Well if you're on this page reading these words right now I can only assume that you've managed to beat the heat without totally melting so far, so kudos to you and keep doing what you're doing because it ain't over yet! WOW, it's warm!
In my opinion, the worst phase of summer heat like this is probably those first few days when it really hits for the first time of the season. That first week is rough because no matter how many times you read on Weather.com that it's going to be 100 degrees with a heat index of a million and a gazillion-and-three percent humidity, nothing can really prepare you for that first step out your door in the morning when it's a mere 9:00 A.M. and you're already swimming through air thicker than molasses. No matter what you will sweat all day and your hair will do things of its own. Now's the time to embrace the natural beauty, people! Comfort is key and who wants a head full of sweaty, gloppy hair product for three months? Not this kid, that's for sure! Ponytails and running shorts it is, then!
Today was another warm one, but it was a warm one filled with really good "summer in the city" energy. I was feeling really good vibes from pretty much every and all things. (I only say "pretty much" because as much as I know it's one of those things you just have to get over and deal with, the tourists in midtown today? They were a lot to deal with.) But again, that's part of the beauty of this crazy city, and when I feel myself getting frustrated, well...Nah, I get frustrated. But then I remember that that song on my iPod is one of my favorite ones and I bought clean socks without holes in them, so yet again the positives outweigh the negatives!
I took class this morning at Broadway Dance Center from Keigwin+Co's Emily Shoen and knew that it was going to be the perfect class for a beautiful Thursday morning. I don't usually take class much in the morning anymore either so that was a nice change of pace. (Wait, back up...My iced coffee this morning was totally on point. T'was perfect from first sip to last.) My expectations were met and then exceeded, as I knew they would be; a little improv-y movement to get the muscles moving (not that they weren't already warmed up from the commute uptown!), some technique-y warm-up exercises, a lighthearted across-the-floor phrase to get us moving, and then we learned a little rep from the K+C company which, as always, was too much fun. It's movement that I so love being able to put into my body because it's really the perfect combination of technique and release, I guess. The contemporary style of the company is one that I love watching, I love dancing...I'm a definitely all-around fan! And BOY was I sweating by the time class was over! But there's nothing like a good, disgusting summer dance sweat to make a girl feel refreshed and revitalized. Seriously, I left ballet yesterday feeling the same way. It's like a fantastic natural cleanse. So good.
Random run-ins on the street are always fun and today New York City was throwing them at me! This included seeing one of my dance teachers from back home while I was waiting for class at BDC. Was NOT expecting that! I mean I knew she was in the city but it was such a great surprise to see her unexpectedly walk around the corner! Her class was starting before mine so we chatted for a minute and made plans for coffee later this afternoon. What a nice taste of home that was!
I took a quick walk through Central Park while killing time between class and coffee. Sunbathers, runners/bikers, tourists in pedicab seats took in the sights, the playground was alive with happy kids on summer break; I walked by a group of little kids in matching t-shirts (maybe 6...7 years old?) with their camp counselors by the fence on one of the fields. They were cheering their team members on enthusiastically as each new kid took on their leg of a relay race. I had to stop for a minute and watch because they were just too cute. So happy. So excited. What's more positively contagious than a happy kid? I'll tell you...Not one thing.
I found myself smiling a lot while I was walking down the street all day. Good music kept playing on my iPod and everything about the city was bringing me joy. Even the heat. The sun was almost calming to me and my skin was thankful for a hearty dose of Vitamin D. The streets felt very alive to me and I can't help but feel grateful when I get to be part of such a community. This is a big city with a lot of people and a lot going on. But knowing that my place--my story--is a part, is a humbling and exciting thing to remember. I think everyone feels drowned in the mix at some point or another, which is completely normal, but then you remember that it's truly amazing to be able to be here, there, or wherever you are. To be in the heart of it all no matter where you may be or what you may be doing.
Joy without reason. Many days lately, including today, I'm only able to pin down vague things that are making me walk down the street perfectly content and goofily smiling--adorable kids in the park, a Q express train that's come to take me home at the end of the day instead of the local R train. But the real happiness isn't coming from these things. These are examples of specifics I can give in the case that specifics are needed. No, this joy really is coming from the simple state of being. Here and now. No matter what is happening, laughter or stress or whatever on the emotional spectrum, life is happening. And that in itself is a gift that I can't give enough thanks for. Life's happening, and in it love and peace are always within reach.
Happy Thursday, friends :)
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