"Whatever else we might think of this world-it is astonishing.
There really is no ordinary world, ordinary life or ordinary course of events. In fact, nothing is usual or normal. Not a single stone, not a single cloud above it. Not a single day and not a single night after it. And above all, not a single existence, not anyone's existence in this world." -Wislawa Szymborska

Sometimes January can feel way too ordinary. However, after all the recent hubbub and overdoing, I am actually, usually, delighted to return to a steadier, more rhythmic life.

...But soon I'm planning the next trip, the next distraction, the next whatever. Maybe I mistrust the unfolding that would happen, if I could just sit still and explore what is thought to be ordinary.

Heyam Dukham Anagatam - Future suffering is to be prevented, or so says yoga sutra 2.16.

This can sound like a few different messages:

1. I told you so. (You could've precluded this pain you feel now, should've done it differently.)

2. Try to predict what the future will hold, and act accordingly to avoid those surprises.

3. Stay present now, noticing every nuance, of each moment, as the best preparation for the unknowns that will inevitably arrive.

I prefer the third option, and want to encourage you that way, too.

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep", as Rumi says.

I praise the poets, admire the artists, bow down to the babies.

For they are awake to the ordinary, to the crumbs and the stray strands of hair that brush the arm, the actual color of a midday cloud, the taste of the table leg.

...also, the devotional yogis, who direct their single-pointed focus on the anterior face of the sacrum, then on the subtle inner workings of the chakras....

I am happiest when I am present. That's the most compelling motivator for me to try to pay attention. I feel better. I appreciate this rich and diverse life. I feel excited anticipation for what will come next, because I accept that I do not know! It's worth it for me to go to bed early, so I can rise in the dark, and spend time in meditation.

What would make it worth your time to take on some practice that actually helps you feel happier?

You might find your motivation in a very ordinary experience, watching the steam rise from your tea or the dust bunnies move in the blowing heat vent.

Consider a yoga therapy session, as a way to reconnect you to your desire to enjoy life more.

                                Here's Mary Oliver's input:

               Devotions:

Everyday
I see or hear
something
that more or less

kills me
with delight,
that leaves me
like a needle

in the haystack
of light.
It was what I was born for —

to look, to listen,

to lose myself
inside this soft world —
to instruct myself
over and over

in joy,
and acclamation.
Nor am I talking
about the exceptional,

the fearful, the dreadful,
the very extravagant —
but of the ordinary,
the common, the very drab,

the daily presentations.
Oh, good scholar,
I say to myself,
how can you help

but grow wise
with such teachings
as these —
the untrimmable light

of the world,
the ocean’s shine,
the prayers that are made
out of grass?

EXTRAORDINARY NEWS!!!

I am starting a masters program next week! I will earn my MS in Counseling, so I can reach more folks and learn new skills.

This will likely mean that my newsletter will be more like a juicy paragraph. However, I don't know what the future holds, so I'll just keep practicing mindfulness and writing as best I can.

Please help spread the word...

Along with taking on grad school, I am ready to accept new clients into my practice, and I need your help.

I can see yoga therapy clients virtually, which means you could enjoy your sessions from the familiar environment of your own home, AND recommend me to your friends and family from out of the area.

Would you be willing to refer a friend, family member or colleague to me?

Your recommendation would mean so much to me!

(...and remember...
I also offer complimentary, 20-minute consultations.)

Click here:

https://catenrightyogatherapy.as.me/schedule.php