This is a whole different world I've landed in. Not just because it's Cincinnati, OH :). Aside from the little chirping birds in the yard that are being fed and looked after by my animal loving friends Amy and Jay, it's quiet, serene and completely covered in white outside on their street. I'm staying here with my high-school friend Amy and her husband Jay at their home in Clifton where a wild dog and black cat are offered food even though at the moment they're not sure where they are. Their affection for animals is so sweet, their devotion is strong and pure - it's their practice of bhakti yoga! I love their spacious and cozy house and the loving feel of their home. It's awesome to connect with them again having been here back in August for a summer visit. We watched "The Fountain" last night starring Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Ellen Burstyn. It reflected on the journey of going backwards in time to find peace with the present. It was a cool movie. Perfect timing for me to ponder as I land here, the place that lives somewhere back in my mind's time as a reflection of my present.

Just spent time having lunch and mall walking with my parents where my hatha practice this morning got to be practiced off the mat while with them: compassion, acceptance, right-challenge and letting go, all to focus on peace and away from war. We're working on re-relating after some difficult times and it's a gift really. As many families, we've been through a lot, made it through a lot, and love one another a lot. I feel like this is where I learn the most about myself - through my interaction with my family. And I'm not saying it's been a bed of roses or even a bed of nails…well maybe it's been both and everything in between. I'm grateful for my family being exactly the family that I have. And maybe I would say I'm even more grateful for the therapy, recovery work and yoga practices I've learned to include in my life. It feels like lifetimes of lessons with them are now catching up to enable greater wisdom between all of us, greater awareness and deeper love.  Time moves more slowly when with them, in part because they are physically slower now, but also the sense of time just feels different. I notice my breathing and how well I'm listening to them.  Not just their words, but their energy, their mood. How am I being with them? How does this practice ensure that I'm bringing myself forward, while being mindful of their needs and wishes?

My mom shares that she desires more social interaction, more connection with people - a common theme for some years. She shares her desire to be happier. I offer suggestions to her keeping my dad in mind (who expresses that he doesn't feel this need) and without being preachy which I may have done in past years. I do my best to hear what she is saying, what she means. As I have done more recently, I remind myself that there is nothing to fix here, just for me to listen and then speak mindfully and spaciously if I feel sincerely moved. I am blessed by witnessing her passion for life, her interest in seeking out her best self. From my dad I've learned about dedication, loyalty and contentment through simplicity. I've gained this appreciation having previously cursed these things about them, maybe because I couldn't see them for who they are, who we are as a family. I wish my brother could be here too. Growing up and doing the healing work I've done has offered me a translation of my childhood that I otherwise kept suspended in frustration and resentment. It could have been worse, it could have been better...but that's almost always the case with things, right? There were other things talked about such as how my brother Steve is doing, how high-fructose corn syrup would be good to be avoided and hellos to their indoor, pet birds. We had a good time being with one another. I felt peace. We had our lunch at Ruby Tuesdays because my dad remembered they have a veggie burger and salad bar there. Thanks dad. And being that we're in the mid-west, it's an "Endless salad bar" and I get "Endless french fries" with my veggie burger minis.

I'm working on plans for the rest of my days and preparing for yoga class tonight at Sonya's studio. The snow has been only moderately challenging and mostly beautiful. We'll see who chooses to brave the weather, brave the yoga. Then I'll get to hang out with Sonya for dinner. She was my boss at Kaldi's Coffeehouse and Bar down on Main Street from 1991-1996. Kaldi's has closed its doors but will always be remembered as one of the coolest spots in Cincinnati where I got to bar manage and hone my barista skills. It seems I mostly remember the wonderland of Cincinnati on recent visits and the amazing people that are here. Sure there were some rough times, but why carry that around? Take what you want, leave the rest.