On the Road to Becoming at My Best Self
At the end of this sabbatical, my goal is to be my best self, and re-enter the workforce as a stronger woman. I will know more about myself and what I can offer to the world.
Today, I began my focus on health. It was the first day of my summer yoga practice. I'd never been to this particular yoga studio, but I have taken hatha yoga classes in the past.
Most forms of yoga in the West can be classified as Hatha Yoga. Hatha simply refers to the practice of physical yoga postures. The word “hatha” can be translated two ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” or the yoga of activity, and as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), the yoga of balance. Hatha practices are designed to align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation.
There were about 20 students in the studio, and I was happily surprised to see a former coworker! When I saw her, I knew I'd made the right decision to practice at this studio. This woman regularly practices yoga and was always at the Friday yoga classes at the company gym (I stopped going to the gym years ago when work got overwhelmingly busy).
I was nervous at first - would I remember the poses? It's been about five years since I've practiced. Am I strong enough? My legs are strong from recently completing a half marathon, but I've been neglecting upper body work.
I've never been to a yoga class where before the class, the instructor offers each class member a card from a fanned deck, but I guess there's a first for everything! I don't know why we did this, but I plan to ask my former co-worker the next time I see her. The card that I pulled said, "Counselor." It said, "You are a natural counselor, and many people benefit from your guidance and reassurance." I know that empathy is my number one strength, and teaching (in one form or another) has been a career path/possibility on my mind.
After the class, at home, I googled "Archangel Azrael," from the card and found this:
Archangel Azrael assists in all types of transitions and endings, not just those involving loss and death. He also helps with transitions related to relationships, career, addictions, etc., helping us to navigate as smoothly as possible through life’s changes.
No doubt I am going through a major life change. Whether you believe in this stuff or not, I believe there was a connection! I'll report later on what I find out about why the cards were offered.
I felt great during the class, and even better after the class. Focusing on my health, and re-introducing yoga into my life was definitely the right decision.
Tomorrow morning, I'm going to take a core-strengthening class at the Rec Center, get cleaned up, and head to the butterfly show with my camera. By the end of this sabbatical, one of my goals is to have a framed collage full of my images. Can't wait to start putting it together!
Today, I began my focus on health. It was the first day of my summer yoga practice. I'd never been to this particular yoga studio, but I have taken hatha yoga classes in the past.
Most forms of yoga in the West can be classified as Hatha Yoga. Hatha simply refers to the practice of physical yoga postures. The word “hatha” can be translated two ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” or the yoga of activity, and as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), the yoga of balance. Hatha practices are designed to align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation.
I was nervous at first - would I remember the poses? It's been about five years since I've practiced. Am I strong enough? My legs are strong from recently completing a half marathon, but I've been neglecting upper body work.
I've never been to a yoga class where before the class, the instructor offers each class member a card from a fanned deck, but I guess there's a first for everything! I don't know why we did this, but I plan to ask my former co-worker the next time I see her. The card that I pulled said, "Counselor." It said, "You are a natural counselor, and many people benefit from your guidance and reassurance." I know that empathy is my number one strength, and teaching (in one form or another) has been a career path/possibility on my mind.
After the class, at home, I googled "Archangel Azrael," from the card and found this:
Archangel Azrael assists in all types of transitions and endings, not just those involving loss and death. He also helps with transitions related to relationships, career, addictions, etc., helping us to navigate as smoothly as possible through life’s changes.
No doubt I am going through a major life change. Whether you believe in this stuff or not, I believe there was a connection! I'll report later on what I find out about why the cards were offered.
I felt great during the class, and even better after the class. Focusing on my health, and re-introducing yoga into my life was definitely the right decision.
Tomorrow morning, I'm going to take a core-strengthening class at the Rec Center, get cleaned up, and head to the butterfly show with my camera. By the end of this sabbatical, one of my goals is to have a framed collage full of my images. Can't wait to start putting it together!
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