hi ho...hi ho...it's off to work we go...

Summer has slipped away like a bullet train.  This summer I have loved witnessing my children embark on new endeavors that teach them the value of hard work.  I have written about perseverance before and have weaved it into my intentions as something to continuously cultivate.  The seed has been planted look what it bloomed...

We took a trip to Colorado with some family friends.  One day we decided to go for a hike because the kiddos wanted to ride down on the gondola.  We explained to the them that it was a very tough hike straight up a mountain and there was to be no complaining and whining. (I'm embarrassed to say I was sorta of trying to talk them out of it).  They really wanted to ride on the gondola so we headed off with water bottles, snacks and enthusiasm.  When the water, snacks and enthusiasm dwindled all that was left was perseverance and hard work.  We were 3 miles in with no end in site except more trees and steep climbing.  I started to get nervous (ok I panicked) we had been hiking a long time and I wasn't sure where we were.  It looked a little rough for a hiking trail.  I looked at the kids and they had sweat beating down on there red faces but they weren't crying and they were not complaining.  They were doing as we asked and they were committed to getting to the top of this very steep mountain - the oldest kiddos were even singing there way up.  I have to admit I threw a little temper tantrum and said, "I am not taking another step until we figure out where we are and where we need to go to get the top."  We took out our phones and figured we were close.  So with my best friend urging me on we made it.  The kids were magnificently strong and excited to have accomplished such a big feat of 4+miles up a steep incline in the mountains of Colorado.  It still amazes me how fear can drive inaction.  I mean obviously we would have had no choice but to keep going or sleep on the mountain but for a second the fear took over all reason and lead me to a complete stand still.

What am I letting fear drive and how can I let go of fear so I can *do the work*? How many times do I stand in my own way of accomplishing things due to lack of trust in my abilities?  Even worse, how many times do I stand in my children's way due to fear or lack of trust in there abilities?

Lessons: If you love something *do the work* and then sit back and enjoy the gift without holding attachment to the results.  Not to say don't celebrate - I highly recommend a celebratory dance!

Sit...in the name of LoVe

In a message I received from the universe 2 words boldly stood out.  Persistence (check) patience (ummmmm...not so much).  I mean (insert cough) I am cultivating patience with loving kindness.  My meditation practice has never really been solid.  I feel as if I am impatient with the practice.  I spoke to a friend who said something that really brought light to my meditation practice.  She simply asked "When you meditate (pray) do you receive love into your heart from the divine?" Hmmmmmm...do I?  Am I too focused on not thinking and therefore not fully utilizing this time to receive love into my heart?  What doorways (thanks Jen) would open to grace if I brought my awareness to my heart?

This week I am taking the opportunity to practice solely receiving love into my heart.  What does this look like for you?

She also mentioned with all that you read - no wonder your confused (insert laugh)!  So per my quote a couple of post ago it's time to set the book down and do the work...

Support Beams

I woke up this morning feeling tired and unmotivated.  As the alarm sounded, I rolled (literally) out of bed. My feet hit the floor and immediately my mind was rattling off all of the reasons why I should not be up at this time.  I mean most people in there right mind are asleep (inner dialogue is so skewed).  The only reason my feet kept moving was a group of friends that were waiting for me at the track. This amazingly fantastic group of women who make me laugh, get me fired up and help me get through the run.  Today was no exception they brought it.  What you may ask - everything I needed to get through.  The topic of conversation was bleak and well depressing but the fire and passion with which each of us spoke was inspiring.  I didn't feel alone in my frustration of how things are run in this country.  (so not going to get political here).  I digress but it's important to note that I watched a documentary that had my dark side on fire.  What in the hay does that have to do with yoga...ahemmmmm & randomness :).

Funny enough I went to a new never tried yoga teacher today (such a gift) with a close friend who just moved here (yay) and the message was freedom.  Crazier, just before class, due to aforementioned documentary I mentioned to my friend feeling like my hands are tied and then the  message.  The message sent at such an important time...let go...surrender... embrace freedom!  Could not have been more clear if it hit me in the head.

I am grateful for the documentary intellectually stimulating and lighting my fire, I am more grateful to the women who inspire me to get up and run.  I am also soooooo grateful for the practice that sends me messages that quench said fire.  Oh and I cannot forget I am most grateful to my husband who came to the class I taught tonight and inspired me to smile allowing me to feel the support beams beneath me.

How do you feel supported, inspired, fired up?

Ask & You Shall Receive

Last week I spoke about the yoga sutra that says cultivate your practice (defining this the same way I define the mat - see side bar) over and extended period of time.  So strange how sometimes you say the words in hopes that they will sink in and actually come to fruition.  As I went to immersion yoga training this past weekend I brought that seed (intention) with me.  Let it be said, At these trainings I am surrounded by amazingly talented yogi's who flow from a state of grace and inspire such "awesomeness" (forgive the word I couldn't find a word that would even resemble a description close enough) it makes it feel as if anything is possible.  We entered into a pose I had thought not possible in this body and low and behold my partner said "your foot is right there - grab it".  I'm sorry did you say my foot is right there?...ahhhhhh ahhhhhh ahhhhh (little mermaid ariel style!).  My foot was not only there for me to grab but it was freely given without struggle, pain or ego reaching.  If I have lost you with the foot scenario it's like something you have been cultivating maybe running a certain distance or cleaning up your diet or sitting silently for your self enters into your life freely without strings attached in a way that feels easy.

I have such gratitude for the people (gifts) in my life.  I have met some inspiring new friends who ignite an auspicious fire within me.  Who encourage and push me to aim higher with levity.  The people who have been here all along inspire new love, encouragement and support. These loving gifts in my life ask hard questions so that I can cleanse the habitual patterns that no longer serve me and free myself from left over scar tissue of the past that bring about darkness.   They give me water, enriched soil, sun and shade optimal for blooming.  I continue to cultivate my practice over an extended period of time letting it unfold as it may and thoroughly enjoying the gifts it continues to shower.

What gifts are present in your life?  What are you asking for?  What seeds are you planting?