Yoga, Vampirism & Seasons

It's official.

I'm beginning my 200 hour Yoga Alliance instructor certification course. It will take place over 9 weekends through May/June 2013. The daily requirements seem pretty tangible... at least 20 minutes of pranyama/meditation daily, and 30 minutes to two hours of yoga practice daily. I have to attend at least three classes a week, there are several book reports and an eight page paper as well.

I'm very excited.. and also very nervous.

The nerves come from the physical aspect of the program. I just worry that I'm not as advanced as some other people may be in the program. Although I guess that's going to be part of the learning experience-- to stop comparing myself to other people in my world. I say "my world" because I've been really trying to shrink the world down as small as possible. I want to make sure that everyone in my world is there because of mutual appreciation, respect and support. I have been needing to get rid of metaphysical vampires for some time now.

I'm well aware that vampires make for millions of box office dollars and sold out book shelves when they offer jaws paralleling greek gods', faces of angels and glittery skin in the sun. I can hear the shrill prepubescent screams right now. In reality (whatever yours may be) vampires are soul sucking, energy draining succubi. Turns out, I'm really terrible at identifying vampires and, apparently, I'm also very attractive to them. I try to make that into a positive and say that the reason I invite these awful people into my life isn't because I'm weak but because I am giving. It is most probably more because I am naive and really, truly believe that people are good. I'm trying not to lose my optimism so instead of becoming cynical I'm going to actively do my best to learn how to identify vampires. It's difficult because they seem to be such charismatic and interesting people. They are also the type of people who can easily manipulate someone. I'm not easily manipulated per se, but I do trust easily. Often vampires hurt me by manipulating other people in my life. It is a web, really. And I just don't know how to avoid  black widow cloths. I'll figure it out somehow.

One of the most interesting aspects of living in North Carolina is the ever-changing weather patterns. There truly are four unmistakable seasons here. It is the end of August. For me, this has always meant hurricanes, muggy weather and mosquitoes. Most of the tourists have gone back to wherever they came from. US-1 is quiet. you can even make a left turn without first turning right. Aside from hurricanes, it truly is a local's paradise this time of year in the Florida Keys. Up here in Asheville, the weather has already started to cool. When I woke up this morning, it was in the 50's. It has slowly crept up to 65 degrees, although I would bet that it won't rise to more than 70. I was taking a walk a few afternoons ago and I noticed that leaves are already beginning to turn bright reds and oranges. Soon, all my summer tank-tops and flip-flops will be packed away in my office closet and I will be pulling out my boots and coats. I guess I've always taken summer for granted. After all, I have spent Christmas Day on the beach in the past. Having a birthday in December never roused any jealousy towards June and July babies. It seems the tides have changed and the weather has turned. I'm actually hoping for a very snowy winter this year. I want to make a snow man and a snow angel or two. It's nice to remember all those tropical Christmas' but I'm glad to have the opportunity to really appreciate the different seasons.

Spring re-birth makes sense to me now.

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