yoga + therapy

For those that don`t know, before every therapy session I have with my clients, and before any group or retreat that I facilitate, I meditate + pray for that person. It might be a tiny thing, but it feels big to me. Often I add to my desk or altars (all around my house) something that reminds me of the client`s healing process- a symbol of hope, truth or forgiveness. It could be a feather, a poem, a photo they`ve sent me of someone important, or anything really. It might be something they`ve written- an important letter to a beloved they`re in conflict with. What this meditation or prayer does for me is it reminds me that we are IN IT together, that it is in the dance of our relationship, the universe, our ancestors, and beyond that heals us all.

I’ve just completed facilitating my residential women’s retreat in Asheville, NC. I’m in awe of the power of deep connection on retreat both to Self and others. When we pause and slow WAY down, we’re able to shed the layers of ourselves that no longer belong and find unconditional love all around the spaces in us and deep inner peace. I’m forever moved by this process.

I am just returning from a beautiful retreat in the Land of Enchantment at Rancho Gallina with my dear teachers Tracee Stanley + Elena Brower. My body and spirit are satiated and my mind is still integrating these deep, beautiful, ancient practices including rest practices, yoga and tea rituals. I’m in awe of the space the teachers held, the vulnerability of the community and the sacred energy of the land. All of this (and more) brought me HOME to myself. I am forever changed and feel so lucky to be alive. (First 2 photos by @tracee_stanley).

Pure magic of a double rainbow grabbed my attention while sitting on my deck. I almost missed out while staring at my laptop- my sight a million miles away from this Beauty. I heard first this boomerang-like thunder cheering for me to look out and up. Grateful that I did! I’ve never been this close to a double rainbow. I called to all my neighbors and kid. We stood outside mesmerized and in complete Awe. My youngest kid then drew what she saw so she’d never forget it.

We are already missing these old + new friends that blew through Asheville for only a few nights. So lovely and easy to connect with these dear ones who are like-minded and beautiful people. We loved hosting you and can’t wait for our next visit. I’m so grateful that we met on retreat and forever we will hold that community and space as sacred.

One of my most fav things to do is entertain. I prep + cook sometimes for days, make myself crazy with the details and then “poof”, once friends or family arrive, I am so joyful. I am so present and grateful. I love to eat good food. I love to bring folks together who might otherwise not know each other. I love the magic that comes together with people contributing to the overall theme of the meal. I love my home that feels like a true home. Open, light and happy. These are the reminders to do what makes you happy, to do “that thing” that you always say you’ll do. I really truly love being aligned with myself when I cook and host for others. Another festive taco nite under the books! When are you coming over?

Sunrise + sunset on Pisgah Mountain. It was worth every moment of lost sleep to be reminded of the beauty and awe of it all.

We spent the evening on puppy duty playing with a pen full of baby pit bulls. Thanks to an incredible volunteerism and love from non-profit, Shelter Dog Transport Alliance, 80+ dogs (including a ton of puppies) are being transported up North to their forever families. They are committed to keeping dogs out of kill-shelters. There were tons of volunteers to walk the big dogs and others to play with the puppies in their pens before their long, journeys home. I was so moved I cried the whole way home.