Humans are one of my favorite things. Although I tend to keep my circle small and my love big. A little about me. I tend to be an introvert unless it is about other humans. I show up but also tend to peak around the corner at times to make sure it is safe. Speaking out about mental health and all that ties us together -I will from any place and anytime needed. A dinner party larger than 6 and you will find me avoiding or hiding away. A crowd of people or a long line? No thank you. I love my solitude and can even find it raising my two sweet teen boys. Rare but it is possible. It has taken be a long time to find a soft place to land within me, my hope is we can do the same together for you.
Writer
Over a dozen years ago the too soon passing of my stepmother and then my Father just a short time later by suicide I found my way to healing by writing. I wrote in my youth and words found me again years ago. And I try as often as possible to help you get to know him, too. He loved my friends.
It is only when I write I find my calm or perspective. I love to write for others. For work. For healing. I am a believer in silver linings helping me find wonder. These little sparks of joy keep me grounded and wanting to live my life fully with those I love. My path has not been in my time frame (way slower) and it is still so good. Life has been many steps forward and steps back and then forward again - or at least that is how it feels. It’s how growth is best for me I’ve found. Just a little movement here and there.
Teacher
As a young girl, my aunt went on a journey to India. She came back and told me stories. I was immediately fascinated with yoga, meditation and deep breathing - something I would forget about for decades only to return. I took my first Teacher Training years ago with the hopes of diving in to the history of yoga. My first training I found myself able to teach a powerful class, however I was left frustrated not understanding the history, deities or sub cultures of yoga. It was then I realized it was my journey to explore and learn from many teachers. To dive deep into books, teachings and my own practice. I have several hundred hours of training. While I pull from many teachers, the one I look to most is Janet Stone out of San Francisco. I mentor for her 200 and 300 hour groups. I have help my own 200 hour teacher training with Stephanie Birch along with multiple workshops. While some classes can be large and energetic I find I like meeting in smallish groups. There is always a balance.
I find in teaching there is a neutrality needed. To not force ideas nor what I am continuing to learn to students. Rather, to show up with love, connection and a little sweat in classes for it to be a level and safe playing field for all. Recently a student told me that my classes for them where 50% love and 50% sweat. This sounds about right. All the intricacies of yoga will always be your journey, not mine. I will certainly offer love, sweat, a little expansion to see just what you are capable which to me is always magic.
Seeker
While kindness is inherent in me the last decade of fire has shown me radical forgiveness, love and grace for myself and others. I have found the only way to growth and healing is vulnerability. I also know writing saves me. So much of what saves us also keeps us calm. I hope you have found what saves you and comforts. If not I urge you to inquire. For all of you is needed on this earth. Your thoughts, feelings, heart and soul. Absolutely needed.
Here is to a little extra love to those of us that struggle a little bit or a lot with this whole human thing. We got this life thing and we can celebrate it all.
