“One Shoe Can Change Your Life” ~ Cinderella [Ha! Ha! Apparently, I have been drawn to the wisdom of Cinderella to inspire my recent blogging!]

One shoe truly CAN change your life.

One year ago (tomorrow), I got dressed for work, and – for the first time since June 2007 – I put on a PAIR of shoes! I remember that day quite well… and after a few hours, I had to resort to my post-operative shoe and copious doses of Advil. It was an accomplishment, in my book, nonetheless.

Most of you probably know that I was on crutches for 15 months, sported a walking boot (3 actually!) for 2 years, and cruised the halls of work, the mall, Target… from a wheelchair. Throughout this adventure, I visited 6 different orthopedic surgeons, before God brought Dr. John Gould (a highly acclaimed UAB physician) into my life. May 13th, 2009, Dr. Gould skillfully removed a “dead” bone, shaved another bone, cut a ligament, cut a tendon, moved / repositioned an inflamed nerve, removed a large neuroma, and injected 2 joints with cortisone… in my RIGHT foot. YES, I am forever indebted to my fabulous and caring friends and family, who played the role of chauffeur on many (MANY!) occasions!!! Love you much!

Those days, months, and years were invaluable and life-changing. The lessons I learned were priceless. Through our disabilities, we can learn to further appreciate and fully embrace our abilities. We have the opportunity to develop a deep sense of compassion, empathy, determination, and patience. We have the option to smile when others point and stare, laugh in the rain (YOU try to maneuver crutches and an umbrella!), and we can CHOOSE to live creatively!

My yoga journey began while I was still “one-legged.” Acceptance of the HERE and NOW, coupled with INTENTION and BREATH, allowed me to cultivate a deep and meaningful practice that has carried (and continues to carry!) me through a multitude of highs and lows! These past 12 months of “recovery” have been nothing short of a miracle, and tonight, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy. In the words of Albert Einstein, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

October 2009, I began to practice fully weight-bearing TWO-legged yoga! I started to run again (something about which I am very passionate) last winter. In March, Mom (who had recently undergone a total knee replacement) and I completed the 2K Azalea Trail Fun Run! In May, I was able to utilize my right foot in a yoga lunge… pain-free! AND, in June, I set forth on a path toward becoming a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 Hour Level (RYT 200)! I will graduate from the Yoga Birds Teacher Training 2010 (under the unparalleled instruction of Melanie Buffett, E-RYT, Anusara-Inspired®) in December, and have already agreed to teach 2 weekly yoga classes!!!

This blog entry may appear trivial, but tomorrow, as I say a small prayer of “thanks” with each step I take, I will know that - while one shoe (boot, or post-op!) MAY change your life, the truth [found in a Chinese proverb] remains… “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping” ~ or hopping, or wheeling. ;)

Love to all,
aeb :)

“A dream is a wish your heart makes.” [Cinderella] DREAMWEAVERS - Part 1

The nursing and rehabilitation facility in which I work recently joined forces with an international organization focused on improving the quality of life for seniors within our communities. Through recognizing and fulfilling the “dreams” of the men and women for whom we provide care, the mission of Second Wind Dreams® is to change the perception of aging... from state to state and country to country. “Together we are making a huge difference in the lives of elders around the world, giving them a Second Wind!” (SWD®)

Recently, our facility, as members of the Second Wind Dreams® organization, came together, worked long hours, made countless phone calls, sent dozens of emails (and so much more)… to become successful “dreamweavers” for two special residents who call Eight Mile Nursing and Rehab “home”. Both residents have signed photo and press release forms, granting the media – and me – permission to utilize their names and pictures for public viewing.

