Stretch Your Horizons

These Boots are Made for Walkin'

2008-06-19T21:41:00.002-04:00

SOOOO much has changed in the past couple of weeks, it has been quite the roller coaster. But that is not what is important right now... what is important is that very (VERY) shortly I will be on a plane headed to Peru in search of the Lost City of the Incas. Okay, so it isn't exactly lost anymore, but it's all new to me.

Got to get to packing, to be honest.. making sure to have my copy of The Celestine Prophecy on hand. Gotta pay attention to all the 'coincidences' and follow my gut. Had a truly incredible experience today, and I am feeling n'sync with the universe. Perfect time to lace up the hiking boots and wander the dusty trail.

So the experience- I won't leave ya in the dark. It was simply this. A while back I made a list of personal intentions. I focused on them daily and to be honest, I was getting a little frustrated at their lack of fruition. I let them go by the wayside. All of a sudden, last week, I started a job which I initially met with extreme resitance and unwillingness. Today at that job, I had a gentleman come up to me and say the exact thing that I had intended on a few short months ago. I wanted to be an inspiring person. He told me, literally, "You inspire me everyday you are here, thank you for coming." I almost cried.

And so the job... it has kinda grown on me. Actually, I am going to miss it while I am vagabonding in Peru for the next 18 days. Today was the last time I will get to interact with the group that I have been with the past 2 weeks. They will have left the program by the time I return. I did not say goodbye, I could not bring myself to tell them I was not going to be back. I wish them well on their journey, and I will keep them close to my heart. Gee, it sure is funny how life pans out.

So, fam and friends, I will not say g'bye to you either. I will say adieu! Looking forward to catching up when I return.

Hasta Luego!

Surprise!

2008-06-01T14:05:00.003-04:00

MY FIRST YOGA CLASS
Well, today was the day! Not the scheduled day, mind you, but the day nonetheless. I taught my first yoga class… at lululemon athletica. Found out the news yesterday and almost barfed. It was only 2 days earlier than when I thought my first yoga class would be, but it was not according to schedule, not as I envisioned, not as I planned. And neither was the class. But neither is life, and I am assuming that until I learn this lesson I will keep having reminders!

The short of it was that I was scheduled to teach the lululemon class on the 22nd- the day that I leave for Peru. Dawn informed me that she could not switch with me, leaving only Kyle to switch, and he, of course, was the first scheduled teacher for today- June 1st.

I called Jen immediately when I heard the news- 3 minutes to 4pm, Saturday May 31st- 3 minutes before the DJ Yoga Party was to begin at the Town Center. I was close to hyperventilation and near passing out. The anxiety struck like a freight train on the fast track to breakdown. I pulled it together when she promised to be there (thank goodness!) and I jumped into assisting, letting the inevitable go by the wayside for a few short hours before... ALL ABOARD! Back to jitter junction. Met with Marisa and Summer last night, and basically anyone I spoke to about the surprise yoga class told me that it was for the best, that it happened for a reason, that I would do great and that it would be no sweat.

No sweat? But we are supposed to be working out!

Lucky for me, there was sweat. Maybe even a little too much for a leisurely yoga class offered for free by lululemon. The general consensus, I believe, was that it was hard. There were 26 people there, and many beginners. A handful never having stepped onto a yoga mat before. My familiarity with giving modifications was less than honed, and I fumbled a few times. Lisa, from lululemon, even got off her mat once to help a woman who was struggling. Should have seen it, but missed it.

I said things I didn’t want to, that didn’t quite make sense even as they were spewing from my mouth. I missed opportunities to say things that I had planned oh, so eloquently. But I taught and I spoke, and I smiled. I enjoyed myself, and be they lies or not, a couple of other folks admitted to enjoying it as well. At the end, I addressed the fact that it was my first class teaching, and afterward, I had a woman come up to me and say that she never would have known it was my first class. I had a couple of people say that they had fun. I felt good.

At the end of the day, there will always be things that I will look back to and wished that I had done differently. I will wish that I resonated more with people, or that I was more present. I will wish that I was calmer and clearer. But I did it. And it was my first. And I am proud of myself, having left definite room for improvement! There’s no fun in perfection, right?

Other than Jen, there were a couple of other familiar faces- Sarah and Eddie were there, Frank came, but had to leave early. Lisa from lululemon was, obviously there, and then a couple from the studio. As for my other peeps, I knew they were there in spirit. As they always will be. I am so blessed to have this support, and I am eternally greatful. Marisa even came by early on her way to baking class to pep me up and shine her smile on my morning!

I spoke of community. I spoke of making history (being my first class). I spoke of the world being full of strangers, until you meet someone once, and then they are a friend. I played Brett Dennen’s “By and By” talking about friendship. I quipped in with some fun and tried to keep it real.

I can truly say that success is not measured by how good something is done, but the fact that you did something. In that light, today, I succeeded.

I am a yoga teacher, hear me roar.

Patagonia in Peril

2008-05-12T08:37:00.004-04:00

Hey all, it's been a while, and unfortunately my first post back is a trying one. I found out over the weekend that the area that I spent New Years 2008 in, is being devastated by an erupting volcano. Chaiten has been dormant for 9,000 years and it blew its lid in the first couple days of May. Since then, large amounts of gaseous fumes have swept across the region as it is continually blanketed by volcanic ash. Families are being evacuated, livestock are perishing. It is absolutely devastating. The most pristine environment I have ever encountered is in catastrophic danger. The crystal clear rivers that bestowed adventure and spirit into each day of my trip have turned grey with pollution from the volcano. No one knows what will happen as mother nature keeps this area of Patagonia in her hands.

If there is any way you can help, be it a donation or a prayer, please do so. I am getting things ready to send, so let me know. Thank you for keeping these people, this land, in your heart. In peace and love, XOM

Have to Dash...

2008-03-27T10:47:00.003-04:00

Whoa- it has been a LONG time since my last post- that can only mean one thing- life's been busy! I thought of an idea for times of deadlines and homework and no time to breathe- I can copy "Tales from the diary" Basically, write exerpts from my travel journals or emails.

