A Sunday morning drive down PCH, sipping on a smoothie with some mood music and my man-squeeze next to me is a great way to start the day...

Something about the ocean-side drive always deeply connects me to my sense of gratitude. The quick breeze almost takes my hipster hat. Erik and I share a laugh that's worthy of the windows remaining down. There's a whisper in the air that breathes, it's going to be a great Sunday. I love this feeling– are you with me?

The Malibu Yoga Shala is our destination, a private event hosted by the gracious Leah Marsh and Ed Freedman. We stroll into a beautiful space with the excitement of meeting new people and claim a spot as yoga mats are being rolled out. A stunning beach-front flow accompanied by live acoustic music is such a gorgeous way to bring people together... I'm inspired and honored to be here. Glimpsing into the kitchen, I can see a small crew hard at work preparing an array of fresh foods and the sweetest chocolate lab is brushing by with a tennis ball in-mouth, ready to play. There are hugs and handshakes with some friendly faces I know and introductions with those whom are new. I'm in my element of bliss and soaking up the experience of participating as a guest before I get to guide this radical tribe.

The smell of the salty air, sounds of waves crashing and the light strumming of a guitar is grounding and I feel alive. My rhythmic ujjayi breath is a graceful ballroom-waltz dancing in and out... in and out... in and out. I'm relishing in the last bit of shade as the sun beams its' rays onto half of my face. I am present, I am grateful, I am happy.

For seventy-five minutes Kat McGee has us gently flowing, threading in the word simplicity and I sink deeper into letting go and release my worried demeanor about getting everything done on my to-do list. Jenna Maranga's angelic voice flutters like a beautiful butterfly over my movements.It's calming to practice being present & the art of acceptance. The time spend on my mat and meditating gives me the freedom to enjoy the process. As we lay in Savasana and I surrender letting thanks wash over my sun-kissed, dewy body I cherish the calm, quiet connection to the earth supporting me– Namaste.

We are invited to stick around and enjoy breakfast prepared by the talented Chef Oren. The presentation is something a food blogger would go nuts over. YUM! Everything is delicious... my pallet is satisfied with flavorful & clean local ingredients that he's passionate about serving. This was such a special addition to the already wonderful morning we were having.

Of course we couldn't leave with out getting our toes in the sand and me asking my talented guy, Erik Almas to snap some beach yoga photos. The beautiful connection nature triggers spiritually for me is a reminder, I'm the most comfortable outdoors and surrounded by it. Beyond getting a great shot, it feels nice to have the sea splashing up on me as I try to find balance on a rock.

Special Thanks to Body Language Sports Wear for my summer floral leggings and LuLu Lemon for my favorite black bra top.

We mingled for a bit and as I thanked Leah and Ed for their loving, generosity and hospitality, I realized how special this is and what a privilege it will be to flow with these yogi's as I lead this private event on Aug. 7th. Another bucket list will be checked off and it will be something new for my 31 day class pass challenge I'm doing this month with my friends, Jake Ferree and Namastamy. I've been wanting to teach a flow accompanied with live music; our featured musician is Peter Chung. I spoke with Peter and he mentioned he's always wanted to play live with a yoga flow... SYNCHRONICITY is so grand! A special thanks to Chris Pan founder of MyIntent for connecting me to this group of wonderful humans. Stay tuned for a follow up blog with more on the Aug. 7th Malibu Yoga Shala Event.

“Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.”

— Mark Twain

Thank you for popping by! Can I inspire you to try some new things for the rest of August with me and include #InspirationalAddict in your hashtag when you photograph it? XOXO

To Malibu With Gratitude