Kerri On Down The Road

 Earlier this summer I underwent a surgical procedure to remove some scar tissue from the cornea of my right eye.  I had been experiencing blurred vision for some time (read - several years) and had been putting off doing anything about it.  Finally I deiced that enough was enough and booked the procedure.  It is funny how nonchalant I was in the weeks leading up to the surgery, dismissing the whole thing as being not a very big deal and gratefully declining any offers of help or support.  I wonder if this was my way of trying to make myself feel less stressed - simply downplay it and convince myself that it was not worth getting too fussed about.  Surgery day came and I was actually glad - it would be great to have this taken care of and potentially have my vision returned to where it had been before this became an issue.  The procedure was a success; I was given a regimen of drops and guidelines for aftercare and a fancy pair of super dark sunglasses...

 The other morning as I was out for a run, a man rode past on his bicycle wearing Bermuda shorts, a spring jacket and a huge smile.  He gave me a big hello and wished me a wonderful day.  I returned the greeting and the rest of my way home was running with a big smile on my face.  It is not the first time that our paths have crossed and both times had the same effect - a lightness in my steps and a real feeling of happiness.  As I reached my home and came inside I was struck by just how much of an impact that short interaction had on me.  It then made me think about the ripple effect that we each have in the world and how important it is to acknowledge and to be aware of our impact on others and the world as a whole. Just like dropping a pebble into a bucket of water, each interaction we have creates ripples that spread from us outwards.  These can carry positive or negative energy and vibrations and carry much father away from us than we may realize....

As you read this, I will have just completed my very first university course!  When I graduated high school I was terribly intimidated at the thought of going to university - the large class sizes, the less personal experience (versus high school), and honestly the idea of not being able to handle it all.  So I took some time off to figure out what direction I wanted to go in and then went to college for ECE.  I really enjoyed the course and felt like it was the right decision for me at that time, despite the fact that I knew I would never work in the field.  The decision to not attend university was one that felt right at the time, but came back to haunt me years later.  I noticed as I moved through my career that I started to wonder if I had made the right decision after all.  Perhaps I should have pushed past the feelings of concern and went "for the life experience" as so many had advised.  Instead I carried around a sense of regret and a feeling o...

 It has almost been a year since I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training - how time flies!  I can remember starting the course and how grateful I was to have decided to go for it.  I had no idea where it would lead and at the same time knew that I was exactly where I needed to be. During the training we would have some very interesting and thought-provoking discussions and often we would hear "isn't that interesting?" as a response to something that was shared or an inquiry that was made.  I remember the first time I heard that phrase I sat and waited for the rest of the thought to come.  I expected there to be more...an insight, response, opinion...something.  And over time I came to realize that none of those would come.  That "isn't that interesting" was the entire thought.  It didn't sit well with me at first.  I felt uncomfortable in the silence that would follow.  Still hoping and waiting for something more. Over time I have ...

 I was on a run the other morning and noticed a mantra repeating in my head "all I need to do is run".  It was on a loop that kept going for the majority of my circuit.  This may not seem like a very motivational mantra on the surface.  Not terribly awe-inspiring...while on a run, keep running...What this phrase did for me was allow me to keep my focus on the task at hand.  In other words, stay present.  I find it hard to be present while I am running.  I often find myself on a run unraveling problems that have been on my mind, or ruminating over ideas or things that have taken place, or are going to take place once my run is completed.  I relish these opportunities to problem solve and do find moments of inspiration while on the move.  The downside of this is that I end up disconnecting from my run.  I don't keep a great stride or cadence and instead of finishing my distance and feeling like I was really a part of it, I am just feeling ...