Friendship, dancing, and yoga are three things I loved about my Portland lifestyle. Randomly, in the past week, I’ve been able to recreate those things in Southern CA.
I reconnected with my friend of ten years who lives in the greater LA area. She’s such a fun and outgoing presence, which means that we find ourselves on many adventures. We decided to go to a Valentine’s single queer women’s event together, to meet new people and dance – both of which successfully occurred. Sometimes when I go out, I do not find people to be approachable. I found that this night was not the case, and met and talked to multiple new people who were open and friendly. Kariss and I danced a ton, too, something I miss dearly about my social life in PDX. The fact that this night occurred felt like a slice of my life that I had been missing, something my soul was craving. Between it being a queer event, being with a friend I trust, and the somatic release of dancing like nobody is watching, I had a happy glow hangover the next day – with zero actual hangover of course. 😉 #sober
In addition to this lovely Thursday night, it’s now actual Valentine’s day (Saturday). I have had some slightly uncomfortable feelings come up, as around this time last year, upon reflection, I was heavily triggered by Valentine’s day and also starting to slip into some severe MH issues. I’m proud to say that today feels different. What better way to treat myself too, than to do something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time now: Yoga.
I cleaned up and cleared my space, took a fresh shower, brewed some hot peppermint tea (that was insanely delicious btw), and grabbed my mat. I easily found a Yoga video, and the instructor/flow were exactly what I was looking for. I even set up directly in front of the mirror in my room, which is an aspect of being in a Yoga studio that I deeply appreciate. I know mirrors with yoga are debatable and people vary on how they feel about this. Personally, I enjoy mirrors with yoga, because it helps me connect with myself during the flow. Also, maybe I just like looking at myself (LMFAO).
Anyways, this flow, as always, awoken something deep within me. Nothing matches the level of somatic release that yoga brings me. I experience this every time without fail. Which is why I’ve been missing it – and now it’s so ridiculously accessible. My body and mind feel floaty. Truly a happy Valentine’s day.
Are you loving on yourself today? Valentine’s day can be whatever you choose to make it. I’m grateful to be in a much better place than last year’s holiday. Here’s to re-discovering three things that I love dearly: friendship, dancing, and yoga.