July 1. The beginning of the second half of the year. I’m treating it like it’s the beginning of the year. I mean, why not, right? Has the first half of this year been something you want to look back on fondly? Generally speaking, of course. I’m sure that a lot of people had a lot of great things happen since January 1, so hold on tight to those 2020 memories.
I’m feeling pretty good. I weigh a little more than I should, but we’re just coming off the “holidays” (If I’m pretending I’m starting the year over, then I’m going whole hog). I’ve been on a daily regimen of iron, probiotics, and glucosamine along with a weekly dose of Vitamin D for a couple of months (2 prescribed, 2 OTC) and I’m seeing some changes. Iron and Vitamin D through the bloodwork, but due to the probiotic (I guess), I can eat ice cream again without wanting to die. My hips are starting to feel a little less achy, and I can only assume that’s from the glucosamine. So, yeah, stuff works, it just takes a while to see it. Tough wait for impatient folks like myself. I want it all. I want it now.
Since I last bothered to write anything, I picked up a leviwand from DerpGear, started revisiting my poi, won a hula hoop on IG then bought two more from DragonHooper. Taught a handstand workshop. Decided that now was a good time to become a Level 1 Certified Instructor for FabPole. And most recently, as of today as a matter of fact, I began my 100 HR YTT (yoga teacher training). I was once previously offered an opportunity for a training, but it simply wasn’t the right time. This time, I knew was the right time for this growth.
Part of me wants to do this training as a centering that will hopefully allow me to find my flow with my hoop/wand/poi. The other part wants to bring some yoga to some Black folks around here that are not otherwise being served. Not that I would exclude anyone from a class, but having a Black teacher changes the game for a lot of Black people. It is what it is.
I’m going to try to get something into this space every day in July to correlate with this training. Emphasis on try. Some days will have more interesting things to discuss than others…I mean, that’s life, right? For today, let’s talk books for a moment.
There are three that I’m reading now for training:
- Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual – David Swenson
- Skill In Action: Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World – Michelle Cassanda Johnson
- The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom – Don Miguel Ruis
While I hadn’t heard of this particular manual, it remains a manual, so no surprise in reading/needing it. Skill In Action is going to be a great read. I’ve just dipped a toe in and already, yes. Many of you have likely heard of the last book. I certainly have and I’m looking forward to reading it fully. It’s gonna be a wild ride and I’m ready.
I know this has been rambly, but cut me some slack while I knock the dust off this writing idea.