On the early Monday of the past week, I arrived at the airport to check in for a one-week retreat in Costa Rica with five other wonderful entrepreneurs. However, the harmony of anticipation was quickly disrupted when my fellow traveler discovered that his passport was missing – an unforeseen omen of the challenges awaiting me in the days ahead. Little did I know, these hurdles would test my resilience in ways I hadn't anticipated.

I opened all of the windows. Every single one of them. I opened them all and now as I write this the house is cold with brisk winter air. Then, with a lit sage in hand, I traversed every room, waving it toward the corners burdened with the weight of memories. Spider webs, dirt along the baseboards, piles of laundry, remnants of the past in photos and empty frames awaiting purpose. Groceries, thirsty plants, wrapped presents patiently awaiting the dawn of the new year. My son's writings adorned his sister's bedroom wall.

To overcome economic pandemic diversity and be “the studio that survived and thrived”. After this week, I have found space in my mind and heart to thrive in a new and careful way.

Decisions around social media can be fraught with issues that spark philosophical contemplations. I was recently put into a contemplative tailspin when trying to identify how our new brand can be on social media with integrity.

Reflecting on 2021 and we had just over 15,000 studio visits. Our teachers and students work in symbiosis to make the potential of our practice magical.

Lessons from 2021: 1) Laughter in the face of adversity, 2) Sometimes you need to say f&%! and 3) Change the story. A fart isn’t embarrassing.

In the middle of 2020, I didn’t know how I could help the situations that surrounded me. At one point I felt frozen with uncertainty… How the heck can I support my family in a pandemic, become an ally to BIPOC Portlanders, make changes to save the planet, and run a successful business?!?!

A primary focus in my work with motor learning has been the study of cueing approaches for yoga and Pilates. Specifically, how and why teachers utilize either demonstration or verbal cueing to teach large classes with diverse populations.

My conclusion, based solely on my anecdotal evidence is that, in these past 21 days, acceptance of a new reality is improbable at best. Personally, I am nowhere near the autonomous stage of learning or developing new habits.

As we are quickly learning during this unexpected pandemic that is rattling our economy, community connections, and personal health: human connection is invaluable.