Soaking in every last drop of goodness. GRATITUDE.

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

Get Your Wheels Turning (and actually moving you forward) with G.O.A.L.S.

My college friend and now yogini colleague Jen Berres posted this link to lululemon’s Goal Setting page. Take a peek and get your wheels turning (and on the ground moving you forward) by setting clear goals for yourself.

GO! Live well!
Cheri

PS: Enjoy your weekend!

http://www.lululemon.com/education/goalsetting?sli=1

Small Group Training – Ginger, Kristi, and Angie

I have been working with this small group for over a year and it is always entertaining! They inspire each other (and me!), working hard and enjoying a good belly laugh at least once each session. We enjoy yoga, kickboxing, walking and jogging, core training, TRX Suspension Training and even more zany fitness fun. Some of their favorite memories include our cross training outdoor workouts at Wilson Park, downtown Eau Claire. We would hook up all three TRX Systems to a tree, and for our cardio intervals walk and jog and skip around the park, sometimes hopping over picnic tables and leaping over benches for fun. A well deserved dip in the fountain for our feet was always appreciated at the end of a long summer day, sweat session completed.

all three ladies focused in Utkatasana together...nice!

high knees, using wall for balance as needed...prepping for our side kicks!

Watch yourself! Kickboxing in progress! Maybe they could audition for the Rockettes?

Ginger has inspired the others to consider her passion – bike riding and the freedom it brings her!

Angie has challenged both of these fine friends to try a new activity she loves – rock climbing!

And Kristi has a patience and deep respect for all things Yoga, which brings a welcome balance to our sessions.

prone planks, Amen!

Kristi's Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) with heels on the mat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These three women work hard for their health, enjoying every minute of it together!

Thank you Kristi, Angie, and Ginger for so many fun memories. Congrats on all you’ve learned and accomplished.

Cheri

I.M.A.G.I.N.E.

I received this email from a student of mine. We had a session the night before, where we talked most of the hour as a means of mentoring and motivating him to act on his goals. He left feeling successful and with clear direction to help him move forward. Proactive! Progress! Yes! Here’s what he had to say:

 

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. – Albert Einstein

“I like this quote from Einstein. He is recognized – celebrated – for his intelligence, but he realized that knowledge is finite, while our imagination is limited only by the constraints we put on it.

Sometimes we try to be creative – to find new and different ways of doing things and solving our problems. Many of us often think “outside the box,” letting our imaginations lead us to significant changes, inspired solutions. Einstein’s quote reminds us that we should reach beyond what we know to what we can imagine.”

Thanks for sharing! He sent me this quote and I think it is especially true for when we feel a bit down, like we had a rough day, or we’re diligently plugging along wondering when the fabulous results come. Trust the results to come from our daily, purposeful actions. Commit to the process and the progress will happen.

We must use our intelligence to address current needs, and remain willing to imagine moments beyond our current state, imagine our potential as completely possible and move towards it. Enjoy your weekend to its fullest!

Namaste,

Cheri