smiling yogis

So, I've been so crazy busy these past few weeks, between my maid of honour duties (for my sister) and actually having somewhat of a social life, I have been internetting a lot less frequently. And I'm kind of loving it!

I took a class last week where the instructor (whom I know) kept making me smile. When I looked too serious, she would creep up behind me and make eye contact in the mirror- and I'd laugh. And I loved it!

So, yesterday I introduced the intention of having fun with the practice. A lot of students still retained the serious yoga face (and I'm totally guilty of that one, just check out the pictures on my banner!). When we got to the balancing series though, I noticed this one woman just beaming. After class, I commented on how much I loved her amazing smile in class. She said, "There is one woman who always practices with the most radiant smile. I made sure I always set up my mat right behind her. Then, one day, I realized I could just start smiling myself! Besides, it's the only way I can keep from getting mad at myself when I lose my balance in the 6am class".

(old, smiley dancer's pose)

I thought that was such an amazing story, and it truly made my morning! I'm going to commit to finding the joy - and the smiles! - in my yoga practice.

Are you a happy or a serious yogi/ni when you practice?

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

a reverb wrap up

So, I really fell off the reverb10 bandwagon after starting off pretty strong. I personally felt like a lot of the prompts were getting pretty repetitive. I'm all for reliving and reflecting, but it was getting redundant as there were definitely a few common themes that kept popping up for me. It kind of felt like beating a dead horse to be honest, and a bit of a waste of time when December is such a busy time as is. Also, for the tagline being "reflect and manifest" I felt like there was very little manifesting to be done- I've been doing that on my own! That being said, I'll finish off with a few of the prompts that provoked some original thoughts and ideas.

December 24 – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)
I had a lot of interviews and dead ends job wise. I decided to take YTT. A few weeks later, I got a permanent job, and they would allow me to start after the training was complete. It was like everything just finally clicked into place all at once. It solidified and made real the saying that "everything happens for a reason". i didn't get those jobs because this is what I was meant to be doing, and where i was meant to be.

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December 26 – Soul Food What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins) 

That BLT at Aux Vivres in Montreal. It was hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life. And it was vegan. I've read a LOT of books on veganism this year, and the absolute tastiness of this meal was a huge part in proving i can take the plunge. Over the next few weeks I am phasing out all the non-vegan food I have kicking around and going all the way. 

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December 28 – Achieve 

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. 

(Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

Home ownership. Moving to a different city (albeit one that's the next city over). I will feel responsible, adult and yes, definitely, FREE. Overjoyed. Accomplished. And freakin happy!! And as we speak, I am starting to get that feeling. My room has been an absolute mess for months and months. I just never put stuff away when I moved back into the big room after my sister moved out. I've started the process of finally, finally, getting everything organized and actually settling in. Including going through loads of photos, consolidating them in one place, and getting them printed off and actually framing them! I feel like the freedom is already starting. It's funny how being so organized can be so freeing. I feel like I'm floating from the accomplishment of it all. I might have a heart attack of joy when I buy my own place!

So, that's my take on #reverb10. If you participated, how did you feel about it? Redundant, a hassle? Or enlightening and a great way to reflect on the year past?

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com