As I sit and wonder what to share tonight.  I decided to write what is on my mind.  My oldest daughter moves out in two weeks, to start her life, independently in the real world.  My son moved out months ago, and my youngest is away at college.  My husband and I find ourselves with an empty nest.  It has been 25 years since we've been in this house without the laughter of our children, clutter on the counters, toys on the floor, conversation around the dinner table, and life all around us.   So many mixed emotions, so excited for our children to move on and get out in to the world, experiencing life in a whole new way.  Yet, filled with anxiety as well, for the unknown.  It is a constant reminder not to fear change, for change is the only constant.  Welcome whatever comes with an open heart and mind.  Be present right now, see the beauty in each moment, cry if you want to cry, and then hold your head high, for you have enough, you've done enough, and you are enough.  

"The disease of our times is that we live on the surface.  We're like the Platte River, a mile wide and an inch deep" - Steve Pressfield
Just skimming the surface every day is not cutting it.  You have to be willing to dig a little deeper, be vulnerable, show up and be seen.   
Teaching/practicing yoga is an opportunity to show up, be seen, and dig deeper.  It's a way to be vulnerable, shed the layers, and get to the heart.  Living from the heart is the goal.  Let go of the surface crap, and be you!
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Practice daily gratitude... catching yourself in times of struggle, and focusing on something you're grateful for, can change your perspective, change your day, change your world.   Just noticing, bringing attention to our thoughts, struggles, fears, and turning them into appreciation and gratitude can bring us the calm we may be searching for.   It is in the little things that we experience the big moments...the "ahas" !

Dismissing our pain only covers up our fear, worry, doubt, and anxiety with layer on top of layer.  We need to get to the root cause of our pain, examine it, release the negative energy, and move on.  It is only when we really see the cause that we can let go and move on.  It is never too late.  You could be holding on to a belief or fear from childhood, and not even know how it's shaping your decisions.  Inquiry into our reactions, our habits, our 'routines', can bring forth a deep understanding, allowing us to let go of old beliefs, clear the slate, and start now.

When you meditate and let your thoughts pass by without attachment, you can experience true freedom.  Creating space between your thoughts, opens you up for creativity and authenticity.    'Who is it that is having these thoughts?"  When you look closely, and observe yourself as the thinker, you will eventually see that you are light and truth and love.  

There is no end game, the prize is in the process.  It is one breath to the next.  You will grow & transform, but the journey never ends.  Be in each moment with gratitude for each step, each goal, each mountain...for each is a gift.

Doubts are not real.  They are the mind playing tricks on you, your ego being afraid of failing.  Your yoga practice will open your eyes to the limits you place on your body and your life.  Most of the limitations we see as physical, are all in our head.  If we believe we can't... we can't.   Same is true...If we believe we can... we will !

Children see the beauty and love in everyone around them.  They do not judge, they do not see with blurry eyes, all is new and shiny.  We all have that inner child within us, where love and truth lie.  Practice peeling back the layers to uncover your truth.   Time and circumstances may have clouded it, but deep within, your light shines.  Open your heart and let it shine through.  

Every day is a practice, and a chance to begin again.   Live from a place of constant growth and learning.... from each decision, each obstacle, each ooportunity.  Limitless possibilities and potential live within each of us.

We are always going from one thing to the next, trying to squeeze just one more thing into our day to feel productive, to feel like we've done it "right".  When can we give ourselves a break, know that we've done enough, and more importantly, we are enough?  Now...give yourself that gift, the gift of knowing that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, it's perfect.  You are right where you need to be, doing exactly what you should be doing.  Live in this moment and appreciate the next.