I think this is the first morning in about 4 weeks that I have woken up feeling rested and refreshed (and also gone to bed without the help of over the counter sleep aids…but that’s a whole ‘nother story). I was more than ready to practice this morning and drove through the rain to the yoga studio for a great 90 minute session.
It was a small, intimate group this morning, only about 6 or so students, all of whom I had practiced with before. We set our mats up in a circle and went with that circular theme throughout the class, light-heartedly dancing around the mat and flowing with grace, breaking free from the typical linear practice that we are all used to. Good- bye Surya Namaskar A and B! Don’t worry, we will meet again soon – but today, let’s just play!
I left the studio feeling healthy and strong for the first time in a while. I don’t know if it was the good night’s sleep, the strong practice this morning, or the company of my beautiful friends this weekend that has brought me to this feeling, but I’m welcoming it with open arms and embracing it with a big warm hug.
I have to admit that these past few weeks I have been…off balance, so to speak. Not sad or depressed, just up in the air, very distracted and heavy with the infamous “monkey mind.” I have felt slightly disconnected from my practice, my body, my mind…which means a disconnection from other things I love like cooking and this blog! My posts have been less than inspiring and I’m definitely lacking a bit in the motivation department. So what’s the deal? Well, your guess is as good as mine!
It all brings me back to yoga (duh, didn’t you know I was going here!?). Sometimes we get on the mat ready for a vigorous practice with challenging poses and even take our bodies to places they have never been. Other times we get on and sit in child’s pose for 30 minutes, just breathing and resting. If it happens on the mat, then how could we not expect those waves, the ups and downs, the back and forth, in our everyday lives? AH-hah! I think I’m on to something…
So thanks for riding the waves with me my friends, and not giving up on me. You guys are the best!
Okay, moving on.
In other (food-related) news, I’ve been a busy little bee in the kitchen today. I’m just loving the abundance of fresh and light flavors that Summer has to offer. Tonight is a tribute to that with lots of color using the season’s best.
First up, a salad of baby romaine with orange slices and radishes. I had a close call while segmenting the orange…almost lost a finger. Okay, so I’m being a bit dramatic, but I did catch the end of the knife on my ring finger and had to end the slicing for a bit…Don’t worry S and K, nothing got in the food 
I also made some cucumber rolls and peanut sauce, just for kicks and giggles.
They sure are pretty, huh?
And last but not least, some grouper marinated in olive oil, lime juice and zest, fresh mint and salt and pepper.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming….
Anyway.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
- Anais Nin
Today is the day my friends! Have a good one.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I have ‘monkey mind’ too! Oh bother! Going to my first EVER yoga class tonight. Yeehaa!
I’m glad you are having a good day and feeling more rested. ;-)
That grouper sounds great – how was it? I am just now starting to try more fish, as I used to not eat it at all. And I had never heard that quote, but it’s a good one, I agree!
Well as always the food looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL! But I do believe you really got me on the quote….LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing! :-)
everyone gets in those funks, but i have loved seeing your meals regardless! you have been making some amazing food for them and I’m sure that has kept you busy.
close call with the knife! I’ve definitely cut myself a few times, but nothing horribly bad.
I love that quote. Very metaphoric for my life right now, as well. Yes, keep on swimming, girl.
Courtney, I have been going through a VERY similar feeling this summer. I just feel off and not quite like me. Today is actually the first day in a long while that I’ve felt good and just, healthy. I wake up tired and disoriented too much lately. Here’s to hoping our wave has passed and I really enjoyed your musings on the subject.
Even the things we are most passionate about in life (yoga, running, food, whatever) can sometimes be less inspiring – yet if everything was as fulfilling all the time, the stasis would bore us to tears! We are human after all, and it is this ebbing and flowing (and how we deal with it) that keeps things interesting. Keep your spirits up, this too will pass! :)
I love the yoga/life analogy. I think we could all use a little more child’s pose, no?
And I’m SO glad you kept all your digits. I love the word “digit.”
I want those cuke rolls! They look so good!
Glad you got some sleep my friend. Maybe you’re feeling off due to all that rain Tampa has been getting lately. I get that way in the winter as Nashville stays pretty gloomy throughout the colder months.
What a beautiful dinner! Wow, everything looked almost too pretty to eat, and be careful with that knife. You need your fingers for when that silverware drawer is just too far away from the almond butter jar. :)
I understand completely where you are coming from in terms of the “blah” feeling, esp when it comes to my blog choices. My food choices have been boring, except for the special event July 4th and my dad’s BDAY I haven’t done anything interesting!
I think there are times when we all struggle with the things we usually love. It’s all a part of learning from your mistakes and coming back and pushing through those difficult times. Hang in there!!!
LOVING that salad. Such pretty colors! :)
I truly have to thank you for getting me more into yoga – I have been to just two classes at my gym recently (before then I had just had a class in undergrad) – but I am going back tomorrow for another type – I think hatha? I can’t wait!
MarathonVal,
I’m so glad to hear that! Good for you, keep it up girl!