letterfrompublisher
D
uring the month of August, my mantra always seems to be, “When the kids go back to school...” Anything that did not have an immediate deadline was added to the long list of things to do when my kids were no longer at home with me everyday. In addition to chores around the house and work-related projects, lifestyle changes were also added to the list. I would begin to feel like I was making back-to-school resolutions, as if September was the new January. Jumpstarting my dwindling yoga practice usually landed at the top of the list, which conveniently coincided with the September observance of National Yoga Month. This year, the typical whirlwind of August started picking up speed with Josh’s return to his teaching role full-time, while my September deadlines neared and submissions quickly escalated. One morning early in the month, we had only been up for a matter of minutes when I could already feel my patience shortening, my mind racing. Out of desperation for a different path, I did something that I can’t remember doing since becoming a mom—I dropped everything for yoga. I pulled up my yoga app and, without thinking twice, I began a 21-day yoga practice entitled “Get Strong, Be Calm”. I had to adjust my poses around dogs on my mat, and the kids stomped around the house during savasana, but it was still yoga, and I felt rejuvenated and grounded afterward. As I write this letter, I’m 16 days into the series and I’ve only missed one practice. That experience created a paradigm shift for me—I realized that yoga can be a priority in my busy life. I will always love escaping to the serenity of a yoga studio, but at this point in my life, a daily practice is much more accessible if I can flow through my vinyasa amidst the buzz of everyday life. Sometimes the kids roll out their own mats and join me, other times I’m forced to pause my practice to break up World War III. In my practice today, the teacher, Tara Lee, said, “Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming the world. Whatever change we want to happen outside, should happen within. If you walk in peace and express that peace in your very life, others will see you and learn something.” This resonates deeply within me, reinforcing the importance of a dedicated practice. Yoga is a way of life. My practice on my mat is just that—a “practice” for living. If I want to make a difference in the world, in my community, in my home, I must first secure a sense of peace within myself. What grounds you when you’re stressed, motivates you when you’re worn out, and fills you with compassion and good intentions when you’re feeling frustrated or lost? Maybe it’s music or art or sports. For me, it’s yoga. If you don’t have something that guides you to be the best you can be (and even if you do!), I encourage you to try yoga. If you are like me and your first yoga experience didn’t impress you, try another class, another teacher or another style until you find something you like. We’ve packed our September issue with articles about this ancient practice and the many free events taking place in our community this month. You’ll quickly see that our community has become rich with yoga, offering a vast range of opportunities. Now is the time to find which ones are the perfect match for you. As we say in yoga, “The Divine light in myself, honors the Divine light in you.”
Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition
Publisher/Editor Meredith Montgomery Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Marketing Manager Marcia Manuel Distribution Manager Stephanie Klumpp Editing Team Michelle Bense, Anne Wilson, Michael Wilson, Gabrielle Wyant-Perillo, Josh Montgomery Design and Production Meredith Montgomery Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375
HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback. Natural Awakenings is printed on recyclable newsprint.
Namaste, 6
contact us
www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com