ISSUE 2: BE CURIOUS – THE POWER OF CURIOSITY: EXPLORING THE WORLD WITHIN

Curiosity is a fairly common and simple word with a variety of definitions that more or less mean the same thing. Through these many definitions, three words ring constant from Merriam Webster to Google to Oxford: desire to know.

Desire is a feeling, a sense of longing for something one has yet to acquire or achieve. When we are curious, we have a sense of longing for knowledge we have yet to gain access to. Oftentimes, we desire to know so much about the world around us, but what about the world within us?

Do you ever wonder about what is really in the foods you’re consuming, how to feel more energized, or less anxious in new environments? It is questions like these that should be asked more frequently in our times of self-reflection. Each of these questions can have many solutions, but it is up to us to learn how to problem solve with curiosity a sour fuel to seek the best answers for ourselves.

Here are three tips to help get you started:

When faced with a challenge that can’t be answered with a quick search on the internet, it is easy to become frustrated because many people want a single solution at the tip of their fingers, but hardly get that.

Rather than allow this to lead to feelings of hopelessness, look at it as an opportunity to be open to a plethora of possibilities. One of the first things we can do when wanting to learn more about our physical, mental, or spiritual health is to keep an open mind. When we approach unfamiliarity with a mindset of exploration as opposed to seeking one exact answer, not only can we become more frustrated, but we are also limiting the possibilities of finding the best solution for our individual needs.

Second, don’t be afraid to play in the complexities of details. Sure, generic statements can be easier to digest, but when trying to understand elements of holistic health, there are so many layers to the information we learn about ourselves and options to optimize our well-being.

Lastly, give yourself grace. It is okay to not always find a single answer or truly understand the how’s and why’s of the internal and external challenges we face. Curiosity is a pursuit of humility in that we have to be okay not knowing the answer–that doesn’t mean we’ll never come upon the best solution.

Instead, it means that it is okay to not only learn from the journey of chasing what will work best for you but also the little pieces we pick up along the way in our acquisition of knowledge.

“Creative Problem-Solving Skills: The Value of Curiosity and Play.” IDEO U,www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/using-play-and-curiosity-to-better-understand-problems?srsltid=AfmBOoo9wpD0SFGheGrj-0MoWdLut4UBWwJ0xTo-B5JFfBbjCTNBn1CK.Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Greenwood, Tom.“Curiosity Is the Key to Solving Problems.” Wholegrain Digital, 26 Sept. 2024,www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/curiosity-is-the-key-to-solving-problems/.

Inside the Studio: A Closer Look at Our Classes

Find Your Flow: Yoga with Sydnee Allen

Ease into movement and mindfulness with Yoga Flow, a 45-minute class designed to help you build strength, increase flexibility, and find a sense of calm. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, this class offers a balanced approach to movement and breathwork, creating space for both challenge and relaxation.

Led by Sydnee Allen, an experienced yoga instructor dedicated to making yoga accessible to everyone, each session focuses on fluid sequences that encourage body awareness and mindful breathing. Modifications and props like blocks and straps are available to support all levels of experience, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your practice.

Class Schedule:
Mondays & Thursdays
5:30 PM & 6:20 PM
$15 per session

Perfect for those looking to relieve stress, improve mobility, or simply take a moment to reconnect, Yoga Flow offers a welcoming environment where you can move at your own pace. Join us and experience the benefits of a guided, intentional practice that nurtures both body and mind.

Exhale: Learning to Let Go of Stress and Anxiety with Ginger Stephens

Unwind from the day and step into a space of calm with Exhale, a guided mind-body practice designed to help you release stress and restore balance. This one-hour, candle-lit session blends mindful breathing, gentle movement, and meditation, offering a holistic approach to relaxation and nervous system regulation.

Led by Ginger Stephens, MA, LPC, LCDC, this class is perfect for anyone looking to manage stress, ease anxiety, or simply carve out a moment of peace in their week. No prior experience is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to breathe, move, and let go.

Class Details:
Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
$10 per session
Included with Whole Again Monthly Membership

Designed for all adults, Exhale is a welcoming and supportive environment where you can learn practical techniques to calm your mind, relax your body, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Whether you’re navigating daily stressors or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this class offers the tools to help you reset and recharge.

Book Talk: Let Them by Mel Robbins

Join us for an insightful discussion on the #1 bestselling book Let Them by Mel Robbins!
Date: Thursday, February 20th 5:30 PM

This book talk will be a wonderful opportunity to dive into Let Them—a book that is taking the nation by storm as a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, Amazon, and Audible Bestseller. Together, we’ll explore key takeaways, discuss the parts that resonated most, and reflect on how we can apply The Let Them Theory to our own lives.

According to Robbins, Let Them is a step-by-step guide to freeing yourself from the weight of others’ opinions, drama, and judgment. Through real-life stories and science-backed strategies, the book provides powerful tools to help you let go of what you can’t control, prioritize your own happiness, and build a life where you come first.

Whether you’ve read the book or are curious to learn more, we invite all book lovers to join us for a lively discussion, new connections, and light refreshments.

Don’t miss this chance to gain fresh insights, share your thoughts, and be inspired!
Let us know if you plan to attend—we’d love to see you there!

Join Us For Our Quarterly Book Club!

February 22nd at 10 AM
Join us for a quarterly book club led by Emily Taravella, where we dive deeper into meaningful discussions about novels. In our upcoming session, we’ll explore The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, with refreshments and handouts provided for all attendees. Call Today for more details 936.305.3070.

Visit Whole Again at The ChangeMakers: Women’s Resilience Summit

Join Whole Again Counseling + Wellness as a featured vendor at The ChangeMakers: Women’s Resilience Summit of East Texas! We’ll be at the Nacogdoches Civic Center on February 22nd, 1-5 PM. This inspiring event is all about empowering women, and we’re excited to connect with you there. Grab your tickets for this incredible summit and be part of a day filled with growth, resilience, and community!