Hello Reader,
I have had yet another yoga epiphany, more of a mini one this time around I guess. I can't quite articulate what came from it, but I know something did.
This one came from focusing on my breath. I noticed I forcibly exhale, when instead, I should simply let go of it.
So, I took this and applied it immediately to letting go in the poses, which lead to some pretty deep hip openers, and hip openers lead to mega emotions. I'm not exactly sure what these emotions were in reaction too, especially since humans hold old emotions in the hips, but it felt good to let them go.
I've been noting where in my body I feel tension lately - it probably comes with the dance territory - and it certainly feels a tad-bit crunchy all over. Now I will focus more on letting go of that tension, not forcing it out. There's a lot more relief that comes with letting go than with forcing something out.
Thanks for indulging my mini yoga epiphany!
- M
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Buh bye summer ... Hello dance degree!
Hello Reader,
So, summer is over and on Thursday I will be starting my MFA Dance classes! I have been waiting years to be able to say this! I cannot wait for classes to start! I got my first textbook! (Notice that the title isn't entirely in English ... and I paid for it in Euros ... so that's a first)
I've been preparing for the start of the semester for the past few weeks by soaking up as much quiet, relaxation time as possible. I thought of trying to accomplish my "Summer To Do List" but that was a giant fail, oh well. Regarding the work world semester prep it is well underway (supposedly done?), and welcome week festivities have been happening all weekend.
I took a little hike up "A" Mountain this morning (which is a small-ish mountain located practically on campus) and was surprised to find the large amount of people doing the same at 6:30 a.m. - I'm assuming they were families of new students who were banished from the move in process by their newly independent, entitled college children.
Soon the "A" will be painted white and then gold again by the thousands of new students to represent a new beginning. It's tradition to have all new students hike up the mountain to paint it in triple digit temperatures (and an unofficial tradition to have a few dozen student sent to the ER each year with heat stroke or dehydration. Welcome to the college in the desert).
I attended my first orientation as a grad student this past Thursday ... not gonna lie, it was rough, and looooong. I prefer to just drop my students off at these "info sessions" and leave. I don't think there was anything that happened in those 4 hours that could not have been accomplished in a few brief emails or online video. Speaking of videos, we had to watch this one and then were promptly given the "what it means to be a Sun Devil" speech ... so that was an experience ...
I was having a slight twinge of dread with the idea of start of the semester craziness happening. I didn't think I was ready for the 73,000 students to return to this campus, but then I looked out my office window last week to see a group of film students shooting their senior capstone film - and no, classes haven't started, and no, they weren't doing it for credit, they were doing it simply because that is where their passion lies. It was a perfect reminder of why I am in education and the performing arts. Seeing students in action doing what they love makes me very happy. And knowing that I'm going to get to be apart of the academic art scene now makes me even happier!
I'm gonna be a grad student again!!!!
(You probably won't hear from me for at least 5 months)
Dance MFA! Woo!
Thanks for reading!
- M
So, summer is over and on Thursday I will be starting my MFA Dance classes! I have been waiting years to be able to say this! I cannot wait for classes to start! I got my first textbook! (Notice that the title isn't entirely in English ... and I paid for it in Euros ... so that's a first)
I've been preparing for the start of the semester for the past few weeks by soaking up as much quiet, relaxation time as possible. I thought of trying to accomplish my "Summer To Do List" but that was a giant fail, oh well. Regarding the work world semester prep it is well underway (supposedly done?), and welcome week festivities have been happening all weekend.
I took a little hike up "A" Mountain this morning (which is a small-ish mountain located practically on campus) and was surprised to find the large amount of people doing the same at 6:30 a.m. - I'm assuming they were families of new students who were banished from the move in process by their newly independent, entitled college children.
Soon the "A" will be painted white and then gold again by the thousands of new students to represent a new beginning. It's tradition to have all new students hike up the mountain to paint it in triple digit temperatures (and an unofficial tradition to have a few dozen student sent to the ER each year with heat stroke or dehydration. Welcome to the college in the desert).
I attended my first orientation as a grad student this past Thursday ... not gonna lie, it was rough, and looooong. I prefer to just drop my students off at these "info sessions" and leave. I don't think there was anything that happened in those 4 hours that could not have been accomplished in a few brief emails or online video. Speaking of videos, we had to watch this one and then were promptly given the "what it means to be a Sun Devil" speech ... so that was an experience ...
I was having a slight twinge of dread with the idea of start of the semester craziness happening. I didn't think I was ready for the 73,000 students to return to this campus, but then I looked out my office window last week to see a group of film students shooting their senior capstone film - and no, classes haven't started, and no, they weren't doing it for credit, they were doing it simply because that is where their passion lies. It was a perfect reminder of why I am in education and the performing arts. Seeing students in action doing what they love makes me very happy. And knowing that I'm going to get to be apart of the academic art scene now makes me even happier!