This first one, although neither wordy nor informative really, was a funny one. I can remember the situation quite well. I was in Sydney and just had gotten back from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night, wrote a quick email to the rents before bed. (They saved and printed all my emails from the times I was in Oz, how thoughtful!) Short but sweet, like my free time lately! Here we go! And this is exactly how it was emailed originally...

"i-am-exhausted-no-spacebar-option-on-comp,-will-write-again-tomorrow-will-try-to-call-too-its-a-madhouse-at-the-hostel-right-now-bridge-climb-was-blast.talk-soon-luv-mel"

Well, friends, gotta dash, check in later!

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T09:47:00.003-04:00

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!!!

The countdown is over, but not without one last Irish love (even though there are many more!)

Of all things Irish, I especially love ST. PATTY'S CELEBRATIONS! Parades, men in quilts with bagpipes, a sea of green, beads, music- there's nothing better! The past two years, I have spent St. Patrick's Day in Savannah with Marisa and Dana, the year before that I was in Boston for a Dropkick Murphy's show, and the year prior to that I was celebrating with my aunts on the streets of NYC. All equally fun and equally green- those cities put on a spectacular show for the day! I have yet to get to Chicago to see their tribute to St. Patrick, but one of these years it is bound to happen!

Don your best green attire, emblazen your shamrock pins and put on your jiggiest shoes. It's St. Patrick's Day and it's time to CELEBRATE! Slainte!

Happy sorta St. Patty's Day!

2008-03-15T21:26:00.006-04:00

Guess the old separation of church and state doesn't really apply in Ireland, as today is the religious celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Speaking of religion, when I was in Ireland, in Dublin actually, I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral for mass. As it is quite a popular place, I was walking around trying to separate myself from tour groups to find where mass was actually to be held. I finally had to ask, and quickly found out that mass was the wrong word, CLEARLY. The woman looked at me in disgust and replied that "There ARE no masses here, if you are looking for SERVICE, then it is over there." I had been aware that there had been many years of fighting over religion on the island (Protestant and Catholic), and was especially cognisant having driven from Northern Ireland to Ireland. I thought with this seemingly innocent comment that I had just reignited something. Thankfully, that was all that was said and I slipped into service. (St. Patrick's in Dublin is actually Anglican- I mean tomaYto tomaHto, right?) Now for my completely unrelated love!

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

THE JIG! We're almost there, and that calls for a jig. So does the fact that it is Saturday and that the weather has been beautiful (if windy) and everything else is spectacular! The Irish jig is something that many try, few master, but all enjoy! It is always enhanced when attempted among a rowdy bunch! That way everyone can get involved! I've shared a jig or two in my day and I am bound to share more, as the music justs makes me want to dance. I've tried the Irish step dance (my cousins and aunts actually took lessons!) but normally I like to just get jiggy. Something about that fiddle, that gets 'me legs moving, know what I mean?

In honor of there being only 2 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S get your jig on tonight for practice! Surely you'll have an audience on Monday and you wouldn't want to look absolutely ridiculous, would you?!?!?!?! The jig just may even have to carry you over to the 17th, as tomorrow is YOGA ALL DAY, and after practicing my jig, I may not have the pep to post! XOM

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

2008-03-13T10:56:00.004-04:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

My lineage! Whilst in Ireland, I traced what I could of my ancestors back to their homeland. My family is 3rd generation Canadian, but that 4th generation (or was it 5th) came over from Ireland. Apparently 'McCaffery' is an altered name, so while I was not able to find much out about that portion of my Irish heritage, I found some things out about my Nanny's side.

Nanny's maiden name was Moran. Interestingly, Moran means 'descendant of great one,' and I couldn't agree more, as Nanny was surely great! Until I reached Ireland, I had prounounced the surname 'More-Anne.' At the coat of arms store in Dublin, the owner told me that in fact it is pronounced 'More-in.' He was able to trace the name to an area that Lex and I had driven through, Sligo. While that was as deep as I got (I did not try to find any distant rellies!), just the experience of having spent time in my ancestral land was satiable to my lineage thirst. That and a pint of Harp, of course!

I love Ireland for many reasons, as you have been reading in the past couple of days, but my heritage is certainly a central reason. My Aunt continues the research of our descendants and keeps us updated. Apparently, she recently discovered that someone living in the US, whom no one in my direct family knows, has a picture of my great-grandfather. I had thought we were all in Canada. Makes the world a little smaller. Perhaps a grand ole' family reunion is in order, on greener pastures! Ireland- here we come!

4 DAYS TILL ST. PATTYS!

(Unless you are following the edict by the bishops of Ireland- they moved St. Patrick's Day this year- all religious celebrations of St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on the 15th, so as not to conflict with Holy Week. Don't believe me? Check out this link..
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9917 I say we start celebrating on the 15 and continue through the 17th- who's with me?)

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

2008-03-12T11:08:00.005-04:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

LEPRECHAUNS! You didn't think I would forget about these wee folk, did you?

These sprite fairies are crafty and like to get into mischeif. Who doesn't like some cunning shenanigans every now and then, right? They are said to be very rich, but hide their treasure- pot o' gold style. Though they will try to outwit you if you come in contact with one, they must reveal the location of their fortune if you ask. But don't let them out of your sight- literally. So long as you have the leprechaun in your vision, he will be entrapped in your stare. As soon as you look away, he vanishes. POOF! Keep your ear to the ground for sounds of a shoemakers hammer- that will alert you to the proximity of a leprechaun. If you are a shoemaker, it may be a little more difficult to distinguish between the rap of these folk and your own, but stay vigilant. The reward is said to be great. For increased odds of encountering one of these creatures, try hanging out in the vicinity of rainbows- because we all know that there is a pot o' gold at the end of every rainbow.

Good luck, happy leprechaun spotting!

5 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

Leafy Greens

2008-03-11T06:43:00.006-04:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

SHAMROCKS! Many a day in my youth was spent laying in a field of clovers, searching for the elusive 4-leaf cousin to the 3-leafed species. Though I never found a 4-leafed clover, I became quite fond of shamrocks.

