Healthy Restraints

When I sat down to write my accountability update before, there was a lot I wanted to say, but I lost the words. I probably should have waited to post anything, but I was just so chuffed with my progress and wanted to memorialize it. It probably ended up seeming more then a little silly ("yay, i floss!"), but what I was trying to get across was much bigger then that.

The reason all of those goals were equally important, is also the same reason why this time my results were so dramatic (lost over 10 lbs, and I feel so much healthier): they represent an overall lifestyle change, a shift in thinking and mindset. They all work together, a balance of physical, mental, spiritual items of growth. My relationship with food is better. I love it, I always have, and truly believe that food is something to be savored and enjoyed; but it no longer controls me.


I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but I truly owe this to my deepening yoga practice. I don't just mean more physical practice, though that definitely helps (I have legit muscles now). I'm taking about diving into the other limbs of yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, they talk about the need to remove our preconceived notions, so that we can see ourselves with no blinder, and remind us that we are bigger then our own physical day-to-day presence. The limbs of Yama and Niyamas remind us that the way we treat ourselves is as important as how we treat others, and that we need to treat ourselves kindly, but with restraints.

My accountability list was just that, it was the restraints I needed in my life to gain some control.

So I guess this is the real update, the one I wanted to write the first time. Here's to healthy living and real, healthy accountability.

Finishing the Journey West {First Roadtrip of 2016}

Back when we finished our drive from Pennsylvania to Colorado, I checked "drive cross country" off my mighty life list, since that was the majority of the way across the country, and knowing that we would complete the trip soon enough. Well, last Friday morning Gwen and I hopped in the car and headed Westward, to complete that journey and visit with Auntie Babs.

The drive took us all day Friday, arriving at 12:30 a.m., but it was a lovely drive and the destination was worth it!

Saturday we got to wake up in California! To this face!

The morning was relaxed, we enjoyed hammock time and girl time.

That afternoon, Babs took us to some California Hot Springs! They had a whole pool, with spring water (and heated by the hot springs).

It felt absolutely amazing! The water and the time with my favorite girls.

The surrounding country was amazing too.

We got home, made some dinner and got Gwen in bed. It wasn't too long before we followed.

Sunday we headed to Keil's church to hear him lead worship, then we headed out to Sequoia National Park. Apparently its not a trip until there's a National Park involved.

These trees were awe inspiring!

We went to see the Mac Daddy of all sequoias, then went to climb to the top of Moro Rock.

The view from the climb, and from the top, was absolutely incredible... and a little dizzying!

Moro Rock from the way down the mountain... at over 7000 feet up, it is no joke!

Gwen really wanted to climb into one of the trees... and thankfully Keil knew just the place for that!

Its not a real trip without some yoga in random places either, right?!

Keil is way braver then I am, 10+ feet up...

By the time we got home, it was about time to get ready for bed.

We pushed our leaving time on Monday as late as we could, taking off around 11a.m., but Mama had to be home in time for Yoga Teacher Training Tuesday night. My plan was to drive as far as possible Monday, camp, then leave early enough Tuesday to arrive home at 4. It was a good plan, and the first part went swimmingly. We made it to Utah, and camped in a KOA next to Quail Spring State Park. Tuesday started off well too. We were on the road at 6 a.m., made great time, and were all set to get home at 4, just like I wanted. Yeah... remember that post about best laid plans? We got home at 8pm. We were three hours from home when we hit crazy snow in the mountains. It was frankly a bit terrifying.

Crazy ride home aside, it was an amazing trip. I always love seeing my Babs, and its a special treat when we can do it on her home turf!

Stay tuned, there are more trips to come! 

Semi-Wordless Wednesday {deeper and deeper we go}

Physically and mentally.

Above: toes to head in King Cobra, finally! 

Below: personal mandala. 

Both thanks to teacher training! 

Best Laid Plans

You know the old adage, "You make plans, God laughs."? Well some deity seems to be having a field day with me lately!

See the thing is, I get so excited about certain things, and I run with them. Travel is a big one. I had it all figured out... until I realized that I didn't have our yoga teacher training spring break on the calendar... which meant I had the last three weekend trainings wrong by a week. Which meant rescheduling two trips.

Grrr.

I won't say I'm happy with it, but what a lesson the past few weeks have been for me. Reminders to let go, that most things are not instantaneous, life or death decisions, and that I could really stand to take some time. Once I got over the initial surprise and disappointment (mostly in myself!), I was able to sit down, figure things out, and adjust my expectations. I think things are going to work out just fine.

On the plus side, that spring break meant that Gwen and I got to go partake in the Flyers-Avs game!

Not a bad "consolation prize!"