December Days of Reflections and Hope

Patience is something that has never been easy for me. Always trying to be perfect and the best right away, never came to fruition the way I planned. Throughout my life, I would work extra hard for things that would come easily to others. In high school, I felt like I had to study more than people to get great grades in my AP classes. When becoming a teacher, the lesson planning seemed endless, as I desired perfection in my goals. Throughout my yoga teacher training, my genes and lack of knowledge on proper stretching made me feel inferior. This patience, or letting life take its course, can affect anyone’s self confidence and self worth. Nonetheless, with hard work and patience, we will end up exactly where we need to be in life.

Half Moon Pose- Ardha Chandrasana

This year, I finally took the plunge and changed my diet to fuel me through races. There is a direct correlation to after this switch of becoming a conscious pescatarian, that I have set a PR in the 5k, 5 miler, ½ marathon, and full marathon. This is my 9th year of running and although it took time for me to get into the swing, I feel better than ever. Although becoming a stronger runner did not happen overnight, it is helping me develop the tools needed to continue this growth! Joining the Conshohocken Running Club and running with others pushes me even more.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts (See pantry on how-to!)

Sweet and Sour Acorn Squash (See pantry on how-to!)

Similarly, It is my 7th year of teaching high school and I’ve finally found a lesson plan format that is beneficial to me, as well as to the students. I’m finding that I am much more proactive planner- I can use bases of old lessons and objectives, but also be creative in keeping the material fresh and interesting. Students can log into my online site, Canvas, and everyday there is the objective, the warm up, tasks, assessment, and homework. Teachers, I highly recommend it. The speed grader has saved so much time- I can leave quality feedback and it is a more efficient way grade. I currently use the free version.

Click here for Canvas login.

As for yoga, while my original certification took place in 2009, I have been working to better my teaching this year by taking different classes with new instructors to learn more poses and life-changing teaching cues. I obtained another certification last year and now have a stable teaching schedule, based around my full time job as wife and history teacher. The yoga students I currently teach every Wednesday night are fabulous- and we are able to have some fun! A lot inner emotions and experiences come up on runs and in yoga classes. I see my body changing and growing, as I am advancing as a yoga instructor and well as practitioner. It is the continuous practice of developing the skills need to deepen a yoga pose that makes it rewarding when it finally occurs. Similarly, developing the proper tools to live a fulfilling and healthy life takes time, but when you can taste a feeling of accomplishment or success, it makes every minute, every hour, every year, every decade worth it. We may not have the best harvest each day, but the seeds we plant to develop that harvest; although they may take time to grow (and they will with some nutrients and care), will change our life, and hopefully one day, the world we live in. 

Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose

                               

Bird of Paradise. Here, I am working on straightening my leg and opening my shoulders. 

Love,
Jenn