Greetings Avatars, Jedi's, Celestial Beings & all Followers of the Light!

Join me on this fantastic voyage through Time and Space armed with the Harmony of Yoga Sutras and philosophy as my guide.

Monday, December 28, 2009

The God Particle




They’re everywhere, the “valley’s and shadows of darkness,” as the Psalms tell us. Dark energy and Dark matter are scientific facts waiting to be proven. Together they make up approximately 96% of the universe. Simply put Dark Matter is considered the “glue” that holds galaxies together- Gravity. Gravity holds Mass together, the stars, planets etc- keeping them all from flying aimlessly thru the vast ether known as outer space-yet does not interact with light. We know some energies like this in the form of people- no? Density also plays a role here, as it is closely associated with Mass. In Yoga class, i encourage my yogini’s to release the Density of their physical (gross body) by effectively using the Ujjay breathing technique to tranquilize the mind. The goal is to unshackle the mind in order to relax the (gross body) which is the Matter that holds the organs, bones, joints, blood and bile together in a cohesive well-designed form; i refer to this marvel as the Human Machine.

Visible Matter is only approximately 4% of the Universe. Check it out the next time you are outdoors in a dimly lit location at night. While Dark Matter is holding it down by holding things together, Dark Energy is on the opposite course. Discovered only in the 1990’s, Dark Energy appears to be rapidly expanding the Universe -spreading galaxies further and further away from one another at an accelerated rate, Anti- gravity. These are two dominate and unexplained forces in the Universe. They are transient states- The God Particle- the energy that contracts and expands simultaneously, but cannot be measured.

Stay with me, scientist have identified the x, y, and z dimensions of space- 3-D, according to the discipline of Geometry. Time is the 4th dimension. The general atheistic community of Physicist and Cosmologist are excited by the possibility of discovering new dimensions- up to Eleven! From the 4 established up to 11 dimensions- wowza! Sounds sci-fi and all, however, the 7,200 particle physicsts on this planet are salivating to investigate at any cost. The cost has ballooned to $9 billion, check into CERN. Now mind you, we are all scientist. Scientist experiment, observe and theorize. Is this not what we all do?

In comes the String Theory to further explain the mysteries of gravity. Newton and Einstein played with the resistant resilience of this edge for many years. Einstein proposed the question, “ Do we live in a hostile universe?” A question we must all answer for ourselves. According to Sir Isaac Newton, we do live in a hostile universe. A universe where time and space are absolute dimensions sans connectivity. Sir Albert viewed the universe as a friendly place, laid out in his theory of Relativity (E = MC sq). Time and space are interrelated domains. A world that gives way to four dimensions where Mind does transform into Matter. Sir Albert surmises that TIME, SPACE and CONSCIOSNESS are interrelated. They are inseparable, which gives rise to the expanded dimensions where Quantum Jumps are the norm: electrons moving from one point to another without passing thru the space in between. Terence McKenna adds, “There is a vast psychic domain- visionary reality available to us IF we muster the COURAGE to explore it.” The premise of String Theory requires an intellectual agreement that there are at least 6 spatial dimensions. If your mind won’t allow this suggestion, then stop reading now. :o) Everyone else, “Beam me up Scottie,” as Gene Rodenberry wrote in his Star Trek series.

String Theory is the leading notion on the table of quantum gravity in the world of particle physics. Let us not forget, a theory is not fact, just a hypothesis that this or that will behave like that or this- an educated guess by imperfect mortals. Think of strings in this theory as guitar strings that are composed of the most elemental particles floating around in time/space. They are so tiny that current observation machines and budgetary constraints have kept the hungry scientist from proving or disproving the existence of highly “excited” guitar –like strings that have been stretched and filled with tension. Supersymetery is key here- and what the “egg heads” are looking to quantify and qualify.

