Blog
NOTES TO SELF
Reflections I share to explore during our movement practices
the season for change
When I first started this newsletter, it was a way for for me to stay connected to you from a heart-centered place in the digital landscape. It has become a weekly ritual for me to sit down, reflect and write to you
The Year of the Wood Dragon
On Saturday, Feb 10, we celebrated the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marking the transition of energy from the Yin Water Rabbit of 2023 to the Yang Wood Dragon of 2024.
interactions
Sometimes, when I’m working on a project and it feels mostly done, I’ll ask my husband to take a look at it. He knows to ask me if I want his opinion or feedback, because sometimes I say no. Even without feedback, the experience of having my work be seen gives me guidance. It shapes my work.
when it’s time to change the system
Life organizes around systems, so when we want to make a change, we risk disrupting a system.
a template for learning
During the weekend training, we started out with a focus on the physical.
the rhythms
My little family slowed down this weekend and went to a getaway cabin. With our basic needs met, we stashed our phones away in a box, and enjoyed the mini-detox from daily life.
connecting to our wholeness
In my younger years, I struggled with self acceptance. I spent countless hours privately critiquing everything about myself (especially my physical form). My New Years' resolutions were pretty typical: exercise more, improve myself somehow, probably try a diet.
learning to rest
Every year around this time, I take time off to see family. Most of my business is centered around showing up in person, and as a result, I find it hard to pull away.
what to fear
Our relationship to fear can be very helpful, but sometimes in subtle (or not so subtle) ways, it may keep us from what we seek.
housewarming
When we first bought our home, I focused on all of the repairs and improvements it needed. Even after the major projects were complete, my critical mind continued to find countless things to improve.
the network
Gratitude journals may seem cliché in today's world, often used as a marketing ploy by card companies and businesses. However, they still hold inherent value as simple yet effective prompts for genuine reflection on what one is grateful for.
coexistence
This weekend brought a familiar yet unwelcome visitor: illness, for the second time in as many weeks. It was a reminder that nature doesn’t operate on a fairness system; viruses don't adhere to a 'punch card' system of sickness.
no FOMO
This weekend, a cold struck me down, leading to a rare pause in my usually bustling schedule. I had planned on a weekend crammed with fun social events, yet I found myself confined, cancelling everything to avoid spreading illness. This unexpected break stirred up familiar feelings
intake and release
This past week was emotionally charged, filled with interpersonal challenges, parenting challenges, highs and lows.
the season for changes
When I first moved to Austin, it felt a little less hard thanks to my zoom class with Yoga Soup. We have continued virtually now for two years, and collected additional friends around the country. Your faces and our shared practice have been a constant source of joy in my life. But as I have begun to build my home in Texas, I feel that it is time to streamline my offerings all into one place.
the case for simplicity
I don't know about you, but my Instagram feed is a blend of wellness influencers, biohackers, curious history accounts, and anatomy lessons. So, naturally, I'm constantly bombarded with the latest trends in nervous system regulation, health optimization, supplements, and more. A client recently asked
mining for your metal
This week (like most weeks), I experienced the profound privilege of safety. I could pause from the news and take a deep breath of fresh air, hold my child close, fall asleep in a cozy bed. My heart aches for those who can’t share these comforts. There are so many.
a fancy, $5 word
On Friday, while out to dinner, I got upset with my husband. We started engaging in an old cycle and all sorts of old feelings came up for me. As we approached the edge of our anger cliffs, about to fall into a fight,
exploring emptiness
On Saturday, we officially welcomed the start of Autumn, the Metal element in Chinese medicine. This time of year invites us to peer into the darker corners, exploring where we can refine and release.