Originally used by St. Patrick to represent the Holy Trinity in an explanation of Christianity (or so the legend goes), the shamrock has become a symbol of St. Patty's Day. We all know 3 is a magic number, and it is no different here, as a shamrock is said to bring about good luck. Along with the Celtic harp, the shamrock has become a ubiquitous representation of Ireland. So, in addition to your 'Kiss me I'm Irish' pin, why not try to find some 3-leafed clover to accentuate your St. Patty's attire- for luck, for reverance, and for patriotism!

6 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

Mystic Monday

2008-03-10T08:54:00.006-04:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

FOLKLORE! I've always had a vivid imagination, so stories of giants and fairies are bound to intrigue me! Ireland is chockers full of such tales, and since I missed posting this weekend, I will give you three such fables.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. Naturally, this landscape was formed as a result of cooling lava from volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Mythically, this landscape was created by a giant, Finn MacCool, that wanted to show how 'cool' he really was. He formed these columnal 'stepping stones' stretching from the coast of Ireland to Scotland so that he could fight a rival giant. He didn't even have to get his feet wet!

The Blarney Stone, Ireland. A hunk of limestone has garnered the reputation of being Ireland's
"lucky charm." Legend has it that an old woman cast a spell on a king for saving her life. If he smooched the slab, he'd gain great powers of eloquence. You too can lend your lips to some limestone and gain the gift of gab!

The Burren, Northern Ireland. Likened to a moonscape, the Burren is the name that describes 50 square miles of deeply cracked limestone blanketing the ground. Underneath the vista, are caves home to ghostly horsemen and wells of water thought to cure vision. Mysterious lakes are said to sometimes appear and disappear, taking with them maidens who turn into swans. It's also a great place to build and innushuk!

7 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

"Top O' the Morning to Ya!"

2008-03-06T08:25:00.010-05:00

"And the rest of the day to yourself!"

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

Irish sayings! (They're different from blessings, I swear!) Here's some examples...

"That's a fine doorful of a woman."

What you would say of a tall, large woman (like Madame Maxime from Harry Potter, perhaps)

"She has a tongue that could clip a hedge"

What you would say of a gossiper (Why's it always got to be a woman- men gossip too!)

"Aw, that's the tune the old cow died of"

What you would say of very bad music (At least it's not saying "That's what it sounded like when the old cow died.")

"That man would talk the teeth out of a saw"

What you would say of a talkative person (That's right, I definitely know some long-winded men.)

"If that man went to a wedding, he'd stay for the christening"

What you would say of someone who overstays their welcome

And then there is always the infamous Murphy's Law, which is, of course...

"Nothing is as easy as it looks.

Everything takes longer than you expect.

And if anything can go wrong,

It will, at the worst possible moment"

Now, I've paraphrased Murphy once or twice in my life, but it is too pessimistic of a way to start the day! I will leave you with one more Irish saying to brighten your smile...

"There are only three kinds of Irish men who can't understand

women— young men, old men, and men of middle age."

Couldn't this be said of all nationalities?!?!? =)

11 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S DAY!

Country Road

2008-03-05T07:16:00.004-05:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

The countryside! Not to forget the meandering roads on which one drives on the opposite side of the road, often hanging on to the asphalt as the earth drops off to the sea below. Or clipping some tall grasses as you lean into the curves that the road offers through fields and pastures from a quieter time. The Irish countryside is quintessentially green and vibrant and full of adventure in a car.

Lexi and I discovered this having hired a car to drive from Northern Ireland to the East Coast of Ireland. For a week we took to the roads with freedom to explore. We stopped to admire things like the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher. But what was in between those attractions was just as magnificant. Grassy hills, grazing sheep, little cottages, warped fences, ancient cemetaries. It was storybook to me.

Country Road, take me home to the place where I belong... IRELAND!!

12 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S DAY!

Want Not

2008-03-04T08:47:00.005-05:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

Irish blessings! Two come immediately to mind. The standard, St. Patty's card Irish blessing,

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

My other favorite is this one,

"May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."

I find this second one a good reminder to our society in this day and age where materialism runs rampant. I am not pushing the life of an ascetic, but simply calling attention to being aware of the difference between a want and a need. In essence, we all have everything we need. Wanting can be very consuming, leading to greed or obsession. The noble wants like, "I want to help others," "I want to be a better person," those can be transformed from wants to actions. "I will help others," "I will be a better person." Sounds much better as an affirmation, doesn't it?

Perhaps you take this blessing to heart and you become conscious of how many things you "want" or how many times you use the word. It may help you to realize how blessed your life already is, and that you need nothing else to be content. I know it helps me!

13 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S DAY!

A Smile in 'Me Eye

2008-03-03T12:23:00.004-05:00

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

The song, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." This song, in particular (in addition to "Oh Danny Boy") reminds me of my Nanny. She used to sing this song often, and I remember chiming in to the words I knew. Which, incidentally, I just checked and I definitely was not singing them right. For sure Nellie McCaffery had them correct though. Here they are...

When Irish eyes are smiling,

Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing.

When Irish hearts are happy,

All the world seems bright and gay.

And when Irish eyes are smiling,

Sure, they steal your heart away

I can still hear her voice, carrying this melody, though now it is one of the angelic voices that the song speaks of. And sure enough, it makes 'me Irish heart happy and keeps 'me Irish eyes smiling! Love you, Nanny!

14 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

Slainte!

2008-03-02T10:07:00.006-05:00

Toasting a round of pints at the pub? Be they Guiness or Harp? Then you want to say, "Slainte!" Pronounced, "slan-cha" this is the Gaelic way to say Cheers!

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

BEER! To me, the concept of beer and Ireland go hand in hand, but not just because they make a pretty darn good brew (Harp would be my fav). In Ireland beer is more than a drink. It is a conduit for comraderie. If you need to laugh, to cry, to rant, to unload, to meddle, to share, to listen, to unwind, to celebrate, to mourn- head to the pub and you will always find good company. The pub is part of the culture in Ireland, it is a sense of community. It's a part of Irish tradition to grow up a bar patron. The word stranger doesn't exist within the walls of a pub, once you walk in, you're part of the family. And we all know that beer always tastes better when shared among friends. Anyone else getting thirsty?

