.....sand castles and twizzlers

Yogis,
I was only 26 years old the first time I went. With a four-year-old son in tow and another nestled inside me, I fell in love with the Outer Banks. A few hours ago, I arrived home from my thirty first visit. Thirty one consecutive end of July’s spent on the same block and same stretch of beach, with the same crowd of friends.

This year my youngest son is 26. There is nothing like an annual tradition to view time through.

For the first many years there was always one of us pregnant or nursing an infant under the shade of an umbrella. Followed then by summers filled with toddlers, boogie boards, giant sand castles and twizzlers. Trips to urgent care sprinkled in and searching for ghost crabs on the beach at night. During those years our ‘adult’ cocktail party, a single break away from the kids, brought out the teenager in all of us….which we paid for dearly early the next morning.

Years become a blur and suddenly the toddlers are teenagers and we are now the ones nervously keeping tabs on them and the beer refrigerator, kept awake by their card games, music and late night bowls of cereal. Only truly resting when we hear them close their bedroom doors. Informing them that they are now responsible for making their own sandwiches and carrying their own chairs.

This year there were six of the sweetest little girls in our circle, daughters of some of those very same teenagers, building sand castles and eating sand covered twizzlers. Three more babies will enter the world and our group by the time we return. The ‘kid’ picture taking on a new meaning. Watching others doing what we ourselves have done and wondering where the time has gone.

The wild shrubbery has grown taller on the street. So much so that our view of the ocean between the houses in front of us is partially blocked. The bird sanctuary land next to our street where the boys played and deer wandered is now filled with 6 bedroom homes. The dunes continue their skyward growth and every couple of years new taller steps get built directly above the old ones.

Yet some things have not been touched by time. The pulsating drone of the cicadas which fills the hot air as we arrive. Pelicans flying in formation over our heads. Incredible skies and seemingly infinite stars. Our laughter.

As I pulled out of the neighborhood and onto route 12 to head home in the quiet of the early morning the rising sun shone into the car over my left shoulder. For a split second I felt the exact same way I have every single year at that moment when I make the turn. Yes, it has been 31 years but there is that part of me that also remains untouched by time. The part that has witnessed this inevitable yet beautiful passage of time.

I still eat twizzlers,
SARAH

......my 'awe inspiring' lenses

Yogis,

Good morning sun!  Good morning new day! I blink my eyes stretching my arms overhead. As I swing my legs around and plant my feet on the floor it begins. A day unlike any other. A day filled with unlimited possibilities.

When I approach life this way, the world opens its arms to me and pulls me in for a deep embrace. During the times that I forget however, life begins to become ho hum.  I occasionally need to remind myself that each and every day is unique and can be approached one of two ways.

There is the businesslike approach which views the day as a series of ‘to dos’. Leaping from bed, putting one’s head down and steaming forward through the challenges, checking off what has gotten done. At night looking back at the day and measuring its success by what was accomplished or how much was earned…..or simply that one made it through.

Then there is the opposite. Rubbing the sleep from the eyes and being thrilled by the huge open space of sixteen hours lying ahead in which anything can happen. Moving forward through what must get done, but with the curiosity of a child. Open for the new sensations, messages and synchronicities which are naturally drawn toward those who live life this way. Lying in bed at night amazed by the many small moments of magic which had appeared.  

Both take you through the exact same day but wearing a different set of lenses. I prefer to wear my ‘Awe Inspiring’ ones.

Good morning Monday! I said this week as I woke. Later that night as I lay listening to the song of the summer night bugs (which are my sleep aid) I reviewed my day. While weeding the garden I unearthed a vividly marked frog. She hopped nearby and sat for the next 20 minutes while I worked and sang her a lullaby. A blue dragonfly landed and patiently allowed me to photograph her until I got the perfect shot. Baby birds chirped to be fed and as I walked Phoebe that night the nearly full moon looked almost too perfect, as if it had been painted on the darkening sky.

