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“A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.”      - J.R.R. Tolkien   

Life is abundant. Especially during this time of year. Living in Sweden seems to magnify this allure. What does it mean? I guess it means not needing anything and at the same time feeling as if the world is at your feet. Not always the easiest thing to tap into, but one worth trusting.

Even though I'm not always good at putting it into practice; actively participating in the daily decrease, as Bruce Lee would say, has been quite telling. Simplify, simplify, simplify. In everything. Or cutting the fat, as I like to say. Lately I've felt myself wanting to get rid of stuff, while sticking with what serves a purpose and holding on to only what I love and enjoy. When it comes to acquiring, often it comes down to wanting things that support my creative endeavors. Beyond that, dreams of travel. It's all about the experience. What will I take with me when I leave this world? A question that puts it all into perspective.

One blessing I can't deny is teaching. As each day goes by I feel absolutely grateful to be doing what I do. On top of that, the amazing people I have the opportunity to interact with on a daily basis. It doesn't get much better. There are days where I'm exhausted, and honestly, it always seems worth it when I wake up the next morning.

Without a doubt I find myself in a funk from time to time. It's only natural. Thankfully I have the insight to dig myself out of it in time. No, not easy, but necessary. Whenever I find myself standing in a place of lack I have to remind myself of the simple act of gratitude. Yeah, we've all heard it before, but this shit works! Take paper to pen, or type it out. Get in touch with what's important to you. Look at what you have.

From there the soil is rich to grow what you like. Expand into the possibilities.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There's much to be thankful for. A practice in gratitude.

Here in Sweden it is just any other day - any other snowy day to be exact - winter is in FULL affect right now! And so, I take time to count my blessings, big and small, and feel the beauty and grace that surrounds me like a warm, cozy blanket. Gratitude does exactly that - it warms me.

Have A Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! XOXOXO

1,000 Posts {Wow!}

Today is my 1,000th post !!!

Hard to believe. What a journey it has been over the last 3 years since I decided to start blogging. With a bit of trepidation to "put myself out there," I haven't regretted it for one moment. It has connected me to so many wonderful people that I've been pleasantly surprised that the connections made would be the best part, along with having a forum to express myself, and collect my thoughts.

I want to thank anyone and everyone who has ever visited my blog, commented, emailed, or who I've met personally through the blogosphere. Thank you!

I Thank You All !!!

XOXOXOXO

Back

"There is no remedy for love, but to love more."

- Henry David Thoreau


Goodbye Stockholm. Hello...jet lag. I'm back in the States. Didn't really report when I was leaving because I was sidetracked, obviously, before taking off.

I probably had one of my best international travel experiences flying British Airways from Stockholm to Columbus. Everything went super smooth even though I had to go through security a total of 3 times. Started in Stockholm, Arlanda, with layovers in London, Heathrow, and Chicago, O'Hare....to finally touch down in Columbus. The added bonus was I flew business class from Heathrow to Chicago, and I'm officially spoiled for the rest of my travel career. Ha!

How does it feel to be back after over a year of being away? Well, let me get back to you on that.

Tomorrow, I'll send off the paperwork, and set the wheels in motion in regards to living abroad more permanently. This time, I'm not running away, I'm running toward something. Another life. Another experience that happened unexpectedly - nonetheless a pleasant surprise. You just never know what life will throw at you.

Travel and discovery are undoubtedly in my blood. Finally, I'm living and aligning to what ultimately makes me come alive - sometimes, we simply don't have a choice in the matter. We are lead toward a calling that can only be answered by stepping forward confidently, with faith, knowing, understanding that leading a life with heart is part of joining to the will and gifts of Grace.

Something has changed. Call it an internal shift. Call it a small awakening. Call it what you like. The label is insignificant. However, looking with new eyes changes everything. It is true - our reality begins within us.

Now, I hold a space of gratitude within me, which has been such an important practice. Whenever, I start to tread into negative waters, I take it as a sign that I have forgotten who I am and all that I have to be thankful for. Gratitude has a way of pulling us out of the muck and into the essence of what is True.

I definitely don't have all the answers...and, yes I probably have more questions than answers, but sitting in the delight of what each day will bring, holding on to what is True, brings comfort in times of transition and uncertainty. This is a place I've come to know well on every level imaginable.

Am I any wiser? Ha! I doubt it...but, I've experienced much, and have rubbed up against the troubled waters that rise and fall, from time to time, and will always be...but, maybe I've become better acquainted with how to navigate through it, all the while, connecting to what is ultimately real and untarnished.

With every breath I take, I couldn't be more thankful for what the gifts the past year gave - invisible to the naked eye, but priceless in value. Some were tough lessons of faith and surrender. Others were gifts of unconditional love and strength. All of it culminating to a place of oneness.

Blessed by all the people who touched my heart, no matter how big or small, I've learned that it starts and ends with each other. It's isn't me without the other.

Thank you.

Daily Gratitude

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

— Lao Tzu

Today, I am grateful for:

• DF - everyday spent with you has been a gift in every way imaginable.

