White Lotus Foundation.

I just returned from Santa Barbara, and a week at White Lotus Foundation, where I completed their Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program.  It was fantastic and relaxing and gorgeous.  Sigh.

On Retreat.

I'll be on retreat for the next week in the San Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara at White Lotus Foundation.  It's one of my favorite places on the planet, and I'm excited to go and recharge.  Sit in hot tubs, do yoga, eat delicious food, go on hikes, and return clearer.  I'm sure this will be a highlight of my year, and I'm just delighted to return to a place that's had a huge impact in my life over the last couple of years.

Harbin Hot Springs.

More Alexi Murdoch.

I wrote about Alexi Murdoch before, but I recently found (and was then given) one of his unreleased songs.  And I love it.  It is exceptionally beautiful, which is saying a lot for him.  It's just exquisitely touching and haunting.  And it's perfect for yoga class (again!).

Prairie Underground.

I live in this hoodie (the short shawl hoodie).  They no longer make the color I have, but you can see it here.

And this is my favorite yoga-teaching cover-up (or warm-up piece.)  It's the Bandanna Dress in Bruise.

So well-made, all organic materials, and domestically produced (in Seattle).  Their pieces are so flattering and feminine, yet functional (read: I don't have to worry about ruining them, or going about my day).  And the colors!  Oh, yes.  They are deliciously rich and vibrant.  Everything is so beautiful.  Oooh-wee!  All hail Prairie Underground.

You're Perfect.

If you're having a rough day, I invite you to watch.  It brought me to tears.  This person does something beautiful and selfless for so many.  It is so beautiful and earnest and amazing.  The end of the video beautifully sums up much of what's behind my personal spiritual beliefs and many of my life's practices.

And everything answered.

Mumford and Sons.

Music discovery from this past fall.  I adore them.

So twangy, and boot-stompin', with beautiful lyrics that make me want to weep my guts out.  I can't stop listening to them.  Bluegrass that's perfectly suited for yoga practice?  Love.

Smart Wool.

I really don’t want this blog to just be about buying “stuff” and capitalism and shopping and acquiring more things we all probably could do without if we were really honest with ourselves.  Insert a big however here, because I’m obsessed-in-love with this shirt from Smart Wool. 

It’s amazingly perfect for layering (a crucial skill in San Francisco) and as a coverup for yoga.  I've been wearing it constantly since I bought it at the member's coupon weekend for every occasion: work, yoga, going out, sleeping.  It is so soft yet really sturdy.  It comes in gorgeous colors (I have the purple) and goes beautifully with anything.  I’m already plotting getting it in another color or two.

Yum!

Alexi Murdoch.

I’ve listened to Time Without Consequence (Murdoch’s 2006 album) many hundreds of times, and have waited not-so-patiently, I’ll admit, for his follow-up.  For those of you who don’t know him by name, you’ve heard his songs if you’ve seen the movies Garden State and/or Away We Go.

Towards the Sun is his new album, which is set to release sometime in 2010.  In the meantime, I have procured a copy of the numbered limited edition release of the album, only available through his website (www.AlexiMurdoch.com).  It arrived yesterday, and I already have on repeat.  His words are like poetry and meditation, and so lovely.  And now I have something new to play in my yoga classes, finally.

My Etsy.

I have an etsy store here called Little Feets.

I make and sell Buddhist malas (prayer beads), which are used for meditation.  They are a part of many meditation traditions and a beautiful way to wear your practice.  I use wood, seed, and stone beads (as well as silver, shell, and other various components) to create unique and beautiful pieces that reflect the beauty and individuality of those whose practice they serve.

Here is a selection of some of my malas.

Salwag Seed, Iolite, Rose Quartz and Garnet Mala

Tiger Ebony and Red Adventurine Mala

Moss Agate and Salwag Seed Mala

Stay tuned in the future for new designs!