There is great contrast between the sense of unrelenting loss we continue to experience, and nature’s clockwork rebirth of another spring season.

After experiencing tremendous loss over the last few years with COVID combined with the personal loss of loved ones, it feels very dissonant to witness the continuing destruction and disregard for others in Ukraine, the Middle East, India, East Africa, and in our own country. It is also hard to shake the distracting and disheartening shadow of divisiveness, and lack of social responsibility, respect for nature, and each other that one can see on a day-to-day basis.

Under the heaviness of despair, nature and life prospers…and flamboyantly calls for our attention:

Dramatic flowering trees say “Here”...and “Now.”

Can we stop and smell the sweet hydrangeas and lilacs; admire the majestic magnolias; smile with the daffodils, and little bluebells, trumpet and star flowers before they expire?

I have grown to love this Jack Gilbert quote:

“We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world.”

I appreciate the permission these words give us to make peace with moments of joy or lightness during difficult seasons. Even as feelings of guilt get triggered, my practice is to work on accepting them and be okay with gray. This acceptance gives freedom from rigid expectation and allows me to connect to a more sustainable sense of wholeness.

Opening to this holistic whole, inclusive of both suffering and joy, is much easier said than done. I am so grateful that with age I have come to deeply appreciate the annual phenomenon of spring in New England. I am practicing letting spring’s hope brighten an over-shadowed horizon.

Practicing metta meditation also helps me to go beneath the surface of despair and separateness to our shared heart, that persists quietly like a mycelial layer of an ancient forest. This deeper layer of connection holds our shared longings for peace, health, safety, love, and possibilities.

Already this year I have lost multiple loved ones: Jonathan’s dad, dear friends, students, and my uncle/godfather.

If you are experiencing loss, may you be filled with strength and peace.

If you are experiencing hardship, may you be healthy and strong, safe and protected, and filled with peace.

May you always love and feel loved.

Yoga Retreats in Italy Fall 2022

In the spirit of persistent joy, I am grateful to share two opportunities to explore and connect this fall in Umbria and Sicily.

This luxury retreat to Sicily will explore the southern coast of the island. We will be based in a sustainably run countryside amidst organic garden and biodynamic vineyards.

I had an amazing experience in the beautiful life-giving Umbrian hillside, and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this with another group.

There is limited space available in each retreat, and you have the opportunity to save $300 if you book by May 20th.

For details and more information about either of these retreats, email International Yoga (info@internationalyoga.com) or visit the retreat pages for Umbria and Sicily.

Teaching Schedule (Times in ET)

Class packs and on demand classes are available, and I am happy to continue offering classes and private sessions.

Recordings are available for a few days after each class so you can best fit it into your schedule. Please see https://www.vitoyoga.com/schedule for details.

Sundays 6:45-8p Yin + Restorative Yoga + Metta

Mondays 6-7:15p Alignment-based Yoga + Metta

Wednesdays 7:30-8:10p Midweek Metta (No Fee Offering)

Thursdays 8:30-9:45a Alignment-based Yoga + Metta

Saturdays 8:30-9:45a Alignment-based Yoga + Metta

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