FIRST ONE TO LOVE WINS
There are a lot of races life causes us to get caught up in. We compete for the best job, the most attractive partner, the highest number of followers, the biggest bank account, and more. We often stay in this rat race despite serious negative consequences: burn-out, addiction and self-loathing.
Shell Avenue's cutting-edge antidotes to the problematic outcomes of modern lifestyles are shaped by a core belief that the only competition worth participating in is the race to love. When love is the finish line everybody wins.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Everything we do at Shell is inspired by a 12-step way of living because, simply put, the people who work here owe their lives to transformations made possible by sobriety. Our philosophy has been shaped over 35 years worth of tough lessons, serious challenges and incredible insights.
WE'RE ALL ADDICTS
The modern world has made addicts of us all. If addiction is characterized by a persistent and intense urge to engage in certain behaviors, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences, then we're all addicts. We're addicted to our devices, to our need for external confirmation of our self-worth, and to the cognitively distorted stories we tell ourselves. Luckily at Shell we're experts on addiction and helping people recover.
TRIBE IS ESSENTIAL
Humans are interdependent creatures who find meaning and support in community. While alone-time is important, isolation spells danger. At Shell we cultivate tribe, introducing like-minded people and building long-term support networks.
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NO SHAME ALLOWED
Shame is one of the leading obstacles to meaningful self-worth. At Shell we shower the skeletons in our closets with kindness and curiosity and make it possible for people to be safe in their vulnerability. It's terrifying to say what we really feel, and those blocks come in between us and our highest self. It’s important to have a safe place to be unsafe.
PERFECTION IS WITHIN YOU
At Shell we believe that you don't work on yourself to create perfection, you simply rediscover it. Through a process of uncovering, discovering and discarding what no longer serves you, you befriend the parts of you that were perfect all along.​
YOU'VE GOT TO FIND FLOW
We all need to have at least one activity in our life that causes us to lose all track of time and enter flow. It could be running, writing, painting, making music or building websites. Whatever it is, at Shell we work to help people identify their passion and their purpose, connect with and pursue it with vigor and passion. If you haven't ever leapt out of bed in the morning with excitement, when you work with the coaches at Shell it's just a matter of time.
ENDING GENERATIONAL TRAUMA
Trauma isn't just confined to one lifetime. Genetics, epigenetics, socialized behaviors, attachment styles and coping mechanisms bleed over generations. Everyone has a chance to end the cycle. Seano's son has never seen his dad high or acting out. Seano has raised a child who he doesn't have to stay up all night worrying about. That's a beautiful thing and it's possible for every mother, father, brother, sister and child.
HEROES ASK FOR HELP
"I don't know, can you help me?" is probably the most powerful combination of words possible. We don't have to go it alone, and we're not the only one who did, said, thought or felt that thing that's drenching you in shadow. At Shell, we teach people the beauty of identifying with others, relating across sex, gender, racial, ethnic, religious and age-defined borders, and living in consultation.​
THE 12 MEANING MARKERS
There are twelve key areas that we have identified as integral to living a fulfilling, embodied and present life. We help our clients address these meaning markers in our retreats, sober living programs and coaching sessions. They are useful north stars in the path to recovery of self.
Love
How's your emotional diet? How's your self-love? Are you creatively engaged?
Community
Are you seeking out and socializing with others on a higher vibration?
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Spirituality
Are you seeking out food for the soul (e.g. prayer, meditation)?
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Environment
Are you mixing it up? Taking time off, going on vacation, changing your scenery?
Intellect
Is your mind engaged and are you learning new things/challenging yourself/staying curious?
Service
Are you balancing being of service to others with your own self-care?
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Integrity
Are you a person of your word? Do you show up no matter what?
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Gratitude
Are you in a state of wonderment, curiosity and gratitude for the things you have?
Honesty
Are you sitting on secrets? Are you auditioning for a role or being authentic?
Fitness
How is your physical health, fitness and nutritional intake?
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Sensuality
Are you stimulating all your senses with diverse food, trips into nature? Are you having fulfilling sex?
Humility
Are you keeping your ego in check? Do you know how to ask for help?
Are you in self-will or acceptance?