The Noodle

The reason this blog is called, JL's Yoga World... and Beyond! - is because I wanted to be able to write about things in my life - not directly connected to yoga. Though my whole life is yoga right?

My sweet son, Ben, will turn 8 years old on Wednesday.  He was sent to me from God,  from the Universe. I have no doubt. This child helps me grow everyday - as a mom, a yoga teacher, a friend and as a person.  Every day - he amazes me. Every day - I am grateful he is in my life.

Many of you know his birth story because it is so much a part of my yoga story. But just in case you don't - here goes:

Back in 2001 - right after 9/11, Greg and I were, like many people, reassessing our lives. We were living the 'High Life' in San Francisco. Making loads of money - spending WAY more than we had... just living for us.  But we were incomplete. We wanted more.  We had already been trying to have a baby for two years - since our wedding on 10/9/99.  It just wasn't happening.  Greg was laid off on 9/12 and we were struggling.  I felt like I was losing my 'soul' in TV News. I was becoming someone I did not recognize.  I told Greg I wanted to change. I wanted to be a mom and a yoga teacher.  Together we planned our future.
But it took a few months - until March of that year - when Greg was offered a job here in Seattle. This was our chance. I quit my job and applied to Yoga Teacher Training.  From March to June we lived apart as I closed up one life to begin anew in Seattle.  On a weekend in May, Greg flew back to SF to help me sell our stuff in a yard sale - Clean slate, ya know.  A couple came asking for baby things in the yard sale. We said we had none - that we 'had not been blessed yet.'  They asked us if they could hug us and pray for us. Look, Greg and I are not religous people - but we agreed.
Three weeks later, I found out I was pregnant.

Ben is an old-soul in many ways. He asks questions about God, about reincarnation, and about being a baby and how he 'chose' us as parents. I really believe he did.  I often will share little 'Ben-isms' in Yoga class... he is brilliant in many ways. But yet - still a little kid. He is complicated and loving. He is funny and cozy.  He has even invented a few yoga poses that I use in class.

This week - I honor my wonderful, loving son - Ben. He is the light of my life. Oh yeah, and I call him 'noodle.' :)