There is no place like home…
Years ago, I was at a wedding where a wise redhead said in her speech “Life is a journey, not a guided tour”. She was not the first, nor the last person to have said this, however, it is her words that have stuck with me, through this always surprising journey. It surprised me over two years ago when I started writing this blog, and honestly my friends, it is surprising me today as I am ending it. This is my last blog post, and while those words alone make me weepy, I know for them to be true and right. I am going home. And this time, I get to take a couple of very special people with me.
*no, not these people. Although honestly, I would take them if I could. They are very special.
To everyone who has read any post, thank you. For a matter of sanity, I have always pretended there are at least 12 of you, but truly I cannot believe the support it (and I) have received. Whether you have read intently every time or glanced casually once or twice, whether you have commented literally, personally or simply energetically, I have felt it and truly, truly appreciated it.
Speaking of true gratitude, it has been an honour to have taught yoga in this community, especially with this posse of amazing teachers. From that little basement studio in Kanata Lakes, to the beautiful space that is Beyond Yoga, it has been awesome. And to the women and men who have come to my class, once or many many times, thank you. I cannot say more, or I truly will weep, but one last time for the record, that yogic magic we have sometime felt, especially on those wonderful Tuesday mornings, is all yoga, and, without a doubt, all you.
And last, but absolutely not least, to Terri-Lee, Tina, Carole, Marie, Diane and JVB sincerely, thank you. My gratitude is so beyond words that I simply hope you feel it in my hug.
And because this began, and will always be with yoga, that is where I am going to end. This journey has been tumultuous, emotional, transformative and magnificent; and through it all, I have always been able to find my way home with yoga. My true home. You know that place, the one deep inside you that is solid, peaceful and genuine. That place where, in the words of the incomparable Oprah Winfrey “you can quiet all the voices in your head, so you can hear your own”, that is where yoga takes me. So, my dear dear Friends, this is my wish for you: find your mat, your breath, or your running route, your Pilates class, dance floor or swimming pool, find your garden, Meditation space, golf course or bicycle. Find what you need to take you home. There is no place like it, and you deserve to be there.
With love, Namaste.
P.S. I would love to hear what you think. Please “Leave a Reply” below, or you can email me directly at yogabeyondwords@gmail.com.
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Posted by: Cara-Lynne Auld
22 Responses to “There is no place like home…”
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Cara-Lynne, thank you so much for your wonderful spirit and humour which has shone through in these blogs. You gave us a glimpse of your life and mind and amazing inspiration. Your blogs were one email I would eagerly open to read what the next topic was and I love your subtle way of poking fun at yourself and letting us know not to take ourselves too seriously. I wish you all the best life has to offer on your new path. You will be missed. Namaste. ♥️
Oh, Sally. Thank you so much for the comment and especially the compliment, a mix of reality and humour was what I generally was striving for so am so glad it came through. I remember when I started my own yoga journey and was always hesitant to call myself a yogi because I clearly did not fit the “mode”. And if this blog helped change that even a little bit for others too, I will forever be grateful. Truly, Sally, Namaste.
Thank you, Cara-Lynne! I enjoyed your blog very much. Best wishes in all future endeavors. Big hugs.
Thank you Elda. I really appreciate this, and all of your support. Namaste.
I always enjoyed your posts, Car…even though I don’t practice yoga, there were always great insights into the challenges and joys of everyday life! Awesome job over these last few years…you are the definition of a passionate person 😉
Thank you Jamie, so much. While it has been a while since we were on that beloved Ultimate field, standing on the line was also always a place I found home. Namaste, my friend. See you soon.
Thank you to all the good people who made our Caps life fulfilling and good.To you Cara Lynn glad to have you home to continue your journey.
Thank you, dear Aunt Brenda. For the support, love and for sharing my childhood nickname with the Beyond Community ;). Always.
I felt that hug and am sad to let go! Thank you Cara-Lynne, your words have helped us all reach beyond….JVB
Thank you, Dear Friend. Truly, JVB, Namaste.
What more could one ask for at the fork in the road of their journey – hugs, laughter and tears. Once again, beautiful words from a beautiful soul. Namaste.
Wow, Chris. I have no words for that one, thank you.
I have so thoroughly enjoyed your posts pal. You are articulate, funny and warm. An Ottawa Valley classic.
x
Oh, Kate. Thank you, for reading and commenting. I appreciate it (and every Valley reference) thoroughly. Namaste.
Wow, Cara-Lynne! I was so blown away when I saw your blog this morning. I started reading it while I was drying my hair to rush of to this mornings classes at Beyond. When I started reading it, I turned off my hair blower because this note needed my full undivided attention. I am happy for you but so sad that you’re leaving. I will certainly miss your blog, as I’ve told you many times how much I love reading it and what an amazing writer you are. I mentioned to Janet and Terri-Lee, today, that we can relate to everything that you’ve ever written. You have made us smile, laugh, tear up, reminisce and just feel happy! I will miss your beautiful, calm, warm smiling face at Beyond and all of the funny comments we’ve exchanged over the years.
We were all a little sad today. Of course, we all wish you well and know that whatever you do, you will be successful. How could you not be. Wishing you all the best on your new journey and keep in touch. If you’re ever coming to Ottawa, let us know and we’ll get a group together for lunch or dinner. If you ever feel the itch to write another blog, we would all be happy to read it. ?
Oh Diane, how do I even begin to respond to that. Perhaps with this. Sweet Diane, there have been many many weeks where your Sunday morning Hatha class has carried me through. In the rush of life it often takes more of an effort than it should to get to a yoga class, however, even in my busiest of days, my craziest of times, you never disappoint. I always end up somewhere different then where I thought I was going and I always think “Thank goodness I did not miss this”….to be fair, I also always think I should have brought a notebook to “borrow” your cues for my own class. So, thank you Diane Lanthier, and seriously, Namaste. I will miss your laugh.
Cara-Lynne,
Beautifully said as usual! It has taken me a couple of days to get my words together and here goes…..first and foremost, thank you! Thank you for the words you wrote every month that we all could relate to in a language we could all understand. Thank you for your smile, your spirit, your kind heart, your awesome classes, your sense of funny, ( “Marie, does my hair look like I am teaching a yoga class?”) and most of all for your friendship. I will miss you young lady! All the best.
Dear Sweet Marie, thank you (and not just for calling me young lady). I cannot begin to express my gratitude for working with you all these years, and as much as I will miss many things at Beyond one that I will the most is those early Tuesday mornings when it is just us and our giggles. Sincerely, Marie, you are the epitome of what it is yoga and it has been my honour. Namaste, my Friend.
I am SO sorry to hear that you are leaving.
I am relatively new to Beyond and had just “discovered” you!
Your classes were lovely, peaceful and down to earth and I had hoped to make them a regular part of my week.
Wishing you all the best …
Thank you Anne, I truly appreciate that. Best wishes on your Beyond journey, I am sure you will rock it. Namaste, Cara-Lynne
Cara-Lynne I was late reading your blog this month and I am so sad to hear you are leaving. Your are a beautiful writer and I really loved your blog. There were many things I could relate to and I always found them uplifting. I am so glad I got to know you first as a mom and later as a yoga instructor. I loved your class and your down to earth attitude. I will miss you a Beyond but wish you much success and happiness in your next adventure. Namaste.
Oh Lyndsay, how your smile always takes me back to the days of Preschool. Thank you so much for everything. Wishing you and your family all the best. Namaste.