Participating in the "90-Minute Kula" (that's my moniker for it, not sure if anyone else is calling it that), has exposed me to over 100 new sources - people - of information, ideas, thoughts, inspiration, etc. One of those is a teacher from California, who has generously offered his ideas on 'story-telling'. So far, he has written a comprehensive essay (for lack of a better word) for our reading, he has done a short video on the topic, and he has recommended some good books (anyone else heard of "Linchpin"?), which I have ordered. His purpose is a spin-off to one sentence Amy said about telling stories in our classes, and he is expanding on that and giving us the gift of understanding where, when & how our stories will have the most impact (even, if they are the right story to tell -- because, frankly, some things are just plain boring).

Why tell you this? Because I intend for this blog to benefit from that new knowledge. More inspired and effective from now on, folks. Just wait, watch & read.

Back to my original thought -- what, do tell, is going on that I'm packing up all possessions? Husband and I are moving -- in case you missed this in last weeks' posts. We are going to sunny So. California, after a brief trip to snowy Idaho next week. Yes, next week -- Friday, in fact, the house will be emptied. Moving truck will go somewhere to wait for the journey south on about the 20th of March, and we will go north with a load of winter clothes and ski gear to our cabin in Driggs. (The sale and purchase almost lined up, with a week to spare, so we move out, then wait. Where better to wait than Driggs, ID?)

All of this has been a logistical challenge - it's been many years since we moved last (17!); prior to that we had moved something like 13 times in 12 years. Many were company moves, a few were within communities. Packing, organizing, thinking through what goes where, how to get rid of things - trash/treasure/stuff -- all this has me making many lists, but my head is still spinning a bit.

Yesterday morning, I gave myself a couple hours off and went to Adam Ballenger's class. I began my study with Adam about 8 years ago, shortly after his move to SLC. During this time, my appreciation for Anusara® Yoga grew under his tutelage. I attended his classes 2-3 times each week for many of these years, did an Immersion with Adam, taught for him for a short time, and - over the years - developed a long list of 'Adam-isms'. What's an 'Adam-ism'? It's the way he phrases something as he teaches, or a specific set of movements (unique to Adam) that will help to keep us safe in poses.

As I practiced yesterday (which, by the way, was challenging -- packing does all kinds of fun stuff to your hips and shoulders), the 'Adam-isms' kept re-surfacing, even if he wasn't necessarily teaching that 'ism'. I am so deeply steeped in his teaching, that I will never forget. And, I will always give him credit for a HUGE portion of the knowledge I have. Thank you, Adam; you will always have my gratitude.

My tip? Try never to forget where or from whom the knowledge came. That has served me well. I am a better teacher for that knowledge, and the ability to give credit (even if it isn't spoken out loud, just within my own head), keeps me grateful and humble.

I did take the opportunity to offer a 'Leslie-ism' in class yesterday -- haven't done that before. If you're curious, go back and read about 'extending through the wrists'. It partnered so well with what he was teaching, that the segue was there -- I took it.

So, enough -- got to get back to packing.

Today?

• Packing
• A break for a movie? (the secret of effective packing is to allow time for frequent 'self-love' breaks, i.e. a yoga class, a movie -- like that)
• Going Away Potluck at The Yoga Center, 7:15pm. If you're in the area, you are welcome and I'd love to see you.

Enjoy Sunday,