This is post seventeen in the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Read them all!

2008 was significant. I quit managing to become a full time yoga teacher, traveled to the Dominican Republic and Japan, started teaching workshops and trainings. There were quite a few significant events that made it a busy and life changing year. New Year's Eve was spent with a yoga practice and kirtan, and meditating into the 2009. I remember wondering, "Is this as good as it gets?" How can I top a year of travel and yoga, working through old relationships and making new friends.

It was not as good as it gets, because 2009 has been better than I could ever imagine. I didn't leave the country this year, but I got to spend an amazing time in Austin, Boston and Montana. I forged stronger relationships with my family and ended up visiting them frequently. I helped birth a new generation of yoga teachers in Yoga One's Yoga of Thriving Teacher Training. Many of those new teachers are now my best friends. Over the summer's many hikes and swims we added a significant dose of love and friendship to the Charlotte yoga community.

Thanks to Yoga One I've also had the chance to study under some amazing teachers. Gregor Singleton and Rod Stryker both hosted workshops at our studio. I got to study raw and living foods with Hollace twice at her amazing retreats. I raised money for great causes with two amazing workshops, including the Big Gay Music Class!

As I wrap up my memories of 2009, I am sure I've missed some great moments. This Sunday I am leaving for a 10 Day Vipassana meditation. I can't imagine a better way to end the year. I'm sure that a few days will be spent reviewing the past year, as memories flood up from the stillness. Once cleared though, I'll have a clean slate for an even more impressive 2010.