Main Photo Credit - Michael Neville

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

I Embrace



"I Embrace"

Day 3 of the Yoga Camp 30 Day Yoga Challenge on the Yoga With Adriene Youtube channel starts out perfectly. I'm am spending the day with my close friend Meo who is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) student in training. I have had a particularly stressful week fulfilling my duties as a Culture Editor at the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) newspaper The Guardsman. And that week is not yet over. I'm pursuing a liberal arts degree at CCSF, with a focus on journalism and
music. I'm am under constant deadlines and the tension that can build up in my body is literally palpable. I have been able to unwind with this 30 day practice in ways that I cannot even begin to express. Being at Meo's place also allows a sense of calm and focus to take place within my energy body. His house always smells of the homemade incense he cooks up, and herbal teas and is alive with positive vibes and crystal energy.

It was an honor to be able to practice yoga in his space and be treated to the wholesome vegetarian fare that he serves. Day 3's motto is "I Embrace". There couldn't be a better phrase for me right now. The practice reminded me that even in times of chaos, the universe can provide a quiet sanctuary in the eye of the storm - a balm of succor for the weary soul. It can be a portal into the realms of love and joy. I realized that "I Embrace" a lot of things. "I Embrace" myself, understanding, peace, joy, love, life, hope and change. And most of all I even "Embrace" the chaos, the pain, the fear and
the sadness and learn from the realness that they have to offer my life as well. In this state of acceptance, I can move past all of these intense emotions with a sense of levity and ease. I know that "this too shall pass" and that there is a rainbow on the other side of the tunnel and the brightest burst of sunlight is awaiting me.

Meo's Place