Each day offering me unexpected gifts. Another feather on my path. A particularly breathtaking visit to the creek. Chanting with my students. Picking my first ripe tomato from the garden.

Learning that a type of heartbeat is being discovered in trees (although I already knew that). Herons soaring overhead while I run at daybreak. The intense wave of gratitude I feel at the end of my own practice. Peaches. A summer thunderstorm.

If your ‘awe inspiring’ glasses have gotten lost in the bedside table, take them out and wipe them clean. Tomorrow be sure to put them on and step out with an open heart and mind and wait to be amazed. The universe loves your attention and will draw close……

I can’t wait to see what comes tomorrow,
SARAH

......simple

It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.     ~Paulo Coelho

 Yogis,

I am happy to report that I did indeed do just fine with the clothes that made it into my carry-on bag. The shoes were comfortable and the boots were cute. I was quite proud of myself for doing something I had always said I couldn’t do. In fact, I found the limited choice of outfits I had made dressing for the day simple.

I loved Ireland! This shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me since green is my favorite color. Everywhere you look – shades of green – dotted by the white of sheep. Clean, lush, natural and moist. Spectacular scenery, but the word that most came to me during my week stay was ‘simple’.

Life there appeared much simpler. Uncomplicated. From the people, to the roads, to the weather.

Each time an innkeeper asked where we were headed, the first words out of their mouth were ‘Take your time….there’s no rush’. How refreshing. When is the last time anyone here has suggested that?

They have very few rules. Arriving at the Cliffs of Moher where the edges tower hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean, unlike the US, there are no signs or fences or guards with a list of ten rules and warnings to stay back from the edge (as if we don’t realize that we can fall to our death). Everyone chooses what distance feels safe to them and respects it.  

In stores the choices are simpler. In a town shop there was one small shelf of shampoos. You simply pick one. When I go to Target and enter the shampoo aisle I get sucked into a vortex and emerge 15 minutes later. Even shampoo here has become complicated.

Most highways are only 4 lanes, the houses are modest and absolutely adorable and when you buy tickets for something, they rarely actually even take them from you. There is a certain level of trust that you are doing what you say you are doing. In fact the only policemen I saw were the ones directing traffic for the Irish Open golf tournament.

In the pubs people want to talk. In the rooms you open your windows to sleep. A hearty breakfast sets you up for your day where you aren’t hungry until late afternoon. And the untreated, un-mowed natural flora along the sides of the roads is spectacular. Flowers are very happy there. The cows and sheep grazing all day in the large open fields should be glad they are Irish.

Which brings me back to green. When I returned I realized just how surrounded I am by green on this property and how being at my home is so grounding for me and many others. When I am here and look out, life can seem simple. I am so grateful.

Green offers us simplicity. Is that their secret? If so, we need to do a much better job protecting ours…….

Yearning for simple,
SARAH

......packing

Yogis,

I have always been an over- packer. Weekend trips demand the medium sized suitcase and a week away has me struggling to lift my bag onto the scale when checking in at the airport. Not much gets left home.

I always start out with good intentions, carefully placing in the necessities, but little by little the ‘what ifs’ slip in. What if it rains……what if it is chilly at night…..what if I don’t feel like wearing those pants. Before I know it, I am struggling to close the zipper and yet I still inevitably stuff one more thing in as I am heading out the door.

I’ve always envied someone who shows up for a weekend trip with a small duffel over their shoulder yet looks amazing no matter what we end up doing. Or those that casually mention how they did carry on when traveling Europe for 10 days. What!!! They must have a packing gene that didn’t make it into my DNA. I am in awe.

But then we planned a trip to Ireland for 9 days with some friends……who suggested we all carry on. Oh no.

Is it possible to change lifelong habits? Can I possibly become a light packer at age 57? I decided it was time to stop saying ‘I wish’ and do it. I wanted it so I began to visualize it.

I started with our beach weekend trips, scaling down to carry on size luggage. I watched to see if I even wore that amount of clothes in 3 days and of course, noticed I did not.

