Energy and momentum are increasing….

…. both internally and through the electrical wires!

I am so excited about our new space.  These are some quotes from people who have visited JOURNEYoga, Penrose.
“Fix it!” – a 15 month old boy who could tell the space was not done yet!
“This is like your grown up business…” – another yoga teacher.
“3 rooms, really?” – yoga student
“You want to change the corner cabinet again???” – my contractor.

This is our foreman Chris, working on the electrical panel.  This picture was taken the week before Thanksgiving and is now much more connected and energized!

Chris is getting connected

We are on track to transition from one studio to the next at the end of the year. I will let you know when the details are firm!

Do you see what I see?

The JOURNEY to walls has begun!

While I practice breathing on my mat, life is easy the breath flows, but when dealing with the buildout of the new studio, sometimes my breath tightens.  Mindfulness and awareness start the process of releasing tension and breathing easy.

I took a glee-ful HUGE breath when I walked in and saw walls being created.  This breath was met with a coughing fit that turned into a laughing fit!  That joyfilled breath was also filled with construction dust and a reminder that our frustrations and joys are all temporary.  The present moment is where love lives!

AND I AM LOVING THIS SPACE!

Patience is for Pansies!

Acceptance.
Stillness.
Contentment.

These traditionally yogic principals sound great. They might lead to a peaceful life with an easy going, conflict free tone however I am struggling to reconcile these principals with one of the Niyamas established by Patanjali in the 8 Fold Path.  The niyamas are qualities that we are meant to embody and cherish.

 

Tapas. 

Not small plates but  tapas means self-discipline and determination. Doing the things we don’t want to do because they are good for us. Pushing a little more than our first reaction lets on. Tapas seems to be contrary to acceptance and contentment.

I believe we have to use a little buddhist wisdom to sort this out.
Om mani padme hum. One rough translation of this mantra identifies three powerful characteristics. Patience, widsdom and diligence. I believe the wisdom sandwiched in the middle encourages you to balance patience with diligence.
Up until now, the new studio space has benefitted from patience. I’ve laughed and offered compassion to those around who were not moving at my pace. Tapas. Determination. This has become more important than patience. With a strong push (every day this week) we’ve been given permission to begin putting up some framing for walls!
There is a place for patience in the world, but at what point does patience just become the easy way out? When do you need to be determined and move past acceptance and into progress?
NOW is my answer. What do you think?
Is patience for pansies or all people at all times?

Space is in place

Our space is in place and all is being mobilized!
1. The keys work!
2. The lease is signed by all parties.
3. The building permit is in the works.
4. The space inspires me. How about you?

Empty, unfinished space

Inspiring???

I am excited by the space and can see where walls belong, how we will move through the space, and how tranquil our practice spaces will be. The excitement is brewing and bubbling!

Jinx – myth or reality?

I have hesitated to post about the new space as I am worried I might jinx all our progress!

Here are a few of my thoughts on the concept “jinx”.  Is there an energetic link from all the good that is happening currently and what negative action might occur in order to maintain balance in the universe? Is the universal balance trending towards good or not?  Is my universe sep If I tip off the universe by way of a conscious thought, spoken word, or written blog, will the good be noticed and then JINX-ed by the universe?  I hope not….

Drumroll please…….

We have initial architectural plans in hand!

The first delivery of construction supplies (metal wall framing material) was delivered to the space today!

I should have a key to the new space on Tuesday!

This is the 3rd space and the 3rd forward step.  Third time’s a charm? Jinx in the work?

What do you think?

Small Success

When Google said to me, you are right and we are wrong, somehow it feels like a moral victory.   Small business wins over big business! Small business using big business to be successful, and not the other way around feels glorious.  I love Google and its myriad of services, but I feel like a crumb in the bread isle when it comes to dealing with Google.

The new address of the studio will be 2501 9^th Road South. As it stands, when you google that address it takes you west side of Glebe Road… not accurate.

Unfortunately, 9^th Road South is only two blocks at this location, looks like a sidewalk and ½ and is under the building.  I brought this issue to the attention of Google numerous times and they told me the road did not exist.  Well the road did NOT exist prior to Penrose Square being built.  Persistence won out and with continued descriptions and proof that the US Postal service recognizes the address, Google sent the following message:

“Your Google Maps problem report has been reviewed, and you were right! We’ll update the map soon and email you when you can see the change.”

Small Victories can feel HUGE!  This small victory feels like forward progress toward the new space.  So, if you want something to look forward to, start looking for 2501 9^th Road South, Arlington VA 22204 on Google.  One day we will exist!

JOURNEY as a self-fulfilling prophecy

Moving the studio to a location with more space seemed like a good idea, at first.  Then moving the studio just seemed like a hassle that was going to create more work.  It is obvious that the studio community needs more space, both to spread your wings as individuals and to increase our student base.

The quest for more space is limited in my mind to a few blocks of Columbia Pike.  I want to remain in the hustle-bustle of our neighborhood and in walking distance for many of you.  I’ve talked and negotiated my way around the Pike and decided that Penrose Square is going to be our new home.  The location within this building has become uncertain, but I feel confident we will be there.

My lawyer, who I usually see in a serious light, cracked a joke recently that I am still laughing at.  In the challenges we’ve faced with locations, leases, and timelines he said, “Be careful.  At this rate JOURNEYoga is going to become a self fulfilling prophecy.”

I want to assure all of you that JOURNEYoga will continue its JOURNEY.  We will continue teaching and learning from each other and the spirit of inquiry will keep us alive and interesting.  However, we will have a permanent new home.  I will use this blog to keep you updated on our progress.

While we are on a JOURNEY to stillness, flexibility, strength, peace, courage and community, we are also JOURNEY-ing home.  Join us!