Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave

I have thoroughly enjoyed the kids holiday breaks. We didn't take any trips, but kept it mellow and close to home base. It has been a nice change of pace to the usual hustle bustle of the day. We decided to go see a family movie today, "Tangled". I can still get captured by the magic of Disney. Charming, Charming, Charming. Two thumbs up from me! I loved Rapunzel's fun and feisty attitude. It was interesting to see her "fight" with her own emotions. In a class the other day, the teacher was just talking about not fighting with yourself, physically or emotionally. We really can make things complicated! Now I know my children don't have magic hair, messy maybe, but if I stroke their hair as they drift off to sleep, I'd swear it has healing and restorative power as I feel perfectly at peace.

Let it Shine, Let it Shine

I'm still singing, "Let it Shine, Let it Shine" from class with Sanieh today. What an amazing, fun, and energetic class, although my heart has not quite settled back into my chest from Sanieh's lovely and uplifting chant & song to close class. I had no idea how her voice transcends. The Sanctuary at Amala was absolutely beautiful today for practice. There was a lot of love in that room today and it was awesome to see Willis & Autumn! Spirits were soaring and the collective singing "Let it Shine" as her shruti instrument softened as we neared the end of savasana. I am grateful that I was able to have the opportunity to be there today.

Just before class the kids and I sat down and reviewed our resolutions from last year, and discussed what possible new dreams and intentions speak to us this year. I may have guided some of their visions, but I think they are fun and leave plenty of room for growth. I am also so grateful that yoga has brought back that sense of creative energy back into my life. I had forgotten to dream.

It's been a life shifting day and I'm off to sleep singing...

"Happy Birthday!"

No, I wasn't able to stay up until 12am. I fell asleep with the 2 little loves of my life. My littlest was releasing lots of emotion, which tends to come out when being over-tired kicks in. I felt a little extra snuggling was called for, but it never fails, it's the safest, warmest, coziest place I can think of, and sure enough...lights out. So I awoke to find myself inspired to write, realizing that it had been so long since I created my blog, (although I blog everyday in my head), that I didn't know how to log into my own blog! An hour later, but still tenacious, I conquered that problem and sat amongst the quiet.

There are no more celebrations or fireworks at this point. Much like the hoopla of New Year's itself. Every year, we resolve to become better, do better, try this, master that, feel better, look better, be better. Then, somewhere along the way, we may feel that we sway from these truths that we spoke of at one time. Some things we let go of, maybe some we cling to, or come to define us. The mark of the New Year is seen as a catalyst that jumps starts things in motion, but like the fireworks that fade after seconds, or maybe minutes, so perhaps do our hearts intentions.

I missed all of the holiday cartoon classics this year. This is great because we have tapered TV time, but I'm sorry I missed them, I do enjoy the classics. I keep hearing Frosty the Snowman saying, "Happy Birthday!". If it's been some time for you, or you've never seen it, every time Frosty's black top hat was put on his head, it would bring him to life. So Frosty is literally frozen, or in a state of limbo until he is "awakened" by his hat. Maybe we all just need that figurative black hat or token to remind us to be in the moment.

So in this sense, live each day, with the "New Year" mentality. Every day, is a new opportunity to root down, and reach for the highest potential possible. If we feel that we fall short of our own expectations, hug your knees into your body, wrap your arms around knees, honor yourself, breathe and say..."Happy Birthday!"

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” ~ Rumi

Here it is. Finally. My first blog. It's later than I would typically stay up tonight, but I feel like I have procrastinated on setting this up long enough. I believe #2 on my New Year's resolutions list was, "No more procrastinating; get it DONE!". I know that this is just a first step, and I know, I know, Facebook will be inevitable, Linked in, etc. As much as I was defying having a commitment to these sites, I'm finding that it will be so nice to stay connected with friends, fellow teachers and my mentors. I'm hoping instead of feeling isolated and behind the times that I begin to feel inspired to be connected and 'plugged in'. I also feel like I am crossing a threshold for an obstacle that's held me back for about 10 years now. I remember a time when all I wanted to do was write; write articles perhaps for a newspaper or magazine, stories, books, and write just to write because I love the creative element of writing and I love great pens. I can pinpoint the teacher and time when things took a wrong turn. It scarred me for a very long time and I stopped writing. It was more work than pleasure to write anything down, except thank you notes. I will embark on this yogic journey with a pen, or keyboard in hand, and continue my path of discovery, healing and open the heart to the many doors it is tucked behind.

Welcome to my journey.