Finding passion once again

Almost a month into the new year, almost two and half years since I left the rat race in the city, I find myself digging deep for breaths of fire. My amazing partner of a little more than 11 years encourages me to take the time to explore and rediscover my passion. He reassures me that yes, I'm a mama and a spouse. But I'm also more than that if I want to be. 

After a lengthy discussion, he reminds me about who I was before N.'s mama. Not that I have to be that same person. He thanks me for giving him the space to explore his passions of fishing and writing.  He asks, Who do you want to be?  What do you want to try? Now's the time to search and learn. 

Breaths of fire.

My immediate reaction? That person whom you first met is long gone. Other than parenthood, I haven't had passion for some time. Sure, I've cared considerably about diversity, educational access, and family welfare. These concerns have been my life's work since my coming of age. But what's my passion now? 

I don't know. 

I've always known that I want to return to work once N. is in preschool.  (We're not there yet, and I'm still enjoying these early years). Like most parents, I desire flexibility in my next calling.  I can apply for online teaching gigs if it's finances pinchingly urging me to get back out there and find a job. 

That's not what he meant. And that's exactly what he doesn't want me to do. 

Breaths of fire. 

My partner's kick in my arse certainly lights a fire under me and gives me the permission (that I didn't need) to do some much needed introspection. 

A crackling fire can be meditative on one's journey to passion. 

I've always known my commitment to youth and wellness. It's how my career in higher education started -- focusing on students and their personal development and providing opportunities for them to grow emotionally and intellectually.

My passion leads me back to . . . youth and mindfulness. Supporting young people in the life skill of continuously being present. Kids are experts at living in the moment. Sadly once school happens, that know-how dissipates with pressures of achievement.  Yet, mindfulness is such an important skill to maintain through all stages of life.

Breaths of excitement inspire me to fervently research certifications in children's yoga instruction and mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR). I've looked into several studios, schools and have connected with a couple of resources in the industry. 

I haven't felt this exhilarated in quite a while -- in fact so energized that I actually committed myself to a training with Child Light Yoga this summer as well as an introductory class in MBSR as soon as this March. 

Thanks to my most amazing life partner . . . finding my rhythm once again.  

May we all be fearless and inspired to nurture ourselves in this journey called Life.   

New Year's Breath

a delicate layer of winter's ice

holds the pond

still

like this exact moment 

in time

minted in my heart

Expect wonderful

It's New Year's Eve. My little one has been asleep since 7.45pm, and I'm pretty sure we won't make it to midnight. We banged a pan or two and played the drum because around noon, East Coast time stateside, it was New Year's somewhere else in the world (like the Philippines!) . . . & this way, our little lady got to pound in 2015. 

As I sip my indulgent dark chocolate sensation spiced with a nip of creme liqueur, I heartfully prepare myself to welcome the new year. Another year without my Dad. Another year with my loves -- my life partner, our daughter. Another year with my Mom. Another year with other most cherished family members and friends. Another year to be grateful for all that is Life. 

Another year to expect only wonderful.

May the New Year bring miracles of love. May your native wisdom keep your heart open as you unlock other hearts. Wishing you true love in 2015.