Open Space Practice, (AKA: A Thousand Shades of Gray)

I started yoga teacher training last night. My back against a wall, feet on the floor, a soft voice of yoga in front of me, the rumble of Kirtan behind. The row of windows to my right let in the twinkle of holiday lights still wrapping the trees and the noise of the street, Friday night in Old Town. At first, I am flanked by emptiness, but before long the circle is full, it and the door closed. Women with intention, all of them speak of a hunger for community and friendship. I feel on the floor in more ways than one, grounded and low, bottomed out. We chant the Ganesh mantra, Remover of Obstacles, Lord of Compassion, and I remember that I am my biggest obstacle. Breathe in, breathe out. Begin again.

image by eric

1. Good friends who are weird like me.

2. Living with Ease, which is helping me do just that.

3. A new stand up desk, a real one to replace the cardboard boxes I’ve used for the past two years.

4. Apple pie.

5. The husband who makes the apple pie. No matter how hard things get, I have him, which means it’s okay, no matter what.

image by eric

Bonus Joy: Sam getting a bit worse. I know that might seem a strange thing to be grateful for, but he’s on a trial of a drug — 10 days of three times a day, 10 of twice, and 10 of once. There has been a noticeable difference this week as he went to twice a day, which means the meds are most likely helping him, will help him to be more comfortable. The cause of his issue is still a mystery, but relief seems possible, and that’s good news.