Moving through January

This being human is a guesthouse.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out
for some new delight . . .

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~~Rumi

January was one of the longest months that I can remember. I found myself continually saying, “Really? It’s still January.” The month in it’s opposition seems to linger, leaving a residual hollow sound echoing in my ear.  Each day brought new challenges to health, family life, and the basic “securities” that help move the days along smoothly.

I stopped hooping for most of January finding little time for such a “frivolous” activity. I was busy taking care of my boys, my health, errands, and hoping for rest in between. The ice storm that hit our area cancelled my hoop classes, providing even less time for me to hoop, even while teaching. I could feel my body calling to the hoop, but I literally could not find the time to pick it up.

As the month S L O W L Y progressed, my health took on a new unexplained twist, and my family, in their infinite generosity, stepped in to help. My sisters took time off of work to care for my children. My parents drove the long haul from MI to NC so my children could stay with them for almost two weeks of grandparent fun. I was blessed by the most amazing gift anyone can give... time. I slept for hours upon hours, I picked up my hoop, was able to go to two local hoop jams, and wrote my workshop for the SnowFlow Festival in Louisville.

The last weekend of January I found myself breathing deeply ,attending kirtan chanting, hooping with intense focus, forcing myself get out in the beautiful NC weather and run run run, writing my SnowFlow workshop, meditating, spending time at weaver street and people watching, and smiling BIG. I finally felt like I would make it through January and that February would be FABULOUS!

The first weekend in February brought the first annual SnowFlow Festival, held in Louisville, KY. SnowFlow offered 10 classes in various flow arts, my class titled “Expression of Hoopdance”. I was happily surprised that it sold out at 40 people, the biggest class I had taught so far in my hoop dance teaching experience. The time my family had provided allowed me to regain my momentum, prepare for the workshop, build my hoop practice back up, and to fully engage in the experience of the weekend.

I am continually amazed at the graciousness of the people I encounter. My family is the obvious example, but SnowFlow Fest reminded me of my love for the flow arts (and friends) community. All weekend I was greeted with kindness, taught with respect, and appreciated as a teacher. We were greeted Friday night by two side-splitting, soulful, beautiful women, kRi and hettie (www.mcbmusic.com) who graced us with their music. Their song “Guest House” touched me deeply, especially given my experience in January, and my need to move through things rather than hang tight to the unpleasantness. February is here, “let it in, love it, let it go”.

If you are unable to view the following video please go to www. havenhoopdance.com to view the blog and video in its entirety