I hope everyone has enjoyed Easter. I had the honor of teaching yoga on this special beautiful Spring morning. Regardless of your belief system, I think that Easter and Spring encourage and welcome renewal and rebirth.
I read the following passage to my yoga students at the start of practice today.
German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote, “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.”
Spring is the right time for renewal and rejuvenation: an opportunity to soften. The season lends us moments to shed our skin and blossom. We are reignited with an energy that sat still within our sleepy souls during the wintertime.
– Source
“An opportunity to soften” really resonated with me. It’s true…we become so hardened in our set routines, beliefs, behaviors, systems, actions, etc. One thing that I repetitively talk to my yoga students about is that they have to be challenged to change and grow. You have to seek out opportunities for growth and not turn the other direction and run back to what is comfortable when you are challenged and uncomfortable.
This is a huge reason why we show up on our mats over and over to practice yoga…to be challenged physically and emotionally. We must be challenged so that we can practice softening when things aren’t easy. So we can learn how to breathe through the uncomfortable and unknown and learn to trust how strong we really are. This is how we grow.
Where can you soften so that you can blossom? (I am so thankful for these beautiful flowers I received this weekend that serve as a visual reminder of the importance of renewing and blossoming.)
And now back to our normally scheduled Sunday programming…scenes from Easter weekend.
Beet Boost from local juicer Viva Raw. Beet, apple, carrot, cucumber, parsley, ginger, orange and lemon. I have thought about doing a 3-day juice cleanse through a local business (to experience it because I get asked about cleanses SO much from yoga students and blog readers) but I just don’t think I can hang with it. It took me a good hour and a half to get this juice down and it tasted pretty good. I can’t imagine downing 7 in one day…especially the really green ones.
The Lord of All Sandwiches. No, really. That’s what the daily special sandwich special was named at Reid’s. Corned beef, havarti, arugula, sauteed mushrooms, tomatoes and garlic bacon aioli. I got it pressed in a wrap instead of bread. Little known fact…I LOVE corned beef!
Sullie says welcome windows down, head hanging out weather. She did not quite welcome as much the much needed bath she received this afternoon.
I slept in on Saturday morning and then didn’t go into work, to a yoga class or for a run. Instead I went out to breakfast at Terrace Cafe and it was amazing. Such a nice change of pace and that giant buttermilk biscuit was pretty life changing.
I went out with friends Saturday night in NoDa and we ended up at Heist Brewery where I snacked on a Jerked Chicken Flatbread. It was my first time at Heist. Atmosphere and food were pretty good, beer was just okay.
When I actually venture over to NoDa I cannot leave without a trip to Amelie’s. One chai tea latte and salted caramel brownie later and I was a happy girl.
Sunday consisted of the yoga class I discussed above, brunch, actually practicing yoga for the first time in a week and getting organized and ready for the week. I really loved this weekend. It was just what I needed.
Happy Easter!!!
I have been to Heist as well and wasn’t super impressed with the food or the beer. I feel like it gets a lot of hype, but I just didn’t see the quality. I will give it a second chance at some point. I hear you on Amelie’s! LOVE that place! Have a great week!
Hello! I am a new reader, and am really enjoying your blog! Especially the yoga posts : ) I was scrolling through some of your old posts, and although it was awhile back, I was curious about your posts on skin care. I too have struggled with some adult acne, and was wondering what regimen finally worked for you. Thank you for any advice you can provide!
Really feeling the rejuvination and renawal theme from Easter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reawaken my clean eating, dedication to running and yoga, my spirit, happiness, new beginnings, and a new season. I’m inspired 🙂
It looks like you had a pretty good weekend. 🙂 I haven’t been to Heist yet, but if they (or a friendly food truck) keeps cooking up those flatbreads, I may have to swing by!
HA! I love that you love corned beef. I cannot remember the last time I had it, but that wrap looks absolutely delicious. Beautiful words for Spring…it is definitely a time for re-birth, growth, and softening. Truly amazing how yoga is involved in all aspects of our lives. Happy Monday!
Sweet post, Jen. It sounds like pleasant weekend and just the right pace. Thanks for the perspective your offer here. Always refreshing and encouraging.
Also, a 3 day juice cleanse has been on my to-do lists for a long time. I’m actually thinking of investing in a really good masticating juicer. Big investment, but I just may do it. Soon. I really love green juice.
I was just commenting on another site that one of the blogs I read and love is yours because you just seem like you work your ass off and come up with results without trying to make your readers feel like you’re superhuman and some expert on living the Best Life Possible. And so when I read your whole comment about juice, and not having been able to practice yoga for a week, I really appreciated it. You don’t put it out there that people have to be more than they are. Thanks for being badass, and grounded, and not trying to make yourself seem like anything more than just another girl.
I really, really love this post! Thank you so much for it. I’ve started to get into yoga seriously the past four months or so and this is definitely something I’m learning. Although, I didn’t realize it until you put it into words!