We have heard it said that each action has an equal and opposite reaction, every cause an effect. This is believed to be the case in Nature (summer/ winter, night/day) as well as Nurture, i call it, the Subtle world of the spirit and celestial (Karma, “what goes around comes around”) Super symmetry in the string theory refers to the interplay of Bosons (particles that transmit force, you may have heard of Higgs Boson) and Fermions (particles that make up matter). Kind of like the opposite equality of men and women, the Shakti and Shiva of it all. Men transmit via force; women receive and make up matter called having babies! And for all that the OBG’s do know, just like the physicts, there is a ton that is unknown about the complex miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. When the string becomes “excited” from being stretched, it will produce and emit various notes depending on how it’s plucked and how much tension it holds. Like human beings, and our variety of emotional states, tension and timing can really be key to what is emitted from anyone of us at any given moment. However, in string theory, these notes and emotions are dimensions of time/space. Watchout Now! It’s not so esoteric afterall.

Supersymetry speaks to yogic concept of moderation in all things, postures and their counter postures, the spiritual and the material world. In 1959, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada contributed an essay called Easy Journey to Other Planets. Swami offers that the spiritual, Parallel Universe, is composed of anti- matter – the Dark Matter being sought by quantum and particle physicist today- which spins counter clockwise – the equal and opposite. In yoga practice we perform asana (postures) on both sides of the body for approximately the same length of time, symmetry of course! Sankhya, the ancient Vedic study of material nature, asserted long ago that Matter develops from subtle to gross, from Mind (thoughts) into manifestation. So perhaps my cheerleading about Conceptualization (thoughts) powered by Belief (breath) will equate to Manifestation (matter) is on point after all. According to the Vedic’s, vibration (frequency) is the most subtle manifestation of Matter.“ I got a funny vibe about that person or place,” we’ve all experienced this, no? Perhaps, you’ve experience déjà vu?

A consistent practice of yoga helps us to hone this precious skill of tuning into our intuitive guidance system and subtle nature. The Sankhya contains the standard elements of the globally accepted periodic table, however the periodic table will need to add a few new elements to catch up and truly discover the Divine nature of the Universe, the elements of mind, ego and intelligence. Only then can the The God Particle be observed and measured, if that is even meant to be.

Friday, December 25, 2009

"When I grow up, I want to be an Old Woman"





Yep, as simple as that, my ambitions have changed a bit in recent years. i can't recall the company or what it is trying to sell, but there is a commercial currently in rotation that knocks my socks off! The hook is, "when I grow up I want to be an old woman." IMO (in my opinion) the simplicity is the beauty. Senior warrior princesses dancing, cheerleading and frolicking around as if their physical bodies were still as agile as their nimble spirits. These ladies have spunk and soul and gray hairs and wrinkles as badges of honor for a courageous life lived. When I grow up I want to be an old woman too.

I've often reminded my girlfriends after a I hate my job, detest my career bitch fest, that of any place in the world, America is IT for career women. The opportunities to manifest in this open society, are a unique condition. i've worked around the globe a few places and traveled to many others. Now, it doesn't mean that it's cream, Manifest Destiny can be grinding. i frequently remind my yogini's, "it's the lioness that hunts!" The laws of the jungle still apply on our fair shores. We felines must not forget to fortify ourselves for the marathon of life. Yoga, Thai chi, massage and energy bodywork are essential, imo :o)When i was younger, probably like you, i outlined several random and disjointed career possibilities for my "grown up" years. Well, in my grown up years, oddly enough i've realized several random and disjointed career paths- funny, just not what i imagined in my youth. i'm sure this is the case for the characters represented in the "Old Woman" commercial. They seem easy with themselves, having grown past the stage of enormous guilt and stress. Neurosis and narcissism have long faded away.... the spirit has been sufficiently challenged- loosened up a bit. i tease my yogini's as we flow thru vinyasas and hold it out in downward facing dog breathing in the trumpets, sax & bass of Fela Kuti's "Zombie," “unwind the spine- loosen up a bit, peddle it out. Don't hold it, It will surely kill you. Let it go,” i encourage. Fela chants, "Zombie not gone stop until you tell em to stop, zombie not gone think less you tell em to think..."

