Finding YOUR OWN Groove

This soldier at Wat Pho in Bangkok was feeling just as sassy as I was!

Transitioning back to life at home as been a little rough (not even considering the 2 weeks of jet lag). I had come from constant adventure, unknown obstacles, different methods of communicating, and a sweaty 90 degrees. Landing back in Philly/NJ brought with it all the same old things in the same old places. Four weeks away flew by for me, but every day was so filled with self-discovery that I felt like I grew in time-defying leaps and bounds. It was easy to forget that everyone at home didn't have the opportunity I had and they were still progressing on their journeys at the speed of life that includes a job, family, commuting, etc.

Basically, I was a bit frustrated with the mundane.

Before I left Thailand I had promised to myself that I would try to find a little adventure and excitement every day. It really takes no effort to get stuck in a mindless cycle of the day-to-day. To float through life on autodrive rather than making moment to moment assessments of what is important to you, how you want to feel, and how YOU want your life to play out.

Well, I haven't managed to meet any foreign travelers, ride an elephant, or spleunk oceanside caves, but I have made my own small discoveries to help keep things fresh and headed in a direction of growth that is important to me. For example, I found a new cafe with a comfy chair in front of a fireplace, busted out my Vitamix for some kickass nutrient dense smoothies, and discovered a community house offering donation based classes.

I've decided that sleeping late really doesn't feel good for me and even if it means going to bed earlier, I'm going to honor my body's energy levels by waking up early. As much as I love teaching Sunrise Vinyasa, I'm taking steps to begin offering yin/gentle/energy based classes. I'm speaking up when I don't feel good about something, even if it causes some tension. It's all the little things that make my groove, MY GROOVE.

With mindful intention it's entirely possible to create your existence rather than just live by floating down that river and forgetting where the oars are. Go explore the shores, find something new, and break out of the mundane!

If you haven't already, read about my journey in Thailand and Siem Reap at www.mytb.org/Gina-Marie. Some highlights: Thai cooking class, riding/washing elephants, paddled a 3-person seak kayak myself, waded through a bay with my backpack, climbed all over Angkor Wat (and everything else, really), slept in a hut with 26 people, enjoyed $6 massages, chatted with a monk, spoke lots of Spanish....just go read it!

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