Wendy Karasin – Musings of a Boomer

I will soon be on my way to a yoga class I found recently, even though it is located on a stretch of road I travel almost daily. The yoga studio opens late, or exactly on time for the class (which in my book, is late). The first few times I went, this bothered me greatly. Having run a business myself, and brought up to be punctual, I considered the behavior rude, inconsiderate, I could go on but suffice it to say it pushed a lot of (negative) buttons for me about the way this studio should be run. The problem was I really enjoyed the classes, which started and ended late. Ultimately, I made the choice to get there when the instructor did – so I wasn’t waiting for her outside, enjoy the class, and expect it to end half hour later than the brochures stated. I considered asking her why she did this but thought better of it. It could be cultural, she’s Japanese, or she might be attending to her daughter, or perhaps she’s coming from a yoga class herself. The list of reasons are endless, and somehow my upset subsided and the confront didn’t seem worth the effort. I may still ask her at some future point, but if I do, it will be out of curiosity more than aggravation. 

I once thought I knew what perfect meant, and pursued it zealously. Now I’m pretty sure there is no perfect situation or person, situations and people are what they are, and they may work, or not work, for me. My focus returns to myself, and the decision of whom I spend time with and where, is mine to make. This is the grown up me talking – more empowered, more responsible, more difficult and more rewarding. 

At the very least, I hope to enjoy a satisfying 90 minutes of yoga!

The home page of my website (wendykarasin.com) has a lavender background and the quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

One of the reasons writing became (and remains) such an important tool in regard to my personal growth, was because in order to feel empowered, I had to return to myself.   Through the act of writing, I was better able to process and synchronize my internal and external living environments. Locating harmony did not come easily or naturally to me, and could well be the reason I meditate and do yoga. I was (and am) a sensitive personality type, and perceived injustice made me angry (loud and stormy) or sad (weepy and ineffectual). Either way, not clear thinking. Time and perspective usually offered me the clarity I sought, but that also required patience. In this part of my life (post child rearing, post divorce, not quite yet post empty nest) I have more time, a valuable commodity. And so the question of note becomes: How do I best spend the time I have left to live a satisfying, productive life? The universal question has a personal answer which can change at varying intervals in a lifetime. In some regards, the way I have chosen to live until now, dictates my future – but not fully. There are always twists and turns; life is dynamic, and change is ubiquitous. So what do I choose? I choose to think through the anger/sadness that can take hold of my words and emotions, I choose to eat moderately well and stick with my yoga practice (at whatever level works), I choose to be kinder to myself (and hopefully others), I choose close ties with family and friends, and I choose to continue writing – which offers me both perspective and peace. What do you choose?

Hello all, I invite you to come with me on my journey of blogging.