Wow. What a day. It’s quite hot and humid here in Florida but being the true Floridian that I am, I’m not complaining. I’d much rather be warm than freezing. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to wear a sundress 
After running around town all morning I came home to whip up a big salad to take to a little yoga and dinner get together tonight. We are going to practice yoga for a bit, then eat some yummy food including this salad…
Just some arugula with radish, cucumber, green apple, corn (blanched in boiling water), mint and basil. Mmm, vegetables. I love you.
Let’s back track a little though, shall we? This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to play yoga teacher with Jenna from Eat, Live, Run.
Jenna is such a sweetheart, and is actually the reason I started blogging in the first place! We met in early January at a Yoga and Ayurveda workshop at our yoga studio, Yogani. I had, of course, recognized her from her blog in class but hesitated to introduce myself. I didn’t want to be THAT girl. You know the one… the creepy blog stalker.
Anyway.
After getting to know each other over lunch, Jenna encouraged me to start a blog. I had considered the idea before and had actually made a failed attempt…but we won’t go there. The timing was right though that day at lunch, and the idea came to me….The Hungry Yogini was born and the rest is history. So thanks Jenna, for the inspiration and encouragement.
I was so excited to get a text from Jenna this morning… “Have time for a yoga session today?” OF COURSE!!! I had just finished a nice long walk on Bayshore and was right in her area…hello, spontaneity. No mat, no yoga clothes…just my ipod and off to Jenna’s I went.
We practiced right in the living room at Jenna’s condo for about an hour complete with lots of twists and balance poses. We talked a lot about how different each side of our bodies are in so many poses and the various reasons behind it. I imparted my yogic wisdom (I hope you are chuckling right now…) and encouraged her to focus on breathing into those tight places we often hold on to, and just let them be, going along with my latest favorite intention: surrender.
I think Jenna enjoyed her session, but I know that I LOVED sharing yoga with her. My passion has been ignited, especially after this past weekend’s teacher training session and all the time I am spending here in Tampa talking, learning, and practicing with my favorite yogis and yoginis. Teaching and sharing with others just fuels that passion, and even teaches me in the process!
As I left Jenna’s I felt a huge wave of gratitude and calm wash over me. I’m in the right place. I know it.
And one for the road today…
“…I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human…”
– from The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
what a beautiful post :) I’m glad you were able to do that today and have that feeling that you KNOW this is it for you! that’s awesome!
Jenna was actually one of the reasons I started my blog as well, though I have never been fortunate enough to meet her :) you both are such beautiful inspirations to me!
That’s so fun to hear how your inspiration has come right from someone you met in the blogworld. I never thought the internet was as powerful a thing until I encountered how tight-knit blog communities can be. Who knew, right?
You ARE in the right place! I promise you. You were so inspirational and soulful today….just exactly what I needed to take with me on my hectic trip this weekend! You were BORN to teach yoga, girl!!!
I would rather be hot than freezing too! I hate living in the midwest!
I live in the midwest and love the different seasons we have here but I love the HEAT more then anything!! We’ve had a pretty mild summer so far… I am jealous of your FL heat!
Jenna’s blog was a reason I started blogging too! So great that you two could get together!
Aw, this post is so sweet! I would totally be all dorky blog stalkerish if i saw anyone IRL from here too …. that is awesome that the internet can bring us together like this.
Oh and I love the heat too , I’m jealous.
I’m so jealous! I would love to have a personal yoga session from the Yogini herself!! Let me know if you feel like a random trip to Ohio! lol
I have to say, I love your quotes. I am on my way to becoming a yoga teacher myself and I love to have those positive reminders…thanks for posting them!
Sounds like a great yoga session! I absolutely adore the quote at the end of your post.
Hi Courtney, Just discovered your website vis Eat, Live, Run. Just wanted to say Hi from one Tampa gal to another! :-D
Aw, that is so great that you guys had a yoga session together! Now I want a class – maybe once you’re in NYC? ;) Goodness knows I could use some yogic inspiration!
Wow, I never realized Jenna’s influence on your blog! So neat!!! And that must have been so fun teaching. :)
Aww, I’ve been wanting to be in a yoga class for a while now, seems like so much fun.
Btw, that salad looks absolutely yummy!
It sounds like you had a really fun day, and that salad looks delicious!
Michal :-)