I write to process things… like my many evolving answers to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  I started my meandering career with the dream of being a professional dancer, then I wanted to be a really effective dance educator, then I wanted to be a rockstar yoga teacher that leads retreats all over the world (I still want that), and most recently I was an aspiring health coach after my incredible year at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

rainbow notes from my last call with Jeanne

So I began to work with a business coach to help me build a successful health coaching practice, but while working with Jeanne I realized if I was really true to myself and what I wanted MOST I would instead focus on making things (like mini malas) and teaching things (like yoga) that help people connect to themselves…because that is what I really feel called to do.

So right now I am a MAKER and a TEACHER and that feels really good.

The amount of shifts I have had in my trajectory might seem crazy, but I think it is all a part of the game of figuring out that very BIG question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and listening to the answer your heart is giving.  

When my elementary students walk into class they find their spots, close their eyes, place their thumb and pointer finger together, and breathe quietly for a few breaths together.  This beginning routine gives me a chance to catch my breath, but it also gives the kids a chance to get ready and get centered for our time together.  Those beginning moments are peaceful, but the best is when I see a student fall into that shape and breath without my instruction.  I see it working, and I want to offer more.  So I went on Amazon and gathered all I could, and have been on a major mindful kick lately.

Kirpalu Yoga – by Richard Faults
Origin Magazine
Planting Seeds – Thich Nhat Hanh
Flow – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Mindful Child – By Susan Kaiser Greenland

I have been devouring any and every resource about mindfulness.  Being mindful is something that seems obvious, simple, and accessible, but how often throughout the day do we really focus on our breath and the thoughts in our mind?  Mindfulness is being present – and with all the to do lists, replays of past events in our brains, and constant internal dialogues – it takes practice to know when and how to press the      p a u s e  b u t t o n  &  b r e a t h e.

I notice a big shift when I am able to slow down and bring my awareness to my breath – no matter what I am doing, my mind slows down, even if for only a moment.  I become more clear, calm, and grounded.  I have experienced the actual benefits of being mindful and I am  thrilled to share these lessons of mindfulness to my students as they begin to navigate through life.  More practical and age appropriate activities to come.