Awakening

This is the fourth and final week of my yoga teacher training and I am so grateful to have had this experience. Honestly, the program has been intense (to say the least). There were moments during the first two weeks when I didn't think I could or would make it. By week three, I had turned a corner; my body didn't hurt as much, I didn't find the asanas as difficult, I started enjoying myself.

Thinking about how my experience was transforming, I was reminded of a quote I recently read; "Things don't get easier, we simply get better." That's not to say I've got everything down pat; I'm simply saying, I have changed...

These past four weeks have been such a heart opening experience. I feel awakened; like I have crossed a threshold coming to a more conscious state physically and mentally. I've found myself actively thinking about my decisions and actions versus doing things automatically because that's the way I've always done them. I am renewing personal vows to be authentic and truthful with myself; to live my life the way I've always envisioned.

In addition to all that; I've met wonderful people, whom I truly believe will be friends for life. Laughing, crying, sharing, and supporting each other through this process has truly created an awesome bond.

I am so excited to see where I go from here...

Until next time; a blessing...

May the long time sun shine upon you 
All love surround you 
And the pure light within you guide your way

Namaste

Wickedly Amazing!

Yesterday was a good day.

Back in April my parents and sister got together and bought me tickets to the Broadway musical  Wicked. Because we knew I'd be here in the city for the month of July, they bought the tickets for this weekend. After much excited waiting [on my part]; yesterday was the day. To say the show was fantastic would be a vast understatement. I have owned the original cast soundtrack for a few years, and found many of the songs so inspiring, but there is truly nothing like seeing it all played out on stage. I have to admit, I shed a tear during a couple of scenes (smile).

The underlying message of the musical is one of hope and perseverance...literally going from a place of sorrow and shame to watching your dreams become reality. And although the story is fiction, it reminded me that in life; anything is possible if we're willing to stand up for our dreams and what we believe to be true.

Dream and believe...

Contentment

 Over the past couple of days in teacher training we have been discussing yogic philosophy; concentrating on the 8 Limbs of Classical Yoga that are part of the Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali. In discussing these 8 Limbs of  Classical Yoga, our instructor has asked us to concentrate on one or two specific parts that speak to our soul and make it or them a part of our daily walk.


Although there were many that spoke to me; I have decided to concentrate on Santosha or contentment. According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras; through contentment, supreme joy is gained. He says many of us confuse the difference between contentment and satisfaction, going on to define contentment as being just as we are without going to outside things for our happiness.


This statement hit me right between the eyes. So many times I've found myself thinking my life would be better if I did this, had that, lived there, etc, etc. Instead of focusing on the here and now and what is so wonderful about my life, my eyes were always looking ahead to the next thing - very rarely taking joy in what was right in front of me at THAT TIME.


That being said for the next 27 days (and beyond, hopefully), I will practice being content in my daily walk, recognizing that being content does not nullify the desire to improve; contentment simply expresses that "I am okay today."

The winds of change are blowing...

Life has me a little off kilter lately. Transitions and changes are abounding, decisions are having to be made, and I'm not quite sure of the path I should be following or of the path I want to follow. The past month or so, I've been trying to get out of my head and listen a little more to my heart. I've been looking at what used to be dreams for my life and trying to decide if those are still things I desire and aspire to.

I begin training for my yoga teacher certification in exactly 25 days. I am very excited and a little nervous. Truth be told, I am also hoping for some clarity; being a yoga teacher is one of those dreams I mentioned earlier.

The one thing I do know? The only constant in life is change; so it's onward and upward...moving forward, never looking back; for all of life is a journey and no matter where it takes me, I must believe I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

Something to ruminate on -

Follow your passion, it knows where you should go. Help people. Explore, play, laugh, enjoy. Move more, stress less. Make your own path. Define what success looks like for you, then go after it. Do it now. Collect experiences, not things. Ignore doubters, even when they're in your own head. Nourish your mind and body. Take time out often. Be your own hero. Give yourself permission. Trust your instincts. Build your days around what is important to you. Never stop learning and experimenting.
(this is not mine, I found it on Pinterest)

Spring

Spring makes me giddy. It’s a season filled with possibility and new beginnings; a season of expectation, transition, and change. I find joy in azure blue skies and neon green leaf buds. Fuchsia pink flowers make me smile.  The deep green grass makes me want to lie down and take a nap while enjoying the scent of vines overcome with lilac colored blooms. Trees with blush pink blossoms and the bright yellow of the sun make me want to spend my days outdoors; reveling in the world around me.

I find happiness in the crisp mornings and warm afternoons. I relish the longer days that give me the opportunity to play catch with my dog and enjoy the sunsets. I sit on my patio and listen to the birds sing. I watch my dog stare quizzically at a squirrel balancing on the top of our fence and I laugh.

I anticipate the days ahead; planting my garden, picnics in the park, and long drives winding along country roads with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. I look forward to all this season brings as I continue moving forward in what is my life.

Things That Make Me Smile

The past few weekends I have found myself doing things that I always thought I would enjoy, but never took the time to do. I've meandered through second-hand furniture stores and vintage clothing stores. I found a second-hand dresser and side table that I am trying my hand at refinishing.

Beautiful day

I've taken advantage of living in such close proximity to Washington, D.C. and spent a little time exploring the city; taking the time to notice new leaf buds on trees and the sun reflecting off the Washington Monument.

I am doing more things that make me smile. 





First signs of spring in the city



Great second-hand furniture shop!



Cherry Blossoms


















Life is Good...

On Saturday my friend Mollie and I hosted a tapas and wine dinner party for a few friends. Mollie planned the tapas, and I was making an almond flour chocolate cake with buttercream icing for dessert. The party was slated to begin at 5:30. At 3:30, I realized I had forgotten to buy organic confectioners sugar for the buttercream icing. As I was panicking; and he was walking out the front door to play basketball, FB asked me if I was going to let the missing sugar ruin the entire dinner party.  In my mind, I was thinking YES; but I continued with the cake, hoping Mollie who is a culinary genius would have some ideas.

Mollie arrived at 4:00 and we began cooking. I played the part of sous chef, while Mollie whipped up an array of delectable treats. To say the curried deviled eggs, crab stuffed mushrooms, pesto tomato and guacamole tomato bacon crostinis were enjoyed by all would be a vast understatement. The chocolate cake rounded out a great meal and as I knew she would, Mollie saved the day creating a whipped orange palm sugar frosting that paired perfectly with the cake. Needless to say, I had panicked for nothing. We had a great time talking about life; our hopes and dreams, plans for the future; laughing at the happenings at school (all of those present were teachers); and of course eating.

Hours later, as dinner came to a close, I sat back and looked around at the amazing group of ladies sitting at the table and I thought – life is good.

You can check out Mollie and all her wonderful recipes at www.thealmondflower.com

The recipe for the cake can be found at hip2save. I did modify it a little bit. Because I didn't have coconut oil on hand, I substituted butter. I also added a 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar, in addition to the honey the recipe calls for. Enjoy!