Slainte! 15 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

All Things Irish

2008-03-01T06:39:00.005-05:00

March is here, and you know what that means- the countdown to St. Patty's is on! Starting today, I will make a list of all things Irish that I love! A tribute to the homeland, if you will. It is so hard to pick a first, let's see.

Of all things Irish, I especially love...

DOOLIN- a quaint little town on the west coast of Ireland famed for it's traditional music (which brings up a sore subject, actually!) Lex and I visited Doolin on our Europe extravaganza and suffice it to say, we both fell in love. Doolin had 3 bars, 3 hostels and nothing much else. Everything was perfect stumbling distance- we ARE talking about IRELAND here- beer is something they do marvelously! (That will be another day.)

So Doolin. Twice on our stay there, Lex and I heard a phenom Irish band play. With the fiddles, the Irish flute, the guitars. The perfect tunes for a jig. We wanted to buy their CD, but alas, it was a whole 15 Euro and we could not, between the two of us, fathom spending such an exorbetant fee. We have been kicking ourselves ever since.

That's besides the point. Doolin is a wonderful little town with donkeys roaming the fields,(careful, they bite) music streaming down the streets and the coast a short ride away. It is a stopping off point to see the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. It is a town that has upheld its Irish charm, and one that I recommend spending a couple days in. Note: If you do, would you mind picking me up a CD? Cheers!

16 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S!

Leap of Faith

2008-02-29T13:00:00.006-05:00

In case you haven't noticed it's LEAP DAY! I haven't studied the ins and outs of it, but I vaguely know that we have this extra day in Feb every four years to sort of catch up with our solar calendar. (right?) So this year we have 366 days- why not make that extra one count!?!?

I think it only fitting to make 2008 a 'leap of faith' year! It's like New Year's all over again- today, while we are celebrating this extra fine day (and a Friday at that- thank you, solar gods!) we can make a leap year resolution. One that involves us going beyond our natural way of life, one that challenges our thinking, one that requires us to blindly trust. It may not present itself today, this week, or even next month- but at some point this year, I am sure we will all be in the situation of going our usual way or taking a LEAP OF FAITH into the unknown! So let's make a pact today to take that leap where and whenever it may be.

Gear up, my fellow froglings, and HAPPY LEAPING!

Tout de Suite

2008-02-27T10:23:00.002-05:00

This French phrase, meaning "at once," is most closely pronounced, "too sweet" in English. A coincidence? Not for me.

It is Day 3 of the fruit cleanse. I have reveled in magnificant melons, awesome apples, gracious grapes, beautiful bananas, palatable pineapple, tasty tomatoes, nutritious nectarines, bountiful blueberries, scrumptious strawberries, and ambrosial avocados. Combined with my lemon water and herbal teas, this cleanse has been quite easy to accommodate. My only objection to this satiating selection? All at once, the foods are just too sweet.

No worries, tomorrow I can bland it out all I want. Stock up on some crackers, oatmeal, nuts. My sweet tooth better get its fill today, because surely if I continue to feed it, it will need a different kind of filling tomorrow!

Meditation Minutes

2008-02-26T10:47:00.003-05:00

When I lived with Mindy on the Gold Coast in Australia, I belonged to the Meditiation Centre. I took yoga, participated in chanting, practiced pranyama breathing, and even went on a retreat. I remember one Friday night when Mindy and I went out on the town. We met some people who wanted to hang out later, but we wanted to get home because the following morning we were going to the centre. Our intoxicated friends begged us to stay out, but we declined saying that we were going to meditation in the morning. At the age of 21, that may have sounded like a weird activity to be participating in, especially when it means that you can't party late into the night! Our friends bid us adieu and in their confusion, told us to have fun "levitating."

I've practiced meditation on and off for a while, but I have yet to get to the point of levitation! Meditation to me is quiet time to calm the mind. It is not the absence of thoughts, but rather not having any particular reaction to the thoughts passing through my mind. Some days my mind runs wild with thoughts during meditation, other days I can still my mind and just be. The key is not to get frustrated when my mind does not cooperate. The key is not to have expectations of what my session will be like. The key is not to give up when I just can't stop the chatter. The key is to recognize and accept.

This week, the goal is to meditate for 20 minutes in the morning and again in the evening. I use my trusty cell phone to keep track of my minutes, and in my haste to begin, I have found that 2 times I have erroneously set the alarm. Some greater power wants me to meditate far longer- the first time I set the minutes right, but an hour later than I should have; the second time I had both the minutes and the hour correct, just set it to PM rather than AM! Miraculously, both times, I sensed my session over at 21 minutes and checked the clock. Was levitation at 22 minutes? Guess I'll never know. In the meantime, I am content with the time to observe and be still.

Spring Cleaning

2008-02-25T12:04:00.007-05:00

Put away the mop, stow the suds- I'm cleaning with fruit! Today marks the first day of my 3day fruit cleanse. I have actually been looking forward to this part- remind me of that if I start to complain!

So far on the 40day program, we have been incorporating presence, vitality and equanimity through diet, yoga and meditation. It has been wonderful. As far as food goes, I have certainly gained a greater appreciation of where my food comes from, how it got to me, what it provides me and how thankful I am for it. I have consciously taken 'time out' for eating, making sure not to be doing anything else while eating- like talking on the phone, reading, etc. I have envisioned the life of my food, and its journey to my plate. I have realized that for some foods, I don't even know how it grows- is it on a vine, a tree, underground, in a bush? That's pretty scary- a true epiphany of how far removed I have been from my food.

My favorite part about eating has been the imagination of the energy and life that my food has been charged with, and in turn will charge me with! The honest truth- food has never tasted so good! Like bananas, for instance- how did I ever eat one before without noticing their heavenly taste. And mangos? I'm carried away to tropical paradise.

For the next three days, I will revel in fruit nirvana while contemplating my first "cleanse." What new light will it shed for me? Don't know, but I'm pretty stoked about it. And I don't even have to break out the vacuum.

I can FLY and you can too!

2008-02-22T10:50:00.005-05:00

"Do at least one thing a day that scares you." I nicked that quote off a lululemon postcard, isn't it brilliant?

