Part of the reason I don't write much is that I am constantly editing myself (and it is a mostly unpleasant experience). That, and the truth---I am a stormy-weather writer. And today is stormy out, and stormy inside. Since my mom died, I've been prone to sudden and unexpected bouts of grief. They manifest as tears that don't really have meaning. Just a deep sadness. As I attempted to drive with Miles out to the lake for a walk with a friend, it became clear that what I thought was fog was really drizzle. After suiting Miles up in his raincoat, loading him up, and getting on the road, I realized it wasn't a good day to walk. Or talk. Traffic was backed-up, so it took me a while to turn around and head home. But in that time, and even now as I write, one of these unexpected bouts of grief/tears has arrived. The difference between now and a few years ago, is that I'm much more tolerant and accepting of my feelings as they are, even though I don't entire
Posts
Reflections on 2017
Here we are on the last day of 2017 and it is gray, dreary, with the temperature dropping quickly as an arctic air mass moves into Central Texas. I've got a cold--the first one of 2017 (and the last) and so today seems the perfect day to stay inside and reflect on another calendar year gone by. My best one word summation of 2017 is transformation: the act or process of transforming; the state of being transformed; change in form, appearance, nature, or character (dictionary.com). The seeds I planted way back in 2013/14 really sprouted and bloomed in 2017. Just as I was ready to let go of a dream, I got the opportunity to realize it as the lead teacher of Austin Yoga Tree's inaugural 200 hour teacher training. To be honest, I would have been better suited for the job a few years ago when I was in the thick of teaching, training, and practicing yoga more hours than not. And yet it was so rewarding to spend time sharing what I love and what has supported me for so many years.
The Truth About Yoga (Dudes, you may want to read this)
Yoga is not about being bendy. Can’t touch your toes with your legs straight? I’ve been there. Those of us in the tight hamstring club actually have an advantage. Sounds crazy right? Truth is, the tight-in-body are less likely to get injured in a yoga class and more likely to witness vast improvements in poses than our bendy brothers and sisters. Here’s why: we get to use the strength in one group of muscles to help us find length (yes, flexibility) in other groups. Similar to any sport that you practice, over time, consistency in the physical yoga practice yields improvements. (Your toes aren’t quite as far away as they were the first time you tried to touch them.) That age-old excuse that yoga is for flexible people just doesn’t hold water anymore. While we’re shattering myths: Yoga isn’t effective because it’s relaxing. Rather, the physical practice of yoga works because it’s stressful. That’s right--practicing yoga postures puts physical stress on your body, and your
Lessons from Archie
I just got back from a walk with my 110 lb. Bull Mastiff, Archie. It is glorious outside and I couldn't resist getting a little hike in at the greenbelt. First, a little background on Archie. Archie and I found each other when I moved into my house in October of 2005. He was 3 yrs. old, un-neutered, skinny, aggressive, but amazingly sweet and I was really ready for a canine companion. Archie had been abandoned by his previous owner, and before that, he had spent many hours tied to a tree in the back yard. The combo created an imbalance in Archie which caused fear-based aggressiveness towards other dogs, particularly other imbalanced dogs. When we met, I wasn't very assertive, but I learned quickly (thanks to some trainers and the Dog Whisperer's book) that I had to learn to be Alpha in Archie's life so that he could feel more balanced. So Archie taught me to hold my ground and to be kind, but assertive. Part of my dream of having a dog was to take said canine fri
the yoga of blogging
Because I'm a yoga teacher, I get asked a lot, "do you have a daily yoga practice?" At first, I might say no, because although I hate to admit it, there are certainly days that I don't roll out my mat. On the other hand, though, I'd have to say that I absolutely have a daily yoga practice. The yoga of life... I find myself incorporating the philosophies of yoga on a daily basis from very small moments (breathe deeply, Kim, breathe deeply) to huge ways (non-violence, self study, compassion and kindness towards others). When my neck and shoulders are aching, I know which physical poses will alleviate my pain. I truly believe that once one starts practicing yoga, the yoga gets into them. It certainly can shift perspective in huge ways.