Sticking to it!

Today is my birthday so I thought I would post something fun for any viewers visiting J-Bo today. This is a packing tape installation at Berlin's decommissioned Temperhof airport. There are some pretty cool photos of adults and kids exploring the maze of tape tunnels. 


See more at archrecord.

Inspiration: Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

-  William Ernest Henley

White Magic Gloves

I thought I would write a post about my experience in the healing process. My hand is getting better by the day and I know it will still be a while before it's completely healed. I think I have to accept that time, in this instance, is moving at a slower pace.

Meanwhile, I am trying to keep a healthy diet free of dairy, which can be really tricky sometimes. I have also been trying to incorporate a mediation practice into my day, usually in the evening while I wait for the cream to dry on my hands. 

And then there are the white cotton gloves I have been wearing to work to help protect my hands. I feel at any point that I might be called up to stage to work some magic or maybe even put on a mime show. 

I am thankful that I can keep my hands clean and dry but I am curious if there are some more fashionable options available? It is getting increasing difficult to match my outfits around these white gloves. I might have to re-vamp my style to something like this pretty lady.

Much love,

J-Bo

Photo

A hand at healing

Health is a funny thing. I barely think about it when everything is running smoothly. Sure, I appreciate the benefits of having energy to do all the activities I love but when there is a glitch in the system...

That blasé feeling came to a halt this past month when a tiny skin problem exploded. If you have ever suffered severely from ezcema you will have an idea of what I was faced with. 

After a frustrating search to get answers I finally got to see a specialist who was able to get me on the right path to treating and healing my hands. 

I am now feeling back in control and giving myself some time to reflect and heal. As I encourage new healthy skin to grow I marvel at how delicate and strong the body is and am filled with compassion for those who struggle daily with serious health issues. 

A big thank you for all the kindness I was shown. 

Chakras: Set your wheels in motion

Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. When our body, mind and soul are in harmony these wheels will spin at optimum frequency. 

In Anusara Immersion III we learned more about the seven chakras, where they are in the body—from the core of the pelvis up to the top of the head—and how they are stimulated. 

Our chakras can get blocked or unbalanced by different life events and challenges. Finding it hard to communicate? Viduddha, the throat chakra, may be deficient and in need of some fine tuning.  Stimulate this chakra by singing in the shower or having meaningful conversations. On the other hand, maybe you are talking too much and need to focus on listening—think balance.

Did you receive some life changing news? Get your Muladhara—the root chakra—grounded with some poses that focus on your feet and foundation. A good night sleep or time in the garden will help as well.

Take a moment and notice how you are sitting as you read this post. Are your shoulders slumped over your heart? Roll those arm bones back and puff that chest out and let Anahata—your heart chakra—shine through.

Contemplation

I am reading the yoga sutras, the bible of yoga, for my teacher trainings. In order to get into the mode, a girlfriend suggested I find a spot in a nearby park. A great idea as it has been very stuffy in my apartment with our second heat wave of the summer.


So there I sat under a tree, contemplating the meaning of the sutras. So far, I am learning it's about how to quiet the mind, find stillness, go within and just be - much like the tree.

Finding Space

In yoga, my teachers talk about finding space in a pose to go deeper and find the full expression of a pose. Through my trainings I have learned the principles and physical adjustments that help me find more space. Rooting firmly into my foundation, extending up and out through the heart and top of the head. There is always a little room to find more space everywhere in between.

In life, the same principles can be applied. Taking time to allow for space, all of a sudden I can look more deeply into what I am aiming to achieve or move past something I felt was in my way. I can feel more stable in what is happening right now and maybe open up to finding more space and even more possibilities.


Pictured above: Me & D doing yoga by the beach.