Crossing the Midline - Vertical Plane | Revolved High Lunge | Yoga Illustration

Integrate your hemispheres by crossing the imaginary line that divides the left and right side of your body in poses such as this Lunge Twist illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Parivrtta Ashta Chandrasana Namaste (Revolved High Lunge Pose with Hands to Heart Center) | Yoga Illustration
Midline crossing (the vertical plane, here) is a regular occurrence in Yoga Practice.

Just as my 1st grader’s teacher is examining and strengthening the class’s ability to cross the midline, I, too, am continuously crossing the vertical plane each AM in yoga in order to fire on all cylinders (rehabilitate my mind), and restore wholeness (reunite my two sides). 

Bound Extended Side Angle Pose | Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana Yoga Illustration

You may not enjoy the pose, but you can own the pose. Bound extended side angle pose illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana (Bound Extended Side Angle Pose) Yoga Illustration 

Stop tolerating, start owning: holding an uncomfortable yoga position longer than desired is how we practice our gritty life skills in the smooth yoga studio. 

Wheel Pose | Chakrasana Yoga Illustration

In Yoga we aren’t working with principals and ideals, but physical experiences and tangible results. One-Legged Upward Facing Bow Pose (Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana) illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Chakrasana or Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose, One Legged Upward Facing Bow Pose) | Yoga Illustration 
Satya, Truth and Ahimsa, Non-harming: two of the five Yamas, Ethical Rules.

Yoga: action and results, not just theory. 

Deprogrammed ~ Half Pigeon

Ardha Kapotasana - Half Pigeon Pose

Deprogram - unlearn, reset  - the programming - indoctrination, conditioning - with yoga. 

Vacate ~ Twist to Cleanse

Parivrtta Sukhasana - Revolved Easy Pose
Easy pose is not easy, but over time and with practice, a bit easier.

Daydreaming about a dramatic life change? What is it you are imaginably missing? We live in opportune times, but moving city, house or school may be an exaggeration despite its prevalence.

Perhaps you miss your hometown — go and visit! You likely also crave connection, so invite the neighbors for an aperitif. Has house hunting become an obsession? Maybe clear out some furniture, add color or create an outdoor living space. Is the kids’ school bogging you down and your booking tours at other shiny options? Well, that’s what Summer vacation (vacate!) is for: take a break! 

Pinpoint your longing and use creativity and resourcefulness to fulfill it in your immediate situation and surroundings. Because, let’s face it, the kids don’t want to ‘move’.

& then see if you feel the same way come Fall…

Growth Phase to Maturity Stage ~ Bound Half Lotus Standing Forward Fold

Ardha Baddha Padmottasana - Bound Half Lotus Standing Forward Fold
Goodbye growth phase, hello maturity stage.

This past week I felt wrenched (physically ill, even) over a possible exciting, albeit petrifying, dramatic life-change. Then, all of the physical pain dissipated when I returned to an old-friend book of mine and made the realization that...

We are at the point where our "Growth Phase" is plateauing into the "Maturity Stage" of (family) life. It is time to point the decision-making compass towards:

The Maturity Phase:

- Enjoying moderate, steady, stable growth. 

- Lowering ‘costs', increasing 'revenue', and refining processes.

- Maintaining pre-established fundamentals (number of children, location...)

- Distributing excess wealth and emanating peace.

A satisfying discovery: I have earned the position, through time + work, where it is wonderfully NOT necessary or appropriate (anymore) to act on exciting, petrifying life changes! I have painstakingly developed the character and gradually accumulated the means to be creative, expansive and free within my already glamorous, gorgeous, lovingly curated Life-Structure. 

🌼 Ditzy Bimbo 🌼

What is a girl to do?

I have a penchant for embarrassing myself. Hopefully it amuses others and maybe puts them at ease? This blonde likes to have fun and doesn’t mind looking like a lunatic doing it (knocking over cups full of pens in a solemn bank meeting 😬, showing up to the pool opening - and swimming! - 2 days early with 6 kids in tow: “why is no one else here?” 😬, bopping around town with my shirt inside-out 😬, stating my drive-thru order loud and clearly into the trash can placed en route to the speaker 😬, and on and on all the days long…)

Happy-go-lucky, carefree and a bit daffy while hard-working in my home, active at our school, engaged in the neighborhood, out-and-about in my community…

When actively occupied both at-home and about-town, faux pas are bound to happen and, in my case, it is gaffes galore!! You are welcome?🙏 

Why So Serious ~ Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

Utthita Padangusthasana ~ Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose

‘Work’ can be a bit fun (and funny, too). 

