October Newsletter
What a month it has been. Life has certainly been life-ing. Amidst the backdrop of deeply concerning public news, my personal and professional worlds have been very full.
My dad spent five days in the hospital with a UTI, followed by several weeks in skilled nursing rehab, and then a big move into a new assisted living facility. The logistics—packing, unpacking, and writing big checks—made for quite a process. Thankfully, he’s doing better overall. The rehab helped him regain some strength, and his recent cognitive testing shed light on what I’ve been noticing this past year. He scored 26 out of 50 possible points—sobering results, but ones that help explain much and give us a clearer picture moving forward.
So, there is that.
On my end, I started school. It’s been a major adjustment and has raised questions I’ll share more about in another letter. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s the right program for me, but I’m keeping up with the work until I have more clarity.
Meanwhile, our women’s writing group launched into a beautiful new cycle. I was delighted to welcome both new and returning students as we began journey together through the archetypal images of the Tarot. My intensive here in Bellingham was intimate and sweet and left me with some inspiration to create some intentionally small immersions in the year to come. The 300-hour teacher training program also began with a vibrant cohort ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-70s. I love intergenerational groups—their similarities and differences always bring richness and depth. I’m grateful, too, to be co-teaching alongside such a gifted faculty. Even the first weekend brought fresh insights and meaningful connections, leaving me excited for the year ahead. And, as usual, time in Tucson in the vibrant community of Yoga Oasis didn’t disappoint. I was enriched and inspired to be in such good company and to connect with so many long-time and new students.
On a more personal note, I discovered that the hip discomfort I’ve been experiencing is an arthritis flare-up. I had no idea I had arthritis at all, much less a complete loss of cartilage in both hips. Osteoarthritis runs in my family—my mom had a hip replacement, my older sister has had both replaced, and now I’ve joined the ranks of the 1 in 3 women over 50 living with arthritis. As you can imagine, this has been a lot to process. Right now, I’m simply in the stage of “this is what I’m dealing with” and beginning to explore management options.
I welcome your support and cheerleading and stories from your personal experience, but please hold off on offering advice unless I ask for it (which I am quite likely to do) as advice gets overwhelming quickly. What I do fine helpful are notes that say things like, “You are awesome, and I trust you’ll find the best path forward.” The truth is, I don’t yet know what this means for my practice, teaching, or life in general. When I know, you’ll know.
The good news: the pain has eased, and I’m not nearly as miserable as I was for a while. Andrea has kindly agreed to sub the Advanced class this month, and I’ve been adjusting my activity levels in the gym and on the mat—you’ll see me modifying or sitting out of many poses in class. I have PT scheduled, an order in the works for an MRI, and I’ll share updates as things progress. Since arthritis is so common, I know I’m walking a path of common humanity. I’m fortunate to have wonderful helpers, strong support, and a pretty adaptable spirit. That said, my intellectual attitude doesn’t always match my emotional experience, so I’m doing my best to be honest about both. None of it feels easy.
Schedule updates: Andrea Fotopoulis is taking the helm of the Advanced class this month, Tiffany will also be subbing, and a few classes will be canceled while I’m away teaching in Colorado. Other than that, no big announcements at this time.
With gratitude for being in community with you, and wishing you steadiness, strength, and small joys in the month ahead.
Warmly,
Christina
