my weekend with jordan bloom

I got to spend the weekend in my favorite city—New Orleans.

If you know me, then you already know my deep love affair with the city. From the way it smells to the way it feels—I love everything about it.

Not only did I get to spend the weekend in my favorite city, but I got to spend it with people I love and doing something I’m very passionate about.

I had the honor of studying with Jordan Bloom as he led a weekend workshop on the Universal Principles of Alignment.

I was absolutely blown away with Jordan and his teaching style. He’s incredibly articulate, precise, gentle, and did I mention he’s beautiful to look at as well?!;)

I’ve done quite a few workshops in my yoga journey and I honestly have to say that this was my favorite. I think it was a mixture of the venue, the people, and the teacher. It just all came together so beautifully and the entire weekend was magical.

Swan River (Canal Street Location) was the most amazing venue. It used to be an old Library and the space was so inviting and scared that it was just an experience in and of itself to practice in.

 I’ve done a workshop with Michele a few years back at The Shala…and it was so awesome to get to see her again and visit with her. She’s doing such amazing things in the New Orleans kula and I’m so grateful for her dedication and love.

After practice on Saturday evening, a few of us had the privilege of dining out with Jordan and Michelle. Lilette on Magazine Street is the place to eat, folks. The food was decadent. But the company was even more decadent. We laughed, wined, and dined for hours. It was wonderful to get to know Jordan outside of the studio. He’s just an amazing person. It convinced me that I must go to South Africa to find a man. They seem to produce the most sensitive, playful, and gorgeous men. So, if you have any South African friends…..;)

I had so many “ah-ha” moments with Jordan this weekend. Things clicked and made more sense than they ever have before. I LOVE those moments because they are so rare. A few of the things I remember most about the weekend with Jordan are…

"It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it."

and

"It’s not how far you go, it’s how you go far."

His reminder to pause and to truly open to grace before doing anything was much needed.

Now it’s back to reality for me. I already have lots of assignments for school. I have lots of folks to get to know better. One of my goals for the summer is to make myself available for my new OT family. To get to know them individually and as a whole; To be a good friend, a good classmate, so that one day, I’ll be a damn good colleague.

As I go forth into this busy week, I hope that I remember to slow down; To be fully present; To make myself fully available for those that need my attention most, and most importantly, to open to grace.

P.S Yes, incase you were wondering—I AM extremely sore. But it was so worth it;)

"When we get out of alignment with Spirit and we try to make or expect life to be something different than it really is, suffering happens. We all experience pain and suffering, but it is not the quintessential nature of life. Just because the earth turns away from the sun and night occurs doesn't mean that the sun isn't always shining. It might be hard to see sometimes, but goodness and divine beauty can always be found if you adjust your vision just right."

John Friend