Everyday Yogini

Thanksgiving rocked this year, Yoginis. Seriously good times, like I’ve never had before. First things first, I did all the cooking for the first time in my life. I’ve never felt compelled to do the complete, crazy, table-full of over-abundant goodness. I’ve preferred to eat with family or neighbors… but of course, being in Rome, what’s a girl to do?

Invite some guests and do it yourself, that’s what.

After hours of consultation with my Dad, step-Mom, and Mother, I had the final menu planned. I even bought an American turkey. Just to be safe. I just didn’t know if Italian turkey would behave the same way in an oven… anyway, with a flutter of nervousness in my belly, I set to work making pie crusts and butterflake rolls last weekend, and, if the rave reviews are any indication, I did my great-grandma proud. The turkey and stuffing were both sweet and juicy, just as it should be. The veggies were perfectly done to a tender crisp yumminess, not to mention the creamy goodness of the mashed potatoes and gravy. The best part for me was hearing the rapt silence around the table as everyone savored the pumpkin-pecan pie with fresh whipped cream (that had my Mother’s secret ingredient).

Perhaps you wonder how my gluten and dairy-free-ness held up under the intense pressure of the holiday. Well, it didn’t. I decided to enjoy the friggen holiday and eat all the delicious food I made. Perhaps enough time has passed since the procedure, but it seemed to be okay. Not perfect and not something my body would be able to handle every day, but oh, the sheer joy of eating pie and rolls and stuffing.

I reflected deeply while I was cooking. Reflected on all the blessings that make up the tapestry of my life, and my heart was filled with a gratitude that defies description. It felt timeless and endless. It felt so good.

Of course, first and foremost, I am grateful for a healthy, spirited daughter and a loving, devoted husband. Given my dating track record, it is truly miraculous that Erick waltzed into my life and whisked me off to Idaho.

Living in Italy is amazing. I love being here so much. The food and the culture have captured my heart. From the crazy drivers, to the defensive walking, it is so full of dynamic connections between people. Going back to DC a few weeks ago really brought that home for me. I missed the chaos and the humanity of it all.

Related to that is my job at the Embassy. It could have been any position, but it just so happened it ended up being a position that I actually enjoy so much that I would like to do similar work when we return to the States. That is wild serendipity is what that is, Yoginis.

I’ve spoken before about how my ongoing pain and illness have proven to be a great teacher and a blessing. I have learned patience and surrender in new ways - I am a better person for having experienced all that I have in the last year. I’ve written oodles on this already - enough said.

The more mundane things that bring happiness to my heart right now are the holiday music playing on the classical music station here, the fake Christmas tree that we put up last weekend (it’s so gorgeous!! I can’t believe it!), Clara’s darling holiday clothes, our growing list of holiday events to attend and put on, and, finally, a Christmas trip to Austria to pack for.

But of course, gratitude isn’t simply about recognizing all the good things we have, but seeing the blessing in the dark circumstances. Take some time during the holidays to reflect on some experiences that you’ve always viewed as negative and look for all the blessings that were a direct result of the difficulty. See what you find and see if you can continue to think of difficulty in the same way…

Many blessings to you and your families during this holiday season, Yoginis! In gratitude for all the wisdom you share with me…

My daughter, Clara, attends a British school. It’s the sweetest school and the teachers are awesome. I couldn’t be happier with the situation she is in, the opportunities she is given, the kids that she calls her friends.

In addition to getting a great start in her education, Clara is also now beginning to speak the Queen’s English. Aside from the pronunciation differences, she is correcting me when I use American English!!!

Example:
me: “Clara please throw that in the garbage.”
Clara: “Mother, it’s called the BIN.”

Oh, okay. Really, what can you do with that except just start calling it the bin?? And this is just one of many words that have changed in our household…

So, I actually think it’s pretty cute that Clara is picking up British English. However, the other day, someone asked me if it bothered me that Clara was speaking differently than Erick and I do. I was a little puzzled by the question - really, should I be worried about this? We will eventually move back to the States and she will go back to speaking American English. Simple.

Would any of you be bothered by your kids speaking with a different accent?

Oh, and can I just say, that I LOVE the way she pronounces “Yoga” in her new-found accent! Brilliant!!

I am back!

It felt like the fastest trip ever, but I have a secret. Well, not for long.

After the initial shock of Clara’s tears and getting out the door, I had a great time. I enjoyed thinking about Clara, but I didn’t miss her. At all. Hey, after almost five years (if you count belly-time) of togetherness, it was time for a break. I’m pleased to report that Clara was no worse for the wear and, dare I say it, enjoyed herself tremendously having some one on one time with Erick. And Erick? He’s pretty proud of himself for keeping Clara put together for a whole four days. He didn’t brush her hair the whole time, but a man’s got his limits. I can grant him that.

The flights were long and the food was bad, but, I managed to watch some films that kept me entertained and, I actually laughed out loud during a few of them… I had ample time to meditate and did so. I have a great body-scan meditation loaded on my iPod which is terrific when I am really tense and can’t relax (I don’t find airline seats conducive to relaxing deeply. Maybe it’s just me!). I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to start a meditation practice, or if you travel a lot, it’s a great way to relax in-flight.

I had the luxury of staying with friends who were so sweet to accomodate me! I had a nice space where I did Yoga when I woke up at 3am both nights due to jet lag… how lovely to stretch out and drop into the body when it’s feeling a little kooky due to time zone changes!

Finally, I put the whipped cream on top of my visit by having an Accupuncture treatment with Kate. I can’t recommend her enough if you are in the DC area. What a tasty treat before getting on a long-haul flight…

Clara was awake when I got home and I was as thrilled to see her as she was me. It’s wonderful to be home, but it was wonderful to be away, too. And now, I’m sure next time will come sooner than later.

This morning, in the flurry of activity before leaving the house, I stopped of course, to give a special goodbye to Clara. She cried, “Mommy, I don’t want to miss you!” ,needless to say, it was a tearful departure for both of us… Thank you for the good thoughts for a safe trip. I’ll be back soon.

Tomorrow morning I am getting on a plane to go to Washington, DC for exactly 56 hours.  I assure you there will be many opportunities to practice mindfulness, use Yogic breathing, and, with a 10 hour flight?  Yep.  Lots of time to meditate. 

This is an exciting trip (and a bit nerve-racking) for many reasons.  First and foremost, this is the first time I’ve ever left Clara.  I’m sure everything will be fine, but the control-freak Mother in me is maybe not-so-sure everything will be fine.  Ahem.  If you know what I mean.  
It is also exciting to be going back to the states, to gain some perspective on life in Rome. I’m pretty sure going the speed limit is going to challenge my Romanized driving style…  

Lastly, I am going for a training which is very exciting!  I am very much looking forward to learning some new skills that the Embassy can (hopefully) implement immediately.  I am so grateful for the opportunities that I’m always being given!  

Wish me a safe journey and, please, Yoginis, think good thoughts for Clara and her Father while I’m away…   

When hope swells the heart of the world,
I vow with all Beings,
To enjoy the sweet bliss of this moment,
As we prepare for the hard work ahead.

This morning, at about 4:30 a.m. local time, Barack Obama was proclaimed the 44th President of the United States of America. I was up every two hours checking the news on my Blackberry. I barely slept. When I read the words of victory, I wept, and, consequently woke everyone in the family up. Erick told me before I left for work that I looked radiant - and I felt it.

Thank you Barack Obama, for being the inspiration that you are. Thank you for your willingness to lead our country during the toughest of times. May we all work together to become the nation we are so capable of being.