the mind ebbs and flows

This morning I taught a free yoga class (at union yoga center, the studio where I teach some classes). Such a great way to start the weekend. Inviting the students to breathe and let go of the mind.

How do we let go of the mind though? Even in our calmest moments this is not easy. A very foreign concept to our bodies and minds. To dwell in the body, in the breath, without grabbing onto any and all thoughts. I struggle with this all the time. However, I notice that when I allow myself the space to try to let go, even if only for a few seconds, life seems...well...it is as though I am actually in my body living my life as opposed to being in my head and letting life happen. By letting go of the control, I feel more in control. Letting go of self-judgement; quieting the inner critic.

I recently picked up a copy of ascent (a yoga magazine published in canada). Inside there is a wonderful cartoon that illustrates scenes from the Bhagavad Gita - focusing on the yoga of action and the path of knowledge (illustrations by R. Sikoryak). Inviting us to find humor in between the lines of our quest for detachment and freedom. Find a copy and check it out!

the farmers' market

Today, a trip to Olympia's Farmers' Market. Picture: A man with long blond hair plays the guitar, singing, as a man and his young daughter look on - she dances and giggles. The rain has stopped for a few minutes as people sit eating clam chowder, crab cakes, chicken on skewers. Apples, apples, and more apples. The last of the peaches and summer squash. Beautiful tomatoes, lettuce, carrots. A young woman sells gorgeous vases, frames, lamps that are made of clay (and I stop every time wanting to buy something but not yet ready to decide on a piece). A man who strains to hear any questions asked of him sells ostrich meat and hollow ostrich eggs. A booth with tie-dyed shirts for all, including baby pj's and bandanas for your dog. Dahlias and sunflowers everywhere. A grandmother sells wondrous jam (and yes, I tried some and then yes, I bought some). Handmade cards, copper bowls, soaps. The market vibrates with the exchange of ideas, laughter, goods.

I love the days when I just get in the car and go exploring. Working from home sometimes invites feeling of walls closing in and lonliness. So good to get out and breathe in the fresh pacific northwest air, duck in and out of the rain, and talk to people.

(photo: apples for sale, olympia farmers market, 9/30/05, canon digital rebel)

The Mountain


I live near this mountain! Every time I see it, I have the same reaction: I want to hug it. I took this picture in Mt. Rainier National Park, August of 2004. The Mountain is hiding today - some fall rain has arrived. We have been blessed with many sunny days in September, so today I find the rain soothing. The task at hand is to keep the image of the mountain inside when these gray days float in and stay for awhile.

I discovered an interesting website today: http://www.dailyom.com

and so it begins...

I have been reading several blogs for the last few months and have decided to dip my toes into the water. Finally. I plan to share snippets from my journey with the idea that we all learn from each other. Isn't that why we are here? To learn and grow and be.

My journey has brought me to a place where the daily lessons sometimes overwhelm me. Yet, I am learning that these lessons do not go away. I cannot hide from them. They not only find me, they burrow in and do not let up. The task at hand then is to breathe and be still. To let the mind settle and the body relax. I know this is what helps me. Ahhh...but this is not so easy. Yes, we learn lessons from the lessons too.

After moving last summer from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, I find myself noticing the world around me with wider eyes and a more open heart. Switching careers and moving away from the safety of family, friends, and the constant same-ness of living in the one place have given me the space to begin. To discover. To explore. And on these new adventures I am lucky enough to have the support of a genuine friend who is also my husband and a precocious pooch named Millie.