Svadhyaya

 

Parivrrta Utkatasana - Revolved Chair Pose 

Non-judgment. A concept I thought myself incapable of, and not one I would touch with even a ten-foot pole. But (with age) we surprise ourselves, and in vinyasa this morning ‘NON-JUDGMENT’ practically mantra’d itself.

Then when weightily discussing cynical natures with a yogi friend, (who’s known me since birth), she kindly and earnestly propounded “You? You’re just fake judgmental!” 🤯🧐 Always, always room for more and more Svadhyaya - SELF STUDY. 

Stop Fidgeting

Muktasana - Liberation Pose

Burmese style Seated Meditation 

Dhyana Mudra

To fidget is to be nervous, restless, impatient, EAGER. Unless these are qualities you wish to embody - finish with the fidgeting. 

“Be STILL and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

🎱 oracle

 

Ashtangasana - Ashtanga Namaskara - Eight Point Pose - Eight Limb Pose

Clarity is CLEAR!!! Wait for it. Until the insight is unmistakable INACTION is the best policy. 

Mayday

Mayday paper cone bouquet.

Forswearing my cynical, uncooperative grousing for one (May) day and instead articulating nothing but light, hope and faith. Then one more day of solely optimistic speech … and then …🌈☀️

PS: Silence is also Golden and a noble option 🕊️

 

😈 advocate 👿

 

Sirsasana - Headstand

I take my concerns and turn them all around , inside-out, and upsidown.

⚡️

Are we open to receive? 

 

Out

 

Kapalabhati Pranayama - Breath of Fire

Forceful exhalations, Passive inhalations.

Rhythmic abdominal contractions; intentionally push out, allow for a natural quick return. Sounds demanding? Involuntary? Imposing? It is.

Take the one next best step in the right direction. 

just Astrid

NOT “Mom”, “Mother”, “Wife”, “Boss”, “ Secretary”, “Client”, (“Customer”, “Collaborator”, “Gate Keeper”, “Dog Owner”,  “Chef”, “Chauffeur”, “Cleaning Lady”, “Counselor”…) Just Astrid.

It’s worthwhile and meaningful to uphold important (to you) roles and wear ones supervisor hats — to lead a purposeful life. But, boy, was it emancipating to relinquish administrative duties for a couple of days! 

DIE hard

Savasana - CORPSE pose. 

NOT Visramasana -  rest, relaxation pose. 

 It’s called Corpse pose not Rest pose. Which parts of you are you ready to KILL-off for good ???

Whirly girl

Las Vegas for 2 nights. High-waisted swim suit - check.

Goal : tan, people-watch, shop. 

Desert dress-code : ‘Fear and Loathing’ meets haute hippie. 🏜️ 

I am forever giving all colors (patterns, fabrics, cuts, shapes, treatments … ) a whirl. Perennially curious or fashion victim? 🤷‍♀️

Overstuffed

 

Upavistha Konasana - Wide-Legged Seated Foward Fold

EMPTY yourself for Spirit to enter. 

Close and Click

Aparigraha - Yama of non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-attachment 

It’s finally here. Mommy’s ‘off’-season. No birthdays or holidays in this home until October and I’m giddy. I sat at the coffee shop this morning practically levitating; Easter was my final hoorah and it’s behind me. 

Of course, there will still be endless playdates, gatherings and pool parties in our near future, but those parlous (albeit winnowed* and well organized!) DECORATION BINS are now clicked shut and closed up in the cupboards — for nary half the year !!!!! 🥂 

*Some sizable, substantial decorations have only lived with me through 2 years, 2 rounds of celebrating, but were a mistake that must be acknowledged and their donation pick-up is scheduled. I hope it’s not too inconvenient to pass along life-size trick-or-treating statues, giant glowing snowflakes, glitter encrusted cranberry wreaths, golden light-up nutcrackers, and stoic German Santa Clauses in May…