Small Steps, Old Habits
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My head and my heart are here
Small steps and old habits.
Years ago, a bodyworker told me to shorten my stride to help manage some psoas pain. Smaller steps? I was so habituated with my big New York City stride that I could scarcely imagine what that might feel like. Since then, I have managed to shorten my stride a very few times and for about one city block, on a good day. Habits are tricky, subliminal things, but they aren't what we are, they are what we do in our minds and hearts and bodies.
I guess these days I'm thinking about small steps and habits because I have a habit of disliking summer. Until recently I attributed it to my childhood in the relentless heat and lethargy of Houston, but actually, I've just gotten used to dreading this season and telling everyone how much I dislike it as if it was programmed into my DNA.
As I was walking to a cafe to write this, I remembered the body worker's advice, and I slowed down to try again. My surroundings came into focus, and for just a second I kind of got it: the slow, warm, summer vibe… vaguely boring and relaxing and not awful…. maybe ok even. And my small slow steps took me to this next small step: this first official 'check-in'… with hopefully more to come (but expectations are low because that's how I like my expectations).
Here's what I'm doing
I've I'm trying to remember that little things — little changes and shifts and momentary glimmers of awareness are a big deal. Tiny portals are everywhere. We are not as stuck as we like to believe we are.
I'm about to get this tattoo: “What's in the way, is the way." A huge shout out to Paul Weinfield who brought this Zen expression to my attention and who is the singular reason that I look at IG at all.
Also, I'll be teaching to this idea of small steps and habits for the next few weeks. I'll probably say 'comfort zone' a bunch (as in take a step out of it) So come to practice with me.
And on to business…
Marcus and I are leading another retreat upstate in late September.
Click here for more information, and to sign up.
Also! I'm collaborating with the Pandemonium Co. to teach a 12 class series in the Fall. It's the kind work I do with Actors at Yale and NYU… it's a sweaty, pure joy and courage practice — more qigong than yoga — and I can't wait to get that started in September! More on that soon, and feel free to reach out with questions in the meantime.
The amazing Kerry Warren is assisting me with the actors classes. I'm so lucky and honored that she is on this journey with me and if you come to class, you will probably see her too — and you will love her.
Lastly, I'm taking some time off from July 14th-August 8th. My first class back will be at Prema Wednesday, August 9 at 6pm :).
See you on the path (as Thomas Droge would say).