April 5, 2024
Somah
The equinox is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night worldwide. Specifically, there are two equinoxes: the vernal equinox in spring and the autumnal equinox in fall. During these times, the Earth’s axis is neither tilted away from nor towards the sun, creating a balance in the amount of daylight and darkness experienced across the globe. As we find ourselves in the equinox, I’ve been reflecting on some of the following, especially when it comes to relationships.
The concept of the equinox, with its symbolism of balance and equality between light and dark, often inspires reflection on the idea of balance in one’s life. It serves as a reminder to evaluate and realign priorities, striving for equilibrium in various aspects such as work and leisure, relationships, physical and mental health, and personal growth. It also serves as a reminder that we are interconnected with the vast energies of the cosmos, offering an opportunity to align ourselves with these greater cycles.
Just as the equinox represents a harmonious equilibrium in nature, it encourages individuals to seek harmony and balance within themselves, fostering a sense of well-being and fulfillment. In life’s intricate dance of light and shadow, we often find ourselves navigating the delicate balance between joy and sorrow, connection and separation, turbulence and stillness.
Recently, I bid farewell to a furry 
companion, who had become a steady presence in my home as I became her caretaker while her primary ‘kahu’ was unable to look after her. ‘Kahu’ is a Hawaiian term I recently discovered and deeply resonate with, signifying a profound spiritual connection of guardianship or stewardship, transcending the conventional notion of being a mere “pet owner”. Letting her go stirred feelings of sadness as she returned to her ‘kahu’ reminding me of the profound depths of connection we share with our animal friends. Yet, even as I adjust to her absence, I find solace in the occasional visits that keep our bond alive.
My journey with my partner, Troy, has been a testament to the resilience of love amidst distance and challenges. From our serendipitous meeting on a secluded beach to embarking on a two-decade-long adventure together, our relationship has thrived on the pillars of friendship, trust, respect and unwavering support for each other’s growth. Despite the physical miles that often separate us, our connection remains steadfast, fueled by humour, shared experiences (even if much of it is over Whats App and Zoom these days!), and a profound commitment to each other’s well-being and soul growth. Snuggle up with us in our booth at the Universal Diner and listen in to our podcast conversation as we explore more about how we sail our ‘ship of relations’. We are also honoured to be contributors on an online collaboration of 49 days of Embodied Spiritual Practice.
As transitions unfold and dear friends embark on new chapters, I am reminded of the ebb and flow of the intricate and interconnected nature of life’s experiences. My dear friend, Lorraine, is relocating to Europe this week. I cherish the memories we’ve shared over the years and look forward to our reunion on European soils to share more explorations and teaching on our yoga training collaboration in France. Similarly, I look forward to reconnecting with another kindred spirit, Emma, with whom the joy of co-creating and sharing the transformative power of yoga nidra (training) on the yet-to-be-explored magical isle of Ireland.
In the symphony of life, each encounter, whether fleeting or enduring, contributes to the rich tapestry of our human experience, reminding us of the beauty of connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound gift of being present with both the light and the shadow.
