Perspective
Had someone told my mom and me three years ago how these past three years would have unfolded, we would never have bought Coffee Talk! With that being said, we both agree that we would do this all over again in a heartbeat!!! Ignorance is bliss. These past several years have been filled with hopes, dreams, self-doubt, tears and physical labor so intense that every cell in my being screamed with agony. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that Betty & I would use a sledge hammer. We had a blast taking out a block wall. I even got to use a jackhammer to remove the front pond. Through this whole experience, there have been many days that I dreaded pulling off the covers, wondering what I ever did to deserve this, this life I was creating. How could I look my husband and son in the eyes? How did I get us into this mess of owning a piece of the American dream, owning my own business? And yet, the personal growth, the friendships and clarity couldn't have come any other way.
One of my favorite quotes that has become a recurrent theme in the over 10 years that I have practiced and taught yoga is, "the thought behind the thought behind the thought is based in one of two things... love or fear." This quote has helped me refocus my perspective on more than one occasion. When we come from a place of fear, we contract, we limit ourselves and our life experiences. Every thought, word spoken and action taken roots itself in judgment, criticism and isolation. When, instead, we come from a place of love, we expand, we extend beyond ourselves and connect.
Applied to our yoga practice, on our mats, coming from love and not fear teaches us to breathe through sensations rather than resist them, to focus our thoughts on our breath rather than get lost in them. Off our mats, we learn that by coming from love, each life experience is an opportunity to keep our hearts open. Shifting our perspective does not mean life, instantly, becomes easy or we won't slip into old habit patterns of despair. Perspective reminds us that each day, each moment, we have a choice... We can choose to expand and grow or contract and remain stuck. It is that simple.
...and Mesa wouldn't have been the same without you 2!
A VERY grateful regular!
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As you both know I was brought to ITB by divine interventions, my husband and the universe. When I see the passion and wheels turning in Carrie's eyes and love of the property when Betty waters the greenery and both of your minds working paying attention to detail, I believe your vision to make ITB a place to contribute to make Mesa a better community is soooo possible. Doing some research on the internet I came upon this quote and all I could think of is sharing this with the both of you:
"Everyone has a purpose in life...a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals. "
~Deepak Chopra
Namaste, Melissa
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I want to take some time to express my deep gratitude to Betty and Carrie. I was praying for a place to take yoga, develop nurturing relationships, have lunch with a friend, and teach a Tai Chi class. I have found them all!!
I have a wonderful marriage, work full time and care for my elderly mother, so I didn't have the time to fit in the healthy classes that I needed. I was just too exhausted at the end of the day. When I met Carrie at the Bungalow and she mentioned that she was a yoga practitioner, I got soooo excited. A place close to where I live that I can study yoga and offer a class to others... What a gift! This was something that I had been praying for...
I started with the very first class that was offered. It was taught outside on the back patio and had a core group of 6-10 students. We practiced yoga in the heat of the summer and Carrie would serve us fresh brewed tea afterwards. There was such a sweetness about the class that I absolutely fell in love with the people and the space. My favorite class now is fundamentals of yoga on Saturday morning at 9:30. I always look forward to it when my schedule permits. Carrie is truly a Warrior and her strong, healthy spirit always has nurtured and healed. She has the best sense of humor of any teacher that I have worked with. I recently have also had an opportunity to go to one of Betty's classes. What a special experience her class was. Very healing and gentle. I absolutely loved it!
I have talked with Jennifer, Nancy, Nora and Cora Lee and have yet to go to their classes but I look forward to when my work schedule is lighter and I can go. I have found them all to be very knowledgeable and dedicated as teachers. I did get to try Ingrid's class on Sunday and that was truly a treat. Very creative and filled with a sweet sweet Spirit! I feel so blessed to be a part of such a tremendous group of people.
These are difficult times. I find that turning towards the light as often as possible is what is needed in my life right now. Every time I go to the Bungalow I feel like I am turning towards the light.
I am working on a coffee substitute drink (probably a Pero drink) to be offered on the menu. I'll let you know when I perfect it!
In the Shoyo Roku there is a line which says, "On the withered tree, a flower blooms." This line reminds me of my healing process at the Bungalow.
Have a great day and thank you all for being a part of my life!
Sunny
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