Bucket lists

I don't believe in them. Do you want to know why?

Because I feel that you should live every day like it is your last, love with every ounce of your being, and pursue your dreams. Never go to bed angry, always tell your family you love them when you leave or hang up the phone. Smile at strangers. Be open to new experiences. Do not shy away from difficulty and pain, allow yourself to learn from it.

And that thing...the thing that speaks to your soul and stokes a fire within you. THAT should be your daily focus. Because how can you feel anything but happy, fulfilled, and at peace with your life if each day you spread love and appreciation. 'If you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life.' 

Why are you doing something because society tells you that is how it should be? Why go to a job that you detest every morning because someone else has told you that is what is right? Why do they get to tell you what is right and what should be? This is your life, you get to decide that for yourself. (life isn't that simple you may say- so just start small)

You don't need a bucket list. You need to live every day as if it were your last. You need to listen to your intuition. You need to follow your dreams. Let your heart and soul speak for you and stop thinking so much. 

There is something that each of us is meant to do. That which makes us want to sing and dance at the end of each day. The thing that makes your eyes light up with wonder and joy. There is something that draws you towards it like a gravitational pull.

Should, supposed to, socially acceptable, correct, right, need to...you name it and people will say it. They will come along and tell you why you shouldn't do the thing that lights the fire within you because they may not understand it. 

But Howard Thurman said it best, 'Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.'

The people who do what makes them come alive are those who will change the world in the most magnificent way. They work with a passion that cannot be matched because that is where they are truly meant to be. When they do that thing, they radiate a contagious energy that makes people want to be near them, learn from them, and believe in them.

What makes you come alive? Make your way towards that. This world is not a perfect place and it is not always as easy as just giving up what you do that makes the money to help you live, and support your family and I understand that. But if you begin to manifest the change of which you seek, it will come to you. It may not be easy - there will be road blocks, hurdles, terrible jobs that you hate, people who tell you that you can't. Persist. This world needs you. It needs the light within you glowing so bright that it could blind the nearest passerby. Your heart is beating and you are breathing. You can make it through the difficult moments - they will not last forever. I repeat: the difficulty will pass, breathe through it, and the bliss which follows is inexplicably delicious. 

I challenge you to do something each day that makes you come alive.

Today I took in fresh air. I marveled at the autumn trees and the fiery tips of their leaves. I began my ninety minute yoga practice - but stopped after forty-five minutes - because, hey, I'm tired, why not. Today I told myself - I am going to travel across the country and see all the astonishing wonder it has to offer. I am going to continue teaching yoga. I am on my way to finding my place in this crazy, complicated, and confusing world. 

And that my friends, is a start.

Be gentle. Be kind. Live lightly. Breathe fully. Manifest your dreams. Then chase them.

On and Off the Mat

Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu

'May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all'

Connecting with students is one of the most exciting parts of my recent journey into the world of teaching. I invested in teacher training not only to expand my knowledge and grow as a person, but to spread this thing that I happened to stumble upon at exactly the right moment in my life. I wanted to spread this to others that were open to it so that I may help them in some way. 

I realized shortly after I began teaching that I was more nervous of the idea of communicating to a new group of people that I had never met before than I was of actually teaching. 'What if I don't say the right thing?' 'What if people know I'm new and hate my class?' 'What if people don't come to my class?' All of these silly questions were doing me no good. I had to reassess - find faith in the fact that I know what I'm doing and can safely lead students through their practice. It became clear that doing an hour or 90 minute home practice before traveling to the studio to teach helped me feel lighter and more capable of finding my words. I know I understand basic alignment, movement and how a very small adjustments can help you feel into your body differently. I feel giddy when a subtle cue helps someone relax in their face and find a greater degree of ease in their asana. I also know that I have so much more to learn - and that there is so much more experience to be had. I am eager and excited to strengthen my knowledge base and learn from others who have valuable knowledge to give. I am discovering that the relationship between the study of anatomy, watching students alignment and body language throughout class, and expansion of my own personal practice are all equally meaningful to my development as a person on and off the mat and as a teacher. 

