After Storm Update 🌪

Over this past weekend, we experienced what's called - a new weather phenomenon to me; a derecho. We lost power at home immediately on Saturday afternoon. Not knowing how widespread the damage was, I thought it would be a few hours before the power was restored. Three days later, still no power 😬

Fortunately, we purchased a generator from our next door neighbour that we had been planning to buy in the fall. They had gotten a new integrated generator system hooked up last week. The generator has been going and powering the fridge, freezer and internet. You know, priorities!

There is still no water at home, though I'm fortunate to have access to showers at the yoga studios where I teach and my office in town.

🐈‍⬛ If you've been following me on socials, you'll have seen that we were fostering a cute 8-week old kitten. I'd grown very attached to him, but his family (my sister-in-law) came to pick him up on Sunday. His playful presence is missed aaand, maybe there will be more kittens in my future!

Let me share with you a breathing practice of climbing ratios I did this morning that helped to ground and calm me.

Sit comfortably and notice your natural breath.

• Once you've established that, start to inhale for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 4. Do this for about a minute or so (having a timer going can help).

• Increase the ratio to 6:6 for about two minutes.

• If you are still feeling calm, change the ratio to 6:9 for about two minutes.

• Find that the steady rhythm of your breath count remains the same. If you start to feel stressed, go back to a ratio where you felt more at ease.

I hope that you are safe and well, wherever you are.