Sunset Over Manhattan

I've been so busy over the past bunch of monthes that I haven't had as much time for long walks.  This is kind of a shame, because I love long walks, but also awesome because I'm pursuing all kinds of interesting things like teaching, martial arts, and oh, right, that almost full-time yoga teacher school that I will be finished with in four weeks.  Holy cow.  

One thing yoga has really been confirming for me, is to take time and enjoy the little moments in the present.  This is something I already knew, and, if I didn't, it's all over the internet, and in every self-help book that's ever been published.  But, seriously, take a second, look around you, and be in the moment.  I'm learning a lot more of the psychology and science of this concept in my classes, because it's not just an intrinsic portion of yoga, it's essential and one of the goals along the journey.  It's so healthy to do this- to just experience what is happening instead of being wrapped up in your mind.

Actors have this problem basically all of the time.  It's possibly the number one problem I see for actors, and I'm becoming obsessed with how, through the body and voice, to teach my students how to break free of this.  My hypotheses are plentiful, and I'm learning that the answers are different for each individual person, but that certain exercises work for more than others.

This brings me to my next thing- it's not just actors who can benefit from this- working on the body, the voice, and the mind.  Everyone can.  What do I want to do about this?  Not sure yet.  We'll see.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my beautiful, long walks, like this one over the Manhattan Bridge.  The view of the sun setting over the financial district.  The vibrant glow of bright spray paint and metal in its rays.  The small flowers along the side of the path.  

 

The little things.  Life.

Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens is a gorgeous, rather upscale neighborhood in Brooklyn.  I don't live there, and I don't know if that is eventually where I would want to live either.  But, it is beautiful.  I go to see an Alexander Technique teacher in that area, and I always leave early to walk around and see all of the beautiful front gardens, the park, and the independently owned shops that line the tree-covered streets.  Murals are abundant, flowers are plentiful, and the occasional bizarre touch of graffiti or a very old building adds character.  

Sometimes Danny and I will go out of our way to go to a dinner in this neighborhood.  

One time in particular, we went to a lovely speakeasy style bar with fondue, and fancy meat and cheese plates.  It was decadent. We keep planning to go back, but haven't been able to as of yet.  Danny and I are excellent about taking one another out to dinner, but it tends to be more of an impromptu thing than a planned night.  We will both get out of work, text one another, and then just meet somewhere, or realize that out breaks line up and go somewhere near where I work.  Or, we'll both be starving and desperate for food after an afternoon of martial arts classes. 

 One of these days, we will go back for more fondue!!

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA