After my surgery last November, a dear friend of mine sent me the book Wintering by Katherine May. It is a memoir that details the author’s exploration and discovery through rest and retreat during a large and difficult shift in her life. Personally, I find myself retreating from email communications during difficult times in my life, so here we are in late February and I just sent my first email of the year. Then again, we probably all have enough email, so if you read it or are reading this, I am honored and grateful.
During this literal and figurative winter in both my personal life and in our political landscape, I have found myself largely seeking connection and inspiration, which at times requires a retreat from worry and frustration over the things I cannot control. I hope for and envision a society and world order driven by love, fellowship, respect for our earth and for one another, and a desire to see all beings safe, nourished, and fulfilled. While that vision is quite far from our overall reality, I witness pockets all over where this worldview, or pieces of it, exist. I see people supporting one another and uplifting their communities, businesses collaborating, people spending time together simply to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. I read books that make me pensive and remind me to connect with my values. I move my body and my spirit in yoga, at the gym, and on the trail, and the sensations and internal chemistry that accompany those practices remind me that I am present, alive, and capable. It’s in these moments of heartwarming pleasure, simple inspiration, and loving remembrance, that my strength and fortitude returns. These are moments that are truly restful and nourishing, even if the rest looks like action.
I have a lot to look forward to this year, and a lot that I am enjoying right now in the midst of all that feels challenging. Here are some ways I’m connecting with people through movement and shared interests, and I invite you to join me:
Weekly live online yoga classes focused on mobility (strength, coordination and breath as you move through your range of motion) as part of Christina Sell’s awesome online platform. There is an absolutely massive catalogue of recorded classes there as well.
In-person yoga classes in Buena Vista, CO, either at JalaBlu or at Fortitude Fitness. I’m also available for friendly walks around town and hikes :).
Rehab Coaching – I have offered some form of coaching for people in pain or recovering from injury and surgery since I left clinical physical therapy practice, and it has been a joy to work with folks both online and in-person.
The natural world is one of my biggest restorers and most important motivators. I am leading a yoga and adventure trip to the Galápagos Nov 14-21, 2026. The yoga will be focused on joint hygiene and recovery practices for the body and nervous system, and the adventure will be focused on the animals, plants, landscapes, and people of the Galápagos. If you need something to look forward to this year, people with whom you can connect and share experiences, and a place to help you remember the promise and possibility life holds, I hope you’ll consider this trip <3.
