Perfectionism is unforgiving.  The moment we waver or fall, we are besieged with judgments of “not being good enough,” “not trying hard enough,” or really, just sucking.

When we practice balancing postures in yoga, we are immediately confronted by our unsteadiness.  We waver, we shift.  And if we’re trying something particularly new or challenging, we will almost certainly fall the first few times.  These moments of “failure” are an opportunity to re-wire our brains.  Reaching beyond our grasp involves inevitable stumbles, and how sad it would be for us to stay confined in a safe, comfortable space and never try anything new?  [read more...]

America has elected Barak Obama as president.

Yesterday, record numbers of voters seized the opportunity to let their voices be heard.  Today we have the first African-American president in our country’s history; a man whose voice rings out for change, sacrifice, and whose presence is a testimony to the potential of the American dream.

Most of us are not as high profile as President-Elect Obama -   man who has taken of the burden of symbolizing American transformation.  Our lives are more localized, our reach is closer to home.  However, our touch is just as – if not more – profound on those around [read more...]