Not everyday offers the opportunity to sky dive, bungee jump or get up in front of an audience to give a speech. But that doesn't mean that you don't have a daily chance to do something scary! Anything from a conversation, to a physical feat to employing will power could satisfy your scary requirement! Things like making business phone calls or maintaining eye contact always scare me. My Friday scare challenge involves volunteering at the hospital with my sister's dog. (I get faint at the mention of blood.)

Facing a fear and surviving (which you always will!) is so empowering. It is a matter of proving to yourself that fear has no grip over you and that you have control of what you feel and what you do. The shift from anxiety to triumph is exhilerating!

I remember when I went bungee jumping in New Zealand. To get to the jump, we had to take a cable car to a gondola suspended in a gorge. To jump, you had to shimmy out onto a ledge that was as wide as your two feet. I could kinda make out the sinewy thread of water below, but it was really far down there (430ft, to be exact!) The air immediately started to thin and it became hard to breathe. My hands started mass producing sweat and my ego started in, "You're crazy, you can't do this!" I heard the call from the gondola, "You're going to jump on the count of 1." I found a weak voice to utter the words, "I can't do this." The response came,"Yes you can, 3..2..1, FLY!" And I jumped, I dove, I flew! I stopped the questioning, I stopped the disbelief and I just did it. Sure, it was scary- so much so, in fact, that I could not even scream on the way down. It got caught in my throat. But by the first bounce, it had dislodged- the exhileration booming through me.

So if you can't find a bungee today, pick something else. It doesn't have to be scary to anyone other than you. And you don't even have to tell anyone. Face the fear and exhalt in accomplishment! Find your power and FLY!

Celebrating Life

2008-02-21T14:25:00.004-05:00

In light of yesterday's news, I wanted to take today to celebrate life. Just in this month alone...

1. Colin- you turned 11 months today!

2. Nonna- 93 years YOUNG on the 13!

3. Nonno- will be 94 on the 23rd!

Beautiful.

P.S. A BIG thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Alex.

Sampai Jumpa

2008-02-20T13:34:00.002-05:00

Though my thoughts are many, I have few words today. I have just received word that a friend from abroad has left this earth.

Alex was a divemaster on the liveaboard dive trip I went on this past summer. His smile is forever etched in my mind, and his laugh will always echo in my heart. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.

There is solace in the fact that Alex is at peace, and that his memory will live on in the lives of those he loved. The greatest tribute to Alex is to keep smiling and live life to the fullest. He will forever remain in our hearts, and never further than a thought away.

The boat that he sailed was called Sampai Jumpa (Indonesian for "See You) These words were the last Alex said to me as I left Koh Tao, and I leave the same with him, "Sampai Jumpa, my friend."

Must Love Dogs...

2008-02-19T12:37:00.004-05:00

Even Downward Facing ones.

Downward Facing Dog is the quintessential yoga pose. It is one of the first few poses called in a practice, and you return to it time and time again. For the longest time, I hated my Dog.

Hate is a strong word, but I cannot lessen the feeling I had to DFD because it would dredge up so much anger and anxiety in me. I could get my hands and feet in the right position, but instead of looking like an upside down "V" I was a "U" at best. When I concentrated in straightening my back, I would cave in my shoulders, resembling a calligraphic "V". I'd listen to the directives, "Hands shoulder width distance, feet hip width distance, tilt your tailbone to the sky, contract your navel to your spine, press your thighs back and arms forward, let your shoulders run down your back, and relax." RELAX?!?!? Are you kidding me? My legs are tight, my shoulders ache, and my wrists are in pain. I'll relax when you call the next pose!

I've had a lot of face time with DFD, seeing that it is called so often within a practice. While I still can't master the pose, I accept where I am in my dog- calligraphy and all. I appreciate all the lessons of patience it has taught me, and surely will continue to teach me. There are even times, after a challenging sequence, that I find myself rejoicing in DFD.

It is not only on my mat that I get to practice the lessons of DFD. Out in the real world, I try to steer clear of feelings of anger and anxiety, and instead practice patience and acceptance. With a traffic jam, with a negative person, with a long line. Just as in the pose, breaking out of negative thinking creates reason for rejoice. Rejoicing and RELAXING. Though it will never surpass Child's Pose as my all time favorite, Downward Facing Dog holds a special place in my heart...and my hamstrings.

Summer on the Horizon

2008-02-18T15:43:00.004-05:00

Summer is not too far off now, and people are starting to ask where I am headed this year. To tell you the truth, I have yet to pick a destination! I can think of a number of places I want to visit! By continent, briefly:

North America:
San Fran to Vancouver roadtrip -camping along the coast.
Wine Country, California- wine and cheese in the fruitfull hills

South America:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- mystic hiking
Argentina/Brazil- backpacking through Latin culture
Galapagos- crusing/ diving up close with nature

Europe:
Scandinavia- midnight sun and fijords

Africa:
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda- Mt. Kili and gorillas
Namibia, South Africa- sand dunes and coast
Seychelles- idyllic diving

Asia:
Borneo, Indo- island hopping/ diving

Australia:
Perth, and Queensland- something new, something old

That being said, I am up for pretty much anything, anywhere. Be it action packed, chillaxed, culturized or bumming it- I'm down. So who's coming with me!?!?

Be Natural

2008-02-15T10:01:00.006-05:00

Tree? Crow? Lotus? Mountain? Am I in yoga or learning about nature? Perhaps a little bit of both!

I recently learned that in the early days of yoga, the asanas were taught to children outdoors. In order to keep their interest, poses were named after things in nature that looked similar. It made it easier for the children to imagine what the poses looked like, and was entertaining. In India, this tradition is still carried out and children learn the physical postures of yoga at an early age.

I loved hearing this insight- it has completely changed my practice! Now each time I go into 'thunderbolt', I can picture the jagged flash of light and feel the energy igniting my body into form. Imagining a beautiful 'bird of paradise' has graced my asana with delicacy. Standing tall like a 'mountain' has allowed me more presence and solidarity in the pose. Some involve using a little more of the imagination- like pigeon- I assume that the leg position embodies the wings of the bird?

