Today is April 19th and it is the day that I celebrate two women who remind me in a simple and sweet way that the way to live requires a smile from your heart and laughter on your lips. Continue reading “All the world needs a smile and a little laughter” »
> BlogApr
18
When We Connect We are Whole
Every so often something happens which serves as a reminder of how precious our relationships in life are. We know it by common sense, by experience, but we also sometimes forget. This week so much has been spoken or written about regarding the tragedy in Boston and underpinning all these stories are the connections people are making to one another. They are reaching out—runner to runner, stranger to stranger, and friend to friend. And when things pull us apart—pull us from the foundation that makes us stable—is it not a connection back to humanity which makes us whole again? Continue reading “When We Connect We are Whole” »
Apr
17
Healing
As we continue to look upon the events of the Boston Marathon with sadness and disbelief we also must look to places for healing. Our heartbreak from loss—of personal tragedy or universal dissolve of safety—cannot paralyze. We heal not all at once. And, honestly, we often do not completely heal. What we do is embrace the idea, honor the pain, and slowly accept the scars. Continue reading “Healing” »
Apr
16
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
When you study yoga, many think that we spend all our time on the poses—understanding alignment and proper sequencing. But in the true yoga tradition, and the training I received, a significant portion focuses on the yoga philosophy. The philosophy of yoga is often quoted through a collection of Sutras which were orally handed down thousands of years ago and today are offered through various translations. They are the back bone for the practice—both on and off the mat. Continue reading “Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” »
Apr
15
Death and Taxes or Sharing Karma….
It is tax day and for many of us we have been grumbling all month getting our documents together—those bits of paper that justify to the IRS that we are relevant American citizens worthy of deductions. Regardless of what breaks we get, we all pay—even if we are getting a refund—all of us have still paid something. And certainly, we want to pull our weight and do our part for the city, county, and country. But it would be nice if we got to set the amount? Personally determine how much is our fair share? Continue reading “Death and Taxes or Sharing Karma….” »
Apr
14
Sometimes We Come Unhinged
A few days ago I was getting my bicycle out of the shed. It’s actually a garage, but a 1928 garage. Today it would fit an oversized lawnmower. Each time I go to the shed and open the old heavy doors it is a test of wills. Will I have the strength to drag the creaking door along the drive? Will it continue the act of opening and closing? Continue reading “Sometimes We Come Unhinged” »
Apr
13
What is Feeding Your Soul?
This morning is a Farmers Market morning and anyone who knows me, knows I covet market time. Even when I travel, I will stop at a Farmers Market in a foreign town so I can find out what they eat, how they feed their community. In Monterey it was unbelievably tender artichokes; in Berkeley there were an amazing assortments of plums, pluots, and tangerines; and, in Lancaster the Amish have beautiful asparagus. Continue reading “What is Feeding Your Soul?” »
Apr
12
We All Bloom, in our Own Time
Just as some of us were anticipating, the slow thaw of winter caused us to jump right through to summer. But alas, take heart…the spring is here. It is evident at every turn. The emerging leaves on the dogwoods are all dotted with with their colorful blooms, the lilacs are bursting, and the Forsythias can still be seen dancing their yellow branches. Continue reading “We All Bloom, in our Own Time” »
Apr
11
Accessorizing Starts with A, B, C…
I have many friends who find life’s delicious gifts in the accessories they can collect. There is the friend who admitted that going back to work full time was due in part for her love of shoes, there is another friend who claims an affinity for satchels, and then there is me who finds all sorts of reasons to take amenities to my mat and that of my students with prop accessories—blocks, straps, bolsters, lacrosse balls…But there are three accessories that we all need to have at the ready. Continue reading “Accessorizing Starts with A, B, C…” »
Apr
10
Setting things Straight by Leaving Them Askew
The other day I indulged and had my house cleaned—by professionals. It is something many of my friends do but many of my friends have kids, pets, or at least one other person around to help create a mess. So it felt rather indulgent for this single, rather orderly person. They cleaned very well…a completely worthy indulgence. I not only knew they had been there from the shiny surfaces and countertops that I no longer could draw a picture on but because just about every picture on the wall hung askew. Continue reading “Setting things Straight by Leaving Them Askew” »