Happy to hear what's been going on in your world, love. Maybe in the spring I can come up and smoosh Violet. I'm not a dog person, ultimately, but I collect dog people and enjoy that their dogs aren't mine so I can smoosh them and then leave to go back home (to my cats).
Congrats on the new puppy! I love the photos, thank you for sharing. The one with Violet on Gertie’s is precious! Loved this: Violet is the dog she never knew she wanted.”
I too take long breaks from IG and have for the last three years. It’s liberating. My most recent digital detox is my Gmail app. I was addicted to checking it throughout the day. It’s opened up my days in so many wonderful ways. It’s also encouraged me to visit the Substack app when I have the time to sit and read vs. feeling like I needed to make the time right then and there when the email came through. As for January, I am learning to love it more and more. I am noticing for me I want to make it a time to truly “winter” and hibernate. It’s challenging around all the new year momentum, but I am learning to savor the darkness and take it slow. I also appreciated the reminder that when it’s time, it’s time and you will know when to bring a new fur baby into your home. It’s been a year and a half since my 16 year old cat, Jax, died, and I’m just not ready and I’m trying to lean into trusting that I will know when I know. That it will be more like a Violet moment. Enjoy the game!! I live in northern CA - so big Niners fans over here!! Xo Dina
Yesterday I read that January is a month where the most divorces happen. Something like that. It made me think of traumas I won't go into here that crashed into the January darkness. The first time I got sober was January 21, 1975. The second time, which "took" to this day, was July 1, 1983. Definitely the sun must have helped. As for new puppies, oh my god. And one of my favorite breeds! Yes, you'll go through hell. When my golden was in her first two years, I said "98% angel, 2% devil," and boy was that two percent crazy! She and the rescue kitties are lying beside me now after our morning of yoga. Thanks for your lovely post. Glad to have found you.
thanks Jennifer ~ Violet is the puppy none of us knew we needed 💜🐶 and thank you for your support ~ a dear friend wrote to me (after reading) saying, “I think your word for 2024 is pause.”
no truer words ~ my favorite part of practicing three-part breathing IS the stillness and sense of ease found within the pause. I’m noticing the ways I don’t do the same off of my mat, and doing my best to do different.
I too find the breathing more challenging off the mat, particularly in those three a.m. awakenings. Or dental chair. Or eye exam room. A sponsee reminded me of box breathing, and somehow "drawing" the box in my mind along with the breath is more doable in stressful situations.
Hi Dina, I hadn’t thought about taking my email app off my phone, but man would THAT be a game-changer ~ thank you so much for sharing and for offering your insight and perspective.
I think it’s highly likely I’ll extend my IG pause even longer. There has been zero FOMO, rather my life simply feels more full of presence and agreed ~ Substack is a much more nourishing distraction....I just have to grapple with other ways to market my retreats on Monhegan island... marketing. 😡 always my nemesis.
I agree about wintering ~ it’s the perfect time to lean into cozy, to bake or make soup, and read by the fire. The frigid cold of Rochester makes it all the easier!
There is nothing harder than losing our beloved, furry creatures. My partner and I dubbed last year, “the year the pets died,” because we lost four: 2 newfies, a golden, and a bunny. A friend shared that specific animals come into our lives at specific moments for a reason, and when they’ve done their job, it’s pour job to let them go. When the time is right, and your heart is open, you WILL know.
Last night’s game was one to marvel at ~ Patrick Mahomes is truly a magician and it actually translated more clearly “live” than on 📺 which isn’t often the case. Still, surrounded by bereft season tkt owners, I did not feel much joy and I truly would have celebrated if 🦬 would have won!
Happy to hear what's been going on in your world, love. Maybe in the spring I can come up and smoosh Violet. I'm not a dog person, ultimately, but I collect dog people and enjoy that their dogs aren't mine so I can smoosh them and then leave to go back home (to my cats).
Ohh we would all love that ~ by spring Violet will be more of a bear cub than a dog, but still super smoochable 💛
Congrats on the new puppy! I love the photos, thank you for sharing. The one with Violet on Gertie’s is precious! Loved this: Violet is the dog she never knew she wanted.”
