“The Stretch Gazette” is our studio’s monthly blog. Every month we will bring you some motivation through Words of Wisdom, Yoga Tips & Facts, and personal thoughts from co-owner, Daniella. Please subscribe to receive email notifications of our latest publication by entering your email in the box found on the sidebar. Namaste.
We once again end the month with a powerful Full Moon – this time a pink full moon in Scorpio. It was named after the pink flowers that bloom in the early spring known as phlox. The moon’s energy affects our bodies, our moods, the oceans and lands and this particular full moon has the power to transform. Must be no coincidence I’ve been getting inspired to write!
This past month, right in line with this particular Full Moon, I’ve found myself contemplating relationships. I’ve been living on the East Coast for 12 years now and often find myself missing my friends from back home in CA. There’s nothing like being around people who just get you, where you come from, your roots. Yet, I have to remind myself that I’m not the same person I was years ago, not even 2 months ago! We are all continuously experiencing life and hopefully learning and growing. This is really the basis for the ebb and flow of relationships…whether blood, friendly, or romantic.
Last month, I talked about making changes in order to “Spring Clean” and let go of things or bad habits. I’ve been doing my self-work and in the process have realized something really important – change does not always equal transformation. Too often we confuse or misuse the two words. When we change things, we are focusing on the past. Transformation is about creating the future. We can change things all we want, but if we want things to truly be different, we have to dig deeper. We have to continue the work.
One of the biggest challenges, however, can be the very people we are closest to who just don’t get it. It was a big fear of mine for a long time. Until just recently, I was scared of hearing the words, “You’ve changed” and it not be considered a good thing. I held on to the “old me” to please those who expected me to be or act a certain way, or for fear of losing a friend. However, in doing the work, I soon learned that I was allowing their fear of change to stand in the way of my transformation. While it still is a work in progress, understanding this simple concept has helped me immensely, not only to accept myself, but accept them.
Fortunately, for me, I not only have a strong core group of family and friends on the west coast, but I also have a beautiful, connected tribe of people right here and now that I love and appreciate very much. Over the years, as I’ve gone through growth and changes, I’ve seen growth and changes in my relationships with others too. The most important things that I’ve found is that while friends don’t always have to agree, understanding and respecting each other’s journeys are a must. Sharing values, not musical tastes, is what’s important. Letting go is sometimes important. Most of all, knowing that every person who has crossed my path, whether they stayed for a moment or have been here for years, has played an enormous part in who I was, who I am, and who I will be. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to meet some pretty amazing individuals through our yoga community. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being you.
Bhakti and Namaste,
~Daniella 
The Twisted Monkey 