Commitment to Excellence ~ Camatkarasana

Camatkarasana - Wild Thing Pose

I go gaga for fashion and design inspo when out and about. Secluded to a yacht for 7 days was, surprisingly, no exception. The staff on our latest seaward adventure has me thinking: What are the attractive and serviceable uniforms that allow me to execute dutifully? …

Yacht crew uniforms create a professional and cohesive image for your team, enhancing the overall guest experience aboard luxury vessels. These uniforms ensure your team looks polished but also promote unity and functionality in their demanding roles. High-quality yacht staff uniforms are designed for comfort and durability, meeting the unique challenges of life at sea. Investing in professional yachting uniforms reflects a commitment to excellence and sets a refined tone for your yacht’s operations. -liquidyachtwear.com

Not-So-Standard Routine ~ Grounded Camatkarasana

Camatkarasana - grounded Wild Thing

Use predictable at-home routines to re-anchor yourself post voyage. Embellish your daily round with inspiration from the sojourn. ⚓️⛵️🌺

Look Inside ~ Sukhasana Dhyana

Sukhasana - Easy Pose, Dhyana - Meditation 

I took out my contacts one week ago and went unobstructed for the first time in decades. Here is what happened:

1. My sinuses filled with pressure, but the congestion is subsiding with each passing day. 

2. I realized that I am completely reliant - obsessed - with the visual realm.

3. I am slowly learning to look inward. 

4. My drishti is better than ever. 🙈

Please Utthita, Extend ~ Baddha Konasana

Baddha Trikonasana - Bound Triangle 

Utthita - extend - your yoga into all aspects of yourself and your life.

Today I was lamenting (as per usual) that two particular (multi-year!) commitments of mine misalign with my talents and sap time away from my passions … but bringing that yogic vibe and bright creativity to non-zen, stale situations is, actually, a very special kind of pleasure. 

LBD NBD ~ Koundinyasana II

Koundinyasana II - Flying Splits Pose 2, Preparation
Pausing here often during Vinyasa.
This is an accurate representation of what I generally wear to yoga: dark leggings, a lightweight, medium tone half-length undertank, and a looser (often grey) soft top tucked in.
With a rose quartz colored cotton mat.

Color TONALITY is important when dressing - take into account how much CONTRAST you do or do not have regarding your skin, eyes, and hair (and shade changes due to age, health status, tanned skin, sun-kissed tresses …). 

Hint: Not everyone looks great in black. 🌞 🖤

Stuck in the Middle with You ~ Parsva Upavistha Konasana

Parsva Upavistha Konasana - Seated Side Straddle Pose
Your way or it’s just a fake way.

Who you are is how you lead and your strengths of character are applicable in any situation - just bring your best self (and in my case, a hand written note). 💌

Notes from my last flight

Notes taken in the air - originally in pen 🖊️ in a mini notebook 📓 — never, ever leave home without one. 

🩵💚Not to be forgotten when flying with kiddos 💛🧡

Now you know

Sukhasana - Easy Pose, Side Stretch in muted lavender 🪻 current favorite color.

Sukhasana Side Stretch - Easy Pose, Seated, Side Body Stretch 

Sometimes you have to do the thing to know not to do the thing. EG skipping yoga is not an option, but I had to skip it just to make sure. 😉 

It IS all too much

 

Bananasana 🍌 

Bananasana

Just say ‘no’ — without any addendum, 

In high demand

 

Bhujapidasana - Shoulder Pressing Pose

If you want something done, ask a busy person - but please stop  asking me. 🤪🤓

Fishing for compliments

 

Matsyasana - Fish Pose

Feeling like a fish out of water is not a negative - embrace your quirky point of view without expecting anyone else to. 

Away message

 

Supta Baddha Konasana - Reclining Bound Angle Pose

At the beach, out of touch from ‘the world’, getting my messages directly from the cosmos 🪐: aka on vacation sun tanning. 🧘‍♀️ PS: vacation - vacate! Cancel it, annul it; for I have left (and maybe even quit! Not really.) 🥸