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

 

showing up

The shift takes time
It doesn't happen over night like we wish it would
You have to show up day after day
Put in the hours
Trudge through the hard work
And make it happen

There will be days when you will be the only one who shows up
That is ok
Try again
Give it another chance
It may have been wrong timing
You may have not given proper notice
You will never know why it wasn't what you wanted it to be
So pick yourself up
Dust yourself off
And show up again

It will take time
You will stumble along the way
And you will learn about what works
You will learn about how you best succeed
And there will be times when you will fail
That is ok

Keep showing up
Day after day
Show up and smile
Remember why you put yourself out there in the first place
Each time is a fresh start
A new beginning
An invitation to open up and dig in
Give it a try, time and time again
Keep showing up

ignite the spark

"Life isn't about getting and having, it's about give and being." -Kevin Kruse

This week has been filled up with so much goodness including sitting on my patio listening to this interview.  If you ever wondered how Squam Arts Workshops came to be listen in.  So interesting to hear how it all unfolded, and this line from Elizabeth resonated with me deeply:

"I don't have a social disorder. I wasn't with my tribe. Because with my tribe I could talk to four in the morning about things we are passionate about"

My wrist has filled up with color after adding this adorable piece. Erin creates such fun pieces and is such a delight to do business with.  

I am also looking forward July where I will be immersed in 28 Moments.  Michelle GD is such a kind heart and I can't wait to begin the journey of exploring writing and photography as a tool to look closely at how I move through my days.  

What about you?  What has been filling up your cup this week?   

what you see when you run

When you run you get to see some pretty neat things

> > > Like good looking guys playing a soccer game with their shirts off
> > > Your watch showing you the slow pace you are running even though feel like you are going so fast
> > > People cheering you on, like your aunt, a family friend, and even strangers
> > > Beautiful rays of sunshine streaming through the trees
> > > Cute puppies and stunning flowers
> > > And sometimes nothing because you have a terrible stitch in your side and you close your eyes hoping it will go away

You have to take the good with the bad and I am pretty certain that the good totally out weighs the bad. This is why I keep showing up time and time again.  

it was here

It was here where I sat each morning at Squam Arts Workshops  
Pondering the day ahead
Dreaming of what could be
Tucking moments and memories into my pockets

It was here where I was infused with inspiration and courage
I learned that I could do it
I saw myself through new eyes
I traced the journey and loved that I ended up right back here

It was here where I saw how far I have come
Stronger, braver, wiser I stood
Ready to embrace the world and connect with those around me
Open and free I knew I could take the leap

It was here where
Alongside this lake
That dreams came true
And dreams were born

Yes, it was here!
 

P.S. A special shout out to my dear cabin mate who noticed me out on the dock each morning and took the time to capture this moment.  I am so grateful.  xo

breathe it in

It was unexpected
A moment of color and love
Greeting me as I walked past
A simple expression of kindness and heart
Shared so freely
You could see the care that went into each stitch
You felt the gratitude and  inspiration that floated from it's thread
This intentional splash of color lifted me up 
It reminded me to slow down
To pause
To look
To seek out the beauty that is around me

There is color everywhere
Brilliant shades of blues, yellows, and oranges fill the sky each night
The green grass lights up the world, filling it with hope
And tucked between there are moments of grace
Butterflies, smiles, flowers, friendship, the ocean
All of it sandwiched between the sky and the ground
Engulfing us with love and light
Do you feel it?
Breathe it in
Let it wash over you
This world is a magical place