I am.

I'm back.

I'm feeling it...the creative bug. It's back and I'm loving it. Maybe it's because I've been tripping over some amazing artists (who I will be blogging about soon)...maybe it because I see more art happening in my near future.

You may know that last year I left my corporate position in NYC (and stepped down into a part time position in NJ) to follow my heart as a children's yoga instructor at Alluem Yoga in Cranford, NJ. As I've watched the Alluem Kids program bloom into something amazing, I've seen a change in myself as well. I've grown closer to this practice and have found an amazing peace in my heart. I see the best come out in me every time I step on my mat to share the practice with children who are eager to learn, eager to grow, eager to relax and find peace. I am lucky. I am honored. I am grateful.

This past week I took another step...I gave my 2 weeks notice at my part time job to step into the roll of a full-time yogi at Alluem. This was my goal, this was my dream...this I did not expect to happen within 8 months of leaving the city. Honestly, I think I was at first in shock. I let go, I trusted and it happened. I am in a place where I can be myself, be at peace, be inspired, and hopefully making a difference in the lives of others along the way.

I. am. so. lucky.

I am an artist at the core. The best thing for an artist is to be an environment that inspires you to create. For me to have the luxury of being in a historical mill that houses a yoga studio and is bordered by a river is unbelievable. And to be surrounded by students and teachers who are positive, uplifting, and non-judgmental is just an added bonus! The more time I spend there, the more I want to create, share and give back through my practice and my art. It's all connected.

I came across a quote the other day - "Don't wait until you know who you are to make things happen." So true. When you let go of the what ifs, the I'm not sures and the who am I questions, you discover a layer of yourself you never knew existed. Embrace it. Share it. Make things happen.

Yoga Series

I believe I've mentioned before that I teach children's yoga on the weekends at Alluem Yoga...you can check out my kid's blog at www.alluemkids.blogspot.com. Yoga is a huge part of my life. It was introduced to me during one of the hardest points of my life in my early adulthood and I've stayed with the practice ever since. It's taught me to breathe, to let go, to listen to my body, and to live in the moment. I recommend to everyone to give it a try at least once!

So, some of my art has incorporated the yogic feel...most recently, I did a piece I call "Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu" (which is painted around the perimeter of the painting). This quote is a common closing mantra that translates to, "May all beings everywhere be filled with peace, joy, love, and light." The painting was used for the "Grab Bag" at the Holiday Party for the yoga studio. One of my fellow teachers "won" it and I hear it's already up and hanging in her home! It was a popular gift and I've been working on more paintings to go with that series. I'm almost done with the second, but here is the first one...