Just an update :)

My poor abandoned blog! How could I have left you so long without even a sentence? *Sigh* I guess that's what happens when I let myself get caught up in the business of life, instead of taking control and placing importance and focus on the things that matter the most to me. 2010. It is a fresh new year. I enter this new year with a heightened focus on all that matters most to me.

January 31 was my last day of employment at the Florida School of Massage. Out and off on my own to grow my massage business and teach more yoga. In December I had all these ideas of getting out and doing alot of marketing to make sure that I would have enough business to not fall on my face, and be able to pay my bills, once January came. Instead I decided to just ease into the New Year and have faith in the Universe that I would be ok. I am slowly building my clientele and getting a feel for what it is like to have my own practice, which is pretty cool. I am still teaching 2 yoga classes per week at Sanctuary, taking the time to study Ayurveda and take a Tuesday evening class, and most importantly I am spending more time teaching at Lowell as well as focusing my efforts on building our non profit.

If you were not aware; Kelly Dann, Leah Zissimopolous and myself are creating a non profit organization in order to expand our programs at Lowell Women's Correctional Facility. This is soon to become the largest women's prison in the state and there is much opportunity to be of service to adult and youth female offenders. Yoga and meditation are transformational practices that offer the opportunity for a more peaceful life. They offer ways to deal with issues such as anger and aggression, and how to look within yourself and accept what you find (among other things). These practices usually enhance ones ability to make better choices for themself. Seven out of ten prisoners that are released end up back in jail. If an inmate can develop new habits and skills for dealing with life before beng released, they may go on to lead a more productive life without returning to prison. We also would like to offer classes to the Correctional Officers and staff at Lowell, as we understand that working in a prison is a stressful environment, and yoga & meditation are wonderful at reducing stress.

Once we have established our non profit we will be able to fund raise so that we can buy much needed supplies such as yoga mats. We do need more yoga teachers in order to expand our programs, and hopefully we can offer a re-imbursement of gas money once we begin raising funds to make it more appealing for qualified instructors to volunteer.

I hope that the New Year is treating you as well as it is treating me. Each day I am grateful for all of the gifts that I have in my life. One of those gifts is the support of you, reading this blog, just taking the time to read what I have written. This is really just an update as I have been somewhat withdrawn lately. Enjoying my cocoon (and trying to enjoy all that cold weather we had). Be well and you will hear from me soon.... no more abandoned blog!

Love,
Lisa