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There are many twists and turns on this journey of life. Some unexpected, some unwanted, some fantastic. I now see them all the same: as exactly what is needed and necessary for this journey - because it's just that: a trip to travel through, explore, and experience all that this life has to offer. The highs & lows, the joys & sorrows, the darkness & light, the ease & effort, all valuable human experiences. And yet, there is often great challenge, discomfort, and resistance in it. These polarities, created by our attachment and judgment of the mind, keep us bound and subject to hear, instability, dis-ease, and unrest. To find steadiness, balance, and flow in life, we must find acceptance & grace with all of life's parts - all of our parts. The dark as welcome as the light, the shadows as important, and the lows a necessary part of the highs.
Our work is to stay balanced, in acceptance and awareness of it all, while in the highs or lows, not letting the mind pull us deep into judgement, labeling or expectation, as we ride the waves. We get to practice this on our mats, so that we can bring the practice to our lives where it matters. I am so grateful (and aware of the great privileged I've had), to be able to practice this on my mat, time & time over, for so many years before. The unexpected (and some unwanted) twists in my life journey lately have been incredible practice for me, and in that practice, I'm seeing the benefits of all the time & energy spent on my mat up to now. The cumulative effect of that continued return to acceptance, has enabled me to ride this roller coaster with a sense of balance and ease, that I couldn't have managed without. Though at times I'm pulled into judgement and grasp to hold what I want to keep consistent, I'm now often able to step out of that and into trust, widening my perspective to see that it is all as it needs to be, and nothing is permanent. That feels worth celebrating to me - because it hasn't always been the case, and it's take great practice to get here. And I share this with you because I trust that you too will experience the transformative capacity of this practice (if you haven't already), with your consistency and dedication to showing up for yourself.
And I couldn't have gotten here without you! Our students, teachers, karmis, friends, family, and community - have been an essential part of my journey, my practice, and my evolution. I had no idea how much I would learn, grow & change when I stepped onto the path of studio owner 11 years ago - and it's truly been more magnificent than I could have imagined! The incredible experiences I've been able to be a part of, tha amazing teachers I've taught with and learned from, the students I've seen grow and heard stories of transformation from - wow! And none of that expansion could have been possible without the contraction, the steps back, the challenges & discomfort.
In this last step on the path of studio owner, I hope to remind you of the perfection of this journey, with all of it's twists & turns, and to invite you to sit in trust, acceptance & gratitude with me, for every moment (both dark & bright) that has brought you here. And when you reflect on your own growth & transformation, trust that you have been an invaluable part of many other's journeys as well.
Though my path as studio owner is ending, my role as teacher will carry on. I am so honored to continued teaching regularly at the beautiful Balu Yoga studio in Revelstoke, BC (where I live), and am excited about the possibility of new opportunities & offerings to come. I so value the relationships we've built here, and would love for our paths to cross once again, and share in this journey of life & transformation some more. You can continue to follow me on social media, and click below if you would like to hear from me via email about future offerings.
Again, I express my deepest gratitude to you all, for your contribution to this community & my own journey, and wish you ease, grace & balance on your path - wherever it may take you.
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