ahhtherapy ~newsletter ~feb 2026

Living Better. Living well. It begins with the exhale ~"Ahh"

Happy Lunar New Year!

This actually feels like the pre–New Year to me -the time we start to gain momentum. Maybe because I grew up Catholic and this begins Lent. Maybe it’s just something in the air. Either way, things are beginning, and by the Equinox -bam!- we’re fully in the new year. Then we celebrate again at the Spring Equinox when things start to grow…

And this year is especially meaningful because it’s the Year of the Horse.

I really love the energy of Horse years… there’s just something about horses that feels a little magical. But you do have to meet them in the right way, in the right energy. They can be breathtaking… and they can also be a bit intimidating. 🐎✨

The Year of the Horse is a year where things move fast. I mean, really fast.

Remember, everything is energy, and the energy of the horse is quick, independent, and passionate. It loves fun and exploration. It’s a little like Sagittarius energy… and especially this year, since it’s the Year of the Fire Horse, which brings even more passion and joy.

And remember: if horses like you, they like you. If they don’t, they don’t. They want what they want. They can be stubborn, extremely loving, and very wise.

But they don’t stay still for long.

So that’s the kind of energy you might feel this year : movement. The areas of your life where you’re putting your energy and attention will become your “horses.”

My suggestion? Consciously decide and direct your energy toward the desires you wish to manifest. A good way to start is by beginning an affirmation practice, if you don’t already have one.

Add gratitude and you have powerful synergy: affirmations and gratitude are two of the most powerful ways to align yourself with what you want to manifest. What you focus on multiplies. What you think about consistently tends to grow.

You can focus on your desires, your gratitude, and your joy. These are magnetizing and healing.

Or you can also focus on worry. On chaos. On what feels broken in your work or home life.

And those things may be real. I’m not negating your feelings. Feel them. Process them. Get sad. Get angry. Tend to yourself.

But then ask: What am I going to do to move forward? Keep that energy moving -moving out. Begin to replace it with the feelings and experiences you want to bring about.

Hey, and if you don’t know, that’s okay. Ask for help.

A therapist. A family member. A coach. A friend. Help is around you. I’ve been through many transitions -some really hard ones, honestly- and I’m always happy to support you.

Then make a plan and keep moving.

One thing I heard recently from Beau Maxwell that really resonated with me: don’t over-focus on shadow work right now.

Shadow work has its place, absolutely. But this year should be more about joy. It’s not the time to focus on the darker aspects of you, it’s time to focus on the lighter side: the parts that don’t bring up shame, guilt, fear, or sadness. Leave that for a heavier, quieter year. Focus on what you truly want to experience.

Here’s how to start: it can’t all happen immediately, which is why we take steps. Let’s say you want to go to the Bahamas but don’t have the money, then step outside on a warm day, feel the sun on your face for 10 minutes, and imagine you’re there. That’s what desire practices look like; simulations with imagination and enjoyment.

Of course, not every moment can be an exact dream come true. I’d love more meditation time, but with an autistic, nonverbal son who needs constant support, that time is limited. So I take short 5-minute meditations. Sometimes I meditate in the shower. Sometimes while I’m stirring my coffee. You get the point. But I believe in the time coming when these times extend and expand.

Do what you can. Let go of fear. Be present. Savor what’s here.
​ And at the end of each day, thank yourself for exactly that.

The Last Year Of The Horse Changed My Life.
​ That year -2014- I ended a toxic relationship cycle for good. I cut my pattern with narcissists. I was a boomerang for that energy, and that cycle finally ended.

I got out of my comfort zone. I taught yoga to 14-year-old lacrosse boys (which turned out to be fun). I came close to opening a yoga studio that spring; found a space I loved, but something made me wait.
Turns out, the universe had other plans.

I got my sweet Sami (Samadhi) that year. My little bear ( I call her that because she snores like one!) I had been falling into pockets of loneliness after my marriage ended. Sami changed everything. I never felt alone after her.

I didn't open the studio because I started dating Brian that September. The love of my life. That timing made it clear- it wasn't the moment.

I went to India. That trip was an initiation. Spiritual awakenings I'll never forget. I knew then that spirituality would always be my north star.

I traveled to Florida with my friend Martha. Her father barely knew me but spent half my visit looking for yoga studios for me. He believed in me. It truly encouraged me.

And then -while I was there-I went to my first equinox circle by accident. Martha and I were walking on the beach and came upon this beautiful, family-centered gathering. The ritual wasn't dark or heavy or weird. It was about light, energy, and intentionally creating something together, directing positive energy as a community. They welcomed us in and we built a mandala with found shells, seaweed, and beach wood. There were singing bowls and meditation and laughter and prayer. I knew I was meant to carry this back to New York.

So-After that trip, everything shifted.

In December 2014, I held a solstice yoga session at the aquarium in Riverhead. About 20 people showed up and it changed the trajectory for me. Even Brian showed up; he never does. Looking back, that was definitely a sign.

The solstices and equinoxes called to me. Once they did, all the Sabbaths followed. I had to follow the magic. (This year, my keyword is magic. More on that next week…)

I also received my Reiki II certification in 2014. Reiki I was lovely, but Reiki II was transformative. The symbols deepened my energetic connection completely. As an artist, the imagery helped me feel the energy more tangibly in my hands. After that attunement, something fundamental shifted.

Since Reiki was such a turning point during the last Year of the Horse, I'm offering Reiki II certification this March. If you've felt called to deepen your energy work, to work with this heightened moment, learn symbol work, practice distance healing, and step into your next level, than this training is for you.

My Reiki training is intuitive and experiential. I'm an Aquarius, so my approach is naturally a bit unconventional -in the best way:) I trained in the Tera Mai lineage, and my first teacher was a Shamanic Reiki practitioner, which shaped everything about how I practice and teach.

Teachers matter. Lineage matters. And so does following your intuition.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to deepen your practice, this is it.

If you're interested but haven't taken Reiki I, I'm available for 1:1 sessions and open to forming a new group. If there's interest in both levels, I'll create a bundled option so you can move through both seamlessly.

If you're feeling called to Reiki and to increase your energy flow, Reach Out Here. I'll respond with training details, dates, and answer any questions you have.

Wishing you a powerful, passionate, forward-moving Year of the Horse! A year where your energy finds its true direction, your momentum builds naturally, and your courage keeps meeting you at the exact right moments.

With all my heart,
​Love, Shana 🐎✨

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