Happy New Year! , 8.19.21

 One of the best things about being a teacher is the chance to have two "new beginnings" each year- the actual start of the calendar year and the start of a new school year. I think the latter is my favorite. Two days ago was day one, of year seventeen, as a public high school art teacher. It's amazing that it has been so long because it seems like it took a long time to even get started in this field.   Now, I'm nearing retirement, which is what makes this year, and the next few, so special.

My current workspace for the 2021-2022 school year. I loved being able to unpack my boxes, decorate, and hang my curtains. I'm trying to really enjoy this orderly area because it won't be like this for long!

My retirement will not not be the typical one, as our permanent yoga studio is about to become a reality. We have bids and are now scheduling jobs, so I'm hoping by the end of the year, we have a fully functional space, complete with its own entrance and restroom. It's small, but to me, that's a good thing because I think small, intimate gatherings are the best kind- the kind where you get to know new people and maybe become reacquainted with old friends. It will be a place to practice yoga, make some art or just gather together to visit with some wine and snacks. I've been dreaming about this for years and I'm so excited that it will be ready to share very soon!

 

I'm loving the temporary space, so I know I'll love the permanent one even more.

Current view of my home studio-  looking into one studio from the other. I LOVE that!

To celebrate this new beginning, starting in September, we will be going back to yoga basics- exploring basic postures, focusing on proper alignment and holding in stillness for longer periods of time in order to really experience what is happening within yourself  (mind, spirit) as well as the shapes you are making with your physical form (body).

Also, I will be offering daily challenges for the entire month of September. These will be mindful activities that have worked for me at some time or other in my life and I'm hoping that by passing them along, you'll be able to build your own mindfulness "toolbox". Just subscribe to the blog, and you will receive an e-mail when the posts are up. 

One more change! If you practice with me on Thursdays, at Present Moment Yoga in Washington, a new time starts in September- so the 6:30pm practice will begin at 5:30pm, starting on September 2nd.

I hope this is the fresh start of a new year for all of us! 

Be Still. Be Strong. Be Happy. - Juli

(P.S. These books have been giving me renewed motivation and more reasons to dream big! I highly recommend them! Big shout-out to Stacy Hess of Inspired_Yogini_Stacy for recommending The Art of Gathering 🙂)

Wake Up, 8.11.21

 

After a busy couple of weeks, yesterday was a day that had to include some rest. It's not like me to plop down on the couch, mid-afternoon, and not move until early evening. But, yesterday, that is what I did.  After watching a movie, I let the credits roll through (because, in our house, it's considered disrespectful if you don't 😆). Before I had a minute to choose something else, Luke Bryan: My Dirt Road Diary began playing. I'm not a Luke Bryan fan (although, I am now) so I wondered why that queued up. Out of pure laziness, I just let it play. This post was not meant to be a movie review/summary, but let me just give you a short one. 

This man, Luke Bryan, has been through more tragedy than anyone should have to endure. He is the youngest child of three and and ended up losing his brother, his sister, and his sister's husband by the time he was in his mid- thirties. Instead of being broken by the grief, he chose to live his life in a way that would make them proud- following his dream, staying close and connected to his family, and taking in his sister's three kids as his own. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend watching it. Truly inspiring. 

I think his story really hit home for me, though, because there were quite a few similarities between his family and ours. 1.) Three children in his family, spaced apart almost exactly like my kids, and with the girl being the oldest with two younger boys. 2.) He was raised in a small, country is town, just as my kids were. And 3.) The tragic and sudden death of a loved one. (Although, he had to endure this three times, which I can't even wrap my head around.)

Of course (because this is how I'm wired), I believe that I was meant to watch this show (actually, I think it's a docu-series), at this specific time, as I've been feeling especially emotional after a really great weekend in Chicago, with two of my kids. I've been reflecting on how grateful I am for them and how lucky we are to have each other. And, now, I'm reminded by Luke Bryan's story, how important it is for families to help each other through really difficult times and to be grateful for every single moment of knowing the people you love are healthy, happy and safe and able to be a part of your life.  Yeah, I know this is a celebrity story and other people go through similar situations, but for some reason this was a bit of a wake-up call for me. I'm hoping it does the same for whoever reads his. Because, obviously, time is not something you can get back.

I'll leave you with a few photos of my weekend and my kids, and one of Luke Bryan's  songs that he wrote for his brother and sister. 

(Now, I suggest you go watch the show and bring Kleenex!)

 

Be Still. Be Strong. Be Happy. - Juli