|
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
~ A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that I share the news that Winnie the Poodle has taken her final relaxation. It was a peaceful passing, but my heart is broken. We spent 15 amazing years together, full of fun, love, and unforgettable memories.
Many of these memories took place with you, our yoga community. Winnie was a bonafide "teacher's pet"... starting with Winnie Wednesdays, then eventually coming to practically every class. Sometimes she snored at the back of the room. Sometimes she would lay with you on your mats. And if we were doing something challenging or going upside down, that was her cue to attack with kisses of encouragement. Her love was endless, her smile contagious, and that tater tot tail was always ready to wag. There are so many photos I could share of my sweet girl, but I've compiled a collection of her yoga journey for you... moments of her being in and around our studio spaces, ready to meet, greet, and treat.
I've known this day was coming for awhile now, but that doesn't make it any easier. What does make it easier is the practice of yoga. Living without judgment, without expectation. Meeting each moment with acceptance and gratitude. Finding both strength and ease in the connection to my breath. While looking through photos yesterday, I came across this one of her "helping" me at work. What caught my eye (besides the adorable way she used to lay on my desk) was the quote hanging in the background. No need to zoom in, I have copied it for you below.
"You can navigate your way through with the practice of yoga. The best thing is to not shy away from your experience; be aware of what you’re going through. Remember that no matter what experience you’re having, it’s not a mistake. Life is conspiring that you come to this very moment and have this experience."
~ Randal Williams
In this very moment, I am trusting that my grief is a good thing (have you ever heard of bad grief?!). I am giving myself permission to be a puddle of tears for a little while. That said, we will not have class tomorrow, Wednesday, 4/15. I know you understand. I'll be back (with tissues) on Monday, April 20. Until then, you can honor Winnie by sticking your head out the car window, chasing a ball, eating some eggs, reading a book, practicing downward facing dog, and taking a long, snore-filled nap. Thank you for being part of our life together. May she rest in peace🙏 With love, Monica (reply to me HERE) |
Two chances to practice 4/8 In addition to our regularly scheduled Wednesday Noon class (at Trilogy Hill Country), we are back for happy hour yoga this week at Spring Creek Garden Center from 5:30 to 6:30 pm! And the best part: I just got word that The Desert Spoon rolled out a brand new spring menu 👀 So if you need a little midweek reset... this is your sign. Move your body, take a breath, and then stay after for a drink or a bite and check out what’s new. Happy hour specials run until 7....
They say trying new things is good for us It builds resilience, confidence, and reminds us that we can do things that feel unfamiliar (even uncomfortable) and be just fine. So last week, I tested this theory. I joined my sister-in-law for something she has been wanting to try: a trapeze class. If you were in class on Wednesday, you already know how that went... I was so sore, and yes, I complained about it quite a bit 😄 But even with all of that discomfort, it truly was a great experience. It...
Yoga for your home (yes, really) You've probably heard me say this in class: no judgment, no expectation, no comparison. But that doesn’t just apply on the mat. It very much applies to our homes, too. Let’s be real: we all have that spot (or maybe a few 😅). It could be a drawer, a closet, half a room, the whole dang garage... a space that makes you go ughhhh every time you see it. And usually it’s not that we don’t care... it’s just that it feels like a lot. So we work around it, close the...