Archive for the ‘Yoga’ Category

Receive and Kindness

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

I am back home starting my day looking out my studio window, sipping my coffee, fed one of our three dogs, fed the cat and the rest of the family is asleep. Kripalu was priceless. Three days of constant yoga, nourishing and plentiful food, friendly folks and the opportunity to reflect upon beliefs that have kept me from experiencing the joy that I desire. Powerful healing. Laughter, some tears and the chance of a lifetime to be present with my daughter as she so gracefully moved from one beautiful pose to another…with intention, strength and courage.

Yoga with Elizabeth

Got back into the studio and went right to work on my gift for Cathy’s 50th Birthday. I am very pleased with the piece and hope it brings her happiness. I especially like the gold scroll quilting which I think brings a sense of importance to the occasion. I am going to bind, sign and add a sleeve to the piece and call her to arrange a date to present it to her. I will bring my camera to capture the moment.

Cathy's 50th birthday quilt without binding

Cathy's 50th birthday quilt with the detail center quilted

Cathy's 50th birthday quilt tree trunk and background quilted

Cathy's 50th birthday quilt with quilted leaves, photo and background

One last thought about my stay at Kripalu. I met a very special woman while I was there and she intuitively honed in on two thoughts for me to take away  for the New Year: RECEIVE AND KINDNESS…….

Last day at Kripalu

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Kripalu cafe, sunrise over the Berkshire mountains

Last night as my daughter and I held hands and were part of a huge circle of people chanting, I just looked at her beautiful face and knew how blessed I am. We giggled between ourselves as we thought of how so many of her friends would react to her chanting in sanskrit….but we held hands and knew that for us, at this moment, it was right.

I am excited about the new work that will come forth from this experience.

I am starting my yoga teacher training at the end of this month and so this journey continues…

Sunrise over the mountains

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

I am sitting at small cafe table overlooking the sun rising over the mountains in the Berkshires. It is peaceful and quiet. My older daughter and I are together at Kripalu for a few days doing lots of wonderful yoga, meditation and healthy eating. We even went snowshoeing yesterday for two hours in the forest and it was so much harder than I would have imagined. We are spending some time away from home, doing what we both love. I am seeing her in such a lovely light. There are not many 19 year old’s who would want to spend time at a yoga retreat with their mother, in a very simple environment with no bells and whistles. But, she “gets” it and I am so proud of her and happy for her.

Ah, the coffee bar just opened. The main dining room doesn’t serve coffee and for those of us who need that first cup of java, the coffee bar is the place to say “good morning”. I was here about 10 years ago and at that time things were much more spartan and pure (so to speak) and there was no caffein. I spent the entire weekend with a migraine. Try doing downward facing dog when you have a throbbing headache. This is so much more civilized, yes?

I am looking forward to lots of different yoga classes and time spent with my daughter today. The light is coming up behind the mountains, and the clouds are in motion…yes, it is good to take time away from what we normally do, to be in unfamilar places, to experiences new energies and environments. It nourishes me and brings me a sense of calm and balance.

I will try to get a photo tomorrow morning of the view I am seeing and experiencing. I would like very much to share it with you…whoever may be reading this.