Mulberry Jam

Freelance life has its compensations.  This is why I love working at home! At 4PM I get my cappuccino pulled by my own personal barista (Mark). No need to go anywhere on a day with a sloppy cold rain. Aahhhh!

It’s been a busy week, juggling two consulting clients, one new client proposal, five yoga classes and my part-time work at Unity Woods. I love the variety, and am becoming much better at juggling after a few months practice. Part of the secret seems to be maintaining as much yogic detachment as possible. I do the best job I can, and then try to let it go. That’s not to say that I feel I’m doing a slapdash job, just that I try not to get over-involved in politics and non-essentials. I serve my students, my clients and my employer, and then I put it aside and try to give my full attention to my husband, my home and myself. That’s the ideal, anyway. None of it would be possible without a supportive spouse who pitches in to do the grocery shopping and bathroom cleaning in weeks like this. Thank you darling!

I taught my first yoga classes of the new year this week. I am teaching four classes a week this session, which is one more than I have done for the past several months. I’m a bit worried about juggling everything, but I forget all about that when I walk into the studio each time. I do love my students!

I’m pleased to say that my own practice improved by leaps and bounds last year. It really began with my first week with Kofi Busia in summer 2008. Add to my Omega pilgrimages the combination of more frequent practice (inspired by regular emails from a group of yogi friends) and tough weekly classes with John Schumacher, and I find my body changing in ways I wasn’t sure were possible. I’m doubtless due for a plateau here soon, but have been enjoying the thrill of new strength and depth in my asana practice.

I find new depths in my philosophical outlook, too. The past two years have brought several deaths in my family and among the families of my friends. I lean on yoga more than ever for a sense of connectedness and calm in facing the impermanence of all things.

The sign at the gas station on the corner was blown clean off its foundation by this week's winds

The past week we’ve had shockingly fierce winds here in Washington. This morning I saw the sign marking a gas station on the corner of my street had been blown clean off its foundation. I am wondering if this marks some kind of omen for the year to come?