Hello friends! Right now, I feel like a chicken running around with my head cut off. I'm trying to meet some crazy deadlines on a couple volunteer projects, and unfortunately I've been neglecting ME. In an effort to remedy that (and adjust my work/life balance) - I'm here, putting together a little CURRENTLY post for you, because sharing things I like in this space makes me smile.

LISTENING

Pedro and I were listening to a playlist on YouTube, and this song came on. We both just kind of looked at each other, and were like, "this is awesome."

First of all, it just makes me want to dance around. Perfect for some early summertime fun. Second, there's a Prince Buster sample. Third, Protoje rocks some SICK bespoke suits and hats in this video. Seriously stylin'. Get your reggae on and groove to the sweet sounds.

PHOTOGRAPHING

Last weekend, the Mass Musings Tribe met up at Arnold Arboretum for a Festival Season themed shoot. (Above is the magical @scarletroots, and you can spot @lizandlavender in that first photo up top.) I managed to take some really great photos that have me planning my next shoots ASAP. I'm looking forward to shooting some fun yoga photos out in the middle of nowhere with my BFF while I'm back in my hometown (oh yeah, did I mention I'm headed for the Great White North?)!

I'm keeping up with my 365 Photo Project, so hooray for that. I think it's Day 160? 161? Longest time-based photo project I've done so far. Hooray!

TRAVELING

I'm homeward bound next week! The Peres - Pettinato fam is headed to Toronto for some summertime fun (watch out, Rude Boy is coming for you). I'll be hanging out in Toronto, and the suburbs for awhile if you want to hang out! Let's go to yoga class, eat tacos, drink iced americanos, hit the beach or the park, go for a hike, or... invite me over and I will come hang by your pool (I'll bring the sangria + guac) ;)

I'm so looking forward to photoshoots, visiting all my favourite (yeah, with a "u") spots, and a bunch of annual summertime family events that I will get the chance to be a part of.

PRACTICING

I've been doing so well with keeping my practice consistent (I try to practice 5x / week). Rachel Brathen (@yoga_girl) mentioned a little while back, how when she doesn't want to get on her mat, she will make herself do 10 rounds of Sun Salutations. By the 7th or 8th she can't remember why she didn't want to get on the mat in the first place. I've been trying to apply this to my own practice. The times I don't want to get on the mat, or when I "don't have time" to get on the mat, are often the times I need it the most.

Also not really related to my practice - but I'm practicing with my hula hoop! It arrived from Hipnotic Hoopla arrived today. I'm terrible, but I'm practicing keeping the hoop on my waist. Can anyone recommend some hooping tutorials? The lovely @scarletroots taught us how to hoop at Arnold Arboretum last weekend, and I just had to get in on the fun.

EATING + DRINKING

Pedro and I went to a new neighbourhood spot in Brookline called Sunny Boy! It's such a cute little spot, with a really great vibe. They have awesome food + drinks. I tried the Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, and it was bomb. Highly recommend. Sunny Boy focuses on serving REAL food, which is exactly what we've been looking for in the area. House-made sodas, delicious coffee, whole foods, acai bowls, yummy snacks, White Russians + Mai Tai's (and cheap beer), what more could a lady ask for in a local spot? Not much, but the sweet staff were a plus too! Check out Sunny Boy in Washington Square, you won't be disappointed.

WATCHING

OITNB, DUH! Bye, going to watch it now, while I play with my hula hoop.

Peace!

Alex

**Just a reminder, I am not a certified yoga teacher. While I practice yoga on a daily basis, I am not an expert. This project is purely based on my own practice, and the things that work for me and my own body. Remember to practice in a way that is safe and makes you feel good, ok?**

Hey friends. In an effort to create + move + live + explore the things that I love more, I'm trying something new today. Just for fun. Welcome to my new project, Asana + A Song.

Today I have for you, my favourite hip opener, Pigeon Pose / Eka Pada Rajakapotasana + This Thing About You by Miracle Fortress.

To start, (HIT PLAY FIRST) stand in Mountain Pose / Tadasana and prepare your ears for musical goodness.

Make your way into downward dog, and pedal out your legs to loosen up.

Bring your right (or left, depending on the side) knee to your right (or left) elbow, and place your shin parallel to the top of your mat (or on a diagonal if you have tight hips and need to modify). Make sure that your foot is flexed to prevent injury and protect your knee. Lower yourself down slowly.

Fold forward and begin to melt your heart to the mat. Settle in and surrender. Or come up onto spidered fingertips, pull your shoulders back and down away from your ears. Bring your chest forward and open your heart.

Want to go deeper? Try One-Legged King Pigeon Pose!

Pigeon is one of my favourite poses to practice. It gets deep into the hip muscles, where we tend to store a lot of tension. The result is a great hip opener and a really yummy stretch. I like to hang out here for minutes at a time and just let it all go. Pigeon was the perfect pose to practice while listening to "This Thing About You", because well, there is just that thing about pigeon... Together, the asana + the song created an ideal space to surrender; to bask in.

The track is full of life + love + summer + sweetness. Plus, it makes me feel nostalgic (in the best way), and reminds me of being 19 + being able to actually go to shows + adventures in the big city (YYZ) + summertime + change + so much love. Exactly what I needed to pull me out of my afternoon slump.

Everyone that I know, is telling me to try to take things slow. But even things that are wrong about you, they make my will too strong to doubt you. A metaphor for my practice perhaps? It's imperfect, but constantly evolving + improving. And every teacher ever has told me to take things slow. It's a journey not a race.

This was fun! It was super nice to hit my mat after all the work work working I've been doing. Creating balance, making space, and making time for the things that matter to me.

Until next time - peace + love,

Alex