I share my journey of self love that continually heals me.

I have zero interest to “Namaslay.” I seek inner peace and flexibility. The beautiful thing about a well-balanced practice and living yoga is that it will purify and regulate all systems of the body and organically keep you at a healthy weight.

In a culture where it is common for the majority of the population to value an outward appearance over an inward feeling of harmony, students either love my class or hate it. 

When he looked up and locked eyes with me, I saw a blip of relief wash over his tall frame, his jeans barely slung on his withered waist. Then, in the next moment, as he took a fast, short breath, his broken heart palpitating, his hands trembling, he stepped toward my outstretched arm inviting him in for a hug.

I couldn’t let him leave without saying goodbye.

There were brief moments, between harmful ordeals, where I could be fully present to ingest the wonder of secret places to gather. Like the train tracks behind the tennis courts of the middle school where we would chug stolen wine coolers. Or walk deep in the woods wielding party balls of beer, or a keg for a pickup hockey game on a hidden frozen pond of the wetlands. Those were the few times I sort of remember consciously breathing with life, having reckless fun, and being young and dumb.

I know somewhere deep down under her eczema-covered skin, she knows she chose me for good reason—my guidance may fall on deaf ears, but I believe the messages are getting through and will surface one day. My rational mind tells me her willingness to share and openly communicate with me is a sign she is doing well, but the despair and sadness she speaks of makes me worry we won’t get through the next dark time she feels unworthy.

An embedded member of my pack, forever bound with respect. It doesn’t matter if we encounter a known neighborhood dog or a dog of a dear friend, her kind demeanor takes a back seat to a nasty beast who is quick to bare her teeth. Her ferociousness alarms everyone and is worse while on the leash. I think she is reacting out of her conditioning, feeling insecure, or needing to show her fierce protection of me, proving her loyalty. 

Running along a wall of flora

the side of the block without houses.

A green boundary of safety

baring an early summer bounty.

An alluring aroma

with dainty flowers.

Pleasing our sight,

tickling noses in delight.