The Gift Of Gratitude

There is nothing quite like seeing the family.  In fact, it has been about ten years since all my cousins and aunts and uncles were all in the same room together and with a little planning and a stroke of luck that was exactly what happened this past weekend as I flew into Houston with my partner Cory for a fun filled adventure called, “My Cousin Scott’s Wedding.”

There was laughter, shopping for cowboy boots, happy tears, hugs all around,way too much food and only a few uncomfortable moments (garment related)  Mostly it was just a wonderful opportunity to sit in a room full of the most important & precious people in my life.  An utter blessing.

Coming back to the sweet sound of the waves here in sunny Florida was only interrupted by two days in bed fighting off a fever and some flu like symptoms.  What a drag.  Aside from soup deliveries from the best boyfriend on the planet and hours of Dexter on my laptop I spent the last two days blowing my nose and drinking as much herbal tea as I could stand.  It turns out that I don’t really have the temperament nor inclination to be sick.  It did provide some time to thing though.

I had a grounding conversation with one of my mentors and friends about the pace I keep with work and life and how I might create more space.  Was it possible that I fell into this illness as a result of the unending hours of my multi faceted life?  I’ve actually done a great deal to address that over this past month relieving myself of seven commitments and offering them up to other well qualified and capable instructors.  I was patting myself on the back actually when I was thrown flat on said back with illness and the need to schedule some emergency covers for classes.  I asked the Universe for a lesson in patience recently and boy did she deliver!

Two other lessons emerged.

One, I am fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing group of healing professionals and teachers who I trust and admire and can count on in times of need.

When I moved to this sleepy little seasonal resort town two years ago it was for a short party as I was passing through.  Having now laid down some roots I feel humbled and most grateful for all of the relationships I find myself in.  I have never before seen a community pull together and show such genuine enjoyment in the successes of others.  For all of you cheerleaders out there, Thank You!  There are always too those who want to throw a wrench in the things they can’t control of course, but the light prevails (love wins) and in the end we are stronger through the challenges we face, both on and off the mat.  So to the haters out there, Thank You More!!

Second, just because I am a yogi and teacher does not preclude me from illness and over scheduling issues.  Turns out even a yoga teacher needs time to rest and reflect.  Especially one that owns her own business.  I knew that of course, but I will admit that I was a bit zealous in my pursuit of how far out I could push the boundaries while tempting the Gods Of Balance…Isn’t it great to know that we are all in fact human?!

I guess that is the wonderful thing about unexpected detours, sickness included.  We have the opportunity to lean into others and show our vulnerability and build trust.  We have the opportunity to ask for help and allow those we usually serve the chance to pay back some of that good karma and in doing so we allow them to experience the sensation of pleasure that comes from helping out.  That’s why I teach anyway…it gives me great pleasure to serve.  We all like to know we are useful.

So, I”ll pick up a new book and and I will curl up on the couch for a hour or so before I drift off to sleep, again, and prepare my temple for the classes of tomorrow.   I will resist the urge to answer any more emails or play just one more round on Words With Friends.

Thank you to those that Love, and to those that don’t.  Thank you to those who are my family by blood and to those who are family by choice.  Thank you to my students, teachers, and friends.  Thank you Universe for the reminder that Gratitude is an Amazing Healing Tonic.

-Blessed Be & Namaste

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