Child's pose- deactivate.

It seems as if time is accelerating. But then my children remind me that 1 minute is forever, when you live in the now. The "Mature stars" of the galaxy featured in the commercial seem to exemplify this notion all over again. On wisdoms path, having shed so much "stuff" and extras, they once again value each minute as precious. They've witnessed the fall of nations, the death of angels and seen some resurrections too. Many mysteries remain unsolved for them, so they learned to make peace and let it be. High steppin' and smiling over, around, through-they kept it movin' all the while transforming in states of grace, shining brighter in the Milky Way each passing year.

I remember being in Japan ten years ago on assignment; I was with the Light Being pictured with me in the photo. She was the only other female manager in our Business Unit in Tokyo. She assured me she was only capable of achieving her position because she worked for a European company- not possible with domestic firms, although her qualifications were topnotch. Tominako-san, I queried her as we slurped Soba noodles in the Soup house, "how old do you think those ladies over there waiting for the bus might be?" I was curious. There were an unusually large number of senior people walking freely about all over Tokyo! It was weird at first. Tokyo is HUGE and densely populated, but here they are, all these well-dressed fashionable old people conducting their lives. Tominako-san, casually replies, "maybe 80's-90's." I of course choke mid slurp, "years old?" I ask. She nods, yes. That blew me away…… I insisted she take me to the Buddhist Monastery in Kamakura, Japan that upcoming weekend. I wanted to see what this Buddhism thing was all about.

Japan, a society that seems to have shifted the paradigm from sick & save to a prevention & preservation healthcare model.

Tominako-san shocked me further when she revealed her age. i underbid by 20yrs. She was meant to be. She opened me up and hipped me to something new. I pray that she is well and still shining bright in her orbit, until we meet again my friend. Now, of course I know that Japan's birthrate is severely compromised therefore there are naturally more older people. These older people were vibrant, self sufficient, and an integral part of society. Completely different from what this American was accustom to witnessing on my home turf. In Singapore there appeared to be more Reflexology corner shops than nail shops here, a subtle shift in priorities.

My girl Ayo, a Nigerian-German musician sings, “ a friend of mine gave me advice, he said, ‘be careful, think twice, before you talk about your life. Protect yourself just keep quiet, the more they know the harder they try to spoil it, spread lies.’ Even though I know he could be right I say I live my life the way I want- I got nothin’ to hide….” i think Ayo will be one of the rapidly vibrating “Mature Stars” of her generation. "Life is real," Ayo croons, real and illusionary in the same instance. I’m learning that we can map our minds to call into manifestation the interactions we wish to experience or require to fulfill our souls desires and destiny. i’ve been doing it on a sub- conscious level for years. Now i am aware, let the games begin!

Curl up the edges up your lips felines. Put a sly smile on your face. Soften your eye muscles, find a single point on which to gaze. Defocus the eyes, stare soft and sexy. Find your passion and hold your Dristi. Inhale deeply, now-, as the waves of life come your way, be still- hold the breath, remain calm. When you come up for air, swim back to shore breathe and catch your breath- pick up your pom poms, hoopla hoops and pogo sticks Rejoice & Ring the alarm!

2009 has been a test for us individually and as a collective. We will rise or fall as a unit. Sure some very wealthy can tap into off shore accounts and relocate, but we’re in this together. Taking care of the most vulnerable among us is essential to the health of this American ecosystem. Healthcare for all, in some form, is essential to maintaining the balance of a society which possesses wise guardians to steward this great nation with able bodies, and of sound mind, while fostering the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the young viral set.

i no longer want to be the top gymnast in the Pac 10, or the VP of Sales or even the perfect mother. i want to be synchronized, a bit bohemian and very at ease, just to name a few. When Anubus comes for me i want my heart to be as light as a feather. My Christmas wish, “When I grow up, I want to be an old woman.”

