welcome: there must be a beginning

The last time I hit send on a series of messages like this it was announcing the near immediate closure of my yoga studio. I was vague to the reasoning, it's my composure until that point that lead people to believing the closure was a difficult but simple matter of me personally moving on to other things. It wasn't. It was, still is, an on going complicated disaster I worked my ass off to avoid for 4 years. In hindsight, I was simply delaying, I can be naive as we all can be when we really want something or are enjoying what is...

I wouldn't do anything differently.

I wanted to start this clean, without anything from 'before' but I realize that nothing starts without an end, a paradox I wish I could see the humour in. So, instead of avoiding, I accept that some of my personal stories will come from my before days and this new beginning will be simultaneous with the continued end of what was. Let's start simple though with just me:

My middle name is Laine, I have a tattoo on my right wrist that reads "thrive" .. I made my

eldest brother go with me to get it and chewed half a pack of bubblicious gum to avoid the possibility of pain... my jaw was sore for hours. I associate with being introverted so I think, a lot. I remember a student aid carrying me to the bathroom when I was in grade 3 because I thought if I moved from my standing crouching position I would pee myself and I was so horrified and embarrassed. She promised to keep me just as I was while she carried me out of class, down the hall to a teacher's bathroom.... And she did just that. That's a success story and a defining moment of trusting people in my life - that's how I share. I plan to share with you experiences in my life. Some of them make me feel embarassed or happy or sad. But I share with you the experiences so that you can make them personal. I hope you relate and resonate with some of what I share in this blog. I want to share to create connection, connection is what this world is all about.

I also plan to share some books that have guided me through life or perhaps just my simple pleasure in what I happen to be reading. Some are yoga related, some aren't... Do you read books? I recommend it. My first recommendation is to buy your own hardcover copy of LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch. I don't have kids; it's a life lesson on how to be a good child to your parents when you're your own full size human. And it's sweet if nothing else.

I have not been much of a resolutioner. For as long as I can remember I use my internal reference to the season changes as my new year marker. I just can't justify celebrating a number change when nothing natural is dramatically changing.

I am constantly wondering what the purpose to life is, although I do believe most of us actually know. We just don't have any tangible proof therefore we stay in this constant state of wonder.

Are you a wonderer or a wanderer perhaps? Is there a time of year you like to sort of celebrate in the way society rings in the new calendar year? Or maybe you have a defining moment at a young age that is sort of secret but incredibly important to you...? Feel free to share if you like - with me or anyone in your life - I do believe that reflection and self consideration are great importance to how we show up in this world, share if you like or simply consider and journal.. or just read my words and judge me. Whatever is best for you at the time.

I'll have to learn how to make this interactive so that you may respond if you want to.. for now, feel free to write me an email. Oh, please know this too though: this ideal of responding within 24 hours is garbage and I absolutely do not buy into it. I'm not being rude by not responding right away although I constantly feel that's what people think if they aren't answered... Just know i'll be wherever I am doing my own normal life things until I am ready to reply thoughtfully and with my complete attention. I type that all with love.

Oh, one quick yoga thing before I go - Do you yoga? I've been a student of the asana (poses or shapes) practice since 2006 and held an honest meditation practice since 2014, the both have saved my life and my soul and I plan to share that gift with all who are curious for however long they are curious for... I'm already excited that you are along for part of that journey.

Be well,

Brittaney