What Does My Third Eye Look Like?

The first of the year brings new intentions, new goals, and new hangovers.

The beginning of this year has gifted me with some long lost MOTIVATION and an 'I'm gonna fucking do this' attitude.

WHAT TO DO?
A 30 Day Yoga Challenge.  At least one yoga practice a day for 30 days...NO EXCUSES.  Accompanied with my final farewell to the occasional, social, when I'm drinking, because they're there, killing time, killing myself cigarette.

It is worth mentioning that I am already a Yogi.  And for most of those who practice yoga on the regular, doing a practice a day for 30 days in a row 'ain't nuthin' but a thang.'  But this particular challenge is about more than figuring out how to stay in hand-stand and catch a few Om's.

It's a physical and mental preparation for myself, to accomplish as many goals as I can this year.  And  as the poster for the upcoming Sex and the City television pre-quel tells us, Be who you want to become.

Yesterday (January 1st),
A Yin class was offered at Zuda Yoga, one of my favorite heated power Vinyasa studio's.  What better way to experience a deep, slow stretch than in the same place I usually enjoy a sweaty aerobic flow accompanied by Florence and the Machine and the like.  Yin to the Yang indeed.

Today (January 2nd),
This morning I pushed the snooze button to the limit, and was in a bit of a rush for work.  Throughout the morning I looked forward to choosing a studio and practice for Day 2 of my yoga-venture.  When lunch arrived I decided to checkout the schedule for Yoga Shala, another favorite.  The 6:15 Kundalini practice was the winner.  Although I wasn't quite aware of what I was in for.

Kundalini yoga is heavily based in deep various breathing techniques to awaken the inner body.  The practice is still but powerful.  To be quite honest, afterward I felt as if I had earlier stooped marijuana in coffee.  Energy pumped through me but I am relaxed and at peace.
...Also I could use a burrito, but that I blame on an early lunch.

Have still not smoked...Self-Five.  

Midnight in Sacramento 1Y-6M-9D

Last night I made my way to my favorite spot in Sacramento, the Tower Theater. Tower is widely known in the independent cinema community in town for the consistent quality in selection of film, not to mention appealing ticket prices.  I'd been waiting for weeks to take in Woody Allen's latest Midnight in Paris; and was therefore happy to trade an evening at the bars with friends, with what was sure to be a love letter to Paris written in Woody's trademark snark. 

Owen Wilson is charming as the Allen-esque lead; but even he is overshadowed by a parade of well cast artists and writers of the 1920's ranging from a spot on Hemingway to a comical Dali. Wilson's character Gil is discontent, engaged to the unlikable Inez successfully played by the usually delightful Rachel McAdams. Gil is enraptured by the streets Paris, longing to have lived there in the 20's, what he considers to be its 'golden age.' 


The film explores questions about the disappointments of life, love and fear of death. A quotation by Hemingway (Corey Stoll) particularly struck me.  Although I cannot remember it exactly, it was something to the effect of "If you fear death, have good sex until you no longer do."


While enjoying this beautiful film I couldn't help but miss Paris myself.  The last time I was lucky enough to visit was 2008, and I am once again keen to make the trip.  That of course will take some time, and until then I am satisfied to have walked the Champs-Elysées without having to leave mid-town.


And yes, I even made it out to the bars in time for last call...what a night.