When I was sitting in my car this morning (doing the alternate street parking thing)  heard about the earthquake in Japan.  I looked at the AP website and watched the footage of the wave engulfing the countryside so quickly.    Houses being swept away like toys and highways crumpled like a paperbag.   Hearing how  200 bodies were found on a beach and seeing images of dazed people staring at the devistation.

I'm so lucky to be turning 41. 

I was born in Japan, a town called Misawa. My parents and siblings were in an earthquake in 1968 or so.  Mom remembers how afraid she was, and how thankful she was to the 2 workmen who were in the house with her that day.  " I held on to them and they helped me get outside of the house.  We had to go up to the base and stay there for three days until it was safe.  I've never been so afraid..." she said.  She's in her 70's now and she still remembers vividly.

These natural disasters really do put things into perspective.  Earthquake in Chile, Haiti, sunami in Indonesia.  So many lives lost randomly again proves to me that each day is a gift.

Each day is also an opportunity.  An opportunity to learn and grow.  Part of JourneyDance is exploring the Chakra system.  In my class this week, I'm going to focus on the Throat chakra (vishuddha).  It's age of resonance is 35-42.  It's time to say what you mean and mean what you say.  To think before speaking and be true to your word.  Such a simple concept.  Age is, after all, just a number.  I've met children and young people who have the wisdom of the ages within them, and I've met old folks who have lived the lives of petulant children so each situation is unique.  But for me personally, the idea of maturing and becoming able to breathe and think before acting ...rocks.  The quiet calm I see in so many of my elders, seasoned with the passion of youth is a kick ass combination that I hope to develop when I grow up.  Wait a minute... I think I'm grown. 

 I'm grateful to have a birthday coming up next week,  I'll take a day at a time and have gratitude for every time I get to see the sun rise and set.  Dancing as much as I can and living in this moment in gratitude.

J9