| | Pause | |

We live in such a busy, hustle, bustle world that we often forget to PAUSE.

Especially when people are rushing and on time restraints, pausing can be such a foreign thing.  Our lives can be mechanic or routine like, but we have to remember to take a moment (or many) to PAUSE.

Something happened last night that really got me thinking of this idea of PAUSE.  I was at a red light and I heard the sirens of an ambulance.  The light turned green and I expected other cars to rush through and go.  But no.....we all paused a few moments for the ambulance to pass.  And the most amazing part was after the ambulance passed, the cars in the front still paused.  I was pretty shocked.  We all know there are a-holes out there who would run the light to avoid having to wait just a few moments.  But no one did.  Maybe it was the silent prayer people often do for when ambulances pass or they were too busy looking at their phones. 

Then, last night we got our first snow.  Now for anyone who lives in an area where you receive snow, you know how magical the first snow is.  I took the garbage out and just stood there and listened and looked to my environment.  I could hear the thick, wet snow hitting the ground.  It was so fulfilling to just PAUSE for a moment and enjoy my surroundings.

So I want to challenge you.....at least once a day PAUSE.....  Put your phone down, don't worry about what you have to do, shut everyone out for just a moment to PAUSE.  Take some deep breaths, meditate, look at your surroundings, or smile.

Life is too short to let it pass so quickly.  We can't rewind our lives or fast forward, but we can PAUSE.

xoxo~K

Om ॐ

My journey begins with Yoga.  I had done some Yoga videos at home and enjoyed it for an after work-out stretch.  I had always been interested in going to a class, but am very socially awkward about trying new things by myself.  In February 2014, my BFF Kori was down visiting one day and suggested we go to a Yoga class.  I knew of a studio right next to my school, BlissBlissBliss, and checked the website for a class.  We ended up going to a Restorative Yoga class, which was nice, but rather slow. 

I decided to ask a co-worker to go with me, since she had been there before.  She suggested a Hot Yoga class with a great instructor, Melita.  I wasn't crazy about being hot and doing Yoga, but gave it a shot. 

After the first session, I was hooked!  I loved it because no matter your ability or level, you can do everything!  There is always a modification, whether it is something easier or harder.  It would be a learning process, but I wanted to be involved.  And whoa what a workout!  My legs were killing me the next day!  #nopainnogain

I attended classes once a week, while continuing my normal exercise routines.  I was loving the flexibility and mind-body awareness. 

I began with a setting a goal and practiced to achieve that goal almost daily.  I decided on Crow pose - which is also known as crane pose or Bakasana - and is usually the first arm balance learned by Yoga students. Crow pose strengthens the arms, wrists and abdominal muscles in addition to stretching the upper back and opening the groins.  By May, I mastered it!

However, I took 5 months off of Yoga (!) and have lost it, but will continue working on it.  Life happened in the summer, and then school happened.  I know I shouldn't make excuses...But I will get my Crow back!

So with Crow flying away from me, as well as my Yoga classes, I decided to work on my headstands.  I have been able to do them, by rely heavily on the wall for support.  I have been praticing EVERY day (#yogaeverydamnday) and have mastered it without a wall!!! 

I am back on the Yoga class band wagon and very inspired by my sister who is not only getting her 200 hour Yoga certificate, but also attending a SUP Yoga Training.  (If only I was as brave as her and got my certificate...)