“See, this day I set before you blessing and curse; choose blessing that you may live”
Deuteronomy 11:26

Sometimes when we least expect it, the universe throws us a curve ball.  The question is:  how do we relate to and manage change.  Even when situations seem haphazard, chaotic, sad, or frustrating, our work is to stay present to the possibilities for growth in the moment of transition.

For most of Seattle, last week was all about change.  The change that happens when you are stuck in a snowstorm.  Snow and ice were every where, keeping many of us from conducting business “as usual.”  In fact many of us couldn’t even get out of the house to do our “stuff.”  On top of that, many folks lost power and didn’t have access to their computers and other electronic distractions.  For some this was a time of great frustration, but I have also heard wonderful stories of how families and friends came together and supported one another, and had fun playing in the snow.  For those who chose the path of blessing, the snowstorm was beautiful and productive.

Of course, there are all those other big changes that happen: moving, sickness, loss of a loved one, loss of employment, the list goes on.  And while there is no denying that these are difficult and painful moments of transition, we must learn to accept that they can and will happen.  Our work is to choose how we will respond to them.

This past year we had the honor of sharing the last months of life with a very dear friend.  Of course we were devastated when he passed.  But we also were able to be present for that moment of passing and to feel blessed by the time we shared with him.  Our choice was either to sink into the sadness of our loss, or to embrace the goodness of his life.  I still cry, but I also smile when I recall our time spent together. A blessing.

On Monday of this week, another big change came my way.  As many of you now know, I am no longer teaching at Urban Oasis.  I have greatly enjoyed my time there and learned a great deal from my many wonderful students.  The next evolution of my practice will be at Village Green Yoga, where I will expand my current teaching schedule to include the Tuesday and Thursday Vinyasa classes previously available elsewhere.  So the big changes of this week have offered me moments of reflection and the opportunity to expand my outreach and have greater simplicity and continuity in my life. A blessing.

Here’s to embracing change, an everyday practice.  We just never know what is around the corner.

Shalom & Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi