Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Ways
I arrived on Cape Cod last Thursday with one expectation – to write. I imagined a weekend of peace, quiet and artsy coffee shops. I expected immediate inspiration just by leaving home. I never found my artsy coffee shop nor did I find the inspiration I needed to write. I decided to take the weekend to simply relax. I did, however, find inspiration in another, very unexpected way.
I went to the Cape with my husband, who was attending the final week of a 2-part professional development workshop. He already knew the participants from the first week held in May, and as a result they knew quite a bit about me, including the fact that I teach yoga. During dinner the first night, one of the program participants asked if I would teach a yoga class during a scheduled break. I agreed and at 3pm the next day, 15 people gathered for yoga with Stacey.
I didn’t know them or their abilities so I kept the class basic and guided them through stretches, breathing exercises, and relaxation. At the close of practice, I was met with smiles and the request to come back the next day. Again, I agreed.
The amount of appreciation I received from teaching these two classes was truly overwhelming. I heard some of the most wonderful comments including:
“Stacey, you have a gift. In a room full of people, you spoke in a way that made me feel like you were talking only to me. I felt like you knew what I was thinking and needed.”
“I wanted to tell you that yesterday afternoon’s yoga session allowed me to really focus and concentrate on the afternoon workshops. I was grounded and participated without being clouded by my own thoughts. Thank you so much for teaching.”
“I wanted to try yoga, but never got myself to class. This was great and the push I needed. I’m looking forward to continuing this practice when I get home.”
Hugs, smiles and thank you’s provided me with a warmth in my heart that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I have something to give, I reminded myself. And that is what I’m really passionate about – helping people have fun and feel great. When I think about my work and my skills I realize what I do is, at it’s core, so simple and yet so incredibly satisfying. What I do is more than teach a yoga class, that’s a small piece of a much larger puzzle. I provide information and experiences that help people - relieve stress, live healthy, speak with confidence - designed with fun and feeling great in mind. And when I turn on the news and hear all of the stories, I can’t help but think what a perfect time to provide these fun, feel great experiences.
Sometimes expectations can get in the way. Giving up on my original plan and allowing the weekend to unfold naturally opened me to possibilities, providing me with exactly the inspiration I needed.
Stay tuned -inspiration means changes, updates and expansion!
Sometimes inspiration just isn’t where we expect it to be, or how we expect it to occur. For all the plans we make, and sometimes it just doesn’t happen like expected. I think we’ve all been there. I have…
What an awesome way to turn the weekend into something more, something inspiring in a completely different way Stacey! To share your gifts, that which you are passionate about, with others - I don’t know if there is anything that can bring more joy.
In a world filled with too much “bad” news, what a great way to provide some light to those around you!
Lances last blog post..Don’t Ever Give Up
Stacey,
This post was right where I needed it when I needed it this morning. I think I have been a little on the out of balance side. I needed to remember to be more open instead of forcing an agenda. Thanks. I am going to go get out my yoga tapes and walk away from the computer for awhile.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
My hubby and I were just talking about picking up yoga again last night. I used to do it regularly but I guess I somehow never formed it into enough of a habit that it would overcome obstacles or interruptions, as much as I totally loved doing it.
This has been really inspiring and added desire to that idea we had last night! Thank you.
What a great post and a perfect message, too. I especially loved your last two paragraphs.
stephs last blog post..Magic in the Air
This is a perfect reminder to stay present. The best-lead plans, after all…
Thank you! And congratulations!
Stacy,
This post is so inspiring. I want to come and take one of your yoga classes now!
Seriously though, everyone has something to give and I am glad that you have tapped into your higher self to find that. I can’t wait to hear your good news about the coming changes and expansion!
Best,
Lisa
Lisa a/k/a blondie956@twitters last blog post..Loose Ends…
staying present and ALLOWING LIFE TO UNFOLD NATURALLY.
so key.
and such a timely reminder for me about the latter.
we cant ‘force’ things to unfold how we’d like.
MizFits last blog post..Im no Prelutsky (please to insert *sigh*)—yet with the rhyming I love it. I try.
This is a perfect example of going with the flow. I’m happy to hear that your expectations didn’t get in the way. On my get away last week I planned to paint but got sucked into watching Friends reruns for a few hours. After my sitcom fix, I sat down and wrote an outline for my book. I unfolded 10 chapters I didn’t know existed. This was not my intention or my expectation…but a gift from going with the flow.
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Practicing Being Selfish = Self Nurturing
“Sometimes expectations can get in the way. Giving up on my original plan and allowing the weekend to unfold naturally opened me to possibilities, providing me with exactly the inspiration I needed.” I often find inspiration through your posts! Thank you!
ms last blog post..Daily Life Challenge
How wonderful to receive such direct feedback on how you’re helping others. And being able to talk to each person as if they were the only ones in the room is a gift, and people are always appreciative of being “seen” this way by others.
Marelisas last blog post..Three Awesome Productivity Tips
It is always a good idea not to have too packed a schedule. Allow some space for unexpected things to happen. As you’ve shown, your day can turn out to be more than a delightful one!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Soul Revelations From Past Life Memories