This is Ms. Gracie Tucker’s story…

A couple weeks ago, I worked a Saturday… begrudgingly, I admit. While I was there, flying down the hallway at my typical breakneck pace, I heard a resident crying. This was not a familiar cry, so I stopped in this woman’s room, to see why Ms. Gracie sounded so upset. She told me she was sad, and feeling very alone. Ms. Gracie is an 89 year old woman, who generally keeps to herself, watches game shows on television, and gazes through her window at the flowers in the courtyard. Despite our best attempts, Ms. Gracie has never attended a group function in her 3 month stay. I pulled up a chair and settled in to listen for a bit. She told me about her family, her “little” sister who will soon turn 80, her grandchildren, her longing to be “released” (ie. discharged) as she has “important things to take care of”. With tears continuing to stream down her face, she reached up and exclaimed, “I can’t even do anything with this mop on my head! I’m embarrassed for people to see me!” I reminded her that we have hairdressers on site, but she was not interested in (and truly feared) sporting “an old lady hair style.” I quickly saw an opportunity to test our dream-weaving skills, and - on a whim - informed Ms. Gracie that it was her lucky day! If she was interested, she was going to receive a full make-over (hair, nails, make-up) and a photo shoot within the coming week! The excitement in her eyes made the frenetic days ahead worth every moment!

I gathered a team of coworkers (for whom I am unspeakably grateful!), and we worked tirelessly toward making this dream come true for Ms. Gracie. In the end, we found a hairdresser (an absolute God-send) who agreed to come to the facility and wash, cut, and style Ms. Gracie’s hair… free of charge (with a fresh, hip “do” – of course!). My staff, a dear friend, and I worked on Ms. Gracie’s make-up and fingernails, and dressed her in a new pair of black Capri pants (with embroidered palm trees!), a beautiful pink sweater, and jewelry to match, for her photography session. Witnessing this process of transformation evoked such emotion in each of our hearts; we were surprisingly overcome, and elated!

Ms. Gracie’s true character and bright spirit emerged with every lock of hair that found its way to my office floor, every stroke of polish that was applied to her nails, and every sweep of shimmering red gloss across her lips. She began laughing… questioning whether her family would recognize her “new and improved look”… and she was genuinely delighted and energized.

Ms. Gracie began striking poses ~ cocking her head to one side, resting her face upon her hands ~ requesting to have her picture taken! Her beauty was shining from the inside out, and it was an honor to watch the young woman inside this aging body surface. Ms. Gracie can walk well with her “walking stick,” but we offered to chauffeur her around the building in a wheelchair for her big reveal! She basked in the “Oohs and Aahs” as we made our way outdoors, with the camera in tow. Ms. Gracie smiled from ear to ear (despite the 110 degree heat!), and relished in the thrill of each picture taken, and every compliment she received.

THIS was not the same GRACIE TUCKER I had spend time with just 3 days earlier! This woman who had been so encumbered by feelings of despair had come to life… right before our eyes, and as she did, we – as “dreamweavers” – were filled with new life, hope, and unparalleled joy. Perhaps THAT day, we each caught our own second wind!
And… from that point forward, Ms. Gracie Tucker has been spotted wheeling herself to and from physical therapy, interacting with others, and enjoying social functions with her peers (including the Fox10 News Backyard BBQ dream that was realized for Resident, Joseph Palmore. Stay tuned for Mr. Palmore's story in DREAMWEAVERS – Part 2… soon to come!).

What a dazzling reminder that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” [Eleanor Roosevelt]

Love to all,
aeb :)

“Even in the darkest phase be it thick or thin, always someone marches brave here beneath my skin.” [K.D. Lang]

Many of you know that I began an amazing journey this past June. I am currently in Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Birds, a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance (RYS 200) in Fairhope (Alabama). In December, I will receive a Graduation Certificate to submit to the Yoga Alliance to become a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 Hour Level (RYT 200). I am ecstatic! This opportunity was an absolute God-send. Not only has it been life-changing, but it has been life-giving, and quite possibly life-saving, as well. I feel honored and blessed beyond measure to be on this path. My gratitude is truly endless.

Last weekend was a “training weekend” (3 days of learning, practicing, and applying). Saturday, we were taking a much-needed coffee break (Yea, Coffee Loft!) after a 3 hour practice that prepared us and allowed us to attempt Eka Pada Galavasana (fancy, right?) ~ or Flying Pigeon :) My yogi friends and I were discussing the “fear factor” that often inhibits our ability to give our bodies permission to relax and release into poses that are seemingly more difficult or “dangerous” (keeping in mind that we – as humans – formulate our own thoughts, opinions, and labels regarding what is or is not “safe” for us at any given time). At one point in our discussion, I stated that I don’t remember ever feeling fearful of trying a specific yoga pose… And as the words left my mouth and entered my own ears, I had a personal “Ah-Ha!” moment.

