One of my resolutions for this new year is to practice yoga at least twice a week. On its own, that doesn't seem like a big deal. Where things get tricky though is juggling my school schedule and work schedules AND getting in my own practices. About two months ago I started working the 6am class at Zuda Midtown into my routine. I know...6am. That's crazy! Especially with it being so cold lately. And ESPECIALLY since that means my day goes from about 5:30am until I get home from work and school around 8pm. I'm pretty sure 80 percent of why I go is so that I can take Corri Chadwick's class. And the other 20 percent is because I know it's good for me and blah blah blah.

Another ritual I've started recently is to spend about ten minutes in the morning on my couch with my cup of coffee. I have a window in my living room that overlooks a grassy courtyard area that's lined with giant old trees. I have come to love and cherish this quiet time. I leave my phone in my bedroom so that I can't distract myself with social media or the internet. I leave my notepad in my bag so that I can't write out lists of things I need to get done. And this isn't to say I'm not making lists in my head (because when does that ever really stop?), but I'm working at getting more present and enjoying the quiet alone time.

This morning I watched at least fifty little birds move about the trees and swoop down to the grass in search of their breakfast. I've always been in love with birds; and I've always wanted to be a bird (I know...insert The Notebook line here). I love the idea of flying and gliding. About four or five years ago the hawk started showing up in my life. I feel most connected to hawks. They are so graceful, fly so effortlessly, but are sharp and direct at the same time. Qualities of the hawk are what I aspire to have myself. I snapped the picture above this past summer when my mother and I were coming home from a wine tasting trip with my aunts and cousins. It was the perfect end to a lovely weekend.

And each time I see a hawk I am reminded of what I aspire to be: graceful, light, strong, and purposeful.

xxo