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I write to you today, this week as I reflect on Christmas and the coming New Year. I haven’t been as consistent with blogging this fall and I certainly still have plenty to say. So here it is.
GRATITUDE.
I am increasingly honored and amazed at how I spend my days here in this town of Eau Claire. My business has done nothing but grow, even with all the traveling and training, and especially in the past year since opening the studio. I am able to set my own schedule, earn a comfortable living (I humbly thank you), and commute less than 2 miles to my job. Most of the time, I try to commute by foot or by pedals…something I hope never changes to a 20-30 minute commute in traffic guzzling gasoline. I see people in all arrays of current health and fitness levels, yet I see the best of all of them – YOU. I like to think that the hour you spend at the studio could be the best hour of your day. Where you get to set aside your work, family, and other roles in life and you get to focus on your fitness. You leave feeling better than you came, usually sweaty, always smiling. I love sharing time with all of my ‘clients’ and do consider you like a family to me.
This year I’ve learned how to reset the breaker at the studio, climbed a ladder a hundred times it seems to set up for TRX classes, enjoyed seeing John poke his head out of the salon door to smile and say hello and deliver some light hearted sarcasm as I head upstairs. We’ve seen three open houses where significant others and kids and friends all gather to try to guess what I did to alter another recipe. I have welcomed my good friend and colleague Paula Steenrod into my business world as an independent contractor. She lights up my world (and my mornings) and I have heard plenty of positives from all of you! And just when I think maybe the economy (schmonomy) will finally impact my business, I continue to see growth through the referrals that you willingly send my way. I am blessed.
I have witnessed countless personal triumphs, coached you through sticky spots and down days, and have seen many of you racing and crossing finish lines, some for the very first time. You’ve trusted me to assist you with personal decisions and times of family crisis, and allowed me to meet your families, even invited me into your homes. I met the cutest little boy a day after his birth, chatting with momma while he slept in my arms. Late night discussions as one of you accepted change, and now has begun your Master’s degree. I have cartwheeled in a yoga class, discovered how much I love running through the woods, and now teach the community, embodiment, and positive change process that is the Franklin Method. I have assisted my teacher Donna Farhi on three occasions, and can call her a friend and mentor. My boyfriend runs with me and encourages my feet to move swiftly and my head to stay focused. He is my climbing partner and best friend and I send thanks to you, Jason Ryba, for how you have helped me shine this year. And I continue to look ahead for more memories, more achievements.
This next year brings my 500 hour Yoga Therapy training with Scott Anderson, and level II of the Franklin Method begins in September, again in Boulder, CO. I have also made a commitment to myself that in 2012 I will complete a 50K trail race. Yes, 30 miles of beautifully brutal trails in the year I turn 30. (Let’s see how I try to top that when I turn 50!) I will be running a lot this next year… In the meantime, I am meeting my goals of living debt free and simply, and resuming artistic work with a couple opportunities to dance and choreograph again. My soul sings its praise for all things good in my life.
GRATITUDE.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to all of you and your families.
See you soon,
Cheri
Let’s inspire each other. Please post your favorite, latest fitness adventure here. Comment about something you tried, something you love, something you look forward to in the next few weeks. Posting your ideas will help others motivate, and who knows – you may pick up a few tips along the way from others!
Something I am looking forward to is the outdoor climbing season. As the spring weather warms the earth, I know my hands will be on limestone (and other rocks) before you know it! I love the personal challenge, the solitude of rock climbing. It’s problem solving with movement. And the view from the top…well. Nothing like it. I love climbing, and I have loved sharing it with you! We have had over 15 people try climbing, and we still have another 2 nights to go that are FREE for women. I hope you will share the love of climbing and surprise yourself with this sport! Now, help me out. What inspires you? What do you love?
Post what you are celebrating! Comment about your best body experiences and fitness adventures!
I can’t wait to read them!
Cheri
Women at the wall, loving rock climbing. What inspires YOU?
Some of you beat me to it, and subscribed to the blog well before I knew that function existed. I’d like all of you to be aware of this option, as it will make your life easier! Simply click on the box the left of this post (yep, you see it?) that says YES! Sign me up! When you enter your email you will receive a notification that I’ve posted something new and marvelous that you will want to read.
There are about 8 blog subscribers already… Are you next?
On the Evolve Wellness Facebook page, we have added about 30 new fans. Thank you!
Also, for anyone out there who enjoys knowing their numbers…our most active day on the blog was January 18 with 75 unique visitors. This week, on Monday we had 64, topped off with 54 on Tuesday. Keep it coming, folks! And feel free to send me suggestions or questions for future posts.
Cheers!
“two trees grew and moved together into the unknown sky above. allow your mind to follow the breath, flowing into a space that brings you peace, wisdom, and rest”
There had been a question of whether the mind and spirit and body all are working together in a sort of “passive disengagement”. Absolutely, the three are working together in the present moment. Another way of defining this process, however, could actually be active undoing, or active disengagement. We find stillness and peace of mind body spirit by making a choice. By actively entering into the experience, investigating ourselves at a deeper level. Enjoy the adventure that awaits you.
In the world in which we live, it can be a challenge (oh, boy) to relax. We have a zillion different things to do, different stimuli that fight for our attention all day long. Add to that the hyper-informed sense of our culture (iPhones, radio, TV, internet, news 24-7) and you have a recipe for frazzled nerves and distracted minds. So how exactly, do you manage to get to the ‘Ohh, la la’ experience?
I have to admit, it is difficult. It takes time and practice. And it is more of an undoing, a gentle letting go of what you don’t need to get to an emptying of self…a place where you are ready to receive the benefits of your practice and truly be restored. Here are a few ideas to help you get started…
1) Rather than saying ‘just relax already’, you can actually mindfully use tension to your advantage. Observe where you may hold tension in your body…enhance it, feel it, really go into that experience…then feel the release and relaxation as a contrast. You can even actively participate with this by contracting a certain area of the body intentionally for a few seconds, then releasing fully. As you hold the contraction, notice you can still breathe and then allow the breath to be more present as you find release.
2) Give the mind and spirit something to go on. It could be a sound or music, a word or mantra, or using the breath observation as a way to find a one-pointed mind. Find concentration. Know that you will stray, at times, from this concentration point, and notice when you come back into the present moment. Work with it. Be patient with yourself.
3) You can use what’s called your mind’s eye. As you settle into the pose, or even sit at your desk durig your workday, before you enjoy a meal, etc…take a moment to close you eyes. Then with your mind’s eye, begin to scan from head to toe, moving very slowly, to observe each part of the whole. What does the face and jaw feel like? Can you feel the breath in the ribs and belly? Do you sense which parts of the legs touch the floor or chair, and which parts connect into space? How does the support of the floor feel on your sitting bones and hips, or soles of the feet? Allowing your mind to take you on this journey gives you the ability to focus on something real and present, while unconsciously letting go of the other thoughts and distractions you may have experienced just prior to making this choice. Make a choice to be present and listen.
Thank you for your inquiry and curiosity about the Restorative Poses. I look forward to having more and more discussion and inquiry from all of you. Active participation is always welcome, then enjoy your ‘active undoing’ to unwind in your restoratives. Ahhhhhh………..
Peace to each of you,
Cheri