In general, I have always been (and continue to be) a very fearful, careful, cautious, girl. More often than not, I function out of fear (most commonly my fear of failure). This is clearly not ideal; yet, it is familiar. Throughout my life, fear has motivated me to succeed and achieve, but it has also inhibited my ability to enjoy – or even recognize – my success. So… the “Ah-Ha!” moment occurred when I realized, in spite of my perpetually shaky knees in “life,” I am fearless on my yoga mat! I have fallen on my face, my head, my back… I even have bloody yoga toes (SO gross!!!!!), but I am not afraid.

The moment I step onto my mat (a fabulous new eKO from Manduka), I see glimpses of an Amanda I never knew existed. I find the ability to breathe. I feel confident and safe. I lose my preoccupation with wondering whether others are judging - or even watching – me. I become attentive, intentional, and mindful. I hear – and listen to – the sound of my own heartbeat. I stop harmful thoughts dead in their tracks, and replace them with inward expressions of gratitude for a body that allows me to move freely. I stand firmly on TWO feet, and praise God for the miracle of stability. On my mat, I feel whole. I feel the balance of effort and ease… and I live in the moment.

The trick is to take the lessons I learn ON the mat and apply them in the “real world”. I have been working toward this objective (see the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt] post 7.27.10.), but it is always a work in progress. Yoga is a way of life that creates liberation, freedom, and deliverance from the things that hold us back (the practice of “non-attachment” – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – 1.12).

This week, I will be taking a closer look at my attachment to FEAR… taking note of the ways in which it diminishes my light. I will seek to create room for expansion and transformation, and I will continue to thank God for the challenges in and around the journey… “in yoga, as in life” (Augusta Kantra).

Love & Peace,
aeb :)

Thoughts...

Just wanted to share a quote that really spoke to me tonight...

"A sailor who fearfully watches stormy seas lash his vessel will always steer an unproductive course. But a wise and experienced captain keeps his eye firmly fixed upon the lighthouse. He knows by guiding his ship directly to a specific point, the time spent in discomfort is lessened. And by keeping his eye on the light, there never exists one second of discouragement." [Andy Andrews - The Traveler's Gift]

In which direction are you gazing? On what are you focusing your attention? Are you feeling discouraged or enlightened this day?

It seems I have lost sight of the lighthouse over the past few weeks. What a beautiful reminder to shift my focus... an opportunity to begin again.. with intention, courage, and faith.

Love to all ~
aeb :)

"The little things? The little moments? They aren't little." [Jon Zabat-Zinn]

... Just a quick thought (love that quote!) and a couple photos to share :)

By the way, if you are interested in creating your own blown glass ornament, flower, or paperweight, check out "The Hot Shop" at the Orange Beach Art Center. Such an amazing and beautiful process... from beginning to end! Oh, and GREAT fun, as well!!!

http://www.orangebeachartcenter.com/Hot_Shop_Classes.html

Love to all ~ aeb

Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt]

I recently embarked on a new and wonderful journey. I am training and studying to become a Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher (another blog for another time). During last weekend’s training session, one of the “lessons” we learned was to look for what our students are doing well in a yoga pose, prior to offering suggestions or adjustments. We, as teachers, are to change the way we see and perceive… and as my dear friend (who introduced me to yoga) would add… this is important “in yoga, as in life.” A portion of our homework assignment Sunday afternoon was to “look for the good” (off the yoga mat) ~ and let me assure you… this is easier said than done. After a few days of seeking points of light and goodness, I felt the need to expand my mission and invite others to join me in kicking the negativity habit. From this place of expansion, my coworkers and I organized and implemented the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt].