You may have no clue what I am talking about, but the next time (or the first time!) you are in a yoga class and the asana is called, take the time to picture what it is you are emulating. Be natural in your form and embody the pose. Thinking about the nature of a pose's name could possibly help you to come into it easier. Regardless, it's guaranteed to be a lot more fun! You may even find the urge to bark in downward facing dog!

I Heart Me

2008-02-14T08:16:00.003-05:00

I've often tried to figure out a souvenir that I could get from places I go- a collectable per se. You know, something that every place has, no matter how remote or foreign. Some people collect things like shot glasses or spoons. I have yet to initiate this thought, but what about the "I HEART ____" shirts. That one came to me one day while I was walking the streets of Burlington, VT- their shirt says "I LOVERMONT" so clever! (I think the 'O' in love was even heartshaped.)

Thought it appropriate to bring up matters of the heart today seeing that it is VALENTINE'S DAY! Got a sweet card from my parents, and my dad signed it as he does every year, my valentine. Today I celebrate all the people in my life that I love. V-Day is not solely for romantic love!

A sometimes difficult lesson to learn, and one that I constantly have to remind myself of, is that in order to love another you first have to love yourself! So, today while you are all thinking about what to do for your loved one, don't forget to do something special for yourself too. Think my treat will be some yummy chocolate, seeing as it is the emblem of V-Day!

I guess it is good that I haven't started the shirt collection yet. If I heed my own advice, the first "I Heart" shirt I get should be, "I Heart Me"

Put on some comfy shoes...

2008-02-13T09:11:00.003-05:00

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

This line comes from the 64th verse of the Tao Te Ching, and is especially moving to me. One doesn't have to plan a trip to go on a journey. Life is the greatest journey of all.

This verse puts things into perspective. Many things can seem overwhelming when looked at as a whole, or projected in the future. But really, the only way to accomplish anything or get anywhere is to take a step. And then another. And another. All we really have to do is focus on the moment at hand.

This could apply to anything and everything in life. I try to bring this mindset into being for my nemesis poses in yoga. Like frog. My immediate reaction to hearing frog called is to get anxious about how long we are going to have to hold it. If I stay present in the moment, I realize that I can approach the pose, breath by breath. Sure my hips scream out, emploring the release. I get distracted with thoughts of "I can't believe he is reading a story, doesn't he realize this is utterably unbearable?" But that's just chatter. Of course the pose is bearable- as long as I take that first step.

A goal of mine is to one day write a book. Seems daunting when I think about it- all the pages, all those words, what to write. But if I take it one day at a time, one word at a time, then it suddenly seems manageable. Just like life.

Sometimes you may be walking alone, other times in company. Not all steps will propel you forward- a step backwards might be what you need to gain a new direction. Some steps may be tiny while others may feel more like a leap. But in the end, they're all steps. Initiated by a single one. Focus on the present and everything is within reach. Life is, afterall, about the journey- not the destination.

Que Bueno

2008-02-12T08:19:00.001-05:00

An article in National Geographic Adventure put Patagonia on the map for me. It sounded so intriguing, so remote, so unspoiled. At the time, I never would have guessed that it was going to be my next destination.

My pattern for the past 4 years has been to take a big trip once a year in our summertime, lasting anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. The first year it was backpacking thru' Europe, then came a camping roadtrip in the National Parks out West, followed by a safari in Southern Africa, and most recently a solo jaunt in Southeast Asia. This time, I didn't let my back account catch back up before I took off again!

I spent New Years 2008 on the Futaleufu in Patagonia. Looking for a week-long yoga retreat over the holidays, I stumbled upon this particular trip. Yoga, white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping- it couldn't get more appealing. It wasn't long before I was booked.

I've often found that the harder it is to get to a place, the better the reward. Patagonia was no different. Snow-capped mountains, sweeping valleys, serpentine rivers. Farms dotting the sheep filled fields. Oxen traveling the graveled roads. Gauchos rounding their herds. Tranquillo. Muy tranquillo.

Until of course we hit the water. The Fu has some of the best whitewater in the world. We spent 6 full days on the river between large rafts, hard shell kayaks and personal inflatable kayaks (duckies). It was a non-stop, action packed trip. When we weren't on the river we took a hike, went mountain biking, soaked in the hot tub, practiced yoga, indulged in delicious meals, participated in a wine tasting, went horseback riding, and even managed to dance to the wee hours of the morning.

The trip was phenomenal. The people, the place, the experience. I would certainly recommend the outfitter I went with (as would National Geographic Adventure)- BioBio Adventures. Their signature trip is this one, but they do trips all over the world. Feet itchy yet? http://bbxrafting.com/

I need to get out more...

2008-02-11T15:08:00.001-05:00

CLEARLY! I will shamefully admit that up until last night, I thought that Latin America was a geographical description pertaining to the countries south of Mexico and north of South America (how did I forget about the term "Central America?"). My friends were kind enough to explain that in fact, Latin America refers to a cultural delineation- countries in "Latin America" are those where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese) are spoken. Makes sense.

So I wasn't completely wrong- the countries that I deemed Latin America, are actually a part of the conglomerate. Just throw Mexico and the entire continent of South America into that mix (minus three or four countries). I am feeling a pull towards this region the more I think about my next venture. Today, I even found a trip.

Cayos Cochinos, Honduras- diving an untouched reef while compiling information for a scientific study. We all know that the world's largest barrier reef is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, but did you know that the second largest is right here- in THIS hemisphere! On this trip, you basically dive in a government protected area that is off-limits to commercial divers and fisherman while collecting data to keep tabs on the vitality of the region. Underwater paradise by day, bungalow beach by night. Sounds sublime.

They only run two trips a year, and unfortunately this year both trips coincide with my yoga teacher training- but I am definitely keeping this trip on the radar! Check it out for yourself... http://www.biosphereexpeditions.org/ Calling all certified divers, let's do it!

