September: A Fear Conquered

At some point in the past few weeks I decided that it's time for me to do things that scare me, at least once a month! I want to be more fearless in all aspects of life! As with anything, it takes practice, so what better way than to choose things that scare me or make me nervous, AND THEN DO THEM. Actually follow through.  I did just that tonight, and let me tell you what, I feel amazing. *my legs may not feel so amazing in the morning, but it's a small price to pay*

Tonight I attended my first West African Dance class. Now you may scoff at this and say, "oh Meg, what's so scary about that? It's just a little dancing with drums." 

Let me whisper a little secret in your ear....I feel like I'm a TERRIBLE dancer.  I do!

My friend and fellow yogi, Dawn, was leading the class and has been asking me to come to one for a few months now, so I decided today was the day. Face those fears of being uncoordinated, muppet-like, ungraceful, and judged by all....and dance it out Miss Yogini!

SO I DID.  AND I FEEL AWESOME.

The class was at the studio that I work, Amrita Yoga in Fishtown. It's a beautiful space, it was a beautiful Friday evening, there were amazingly talented live drummers (I mean AMAZING) and of course the beautiful and inspiring Dawn at the helm, leading the way. It was all ladies at the class, and it was so nice to be in the company of other sweet souls. Dawn did an amazing job at creating this safe space for us to explore our bodies and the rhythms.

I think it's been a long time since I've had that much fun. There were times when I was totally confused as to what was going on and messed up some steps, and I didn't even care. I think there was one moment when I judged myself, and I recognized that is a part of me, and I told it that it was welcome to stay around if it wanted, but I was just going to keep giving it my all. And that voice became quiet:)

It was such an amazing experience at watching the mind do it's thing, and tapping into something that naturally moved my body and spirit. Near the end she had us all in a circle and we each had to dance a solo in the center. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Five years ago I would've dropped dead in the scenario. Like, literally, that is my worst nightmare, "what, ME, dance freestyle in front of a group?!?"

Tonight, I threw caution to the wind and I got into that circle and I moved my body, and I felt held up and supported by amazing women, and it was so freeing! I DANCED A SOLO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CIRCLE. I've never done that, not even under the influence of alcohol have I had the courage to do something like that.

I am no longer fearful of this dance thing. In fact, I can't wait until the next one! (Next week in West Chester...I'm there)

Stay tuned for next month's issue of A FEAR CONQUERED.  What will the yogini do next?

More importantly......what fear will you face this month? I'd love to know your story!

Love & Light,

Meg

The Moment We All Came Together Today

I witnessed something amazing today.  I feel blessed that I was there at such a time, and that even though I was walking my bike and talking to my good friend, I still noticed a beautiful act of love.

Scene: the crazy city of Philadelphia, intersection of 19th st and chestnut st, known for: lots of people in a rush, crazy drivers, high intensity center city action!

What Happened: I saw a 30-40 something man helping an older woman with a walker and her friend across the street.  This wasn't just any run-of-the-mill old lady crossing....bless this woman's heart, she was putting all her worldly might into every centimeter-long stride.  Her friend was right there by her side....but when a street crossing can almost compare to an English Channel crossing in energy spent....it's probably nice when a younger man comes along to stand by your side and touch your back to make sure that you safely get across.

If that wasn't enough beauty and love to witness for one day....introducing now: the cars waiting at the stop light.  When the light turned green and the woman wasn't even halfway across the street, guess what happened.  EVERYONE WAITED.  not only did they wait, they didn't even honk, or look impatient, or throw their arms up in stress that they were going to be late because of what was happening in front of their car.  NO ONE HONKED....not even the many cars behind the first cars at the light.  NO ONE HONKED! IN PHILADELPHIA!  did I mention one of those cars at the front was a cab?  cab didn't honk either.

And they waited.....and they all missed the light....and they waited patiently for this woman to fight her way to take every step.  As if they understood that their problems and needs could wait, because something much more difficult and valiant was taking place before their eyes.

And it took my breath away.  And if I hadn't been on the phone, I probably would've cried.

And I feel like everyone who was in that moment, who saw what I saw, felt something amazing....someone struggling, and someone loving and helping them.  What an act of pure love and compassion can do and spread!