Dear Friends, Yogis and Yoginis,

I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying the change of weather to Fall. How sudden that seemed! I, too, had a sudden change of season - I started walking this week. On Monday, I slowly hobbled (and that's describing it nicely!) down my driveway and up my street for the first time in 6 weeks. Though I was tentative at times and giggling at others (it was tremendously difficult to walk and for some reason, this made me laugh!), I did make it up the street and back, which, thankfully, was a slight downgrade.

The next day, my physical therapist suggested trying one crutch intermittently and using the two crutches only as training wheels. I surprised myself and made it around parts of the studio by myself! I held the walls, the counters, the backs of chairs, whatever was nearby that looked more stable than I! By Wednesday, I was ready for a real outing. Tom and I delivered dinner to a friend of his who had had knee surgery. This was really full circle for me since many meals were delivered for my family and I (so appreciated!!). I went on this outing without my crutches at all! I walked from the car to their front door, stood still while we talked and dropped off the meal, and then made it back to the car. Whew!

Later that night, Tom walked me around one city block in his neighborhood. I chose my words carefully there - it really was him walking me, much like when I first walked Piquito. When my little dog first came home with me, he was 2 years old with two torn ACLs and arthritis in his hips. He could not walk well at all. When we went out for "walks" I had to use the leash skillfully to guide him into some confidence to get his legs moving. (We also did veterinary rehabilitation on his legs). Well, in this same spirit, I clutched Tom's hand and he "pulled" me along.

Today's accomplishment? I swam 25 yards of the breaststroke in OHSU's water therapy pool. I thought I'd sink before I got to the other side, but my arms propelled me quite nicely (as they've been doing for 6 weeks). I also managed my first full downward dog today, and am happily practicing half moon and revolved half moon!

Both the small and large hurdles are fun accomplishments for me. As the leaves begin to change color, I anticipate the possibility of a stroll through the woods, crunching leaves under my feet as I like to do every year in the Fall.

I've been writing so much during my rehab time. It's produced two outcomes. One, the Living Yoga 2009 Engagement Calendar is going to be available in October. (I'm attaching an essay from the calendar for your entertainment - click here to read). Two, I'm going back to my intention to share my Morning Journals on a weekly basis. These writings are short reflections on how yoga shows up in life beyond the mat. We'll send them out weekly (unless life gets crazy and trying to get them out feels like a chore rather than a joy - I want it to be in the flow of yoga, after all!). I intend to make them light enough to read within a minute or so, but meaningful enough to offer sincere reflection for the day or the week.

Fall blessings to you!

Sarahjoy