Gosh nothing like a real solid stretch of illness to take all wind out of the sails for the passage into a New Year. I am not much of one for resolutions or even really casting intentions at the change of the calendar, for me that generally tends to be on-going and/or seasonal. I find that summer is a really good time for me to reassess and get clear, and that at my birthday I do some additional checking in and sorting as well. That said, I do like to take a pause and do some bigger reflecting at the New Year. I find it is a chance to let the previous year fall away and die as well as to renew some of my desires, inspirations, and ambitions. 

 

But tell ya what. In the soup of fever and flu and respiratory and sinus distress, there is not much reflecting to be had. It was a mess over here, and sadly I seem to have landed in the center of it. Sicker than all the rest and quite possibly more ill than I have ever been before. I am still not completely over it. My right ear continues to be completely plugged and often painful and my general energy hovers right around 50%. And yet. 50% is such a significant improvement from the pit I was oozing in before that I have to say, I feel hopeful. And maybe even a little excited to sense a passion for living building up inside of me once again.

 

Plus, I really am quite happy to let 2022 die. It ended great (other than the on-going immune difficulty- I know I'm not alone in that! So much sickness all over the country from the sounds of things), but it began as total shit and as much as I'll be the first to say Oh Hey Look How Far We've Come, I am still happy to start from a higher point and build from here. 

 

It was a year of immense learning for me, that is for certain. I got clarity on a lot of things especially regarding my kids and their individual development and needs therein, but also in regard to not just their education but education in general, especially in the middle years. The experience of sending Eider to school this year has been eye opening to say the least; more on that soon but suffice it to say for now that not everything is how it seems. Isn't that always the case? But I am waking up to some vision and drive inside of myself in terms of knowing a thing or two about education and children and growing up (imagine that!) that I hadn't really considered before. A seed has been planted and I am curious to see what this year reveals about that. 

 

I am also at that gristy point postpartum (3.5 years eep!) coupled with getting ready to launch our girl from the nest, and I am ready to do some of my own differentiating and picking up of some of the aspects of myself that are mine alone and that I had, more or less, put down. I am excited to participate in some continuing education this year for yoga- it has been years, and also take some time away to tend to the spiritual heart of my practice. I haven't concentrated much time on myself in this way for a number of years and I think we are all ready, I know I am.

 

Ok! That's a lot for now! Below is a little note I want to share regarding Beautycounter as well as some yoga updates and of course a little link love. Thanks as ever for being here!

 

 

 

I was chatting with a friend of mine recently about the business of Beautycounter and at some point during our conversation she said something along the lines of: You drank the Koolaid. I have heard her say this before regarding various other things, even in reference to herself, so I know that she really didn't mean anything by it, but none the less is was a bit of a gut punch for me. My hackles went up.

 

I have a not so positive history with group think mentality and I guess I am hypersensitive to anything that feels like it could tip over into the domain of a little bit culty. Maybe it is my sordid history with different yoga communities or various educational pedagogies, but I tend to be pretty vigilant and as a result have found myself very resistant to being any sort of a “joiner” in general. Sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse I am afraid.

 

Which is why I think my involvement with Beautycounter sometimes throws people for a loop. Like wow it really doesn't seem like you to be involved in “one of those sorts of companies”. And honestly, I totally get that. But like I mention briefly above (and have made a post it to write on in more detail in the coming days), things are so often not how they appear- especially from the outside looking in. That has certainly been true for me with BC. In the business as a whole, but certainly in the connections, friendships, personal and financial growth, and entrepreneurial acumen I have gained over the course of my almost four years of involvement. It feels solid and sturdy to be a part of a shared vision and mission, along with a community of varied individuals rallying behind that purpose.

 

It continues to surprise me that this choice occupies a place of real reward and is a source of on-going gratitude in my life. I would have never in a million years imagined this outcome. And for that reason, I am really interested in sharing that possibility with others right now- more than ever. So, if you have even a spark of curiosity about what it could look like for you- which is literally anything from having your own link that you share with your friends and fam to taping into and co-creating a thriving business and community- I encourage you to get curious about that. Lean in a little and when you're ready, let's have a convo. 

 

 

 

I will be the first to say that I have been feeling completely disconnected from my yoga asana practice. Being sick for 3+ week will do that I guess. I have been back on my mat twice this week and both times I had the same thought- one I have had before upon returning to practice after some time away. This is what it is: the yoga doesn't go anywhere. Sure I may feel a little extra stiff and maybe a lot more weak, but the yoga doesn't care about that. In fact, from what I can tell, the yoga is neutral about whether I do or don't at all. It is me that ascribes meaning to it. In contrast, yoga is like a big arms open hug, waiting for me to wrap myself around but also just fine when I don't. I gotta say, I love that. And listen, not to say it is always the most comfortable or “easy” return, but not because yoga has any sort of bone to pick with me. 

 

So, all that to say that I know I am not the only one who ebbs and flows in their practice. It happens. But the yoga is still here, ready when you are. 

 

I don't have much going on in my teaching world these days. A few online classes here and there- nothing much in the works yet but I am sure I'll hatch some new idea sooner than later. I am still looking for the right local place to teach a weekly public class, but I am not rushing or forcing anything. It'll happen. That feels certain. 

 

I am, however, working to put the finishing touches on our Practice Intensive and ReTreat happening in under a month with Sam Rice and I at the absolutely stunning Sterling Forest Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We have just a few spaces left and I have discounted each of them by $250, so if you are feeling spontaneous and zesty and like your practice needs a reboot, you should grab a spot. LMK if ya wanna chat it out. I am here to make it as easy as possible.

 *flexible payment plans available.

 

 

 

 

 

New lip balm!

 

My favorite order add on for everyone.

 

Season's fave.

 

Continued Ed.

 

Sparking inspiration and dreaming big.

 

A recent read that appeals to northern folk for real- plus local VT writer bonus.

 

Winter woolies for my little.

 

Anyone else excited about this?

 

My favorite place to be these days to fuel what feels like my primary interest rn. Functional Fitness for L I F E my friends. Plus, local community for the win. More on this and all sorts of things soon soon soon.