How would I handle shoes? I imagined the cool misty days and decided waterproof hiking shoes would be on my feet all day and some cute short brown boots would be my evening wear. Simplicity.  I was beginning to be able to ‘see it’.

Browns, golds and whites in clothing to all intermix. Travel size toiletries, which I admit are straining the quart sized bag zip lock. Would gallon size be too much to ask? A rain jacket that rolls into a ball and a fleece. And the small suitcase zips. I did it! I ‘am’ a light packer!

For many of you naturally light packers out there this all seems silly, but this was a change for me that required going out of my comfort zone. Wanting, visualizing and taking baby steps. Doing it.

I am writing this on Friday, the day before leaving, so as you read this I am already in Ireland. Perhaps by now I wish I had brought something that didn’t make it into the bag. But that’s ok because I know I will feel lighter and freer. Less burdened with stuff. Maybe this will carry over into other parts of life.

I will let you know how it went……

Watching for fairies in Ireland,
SARAH

....what I love about summer

Yogis,

It’s officially summer! 

Friday, we celebrated the Summer Solstice, honoring the life giving force of the sun. Her heat, light and power all cause growth and transformation. All you have to do this time of year is look out your window to get a sense of her strength!

I have always loved summer. When I think back to my childhood the images that flash through my mind are the ones of me in the woods building forts, making ‘houses’ in buckets for the all of the poor caterpillars I captured and walking barefoot on the hot Georgia pavement to the pool. The carefree days of summer.

As adults our summers aren’t necessarily quite as carefree, but there is a still a gentle shift in energy which brings everything down a few notches. A slower time that gives us all the opportunity to pause and realize the many small things this season brings which we are grateful for.

Here are mine………

You of course know my number 1#! Being able to be barefoot all day 😊 My toes sing a song of joy once freed from the constriction of shoes, instead feeling the morning dew on the grass. Clover flowers constantly getting stuck between my toes like jewelry.

My garden. Having a sanctuary in my own backyard where I can go each day to putter, photograph, get my hands in the dirt and talk to the other creatures who too visit frequently. The garden offers me mint and lemon balm for my water, herbs for my salad and medicinal plants to make my medicine, all which I sample as I walk through. Each plant with a unique personality and all give me much joy.

The long days. Having time after dinner to head outside and watch the bats swoop out from my eaves. This week I counted 12 in five minutes so I am sure there are many more. Great mosquito control! The songs of the night birds and frogs and of course, the lightening bugs.

Sleeping with my window open. There is nothing like the sounds of the breeze through the trees and the rain on the roof to lull me to sleep. Yes there are planes but I truly don’t hear them as I tune in to life’s hum. And yes…..there are those foxes who in addition to being much more visible these days have now taken to launching a raucous in the middle of night.  Phoebe has learned not to bark but can’t help allowing little muted grrrr’s and groans to escape her lips.

The tastes. Everything so gorgeous and fresh it’s hard to decide what to have! Salads with scrumptious lettuce from the CSA, blueberries and feta. Greens galore, beans now sprouting in my garden, melons and tomatoes. Every meal a mouth party.

And the smells. Oh my gosh the smells…… Freshly mowed grass, honeysuckle and roses. The sea air, suntan lotion and caramel corn on the boardwalk.

Wearing shorts, getting sweaty and sleeping in my tent. Licking an ice cream cone strategically so as not to allow a messy melt. The more I list, the more that come to me. That is how the energy of gratitude works. A powerful magnet.

Summer. So, what is your list?

Happy Summer,
SARAH

.....being there

Yogis,

These last couple of weeks my garden has been exploding. Marshmallow now taller than me, echinacea buds beginning their opening spiral dance and comfrey so top heavy she is now laying the burden of many of her stalks onto the ground. Yet each time I went out I felt like not a whole lot was going on.

I would take a stroll through, planting some of my tender seedlings in the earth and trimming back those full-bodied plants that were already beginning to block the path, awaiting that moment that would send a tingle down my spine. Nothing. And in I would go. Ho hum.

