Sunday, October 23, 2011
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
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
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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...
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...
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Jai Ma
Another amazing week in Asheville. The college newspaper here, The Echo, has chosen me to write a bi weekly wellness article. My column is called The Wellness Cricket, and focuses on what events are on campus, tips on how to stay healthy, any fantastic events coming to Asheville, etc. I feel extremely blessed with this opportunity to make my vision a reality! I could not have made it thus far without all the beautiful people in my life who have helped me along the way. Jai Ma, or as my community at Omega Institute used to say, Bless Up!
I am screening the new movie, YogaWoman at my college complete with ayurvedic dinner. Stay updated for details.
The weather is gorgeous here now that the humidity ceased. Yesterday our soccer team went to Kentucky to play a game, and it was the hottest I think I have ever played in ranking in at nearly 100 degrees. Life here is hectic and worthwhile.
Tip of the Day: Go to your yoga mat, find Child's pose, and give thanks for this day. Offer your practice to all the teachers you have had along the way.
I am screening the new movie, YogaWoman at my college complete with ayurvedic dinner. Stay updated for details.
The weather is gorgeous here now that the humidity ceased. Yesterday our soccer team went to Kentucky to play a game, and it was the hottest I think I have ever played in ranking in at nearly 100 degrees. Life here is hectic and worthwhile.
Tip of the Day: Go to your yoga mat, find Child's pose, and give thanks for this day. Offer your practice to all the teachers you have had along the way.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Wellness Cricket
These 2 weeks have been incredibly inspiring! I am so grateful to be back in college. This evening I was writing in the library for my poetry class (which I love) and looking around at all the students reading all sorts of material. It is a beautiful thing to be in a place of focused students bettering their minds through their studies, nose in the book, brains pumping away to open channels of knowledge and creativity. I have been writing so much (yes, that is my major), more in one week than I have in three years!
My job on campus is more than perfect: I am research assistant to Professor Bob Swoap, an amazing psychology teacher and wellness advocate. He was one of my favorite teachers when I attended school here 3 years ago. He approached me and after discussing my interests and what I have been doing in time away from college (which is wellness/yoga research and experience) invited me to work with him. Thus I have taught my largest yoga class of over 50 students to the men and women's soccer teams (and a few stragglers), coordinated yoga classes with the wellness crew, working on bringing awesome events to campus, researching wellness initiatives, and assisting Bob as he writes a book. Absolutely a manifestation of what I wanted to be doing on campus.
My classes are wonderful (except math, but thats how that goes), and I am thrilled to be here. I do miss Jesse (my boyfriend) and Siva (our pup!) immensely, but we are all doing great and that is what is important.
I am playing soccer again, getting the rust off my cleats so to speak. It has been so awesome playing on a team again! Love the girls, exercise and laughs we have on and off the field. There are some fantastic people on campus.
Tip of the day: Be courageous. Submit an article to a magazine and join a team... Creativity and community are key components to happiness.
My job on campus is more than perfect: I am research assistant to Professor Bob Swoap, an amazing psychology teacher and wellness advocate. He was one of my favorite teachers when I attended school here 3 years ago. He approached me and after discussing my interests and what I have been doing in time away from college (which is wellness/yoga research and experience) invited me to work with him. Thus I have taught my largest yoga class of over 50 students to the men and women's soccer teams (and a few stragglers), coordinated yoga classes with the wellness crew, working on bringing awesome events to campus, researching wellness initiatives, and assisting Bob as he writes a book. Absolutely a manifestation of what I wanted to be doing on campus.
My classes are wonderful (except math, but thats how that goes), and I am thrilled to be here. I do miss Jesse (my boyfriend) and Siva (our pup!) immensely, but we are all doing great and that is what is important.
I am playing soccer again, getting the rust off my cleats so to speak. It has been so awesome playing on a team again! Love the girls, exercise and laughs we have on and off the field. There are some fantastic people on campus.
Tip of the day: Be courageous. Submit an article to a magazine and join a team... Creativity and community are key components to happiness.
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