My Backpack

If my backpack would talk 

It would tell a different story than me 

It would speak of a journey

Traversing land and sea

It would share a different perspective 

Creating another reality 

Making sure I remember 

Not everything is as it seems

We've been to the same places 

India, China, Greenland & more 

We've met a lot of people 

Seeing love is always at their core 

I share a connection with my backpack 

It is my best traveling friend 

We see each other through adventures 

Good and bad, start to end 

I know it's looking out for me 

I know it's got my back 

It is my travel guardian 

It's not just some old sack 

If my backpack could really talk 

It would tell me a thing or two 

It would tell me "love with an open heart

It doesn't matter who 

We may speak a different language 

We all live in a different place 

But as long as we remember we're connected

The world will feel safe"

This Day

Feeling the pain

How do I translate this?
The tears provide a release
I breathe

Restless
I ask for help
What more can I do?
Just breathe

Letting go
I surrender
This day has passed
Deep breath

Reflection

I grieve for the days of jumping, skipping, hopping and flipping

I live for the days of forging berries, bathing in the sun, writing poetry and singing songs 

We must not close all our doors Just because one has closed

We are human beings full of infinite potential 

Transition is a slow and difficult process but what shows itself to us is meant to be there 

Time to stop longing for what was and to start embracing the new, the different,  the uncomfortable.

Action

I prefer action over talk. I prefer silence over chatter.  Let's save our word and use it for social good. Let's go deep and expand our consciousness. Let's share ideas on how to make this world a better place. Then follow up our words with action. In this time of life there is so much talk and very little supporting action. I want to make a change. I want to have a positive impact on this world so future generations can enjoy the beauty I have experienced. When I learn about the province taking land out of the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) to build highways and a mega mall or that there was a toxic oil spill in the waters I swim in or that a dam burst which caused a tailings pond filled with heavy metals to mix into our clean water and affect the salmon run I want to cry and release an indescribable amount of frustration. I need an outlet to not only discuss these things but to take action with like-minded people.

 

 

In the Wild

In the Wild 

She moves about with a smile 

She runs free 

She lives peacefully 

In the Wild 

She roams mile after mile 

She gains energy from the trees 

As they speak to her through the breeze 

In the Wild 

She could stay there for a while 

She never wants to leave 

She wants access to the seas

How Improv Can Improve Romantic Relationships

As a result of a back injury I have had to cut out the sports that I have been playing for the past 20 years and look towards other hobbies. I wanted to try something new but still with high energy, so I am taking Improv classes. I enjoy them very much despite being so far away from my comfort zone. I have never done any sort of performing on a theatre stage. As I try to enjoy the uncomfortable feelings of acting out ridiculous situations in front of others I learn many valuable lessons and insights from the feedback of our Improv teacher at Vancouver Theatre Sports (VTSL). Not only are these lessons going to help me release any stage fright and have more fun but after reading through my notes after class I see that they are also tips for dating and relationships!

Here are a few Improv tips that can be applied to dating, relationships and marriage:

Train yourself out of being right
There is no wrong just confidence
Be bold and direct
But yield to other ideas
If you feel stuck talking to each other look for something physical
Doing is always better than talking
Support the other person
Build on each other
Take Ownership
Accept and move on
If you make your partner look good, you look good
But it’s not just all about yourself
Be in the moment, don’t create the future
Relax and trust
Chill Out
But don’t be afraid to go through the door!
Have Commitment
Have Fun!

We have been building certain social constructs our whole life and we have this idea of what is “right” or what looks “right”. As soon as we add an element that is out of the norm or our daily habits, ie a new romantic partner or Improv comedy we begin to quickly question reality. I think as I start to break down these social constructs in the theatre my protective walls regarding romantic relationships will start to crumble as well. I love how Improv allows us to take anything out of context and make sense of it so Thanks VTSL for the great relationship advice ;)
 

A Send Off

Its time to go, my work here is done

Don't worry about me I've had my fun

I've created a legacy, A loving family 

Don't grasp too hard, I'll rest peacefully 

I love you all very much, you've been so good to me 

I pass on my love but keep the memories 

You don't need to speak because Grandma we know 

We must be strong and let you go 

A deep rooted connection forged over the years 

Its admiration and love flowing in these tears 

Your physical self is slowly slipping away

But you stay with us forever, in our hearts we pray

Dealing with Death is never easy as we are raised in a culture afraid of such a thing. Even to write death or speak the words make our own self cringe as we realize our invincibility. So how to handle it, what to do? Well North America standards would give us a handbook or call us depressed. But let your intuitive sense guide you through the process, it's ok to be sad, it's ok to cry. Death truly warrants our celebration of such beautiful life on this earth.