Yay Today!

Today has already been a beautiful day.

Got the kids off to school and very happily went to work with my ladies.

The first class was more focused on breath.

Each pose they were given extra instruction so they could take it deeper. They had mentioned last week that the stretching was their favorite part of the yoga. The quiet getaway and the mental focus were nice, but the way their bodies felt with the stretches was the best part. So I went with it and showed them how to increase each pose.

They held up in tree pose for the longest we've seen yet. Susan made us giggle when she said, "I was beginning to think I was becoming a tree!". One of the other ladies said, "Yeah, I held it for a good long wobbly time." We reassured her that it still counts for something.

The second class today was a slower, more restorative class for a lady with MS.

I met her for the first time today.

She was beautiful and witty.

She was surprised to hear that there are studios that are solely working to help those with MS.

We discussed the benefits of yoga specifically for her condition and then went on to the asanas.

Breath work: A few very deep breaths then finding the rhythm.

Neck rolls: Inhaling ear to shoulder ~ Exhaling chin to chest.

Shoulder rolls: Inhaling up ~ Exhaling down. Forward for a bit, then backwards.

Seated side bends: Inhaling over the head ~ Exhaling on the side bend.

Seated Cat/Cow: Inhaling cat ~ Exhaling cow.

Seated twist: Exhaling into the twist ~ Inhaling on a slight release.

Seated forward fold: Middle, left leg then right leg.

Cow face pose: With a strap.

Through the Hole: This was more challenging for her, but she did great.

Lying twist: Slowing down her breath.

Savasana: Releasing it all and feeling the new vibe.

I could feel the tenacity in this woman.

She has some strength and will power that'll get her where she's going if she keeps at it.

I'm exited to see her reinvent herself after all that she has been through.

A quick mention about wednesdays class.

It was amazing on my end.

It was one of those times that I felt like I could really let all my spirit and creativity flow.

It was very releasing for me and reminded me of my love for teaching yoga.

It was one of those classes where, by the end, my energy was so high and light.

I just want to thank my student that day who allowed me to speak and instruct completely from the heart.

"Thank you Lynn!"

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Courtney

A cute card I got from my sister Natalie.

I keep it hanging up cause I love it.

(My computer has been shutting down on me so It's been hard to get any blogging in.)

I picked up two more classes a week. I'm super excited.

Yesterday's class was very unique and fun.

Lot's of discussion and then some deep invigorating asanas. Sometimes the shorter classes pack more power. I love that.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Courtney

Recovery

This post is for all those who have suffered trauma of one sort or another,

and are in recovery.

Physical Trauma

Emotional Trauma

Spiritual Trauma

I want to wish you a speedy recovery.

Take the time to heal.

Allow the process to happen naturally.

Remember, no matter how much you feel alone...

You're not alone.

Even though you are unique,

there are others that relate to your emotions.

Others who are suffering pain with you.

I hope that through the darkness,

you can again shine.

Because remember that you already are a light to others.

Whether you know it or not, your strength to survive is being seen.

You are giving others hope in the power of the human spirit.

Hope in the power of our creator.

And as you bring your light further out of the darkness,

I hope that you will see the brilliance of the colors around you.

Colors of the world.

Colors of all the unique individuals you cross paths with.

Colors of love flowing from you...

and to you.

I hope that through your recovery,

your life can bloom

into something new.

Something beautiful.

Better than you ever expected.

Not only so that one day you can be happy again.

But also, so those around you can be washed over with your joy,

and be lifted.

I wish you a renewed strength.

Solid.

Tall.

Stronger because of what you have been through,

and stronger because of where you are going.

I wish for you the guidance and protection that will help you feel

secure again.

Someone to hold your hand.

To support you... hold you up in your recovery.

I hope for you to find that break from the pain.

A sweet serenity away from all the hurt.

Peace.

And I hope for you...

a day when you can once again

move through life,

carving your path of your own unique beauty and light,

for the world to see.

Courtney

A good week... end.

The sunshine made me happy today.

(A fuzzed out kitchen mess in the background. Taw Haw!)

The warmer weather is bringing folks outdoors.

There's an excited frenzy in the air.

Last night's yoga class was fun, challenging and relaxing.

It was nice to follow instead of lead.

The best part was seeing my friends from school.

