp under two beautiful, towering Douglas Firs. Tent set up, fire crackling,  and hot soup in my belly - I looked upward through the trees to the twinkling stars above and let out a sigh of complete contentment. 

In that moment I new with absolute clarity that I was exactly where I was meant to be and I was moving in the right direction - even if the end result was unknown. 

For the next four days I would continue my road trip - winding east along the Columbia River Gorge, then south through the Willamette National Forest (Central Cascades), stopping to stay at Breitenbush Hot Springs a few days, then continuing on to Bend, Oregon. All the while my mind and spirit winding in and out of complete freedom/faith to anxiety/fear, then back again. Along the way witnessing nature's limitless, wild beauty and meeting many beautiful beings whose stories touched my heart and strengthened my trust in the journey. Inevitably it all pointed me back home to you - much sooner than expected - with renewed clarity, purpose and vision.

Most of October I sat with the unknown (some days easier than others). A few days before the 1st of November it became clear that I was to began renting space at the beautiful Smyth Landing on West Bay Drive (yes, right on the water!)

​Within the building is a new space and group of holistic practitioners called Sound Wellness. It has been a dream of mine to work with a variety of wellness professionals in a space brimming with vision, possibility and new creation - I just never thought it would happen so early in my career! The rest of November I spent creating my space - my sanctuary - grounding even more deeply into my heart and the new work I was to offer you. 

Transformation
​
During my trip it became clear that my work was to undergo a deep transformation. My early training and work was strongly based in the physical/treatment oriented side of bodywork - more or less Deep Tissue Massage and Treatment Sessions. If someone had an ache or pain - we looked for a solution - dare I say I tried to "fix" the problem area. At times this would work with great success while others left me dumbfounded, even frustrated - like I was beating my head (or hands) against a wall. 

There was a lot of force and determination involved in my first 5 years of practice - not bad qualities to have as you're starting a business, but it took it's toll - physically, energetically and emotionally. I realized not only was I wearing myself out quickly, but I was resting back into what was known, easy and safe. In short, I was not practicing in a way that served our highest good, both you - the client or me - the practitioner. And the passion I once had for my work was dwindling as well.

As my work began to progress over the years, my personal awareness of my own being deepened and my awareness of the entire human system expanded. Not only was I feeling the physical aspect of one's being, but sometimes the energetic, emotional and/or spiritual sides as well. This was a struggle for me - what do I do with this information? How does this fit in with physical bodywork or healing in general? How can I work more holistically while maintaining my own integrity, ethics and clarity? How can I assist in creating lasting change, instead of momentary relief?

What is "healing" anyway??

These are questions I still ask and continue studying about, but for now I realized I don't need to have all the answers. I'm realizing the more self work I do - by strengthening my personal practice, deepening my self awareness and self love, healing my own wounds, and clearing/balancing my energy fields on a regular basis then all that comes through is pure love - the ultimate healer.

The more I lean into the unknown, trust the process and simply LISTEN - deeply listen - to each human system that I encounter the more things naturally begin to unwind and find balance again. It's as if coming back to the body and heart - allowing space for breath and inward focus - moves energy once more to those spaces of dis-ease. By going within, we find our hearts, our POWER and the grace to transform - possibly even AWAKEN to find our authentic selves.

During a time when our world is so full of fear, violence, never ending struggle and chaos it's hard to know where to begin or how we can make a difference. I've been told time and time again these last two months to go within, go within, go within - find that peace and unconditional love deep within your own heart - then let it permeate every cell of your being.

This allows flow instead of force, ease instead of  dis-ease,  response instead of reaction. and love instead of fear. The work done within your own heart will affect your family, your neighbors, your community - OUR WORLD.

If you want to be a voice for peace in the world, begin by making peace a permanent condition of your own life. Your higher self knows the way, and all it takes is awareness and a determination to listen to the calling of love, forgiveness, and kindness as you move through your days. Here are a few ideas to think about:

You must offer peace to have it. Think of yourself as a peaceful person. Watch out for your ego’s inclination to take offense and ramp up confrontation and disturbance in the lives of others. Try saying, “You are really having a rough day,” to a harried clerk, rather than, “I’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes already.” Let your loving presence, not your ego, guide your words and actions.

Remember that grievances bring turmoil while communication brings peace.
You can shed grievances by letting go of your own self-absorption and practicing forgiveness. If you are angry toward someone in your life, work at communicating with that person. A few moments of discussion and forgiveness can send the turmoil away and weaken the influence of your anxiety-loving ego.

Give yourself the gift of a silent retreat every day. Even if it is only for a few moments, experience this key to higher awareness. Shut down the inner dialogue and see the difference between the constant chatter and the bliss of your silent connection to the Universe. This is the surest way to ease control away from ego and move into the inner vision of peace that is your birthright.

Remind yourself that the greatest technique for bringing peace into your life is to always choose being kind when you have a choice between being right or being kind. This is the single most effective method I know for having a sense of peace. And you have that choice in all your interactions.

If you have a question about whether it is your ego or your higher self speaking, the answer becomes obvious when you ask yourself, “Will this bring peace or turmoil to my life?”

By all means, work toward righting the wrongs you perceive, but do it with an understanding that an angry heart keeps you from knowing God on the path of your sacred quest. Peace will come to you when you're a healer rather than a judge.