Blooming in Uncertain Times
Art gives life meaning. Don't sit on your hands.
Spring is here, finally. I have to admit that the first quarter of 2025 has been anything but an Easter parade. I’ve been trying to find joy where I can, to make it where I am able, to create it when the opportunity presents itself. The above photo was taken a few weeks after the election on the grounds of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s uptown campus at The Met Cloisters. I had the opportunity at the time to plug some bulbs into the ground with one of the staff gardeners. This week, purple crocus and tiny yellow daffodils have sprung up on that same patch of earth.
I think most of you know that I am an actor and writer in addition to being a yoga and mindfulness instructor. I’m also a bit of a hobbyist in terms of photography, collage and ceramics. Sometimes, I feel judgmental about my creative practice (you know, that thing we’re not supposed to feel when we’re being mindful). How dare I play pretend when the world feels like it’s falling apart? These intrusive thoughts are often accompanied by other thoughts that whisper, You know what you should really be doing instead of X [learning lines, watching a new television show, editing my novel, taking a class, working on my handstand, playing with craft materials] is Y.
And don’t get me wrong, there is a real and pressing need for Y: to march, to protest, to participate in our democracy, to call and write representatives, to not be complacent and play small and quiet because we believe it is safe. Yoga means to yoke, to unite. The act of fighting for equity, equality, for peace, for unity - that is all yoga. It requires action, dedication, forethought and gumption. It is tapas (the yogic niyama of discipline): work forged in fire. It is also deep work that absolutely necessitates rest and self-care. This is why we practice. So we build strength. We cultivate resilience and compassion. We ground ourselves. We return to center. And we replace the gas in our tanks by leaning into restorative practices and nurturing that which brings us joy.
In times like these, with all the horrors on the news and so many people in this world staring down the barrel of basic survival, I will be the first to admit that the pursuit of joy - the pursuit of art - can feel like a frivolity, but art makes life bearable. Art brings us joy, whether it is music or a child’s sidewalk mural. Art helps us to express ourselves, to make sense out of the chaos, to share our experiences, to see things from a different perspective, to grieve, to celebrate, and to realize that we’re not alone. In periods of uncertainty, art gives us hope and delivers us back to ourselves.
Gratitude Journal Prompt:
What creative “seeds” in my life have I recently planted? How am I keeping them watered and nourished?
Speaking of art, I am so very grateful to have helped lead the Mindfulness program at The Met Cloisters over the past year. This coming Thursday (March 27 at 3pm) will be the last session in the current series. If you’d like to join, this 45-minute program is free with admission. I am hopeful that the Mindfulness program at The Cloisters will continue in some capacity. If new dates are added to the calendar, I will let you know.
For Fans of Poetry
I launched an Instagram account a couple of months ago called Meditations on the City. Please feel free to check that out and follow if it resonates.
🧘🏻♀️ The Future of This Substack
It’s my full intention to keep this mostly free and open to anyone who would like to read it. That said, I’ve also been convinced to add some paid subscriber content. I’m excited about it and will have a clearer idea as to what that’s going to look like in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
Practice with Me In-Person - Group Classes
Heights Meditation & Yoga
Tuesdays 12-1pm ET Slow Flow
Sundays 4-5pm ET Slow Flow & 5:15-6:15pm ET Yin & Restorative
Are you a Manhattan yoga studio owner / manager looking to add a teacher to your schedule?
Practice with Me Online - Zoom Schedule
Via Zoom - Book with me via my website (PayPal)
Wednesdays 7-8am ET Yin + Gentle Hatha
Thursdays 12-1pm ET Slow Flow (aka Hatha/Vinyasa)
Do you live outside of NYC and would like to practice with me over Zoom? Let me know what days/times work best for you! I might decide to add a zoom class at that time!
Interested in Private Yoga?
If you’re a Manhattan resident looking to build and/or deepen your yoga practice in the comfort and privacy of your own home, I offer 5- and 10-class packs. All cards expire at the end of the year.
5-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $450
10-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $900
If you’re interested in private yoga classes, reach out. Venmo, Zelle and Paypal accepted. Class cards expire at the end of 2025.
In the Meantime…
The world needs your creativity more now than ever. Go get your hands dirty.
🌸I’ll see you on the mat. Happy Equinox.🐰
AL
I really hope the series continues at the cloister’s and that you might teach outside of work hours! I’d really like to attend.