Do you ever have those days/weeks/months/semesters where everything seems to fit together from different areas of your life? For example, one class you're in might talk about a topic that you later discuss in a completely unrelated class, or you talk about something with your family and then there is a big news story about a similar thing. I love those types of moments. They feel serendipitous. They remind me that 'it's a small world' and that nothing happens in isolation.
I had one of these moments yesterday. On Saturday, I wrote my second yoga journal entry in which we were asked to write about classes, our readings, and wellness -- what it means, and practices that lead to wellness (here is a shortened version that is still long):
I thought classes this week were challenging. It was physically challenging to maintain alignment and the rhythm of breath while moving into and holding new
poses. There is also the mental challenge of staying present. The exercise of both mind and body is intense and compliments each other.I have been reading Donna Farhi’s third chapter in Bringing Yoga to Life. I love it; she has a perspective that just feels right. I especially love how she talks about our
innate natures as being good. Society tends to view the innate nature of humans as corrupt and base. I find Farhi’s perspective refreshing and hopeful. She explains that, "all of the volatile and destructive emotions – anger, jealousy, envy, greed, and hatred – are born of [an] involuntary ignorance in which we perceive an ‘other’ and therefore a need to propagate and protect ‘our’ self" (29).
In the few weeks I have been practising, I already feel like I am returning to a deeper self that is good and selfless. I am seeking to incorporate that version of my self into my life more and more.
I think wellness is attending to our physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social needs in a way that keeps us balanced and healthy as individuals. I think yoga is certainly a practice that will support wellness. Any practice that helps a person grow, reconnect, or reflect with themselves and others in any of the areas I identified can support wellness.
So here's where one of those serendipitous life moments comes in. On Sunday I went to church with Kelsey. I don't think I've mentioned this before but we are in a "Preparing for Eternal Marriage" sunday school class that I have problems with sometimes (another time I might explain a few of them) but yesterday's lesson was about preparing for life/becomming independent/developing as a person. It felt very much like the wellness reflection I had when writing my yoga journal. It was wonderful to mentally connect part of my new spirituality that I am finding through yoga with the church that nurtured my spirituality in previous years.
In other news, I am enjoying my new semester so far. I have mostly fun, artistic classes and I am also trying out new things. I have a drawing class, yoga, acting, art history, and photography. I am also doing an internship with Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company and writing a thesis (specific topic still tbd -- I need to get on that quick).
I tried out for the play that Westminster College is putting on in March -- Red Noses. I got call backs which was a good sign but still don't know if I got a part. I'll let you know when I do - should be either today or tomorrow. It's a new thing for me so I was very nervous and excited. Even if I'm just a little extra person singing in the chorus or something, I'll be happy.