Pache Mama, I beseech thee

2008-02-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

Couldn't sleep. Was calling out yoga asanas (poses) in my sleep. Instead of staying in bed, I crept to the patio to see what the temp was. Degree wise, not so sure, but it called for a hot cup of tea, a steaming bowl of oatmeal, and some big, cozy sweats. I sat out there taking it all in and it left me with this prayer to Mother Earth.

Pache Mama I beseech thee, make me like...

the lake who rests in complete stillness,

the birds who fly free above worry, fear and doubt,

the trees who stand firm and do not react,

the grass who waits patiently for the sun to melt away the frost,

the breeze who brings life to those around,

the fountain who dances playfully in each moment,

the sun who warms the day with brillance.

Pache Mama, I beseech thee, allow me to emulate

your works of beauty in my heart, my soul, my life.

Stop Smoking Your Joints!

2008-02-08T08:43:00.001-05:00

I have to credit my yoga instructor for that phrase. He frequently calls me out when I "hang out in my joints" in poses. You see, hypermobility's not all that it's cracked up to be.

I became aware of my 'bendiness' back when I lived in Canada. The situation, as I remember it, was this. A bunch of kids were hanging out when one asked the group if anyone could bring their hands from back to front while keeping them clasped. We all tried it, and magically I was able to do it no sweat. Back to front, front to back, heck I could even climb through my arms and make a jump rope routine out of it. Word got out and I showed my 'talent' to anyone that asked.

I kept the skill as I grew up, and soon discovered more Gumby-esque body parts. My fingers could bend backwards, my elbows could hinge out, my legs could twist up pretzel style. The fun was never-ending! One doctor of mine mentioned that I should join the freak show... and I am sure he meant that in the most complimentary, not 'adolescent-scarring, you'll remember this for the rest of your life' kinda way.

During high school, my party antics of contortionism, started to creep up at all hours unsummoned. I would be driving down the street and all of a sudden my shoulder would slip out of its socket. It could take minutes, hours before I could get it back in. Physical therapy was my only option, and that only lasted until I broke my collarbone.

I skirted through college unscathed by further joint issues. Post-college, a running injury to my hip kept me hobbling for three months before a doctor realized it was severe arthritis. Each time I tried doing yoga, the same hip-slip would resurface and I would be off of the mat for several weeks. It didn't take long before I gave up on yoga entirely. I took running back up and soon learned that my knees couldn't take the daily stress. That's when I learned I was smoking my joints.

Out of the blue, I came to try Power Yoga. Unlike Hatha, where the focus is on calmly stretching, Power Yoga capitalizes on strength and muscle. It's what my body needed- to unlearn my hyper-mobile ways and use my muscles for a change. Every now and then, my instructor will catch me idling in flexibility or pulling a Cirque du Soleil move and he'll call me out on it. I'll adjust my posture and discover how challenging the pose really is. I'm grateful that yoga has come to the rescue in saving my joints so that I can still be practicing when I am in my 90's (like my grandmother- she's 93 and does yoga every morning!) In the end, I guess I can also thank yoga for keeping me out of the freak show.

Come practice Power Yoga with me! http://mbodyyoga.com/

Happy New Year!

2008-02-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today marks the Chinese New Year! The closest I have been to China was this past summer when I spent a month backpacking In Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. To sum up my trip, I wrote a poem...

I Went Searching For Buddha

I went searching for Buddha where I thought he’d be found,
In lands where beauty in simplicity abounds.

I went searching for Buddha in the wats of Chiang Mai,
Through the forests and tunnels where headless Buddha statues lie.

A blessing from a monk, a spirit bracelet on my wrist,
But Buddha never came, and he was surely missed.

I went searching for Buddha in the verdant Laos hills,
Where a line of rice a mile long strengthens solid wills.

A slowboat to Pak Ou, a tuk-tuk to Kuang Si,
But somehow in the beauty, Buddha eluded me.

I went searching for Buddha in the mystic Angkor Wat,
Where valiant trees stand their ground after battles they once fought.

In visages of seclusion, and early morning dew,
Buddha always remained distant, just outside my view.

I went searching for Buddha on the islands in the sea,
Sailing deep, unchartered waters, diving 20,000 leagues.

Surfacing only for a nap or a bite of food to eat,
There was no time or place for Buddha and I to meet.

I went searching for Buddha on the banks of the River Kwai,
A third class, open-air ticket to be a silent passerby.

Not the rafting, nor the riding, nor hiking Erawan Falls,
Made ever-loving Buddha appear to answer all my calls.

I went searching for Buddha in loud, bustling Bangkok.
Amid locals on the river, following crowds along the dock.

Searched Grand Palace in and out, wats and market vendors too,
But Buddha escaped me every time, I left before I knew.

I went searching for Buddha where I thought for sure he’d be,
But Buddha was not out there, Buddha is in me.

Pack the Peanut Butter!

2008-02-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

Smart Balance, Super Douper Crunchy- that's my Emergency Travel Ration. I never leave home without it! No extra room needed for bread or crackers, just a spoon!

I speak on the topic of food today because it is Ash Wednesday, and for many people that means abstaining from eating meat. Thankfully, I've got that one covered.

My diet has evolved considerably over the past 5 years- from a strict, label-reading vegan to an organic lacto-ovo veg. It is a representation of spiritual, emotional and physical beliefs that I have honed over many a trip around the globe. My encounters with people and places have had a tremendous impact on what I put in my mouth. Below is a sampling of situations I've been in and reactions I've had related to my culinary quirks...

Amsterdam: Finding out that there IS a thing as too much falafel!
France: Asking repeatedly for "Beurre d'arachide" (peanut butter) at the supermarket only to wind up with a stick of butter and a bag of peanuts.
Germany: It is amazing how sustaning beer and pretzels can be.
Italy: How do you say eggs in Italian? And milk? Darnit, if I could just ask them if their dishes contained either, I would be in pasta paradise!
Laos: All you can eat, pack your plate to the sky vegetarian buffet, nightly- $1USD
South Africa: "People here do not understand vegetarianism because when you know what hunger is, you don't refuse food."
Spain: I can only imagine what I look like to the locals here, as I sit on the side of the road eating baked beans out of a can, cold.
Switzerland: "Isn't it unfortunate that when you travel you can't embrace the entire culture by eating their local delicacies?"
Thailand: Tofu terrain, 20 cent Pad Thai from an alley stand.
Zambia: "You're vegetarian? You must want to live a long life."
Zimbabwe: Paying $20USD for a sleeve of crackers and a block of cheese.

