thirty-seven cents

Reiki training, yoga with Wah! and a liberating day with Shiva Rea were just a few of the amazing experiences that filled my weekend. But one of the most moving moments came in the last mile of my drive home this evening. I stopped to pick up a bottle of wine at a local c-town liquor store and walked by a man standing outside in the rain asking for money. Like usual I had no cash but managed to find 37 cents in the bottom of my bag and felt almost embarrased as I gave it to the man on my way out. But he could not have been more thankful or gracious if it were a $10 bill. He flashed a real smile as said "it's the thought that counts... most people just walk right by me." That last mile of my drive home was unlike any other this weekend. I feel blessed and appreciative on a daily basis, but this interaction made all of my blessings feel like almost too much. Here's this man, standing in the pouring rain, so thankful for mere pennies. And then there's me; despite all of the wonderful experiences I have been blessed with this weekend and this lifetime, I've certainly spent a fair share of moments worrying about unnecessary and comparatively extravagant things. This man reminded me again how blessed and fortunate I am, how blessed my family and friends are, and how important (and yet sometimes challenging) it is to truly appreciate each moment and each gift, even the ones that might not come in the prettiest wrapping. In that short drive home, I set a new intention: to always carry around change and to share it with those who ask for help, no matter how much or how little I have.

Kripalu and Seane Corn

Life just keeps getting better and better. After a surprising and amazing evening on Thursday, I packed my bags and drove the two hours to Kripalu surrounded by the most gorgeous foliage ever. Fall has always been my favorite season, so to have such a perfect day and gorgeous foliage seeing me off on this endeavor, I knew that it had to be indicative of what was awaiting me in the Berkshires. Just as the sun was beginning to retire for the day, we drove through the quaint town of Lenox and were soon greeted by the ruins of an old mansion (the history of Kripalu is a story in and of itself!) and a long curvy drive opening up into sprawling lawns.




While we were there for Seane Corn's Empower Flow weekend, Kripalu offers an overwhelming amount of activities for everyone. Upon check-in, I was reminded of a cross between summer camp (well, what I imagine summer camp to be like!) and orientation weekend at college. We checked in and met with our personal "let me show you around" Kripalu representative. Our first stop: the giant wall of daily activities, which included schedules for each of the numerous programs taking place that weekend as well as daily yoga classes (Kripalu style, offered in gentle, moderate, and vigorous) and nightly events. We all agreed that it would be JUST as amazing to go for a "retreat and renewal" weekend, where you have no scheduled programs but can rather decide moment to moment how you wish to spend your days. Oh, and the "Healing Arts" (helllloooooo massage!) center was less than a jump away from the activity wall. There's also a "Sanctuary" room overlooking Lake Mahkeenac, a meditation room, a jacuzzi, and sauna just to name a few of the attractions. Because our days were so full already we really didn't even have a chance to fully enjoy much of which Kripalu has to offer! Of course, we gleefully experienced the Kripalu kitchen (over and over and over and over...), which is a vegetarian's DREAM. Yes, there is even a little something for you meat-etarians, so you will love it too!

In between program sessions (one Friday evening, two Saturday, and one Sunday) and between meals, we explored the grounds, frolicked through the leaves, and "hiked" through the woods by the Lake. The views were breathtaking and the foliage could not have been more perfect. And of COURSE we had a little fun along the way!







Seane was more amazing and inspiring than words can describe. She speaks from her heart and her soul and at one point I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Yoga inspires me every single day, but she took my love and my passion and yearning for more to a new level. Her messages were clear, strong, and powerful and her flow was appropriate for everyone in the room. She is truly magical and I cannot wait for another opportunity to train with her!



Overall, this week has been unbelievably humbling, inspiring, moving and rejuvenating and has left me spinning in the sensation that I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be. An undeniable reminder to remain open to all of life's experiences and to trust that when we are truly open to these experiences and where they may take us, we will be led in the direction that is meant for us at the time.

Om Shanti.

