Monday, December 21, 2009

Bon Voyage

Sitting here at the Seattle airport with a moment to blog before my flight to Hawaii. It's been a hectic few months and I can't tell you how happy and free i feel.

In the past few months, I've been working on inverted (upside down) poses at my anusara yoga class. I was petrified when the instructor told us the first time we were going to do them. There was something about the uncertainty of it, and the fear of falling that I didn't want to confront.

We built up to it slowly. We did lots of push-ups and downward dogs to get strong and deeply rooted down into the earth. We practiced kicking up against the wall to get a feel for being upside down.

When I finally managed it (with the help of a partner - I can't hand stand yet on my own), it was strangely calming and exhilarating at the same time. It was addictive. I loved the feeling of finding stillness in a pose that could be so unstable, and it was as much of a mental challenge as a physical one.

What I take away from it is, well, a lot. I learned that things I told myself I couldn't do, I could do. I learned that in unstable and uncertain situations, one could still find stillness and grounding. I learned that if I came crashing down, I could be ok. I learned to let go and play.

I wish you all a wonderful time over the Christmas holidays and Santa's good to you. I'll try to blog whenever I can in between surfing, eating, sleeping, and all that other goodness life has to offer.

7 comments:

MizzJ said...

Have an awesome trip you lucky girl!!! I'm super jealous of you going to Hawaii!

Nice, didn't know you did yoga! I love yoga and I totally get what you mean about that feeling it gives you. Yoga centers me. Which studio do you go to?

Teresa said...

What a beautiful writeup. Very inspiring and motivating. That's why I love doing yoga...it clears my mind. I'm still not wanting to do that crazy crow move.

Hope you have a lovely time in Hawaii. Surfs up! :)

VancityAllie said...

Yoga is wonderful! I wish I had more time to do it.

Can't believe you are on your way to Hawaii.. I am SOOOO jealous! I hope you have a fantastic time my dear :)

Surf surf surf for me!

Niki said...

You make me want to try Yoga. Now I just need you to make me less lazy when it comes to getting my butt in gear.

HAVE A FABULOUS HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see pics upon your return. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays :) xoxo

nicole said...

Great post Liv.

WAit a second....HAWAII!??!?!?! where's MY invite ladyyy!! damn hahaha, well at least be sure to come back with a fabulous tan ok? One of us should have one! and I'm CLEARLY not the one going to Hawaii so....... you know what you have to do ;)

I hope you have a safe and wonderful trip! Enjoy the sunshine. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Liv! Thanks for all your wonderful comments, I appreciate them so much! Take care and can't wait to see your pics when you get back! xo

The Anthology said...

You are one lucky ducky. And you made me want to take up yoga again. I could use some calm.

Merry Christmas! Can't wait to see your photos!

*Kelsey

Kelly said...

great post, liv!

glad you're having a much-deserved break in such a lovely oasis like hawaii. hope we can catch up in person soon!! :)