Last week I sat in my grass pod and silently weeded. For a while. It was only then that I noticed the shaking of the butterfly bush. Loud thuds and deep rustling that resembled the stomping of a tyrannosaurus rex through the jungle. I cautiously approached and lay on the ground to glance underneath. That is when I spotted the bright red eyes of the visiting box turtle from last week’s video. A tingle.

But the next day I once again was distant ……..

Only days later did it become apparent that it wasn’t life’s magic that wasn’t present, it was me. I was being the casual visitor instead of planting myself like the motherwort and being there. Landing. Staying. Listening. I was passing through life instead of living it.

I talk of this so often you would think I have it down by now, right? I don’t. The act of ‘being there’ isn’t easy. How often are any of us actually anywhere? We spend the majority of our waking moments ‘on the way’ to somewhere. In our thoughts and on our screens. Rarely being completely and utterly present with what is right under our own feet.

When I finally sat myself down in the grass, took a big exhale and opened my senses, only then did I begin to notice. To ‘be there’. The small white clover in the grass. Who knew it was so stunning when examined closely? The bees coming in for a landing with me inches away. Inchworms, dragonflies, ladybugs and spiders all within arm’s reach which I hadn’t even noticed moments earlier. The breeze against my skin. The warmth of the sun.

I was reminded, so I am reminding you. Find time each day to land. To be there. Allowing all that ‘has to be done’ to wait a few minutes. To experience the magic that is always there waiting.

Friday night I took the time to hang out the open window next to my bed which overlooks the garden. A bat swooped by and then I saw them. The twinkling of the fireflies lighting up the trees. Did someone say magic? Bed can wait……I want to ‘be here.’

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha

Here is an excellent place to be,
SARAH

......an altar

Yogis,

Do you have an altar in your home? A space to place your most sacred objects?

When I began holding classes in my studio eleven years ago, I started a small altar on the floor in the front of the room. A corner spot that everyone sees, and which ends up at being at eye level as we move through chaturangas. 

First I hunted and found a medium sized wooden Buddha in a shop that I frequent in Rehoboth. I spread an earth colored pashmina scarf on the wood floor where Buddha was then placed along with a few larger rocks from my yard. A candle completed the space which was lit at the beginning of each class.

Over time a few other small objects made their way onto the alter. A metal heart, a Ganesha painting and at times a vase with herbs. All in all, it didn’t change much for many years. It was my first altar. It was simple.

Then I moved my statue of Lakshmi onto it……

Soon I felt that she was calling for more color (beauty that she is) so I layered a second more vibrant scarf on top. Before too long, a starfish from a beach walk and a tangerine stone from a crystals shop made their way in. A couple more candles, goddess cards, flowers and a lovely handmade smudge stick from a friend. Little by little without my awareness, my altar was transforming.

A few weeks ago, while putting my hand drum away I realized it should be in the studio, and what better place to become more connected with its rhythm than on the altar. This week feathers have appeared on my path while running. Each time I placed them in my bra and ran home with them, knowing they too should grace this sacred space.

All of this without much thought, until Monday morning class as I bowed down in a posture and Lakshmi caught my eye. I suddenly ‘see’ the altar with new eyes. It is beautiful! But of course! Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance and prosperity. Her presence drew beauty and bounty into the room.

Everyone can have an altar. You don’t have to be religious or a yoga teacher to create a special place in your home that causes your heart to smile each time you are near. You may have already created an informal one without realizing it.

It can be on your dresser, a nightstand or even a windowsill. It can be any size and can certainly have buddhas, malas and goddesses, but can just as easily be filled with seashells, photos or flowers. Anything that connects you more deeply to you. All that is important is that it is cared for and treated with kindness and respect.

If you already have one, look at it with new eyes today. If you don’t……look around and find a space. Place a couple of objects to begin and then see what life blows in. The energy of your altar will be a gift you receive each time you are in its presence.

 “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.’ — Joseph Campbell

.....would love to see pictures!

Grateful to Lakshmi,

SARAH