The World Is Yours
Beautiful Souls,
Well, November was quite the month to say the least! Wherever you have found yourself this Thanksgiving, I pray that you find gratitude and peace in your mind, body, and soul. As you enjoy the four-day weekend, I share with you what I’m reading, how I’m healing, my favorite yoga classes, and more, to help you on your journey. I invite you to explore these reflections and also pause and reflect on where you are at going into this holiday season.
From an endometriosis diagnosis, to my first colonoscopy, to the energetic annihilation of the presidential election, now more than ever, I am so honored and grateful to be in community with you. What I have come to realize over these past few weeks in particular is that life is always going to life. From elections, to family trauma, to relationships, to health challenges, whatever it may be, life is always going to life.
I’ve recently found solace from the words of New York Times Bestselling author, Ta-Nehisi Coates, from his book Between The World and Me. It read:
“I did not tell you that it would be okay, because I have never believed that it would be okay. What I told you is what your grandparents tried to tell me: that this is your country, that this is your world, that this is your body, and you must find some way to live within the all of it.”
-Ta-Nehisi Coates
This is your country.
This is your world.
This is your body.
As you read on, I will share some of the instrumental tools that are helping me find my way in this country, in this world, and in this body. I am finding my way. We are finding our way; finding our way to live within the all of it.
We have to.
The world is yours, and you are not alone.
Give More Than You Take
I am a strong believer in giving more than you take —even when you feel you have little to give. Words cannot explain how transformative my trip was back in 2022 to Peru with Warrior Retreats, a non-profit making generational impact. From protecting the Amazon Rainforest, to providing healthcare in remote villages, to aiding a pediatric hospice, their projects are transforming lives. This holiday season, they’re raising funds to bring hope and real change to children, families, and communities in need. Click below to learn more and join us in making a difference—every contribution counts!
The Vibes Will Always Be Vibing
I have been intuitively and intentionally looking for joy wherever I can find it. I am unapologetically reading multiple books at a time, have feel-good music on repeat, and I’m binge-watching Netflix for the first time ever. Here's a glimpse into what I'm currently indulging in:
Nike Training Club App: This holiday season, I’m making an effort to prioritize daily movement—even if it’s just five minutes on the yoga mat. I’m consciously letting go of the pressure to work out for aesthetics and focusing instead on simply feeling good. The NTC App is FREE 99 and has everything from strength training to yoga and everything in-between.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin: If you don’t know who Rick Rubin is, stop reading and Google him immediately. This book is pure gold—short chapters, profound insights, and universal wisdom that will shift your perspective, no matter your walk of life.
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates: Possibly the most talked-about and controversial book of the year, Coates' thought-provoking writing always grabs my attention. I’m still reading, but his raw vulnerability in tackling tough topics make this a must-read.
Jon Batiste’s New Album, Beethoven Blues: Just hit play and let the magic happen. This album is everything—perfect for waking up, winding down, or vibing all day. Batiste takes Beethoven to soulful new heights, and it’s truly next level.
Sex and the City on Netflix: SATC is finally on Netflix, and it’s hitting differently now that I’m in my 30s. As a New Yorker, this show feels like a love letter to the city and a nostalgic escape that has me laughing, cringing, and feeling all the feels.
You’ve Got To Save Yourself, Before You Save The World
If you know me, you know I’m an open book. Vulnerability is a powerful tool—when we speak openly, we create space for connection, support, and the resources we need to flow into our lives. Most importantly though, I can’t stress enough the importance of speaking up to your doctors. If something feels off, don’t let your symptoms be overlooked or ignored. Advocating for yourself and your health is one of the most important battles you will ever fight.
Colonoscopy & Endoscopy: At 31, I was the first among my friends to get a colonoscopy—and I’m so glad I did. My doctor initially brushed off my bloating and stomach pains as constipation and told me to try a laxative (eye roll). When that didn’t help, I pushed for answers and was scheduled for both a colonoscopy (camera up the butt) and an endoscopy (camera down the throat). The prep for the colonoscopy, as you may have heard, is not a vibe. No food for 24 hours, just water and a not-so-tasty solution to clear out your system. The next morning, I had both procedures under anesthesia (smooth sailing from there), and my mom kindly helped me home. The results confirmed something was off: significant inflammation in my esophagus and stomach. Thankfully, nothing life-threatening. Now, I’m working with my doctor, nutritionist, and holistic health coach to create a healing plan. To be honest, diving into food and nutrition feels overwhelming—like an endless maze of trial and error when all I want is to eat what I want. But this is the healing journey I’m committing to, and I’ll keep you posted as I figure it out.
The Chronic Illness of Endometriosis: I’ve been reflecting on how to describe the excruciating pain that comes with endometriosis—a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus (yes, it’s as awful as it sounds). Endometriosis is notoriously hard to diagnose, but I’m beyond grateful for my incredible gyno, Dr. Kameelah Phillips. If you’re in NYC, I can’t recommend her enough. Getting this diagnosis was heavy—realizing I’ll have to manage this chronic illness for life is daunting. Dr. Phillips and I are tackling it with hormonal therapy (birth control), which I hesitated to start because I’m not a fan of adding extra hormones to my body. But the pain was wrecking my quality of life, and I had to prioritize relief. There’s a surgery option to remove the tissue, but for now, I’m focusing on learning more about how diet and supplements can help. Everything—bloating, stomach pain—it’s all connected. If you’re experiencing similar pain or have an endometriosis diagnosis, please email me! I’m still piecing together answers and would love to exchange insights.
S3 YOGA
IN-PERSON CLASSES
S3 YOGA is a global and inclusive wellness community that I started with my tribe in 2019. It has truly been my way of giving back to the world and sharing the healing benefits of yoga. If you would like to experience S3 YOGA classes in person, I am now taking bookings for 2025! With S3 YOGA, I offer private and corporate yoga and meditation sessions (in-person and virtual). For all inquiries, please e-mail me at: savanna@s3official.com. To learn more about S3 YOGA and our clients, visit the website: S3OFFICIAL.COM
ONLINE
In the meantime, you can vibe with me on YouTube for free, accessible, feel-good yoga, meditation, and breath work classes. You don’t even need a yoga mat! Subscribe below:
Whew! As I said, this month has been a lot. I am so grateful to be on this healing journey with you. It feels so much better when you’re not alone, doesn’t it? Keep showing up for yourself. You are whole, capable, and worthy of becoming your best, most true, self, on all days, in all ways.
With gratitude,
Savanna