Put Down Your Phone and Read This

I suppose this isn't a surprise, but it sure is sobering. Let's all be better with our phones, ok?

It’s a powerful insight. Studies of conversation both in the laboratory and in natural settings show that when two people are talking, the mere presence of a phone on a table between them or in the periphery of their vision changes both what they talk about and the degree of connection they feel. People keep the conversation on topics where they won’t mind being interrupted. They don’t feel as invested in each other. Even a silent phone disconnects us.

To Scale

I'm a visual learner, so this was much easier for me to grasp and understand. Dad - you're going to love this!

See Everything as a Miracle

I recently read this during a yoga class. Thought I'd share.

If you choose to see everything as a miracle, then where you are right now is perfect. There is nowhere to run to; there is nothing else to do except be in this moment and allow what is to be. From that place of radical acceptance, major change can happen. The first step in any transformational experience is acceptance and surrender to the present moment, the way that it is. From that place we have the awareness, humility and power to change what is. 

- Mastin Kipp

New Music Fridays

Love this collaboration with Calexico and Neko Case.

Mindful Magazine

I was thrilled to see my friend, Marian, on the cover of Mindful Magazine's October issue. They wrote about the work being done here in Charlottesville to incorporate mindfulness and movement in schools. UVA is leading the way on some amazing programs around the country and I've enjoyed watching it all from the front row!

NYFW SS16 Street Style

(c) Phil Oh

Hooray for New York Fashion Week street style!

Never Forget

Story Corps never fails to make me cry. These 9/11 stories are no different. God Bless America.

New Music Fridays

New tune from Portland's own, The Decemberists.

Bookmarked

via TKOW

+ Great episode of The Good Life Project w. Susan Piver

+ How to be more patient (and why it's important)

+ Next book to read

+ Mindfulness in schools happening in my own backyard!

+ Go-to Thai recipe

+ The Myth of Quality Time

Hipster Barbie

Having lived in Portland, Oregon and being a millennial on social media, I found this series to be entirely accurate and hilarious. I only wish I had thought of it first.

New Music Friday

Here's some Macklemore for your Friday. I promise it's a good freakin' time. What better way to kick off the long weekend?

Teahupo'o

I found this video to be so incredible and calming. Water will do that to a person!

September 2015

via here

A new month, school year, and season is upon us. With the craziness of summer (hopefully!) coming to a close, we can stop to think about goals and wishes for the remainder of 2015. I like what Wit & Delight says about September being a time that prompts us to hit the reset button. You know this practice and mindset is a personal favorite.

I'm still finding a flow with my new job and learning how to balance everything else. Starting Friday, I'll be teaching a yoga class at my gym once a week - something I've talked about long enough. I'm so excited to get back into the world of breath, asana, and sangha.

So embrace and take advantage of these last few months. Like my girl Carolyn said, make it happen!