Since I have begun teaching my own personal practice has taken off, and as my practice takes off I feel more confident teaching. This delightful cyclical relationship has enlightened me to the certain level of fear I needed to confront before my body would allow me to enter certain postures or express myself more clearly through my cues, speech, words and writing. 
When people ask you if you are a swimmer in department stores because 'they noticed your strong shoulders', you begin to wonder WHY, oh why can I not get into an arm balance? Perhaps it is of fear that I might face plant..? Perhaps I don't have enough core strength..? Perhaps there are subtle energies in my body that aren't aligned properly and other postures need a little more love first..? There are any number of explanations why your body might not be ready to approach something difficult. Perhaps I am over-thinking it and they will come when the time is right. Frustration disappeared with this recognition and eagerness and delight for what will come next replaced it. Just a few days later, I found myself in an arm balance that I had been struggling for months to get into. A week later, a second difficult arm balance found its way into my practice.

Was I jumping up and down with elation in my room alone after this happened? Yes, yes I was.
Yoga provides so many benefits it is hard to list them all. Each and every persons list will be different, depending on where they are in their life, what they are seeking, and what they feel they get out of it from their own personal standpoint. 

When was the last time you asked yourself these important questions:

Why do you love yoga? 
Why do you keep going back to your mat? 
What does yoga do for you? 
Has yoga changed your life? 
What is your favorite posture - the one that you can't wait to get into every practice - the one that makes you feel empowered, strong, invincible, comfortable, happy? What makes you love it so much?
What is your very least favorite posture - maybe it is even the one that has made you burst into tears out of frustration? Why is it so difficult for you? What would happen if you embraced that discomfort - surrendered to it instead of fighting it?
How might what you do on your mat translate into your daily life?


Breathe. Live lightly. Appreciate what you have. 

Life's little treats- open up to them

Shall we begin with a little treat?

Click it, you know you want to. Close your eyes, tap your foot, sway side to side.

Oh my, this song. So delicious. Enjoy, and read on dear friend.

Yesterday (October 20, 2013...in the middle of FALL) I went for a run barefoot on the beach with wonderful company in only a sports bra and shorts. I played in the ocean at the end of October and didn't need a wetsuit. I soaked up some sweet Vitamin D, played frisbee and corn-hole with family, and I held the hand and looked into the eyes of the one I love. This tasty menu is a recipe for HAPPINESS. Nature, smiles, laughter, family, yoga, exercise, music (..and so on) can all access the vulnerability we may be feeling and help us build trust and movement towards opening ourselves up to a love we never even knew existed.

I feel refreshed and renewed with a clear mind and open heart. It's almost like there is an EASY button for my mind, body, and soul..except instead of office supplies appearing out of thin air I have a renewed clarity of mind to get work done more efficiently. I feel my sense of determination strengthened to continue challenging myself. I feel ready to charge ahead into the unknown.  All of this after three short days of sunshine and family.

I also feel an overwhelming desire to help others experience and accept the all encompassing love that I have found myself in at this stage of my life. Because you are worth it. You are worth all the love in the world.

What helps you feel centered, loved, supported?

Go do that right now (or this weekend). Don't have time? That's not an excuse, make time. How can you expect yourself to keep going if you don't let yourself do something you truly love every now and again. Slow down, close your eyes, and take a deep restorative breath.

I'm sure you have experienced at some point in your life music speaking to you at a deeper level than you anticipated. This song is almost like a miniature guided meditation for me and I invite you to follow along with it in that way. Allow yourself to feel any emotions that it may bring up if that is the case. When you close your eyes, let your mind paint pictures and take you to a brighter, simpler place.

 Follow the sun, the direction of the birds, the direction of love. Breathe in the air. Set your intentions. Dream with care. 

