Winter Solstice

Last night's winter solstice session was fantastic.  Beautiful energy created and community built.  I feel incredibly blessed to have the friends/clients that I have.  This is the third year that I have offered a solstice driven class.

We placed candles around the room to soften the lighting and create ambiance.  Initially, we held down dog for five breaths and eventually whittled it down to one.  The flow felt right, and everyone kept up.  There were no grimaces or hesitations.

Afterwards we enjoyed a chickpea and farro stew.  It was the perfect dish to renourish and fuel the body.  Two years ago, I made kitchari--an ayurvedic dish composed of rice and mung beans (or lentils).  I added mustard seeds, curry spice, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger and turmeric.  It is a complete protein and wholesome.  The chickpea stew was a fantastic alternative.  Isaac made it vegan and brought cheese to add if you were interested.  I doctored up some store-bought hummus, cut up vegetables and threw together a pineapple cucumber salad.  I thought it would be important to replenish with lighter fare.  

2024 will bring new energy and focus.  I must do more with building my yoga business.  I see the potential and have experienced it.  Then I become stagnant in some of my efforts.  I am reminded of how fortunate I am when I host evening classes.  I was gifted a much-needed portable speaker from several of my clients last night.  It was thoughtful.  Very thoughtful.  When Dominique misses the City Park sessions, I use a plastic container to put my phone in to amplify the sound.  It works.  And I am not embarrassed to use that hack.  The quality is decent and gets it done.  Provides music while practicing yoga outside.  

The portable speaker is a game changer.  I can use it in my car for road trips.  I drive to Santa Fe frequently.  Freya has a factory installed radio with a CD player that is broken.  No tape access or blue tooth enabled technology.  There are stretches along 1-25 where one station is available.  I manage to make it through, but I am excited to have access to the speaker.  I can listen to podcasts!  Finally.  

I think motivational podcasts are what I should listen to.  The political podcasts hurt my mind after a while.  I try to stay somewhat informed on the world around me.  It is challenging to not dive into the rabbit hole of darkness keeping up with some of the propaganda.  It makes no sense to hear women say that they would like to return to the era of the 1950's--like it was a better time for women.  How was it better?  Not having access to education, finances, or control of your body sounds delightful???  More like delusional.  

I am thankful for the relationships that I have had in my life.  And that they have recognized that I am independent and need time for myself.  There hasn't been an attempt to control or define me.  They let me navigate my life.  

During the solstice session, last night, it was unconventional.  We had tequila to kick start the sun salutations, listened to music, did not set an intention and had another shot of tequila.  This makes sense to me and my path.  Never taking the road that is expected.

Release old energy and focus on what motivates you for 2024.  

Upcoming Saturday classes

Join me for classes on Saturdays this month.  I moved yoga indoors to escape the weather.  The space is lovely, welcoming and open to all.

I am open to suggestions as I navigate this journey.  In person group classes.  They are the best.  I never thought I would enjoy them as much as I do.  I think fear and uncertainty limited my desire to host group classes.  Now, I know, how amazing they are.  Never knowing what to expect.

Think about.  There are three more opportunities to practice on Saturday mornings.  It will be grand!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the time to do more of what I enjoy doing.  Walking to the market, listening to podcasts or music, teaching yoga, meeting friends, drinking wine, reading.  So many things to be thankful for.  My intention is to create more.  Be it, writing here, teach more or put myself out there more.  I tend to hold myself accountable for five to seven days before slipping back into old patterns.  Less creativity, writing, content creation.  I realized Tuesday how little I had posted on this platform this year.  Forty-two entries.  Pathetic.

Where did 2023 go?  

I managed to go to one place that I have never been to before--Tulsa.  And Tom and I spent a few days in Wichita Falls and Amarillo.   Both trips were family oriented and fun.  I wish we had had more time to check out Tulsa.  We had one afternoon to explore the downtown area.  Holidays and weddings tend to demand your full attention and we experienced no different.  Next year, I hope to go abroad.  It has been too long since my last passport stamp.  2020 of March.  Barcelona.  It was a wonderful trip prior to the pandemic.  Looking back, I remember being aware of my surroundings and what I was forced to touch on the train.  I was not carrying hand sanitizer, but I washed my hands frequently.  What a time of the uncertainty.

Maybe Hawaii.  Or Mexico.  I know I will be spending my holiday in February in Tucson and maybe Rocky Point.  Shari and I are undecided if we have time to cross into Mexico.  There are many things to do in Tucson and the surrounding areas.  Sonoita, Bisbee, Tucson (itself).  Not to mention it will fall at the end of the college basketball season. I would love to watch the Wildcats play in their arena.  Like KU, they have a solid basketball program.  An amazing place to catch a game.

I am thankful for today and my health.  I picked up some kinesiology tape.  I need a little more rehab on my ankle.  It has improved, immensely since September, but I want to continue to strengthen it.  Regular checkups with the chiropractor is something I am thankful for as well.  The realignment of my spine was spectacular today.  I think he popped every vertebra, lol.  

What are you thankful for?  How do you plan on concluding your year?  Are you considering goals for 2024?  Maybe making small changes to create new habits?  

Take some time to contemplate it.  Think about making 2024 your best year yet!

Yoga at the Jazzercise Studio

Saturdays in December.  Join me!  Of course, I prefer park yoga.  The people watching, grounding/earth energy and basking in the sunlight is like no other.  

Still, it is December in Denver.  Practicing inside makes the most sense.  The Jazzercise Studio is a beautiful space.  Ample parking, welcoming vibe and my current home base.  Check out a class with me or expand your workout regime.  Try out a jazzercise class.  There are multiple available daily.

Continue to evolve your health and wellness.  I have been adding more core to my yoga classes.  Mixing it up with some cardio bursts and strength training.  It is essential to challenge yourself and boundaries.  Conclude this year in the best possible way.