Monday, December 21, 2009

From Boardroom to Baby...and back to Business


Greetings Ultraviolet Unicorns & Fairies!

The snow this weekend offered ample time to clean, re-organize, and a host of other busy work that we tend to put off for a rainy or snowy day. This weather phenomenon in Wash, Dc offered a weekend internal review for this Jedi Master. i'm in a strange place, quite unfamiliar and at times overwhelming. i spend many hours pondering, "how did i get here?"

At times such as these I retreat to the library. Down to the living room to seek the perfect book which holds the answers or at least points me in the right direction to resolve the matter (s). By this time it was 1am Sunday morning. The snow had stopped pouring from the heavens. Not a single book jumped out at me. Usually, there is no issue, but i was stumped. Picked up a few books from different genre's; spiritual, medical, a cool Ayurveda book i forgot that i owned, a few old economic publications i once found delightful- yes delightful. i love the study of economics. Ask me and all things boil down to " unlimited wants of limited resources," better than Sudoku. I got nothin'. Until I squatted low, and spotted it at the bottom corner of the left wall bookshelf. "Bye Bye Boardroom" my 1st published work.

To be clear, i was a contributing author on this collaborative effort in 2005 by Rachel Hamman published by Capital Books, Inc 2006. Voila! The universe has spoken in its whisper tone's once again. I've heard it said that to understand where you are going you must understand where you have come from, something to this effect. i use to tell someone close to me that past behavior is a strong indicator of future outcomes. He laughed me off, had no respect or concern for the relevance of history. What do you think?

So i guess the universe wants me to stay on the path of introspection, bringing light to the truth and possibly illuminating my guiding torch once again. My submission was titled "From Boardroom to Baby," Enjoy!

Thinking back, it was then that i decided to change the trajectory of my career. Seated in the plush leather high back chair around the cherry wood conference table adorned with dazzling flowers and fresh food, I took in the vibrant sails gliding past the Opera House. Much smaller than i first imagined, it was however a lovely distraction from the self-important banter flying around my head. In the penthouse boardroom of this skyscraper, i was smart enough to tag a chair opposing the floor-to-ceiling windows. This was a five-day meeting, including all relevant managers governing the operations of the Asia Pacific region of this French conglomerate, and it dragged on and on. i was the youngest, the only female, solo American and no longer enamored with this "fantastic"carer of a lifetime.

This was the third day of a six-week residency on my fifth expedition to the region in 2.5 years, and i had already handed in my mental resignation. Engineering and Operations was not my joie de vive, and at the tender age of 27, i was adamant that something had to give. As the regional sales director, a petite Frenchman- much less arrogant than my group manager and a lot more personable- stood near the projection wall, pointing at optimistic and completely unfounded quarterly extrapolations, my mind escaped the confines of this place yet again. The Harbor Bridge situated to the left of this picture window looked like a massive jungle gym with tourist climbing up and down its assembled steel, connected only by rope and common daredevil desires. With fondness in my glazed eyes, i remembered my time on the bridge, back when i was captivated by this city, my job and life's possibilities. Funny thing is, it was only two years ago. Too many corporate illusions in such a contracted span of time will do that to someone. You know, shove them out of love or even like of their career, or just maybe over the bridge into the harbor.

As usual, i racked up the sky miles from Sydney to Auckland to Tokyo then Singapore with a respite in Langkawi, Malaysia. Then there was more business in Singapore and Hong Kong before returning to the ocean city of Sydney. i really missed my boyfriend, The pleasures of his smile was on hiatus. i was across the world experiencing exotic and sometimes frightening things, all alone. My stereotypical French boss and his Laotian "yes-man" were not my idea of traveling companions. They weren't even my idea of co-workers.