Today's class turned out better than expected.

It could be, that I prayed.

I felt unprepared and didn't know if I could get through the hour.

This hasn't happened before.

It was a morning where my mind didn't want to focus.

I've always known I have divine backup in those moments.

It works every time.

The ladies looked beautiful in Dancer pose.

I wish I had gotten a picture.

I led them into full Wheel pose. (Backbend)

They seemed to really enjoy it.

Spotting Susan through it, she was doing something she didn't know she could do.

I wondered why I had never done this with her before.

We will practice it regularly now.

My honey's daily check-in came in a text today.

"Hi from the clinic! Howz it going over in your town?

Getting any rest after the restless night? Love you."

My night wasn't restless. Luke's was.

Trying to settle him kept me up all but two hours.

(Ahhh! That explains my state of mind before class this morning. Pfft!)

Frank called soon after and told me to try to get a nap in.

Not possible, but thanks for looking out for me honey!

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading!

P.s. I miss you Asha Brenner!

Courtney

In the midst of a storm

Today's practice;

a focus on a personal meditation.

Due to my thoughts and emotions,

I'm doing a slow and flowing practice.

One to allow me to reach further down and gently,

slowly,

lovingly

pull myself up through the rubble.

A sun salutation for starters.

Inhaling and Exhaling softly through the routine.

My thoughts are on others that are experiencing stormy weather.

In the midst of my storm brings a sensitivity to those suffering.

A sitting side bend brings an emotional lift... tears.

Tears for what people suffer at the hand of others.

Tears for those that feel face down in the mud...

only to continue to be dragged through it by another's

lack of love.

I am learning.

At times, I have been the one dragging another.

No more.

My spinal twist creates relief.

Relief that I don't have to participate, and better yet...

I can be the one who lifts another out of the mud,

clean them off,

dry their tears,

give them hope.

But not that I would know how.

God does the healing.

I am merely the hands.

Slowly moving through cat & cow pose.

My breathing goes deeper as I feel strength.

Strength in my understanding.

Strength in my ability.

Strength in my maturity...

to control myself when wrongdoing comes my way.

I've learned to not say ill of people, even when upset.

I've learned to speak up about what's true and not let another's petty jealousy or gossip derail someone.

This meditation is showing me to increase my efforts and improve where I have failed.

Savasana... releasing it all.

A place to be with nothing but the breath.

Where it all comes together.

A building of understanding, compassion and self awareness unite.

Courtney

My Mister

Last Saturday I was doing a sewing project.

It reminded me of why I don't sew anymore.

Not enough patience.

My Mister walked in and asked how it was going.

"Good, except it would go a lot faster if I had my thimble."

My guess was that my "Sassy Angel" had it.

She has been sewing for a while and likes to use my things.

Sometimes, they never return.

My Mister walked out and went on with his business.

I kept working.

20 minutes later, he walks in and hands me... a thimble.

With it was the rest of a travel sewing kit.

He had gone to the store to get me what I needed.

He gave me a big kiss and thanked me for working on this project.

I was happy to do it, and he was happy to help me have what I needed.

It's times like this that he melts my heart all over again.

I now have a nice little travel sewing kit, but notice...

the thimble is missing again.

??????????

Sassy Pants!!!

Courtney

Taking a break

Messing around with my blog.

So many things I want to write about.

Yesterday was a quiet day.

Today, I'm choosing for it to be quiet also.

Do you ever get to the point where you just know you need a break?

I don't mean a half hour nap.

I mean a good four or five days to step away and breathe.

Just... Breathe.

I'm deliberately taking a little time off, which isn't easy for me,

but hopefully I'll feel better after today.

I got a call last night for an invite to a yoga class.

A teacher I haven't met.

My yoga girls want me to go.

I think I will.

Had a super good visit with my sis Whitney yesterday.

She loves me.

She was making sure I know that I can talk to her about my spiritual life... and trust her with it.

I love that.

I love her.

I have lots to sort out due to an abusive mentor. (Abusive emotionally & spiritually.)

Fifteen years with him... the past year free of him.

My family is so loving through this time of healing and rebuilding.

I never would have thought I'd be here now holding the hands of my parents and siblings.

He made me believe they didn't care.

I'm so glad the truth came out.

Welcome March!

Courtney