I too take long breaks from IG and have for the last three years. It’s liberating. My most recent digital detox is my Gmail app. I was addicted to checking it throughout the day. It’s opened up my days in so many wonderful ways. It’s also encouraged me to visit the Substack app when I have the time to sit and read vs. feeling like I needed to make the time right then and there when the email came through. As for January, I am learning to love it more and more. I am noticing for me I want to make it a time to truly “winter” and hibernate. It’s challenging around all the new year momentum, but I am learning to savor the darkness and take it slow. I also appreciated the reminder that when it’s time, it’s time and you will know when to bring a new fur baby into your home. It’s been a year and a half since my 16 year old cat, Jax, died, and I’m just not ready and I’m trying to lean into trusting that I will know when I know. That it will be more like a Violet moment. Enjoy the game!! I live in northern CA - so big Niners fans over here!! Xo Dina
Yesterday I read that January is a month where the most divorces happen. Something like that. It made me think of traumas I won't go into here that crashed into the January darkness. The first time I got sober was January 21, 1975. The second time, which "took" to this day, was July 1, 1983. Definitely the sun must have helped. As for new puppies, oh my god. And one of my favorite breeds! Yes, you'll go through hell. When my golden was in her first two years, I said "98% angel, 2% devil," and boy was that two percent crazy! She and the rescue kitties are lying beside me now after our morning of yoga. Thanks for your lovely post. Glad to have found you.
thank you Kirie for sharing your darkness ~ I’ve learned it’s the only way to walk each other home, to know we are not alone.
and 40 years, wow!!!
I’m always inspired by such long term sobriety. This Friday will be my own 13th anniversary ~ so grateful to have found a new way to live.
Violet is my fifth Newfie so technically I know what I’m doing but I am fully aware that there will be many, many surprises.
I look forward to getting to know you all the more ~
What a lovely post. You’re speaking to a lot of us, I’ve no doubt, struggling to enter the new year peacefully. Violet is just adorable.
thanks Jennifer ~ Violet is the puppy none of us knew we needed 💜🐶 and thank you for your support ~ a dear friend wrote to me (after reading) saying, “I think your word for 2024 is pause.”
no truer words ~ my favorite part of practicing three-part breathing IS the stillness and sense of ease found within the pause. I’m noticing the ways I don’t do the same off of my mat, and doing my best to do different.
I too find the breathing more challenging off the mat, particularly in those three a.m. awakenings. Or dental chair. Or eye exam room. A sponsee reminded me of box breathing, and somehow "drawing" the box in my mind along with the breath is more doable in stressful situations.
oooh i like the idea of drawing the breath 🙏🏻
Ohhhh a new fuzzy pupper to love!!!
Sending a warm welcome with hugs and kisses to sweet Violet!💜💜💜
thanks Bonnie, she’s a snuggle bunny for sure...until we enter the adolescent bunnicula phase...then all bets are off 😂
😂yes but on the other side of that is a beautiful and loving furry adult furend 💜 🐾💜
Good morning Sarah…loved this:) congratulations on your new puppy Violet! She’s beautiful. They do make you paws!
thanks donna, we are all in love 🥰
Hi Dina, I hadn’t thought about taking my email app off my phone, but man would THAT be a game-changer ~ thank you so much for sharing and for offering your insight and perspective.
I think it’s highly likely I’ll extend my IG pause even longer. There has been zero FOMO, rather my life simply feels more full of presence and agreed ~ Substack is a much more nourishing distraction....I just have to grapple with other ways to market my retreats on Monhegan island... marketing. 😡 always my nemesis.
I agree about wintering ~ it’s the perfect time to lean into cozy, to bake or make soup, and read by the fire. The frigid cold of Rochester makes it all the easier!
There is nothing harder than losing our beloved, furry creatures. My partner and I dubbed last year, “the year the pets died,” because we lost four: 2 newfies, a golden, and a bunny. A friend shared that specific animals come into our lives at specific moments for a reason, and when they’ve done their job, it’s pour job to let them go. When the time is right, and your heart is open, you WILL know.
Last night’s game was one to marvel at ~ Patrick Mahomes is truly a magician and it actually translated more clearly “live” than on 📺 which isn’t often the case. Still, surrounded by bereft season tkt owners, I did not feel much joy and I truly would have celebrated if 🦬 would have won!
Have a wonderful day 💛
“Have puppies.” The two most powerful words of your January!
PS: I shared your workshop link with a friend.
right??? puppies = prozac = priceless
and thank you for sharing my workshop ~ 🫶🏻