multitudes

I've been thumbing through The Artist's Way at Work again, and came across a quote that struck me:

The task of the best teacher is to balance the difficult juggling act of becoming vitally, vigorously, creatively, energetically, and inspiringly unnecessary.
--Gerald O. Grow

It made me think about how we all play the role of teacher in one way or another, as we help each other through life -- as friend, as manager, as parent, etc -- and how the best gift is to get to a point where you're not needed. You're loved, or you're valued, but you're a launch pad, rather than a security blanket.

On the eve of her 33rd bday, Tranquil Space Yoga founder and creative director Kimberly Wilson reflects on lessons she's (almost) learned in life thusfar. Her list includes:

• Trust your gut
• Stay away from people who drain you
• Surround yourself with inspiring people
• Know when to let go
  
  ...and, one that my mother would love:
  
  
• Always send thank-you notes
  

Read the full list (and note the comment from yours truly :)). And, check out my Q&A with Kimberly on my other blog, Creative DC.

An excerpt from a commencement speech that Steven Colbert gave at Knox College earlier this month:

Will saying “yes” lead you to doing some foolish things? Yes it will. But don’t be afraid to be a fool. Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying “yes” begins things. Saying “yes” is how things grow. Saying “yes” leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say “yes.”

Read the full speech.

1. We have rats in our kitchen.
2. The exterminator discovered a gas leak.
3. Did I mention we have rats in our kitchen? "Rats," plural. We've had 2 spottings in the pantry and 1 that just scurried across the kitchen floor in broad daylight.
4. I was supposed to get tickets to a baseball game for Father's Day and didn't act quickly enough, and now the game's sold out, and I feel terrible, and my mom keeps telling me how disappointed my dad is.
5. I have so much to do at work that my head is spinning.
6. I am jet lagged from a long weekend on the west coast.
7. I have been so busy since we got back that I still haven't unpacked.
8. My dog wants to play but I can't muster the energy.
9. I haven't practiced yoga in days.
10. I disagree with my improv troupe on something and hate feeling like the negative one, or the one who's making things difficult.

Phew. It's amazing how just writing that down puts it all in perspective. None of this really matters in the long run. All that's real is this moment - Cosmo at my feet; the sound of birds outside my window, the cool breeze, the bright green trees. My breath, going in and out. My body moving toward the floor, ready to practice yoga, ready to come home.