The Sum of It All

If I were asked to describe myself, who's Shelly, I'm kind of the sum of all the parts that are around me, my kiddos, my friends, this life, these plants, my dog, I'm part of it all. I don't feel separate from it. But as life changes and now I'm a mommy and I share yoga and movement and Pilates and body work even, healing, I think really what I am is that is a conduit. Over the last few years especially, I've learned that my practice is not self-indulgent at all. It's absolutely essential.

I need it just as much as I need rest and good food and good company. It's part of keeping me in a way more balanced state. What I love about working one-on-one with people, besides the fact that it is much more intimate, it's much less formal. There's a dialogue going on, a verbal dialogue, a physical dialogue, an energetic dialogue. It's a privilege.

I feel like they have entrusted a certain aspect of their life to what we do together and that's a huge honor. Surfing and the practice of yoga are absolutely equal to me. They're both an experience of yoga, just in different mediums and different forms. I'm a lover of life for sure, love life. I'm not afraid of dying but I'm more afraid of not living.

So what is the question in my heart that keeps me going and inspired? I wrote this quote on my chalkboard here and it says, when you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take the first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught how to fly.