Reverb11, a 31 Days of Writing Project

"Reverb is a means of reflection on the year that has passed and looking forward to the coming year. It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate life and mourn losses together."

Lower Lola Montez Lake, Cisco Grove, Ca

"'Reverb11' is a month-long daily writing practice with prompts for each day in December", writes Michelle Fajkus, the founder and director of Yoga Freedom.  As an avid reader of Elephant Journal, I was intrigued by these words.  In my previous post, I had talked about several goals I wished to pursue, one being a recommitment to my meditation and another to try to publish some of my dad's stories to 'prove' something to him (and myself).  Well, the desire to become a 'writer' is my "something".  The idea of committing to 31 days of writing, which follows along the basic principles of yoga such as liberating ourselves from the notion of who we are, being thoughtful and mindful as well as Self-realization and Self-transformation, has struck a cord.

I am going to use my blog for my Reverb11 posts (if I can figure out the "tabs" feature that would be great).  After some review of past posts, and a renewed desire to fulfill my personal goals, I've decided that my blog needs a little more direction. Hopefully, this will start me off on the right foot. Without further ado, here is today's Reverb11 prompt:

Encapsulate your 2011 in one word. Why that word? What would you like your word to be for 2012? Why?

"Show up. Step on the mat, sit at the desk, execute yoga poses and breathe consciously. Write words on the page and keep breathing consciously. By doing so, you automatically shape time. You have chosen to make time for creative expression. You have prioritized yoga and writing above all else, for the duration. This is a gift to your best self." ~Michelle Fajkus

From a friend's garden. Loomis, Ca.

Awaken...my word for 2011.  It has been a year of reconnecting to my Self.  Accepting challenges, pushing the boundaries of my comfort-zone, scratching off a few items from the ol' Bucket List and, of course, learning more of life's lessons.  I completed my first marathon this year and then Tough Mudder.  Two physically and mentally exhausting challenges that have been on my Bucket List for a few years.  I joined Team in Training, raising over $3000 for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, doing the unthinkable, asking for monetary donations (amidst a recession).  Terrifying to say the least.  I reawakened my love of yoga and meditation, the two things that saved me from my darkest days.  Which leads me to my word for 2012:

Empower.  It actually surprised me that this is the word that instantly came to mind as I was typing the above paragraph. In the back of my mind my 'striving DO more' Self was thinking more along the lines of Action or Goals or Conquer. But as I look at this word, Empower, and take in it's meaning "to promote the self-actualization or influence of" (via Merriam-Webster), I find that it encompasses so much.  As I continue to move forward and break through the walls of self-doubt and the self-imposed definition of who I am (or am not) I will humbly open my mind and spirit.  Through this empowerment I will continue the pursuit of my dreams and goals.

At Smith Rock, overcoming my fear of heights.