Busy/Quiet Monday

Its interesting some of my busier days are Cricket's quieter days. Are you following me :)? Those days when I have clients back to back = sleeping time for Cricket. Today I had a hectic day which meant a quieter day for Cricket. Even on busy days, I try to make sure we get a walk and also, of course, a couple breaks for Cricket to go outside. Her harness is generally off at my office. We put it on when we go outside. We walked up to Dick's market today - about a mile walk. I was walking along and she stopped in an unusual place. Put my foot out and learned this sign had fallen into the sidewalk.  I wa able to push it out of the way (and pull out my camera to click on the obstacle) so we could proceed.  If it wouldn't of slid out of the way, I also could of asked her to hopup and she would walk around after she knew I knew to be careful.   

I learned its a yoga sign.  Unfortunately, my arm/wrist is still recovering so no yoga for us yet.  I hope Cricket remembers what a downdog is by the time we get to go back! 

A thought

Yoga is not on the agenda with my re-broken left hand.   Hopefully by January - perhaps February.   I feel very fortunate that it is on my thumb side so walking with Cricket is very doable!  Thank heavens! 

Below is a thought from the yoga studio in Los Gatos, Breathe, (that I would be visiting often if we lived closer).   I was told they still talk about the snoring dog that joined the yoga class back in November! 

Keep your flame lit and you will never feel darkness. J. Parker

Butterfly, Tree, & Tias Wisdom

We had the chance to visit Natural Bridges and go to the Butterflies. We spoke in our 'butterfly voices' and enjoyed the beauty of the quietness.  (Apparently, there were butterflies flying above :).

Advice from a Butterfly (Ilan Shamir)

Let your true colors show

Get out of your cocoon

Take yourself lightly

Look for the sweetness in life

Take time to smell the flowers

Catch a breeze!

We stayed in a cabin and reflected on

Advice from a Tree (Ilan Shamir)

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots into the earth

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Enjoy the view!

Cricket was pretty intrigued with the sea lions.  We enjoyed walks along the beach.

Tias Little was an amazing yoga instructor.  His gentle teaching and instruction was awesome.  There was a class of about 100, yet he connected with each and our individual challenges.   Some of the poses were not so easy to describe and his assistants were ever so helpful.  I met a woman whose son had RP.  We connected.  I hope our paths cross again. 

Tomorrow is already Friday!  I'll leave you with a quote from the Yoga Retreat:

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and

try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and

like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.

Rainer Maria Rilke

 

Reflecting

We're back. Did you miss us? We have much to share ...

... on the way home, got notice that I need to go into work. Guess blogging and laundry will have to wait.  Smooth uneventful flights for us.

Lucky Day

Cricket girl is about to go on Flight #60 on 11/11/11 with a flight time of 11!  

A quote from our yoga retreat newsletter:  

As long as our orientation is toward perfection or success, we will never learn about unconditional friendship with ourselves, nor will we find compassion. "

~Pema Chödrön
 
Happy Weekend, my friends.  

Dog Day

September 17th is a special day for me. Fourteen years ago, I began to walk confidently and independently with a guide dog. I will always remember waiting for that sweet, excited yellow lab that began with the letter P ... Pantera. Four and a half years ago, I was introduced to my adorable yellow lab - Cricket. This day is etched in my mind as dog day.

How did we celebrate?  Mostly with a sense of gratitude in my heart all day.  Gratitude for the freedom, confidence, joy and independence that have been mine as a part of a Guide Dog Team.  I also celebrated with running 5 miles, (amazing), yoga (awesome to do after running --  yogicarts is quite the workout), busy day including a conference call with an amazing group of individuals (GDB Alumni Association) and an evening spent with family and friends.  Cricket spent some time at the groomer with the fragrance selected -- sugar cookie, because she is just so yummy!  

We just went for a lovely walk.  Such a beautiful day!  I walked along chatting with Steve with Cricket working her magic.  I will fly independently to San Rafael this week with Cricket.  I will attend a conference on Friday with my colleagues meeting them at a new location with Cricket by my side with no worries. The list goes on of the freedom a guide dog creates ...

Indeed a day to celebrate.  I am so grateful, even as hard as it was to leave my young family 14 years ago for four weeks, (they managed with stories to tell) to have made the decision to become a partner with a guide dog.    Pantera and Cricket have enhanced my life tremendously.. beyond words.       

 

Fancy & Casual.

Really, are you serious, Natalie and April . Fancy and Casual together ...so out of my comfort zone!  Oh how we are loving our visit with Natalie! 

We even played a game of Moose with her and Kendall.  This mom is in heaven :).

Running, Yoga, and Girls Trip to Logan on the schedule today.   

