When the heart sings, you listen

I'm not sure if I am the only one who has experienced this. In an age with so much scheduling and technology it often seems like we get disconnected from one another. That the passion and present focus we also seemed to experience is now left by the wayside. I often have wondered if I was alone in this experience and then recently a friend post this fascinating link: "A Powerful Reminder To ‘Look Up’, And Be Less Absorbed In Our Devices"(I feel a little ironic posting it on a form of media, but this is also my most accessible journal so I wanted to remember this benchmark moment).

In a world that is so focused on presentation, positive/negative, instantaneous moments and awareness we often forget how important our impact is on a person to person, moment to moment, touch to touch basis. I have found myself being existentially adrift lately. I know a good portion of this has existed for over five years. It was only recently when I met with my wonderful chiropractor ,Dr. Joanna to work on my recently injured ankle, that we discover my closed heart chakra. (Or at least this is my interpretation, because I went from very stoic to angry and hurt in a matter of 2 seconds with one adjustment of my shoulders and neck, and this was not because of any sudden physical pain).

You know those movie moments, when time stops and the character experiences an incredible heart racing flash back of scenes and emotions. It felt like that but a little less visual and more emotional. It was as if all of the emotions I have been repressing during my own journey, that with my mother, my sister, my dad, my boyfriend, my career, everything over the last five or so years suddenly hit me like the Great Wall of China collapsing. Many of you I am sure would be concerned and worried about me, but actually it was an absolutely incredible and freeing experience!

For those who have not heard much of my recent journey, I have in the last ten months: started my own business, attempted to buy several house-this was the first of the four that I bid on (I was subsequently outbid on all of them and chosen to delay that adventure for now), road tripped to Washington, D.C. with my sister, left my job of two years to transition to a more predictable and less stressful daily adventure at my beloved Caribou Coffee, sprained my ankle for the first time (just as I was starting to get back into running again), as well as celebrated a joyous three year anniversary with my most compassion and supportive boyfriend.

Needless to say, my heart has needed a deep breath or two. Isn't it ironic that we all notice our breath more once we stop to take a breath? Often we live in such a jam-packed day/week/month/year that we don't realize how stressed we are (and how little we are breathing) until we stop. Take a breath (and maybe one to two more) and then let our heart breath too.

Because of my life and it's journey I want to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you. Whether we are in daily communication or you have only been in my life for a moment, I want to thank you for your part and the enrichment you have added to my life. In this very moment I want you to know that you too can find the joy and love of a fulfilled life by simply opening yourself up to receiving it.

Since all of my many adventures over the last few years I have come to appreciate the importance of investment, not only monetarily but more importantly emotionally. Life is not meant to be a solo experience. It is meant to be LIVED with those who cross your path-on a road, on a sidewalk, in the halls, at the gym, in the grocery store, even in your own home. I have never appreciated my impact more than these last few weeks. I have been working with intention since my shift in careers to listen more and talk less, to stop sitting on social media and spend more time outside away from my phone.

The response has been incredible. I have had friends tell me that simply talking to me now brings them to a place of peace, "present focus and wisdom" and I find myself more light hearted and less stressed than I have experienced in years! Life is not meant to be all about your titles, your money, your prestige. It is about making a stranger laugh, helping an elderly woman with her grocery shopping, your reputation as a source of hope and support, it's about sharing love with every object and being within your space.

Believe me, each moment you give back will return to you ten-fold. I am so grateful for this opportunity, Mom, and the many ways you taught me to share your joy in this world.

All my love, forever and always,
Kate

My heart's song today is this Irish Blessing used as the closing of my favorite yoga class, I loved the jazzier version but this one is perfect for a quite Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8eoEv1tnTU

The lyrics are as follows:
May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on.

kundalini yoga - farewell blessing
(Sung as a chorus 3 times: the first you bless yourself and your practice, second someone on your heart who needs the love and joy your heart now feels, and finally blessing big and sharing your love with the world).