Jodi's Journal

Tis the season - it's the holidays!! A new year, closure with 2007, new beginnings for 2008.

My big move across the country stands out this year - my life has definitely taken significant turns & changes in 2007. In less than a year, I made a 2-week drive across the country to land in the most beautiful, spiritual, magical yoga-surf town called Encinitas. I've made 3 trips to NY, 2 to Seattle and 1 to Portland. Let's just say it was a LOT of travelling!

This year, I met so so so many amazing people, creating new relationships & possibilities...I have integrated with an open community at Soul of Yoga, taught 7 kids yoga Teacher Trainings and brought NGY classes into 5 after schools in San Diego county. Chants & I have met a bazillion other dog lovers, made great new friends who are now family, and I've even done some dating ;)

I am grateful that 2007 is the year I found my daily meditation practice, learned to surf & started my organic garden. LIFE IS GOOD!

I wish you all a blessed holiday & new year filled with loved ones & fun!

Encinitas truly is one of the most beauty-FULL spots in the world, at least from what I have seen. I'm so inspired by the climate, nature and indigenous plant life in southern California. I am my highest while planting, gardening, walking the coast, soaking up winter sun...today it was surfing.

The culture here is surfing. Everyone surfs - kids, women, teens, seniors, even dogs! So when in Rome...today I bought a wet suit, some booties & joined in the 58 degree fun. Gratefully I had friends to show me the way.

I love the ocean & was so excited to be in her again. I am at home - held by mother earth in her vast, open arms. Just fills me up with happiness.

The surf culture is so fascinating to me and I have so much respect for it. Every "break" has a name with local surfers, swell & a very sexy lingo. I've heard it before, and now see that surfing is a metaphor for life. The ocean is life with waves we ride, ups & downs, crashes, wipe-outs, taken under, fear...duality is serenity, calm, peace, beauty & joy. Other surfers are our relationships: competitive, aggressive, respectful, cordial, playful, courageous, risk taking. Surfers coast the waves full of bumps & adventure.

It goes on & on...and I so look forward unfolding my surfing career.

What an amazing week, I have so much to be grateful for.
I stop, review, and share my many blessings with you.

Sunday, 108 Sun Salutations for Peace was the event I participated in. With other yogis we practiced yoga & raised money for the San Diego Fire Relief Fund.

Monday, I taught over a dozen kids yoga at El Camino Creek about the 6 different ways our spine moves.

Tuesday, I meditated with over 50 people at the Chopra Center.

Wednesday, I taught 3 kids yoga classes, with kids ages 18 mo. to 10 yr. olds.

Thursday, I made potato latkas & celebrated Hanukkah!

Friday, I led a community family yoga night at Soul of Yoga with Tom & Trisha, oh & the Blue Fairy Goddess came & granted wishes & prayers for all the children present.

Now of course, through this week I experienced my daily day to day activities including work, stress, exercise, chants walks, yoga, friends, etc...But when I stop & look at what stands out from this past week - I recognize the gifts BIG & clear. I cant help but feel empowered - because I am living my dharma, I am on my life's path.