In Japan, there’s a vacation week called the “Golden Week”.  The series of holidays – 4/29th was Emperors Birthday; 5/3rd was Constitution Memorial Day; 5/4th was Citizen’s Holiday and the new Green Day; then there’s 5/5th, National Children’s Day.  This year in particular, the Golden week was especially auspicious with with the ascent of the current Emperor May first.  With the retirement of his father, the crown prince Naruhito was crowned new emperor.  Thus, May First  marked the dawn of new Era named “Reiwa” as each Emperor’s rule calls for a new calendar, a new “era”.  For example, the last 31 years was Heisei Era, the years before were Showa Era and so on into the antiquity.  The latest, Reiwa meaning can be interpreted to something like beautiful, orderly … refined harmony … peace.  Is it not wonderful when a whole nation state celebrates that – harmony & peace – as an intention and purpose of a new Era? When one can align with the greater community in their intentions – and when all those singular intentions are expressed into one wholesome birthing and naming of an Era … that’s truly beautiful.  So this year is year 2019 and that’s just a number right?  But what if this year was “Reiwa” … time to refine harmonious living in all of us for … peace. It’s a state of mind we all aspire to:)

We all grow attached to certain things and places … and it becomes harder to let go of those attachments – the regularity, the routines, the comforts or even the anxieties and stress we could be attached to … I had been teaching a certain class for five years and as of May first, I let it go …it was almost symbolic as I thought about what I can personally usher in as a new “era” for my own personal growth that is in better alignment with my own values and intentions.  I saw it as the best timing with sapped energy during the tax season over, I too suffered the level of energy that needed a re-boot and re-boost.  As every student in a class should feel that they are each valued by a teacher and certainly if the teacher is a yogi, most definitely.  Each is valued and cared for as another fellow soul on a journey, to return to that common shared source – that oneness.  I love each one even if they don’t care or know of my attachment to them … so all the more in all fairness – A teacher also need to give with freshness, and in turn feel the respect and the value … for all the dedication, training and skills and that happens in a yogic environment where yoga is actually practiced on and off the mat.  May First marked the start of a new Era for my own personal growth as well – started off with “strength” to really know one’s value and not just doing things because it’s easy or comfortable.

Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health — take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. – Byonce

Where have I been to not know who is is – I never cared about Byonce or really heard her songs or anything  – still don’t care for her music to be honest -thought of her as just another pop star, yet another celebrity brand –  BUT just saw her Formation documentary. She is amazing. A human – Here’s another of her quotes:

“My biggest thing is to teach not to focus on the aesthetic. It’s really about who you are, and the human being, that makes you beautiful.”

Restoration of confidence – restoration of self-esteem is what yoga can do for anyone.  That is what I hope we can practice together.  That’s what’s golden about yoga … to come to know who you are, full of confidence and purpose, while embracing our imperfections at the same time.

“We all have our imperfections. But I’m human and you know, it’s important to concentrate on other qualities besides outer beauty.” -Byonce

Next post … Yoga and Internal Organs:)