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

Sunset

So, um, these photos are pretty old.  Rather ancient, as a matter of fact.  They were taken on the Fourth of July this past year, and I never shared them on this site.  Why?  They were on a misplaced memory card.  Whoops-a-daisy.  But, the sunset was just so lovely, that I felt I had to post them here.  The colours took my breath away, and I think I did a decent job of capturing them with digital magic.  I hope that you agree!

Ah, I'm dreaming of days in sundresses, watching the sun set at 9pm.  This winter is long, cold, and essentially just beginning.  It's the time for sweater tights, warm hats, and hot chocolates, not fourth of july tidings.  A year ago today, I was in Miami, soaking up the Florida rays.  Today, I'm freezing my butt of in New York like a champ.  I've accomplished so much in the past year, that I'm kind of impressed with myself.  I started a new career, added hours onto that career, signed up for martial arts school, and moved into a significantly nicer apartment.  It's been good.  Who knows what this summer will brings?  Toastier weather, of course, but what else?  I'm so excited to work towards making it the most wonderful one yet!

2011 was a nearly perfect year.  I see no reason that 2012 can't be even better.  Cheers to change!

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA