Is it really the middle of summer already?! We are in the throes of Cowgirl Yoga season, and it's always a roller coaster ride. I adore my job, but I also have to be careful to manage my energy. This weekend has brought some much needed downtime and I am grateful. Like with a good yoga practice, you have to find the rest between the work. It's the daily quest for balance that is truly our life's work.
I went into last week's retreat a bit unbalanced. I had just had a bad back episode, and I think my living in London time away caught up with me - I had a lot on my plate and wasn't making much progress plowing through it. I felt overwhelmed. I did my usual fretting over details. Then something shifted; our group of women blended together in a beautiful way. There was honesty, openness, and tons of laughter and silliness. I felt myself lighten up. Although I was the retreat leader, the energy of the group lifted me. Basically, they were doing my job, on me!
For me, one of the most uplifting parts of this last week was having two of our Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients here. We plan this program all year, and then when the women arrive, we get to see it all come together. Best of all, we get to see them celebrate health and happiness, with horses. It brings tears to my eyes every time. Thank you Su and Kelly for showing us all how to embrace life, no matter what it throws at you. Thank you Su for your wicked sense of humor that had me rolling on the floor, thank you Kelly for always smiling (I don't think she ever stopped), and for coming up with our hat's off photo opp!
Pictured above are Su & Bridger, plus Cancer B*tch, Su's anti-cancer voodoo doll who also joined us for the retreat; and Kelly with Dillon. See more of Larry's spectacular photos of the ladies in their Cowgirl tees here. Yeehaw & Namaste.
Margaret and Janice and Autumn and Ron and Mike the dog and Jack the cat: I had such an amazing time!! Everytime I think about it, I find myself breaking out in a huge smile. I felt such joy each day and so much gratitude for the beauty of Montana. I loved feeling the yoga push and pull my body more each day. Margaret is a gifted teacher, non-judgmental and constantly supportive and inspiring at the same time. I fell in love with my horse, Bridger and honestly miss wrapping my arms around his neck. Janice and her true cowboy guy Ron were more than I could ever imagine or hope for in terms of patience and heart and just pure genuine good people.
ReplyDeleteI so loved our group of amazing women brought together by different stories, fears, struggles, and their willingness to be up for it all! including our British accent day! Thank you from not the bottom, but from ALL of my heart. I absolutely loved every minute of it.