Dripping with Joy. Retinitis Pigmentosa

In one of my groups this week we talked about transformation from our losses. Our losses come in various forms - sometime we are prepared for them and other ones hit us out of nowhere.   The last six months have been one of increased adjustments for me as bit by bit further adjustments are made in the blindness journey.  However, most days I simply feel joy for my life and this blindness thing  that has been one of the losses that has transformed me. Sometimes opening those new doors can be a little scary.  This morning, I walked inside the house after our 5 mile run and felt so much joy.   The sweat was dripping.  I was greeted with pure love from Crickers.

Something pretty amazing to be dripping with sweat and joy. 

I hear the most laughter in some of my grief groups.  I love this quote:

I have seen what a laugh can do.  It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.  Anonymous

I am grateful that my family and friends can laugh with me about this transformation of my blindness.  I like who it is helping me to become. 

A dear colleague of mine has had an intense loss this week. We've cried and grieved for him and his family.  He shared that it has been a time of deep sadness as well as deep gratitude.  Loss transforms us to a deeper place. 

My colleague and I prepped for our Self-Compassion course in our favorite place -- the patio of Rumbi's.  We find our shady place with Cricket nestled with a blanket and she seems to know she is in for a little longer lunch than usual as we chat about Self-Compassion.  I find myself feeling like a lucky girl to have a profession that I get to create a course on such a lovely topic and be enjoying a lunch with a dear friend.   

Kristin Neff, states in her book - Self-Compassion.  Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind: Compassion, then, involves the recognition and clear seeing of suffering.  It involves feelings of kindness for people who are suffering, so that the desire to help emerges.  Compassion involves recognizing our shared condition, flawed and fragile as it is.      

Speaking of dripping with joy (and sweat!) ... yoga class was so hot last night.  My mat was wet and slippery and I started to giggle.  Steve behind me on a mat did not help the situation.   There was humidity in the air - the room was only 81 degrees, but it felt so much hotter.  YogicArts - amazing. 

Cricket's Intention

My legs are still sorely celebrating the 10K run yesterday! I'm still feeling energized by the experience. Tonight in yoga , she talked about: we will all leave a mark on this earth and we have the chance to decide with intention what that mark will be. What impact will we have on this world? What difference will we make?  I find myself feeling touched that Cricket finds pure joy by serving and loving as her life's intention.    

I love that she paused near our little flowers on our walk today.  We stopped and posed for the camera.   

It was a quick break but we returned to the office energized for our Tuesday that felt like a Monday due to the holiday yesterday.

Side notes:  I love this blouse from Banana Republic.  A challenge of the day:  Our dumpster, they just had to put a lock on, due to the kids who put fireworks inside the old one, now has to be opened with a combination.  As the one that often empties the trash, I wondered how I would be able to open the dumpster and the numbers are raised just enough that it can be utilized by touch.  Yes!   

Love Colleagues. Summer Nights. Trying.

Tonight we had our office party in our backyard. My colleagues and their families came - 32 total for Steve's yummy salmon and chicken on the grill. They each brought a side dish or a dessert. I feel so grateful to work with such wonderful people that seem to just cheer each other on. We have a really positive energy in our office, and it makes going to work so much fun. I discovered this shirt in the back of my closet yesterday! I had bought it several months ago and forgotten about it. It was like rediscovering it.  I think it will be a fun shirt for the Fall Season with some different colors and belts.  I like to
 use long necklaces for belts. (paper shredder in the background a nice touch)
Cricket had lots of attention tonight from many children while off harness.  We visited outside and enjoyed the summer night.  Kids did somersalts down the hill.  When was the last time you did a somersalt down a hill?  Its pretty fun!   We (that is said loosely - mostly Steve) cleaned out the garage today.  Doesn't it feel great to declutter!

I've reflected on the yoga message this morning.  Steve joined me, which is always fun.  She had some powerful messages including Its not about how well we do a yoga pose, its about unrolling the mat ... the TRYING is what it (life) is about.  We do our best.  We celebrate that we unroll the mat.   

Yes to Life

Summertime the outdoors calls and its a little harder to get to yoga class. However, when I make it there, I leave so grateful and for the new insights gained while sweating on my little mat. Last night, Cricket and I found a place to put our mats. I pulled out her blue mat, which she obediently sits on for the class - even as many classmates are saying hi cricket as they come in (love that she is just part of the class). I roll out my orange mat finding the label so I know which way is up. In down dog ... I hear yes to your beauty and brilliance. (Cricket is by my flower pot that is brillantly thriving in this photo.)

In a balancing pose, of which I tip over most frequently, I hear Yes to our struggles and times of mistakes.  (Cricket is by my flower pot that is struggling and all the plants have died in it.)  As I replaced them tonight, I recognized their efforts.  They did their best to try to survive inspite of being overwatered.

