Life Goes On ~ Beach Lessons

For those of you who were reading back in November, you know that I practice *almost* daily gratitude with a fellow yoga teacher. 

I wanted to share today's gratitude list that I wrote to my gratitude partner...with all of you. A little insight into a beautiful, yet challenging day.

"Grateful for more warmth today…for the opportunity to practice on the beach with a kick ass podcast….for being humbled by sand! Chatturanga's in sand are way harder than I thought. For the day mostly to myself…for the simplicity of nature…and the way life goes on regardless of who is watching."

This afternoon, my husband and family went off for a golf outing...which I was completely excited about. I am an introvert...so I long for days where I can spend alone and any which way I like. I took about a 5 mile walk on the beach exploring little lagoons and mini islands off the beaten path; followed by...as I mentioned in my gratitude, a kick-ass led podcast which i practiced *solo* on the beach. 

I laid my mat down in a serene little spot surrounded by palm trees and cute little bushes....it was an area that was a bit on a hill...so I chose the graded hill for the serene and private space.... although I knew the practice would be challenging after 6 miles yesterday and 5 miles today....and practicing on a bit of a down hill....adding in the beautiful heat from the sun and the passersbys walking the beach..... = CHALLENGING BEACH PRACTICE. 

The practice was full of standing balancing poses....which tested my balance both mentally and physically as my toes tried to grip the sand for stability. Knowing the dolphins were playing and jumping as their normal life ritual and sun was descending as part of it's normal practice....my brief pain in chair pose and warrior two felt like nothing in retrospect to the amazing beauty and vastness of our planet.

As I begin to say goodnight to this day, this moment....I am grateful for my opportunity to be humbled by nature and the innocent surroundings of the ever present moment. What are some pretty awesome things you walk by everyday? take a picture....relish in the moment!