For 24 hours, beginning at 8 am on the 24th day of June, we challenged ourselves and those around us to refrain from negativity and “look for the good”. Word quickly spread throughout my workplace (a nursing home), and within a short period of time, we had 28 participants!!! Each of us wore a brightly colored rubber band on our arm. The bands served 3 purposes… (1) Promote the project through the curiosity of others (2) Remind participants to remain positive – both proactively (brightly colored rubber band reminders) and “punitively” - *POP* (3) Create a game-like atmosphere that made the activity exciting and enticing. Who knew projecting a positive attitude could be so fun?

I learned a lot about people this week. There will always be stress and stressors, tragedy and failure, but when we open our hearts, our eyes open, as well. Experiences are neither good nor bad… it is our perspective that creates the labels we believe. People long for a sense of community. No one wants to feel isolated or alone. Although they may not admit or even recognize this truth, somewhere – deep within – everyone wants to belong to something greater than themselves. The beautiful reality is that we don’t have to come together and wallow in our misery (it DOES love company, you know), but we can also unite and create solid bonds through joy and laughter. I even found our Executive Director sporting a rubber band!

I came home with a few minor welts on my wrist Thursday evening. Most were self-inflicted pops. The project didn’t just apply to our verbalizations… it also applied to the thoughts we entertained about ourselves. *POP*POP*POP* By Friday morning, my friends were already requesting another 24 hours of positivity (permission to be positive)! So… the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt] will continue… one day each week. For now we will designate a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to channel our positive energy. Eventually we will work our way toward a “no negativity” Monday… but change takes time. :)

I encourage you to join us in this endeavor! I guarantee you will be transformed. We all know this is a very difficult period for our region, our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves. Without diminishing the severity of the Crude Crisis in the Gulf, we can deliberately seek, acknowledge and "... Hold on to the good." [1 Thes.5:21]. Be the eye of the hurricane, the calm before, during, and after this storm. As we look for what is going well we can remain steadfast in our prayers for the things that are not within our realm of control. We can let go, loosen our grip, and convert our unhealthy reactions to productive and beneficial action.

So… "Be a source of JOY and let the critics and haters complain about the world!" [Paulo Coelho]. Breathe. Experiment. Experience. Share.
Oh, and let me know about YOUR Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt]!!! I look forward to hearing from you!

Peace and love,
aeb :)

Garden ~ "A symbol of Nature under control"

Today, I had the honor of attending and participating in an Arts and Inspiration Creativity Workshop, led by artist, Provie Musso. Provie and I have known each other for probably 5 years. Both her work and her spirit are beautiful, inspirational, bright, and fun!

We completed several "art projects" throughout the 7 hour workshop. My favorite creation was "Our Garden." Provie read the definition of "Garden" from a book entitled, "The Secret Language of Symbols." It stated, "The Garden - A symbol of Nature under control and of the human soul ~ which, like the Garden ~ must be cared for and cultivated." I fell in love with this explanation... this perspective... this concept! I have never had a green thumb, but this was a take on "gardening" to which I could relate.

We have all been heartbroken and devastated by the oil spilling into our Gulf waters. The beaches, the bays, the wildlife, the businesses, the people of the Coast have been in a state of confusion, anger, and helplessness as the days and weeks have passed... with little or no signs of hope or reprieve. The news reports are overwhelming and the videos / photographs have left us speechless. When I am at a loss for words... when the English language fails me... I have learned to create.
Georgia O' Keeffe once said, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for."

So, this afternoon, I planted my Garden... with photographs, sea shells, a little paint, and a lot of glue. It was MY reminder that, in the midst of the continued tragedy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Nature IS under control! There is little you or I can physically do to bring an end to this disastrous event, yet, we are called to believe in the truth that "God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine." [Isaiah 40:28] Nature is under His control.

I left Provie's workshop with a new found feeling of peace. "The human soul...like the Garden... must be cared for and cultivated." So, I guess I did a lot of gardening today... cultivating and nurturing my soul through artistic expression, fellowship with friends, and a willingness to let go (if only for a moment) of my own seeds of doubt. Today I chose to plant seeds of hope... and "Once you choose hope, anything's possible." [Christopher Reeve]

~ aeb :)