Particularly this line: 

Take a stroll to the nearest waters edge and remember your place. Many moons have risen and fallen here, long before you came. Oh my goodness what power those words hold. This is a gentle reminder that we are such small creatures in an extremely large framework. Whatever turmoil, stress or weight you are carrying with you..that too shall pass. Do not dwell on it. Acknowledge it then let it go. Infinite amounts of love can fill the space that you are wasting with negative thoughts or emotions. 

So..which way is the wind blowing? What does your heart say?

'If we only show up when things are easy, we are not showing up fully'

Let's broach the topic of:

When things don't go your way

(in other words)

When something happens that forces you to pay closer attention, be present, or show up more fully

We are creatures of habit. Face it, you probably have the same routine every day from when you wake up in the morning to when you release the weight of your body into your bed at the end of the evening. Of course there will be a few subtle variations here and there. I'm sure it looks something like..get up, walk the dog, feed the dog, brush your teeth, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast or grab something for the road, then drive the exact same route to work or class as we do every other day..you get the point. 

Stop to think about this for a moment. 

It is easy to get caught up in the blur that becomes our daily life. Conditioned routines and behaviors mean less mental stimulation and we are taken to this place where 'time flies', with an overload of information and tasks and it is very difficult to be fully present. Consider this: If you took a different series of streets to work each day, you may not be as comfortable texting while you're driving. Some of the daily familiarity with timing of stoplights and traffic is removed. You are forced to pay closer attention to what is going on and maybe think twice before pulling out your phone.

It is in these moments of surprise, change, difference--when things don't go your way--there is endless potential for the most beautiful space for presence of mind. Opening yourself up to something new can have a profound impact on your day, week, or even life.

Just a few days ago it was raining. I generally ride my bike to class so naturally I was annoyed when I looked out the window. I was not particularly interested in being pelted in the face by raindrops then sitting through class in soaking wet pants and frizzy hair. I quickly realized I had plenty of time to make it to class and decided to walk instead. Generally speaking, a straight week of rain will has an intensely negative impact on my mood (extended periods of cloudy darkness and no sunshine to give me that sweet, sweet Vitamin D leads to a rather sad and emotional state. This is also why I have always had an aversion to Winter) Nope, not this time. I was so blissfully happy walking in the rain you would have thought that sunbeams were showering me with warmth. I wanted to hug every person I walked by. 

But what was different? It was still cloudy, I hadn't seen the sun in at least a week, and surely hadn't been getting nearly enough sleep while fighting off a cold.

Instead of being miserable and doing what I always did, I let myself slow down, leave a little earlier, and make space for the beauty and renewal that rain brings on a crisp fall day. The gentle and soothing sound of raindrops hitting leaves and the top of my umbrella, the splash each puddle made as I walked directly through it, following my impulse to stop at a favorite coffee shop for lemongrass tea..it all made me feel centered, at peace, and wholeheartedly present to all of my surroundings and how I felt in each moment. The thirty minute walk from my apartment changed my perspective of the day completely. Dreariness and annoyance with the circumstances took a running leap towards appreciation and gratitude.

So next time something (perhaps unexpected) 'happens'..whether it rains , you forget your computer..and therefore have to take handwritten notes instead of typing, a road is closed on your regular route somewhere, or it starts to rain after a perfectly sunny day when you decided to spend the money to get your car washed..

Set your initial reaction aside momentarily and open up some space inside. 

You may find that there is something eye opening or wonderful on the other side.

Breathe. Be present. Love with your whole heart.

(in other words...and pardon the profanity)

Listen to your body, or it will force you to

It sounds so simple and yet many people don't even think twice about it. That includes myself..as I sit here with a virus that is forcing me to 'take it easy', my fiance is trying to convince me not to run the half marathon I already registered and paid for tomorrow. Excuse me but no way in hell will I waste the $75 I paid for a bib, t-shirt and excuse to go visit my beautiful sister in Charlotte, NC. 

It took me two weeks of feeling relatively awful before I actually even went to the doctor to make sure nothing was seriously wrong. Exhausted with a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes the most energy I exerted all day today was leaving the house for lunch. 

