grounded

I am grounded in the earth.

Breathing in, I am rooted and calm.

Breathing out, I release.

Breathing in, I gather back all scattered energies and I am calm.

progress~

funny thing about PROGRESS,

"two steps forward, and one step back"

one step back - hmmm, . . . i used to think that this phrase sounded so negative, and so frustrating. to work so hard at getting two steps ahead only to have to fall back a step; it seemed that progress was always a step away. this phrase kept me awake last night until i came to the realization that it didn't mean that at all....

"two steps, forward and one step back"

one step back = momentum

the step back, as frustrating as it might be, is only a catapult of momentum to push you forward those next two steps.

PROGRESS is constant movement; no matter the direction, forward or back, it is motion!

motion is good. yes, there is a time to be still, but not in the wake of progress. so maybe we take a step backwards, but only to take TWO steps FORWARD!

(*if the storyline in this painting continued, i think the girl would be taking two steps forward)

2011

Intentions for the New Year!

1. COMPASSION

(*after undergoing 3 surgeries in three months as the result of being bit on the leg by a brown recluse sPider, i have the utmost compassion for anyone suffering! i have been astounded at the cost of medical services, BUT SO GRATEFUL that they were available to me!

. . . i plan to raise money for individuals in need of reconstructive surgery)

2. ADVENTURE

(*you could say life is an adventure, but what better way to experience the magnitude and greatness of the outdoors and our CREATOR than to venture into the wilderness of the wild, wild West . . . maybe a little less wilderness and a little less wild, but i am definitely geared up

. . . for ADventuring west with the best trail-blazer i know, my DAD)

3. GRATITUDE

(*like i said, 3 surgeries in 3 months, will make you grateful for your two legs and the mobility that those two legs provide

. . . i plan to RUN a road race in gratitude and thanksgiving for the mobility that i have been re-given!)

a word about intentions~

january 1 st . . .

the word "resolution" is a bit daunting considering that

statistically only 46% of us who make "resolutions" for

the new year actually keep those resolutions for longer than 6mos.

. . . so, following my YOGIC PRINCIPLES,

i resolve this year to not set resolutions but intentions, something

that i admit is challenging enough in a single yoga practice,

believe me, try maintaining an intention of patience while

holding Utkatasana (chair pose) for a minute!

but this small moment of silence at the beginning of a yoga class

has a powerful way of not only keeping my mind focused through

the poses, but somehow seems to creep into my thoughts and

actions for the rest of the day.

In Sanskirt, the word for intention, sankalpa, is

a promise you make to yourself

about what you intend to do, be, say.

one word phrases

that become your mantra for your practice, day, year.

. . . ah, isn't that refreshing!

welcome 20 11

(*p.s. don't forget to eat your turnip greens & black-eyed peas today!)