I almost ignored it. It saved my life.

I almost didn't write this letter because it’s still so fresh. But I keep coming back to the feeling that this story isn't just mine to hold. It’s important for all of us right now. So here goes…

For the last few months, I've been getting winded during normal workouts. My first instinct was the one so many of us know: push harder. But every time I tried, my body simply said no.

I finally saw my nurse practitioner last Tuesday. All tests came back perfectly normal. I drove home relieved.

But the next morning, as I was preparing to teach my PranaShakti class — titled "Listen To Your Body" (you can’t make this stuff up!) — a voice moved through my mind:

Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism.

I could have dismissed it. Instead, I paused. I messaged my nurse practitioner and asked for a CT scan. Then I went and taught — taking breaks, which is very unlike me.

By the time class ended, my scan was scheduled for that afternoon. I assumed it would simply rule everything out.

It didn't.

They sent me straight to the ER with bilateral pulmonary embolisms — two blood clots in my lungs.

I'm home now, well cared for, and genuinely grateful. Not just for my health — but for what this experience cracked open in me.

Your body is always speaking.

The question is whether you’re willing to listen.

We’re in the final days of the Year of the Wood Snake — and if you've been paying attention, you may feel something completing. Something being shed.

The Snake doesn't fight her old skin. She softens. She trusts. She lets it go. As this cycle closes and the Fire Horse year begins, we are all being asked:

What are you ready to release?

For me, it's the pattern of pushing through — treating my body as something to be driven rather than a living oracle to be honored. I can't carry that into what's next.

I am so grateful for that knowing. Even for the fear, the ER, all of it.

Your invitation:

In these final days of the Snake year, get quiet. Place a hand on your heart. And gently ask:

What has my body been trying to tell me?

What am I being asked to release?

What skin am I finally ready to shed?

You don't have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to listen. Your body will meet you there.

Come Practice With Me This Week

Releasing & Receiving — a PranaShakti journey for the turning of the year

This week's classes are designed to help you do exactly this: soften into what's asking to leave, and open to what's wanting to arrive.

Wednesday, February 11 — 9:00 am CT

Austin, In-Person

A softer, grounding PranaShakti journey to reconnect, release, and listen deeply within.

Friday, February 13 — 9:00 am CT

Online from your living room | Replay included

A gentle, nourishing class to support breath, circulation, emotional clearing, and body wisdom.

Register for Wednesday or Friday: debkern.punchpass.com

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Saturday, February 14 — 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Love Is The Fire: Valentine's Day PranaShakti Mini-Retreat

Austin, In-Person

A heart-centered, restorative 3-hour immersion of movement, breath, and inner awakening — igniting love for your body, your life, and your path.

Register here

Thank you for being here. For holding space for my story — and for the courage you bring to listening to your own.

With so much love,

Deb