The one thing that helped keep my spirits up was shopping! The dollar was strong and I had lots of them. The Yen dug deep into my pockets, but Hong Kong and Sydney helped improve my mood. I begged my main man to take a contract (work) in Sydney (with me). He was an independent consultant at that time. We could have lived like royalty. He balked and I returned to my homeland and lover.

To my surprise, as one door was closing, another one was creeping open. My main man was just as ready for a change of life as i had become, or at least he thought so. We bought and renovated a couple of old DC row houses, got engaged and became married- all in the following year. Whew! What a whirlwind of 12 months. I would not suggest such vigorous activity to anyone.
Let's just say there were therapist's and prescriptions involved. :o) i (soon) abandoned the notion of pharmaceutical aid and found my way back to yoga. i didn't realize what a blessing and significant part of my life this discipline would become.

Throughout our courtship, my husband and I sustained a commuter relationship. My girlfriends couldn't believe that i considered myself whole and fulfilled without having my mate at arm's reach seven days a week. i found it odd that they would consistently demand the attention and presence of their partners. To each their own. But, of course, the news that free spirit me would actually jump the broom and take a groom dazed and intrigued them all. Secretly, i relished any opportunity to add shock value. i don't consider myself a rebel, but one of my favorite quotes would be by Malcolm X: "The road to freedom is seldom traveled by the masses." So yes, this wild child was settling down with a Muslim man to boot....more shock value!

Within six months of the wedding, the glow of "newlywedism" had faded to black. Life as a single person during the week versus partying lovebirds on the weekend was taking its toll on the 29-year-old corporate burnout. Hubby and i talked about finally consolidating households. We would convert our newly renovated city pad into a rental property, and i would finally make the move to Philadelphia where he had been on a long term contract. There was some resistance by my partner to actually begin our marriage- you know, living together, sharing finances, starting a family. It seemed he really hadn't thought through the logistics of merging our separate lives into a single joint venture. Well, I had, and ready- or-not off we went. I had recently joined him as a 30-something, picked up my life, and moved to a foreign city-not so scary for me, but leaving my friends and financial independence, well that was a bitter pill to swallow.

Little did i know then that life was about to become a bit more daunting.

Shortly after the transplant shock subsided, i found that my ovulation tracking software, fertility OPK kits, and Nazi-like cervical mucous checks finally yielded the desired results. Just six months post birth control pill abandonment, and we are pregnant! Like many first-time preggers, I went overboard with the announcement to hubby. There were pink and blue balloons, my Elmo doll- yes, Elmo- holding the positive pg test stick in the pocket of his overalls. (Elmo wore 0/3-months overalls) :o)

i was even more ecstatic to find that the dreaded morning sickness seemed to elude me with every week that went by. Nothing more than super exhaustion and occasionally a sharp, debilitating pain on my left side. It only happened twice during my sixth and eighth weeks, and it would retreat as swiftly as it appeared. Not even the agony of those sharp pains dismayed my elation that my life was on an altered course, a married soon-to-be-mommy. Almost no one could believe this was me.

Shortly upon relocating to Pennsylvania, i began the dreaded job search. i wasn't so much looking to re-enter the corporate arena, but this SAHW( stay-at-home wife) thing wasn't as shiny and bright as it seemed from the other side of the playing field. My husband had a life in Pennsylvania. i didn't and desperately needed one. However, after the pregnancy news, the search traversed to locating an OB-GYN.

Can i tell you what an eye opening experience this was? Man, health-care in America is in deep trouble if you ask me. It took four referrals from wives of men i barely knew and four weeks to finally confirm an OB appointment. Week ten and two days would be my first eagerly appointed appointment. Week ten and zero days, i began bleeding bright red blood. I had ignored my intuitive suspicion regarding the previous two weeks of dark brown spotting. Various sources- cyber chat clubs and mommy-to-be books-had assured me that old brown blood was less suspicious than fresh red blood. Boy, was i right that something was wrong.