I'm gonna be a grad student again!!!!
(You probably won't hear from me for at least 5 months)
Dance MFA! Woo!
Thanks for reading!
- M
Monday, July 29, 2013
Yoga/Life Philosophy
Hello Reader,
I have - yet, again - a late night, post yoga blog post to share with you. I'll try to keep this one brief.
This thought began to develop while I was trying to tune out the Miley Cyrus music the instructor had chosen for tonight's practice. She had some really great song choices, however, Miley was a low point.
Anyways, I found tonight's practice somewhat disjointed and I decided to analyze why I felt that way while bouncing from ridged pose to ridged pose.
The focus was on the poses - getting to them, holding them briefly, and then on to the next. There was little discussion of how to get from one to another, why this pose is what it is, or proper alignment for safety purposes (can you tell I've taught yoga and had a supervisor who stressed the importance of safety in ones practice?) When I whittled down this unease I had with the flow of the class, it was simple; there was no attention paid to the transitions or the journey of the practice. The transitions from pose to pose in yoga is where the real work comes in, it's where you grow and deepen your yoga practice. She did not allow any of that to happen in her class. Skipping that journey is cheating yourself out of developing as a yogi and reaching your full potential.
So let's take the above paragraph and apply that to life.
I was looking specifically at my life since it is the one I'm living and can easily apply this to. The theme to my past few month has been change, I'll lump transitions into that too, and that was what struck me as missing from tonight's class. I feel quite strongly that a whole-heck-of-a-lot of personal growth, and self development has accompanied all of life's happenings. I think people need to take things slow in times of change to harness the power that transitions give us to learn. I don't see many benefits from just jumping from one thing to the next. It's like what I said above, "Skipping that journey is cheating yourself out of developing as a yogi and reaching your full potential" except replace "yogi" with "person."
In yoga, I believe the instructor is there to offer guidance in the practice specifically in allowing space for smooth transitions from one pose to another. Now, I know this is not exactly how life always works but hopefully there has been someone along the way giving each of us the resources and strength to get through transitions even if the journey is a difficult solo experience. This way you know when to breathe through a situation, muscle your way out of a challenging change, dig deeper for the inner strength you need to float through the next step, or simply surrender to things you can't control. I think these are all lessons worth carrying off the yoga mat.
I have - yet, again - a late night, post yoga blog post to share with you. I'll try to keep this one brief.
This thought began to develop while I was trying to tune out the Miley Cyrus music the instructor had chosen for tonight's practice. She had some really great song choices, however, Miley was a low point.
Anyways, I found tonight's practice somewhat disjointed and I decided to analyze why I felt that way while bouncing from ridged pose to ridged pose.
The focus was on the poses - getting to them, holding them briefly, and then on to the next. There was little discussion of how to get from one to another, why this pose is what it is, or proper alignment for safety purposes (can you tell I've taught yoga and had a supervisor who stressed the importance of safety in ones practice?) When I whittled down this unease I had with the flow of the class, it was simple; there was no attention paid to the transitions or the journey of the practice. The transitions from pose to pose in yoga is where the real work comes in, it's where you grow and deepen your yoga practice. She did not allow any of that to happen in her class. Skipping that journey is cheating yourself out of developing as a yogi and reaching your full potential.
So let's take the above paragraph and apply that to life.
I was looking specifically at my life since it is the one I'm living and can easily apply this to. The theme to my past few month has been change, I'll lump transitions into that too, and that was what struck me as missing from tonight's class. I feel quite strongly that a whole-heck-of-a-lot of personal growth, and self development has accompanied all of life's happenings. I think people need to take things slow in times of change to harness the power that transitions give us to learn. I don't see many benefits from just jumping from one thing to the next. It's like what I said above, "Skipping that journey is cheating yourself out of developing as a yogi and reaching your full potential" except replace "yogi" with "person."
In yoga, I believe the instructor is there to offer guidance in the practice specifically in allowing space for smooth transitions from one pose to another. Now, I know this is not exactly how life always works but hopefully there has been someone along the way giving each of us the resources and strength to get through transitions even if the journey is a difficult solo experience. This way you know when to breathe through a situation, muscle your way out of a challenging change, dig deeper for the inner strength you need to float through the next step, or simply surrender to things you can't control. I think these are all lessons worth carrying off the yoga mat.
...
So much for being brief, huh? Oh , well. Sorry!
So much for being brief, huh? Oh , well. Sorry!
Thanks for reading!
- M
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Post-Yoga Thought List: Contentment & Rainbows
Hello Reader,
Per usual, I haven't been keeping up with this blog (I've hit the ground running since returning to AZ), I still have a new job and a new apartment and a vacation to Maine to discuss and document with more photos than truly necessary, however, I have some thoughts I want to get out before bed.