Yes to life.  Every room in our office was being used today.  Yes to the love and energy I feel in our office.  I can only hope my colleagues and clients feel it as well.  A client shared with me that in a day of struggle yesterday she heard my voice to her saying, You can do it.  Take it one small step at a time. 

Yes to life and the joys and the struggles that we share and are connected through.

Within each of us is the capacity to heal,

and in any given moment we do the best that we can.   

In case you need to laugh ...

Our Yoga/Pilates Studio offered free Suspend and Bend Class today. On their link you can watch a class in action. As we were leaving, Corena took a quick picture of us! This first one is just as I was landing after being upside down.  Yikes.  The instructor kept telling me -- trust.  Yikes. Cricket slept through the whole class until this ending pose and then I think she might be wondering - what is my handler doing?

My two yoga buddies:  Steve & Cricket. 

 

Earlier regular yoga class was amazing.   Message:  Nurturing.  What are you doing to nurture your mind?  What are you doing to nurture your heart?  your body? I'm always amazed at the clarity that I gain in yoga class.  We released by breathing out and saying - ha, ha, ha.  Laughter our instructor stated is nurturing.    At the end of the class Cricket stood up and shook ... instructor stated, Cricket is shaking off and letting go - we can all do the same.  Cricket knows the word 'yoga' and understands that she stays on her yoga mat for the 75 minutes of class.  She now has learned that in finding us a place you don't walk on other's yoga mats!  So much for a sweet guide girl to learn. 

House is clean, enough for a sunny Saturday.  We are off on a bike ride. 

I hope you have some laughter in your day today. 

Life

Messy hair, sore - black/blue cheek, and sweaty after a 5K run with Steve. 

I feel alive and grateful for this busy day ahead -- clients, training with some colleagues, and dinner out.  Tomorrow Steve and I are trying Suspend and Bend !  I wonder what Cricket will think of my hanging from the ceiling!  I've  reassured her, its okay.  Becky is just trying something new that might look a little scary.  I hope we can get a picture!     

Happy Weekend. 

Yes to Yoga

I recently was asked by a friend are you still doing yoga.  Yes.  She said maybe I'll join you.  I hope she does. I've mentioned before, its been life changing.  However, the past few weeks have been crazy with my schedule and also with schedules of those who give me rides so haven't made it there near as much as I'd like. I also recognize during our crazy times we need it more than ever! Yesterday a.m. as the sweat was dripping from my face and Cricket was almost purring contentedly on her yoga mat; I was reminded why I have loved yoga so much.  I gain so much clarity during this time.  Today there were some poses that I found myself having a hard time understanding exactly what we were to do from the verbal descriptions.  I can't really see anyone else doing their pose so I rely on the verbal descriptions.   Surrender ... Let go to what/how you think your life should be ... just be in this moment ...were some of the words my amazing yoga instructor was sharing as I was confused and a little worried that I may be posing totally different than the rest of the class!  As I did this, I heard birds chirping outside.  It was so beautiful!  I'm not sure if my pose was correct, but it was mine at that moment and it was okay.

Yes to Yoga!  I actually am considering the teacher training course . I think it could add some beautiful things to my life as well as my office and clients.  Yes, a little scared too.   Steve has even joined me for some classes and has a fancy new yoga mat! Signing off with a picture from a special date night.

Watching out for me

Today Cricket observed eyebrow waxing, hair cut, cavity being filled, several sessions at the office with kids = lots of love for Cricket, a walk in the snow getting to hair cut, a walk in the rain getting to the dentist, and a short walk in sunshine getting our yummy apple fritter.  Both my hair stylist and dentist commented on how she seems to be 'watching out for me'.  She was sound asleep in yoga when I fell into her while doing 'crow'! This dog does not have a boring life. I wish my crash landing would of been a little quieter so the whole class was not aware.

We finished yoga with There is Only Love.  Amazing.  I so needed to sing that song.  Thank you for your love Cricket. 

Outside the Box?

Dinner with Friends.  Lots of Laughter. Reminiscing and more laughter. Seriously, our 30-year high school reunion is coming up in a couple years? Moment of silence as we let that sink in.  Future plans.  Talk of not letting so much time go before we get together again.  Our husbands talk of biking ... they also have a tandem bike.  It will happen.  Thanks for a great night, Joe & Connie.

Daytime included a conference at the Utah Schools for the Blind where I was a presenter.  Topic:  Thinking Outside the Box.   Are you doing anything outside the box this weekend?  Besides yoga, running and another dinner with friends; cleaning the house needs to be high priority around here. 

Hope you have a great weekend. 

