Gratituesday 4.13.21 - Peace and Quiet

New York City is loud! When the city went into lock down last March, it was so strange to see images of usually busy locations totally empty. There was peace and quiet, and it was disconcerting. Even my first wedding back in Central Park last June was quiet - from the subway ride to the walk into the park to the ceremony at the Ladies Pavilion. A year later, the city is back to its regular bustle. The world is starting to re-open with a better understanding of the virus and more people getting vaccinated. With Spring in the air, we’re ready to leave our homes with caution, but hopefully without fear. People are out and about, and it’s noisy again!

I used to lived on the street side of my building, so I heard people congregating and blasting music from cars on the regular. Therefore I was excited that my new apartment was in the back of the building. For the most part, there’s peace and quiet. After being in the quick pace of the city, it’s a safe haven to come home. Sure, some of my neighbors in the building next door have parties right outside my bedroom window into the early morning hours. And one of my neighbors in the building behind mine to dumps trash from the 6th floor with a loud crash or thump. But for the most part it’s peaceful and quiet.

In today’s Yoga class I ended with a meditation that really stressed the practice element of meditation. Focusing on the process and not the outcome means we can embrace failing and try again. With so much unrest and distraction around us, it’s really hard to cut through the noise. So we have the opportunity to use our practice to notice the noise, release the overwhelm and embrace the peace and quiet in whatever way we can. That way we have a better chance to choose our priorities and figure out our next steps. A little self-reflection if you will before action. My weekly lists are a great way for me to reflect, celebrate and take stock. Care to join me? Awesome! The comment section is always open to questions or cheer or share your own lists. Off we go!

Gratitudes

1. More interest in my premarital counseling offerings

2. My yoga practice - including my teaching practice

3. Hot coffee and gin cocktails

4. Having a dishwasher AND washing machine in my apartment

5. Warmer weather and open windows

Victories

1. I’m back on track with my cleaning schedule

2. 389 consecutive days of Spanish lessons on Duolingo

3. Being fully vaccinated

4. Co-moderating more on Clubhouse

5. Booking two new weddings this week

Desires

1. Being outside every day - even if it’s brief

2. A stronger friend circle

3. Getting rid or selling things I no longer need

4. For Maxie to sleep through the night

5. For all things renovation to be finalized and closed out with the city