From Salutations and Salsa to Salutations and SURPRISES

If you told me two years ago that I would someday TEACH a yoga class with Lorraine, my amazing and inspiring and transformative teacher, I would have laughed at the thought of (a) teaching (what?!) and (b) teaching with my teacher (you've got to be kidding me!!). However, last night, this incredible event came true... and SO MUCH MORE. I can't begin to adequately describe how it felt to be present in that classroom during those 90 minutes... the energy was unbelievable, the playlist was perfect, the whole atmosphere felt electric! I couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire class, every once in a while hearing that little voice in my head scream with excitement "how in the WORLD did I get here?!" Two years ago, when I was worried about my law career and consumed with planning everything, I would never have guessed that I'd find myself on this incredible journey. I would never in a gazillion years imagine that the amazing women from Lululemon would arrange an entire night in order to surprise me with the honor of becoming an ambassador! I cannot put down in words how truly truly blessed I feel to have found this path in my life, and to be supported and encouraged and taught by so many AMAZING people, friends, peers, and teachers. I LOVE YOU ALL SO DEARLY. Ok, off to Kripalu for a weekend of yoga and bliss! Stay tuned!

Big Apology to my faithful and awesomel Latitude students!!

I told you tonight that I'd updated my calendar... but of course you were RIGHT and I wrong! I actually updated the wrong one! So sorry! It's up to date now and I PROMISE to keep the right one updated from now on! And while I'm on the subject, I want to let you all know how much you mean to me and how much I am amazed and inspired by your dedication and willingness to stay calm and focused, work with breath, and remain open to new challenges. Sending so much love to all of you! THANK YOU!!

Faith in "For Me"

Day One of my MUCH needed and long-awaited week-long vacation in Maine. All week I visualized 7 little full suns on weather.com. And, much to my dismay, the next four days are showing nothing but clouds, rain, and thunderstorms! I'm staying positive and having faith that the sun will come and the clouds will part sooner rather than later. But most of all, I'm trying to maintain my faith that this is all happening for me and that there's some greatness that will come to my vacation be it sunny or rainy!

joy in teaching

Today was an AMAZING day. To be honest, nearly every day is a pretty amazing day lately. But to understand what I'm feeling today, it may take a glimpse of the past... Recently, in the midst of a journal entry, I began reading old entries and came across one particular entry from a few years back; it essentially said the following: "I'm happy with where I'm at but there's something MORE for me. I feel it, I know it's there, seems I'm right on the brink of reaching it... but I don't know what IT is." So now, two years later, the hairs on my arms start to straighten when I think back to that time, long before I ever imagined I'd someday be teaching yoga. And I feel so incredibly lucky to have found IT, without struggle! I wasn't even really looking. I'd set my intention, not to teach yoga but just to be open and let things unfold and to notice what felt right. Of course now it all seems so clear! I feel incredibly blessed to have had life unfold in this way and humbled to be able to share something that means so much to me. And to think that I just let go of control, left it up to the universe, and the universe brought me into the BEST place ever. No matter what happens during my day, when I step foot into the studio to teach, the energy and the curiosity and openness of my students fills me up with joy and inspiration (like tonight!) So, every day that I am able to share what I love, to suggest that feeling of "letting go", to help someone find some peace, to enjoy some of my students energy, well, that's an AMAZING day. Namaste and goodnight!

one small but significant leap of faith

Ok Ashley, you totally motivated me to get on the ball and update - thank you! See, ask and you shall receive! ;-) This past week has been a huge reminder to TRUST that everything is happening FOR me and that it doesn't matter whether I leap with my eyes open or closed... the result will be the same and it will be as it should. I've always struggled with letting go, making the choice to end chapters in my life; but this week I did just that. I said good-bye to my first yoga class! I'd known for a while that the commute was too long and that I'd eventually have to give it up. But, as one of my very first permanent classes after teacher training, it was difficult for me to come to grips with this decision. As things unfolded (class time is being moved up by a half hour, coincidence?! Of course not!) it became clear that I could no longer teach the class, so I finally took the leap and gave it up. It was difficult but necessary and felt somewhat freeing. ... An ending? Or a beginning?... In a matter of days, I found out that I had the opportunity to take on a permanent class at Prana, my "home base", where MY teachers inspire and where I find solace on my mat and in the studio nearly every day. I am absolutely ecstatic to have this opportunity and know that it was just waiting for me to take that leap and open myself up to the next chapter in my journey. I know that things worked out as they should and that I am EXACTLY where I should be right now - and it feels amazing!