As I have begun teaching, I have realized that I have experienced few things more fulfilling than guided a group of people through their practice. I leave the studio after teaching a class with a greater yoga high than I have ever felt from my own personal practice. I feel so light, overflowing with love and gratitude that I may actually levitate. While the experience has been life changing and exhilarating, it has also challenged me and led me to many eye opening conclusions about myself. 

Fact: While it is important to challenge yourself, it is more important to surround yourself with love and support. If someone is subtracting from the confidence you have in yourself, whether that be the direction in which you have chosen to take your life or a general lack of support-you do not need to be around them. If they truly love you they will believe in your dreams. Listen to your heart. 'Set your life on fire' then allow those who gravitate towards support in the direction of your dreams to be the ones you hold most dear.

Let yourself slow down. Meditate on this: Your body sends you subtle messages all the time. You know what is best for yourself but people rarely let go of their ego long enough to suppress the little voice inside that guides us. Your knee hurts? Maybe you shouldn't go for that 10 mile run today. Have a headache? Perhaps you shouldn't stare at your computer screen for three hours tonight. Exhausted because you have only slept four hours per night the last week? Turn off the television, phone, computer and other stimulating devices, read a book instead and let yourself rest. Are you guilty of this? Because I certainly am. What with the changing season, midterms at school, training for running races, and whatever else it is going on in life it is easy to miss the subtle signs. They get pushed aside until BAM, you are sick for two weeks, and illness or injury occur. Your body says, 'not going to listen to me? Fine! Take THAT!' 

I like to think that I have gotten better at listening to my body. When I feel like going for a run, I do. If my feet hurt, I put down my mat and have 60-90 minutes of yoga. If the thought of doing either of these things stresses me out at all, I go for a long walk. Due in large part to swimming my entire life I feel that I grew up with much more body awareness than the average person (thanks mom and dad). But I also have highly competitive siblings from whom I learned that you cannot reach your athletic goals unless you push yourself past your comfort zone (thanks Danny and Jackie). 

There is a happy medium here folks. Care for yourself because nobody else will. Take time to reconnect with your body or it will force you to. Love yourself, or you'll end up like me..two weeks into a virus still feeling tired with a sore throat sitting inside all day because my body said 'enough is enough'. 

I hear you body..message received.

Will I be running that half marathon tomorrow you ask..? We'll see how I feel in the morning ;)

What helps you feel grounded?

MindBodyGreen: signs-your-grounding-chakra-is-out-of-whack-what-to-do-about-it

This got me thinking..

Funny! Yoga teachers (myself included) use visualizations referencing trees when trying to help students become more grounded in class. Being grounded is remarkably important in your life and on your mat and can be extremely difficult to access at times. Have you ever been well into a yoga practice and get to a balancing sequence to find that you cannot for the life of you stay balanced (cue frustration, cursing under your breath, rolling eyes, looking at others)?

The arch nemesis of your first chakra is FEAR, so it makes sense that anxiety, stress, restlessness, worry, and exhaustion are directly associated with a faulty first chakra. It's easy once we taste that fear to get stuck in the vicious cycle that can take you to emotional, inconsistent and unreliable places. 

Fun facts about the first chakra (courtesy of Shannon Harty):

(the colors of the chakras are the same as those of the rainbow from bottom to top!) so...

Color: Red

Sense: Smell

Location: Base of the Spine

Element: Earth

Animal: Elephant

Physical dysfunctions associated with the first chakra:

Chronic back pain

Sciatica

Varicose veins

Cancer

Depression

Immune related disorders

The first chakra is the energy center where you find connection to the Earth, things greater than yourself, friends, family, and where your sense of home is. If you are experiencing some kind of turmoil, or your world has been turned upside down, it's quite possible that will translate into your yoga practice and largely the way you relate to others. Finding your connection with family and the unit of support physically and emotionally can help you open yourself up to a world of possibilities you didn't know existed. It is much easier to balance on one leg, your big toes, or the top of your head if you are wholeheartedly confident that you are loved, supported, and connected to the Earth and your friends and family.

