Once in while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right

It has been an interesting week for sure. I came to a realization about my column at the school newspaper. It is too event focused, and not expository enough about the energy on campus. I'll be working on that this week. I also planned an event at UNC Asheville and it totally flopped. There was a huge basketball game, and the only people that came were my four friends. I felt horrible because my friend from the yoga training this summer drove from Norfolk, VA (seven hour drive) to be there for the event. She was chill about the situation, and said her fundraising journey for the Seva organization has been full of ups and downs. However, the support of my friends driving over there was incredible. I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. We ended up having a great time, and they all donated some money to her cause.
I also came down with a stomach virus Wednesday night, and was bedridden Thursday and most of Friday. I freaked out that I couldn't go to work and class, and then realized this was a blessing too. I have been stressing out like a madwoman for the past few weeks with organizing events, school, relationships. I NEEDED a rest, to slow down, take a chill pill (or, in this case, pepto bismol and advil). I cut out alcohol and coffee, unhealthy food, and slept a lot. Thank you, stomach virus. You did make me feel awful, but I learned my lesson.
Model in the shot below: My friend Alex left this picture for me on my computer. She is wearing my sunglasses. Hilarious.

Tip of the Week: Get sick and make sure your work flubs (ha, just kidding). Instead, when you get upset, try to see the lesson of the situation. And then smile laugh. A lot.

Soccer season done, winter on the way!

My body is ready for rest! 4 months of soccer almost every day and my hamstrings, hips and hip flexors are ridiculously sore. Was it worth it? Absolutely. With 5 weeks left of my first semester back at college (!!!) I am ready to hit the gym, yoga mat, books and sleep. We won our second game at nationals with a beautiful goal by my friend Lily in the last 7 seconds. It was so epic to end our season on that note. We had a hard time keeping our head up sometimes throughout the last few months with few wins and many losses. However, by the end of it all we pulled it together and had so much fun playing together. The girls on the team are amazing.
I was in NY a week ago when the snowstorm hit. Needless to say I was ecstatic to get back to 60 degree, sunny North Carolina. These next few weeks will be insanely busy, but it is doing work that I love. Time to focus...

Tip of the Day: To help focus drink green tea and have a morning yoga practice. Clear the mind and prepare the body for the work ahead of you.

A few shots from my photo shoot today, courtesy of Seph

Fall-ing into the Moment

Again I have slacked on posting to all you lovely readers... many apologies! I feel revamped after my fall break from school, where I went to Atlanta for a concert and South Carolina for the soccer team to enjoy the beach! Great times all around, and I was lucky enough to return to the mountains in time to see the leaves paint the landscape with orange, red, and yellow. So beautiful. It has been years since I have been in the northeast for fall, and it truly is such an amazing view. There are only 8 weeks left in the semester until winter break... inching my way to graduation!

Sometimes I get caught up in finishing and forget that this is what I love doing; being part of a community, going to class, and yes, occasionally homework too (if it is not for my math class. Anything reading/writing related is wonderful!). I hurt my shoulder a few weeks back and it is taking a long time to heal. I am working with patience, and being kind to my body. It is not easy after years of dance and figure skating where I learned to push through the pain no matter what.

Last night I watched the film Peaceful Warrior, about a gymnast at UC Berkeley (all the shots of campus made me miss it so much!) who breaks his leg and is struggling to always find the next best thing to fill himself with happiness. He meets a wise old man who helps him learn that the journey is where the truth of joy sits, and so here I am trying to stay focused. Sometimes we are always trying to speed ahead- just get to summer, just get to that dream job, just graduate... the grass is always greener. Appreciate where you are RIGHT NOW.

Lululemon offers free yoga classes weekly around the country- check them out, usually some of the best teachers in the area! I have taken a few classes there this week, definitely worth it.

Tip of the week: Drink a cup of tea- and do only that. No rushing, try to clear the mind and be here now.
<3

Love for Family

Forgot to post last week! I have been extremely busy with school and work. I had my first school-wide event this past Thursday. A master West African drummer came to campus during lunch with djembes and different kinds of hand drums, and a drum circle ensued! It was so wonderful to see so many students interested in learning the technique, get into the music and away from the cigarette smoking area. A few teachers brought their kids over to dance and listen. I created a wellness newsletter for students to hand out during the drum circle (like flies to the light students gathered and I dished out the goods). I am also offering free private yoga sessions to those trying to quit smoking because it is the largest killer in the United States, and most people start as teenagers. I am trying to make a difference where I can, stay focused on school work, health, and maintaining my sanity through the jam packed day.
It was amazing to have my parents in town this weekend. They are so generous (DELICIOUS food and warm clothes galore) and loving that my heart was filled with gratitude. They even sat through a freezing game of soccer (our best game yet!).
Tip of the Day: Indulge. Chocolate cheesecake? Yes please!

The Beauty of Team

It is truly an inspirational experience to be on a team again. The girls on the team have become some of my closest friends, and the time on and off the field is exceptional. Into the full swing with school I am completely immersed in college life again (minus the ridiculous parties and drugs). I have truly an amazing job as I am working on creating a community at Warren Wilson away from cigarettes and booze and onto the yoga mat and spaces away from marijuana culture. The students want that as well! We just need to give the opportunity and events to make that happen.
Today's yoga class was really beautiful. Great group of people, and I feel that we have so much to offer when stress is off our backs and we can just be- to work hard without the hassle of trying to fit in and act a social role. It is so lovely to teach yoga and feel connected and not leave the studio to go to our separate houses on separate streets and never see one another. Here we walk off the mats and go to dinner, see one another on campus, knowing that that person is working on their yoga. A bond is made.

Another place I went this week that inspired me was the UNCA Well-a-Bration. This was the opening of the new (GORGEOUS!) wellness center at UNCA. My boss and colleague and I went to the leadership team meeting for Eat Smart Move More organization. Fantastic visionaries are willing to work together for a brighter and healthier tomorrow. Reminded me of Off the Mat Into the World- working together to benefit everyone.

Hopefully I will pick up a camera soon so I can take pictures and post! My first publication came out this week in the college newspaper. It felt great.

Tip of the Day: After yoga class or community gardening grab a bite to eat or coffee with someone. Keep the connection flowing...

And life goes on...

Starting to settle into school a bit more. I have a great new roommate, a lovely New Yorker on my soccer team named Morgan. Excellent evening last night of dancing, laughing and having a good time with my beautiful friends here. Some highlights from the week:
1) Salutation Nation- Lululemon hosts this event to connect to one another and the earth in rememberance of 9/11. I attended with my friend for a sun filled morning in the park with about 50 other people. It was a fabulous class, and I loved knowing my dear friends in Berkeley were practicing in the bay.
2) I met with my adviser this week- you are looking at the future graduate in fall of 2013! Major in Creative Writing, minor in Psych.
3) Scored the first goal of the season for my team today! Truly a wonderful moment to watch the ball hit the back of the net, and to win our first game of the season. I also got my first yellow card, but that is a story for another time...
4) My heart was filled with joy when my mother told me my puppy is exhausted from sprinting around in the lake with other dogs.

It is interesting being single again. Yesterday morning I awoke to a deep loneliness and I reached out a question into the universe: Why am I so lonely when I have so much good in my life?!
The answer I received: Fill yourself with love. You are what you have been seeking.

Tip of the Day: Do something good for yourself, whether it is a piece of chocolate cake or sitting in meditation.
Love you all!