noplacelikeomforyoga-blog

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Just trying to do the best I can…

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I'll be honest, I don't know how to run a blog, but I'm trying my hardest to understand. And I think that counts for something. So are with me. I will be exploring new realms of writing and artistry in the next few days :)

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you can purchase my book here

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- I have never liked this pose. My hips and quads feel warm while stretching but as soon as I enter this beautifully ridiculous posture they become tight and stiff. Also, my hand has a hard time finding a stable point to use for balance and worst of all, my heart never thrives to sit and hang in the unknown for even a second. I don't find comfort in that at all. I mean, who would? But that's the most amazing, nurturing thing about yoga. We are asked each time we step onto our mats to sit in the unknown and we will do our best to accept where we are. I'll be the first to admit I have a hard time accepting my true placement as a person. I'll doubt my abilities and more than likely miss out on something I would have really enjoyed. I'll avoid certain situations just because I am not used to the people I'll be surrounded by or I don't know anything about the place invited. But that's not healthy! Challenge yourself! Try new things! Things typically are only scary the first time you try. After that, it's up to you to build the wall back up or allow new things to come your way. So not only have I started adding yummy postures that I don't like into my daily practice, I've started booking appointments and making plans for things that take me out of my comfort zone in the world around me. The time to change your life is now, even more so that the new year is in a few days.

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It was Presidents Day, 2010. I asked my dad to go to the dealership to look at an amazing car deal. "Sure, Alexandra, but no promises. Car dealerships never give the deal advertised in the paper." A few hours later, $2000 down and $100/month I was driving away (without a license mind you) in my first car bought entirely by myself. I was so proud!! I would drive anywhere and everywhere, basically a taxi service and I didn't mind. It was my car do whatever I wanted with. Flash forward now 6 1/2 years later and my poor car has reached the end of her life. We've travelled back and forth from Rochester while I lived there, Florida twice, and everywhere in between. I'm pretty sad seeing as that car could have lasted me another 10 years, but I'm excited to say I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life! This is my beautiful Nissan Rogue and I'm excited to say she's inspired me to travel America, possibly even teaching yoga along the way. But, who knows what will happen. I've got my positive thinking cap on and I'm ready to conquer in 2017!

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I've been injured for almost 3 months so one could say I've reached ultimate boredom...until last night when I remembered the one activity that doesn't bother my shoulder or back: aerials!!!

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This morning was one for my soul

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Being Injured Isn’t Fun, But It Doesn’t Mean Life Is Paused.

It’s hard telling your body to stop when you have been used to constant movement since you were a child. But listening to your body is much more powerful than pushing through the pain. It enables control and awareness that not all athletes can turn on.

In yoga, we are taught to listen to the body and if something does not feel right, then more than likely the pose is being pushed too far, or passed edge. Instead of wanting a full split and pushing my hips and knees to straighten out, I allow my body to go only as far as it can before any pain or tingling starts in my joints. This allows for a deeper practice with my mind and a more effective practice for my body.

Applying that to my situation, I have been able to back away from the physical activities that I love so I could evaluate my life. I truly believe my shoulder injury has been a blessing in disguise because my life was focused on everything physical; I wasn’t putting any time into my work or the relationships with my friends outside of those activities and so much more.

Although the climbing gym has brought amazing friends into my life, I wasn’t seeing my friends for anything other than climbing buddies, which is absolutely crazy if you know these people because they live some pretty inspiring lives. Just two weeks ago I was offered a position to run social media for a local magazine called St Petian, started by my dear friend Amelia who I did meet at the gym. And through that opportunity I met one of the four founders of a local festival called Et Cultura and was graciously offered to run their social media for the festival. It’s crazy that this has all come from being injured and not being able to spend time at the gym.

It wasn’t until I couldn’t do the things that I love for me to find opportunity and ambition to try other things. So if you’re injured, don't get bummed. Get up and find something that can serve you in another way you aren’t used to. Volunteer, help out locally, go around doing good deeds, who cares! Don’t stop living because part of your body needs rest.

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I can't say it enough - do things that scare you. At the beginning of 2016 I fiercely walked into @verticalventures and got over my fears of trying new, active things AND heights. Not only did I gain consciousness, I made a ton of friends. Fast forward to now and those friends helped me in getting the jobs of Instagram and Snapchat Advisor for @stpetian and @etcultura_stpete at the 5 day festival.After 30+ hours over the course of 5 days, I was privileged in meeting over 100 local and transient artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, photographers, writers and makers. Honestly, what a rush & what an experience. I am so grateful. Thank you Amelia and Joel for making this weekend one I want to believe as my turning point in getting more involved in St Pete. Thank you everyone! I love you, St Pete