I've been in a place where I felt I was missing my 'tribe'. I made some not so advisable decisions and in turn had very little communication with my family for many months. I literally did not speak to the people who love me most in this world for months. I wondered when I practiced yoga during this time if I was ever going to find stability in my balancing postures. I swayed at the very thought of closing my eyes in Tadasana, as if the ground would literally drop from beneath me if I let my guard down for a single moment. I had constant back pain, migraines, sleepless nights, bouts of depression, and very upsetting thoughts about myself (I was a hot mess). My father was diagnosed with cancer during that time and that shook the ground beneath my feet even further. Every bone in my body told me 'enough' and I forced myself to take a step. ONE step is all it takes to start to find lightness and connection again. I am not a tree..I moved, I changed where I was in my life and through those changes I began to heal and find what I was missing. 

Experiencing any of these physical dysfunctions? What to do, what to do..?

Go for a walk..or run..a skip..go to a park..just go outside. Leave your phone in your house while you're at it. Let yourself disconnect from whatever text you are waiting to receive, phone call you feel you need to make, or email you need to check. There is unending beauty surrounding you at every turn. Just allow yourself to acknowledge that beauty and let it surround your mind, body, and soul. Breathe it in. Breathe it all in. Breathe in all of the fresh air and new energy that you possibly can. Exhale out the negative thoughts, frustration, and worry. Nature, love, and gratitude can be humbling, and it can bring you back from very dark places. Opening yourself to these things can help you feel grounded and supported. Think very hard, find at least one thing that makes you feel calm, supported, truly loved and build from there.

And/Or...

I challenge you someday soon to do a short yoga practice (maybe a few sun salutations to connect movement with breath and warm up your body..and throw a few balancing postures in there). Then stop. Take a break..and roll the arches of your feet out on a tennis ball. Then use your hands, press into all corners of your feet with your thumbs and really give your feet a little love. Return to your mat and do the same practice again and focus in on the changes. You will FEEL the difference physically, but you can find that same connection without the physical stimulation. Standing tall and proud in Tadasana close your eyes. Imagine you are a tree and roots are growing from your feet deep into the Earth.  Growing, extending, spreading out these roots build in strength and size until you are firmly planted in the ground. You are one with nature. One with the world around you.

Family, tribe, clan, kinship..whatever you want to call it you need it and it is the most important thing in your life. Cherish your friends and family because everything else is built upon that and nothing matters without it. The chakras begin at the base of the spine extending down through your legs and into your feet. Energy flow begins in your physical body with grounding. 

Studying yoga and my journey through teacher training has helped me come to terms with the struggle I had with myself. I have never felt more supported and loved in my life and that begins with the love and appreciation I have for myself and others. 

Find your stillness, security, and stability. 

You have everything you need, use it to find your greater connection.

Breathe. Love. Breathe again.

What helps you feel grounded? Go get more of it!

I have a bone to pick: teacher training- decide for yourself

7-truths-about-being-a-yoga-teacher-that-no-one-will-ever-tell-you

the-not-so-glamorous-reality-of-being-a-yoga-teacher

6-things-to-know-before-you-start-yoga-teacher-training

These are just a few of many examples of articles I have come across and read since I finished my 200-hour yoga teacher training and begun to expand my practice even further through teaching...and some articles have annoyed me enough that I felt I should write my own blog post on the matter.

While some of these points are helpful and accurate, I feel that there is a way to be informative without being discouraging of individuals who want to begin their personal journey towards growth or teaching.

Ideally, you want people to enter a teacher training with the full understanding of what it will provide and a set of intentions for what they plan to do with the knowledge they gain. The harsh reality is that many people dive into a yoga teacher training with little understanding at all of what they will get out of it and what they will do after. If this applies to you, don't compare yourself to others just take a step back and do a little research first:

So instead of telling you all about why you might potentially regret making the decision to invest in a yoga teacher training..

