photo: Michael Black

Saturday, December 15, 2012

in remembrance and reflection


“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, 
my mother would say to me, 
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” 
To this day, especially in times of disaster, 
I remember my mother’s words and 
I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many 
helpers – 
so many caring people in this world.” 
- Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)


Today I've been thinking a lot about the community of Newtown, CT. I still can't believe it happened. My deepest sympathy goes out to those innocent lives that were lost and their families that are enduring this horrific tragedy. I've been thinking about what anyone can do to help them. No amount of money or tears can undo the events that unfurled yesterday.

But in this sad, disheartening time, we need to remember that there is still good in the world. We have the advent of each other for support, and a strong reminder that this life we are given is precious and fragile. Let this tragedy bring us together so that we can remember the brave lives lost, and reflect. If you haven't already today, take a moment doing whatever it is you're doing--checking your email, watching TV, listening to music--to stop. If you're with someone, suggest they stop, too. Close your eyes, take 10 deep breaths, and send so much love to those families affected in Newtown today. Feel their heavy hearts in yours and share their pain. They need it more than anything right now.

Make it a point today to tell those that you love how you feel. Let them know how much they mean to you. You never know what will happen next in this roller coaster life.

the month of no work

 After eighteen and a half years in the public education system, I am officially (for now!) done. I can finally call myself a college graduate. It's a weird feeling to be done with something so intertwined with who you are. After I completed my last final I went about business on campus as usual--taking a nap in a beam of sunlight on the only couch in the quiet and warm Cape Cod Lounge at UMass, and after, making a list of things to do. The list was strangely short. Make homemade Christmas gifts, do yoga, practice the ukelele, read books, explore x, y, and z. Now, I know that this is not reality. Generally, you have to work to make money to pay off loans and bills and support yourself. But, for the next 5 months, it weirdly is mine. For the first time in my life, I don't have any job commitments or any schoolwork commitments. My only long term commitments right now lie in the destinations of plane tickets and bookmarked pages of Travel South America on a Budget. This cannot be real life.

So since I have "nothing" (everything) to do for the next, oh, month or so as I await my plane rides, I'm going to write it down here. Because why not.

What I have planned (telling you will help me to actually do what I say I'm going to do):
1. Do yoga every day, either in a class or on my own.
2. Commit myself to spending 10 breaths in my favorite yoga pose that day.
 3. Explore different yoga props. Currently, I have added a big bouncy yellow ball, two spongy blocks, and a hula hoop to my practice. Also socks for dancing around on my hardwood floor.
4. Make homemade Christmas presents for my friends and family. I can't tell you what they are yet.
5. Explore places around the valley. Some destinations include Mass Moca, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Katalyst Kombucha & People's Pint, different yoga studios, Peace Pagoda in Leverett and towards Albany, and whatever else comes up.
6. Make bread. I've never done this before. Also: soups, banana bread, cookies, bean burgers, etc.
7. Finish leather journals.
8. Knit. Find more patience with it.
9. Read a lot. Books on the lineup include: The Science of Yoga by William Broad, Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut, and Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.
10. Play the ukelele. At least once a day.
11. Walk around Northampton and meet people. Make eye contact and smile at them.
12. Write letters to people I love. Tell them I love them and why.
13. Try to blog everyday, even if it's just a teenie weenie little thought bubble.

So yeah. That's what I've got planned. Join me if you're interested, and don't if you're not :-)


What's on tap for today:
Favorite breakfast. Eggs, refried beans, onions, and salsa on a tortilla. yum.
Yoga time. Included: hula hooping to this throwback, laying in a supported backbend on a big yellow bouncy ball for a while, and lighting some incense.
Cookie party!
Crockpot soup--lentil & sweet potaters yum.
Dying hair with henna


a jam for your earbuds: 



until next time, amigo.