• Daily, early morning yoga practice - the gift that keeps on giving.

• Pain - an opportunity to learn something.

• The beauty of Stockholm - I can't say it enough. I love it.

• The Scandinavian air - yes, I've said this one too many times too. Can't help it.

• The bluest of blue skies these past couple days. Absolutely lovely.

• Inspiration - A feeling that comes from within. God's grace. Thank you.
  

It's in the giving that the gifts come...

"You are what you love not what loves you." ~Donald Kaufman

It's in the giving that the gifts come...without fail. I feel lucky and blessed to have met someone who has shown that so eloquently...and inspires me to do the same...hopefully everyday...in some small way. Just the act of being free with yourself...your feelings and being open to others without judgment is an important part of my process...and because I have put that out there...there's a force that has shown it to me since setting that intention...wonderful how that happens. And, its interesting how opening to that can bring about your fears...those dark parts that we all have. What is it again?...When we open to the light...many times it exposes those fearful parts...but its good...at least we can have the awareness they are there...and then, deal with it as we see fit.
Its amazing how powerful our intentions can be...and, when I feel like my heart just can't take anymore opening or allowing it to feel those scary parts...it can...it really can...just like any other muscle...you have to work it out for it to become stronger...more open. And, what a blessing to be shown such examples of strength...perseverance...and love from others I have met. It humbles me...inspires me...wakes me up to a deeper part of myself...and I can only hope to continue down that road. Of course there will always be some bobbles...but if I align myself back to intention everything becomes more clear...more focused.
So...on Friday after lead primary Sharath invited me to lead intermediate class on Sunday. And, I can't tell you how great it was...it being a smaller group...and the fact that Guruji lead the class. He seemed to have more energy and vigor than ever...so cool...For a man of 92 he never ceases to amaze me...He has the perfect balance of commanding presence mixed with soft sweetness. Not very many can carry that off. I had such a surge of energy too...it was one of those experiences I will always remember. Also, I don't like to name drop...but one of my all time favorite teachers was in the room practicing as well and it was all kind of surreal...being in the room with others who have lived and breathed this practice much longer than I. Its not about putting people above you but one can't help but feel the energy of those who have done the work. Many times I remind myself...if this is what's waiting for me after 30 years of practice...sign me up!!
So...I'll say it again...and I will continue to say it...I thank you...The only words that seem to have meaning to me right now is that...Thank you...I'm filled with gratitude...Peace.

This Day

Look to This Day for it is Life, the very Life of Life. In Its brief course lie all the Verities and Realities of your existence; The Bliss of Growth; The Glory of Action; The Splendor of Beauty; For Yesterday is but a Dream, And Tomorrow is only a Vision: But Today well lived makes every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness, and Every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope. Look well, therefore, to This Day!!
-From The Sanskrit

So...the day isn't even over and its been a great day. Lately, I have been singing Sharath's praises as a teacher and as a guide...and I truly feel such a sense of gratitude and love for him. But, I have also come to the realization that my teachers are everywhere...one no better than the other...and especially here in Mysore...I have had many thus far.
Yesterday I had tea with a friend and he told me that I am too in control of my emotions...hmmmmm...okay...I told him...you may be on to something. I have heard that from several people here that I am a hard one to read. But...I am not sure if that is necessarily a bad thing...but...whatever...I can be guarded...but then its helped me not to get sucked in to other people's negativity and angst as well...I mean...geesh...I look at my passed and I can see why I am the way I am...but it isn't really needed anymore...it served me for some time...but that layer just has to go. I don't know if I'm making any sense...I'm just processing...
But...getting back to my teachers...who have become my friends...my mentors...Thank you. And...today I was given such a special gift...and I want to sing praises to the big wave surfer and his wife...wow...your truly special...and you just get me excited about living this life. Not very many people have had that type of affect on me...to embrace each day and revel in it. I may not be quite there yet...but I know where I'm going...Thank you again. Peace.

An Attitude of Gratitude

All the Greats say that to manifest positive experiences in life you must be in a space of gratitude and appreciation. Whenever we feel thankful it just feels better...our lives feel more abundant and full. Even the things that we may judge as "bad" are just a point of perspective from past experiences or other people's experiences...and how we choose to react to those "bad things"... there is a time to make a choice... do we decide to let those things take over and ruin our day or do we just let it ride?
This is something I continually work on...Like the parking ticket I got today! Oh yeah, I was cursing a bit as I got in my car...I let the emotion run through me...and then I did my best to let it go...This gratitude thing is like a muscle you gotta work it out! Everyday! Just like you workout your body. If you don't use it...you loose it! You wanna nice ass...gotta do some squats...lunges or something. Wanna good life...an abundant life...workout your gratitude muscle. May sound crass... but I like that analogy!
With everything that has been put in front of me I would like to take a moment to be thankful... Especially to those special friends who have helped me to grow and see the lighter side of life. I also could never forget my two little kitties...Tiny Tim (pictured above) and Belle...who love me unconditionally and have taught me to live in the moment...and just enjoy...the simple things. Peace.