A Mother/Teen Daughter Travel Blog
Today is my two-month YOGAversary. Yes, I’m aware of the exact date I began practicing yoga and am celebrating each and every second, minute, hour, month–everyday should be a celebration of something, right?
But heed my warning: Yoga is a powerful force that you may want to avoid at all costs. I was not aware of the spell it would cast over every aspect of my being. I am writing this to save you! BEWARE!!!
Thinking about autumn always brings warm thoughts to mind– cozy sweaters, colorful scarves, apple cider, pumpkin pies, etc. However, the scientific, historical and astrological meanings of the season are much deeper than you may realize. Ancient cultures have associated many aspects of Autumn to human life. These powerful associations are reminders that Mother Nature has a profound influence on our lives.
So besides enjoying the kaleidoscope of color that is ready to take the stage, stop and reflect on the deeper symbolism of this beautiful season.
Based on personal life situations, I never had the opportunity to study abroad so I am so excited for my son who just started college. He still hasn’t solidified a major, but what he is certain of is choosing to study abroad during his sophomore or junior year.
I’ve done thorough research on the programs offered at his university, read hundreds of reviews from the students and staff and even talked to my former students who have studied abroad during college and 100% of them all say it was the best part of their college experience. Think about it….when in your life are you going to be relatively unattached and as care free to travel and learn about yourself?
If you were to look up “Kristen” in a thesaurus, you’d probably find the first synonym “vino lover.” However, since I’ve begun the practice of yoga just about a month ago, I’ve experienced profound internal changes–I would honestly call them near religious experiences. In my stillness, I am able to process the deepest of emotions–grief, regret, loss, trauma and despair. Yes, I’ve cried on my mat. I’ve been able to release these pains from my past and let go of all that does not serve me. I feel grounded, balanced, present, vibrant, alive, awake, full of hope and inner peace–more than I’ve felt in decades and it’s absolutely divine.
Today officially marks one month that I’ve been practicing yoga. Attending Vinyasa and Yin 5-6 times a weeks has been so enlightening. This journey is remarkable. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about how I feel inside and out.
That is until my first Bikram (hot) class. Due to a conflict in schedule, the hot class was the only one I could attend that day, so I figured after a month into this, it was time to give it a shot.
Now I have given birth three times, one being completely natural childbirth. Nothing in my life has ever come close to that level of torturous pain–until now.
For all of my fellow Americans who are afraid to travel abroad due to the possibility of a terrorist attack, please, I beg of you, stop worrying! While I really try to empathize, I can’t help but feel frustrated with the lack of knowledge, information and logic. Despite the absolute horror and tragedy of each individual situation, the overblown daily paranoia spewed by our media only promotes irrational fear. I’m hoping the following facts help to alleviate any of this misguided fear.
Now that my mom has overcome her fear of driving, my life just keeps getting better and better! This past weekend, we spontaneously decided to head to the beach, as school is lurking just around the corner and we are certainly not ready to succumb to pencils and books just yet. No, we need a few more ‘sandy toes, sunburned nose’ memories for sure!
Brooke and I have been trying to find a sport or activity we enjoy doing together as mother and daughter. We’ve tried running and quickly learned that is not a passion of ours. We love to hike but that is not something you can do year round in Illinois. We’ve also recently taken up kayaking, but again, a seasonal activity.
The logical choice for a million reasons is yoga–physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing to be a few.
I can’t believe my mom has waited this long to venture to Niagara Falls. She hasn’t visited the falls since she was a child and was just as excited as I was to head there this July. It was basically the midway point traveling to visit family on the East Coast.
It’s hard to imagine a place more picture-book New England than the charming shire town of Woodstock, Vermont. My family and I just had the privilege of spending four beautiful July days here for the most memorable family wedding. Whether you are the skiing-hiking-kayaking outdoorsy type, an avid antiquer, foodie, or wine/ beer connoisseur, Woodstock will fulfill all of your New England desires.
Pedis-n-Passports 