I've noticed that my epiphanies these days seem to be poignantly marked with yoga sessions ... perhaps it's the deep hip openers, that last monkey pose is what seemed to open a flood of thoughts tonight ... and the time before that it was pigeon pose ... anyways ...
I am quite content with the life I have carved out for myself. I have felt this growing contentment form for a while now and sometime between my Maine vacation and the trip back here it has been affirmed somehow. This may sound silly, but I think it has something to do with rainbows.
When I first flew out to AZ for my interview, I noticed a rainbow as we started out final descent. I thought it was odd to see a rainbow in the desert - my understanding was the conditions out here weren't conducive - but I took is a a good sign - I don't know why, I don't really associate rainbows with anything other than Kermit and the Rainbow Connection, but I thought it was a good sign that perhaps this job interview would work out well for me.
And it did. Obviously. I'm here.
Ever since my move west, I think things have really fallen into place. I'm not saying it has been easy or that I haven't had some major challenges to get through (growing pains included), but everything feels quite right where it is now.
Now all this may just be a culmination of massive amounts of change in the past few months, coupled with some books that rattled me in a good way, on top of plenty of time to think in quiet spaces and process with loved ones, however, there was something about my travel from AZ to ME and back to AZ this time.
It all felt different.
I think what it comes down to is I truly feel like AZ is home too. This thought bubbled up in my mind as we were circling the airport in a thunderstorm before landing in Pheonix (apparently hip-openers and final descents really make me think). I am still very sad to leave Maine each time - I rarely make it through take-off with out a few tears - but I was and still am quite excited to return to life in AZ.
As we landed we did a 360-turn on our way to the gate we saw a dust storm coming in over Camelback Mountain, an epic sunset silhouetting the city, the palm trees, and the mountains, and two rainbows (one was a double). The rainbows were a gentle reminder of my first flight here and how I interpreted them as a good sign. I took them in the same way this time and felt that contentment really solidify.
I also really enjoyed that I traveled with the sun that day, watching it rise in Maine and set in Arizona. There was something super satisfying and wicked cool about being able to say that.
Well, it's late, I hope you were able to follow my disjointed yoga, rainbows, being content thought process. I am off to dig my bed out from under four loads of laundry ...
Thanks for reading!
- M
Per usual, I haven't been keeping up with this blog (I've hit the ground running since returning to AZ), I still have a new job and a new apartment and a vacation to Maine to discuss and document with more photos than truly necessary, however, I have some thoughts I want to get out before bed.
I've noticed that my epiphanies these days seem to be poignantly marked with yoga sessions ... perhaps it's the deep hip openers, that last monkey pose is what seemed to open a flood of thoughts tonight ... and the time before that it was pigeon pose ... anyways ...
I am quite content with the life I have carved out for myself. I have felt this growing contentment form for a while now and sometime between my Maine vacation and the trip back here it has been affirmed somehow. This may sound silly, but I think it has something to do with rainbows.
When I first flew out to AZ for my interview, I noticed a rainbow as we started out final descent. I thought it was odd to see a rainbow in the desert - my understanding was the conditions out here weren't conducive - but I took is a a good sign - I don't know why, I don't really associate rainbows with anything other than Kermit and the Rainbow Connection, but I thought it was a good sign that perhaps this job interview would work out well for me.
And it did. Obviously. I'm here.
Ever since my move west, I think things have really fallen into place. I'm not saying it has been easy or that I haven't had some major challenges to get through (growing pains included), but everything feels quite right where it is now.
Now all this may just be a culmination of massive amounts of change in the past few months, coupled with some books that rattled me in a good way, on top of plenty of time to think in quiet spaces and process with loved ones, however, there was something about my travel from AZ to ME and back to AZ this time.
It all felt different.
I think what it comes down to is I truly feel like AZ is home too. This thought bubbled up in my mind as we were circling the airport in a thunderstorm before landing in Pheonix (apparently hip-openers and final descents really make me think). I am still very sad to leave Maine each time - I rarely make it through take-off with out a few tears - but I was and still am quite excited to return to life in AZ.
As we landed we did a 360-turn on our way to the gate we saw a dust storm coming in over Camelback Mountain, an epic sunset silhouetting the city, the palm trees, and the mountains, and two rainbows (one was a double). The rainbows were a gentle reminder of my first flight here and how I interpreted them as a good sign. I took them in the same way this time and felt that contentment really solidify.
I also really enjoyed that I traveled with the sun that day, watching it rise in Maine and set in Arizona. There was something super satisfying and wicked cool about being able to say that.
Well, it's late, I hope you were able to follow my disjointed yoga, rainbows, being content thought process. I am off to dig my bed out from under four loads of laundry ...
Thanks for reading!
- M
Sunday, June 30, 2013
In a nutshell ...
