Hymn to Full

I love that I have several close friends and SYL students who are along various stages of pregnancy. Came across this sweet poem while doing a little prenatal yoga research.... this one's for all the mommies and moms-to-be out there!

"Here is my hymn to the washing machine full of diapers full of fluorescent mustard baby poop. Here is a hymn for clogged milk ducts, bras stuffed with cabbage leaves, breasts bursting with nourishment.

Here is my hymn for hampers: seventy-five thousand shades of pink soaked in soured milk and baby pee. Here is my hymn to a full house, my hymn to clutter, my hymn to nothing ever gets done, not dishes, not floors, not groceries, not even poems.

Here is my hymn to calendars, full of doctor’s appointments: pediatric, obstetric, chiropractic.

Here is my hymn for my daughter, full of vigor and vitality, her belly round, her brain busy absorbing the world, one primary color, one consonant, one note, one face, one scent at a time. And finally, here is a hymn, the first hymn ever to my heart, who now knows how to overflow."

- Robin Merrell

I hope your heart is overflowing,
Kristal











Robin Merrill

Sun is shining...

Beautiful day out. I decided to run a few errands before the 6pm class tonight. While at Target, roaming the aisles shopping for some items for the studio (and eyeing a few items for me) I had two interactions with employees. Both were ter-rib-ble!! I mean, I understand working at Target may not be the best gig in the world but are people seriously that unhappy? I got a nasty look from one lady and the other who rang me up never once made eye contact with me. Growing up, my sister and I used to joke about people like this and say, "What crawled up your butt and died?" So bad I know. Of course, these unpleasant people didn't stop my from making my purchases, but I couldn't help but run out of there feeling crappy.
I felt the urge to run into Starbucks prior to my return to the studio and I was not gonna slide into the Target one. So I drove to the nearest one already anticipating a barista-ttitude! Nontheless, I headed in, placed my order and to my surprise exchanged not only nice small talk with the young guy at the counter, but even a laugh about how we both thought it was still morning (I got a 'good mornin' as I walked in). Silly I know, but let me tell you, it felt good after what I had just gone through. As the barista called out, 'mam... ' I headed to back to the counter to pick up my drink and he handed it over saying, 'has anyone told you today how beautiful you are?' I had to chuckle and scurry out after saying thank you. I'm flattered really, but that's not what this is about. You see, it amazes me that from one minute to the other I went from feeling pretty damn shitty to GREAT! If only more people took the time to realize what being nice to others does... perhaps we could contribute to a much happier society (or atleast shopping experience)! This is not about Target or Starbucks, it's about leaving a lasting impression on someone who just may be a complete and total stranger. A smile goes a L-O-N-G way believe you me! A nice gesture or remark goes even further - especially in the service industry (which we are all a part of in some form or another).
The Sun came out today after a slew of rainy, cold and grey days. Now back at the studio... I'm feeling the love and the light!

SYL

This photo is unbelievable!! Our uber-talented photographer Sean Buzzetta has given us a sneak peek of what's to come from our studio/instructor photoshoot a few weeks ago. What a tease he and his wife are! If you or anyone you know is in need of photography services... I highly, highly recommend this husband/wife duo! Aside from the talent, they're down-to-earth, young, vibrant and oh need I mention... yogis? Stay tuned for more pics!
I must say, it feels so nice to be back on track. The blog track. The teaching track. The having-a-sense-of routine and responsibility (again)-track. I can, with a very humble heart, say that at this point I am complete. Southtown Yoga Loft is undoubtedly a dream come true for me (and the hubs). It took going through what felt like hell and back in order to get here, but you know such is life right? If things were all smooth sailing all the time, what would we learn from, how would we grow as individuals and members of an ever-changing society? What then would we have to contribute? Nada.
A sincere thank you to those who joined in the Grand Opening festivities last Friday night. I tried to express my love and gratitude with a lump of emotions in my throat... so if it didn't come across clearly - it's here now. I am obliged. The studio is now well into it's second (official) week and it's so lovely to see new students from in and around the community. We will grow SYL together!
As for this blog, I'd like to use this resource as a community board where we can get to know each other and our community a little better... on and off the mat! Feel free to shoot me comments, suggestions, questions, etc.! I'm here for you as your teacher and friend.

(Smiling),
Kristal