December 31, 2008

Setting Intentions

As I prepare to enter a new year, it represents a spiritual time for me and is also an opportunity for me to make personal assessments and check-in with myself.

Rather than making resolutions, which can be very "goal" centered, this is a time for me to think about and set intentions. Setting an intention, rather than making a goal, is something that does not necessarily have a immediate result or goal, but rather represents a shift to or mental connection to something that I value or want to move toward. An intention I've set for myself is to cultivate loving-kindness for my physical body, as I am coming off of an injury this year. Some of the ways that I realize this intention is being mindful that I am warmed up properly before any physical activity, being present in my body and understanding its limits and also not putting any undue stress on myself.

Setting an intention, for me, is like planting a seed. Whether you see a bloom three months later or never see a flower, the most important part of the formula is the action of planting the seed.

Shanti!

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August 6, 2008

Dealing with the loss of someone close to you can be one of the most difficult experiences of one's life. Aside from not having that person present in your life, losses illuminate questions about one's own mortality and existence. Having lost my father in the last year, many feelings, emotions and questions began to spring out of me that I didn't know were there.

While there were many people and experiences that helped me through my process of loss, I also looked to yoga during this time. Yoga philosophy helps to cultivate awareness of the present moment and this awareness helped me during this difficult time. Although my loved one is not physically present, he is always a part of me and forever present with me at any given moment.

Om shanti!

June 11, 2008

I recently traveled alone to a country where I had no familiarity with the native language. In hindsight, I should have prepared a bit more in the communications area (and I feel compelled to say that traveling alone is not for everyone.)

Now that I look back on being submerged in an environment where I had to rely on very basic communication techniques and the generosity of strangers, I have a hyper-awareness of the kindness that can exist in humanity.

Going from a self-reliant city dweller to a tourist, lost, in a foreign city, reconnected me with a vulnerable side that I've not been in touch with in quite some time. It connected me with the grace of the human spirit which helped me along and also helped to shape my journey. For that, I am extremely grateful.

Namaste, stefanie

Whether it be for Valentine's Day or some other special occasion, fresh flowers often bring to mind beauty and a closeness with nature.

I love fresh flowers and my mother doesn't. Since I was a kid, I can recall my mother telling me not to buy her flowers, because as she'd say "they're just going to die." She'd always prefer to get artificial flowers. I always chuckled at that.

My mother's feelings made me think about it more deeply. Part of the reason why I love fresh flowers is because their beauty is unmatched and their fragility and life span is a reminder of the temporary nature of life itself. It makes me appreciate them each day that they are present.

Flowers remind me to appreciate life, the beautiful parts and the painful stages as well. Flowers also always remind me to call my mother.

Namaste