To Be Of Use

"The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.

The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real." -Marge Piercy

This poem speaks of the type of work I thrive for and do, every day. I have chosen to surround myself with others that place this same value on work and hope that you feel your job is full-filling and worth waking up for every morning. -em

Barefoot Fitness Yoga Studio READY!!!!

The studio is ready! After months of working, sometimes a lot, sometimes... not, the Barefoot Fitness Yoga Studio is finished. It looks so wonderful, feels great (you would be amazed how time gets away from you when you are down in the room), and is already booked for the first round of classes. Thank you so much to those of you who believed in me, without really knowing what you were signing up for, and taking the plunge into committing to the weekly yoga class. Please check out the pictures of the room on the bottom right of this page. You can see for yourself what a beautiful space is now available for yoga instruction (plus I get to use it as my personal yoga room-- a major bonus for my practice!!!). If you have questions about how you can become involved in participating with us in the Barefoot Fitness Yoga Studio do not hesitate to contact me. I know we will be able to work something out. -em

A few books you ought to read

I've been thoroughly enjoying a few books. The first is, "This I Believe." For those of you that listen to npr, you may be familiar with the concept. It began as an on-air essay series in the 1950's and was recently brought back to the air and several of the essays, from then and now, by famous people and ordinary people, are compiled into a book. What's great is the essays are only a few pages long so you can read one or two whenever you have time. They are very thought-provoking, uplifting and inspiring. As a believer that yoga continues off of our mat, I think this is a great book to continue our practice of compassion, understanding and acceptance.

Another great book I have only begun to read is "To Be Of Use: The Seven Seeds of Meaningful Work," by Dave Smith, co-founder of Smith and Hawkin. So far I have found several quotes worth sharing with my private yoga clients and yoga classes. I hope I continue to enjoy the book, finding ways to be a better citizen.

Lastly, I was fortunate enough to hear Dr. Bill Larkin speak in L.A. about the power of positive thinking. He has a new book, "Growing the Positive Mind: The Emotional Gym," coming out and I cannot wait to read more about how to improve my outlook, which will carry through into my classes and hopefully into your hearts and minds. -em