This past weekend I hosted another fundraiser. The theme was "Spring-New Beginnings". Participants received a gratitude gift of wildflower seeds. Planting seeds; anticipating the fruit of your labor, beautiful flowers.

Spring, a season of life lessons: to attain the fruits of your labor, you must face harsh and taxing conditions beforehand. Simply put: getting through winter is a challenge. Spring; however, is the light at the end of the tunnel to many who’ve bore the brunt of winter. Source: Health-Ade March 15, 2019

The pandemic was our winter, our harsh and taxing conditions, therefore spring is even more symbolic for new beginnings and change. We all experienced isolation, longing for social interaction. I am thankful that I am able to meet people and interact with them. Practicing Yoga in the park, giving people the chance to do something good for themselves. I had a wonderful encounter at the fundraiser, I met a sweet lady who joined the Yoga practice. Afterwards she was telling me how hard it is to connect with people and how much she appreciated my invitation to Yoga with Oma. Life is good and spring is a lovely reminder how beautiful change can truly be.
Here's to new beginnings!
Oma

Why celebrate International Women's Day?

International Women’s Day is a dynamic holiday dedicated to lifting up the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women. It is also rooted in raising awareness of the issues women face across the spectrum and, accordingly, advocating for gender parity.
Reference: https://news.yahoo.com/international-womens-day-why-celebrate-170000477.html
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I recently watched "The United States vs Billie Holiday" - what a powerful piece of art. It stirred up a whole bunch of emotions. I am not going into detail as to why - as we all experience art differently.

What I am going to talk about is finding strength in pursuing ones talent. Art is a way to express emotions, experience joy, and to communicate with others. Art is like speaking another language! It can help reduce the strong emotional charge attached to traumatic memories, providing relief from difficult symptoms. Art can aide in moving forward on the path to healing.

Everyone should be in a safe environment and able to express their talent.

I am closing with a poem by Bunmi Laditan

It's tempting to hold each moment
up to the sun 
examining it for flaws
glaring imperfections
noticing how it fails to meet our expectations
for what it should be, could have been
but what if you put it down
let it wash over you
accept it as yours
make your peace
with the present
acknowledging that it doesn't have to be
perfect
to be
beautiful

Stay beautiful,
OMA