Two emergency rooms later, four doctors, a surgeon, one less fallopian tube, two pints of blood, one week in the hospital, and four weeks of no driving or exercise as i lay all alone on my couch popping Oxycontin and waiting for my stitches to dissolve- my mind drifted back to final days in Asia. "Life wasn't so bad, little girl," I thought to myself. "Sure some men I worked with were jerks, but I knew how to handle them. Maybe you weren't designed for this particular calling," my mind continued on this path. "You may not have liked your career, but at least you were good at it." Okay, so I stopped taking the Oxycontin and on to the 800mg Ibuprofen- much less taxing on the brain and emotions. I must say the healing process was a mountain to climb. i really wanted to be pregnant, have a baby, and be a mother. i always got what I wanted, but this time I was humbled instead of rewarded.

One year and one month later, i found myself being rewarded in a way i never anticipated. Me, the yoga preaching/teaching, natural childbirth advocate, was being put through her paces at The Birth Center. Thirty-one hours of active labor elapsed before everyone was tired, and we schlepped across the street to the hospital for Pictocin and drug relief. Seven hours after that, my reward was in hand. He was pushed out in 30 minutes, all seven pounds, seven ounces, bright-eyed and a carbon copy of my own newborn picture!

"Oh my God," after noting the immediate physical relief that washed over me, "this is how it happens. I'm a part of the circle of life. " Smiling inside, I was proud to have conquered this rite of passage. Those doubts about my fertility and worthiness to become a mom softened with each waning contraction.

So, not only am i a SAHW, I've added SAHM to my list of credentials. The journey has been awesome. In just 13 months, i have re-acquainted myself with many positive characteristics of the old me that i mistakenly thought had no place in my "new" life, as well as discovered elements of my new evolving self. i must admit, it took some time for me to feel like i was NOT baby-sitting, that indeed, this is my son. It took me a while to realize that sleeping in no longer exists; forget about it now and don't be resentful.

On the other hand, i smile like Ronald McDonald when watching my little man trying to run from his father who's chasing him on all fours, or when he "looks" for me behind my hands as we play peek-a-boo. i also preen with pride as i reply, "yes" when asked if i still breast-feed or when my yoga students congregate around my little man after class even though he squealed all the way through savasana.

There has been enough distance, kind of like labor, that i can look at my career and highlight the idyllic memories, foregoing the less favorable aspects like the mind-numbing meetings on situations that will never change. My new career offers me the position of teacher and student on a daily basis. Together we unfold our mutual biographies, one day at a time. And, oh yeah, i had almost forgotten how intriguing an old set of house keys can be!

Baby Hulk #2 is awake. All writing and efforts of concentration must cease now. :o) Shortly after the publication, i moved back to DC and the rest is history being made. i hope you enjoyed this Shakti trip. A few things were clarified on how i got to this fork in the road, and i have been reminded......

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

"If you let me play sports...."

"Wow," was all I could say when I first viewed this simply eloquent commercial. It took me back a couple decades, the Nike commercial, "if you let me play sports..." Young ladies and girls of varying ethnicities making a simple case that sports offers competition, triumph, discipline, self-control, defeat and principles of team work, which are all necessary lessons for the soul. Each spokesgirl spouts a statistical relationship between sports participation and the probability she will be better prepared to make healthier and conscious decisions for her life in a range of probable circumstances.

As a former gymnast I am profoundly grateful for the long hours spent preparing my body to defy gravity and my mind to mitigate fear. Courage was aroused. Countless hours of chalking hands, peeling blisters, taping & wrapping injuries, "mind over matter," my favorite coach persisted. I didn't realize at the time he was opening the world of physics to us everyday on the mat. "Hold your center, plant your feet, stick low then stand tall" he exulted. He drew us into the realms of velocity, torque, relativity, visualization and manifestation. We weren't the top seated team or anything, just another band of girls bound by our mutual sacrifices and rewards.

