"Time isn't precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time-past and future-the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is."

- Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

Things have been quiet around here, haven't they. I won't apologize though. I don't like to say that I've been busy, or that I haven't had time. The truth is, I've been on a journey. Not in terms of kilometers or miles (though riding the T to South Boston from Brighton everyday certainly felt like an epic trek), but a journey inwards. A path of deep self-study, devoting all my time and energy to doing the work. Over the past month, I've spent the majority of my days at South Boston Yoga, completing their Summer Yoga Teacher Training Intensive. It was immersive, physically and emotionally exhausting, and so unbelievably amazing.

I feel like a completely different person than I was a month ago. And as I bask in the glow that is post-YTT life, I can't help but hope that this feeling sticks. It's amazing what happens when you just let go. When all those tiny muscles in your body let go of tension, of fear, of pain and anger that they have been holding onto for years. When you completely unravel, and have the opportunity to build yourself back up. You see the world in a different light, and everything burns brightly and makes sense for the first time in what seems like forever.

Maybe I sound like a crazy, new-age hippie, but I've learned that I (still) don't really care. I'm going to breathe + love + bend + flow + meditate, because it makes me feel good. And I hope that I can share those things with you in an accessible way. If you're still not into it, that's cool too! Let's just keep talking about punk rock, and travel, and my deep (seriously, deep) love for television.

I walked through the doors of South Boston Yoga on August 1, choosing love over fear, but not really sure what that meant for my life. Strong, grounded, and with an open heart, I emerged a humble warrior. Ready to share my voice, my passion, my love, my light with others. A leader, ready to hold the space, and guide my students through the practice that makes me feel whole.

While I still have so much more to learn. So much space to grow in my practice. So much more to give, and love and feel - I left those doors on Sunday afternoon a yoga teacher.

And I am so so so grateful. I can't believe I had the opportunity to complete one of my biggest goals/dreams/visions. It feels FANTASTIC. Manifesting what you want for your life IS POSSIBLE. You make your own magic, every damn day, in all sorts of ways. Each breath we take is an amazing gift. Remember that, always.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the wonderful humans + hearts who have supported me during this special time in my life. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

(Also, to stay up-to-date with all things Alex, follow me on Instagram, @photolexx!)

Peace + love,

Alex

**YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS POST ON WWW.MASSMUSINGS.COM**

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess.”

Well my friends, summertime is finally upon us. The days are long, the weather is warm, and the good times keep on coming. ‘Tis the season for (yoga) festivals, and I’ve been toting my mat along with me on all my travels. Let’s just say that after a brutal New England winter, I’ve put in a few extra rounds of Sun Salutations to honor the sun! Where will your practice take you this summer?

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite festival essentials for the wandering yogi, that will take you from the shores of your first SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) class to your deepest Savasana.

1) Harem Pants, Buddha Pants

Super cute, and equally comfy, Buddha Pants will quickly become your go to harem pant. The perfect choice for lounging in the grass, flowing through vinyasas, or as a yoga prop - I picked up my first pair at Wanderlust, and it’s been really hard to take them off. Made from organic cotton, they are available in a ton of prints, and naturally dyed. PLUS, they fold up into their own pocket for easy packing, and become a yoga pillow.

2) Comfortable Sandals, Birkenstocks

Festival life can be exhausting, so remember to take care of your feet while you’re out there having fun! I’ve been rocking the same pair of Birkenstocks since I was 15, and they haven’t given out on me yet. Supportive, comfortable, and dare I say, fashionable - I can walk for hours in these shoes with no complaints. Tend to your toes, and your practice will thank you.

3) Cotton Tank Top, Shake Your Asana Inner Fire Tank

Who doesn’t love a little yoga humor? Vancouver-based brand Inner Fire, has got you covered with their Laughing Yogi Collection. Made in the USA, and printed in Canada, these soft cotton tanks will keep you cool in the summer sun. Check out their awesome leggings (made from recycled plastic bottles) too!

4) Yoga Mat, Manduka Pro Lite

Home is where your mat is! Durable, and lightweight, the Manduka ProLite is perfect for my travelling practice. I bring my mat with me on every plane, train and automobile; at this point it has seen the world. I find is comforting to know, that though the location may change, my practice remains the same.

5) Maxi Dress, Resort Maxi by Pink Stitch

I love to throw on an easy sundress to cool down post practice. Whether you’re showing off your crazy hooping skills, or blissed out after a sweaty flow, you’ll look perfectly put together in this flowing maxi dress by Pink Stitch. Bonus, your friends will be able to spot you in a field of black leggings.

6) Bikini, Salinas

I know you’re dying to try a SUP yoga, so don’t forget your bikini! I picked up this great Brazilian swimsuit when I was in Sao Paulo, but the brand is available at Anthropologie too! Their suits come in a variety of styles and prints to mix and match, and there is a cut for every body type. The fit is seriously phenomenal. You can focus on rocking your wheel pose, or splashing in the waves, and rest assured your bikini will stay put.

7) Mala Beads, Rock Your Bliss Mala by Tiny Devotions

In the midst of festival madness, make some time for meditation. Get comfortable, relax, and connect with your breath. I bring (and wear) my mala beads with me everywhere as a reminder to live my intentions. I love the qualities of The Rock Your Bliss Mala by Tiny Devotions - howlite to release stress and let go, fuschia agate for protection and strength, and turquoise to promote balance. Find a mala that will help you manifest all that you need in this moment.

8) Sunscreen, Alba Botanica

We all love that warm summer sunshine, but those harmful UV rays will damage your skin. Be sure to slather yourself with sunscreen (and reapply generously every two hours) to avoid sunburn. I’ve got a few tattoos, so I take extra care and load on that SPF to prevent fading.

9) Water Bottle, bkr

When sipping from coconuts all day long is not an option, I go with my glass bkr bottle. Light, and bright - this little bottle will have you hydrating yo’self in style. Plus, bkr donates to the world water crisis with every purchase.

10) Cross Body Bag, Roots

Repping my Canadian roots (see what I did there) with a classic flat bag. The Village Bag Tribe from Roots is the essential cross body travel bag. With pockets galore, this purse is small, but mighty. It fits everything you need, without being bulky in a crowd.

Did I forget something? What are your yoga festival essentials? Let me know in the comments below. Happy wanderlust-ing, friends!

Until next time, peace + love.