“I’ve never seen an ugly tree.” Tracy, my yoga teacher
We had another divine Thursday evening with our yoga teacher, Tracy, and for an added bonus Jeffrey was there as our yoga model. To see them team-teach was a treat. Tonight we focused on balancing poses, and Vrksasana (tree pose) is one of my favorites. Very appropriate for Earth Day.
As we were exploring the different kramas (phases or stages) of Vrksasana, Tracey encouraged us to show all of the kramas as we’re teaching. The lower kramas are every bit as beautiful as the more advanced ones. “I’ve never seen an ugly tree,” Tracy said. “Inside and outside. They’re all beautiful.”
I thought about that idea in relation to the phases of so many different parts of our lives. There’s so much power and beauty in the phases we go through as we’re striving toward a goal. Even in the difficult moments, the beauty is there. It may be harder to uncover, it may be harder to appreciate. Within every moment there is a way to learn and grow and evolve. And that’s a beautiful thing.
The image above is from Google’s homepage today in celebration of Earth Day.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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“I’ve never seen an ugly tree.” Tracy, my yoga teacher
Christa Avampato 
Christa:
Yes, we often forget that life is a work in progress.
It takes a while for us to appreciate the simple things. Even our struggles can be a source of joy.
Without obstacles to overcome, where would we be today?
Every creative person has had to struggle through the ups and downs to reach the pinnacle of success.
Every corporate honcho has had to start at the bottom as a trainee before he/she became the CEO.
“Genius is 99% perspiration and one percent inspiration,” wrote Thomas Edison.
The trick is to appreciate the perspiration and be thankful for the inspiration too. Thanks for the reminder.
Cheerio!
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Beautifully put, Archan. That Thomas Edison quote is one of my favorites, and illustrates why it’s so important to be passionate about our work. Hope you’re having a lovely week!
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