Explanations

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars." --Jack Kerouac

  The above quote is the inspiration for the title of this blog.  It's been a favorite quote of mine for quite some time; I've always felt some great kinship with the descriptors in it.  As a performer, musician, and seeker of truth how can I not be moved by the text?  I'm sure my fellow artistic colleagues and yogis feel a similar buzzing in their hearts and tug at their tummies when reading it.


  The big connector to the quote for me is, in fact, yoga.  I was participating in an Anusara inspired class, which according to samadhiyoga.net is this: 

"Anusara-inspired Yoga- Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara® is a school of Hatha Yoga that combines a philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. The practice is characterized by an emphasis on opening the heart, both physically and emotionally, and a dedication to celebrating the inherent goodness in all people and all things. Anusara® postures are expressed from the inside out, originating not from a wish to control the body with outside forces-but from a deep, devotional feeling in the heart."

  I was in a class last night when the instructor took a moment to ask us a question.  "What would it feel like if you walked into the room as your best and highest self?"  The room swelled with the natural heat of of a space populated by warm bodies in late April as we, the pupils, considered the question.  "It's quite simple," he continued.  "Make the decision, and do it."  He infused us all with joy as he encouraged us to empower ourselves, demonstrating our inner strength by toning and strengthening ourselves physically on the outside.  By the end of the class I was sweating like mad, had done four rounds of Wheel Pose, had pushed myself, but also accepted myself.  As I relaxed in Savasana (Corpse Pose, the final pose of yoga classes where the mind can become still and one thanks his/her body for strength and the experience through class) I listened to the music Ian, our instructor, played on his Ukulele, plucking strings to form a dialogue of music; a stream of sound that helped me to cease any worrying and relax in the moment.  As his voice reawakened us, I discovered tears on my skin.  I had a moment of epiphany where I felt worthy of happiness and realized that I love myself.  We came to a comfortable seated position to end our class in unison, and as we bowed in traditional thank you to Ian (a gesture of respect between student and teacher is bowing of the head while saying "namaste", literally meaning "the divine within me honors the divine within you") a few stray tears raced down my cheeks.  The instructor and I shared a look as I collected my belongings, and as he turned to help another student with a question, I sneaked out the door, put on my coat, and stepped out of the studio to rejoin the outside world.  I didn't want to leave.


  Here is where the magic comes in: we have the ability to take that self empowerment to become our best selves every moment of every day.  It's staggering how we can be blinded by the simplicity of it.  Choose to be your best self, strive to be your best self, and you will be your best self.  And so I now choose to be my best self.


  This summer begins the rest of my life.  A life supported by self empowerment and self cultivated happiness and exploration.  If you so choose, you can follow my adventures, which will be updated frequently with pictures, thoughts, quotes, and potentially a bad joke here and there.


  Here is a preview of what is to come: a 21 Day Cleanse courtesy of Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr, my yoga teacher training (20 hours of yoga a week for 14 weeks?  Yes please!), the opening of my first show out of school as a principle role (take a sneak peek at dress rehearsal), climbing my first 14er, kayaking, meeting new people, and trying new things.  As I find little things that bring me joy, I will post them here in the hopes they can serve you as they serve me.


  Enjoy my friends, and namaste.