Be an Illuminator!

Hello friends and yogis,

How is your attitude today?
My dad and I often begin our conversations this way—a quick check-in on how we feel before diving into what we’ve been doing.  

I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories, first as a photographer and now as a yogi, writer, and speaker. Recently, I came across a lesson from author and speaker David Brooks in his book How to Know a Person that resonated deeply.

“Be an illuminator, not a diminisher.”

Illuminators uplift, listen, and inspire, while diminishers, often unknowingly, critique, control, or downplay others. A simple reflection: When someone shares a dream or success, do we encourage them or shift the focus to ourselves? Awareness of this deepens our emotional intelligence and strengthens connections.

My mom’s wisdom reminded me of not being a diminisher. When my kids were teens and shared an idea that, in my mind, was unrealistic, she advised me to listen. There was no immediate reaction, no shutting it down. Most of the time, they worked through it themselves.

I was reminded of this when my son, in his sophomore year of high school, suddenly decided he wanted to switch schools. He had always loved where he was, but out of the blue, he was determined to transfer. Instead of shutting it down immediately, we told him we’d revisit the conversation at the end of the school year. Sure enough, by then, he had decided to stay put. He never brought it up again.

That moment reinforced the power of listening without rushing to control, correct, or diminish. Sometimes, people must express an idea out loud, and when we give them space to do so, they often find their clarity.  

January has been quiet and a time of inspiration. Being in California these few months allows me to move at a different rhythm, explore new ideas and places, teach yoga on the beach for my friend Danell, and dive into creative projects. I recently took an inspiring writing workshop with Dani Shapiro through Kripalu (online).  Kripalu has many online offerings.

I will return to teaching yoga on Wednesdays, March 12th, and for the March Women's Circle on the 19th. I am excited to have a fall date for the next Women's Retreat Weekend and plan to schedule a few day retreats and have an author event with Q & A in late March. 

Stay tuned, and check my website for more details coming soon.

Be an illuminator, breathe deeply, and give yourself some grace.
It's been a tough week.
Delia 💕