I humbly invite you to ask yourself a few questions:

What do you think you will learn? Where does your primary interest in yoga and your personal practice lie? Is there a style of yoga you prefer? Do you want to focus on that style in your teacher training or do you want to expand your horizons? Are you ready to be challenged emotionally, spiritually, and physically? What is going on in your life right now? Are you are looking for emphasis on a particular topic? Be that alignment, spirituality, assisting, etc.. Are you looking for an extended program spread out over many months, or are you interested in a multiple week immersion/retreat? How do you want to use what you learn? Is the process to expand your personal practice or do you want to influence others? What is your budget? Are you willing to invest (a hefty sum of) money into something that may not immediately pay itself off?

I could go on..but you get the point. I've always been an advocate of diving in, making impulsive decisions, and following your heart, but some decisions deserve a little more thought.

Once you answer questions like these (and then some) I feel that it is easier to set realistic expectations and goals for yourself and the teacher training you choose to attend (within the parameters of what your definition of realistic is). Chase your dreams, but disappointment may show up now and then..because nothing is perfect. Yoga helps you meet challenges head on with a clear mind, and obviously there will be upsides and downsides to any decision we make. As with any other potentially life-changing endeavor, I propose you to truly and thoroughly put some thought into it first. You are probably seeking something, and a yoga teacher training can provide something beautiful to fill that space if you approach it in the right way.

My experience in 200-hour teacher training changed my life. I waited for the right opportunity to participate knowing what I could afford, what I had time for, and what I wanted out of it. Shannon Harty of GetDownDog Yoga is a fountain of knowledge and experience. I am so grateful to have built my understanding and appreciation for yoga in such a loving and supportive environment that fostered community and appreciation for myself and others. I am fortunate that Body Balance has welcomed me with open arms as a new teacher, and I appreciate every single beautiful soul that shows up to practice with me. With a solid base, I'm more than ready to continue my education with a 500-hour training. Not knowing what the future holds, I'm confident I can handle whatever may come. I am grounded and strong and live through love.

We are all on our own journey, so find your authenticity and a true connection to yourself. Once you find that, you can determine positive and negative consequences on your own.

 Don't let anyone put out your flame.

Breathe. Connect. Love with your whole heart.

'Living in the moment- Living my life- Easy and breezy-With peace in my mind..'

'..With peace in my heart, with peace in my soul..'

So yesterday, the first day October (and my wedding month a year from Friday!), I found myself counting the number of days until I pack up my life and finally move into the same state and home as the person I am over-the-moon through the stars and out of this world in love with.

I spend my Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings telling people to let go of their responsibilities, expectations, worries, and stress. I try to coax you away from a place where you are thinking about what you need to do after class whether that be in an hour, day, week, month, or even year. It doesn't matter when, just clear your mind. Get to a place where when you walk out of the room you feel no weight and can take the deepest breaths possible to fill your body. I try to teach you to create space by dropping these heavy burdens opening yourself to the beauty of the present moment. Experience your body and mind exactly where it is in this moment and fill the space you are creating with acknowledgment, love, and gratitude for whatever you are feeling. 

Ugh. Bad Carolyn, bad.

I had to stop myself. I was literally counting the days until I move from where I currently reside physically, intellectually, emotionally, etc.. Practice what you preach, right? Am I stopping myself from being fully present by doing this? 

My answer to myself: NOPE

I feel that I can set aside these feelings and excitement for what the future holds by going for a run in one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived. I can practice yoga in my room with the windows open and no responsibilities but my own well-being. I can practice yoga at Body Balance surrounded by a strong community of like minded individuals with a common purpose. William and Mary holds so many wonderful feelings and I have a strong sense of gratitude for everything the College of William and Mary, my brilliant professors, and exceptional peers has taught me. But why do I continue to escape the present to muse on what the near future will be like? My heart is speaking loudly and telling me that I am ready for the next chapter in my life. So I find comfort in the fact that I am at peace with where I am in this present moment in my life while still allowing myself enthusiasm for what is to come.

