Homeabouts and what's new

Another big beautiful day and I realize that it's time for me to write :). As the lovely zucchinis from our farmers market are cooking away on my stovetop, let me give you an update on what's new.

It's a tricky question really since I feel mostly the same but not at the same time. Our house is all settled now, with the same furniture but it's a brand new configuration and we did get rid of a TON of stuff. Goodwill is happy to have us as loyal donators :) So there's a slight sense of lightness I guess, from everything we managed to let go. Living in a smaller house also helps in this lightness. We fit in everything, with very little space to spare. This means not shopping much. From buying toilet paper in bulk to storing up cans of tomato paste aren't options any more. When you realize that there's no place to put them, the choice becomes very easy :) There's also no more space for new shoes, clothing, bed sheets, towels and other things I can't think of right now. Luckily, we're still able to fit in some new books, which I don't think I can live without :))

Another great thing about the house, I can plug the vacuum in the middle and clean the entire house without unplugging it! :) And it takes less than half an hour to do so. So in other words, cosiness equals cleanliness! :)

I cooked myself a very functional kitchen, everything I need is within reach, also having a farmers market that I can walk to is wonderful. I think walking is another great thing about this place. I can actually walk to the city center, have a cup of coffee, eat a bite, take a yoga class and come back home in 5 minutes. I missed walking and it missed me I think :)

Living without a TV/cable service is new. We decided to not sign up for a TV service since 90% of the time, we don't really watch TV. I am realizing though how much time that 10% adds to my day! Suddenly and magically, I have the energy and willpower to not watch another episode of a home decoration program and actually READ something! It's a cool experience, highly recommended :)

We had a warm welcome from new friends. It's a small Turkish community here but I'm happy to say that I think I know almost everyone :) It feels comfy to be around people with similar ages and similar but unique journeys. And we have a wonderful chance to explore that uniqueness along the way.

I am beginning to teach regularly starting this Saturday, which is a welcome new development :) I am also slowly but surely reaching out to the yoga community here, meeting new people, trying out classes and enjoying every bit of it. This space before I build up a busy schedule is giving me a chance to practice more, read more, get creative and go deeper into my own development (more on that later :).

I am almost forgetting the most important news. My brand new pink sewing machine is new! (see picture above! :) A gift from my mom, it takes me back to the days of my childhood where I sat beside mom while she sewed everything from bed linens to jeans to new clothing for me, my brother and my cousins. Sewing is definitely a new way of thinking, imagining the finished product in your head, turning it around to look at it from different angles and deciding how to bring it to life. I'm truly enjoying playing with the possibilities :) Among my upcoming projects: curtains for the house and mini-fun-craft projects. More on them later :)

In short, life is flying by. I still feel that my life is mostly vata these days. Vata or the air element in ayurveda carries change, wind and creativity with it. Also some level of uneasiness. I can't say that I feel completely grounded yet. At the same time, I haven't felt entirely grounded the past 4-5 months! Despite that I survived, loved, cried, laughed, devoured my food and felt happy :) So maybe right now in my life, what I need is some more windiness and fewer roots reaching down to find water. For now I'll trust the wind to feed me and make me feel home in myself and carry the seeds of my consciousness to wherever they will choose to grow.

That's it from me for now, what have you been up to?
Namaste,
:) Damla