Hello Reader!
We have a lot of catching up to do - and it's late and I am exhausted, so I'm going to make this quick.
First and foremost ...
I LEAVE FOR MAINE IN 5 DAYS!!!!
And thank goodness because it is hot out here. Even the locals are complaining, which, I think, validates my complaints too. Check out the temps below from here to Winthrop ... 50 degree differences ... note the 93 degree image was taking at 6:21 a.m...I will be very crispy when I return to Maine ...
And in other news, I moved. This is the last major change I am aware of for now (*knock on wood*). The place is a work-in-progress and I will share a more detailed post when I have a little more free time.
We have a lot of catching up to do - and it's late and I am exhausted, so I'm going to make this quick.
First and foremost ...
I LEAVE FOR MAINE IN 5 DAYS!!!!
And thank goodness because it is hot out here. Even the locals are complaining, which, I think, validates my complaints too. Check out the temps below from here to Winthrop ... 50 degree differences ... note the 93 degree image was taking at 6:21 a.m...I will be very crispy when I return to Maine ...
Side note: I think it looks a little bit like Maine from my living room ... the 115 degree temperatures suggest otherwise, however, I enjoy the trees and birds hanging out over my balcony.
I also realized I haven't posted since I started the new job. This will be another future post when I have free time. It's a temporary office for now anyways, so maybe when I really settle in I'll update you about that too.
Anyways, right now my focus is on vacation in Maine and setting up the apartment as best as I can before I leave. I'll be bringing some southwest flavors back east with me. I can't wait!!
OH! And I need to add eat at Harvest Moon Deli and Seadog to my to do at home list. I don't know how I forgot those!
Thanks for reading!
- M
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
One month countdown to Vacationland!
I'm coming home in a month!!!! Let the count down begin!
I CAN'T WAIT!
I've started my to do in Maine list! It looks a lot like last years ... with a few adjustments ...
Vacationland To Do List (in no particular order)
Places to Visit, Things to do:
1. Tubby's Ice Cream (at least a few times, and I owe a fellow blogger an ice cream cone!)
2. Gifford's Ice Cream
3. The coast, probably Rockland
4. Orono/Bangor area for shenanigans with my BFF
5. Ampersand for reals this time
6. Woodmans (I've got to try the giant flirtini)
7. Monmouth Theatre
8. Slates Bakery, and maybe the restaurant but definitely the bakery
9. Acadia National Park
10. Yoga class(es) in Bangor (and Portland too perhaps??)
11. UMaine campus, perhaps run in to some of my favorite Black Bears
12. See lots of friends
13. Celebrate my new job and acceptance into the MFA program with family and friends (or friends who are more like family)
14. Dance with friends!
15. Eat a lot (Including, but not all at once: lobster, blueberries (and blueberry coffee), whoppie pies, maple syrup (on waffles made by Mum), other comfort food made by Mum, and other things made with things from Maine ... OH, and at this food truck I've heard rumor of)
16. Actually write that children's book with Mum
17. Take LOTS of picture - I did it last year and I know I can and will do it again!
18. Photo shoot with this blogger!
19. Sit by the lake every single chance I get!
20. Relax (doubt this will happen, but I felt I needed a 20th item)
What do you think?? 20 items in 10 days, that's doable, right? Do you think I am missing anything??
Thanks for reading!
- M
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Summer To Do List
Hello Reader,
I don't really function without a to do list of some sort in my life at all times. Are you this way?
Well, I decided to make a massive summer to do list to fully embrace this summer before grad school kicks in on top of the job in August. I'm trying to seize the last few months of a semi-flexible schedule and the best way I know how is by listing it all out.
It's a lot of micro projects here and there, lots of writing, and organizing especially. Nothing wildly exciting. Writing a to do list for my trip to Maine is a to do item on my summer to do list...which may be pushing the to do list thing to far to have a to do list within a to do list, but I don't care.
This reminds me of the days my BFF and I would make a master summer calendar and literally plan what we were going to do when for each summer vacation day. Sadly, those real vacation days are gone, but there's still plenty to do.
Thanks for reading!
- M
I don't really function without a to do list of some sort in my life at all times. Are you this way?
Well, I decided to make a massive summer to do list to fully embrace this summer before grad school kicks in on top of the job in August. I'm trying to seize the last few months of a semi-flexible schedule and the best way I know how is by listing it all out.
It's a lot of micro projects here and there, lots of writing, and organizing especially. Nothing wildly exciting. Writing a to do list for my trip to Maine is a to do item on my summer to do list...which may be pushing the to do list thing to far to have a to do list within a to do list, but I don't care.
This reminds me of the days my BFF and I would make a master summer calendar and literally plan what we were going to do when for each summer vacation day. Sadly, those real vacation days are gone, but there's still plenty to do.
Thanks for reading!
- M
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