We are, after all, merely humans. And sometimes our hearts speak so loudly that we must just go with the flow.

(75 days by the way..)

And I will enjoy every last one, feeding my soul with all long walks soaking in the beauty that fall and the tiny town of Williamsburg has to offer.

Breathe.

Live in the moment, but don't fight whatever it is your heart is telling you.

Surround yourself with love and support.

Love yourself. 

Love others.

Work with the present moment

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” ~Eckhart Tolle

How my yoga practice has developed Part II:

So I made it through my first hot yoga class, and although it didn't stick with me right away I did take something from it. I went home and bought a few yoga and pilates videos off of amazon.com. Now, I'm not trying to say that there isn't a time and place for 'at-home yoga videos' but that didn't work for me either. 

There is something to be said in the beginning of your yoga practice for actually going to a studio, and the energy produced by a group of people with a common purpose. By leaving your home and going to a designated place that provides that energy for you, yet another roadblock towards relaxation, connection, and looking inward is removed. In the little sanctuary that is a yoga studio, you can walk into a room and disengage from technology, anger, fear, worry, and stress. 

You can inhale and draw new energy into your body, the exhale provides a more fulfilling release of toxins that build up from the unnecessary aggravation caused by worry, fear and stress (a.k.a. life).

Now it is very true and I started to realize at a very difficult time that: In order to continue growing as a person, you have to be a little bit selfish.

Even though I had a hard time doing yoga in my room (with my computer right behind me, my cell phone on silent but still vibrating, and the presence of all my belongings to remind me of heavy thoughts hanging over my head), I did stick with the pilates. It was through at-home pilates videos that I began to feel connected with my body once again. A back injury, weight gain, and an anxiety towards eating led to a complete lack of caring for myself mentally and physically. I had stopped growing as a person because I did not feel I was worth it.

Now I will tell you: You are WORTH it. You are ALWAYS worth it. It does not matter where you are in your life, or what you are going through. It is vitally important that you understand you deserve it. All of the good, the love, the happiness can be yours if you begin to understand that you are worth it. 

I have been at a place where I have felt constantly vulnerable, sad, lonely, and thought the entire world was judging me. Going through a hard time, I began to come to the realization that I was in control of my life. I know now that none of the negative matters and the most important persons opinion of you is your own. If someone feels they need to release their anger and frustration onto you, it is because of something that is going on with them and has very little to do with you. 

Core engagement is essential in a yoga practice, and is an important step towards a connection with the rest of your body and your body alone. We are all unique and beautiful. Finding a connection to my core led to a deeper understanding of myself. This was the first step towards realizing that I needed to begin caring for myself. 

Take hold of your life. 
Find a strong connection with your body. 
Live through love, because it just may change you. 
Be present, because whatever you are feeling or experiencing in this very moment matters.
And don't forget to focus on your breath.

Beauty. Everywhere.

This. 

Wow, right?

Doesn't natural beauty sometimes amaze and inspire you? Tonight I took the deepest breaths that have entered my body in quite a while. I could feel the oxygen pass through my nose, chest rise, belly rise, lungs full. As I exhaled it's almost as though a tightness released and in this moment, this beautiful place in time, my body relaxed fully and completely. It brought about a strong emotional response; Love is so simple and fills space when you allow it to. By breathing and making space we invite joy, love, and change to enter. Fill the space with love. Love is contagious and overwhelming.These sunsets are a glowing gift.

I sat silently alone tonight watching the sun slip below the horizon. Do you allow yourself moments to clear your mind fully? Sometimes these moments of clarity come at unexpected times. I often find mine when surrounded by fresh air, natural beauty and water. Go for walks, stop and smell the roses, allow yourself to slow body and mind. If you don't stop on occasion, you may miss the most beautiful sunsets or inspiring moments.

Don't forget to breathe.

Breathe in new energy, then love it all out.