16th February 2024
Unexpected Storms
Sometimes I'm struck by how life rarely turns out how we think it will. At the end of last year, I was sick with a virus that sat in my throat, causing constant coughing and the near loss of my voice. It was an anomaly because I've never been sick with flu in the winter, instead in the spring when the weather fluctuates. When I finally recovered in the new year, I got back to life and building up my yoga practice. Then, like an unexpected storm, a new virus hit again.
5th February 2024
Off the Wagon
I've been hearing the same thing from different people. They're having a hard time practicing yoga for themselves – yet again! They had a home practice, 10-20 minutes daily, they did a few asanas which helped them feel stronger, flexible, and calm and then either they got an injury, illness, or a life event happened that threw them off their routine. The longer the break from their yoga practice lasted, the harder it was to get back into it and even to make it to yoga class.
18th January 2024
Broken Record
It's only the middle of January and the push/pull has begun. The push of the outer world, calling us to be engaged in meaningful work and the pull of the inner world, calling us to pursue activities that nourish our peace of mind.
12th January 2024
Shedding Skin
I've had a slow start to the new year, which is something new for me. In the past, I taught on and around the holidays. Being a self-employed yoga teacher since age 25, it's ingrained in me to work whenever I can. So, when other people are off from work, it's normal to offer yoga classes and workshops. Teaching on quiet days brings a special energy and focus for yoga.
15th December 2023
Ode to Weirdos Everywhere
Lately, I've been feeling like a weirdo again. Again, when I started yoga in 1987 it wasn't a mainstream activity at all then. When I told people that I practiced yoga, they either made bad jokes or looked at me with suspicion. This went on for so long so I carried a sinking feeling often when I met new people, readying myself for stares or taunts.
8th December 2023
Unterwegs
This past week, I traveled to some place new, near the German-Czech border, to Weiden in Bavaria, to teach yoga. It's been a while since I've been somewhere new, in part, because I spend vacation time every year visiting my extended family who live far away. When I travel, it's often yoga that takes me out of my homey comfort zone and out into the wider world.
24th November 2023
Gratitude is the Attitude
It's that time of year again. The time when we Americans gather for Thanksgiving. Like many holidays, Thanksgiving has its roots in conflict and myths about its origins. Whatever your feelings about Thanksgiving, it's a time when Americans put a pause on everyday life and find another rhythm.
17th November 2023
No Shame
The shame around not feeling well is a disease. Shame infects us because we weren't listened to in the past. Shame infects us because we can't afford or find help. Shame infects us because of our fear of burdening loved ones or because of our perceived damage.