getting back in the groove

Being in the warm sunshine inspired me to get moving again.  Each morning I showed up on the beach, barefoot and ran for as long as the beach allowed.  It was divine.  There was no watch to tell me how fast I was going and no mile marker to tell me how far I ran.  I just listened to the sound of my breathe, splashed my feet in the ocean, and moved my body.  It felt so good!  

Back in NJ the weather is chilly but the sun is shining after work.  That alone is motivation enough to lace up my sneakers and move my body.  On Monday I tackled Airmount for the first time this year.  While training for the NYC Marathon Airmount and I met often and never truly became friends.  It wasn't until during the marathon that I grew an incredible appreciation for my time spent running up that monstrous hill.  

I realized that all the time I spent on that hill made me stronger.  It pushed me to my edge and made me realize that I can do things I never thought I could.  It also prepared me for the challenges I faced during the marathon.  

So here I am getting back in the groove.  Showing up again and again even though it feels challenging.  I am pushing myself forward even when my breathe is labored and I am struggling.  It feels good to be back!  

yoga

It has been awhile since I have shown up on the Yoga Mat
Running has consumed my time
And I haven't carved out any space for anything else
But tonight I pushed myself to slow down
To show up and release what no longer served me

My shoulders were heavy
My body tight
My mind racing
Some of the poses we held felt like an eternity
I struggled to be in the moment and concentrate on my breathing

With each pose and reach I felt my body lengthening
The stress in my shoulders released
My mind was clearing
I felt taller, and stronger 
Even if my legs were shaking

I surrendered to the moment and I let go
I saw things from a different perspective
I regained confidence in myself
And reaffirmed what I already know, that I can do what I put my mind to
As long as I show up

What I love about Yoga is your ability to go at your own pace
To listen to your body and do what it needs in that moment
There is no judgment from others
Just a silent knowing that we are each doing what we need
And we got through the hard part, we all showed up

I leaned into the discomfort
I breathed in deeply and stood on the edge
I pushed through and practiced
Time and time again
I made it through and I am better for it

I can feel in my body that I need this
The stretching, the quiet, the releasing
I carry around so much with me each day
It is a beautiful thing to slow down 
To surrender and to listen