“Despite the forecast, live like it’s Spring.”
–Lily Pulitzer
I have been having recurring dreams about emerging from a cave, holding up a shielding hand as I squint against the ultra-bright light and warmth of the sun. My steps tentative. My head tilting back subtly, as I take slow, deep breaths. I feel my lungs expanding, my spine lengthening, as I release my arm beside me and simply stand. Time seems to slow down, as I feel the ground beneath the soles of my feet, the heat of the sun, and the caress of a soft breeze against my skin. This is, perhaps, what it feels like to be free. Aware of the earth that supports me, the sun that warms and strengthens me, and the air that sustains me.
“You and I possess within ourselves at every moment of our lives, under all circumstances, the power to transform the quality of our lives.”
–Werner Erhard
These past weeks–months, really–have been an incredible shift in how we all live. What will we find when we eventually and slowly begin to re-enter the group life stream? What have we uncovered–discovered–about ourselves during this very special time? What have we let go of, and what do we take with us?
Now is the perfect time, if you haven’t already, to let things drop away that no longer support you. Keep only that which is fulfilling and produces joy for you. Modern life has a way of inserting extraneous and energy draining activities (think about how much time is spent on, say, social media). These current times of SIP offer rich opportunities to observe “tapas.” Tapas has been traditionally defined as practicing a “fiery discipline” (the root word ‘tap’ means ‘to burn’). I like the definition given by one of my teachers: “It is a necessary, fiercely focused, constant, intense commitment to burn off the impediments that prevent us from being fully present.” [Jennifer Prugh]
For the past seven weeks, my tapas practice has been to sit with how I feel about LIVE virtual streaming. So much about virtual streaming makes me very uncomfortable. Part of me is amused by this. Teaching live group fitness classes used to be a large element of my business. The energy of that was very fulfilling for me. Doing it in front of a camera (and seeing myself)–not so much. But, I am committed to finding my voice in this new world. And, so it goes. I sit with the discomfort, I do different camera/lighting set-ups, I observe the reactions it brings up, and I practice some more.
In the meantime, I have added a couple more videos to my Vimeo platform. Find the videos here:
- 20 Minute Standing Mobility Flow: Elevate the mobility, flexibility, and strength of your neck, shoulders, hips, and legs. No equipment needed. Bring your curiosity and willingness to explore moving in spirals and circles, up, down, side to side, and all around. https://vimeo.com/401159397
- Warming & Balancing Flow: This session is designed to link your breath to movement, finding energetic balance between not too much and not too little. Flow from one shape to the next, connected to your in breath and out breath like water from one shape to the next shape. Open your hips, invite mobility in your spine, and create some length in your hamstrings and hip flexors. Finally, you will have an opportunity to check-in with your breath and feeling self as we finish with a short meditation. https://vimeo.com/403516615
In closing, I also want to offer you links to a few things that have been very supportive for me, creatively and energetically:
- “27 Wildest Days”: This is a free course in “wild” writing, just for yourself. Think of it as mental release therapy. It lasts for 27 days, once you start it. You have until May 11, to sign up. https://27powers.org/27-wildest-days/?fbclid=IwAR1WSmskKgpPCpBKqGWGQUa1KhWDWsdOioqqiKDs6J3wdfkVc-7SOlgcmw4
- “Songs of Comfort” Spotify Playlist by Yo-Yo Ma: A lovely, soothing playlist put together by Yo-Yo Ma. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58wN2sbYZVo5g37nhKeYx5?si=bcrXiv5cRWOCdGKRE0Ifpg
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams: Live Jellies! Live Kelp Forests! Live sea otters! Heck yeah! https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
Stay well my friends! Stay well.
Claudia Fountain Fitness + Yoga 