Gymnastics is kinda funny, it's a team and individual sport simultaneously. At any given meet the team counts on each member to bring their A game. The lowest score per apperatus is dropped and all others add to the total pot for hopefully, 1st place team honors at meets end. As this is unfolding their is another layer of individual competition between the team members for next weeks placement in the line-up, going last is best, The Alpha Gymnast. And just so the young souls are being properly groomed for the realities of life to come for them, there is yet another layer of competition happening within the meet of young Shapeshifters. Competition among all the athletes for top honors on the 4 individual aperatesus.

Yes indeed, it was always a long Tuesday night during the gymnastic season, ask my parents. So we walk in with duffle bags slung over the shoulders, sports slippers with white socks to comfort our aching feet and matching warm ups to conceal our matching leotards reflecting our school colors and team pride beneath. Some nights there was even bling, matching eye glitter if it were a prestigous meet. We entered as a team, marching to the beat of optimism and anticipation locked in step, but we were also individual expressions of the whole. There were individual All-Around placements and individual Best of Bars, Floor, Vault and Balance Beam. Most of the competitors would be from the opposing 2 or 3 other teams present, but depending on the depth of talent in one's own ranks, much of the competition could be homegrown and in house. The psychology and sociology of competition among 14-17 yr old girls probably drove our coaches to drink! But 20 years later the lessons are still salient and relevant.

This period of past training has been on my mind a lot lately. The balance beam offered sutras of focus. At 4 inches wide and 4 feet high, carrying the weight of team expectations and individual glory, the ability to turn down the noise of the circus swarming all around, remaining calm and completely present was fundamental. From this point we could call upon our fearlessness to execute moves that now seem like utter foolishness, like why?, but seemed a good idea at the time. We had invisible wings and through gymnastics we could demonstrate flight.

It was hard. It was a winter sport in the Northwest. It was rewarding. Gymnastics was a great education. We were fortunate to learn the concept of introspection at an early age. Many long practices encouraging teammate's thru disappointing performances while digging deep to fend off one's own feelings of dispare over teenage issues of the moment, those pesky distractions. Like siblings we fought and sometimes envied each other. But coach was always there to remind us that we were there for the sake of each other. The equipment was our competition not each other, we served as motivation to excel for one another.

From this we learned compassion, how to heal each other, wrapping and setting each others fractured bones and twisted joints. We learned to persevere thru the illusions of pain and disappointment. We learned how to reach out and lean on one another in times peril, when the team had to dig deep and pull it out as a collective, while still holding our goals as individuals. However, he did miss the mark on teaching surrender. It was yoga that brought me to this concept. I'm learning that surrender is not analogous to giving up, yet is essential to healthy emotional balance. We always stood before our opponent with respect, the apperatues. Like martial artists bow in, gymnasts salute in. Yep, many collective hours spent staring down the excercise equipment seeking the answer, looking for a new way to solve the quagmire of the routine.

Well, of course it was never the equipment.

In came the sutras on meditation and taming the fluctuations of the mind. My coach taught us to visualize our routines. When we were on deck, just before being called up to execute, he would have us stand or sit alone, breath and visualize a flawless routine. Were they all flawless? Come on, we were Jedi's in training, and still remain so, sigh.... Yes, I accomplished a few fantastic personal goals. We learned to play with the resistent edge of resilience, we refer to it as "the edge" in asana practice (yoga). The gym lessons fanned out across my life, this I know.

Olympics? No. That never entered my mind. Although I remember skipping school, yep, to veg and watch the Olympic gymnasts and celebrate their triumphs. The cost benefit is a personal decision for each individual. Your girl here wanted to experience life in real time, no way, the sacrifice to the self and family was too great for my taste. Hats off to those whose path was so.

I could go on, but I guess the message is that participating in sports was a fantastic yoga trip. It left an indelible impression on the comprehensive quality of my character and life.

If you let me play sports..... I love cool memories.