Off the Mat and Into Life

I hadn't been student of the month since junior high so it was fun to be chosen Student of the Month for Yoga ! It is amazing the benefits of Balasana (Child's Pose): relieves lower back and neck tightness, relaxes the mind from anxiety, allows the physical body to recover and the energetic body to renew, relaxes the external rotators of the hips and encourages insightfulness. No wonder, Cricket runs to the door when she hears the word Yoga!

I have a new class that I love on Tuesday mornings. It is a little tricky time with transportation and work, but the benefits were well worth the effort.

Reflection on the Year

Gratitude for a year that had so much joy as well as one that we will reflect on as having some challenges, of course.  My intention for my life this past year and for the years to come is to live with passion and compassion. 


We said goodbye, to our Missy, family pug: friend, nurse, counselor, vacuum, great listener, loyal family member of almost 15 years.   You are in our hearts Missy girl.

Our travels this year were to visit people that we love.  We enjoyed visits in San Francisco, San Diego, Portland and many visits to St. George. 

Sharing our love of tandem biking in San Francisco with Adam & Natalie, Steve & Debi (how fun!)

Adam's graduation from Law School in San Diego.  So grateful that my parents also were able to join us in this celebration. 

Guide Dog Luncheon in Portland with dear friends: Debi & Peggy

St. George is one of our favorites especially with these two special people. 

Also, a great advenure to Kansas City to an amazing conference (ADEC), so much fun with Steve and even had the chance to meet blogging friends, Lisa and Hosta! 

(This picture is on our tour of the Hallmark Headquarters)

I reflected on the near 1500 miles we put on our tandem bike this year.  Steve and I celebrated our 26-year anniversary this year.  How did we celebrate?  Dinner and a nice long bike ride.   We have great memories of our fun journeys through Southern Utah and Northern Utah this year. 

I reflected on the expansion of my business, Resilient Solutions, Inc & Resilient Center for Grieving Families.  So grateful for the incredible support of Steve

and Cricket every step of the way.

The hard work continues but also it is such a joy to use this expanded area in such a beautiful and healing way.

I reflect on the journey of the year and Retinitis Pigmentosa. This year I continued my yoga practice which has helped so much in my vision loss journey.  I continue to let go and embrace the unknown.   RP is an amazing teacher even when this student is not wanting to  learn. 

This year I returned to Running.  Three weeks until our 1/2 marathon!  I was so scared the first time I ran with Shannon.  Love her - it was just out of my comfort zone.  Now, I want to run with her everyday! 

I tell Cricket we are lucky girls.   She licks my face with such love, as if to agree.

Wishing you a Very Happy New Year's Eve.  Truly a great part of the year is the friends that I have made through blogging.  I appreciate your friendship and support in my life. 

Nurture Yourself

I spent a lot of Sunday getting ready for a special group today at the office:  Nurturing Yourself During the Holidays.  Ten ladies, who are experiencing a loss in their lives, will be joining me.   We will start with clearing our minds by putting all our 'burdens' in a basket.  Then, Sharon, from Infusions Yoga will help us nourish our bodies and minds with  yoga.   Then, we will enjoy some soup, bread, and sugar cookies and feel support as we nourish our social and emotional self. Call it a clan, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  Jane Howard.  While I was baking today, I kept thinking of these ladies that were going to join us and their stories.  I also reminisced of fun times baking cookies with my kids.  My freezer is full of sugar cookies at the moment.

 Last count, 204 cookies, then Kendall came home so it might be down to 183 :).

  I am so excited with my new double crockpot.  It feels so festive.  I think it is going to spend a lot of time on our buffet counter in the years to come.   It will make this luncheon easier with two kinds of soup.

We will conclude with reviewing the five realms of self-care:  physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual.  Dr. Alan Wolfelt, states, if you care for youself "with passion" in all five realms you will find your journey through grief much more tolerable.  You can't walk this path alone. 

Their "gift" is a Relaxation CD & a gift card to Infusions Yoga.   I hope they enjoy as much as I have enjoyed preparing this special nurturing time for them.

Two in distress makes sorrow less.  Proverb

Find

The grocery store was quiet today for a Saturday. Awesome. Cricket and I got a little sidetracked. I asked her to: Find Steve and she walked right to him, stops and sits down so happy for her accomplishment. Adorable and very helpful. Great moment for a treat to reward her.

Just couldn't bring myself to go outside running without my friends, Shannon and Layla . Get well soon. Steve and I were going to go running and then we went outside. It was cold, REALLY cold. Under freezing mid-day. So, I kept on my warm clothes and 'ran' downstairs! Cricket brought down a bone and chewed nearby for support. She is so funny as soon as the machine stopped, she quit chewing.

Yoga this morning. Barely rolled out of bed in time. As always so glad Cricket and I made it. How we can gain insight into our inner self while doing abs is amazing.

A nice, cozy Winter day.