Who knew eating, or rather not-eating, could be such an adventure! For a great start to eating veg around the globe, check out the uber-helpful http://www.happycow.net/!!

Phone Fast

2008-02-05T10:09:00.001-05:00

A couple of months ago, I decided that I would reserve one day a month for a food fast. Nothing but water and hot tea all day long. I usually try to pick the most active day of the week- the one that is chock-a-block full of things to do so that I do not have time to focus on food or lack thereof. It is a truly grounding experience.

These past couple of days have been like a phone fast for me. I have been on phone fasts before- whenever I travel, in fact. The phone fasts can last weeks- but like my food fasts, I keep myself occupied in another activity. For some reason, a phone doesn't even come to mind when I am barreling down a class V rapid or hiking along a coast through village after village.

I am trying to employ similiar tactics that I use in my food fast for my phone fast. At the first thought of hunger, I usually take the time for a simple prayer of gratitude. Likewise, when I think about making a phone call, I settle into a moment of thankfulness. If the hunger turns into a growling stomach, I will make a cup of tea. Writing an email, posting a blog or talking to myself gets me through the aching moments that I really want to call someone. When I get a wafting aroma of delicious food, I smile and revel in the nourishing fact that I am surviving! Similiarly, the sound of a phone ringing makes me smile and realize that I can, in fact, make it through the day without talking on the phone. Though I am not distracted by the excitement of travel this time, I am still granted the opportunity to look at things in a different light.

When presence calls, answer.

2008-02-04T09:03:00.000-05:00

As I learn more about yoga, I consciously try to extend my practice beyond my mat each day. Like yesterday, for instance. I dropped my cell phone in the toilet. With my attentive reflexes, I fished it out quite heroically. I maintained my awareness of the situation, and even had a non-yogic chuckle. I assessed the event as a 'call' to be more present. No pun intended. I will likely have to employ the yogic teachings of pranayama (deep, rhymthic breathing) today at Sprint, when I am informed of how expensive this 'call' to presence really was.

I guess it was coming. My most recent calls to presence have gone straight to voicemail. This one came through loud and clear. The surface meaning is obvious- don't wear your phone clipped onto your pants. It is the deeper meanings that always get me. Let's ponder, shall we?

Perhaps this call to presence was to highlight an area of my life that I need to focus on- communication most likely. Have I not been clear in my conversations with people recently? Do I hide behind the guise of a phone call rather than speak to people in person?

Maybe it's not my lack of communication at all. What if it's that I have been letting people push my buttons and I am about to short-circuit? What if I have been draining my battery too low and I am about to shut down? Hmm.

You may see a trend here, I think a LOT. But honestly, being present is important. How many times a day do I find myself wondering how or when or if I did something because I was not actually present when I did it. Being present means actually paying attention to what you are doing/seeing/hearing/feeling. Events like these shake up a routine day, however annoyingly this particular time. But you know what? Each time I think I hear my phone ringing or I go to call someone, I am reminded of my imbecillic move, and again I am present.

So what if the only real lesson to this wake up call is not to wear my phone clipped to my pants. I have taken something else from it as well- sometimes it takes something out of the ordinary to take us somewhere out of the usual. Now when presence calls, I will try to answer on the first ring!

I stopped halfway to 360...

2008-02-03T21:28:00.002-05:00

I think it's funny when people are describing how much something changed and they'll accidentally say that he/she/it 'did a total 360.' As for me, I stopped halfway. Isn't it appropriate that I was halfway around the world at the time?

The SuperStroll took me back to memories of Australia, and how I credit the country for totally changing my entire life. (Cheers, mate!) Basically, the experiences I had there 6 years ago shifted my perspective, and my life was forever changed.

I have to laugh when I think back to my return to the states after studying abroad down under for 6 months. "Hey, so I'm not going to pursue advertising anymore, I am a vegan and at the end of this semester I am moving back to Australia, what's new with you?" That was my 180.

Since then, I have had varying degrees of transformation, but none as drastic as the Oz shift 6 years ago. I will likely recount some tales along the way through this blog, but tonight I just wanted to set the base and thank the Aussies for being the catalyst of growth in my life.

Super Stroll...

2008-02-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

I know it's SuperBowl Sunday. Hey, I even know what teams are playing! But I am sitting here, 7 minutes to gametime and I am wondering why I would watch the game. I have no loyalty to either team, (living in NY for 3 months does not automatically make you a Giants fan). I could watch the ads, seeing as how I was an ad major for 4 years and hold a degree in the field. I'll be honest, it's not too enticing.

Instead, I've just came up with my own game plan. I am going to take a SuperStroll down memory lane- I am going to start a blog. This is it, the first play. It's going to be a winner, I can feel it. I'm even excited about it! In this day and age when decisions are often easy to come by, (heck they're made for us half the time) I ask you to join me and STRETCH YOUR HORIZONS- do something different, something out of the ordinary, something spontaneous. For me, today, that means no SuperBowl watching. Tomorrow, the opportunities are endless...

XOM

Stretch Your Horizons

These Boots are Made for Walkin'

Surprise!

Patagonia in Peril

Have to Dash...

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Happy *sorta* St. Patty's Day!

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

Leafy Greens

Mystic Monday

"Top O' the Morning to Ya!"

Country Road

Want Not

A Smile in 'Me Eye

Slainte!

All Things Irish

Leap of Faith

Tout de Suite

Meditation Minutes

Spring Cleaning

I can FLY and you can too!

Celebrating Life

Sampai Jumpa

Must Love Dogs...

Summer on the Horizon

Be Natural

I Heart Me

Put on some comfy shoes...

Que Bueno

I need to get out more...

Pache Mama, I beseech thee

Stop Smoking Your Joints!

Happy New Year!

Pack the Peanut Butter!

Phone Fast

When presence calls, answer.

I stopped halfway to 360...

Super Stroll...

Happy sorta St. Patty's Day!