Breathe. Believe.
It is through the body that you realize you are a spark of divinity. (B.K.S. Iyengar)
Hello, lovelies. Happy Friday! I hope the first few days of summer have been treating you well. It's been pretty warm here in North Carolina and I've been trying to welcome the new season with open arms.
My second weekend of yoga teacher training starts tonight and unfortunately, my back is still hurting from when I tweaked it on Memorial Day. After waiting a few weeks to see if it would fix itself, I went to the doctor on Tuesday. I'm on strict orders to rest from all exercise, including yoga, and I'm trying a mix of Eastern and Western medical treatments.
Excited as I am about becoming a yoga teacher, I am filled with a mix of other (less than helpful) emotions about my current adventure. There are so many things I have to do, that I want to do, that I've yet to do. It sometimes feels like there are too many things that I'm striving towards. Maybe that's why I've never sat down to write a bucket list. I would probably benefit more from compiling a list of things I'm ok with never doing.
This challenge I face is not unique. We're a driven bunch, aren't we?
Always pushing towards the next level of personal development, spiritual enlightenment, physical strength, and professional growth. So many of us are trying to do it all… and we still want more. More time to meet up for cocktails after work, to coach our children's little league teams, to earn next quarter's bonus, to hit the gym and finally fit back into those damned skinny jeans.
I have a busy 6 months ahead of me. It is what it is. Last January I did an excellent job of relaxing, realigning and putting the craziness on pause. I caught my breath... and then I set new goals, my ambition leading the way. Seeing things for what they are always helps me gain perspective. It might be a lot at once, but nearly all the things on my plate are fun, exciting and good for me.
As I sit here, I hope my random thoughts provide some value. Opening up about what's going on in this tangled mess of a mind somehow brings me a sense of calm. In this stillness, I know that I'm not alone. I know it's all going to be ok. It always is.
My homework from the first weekend of yoga teacher training was to practice teaching the initial poses in the Baptiste Journey into Power sequence…
Integration Series: Child’s Pose – Balasana Downward Facing Dog – Adho Mukha Svanasana Rag doll – Uttanasana
I'm disappointed that I haven't practiced as much as I planned or wanted to, but I'll do my best. It's week 2 and I'm still getting my bearings. I'm eager to learn more and become more comfortable with each week of training.
The other part of our homework was to come up with a 2-word message to the world. Mine is a simple reminder. A bit of reality… and a bit of hope...
Breathe. Believe.
Image credit: lady feet via Kelly Loves Whales
