As soon a school ended in May of 1982, my parents, my two siblings, our large Irish Setter-Black Lab mix, Sam, and I squeezed into our Toyota Corolla Hatchback to drive from Omaha, Nebraska to Yellowstone National Park. This was not for vacation. My father was a Park Service employee and had been transferred from … Continue reading Yellowstone
Tag: healing
Monday Morning Yoga
This morning I started class with the fall mediation I shared here. Durning the long hold, restorative poses I noticed the shadows of the leaves outside of the window dancing in the bright rays of the early morning on the studio floor. During class I offered several mantras including: “When I release tension, I lessen … Continue reading Monday Morning Yoga
Valley of Shadows
Free from all old stories I've been toldI walk through the valley of my own shadowGajumaru performed by Yaima Most weekdays I listen to inspirational music as I get ready for work. Last week I was listening to a friend’s playlist when these words grabbed me. I have listened to this song every day this … Continue reading Valley of Shadows
The Observer
When I am able to step away from the commotion around me, to see what is happening, I become the observer. When I am able to pause the stories in my head and see what emotion they are covering or protecting, I become the observer. My daily physical and spiritual practices not only ground me, … Continue reading The Observer
Mantra Monday
I allow myself to release all that no longer serves me. As humans we tend to stuff emotions so we do not have to feel anything even slightly uncomfortable. When emotions try to surface, we stuff them down with food, drink, drugs, binge TV, extreme dieting, anger, shopping and other activities that actually harm the … Continue reading Mantra Monday
Mantra Monday: I Am Light
There is a reason why “I Am Light” sung by India Arie is on at least one of every yoga teacher’s playlists, including one of mine. I play my “Come onto the Light -Bliss” playlist often in the morning. Sometimes for a personal, free form yoga practice or often while I’m getting ready for the … Continue reading Mantra Monday: I Am Light
Monkey Brain vs. Monk Brain
Lately my monkey brain has been working overtime drudging up narratives of shame, comparisons, anger, victimhood and complaints. One morning this week the monkey started before I got out of bed, quieted down while I did yoga and meditated and then returned with a vengeance as I got ready for work. My fiery nature was … Continue reading Monkey Brain vs. Monk Brain
Buck Norms
When I was four-years-old I made two announcements: 1. I was an adult and would be treated as such, and 2. I was not going to have babies so I did not need a daddy. I was going to raise puppies. Everyone thought that was cute, but I was not kidding. As I aged, I … Continue reading Buck Norms
Brené, I hear you!
One of my weekly journal prompts was to look at what triggers me when I react with anger. Of course I skipped that prompt. A couple of days later I found myself in a confrontational situation after a neighborhood meeting. The exchange upset me so much that I was unable to sleep that night. I … Continue reading Brené, I hear you!
Discombobulated
Confused, bewildered, disoriented, dumfounded, afraid, shocked, angry, off balance, emotionally hungover… These are just a few descriptions of my emotional gamut on Wednesday, January 6 as the United States Capitol was entered by a mob. I was horrified, but I could not look away from what was happening. My feelings and thoughts were caused body … Continue reading Discombobulated
The Yoga Cowgirl 