Yoga In My Backyard

It’s hard to believe that two weeks ago I was flip-flopping around India. It feels like it was yesterday; the memories and after-glow of the experience haven’t worn off. I remember vividly standing with my feet in the Ganges, breathing in the fresh Himalayan air, and taking in the energy of a very spiritual place. I can still feel the warm sand of the beach under my toes and sun smiling down on me.

But now I’m HERE, back in my own backyard, and ready to start this new year with enthusiasm, a renewed sense of purpose, and a brain full of new ideas for my classes. To my students – don’t worry I won’t throw everything at you at once! Just come to class with an open heart and open mind and see what unfolds…

Tonight is Jan. 1 and a new moon. Interesting that my last night in India was a full moon. According to several wisdom traditions (and my moon app…), these can be auspicious times for meditation, beginning new things (or saying goodbye to old things), fasting or detoxing, and reflection or contemplation. Personally, I think any time is good for these things but there is something about these moon phases that enhance spiritual energy. I certainly felt that energy on the roof of the ashram under the light of the full moon as I said goodbye to India. Tonight, there is no moonlight as the new moon is completely hidden in this phase, but I will take this opportunity to reflect on my movement out of the darkness and into the light of the new year with a new plan. As Michael Buble says in his song, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life…and I’m feeling good”.

I’m happy to be home in my backyard, filled with snow and freezing cold. I’m happy to be moving forward with a heightened awareness of everything. I’m grateful for all that is in my life, including the challenging stuff that hasn’t disappeared since I’ve been away. I knew it would still be here waiting for me to deal with it…but now I have a new plan…