OMMMMADONNA

Madonna: My Mentor

It's never too late to wish someone a happy birthday, and if you know me, then you'd predict I'd be late! On August 16th, my childhood mentor, MADONNA, celebrated her 57th birthday. It'd be sinful to dismiss her birth date since she had such an impact on my life.
Back in the 80s, my sister and I would karaoke away to her 'Like a Virgin' album in our backyard. We adored everything about her from her music, to her dance moves, to her fashion sense, and her fearless attitude. Throughout high school, she continued to be my icon. What was it about this Italian-American sex symbol that intrigued me from the age of 8? Aside from her award winning music, she was powerful. She exposed me to the unknown; heightening my knowledge of everything taboo. AIDS and homosexuality weren't hot dinner topics in my Italian household. Her influence had me particpating in AIDS walk-a-thons, and even cheering on homosexuals at the Gay Pride parade. But with all I learned from Madonna, the most valuable teaching came when I was 28 years old. Inspired by her insanely toned body, I researched her health and fitness habits. At that time, she was a yoga activist, following a macrobiotic and Ayurvedic diet. Of course, back then those words were foreign to me, yet like everything Madonnaish, they peeked my interest.
OK, I'll admit that before all, Madonna had me at black plastic bracelets, fishnet crop tops and black booties. I tried to dress, dance and sing like her. So it should come as no surprise that even in my late 20s, I looked to her for inspiration. This time, however, I had no idea that she'd change my life. It was Louise Madonna Veronica Ciccone who inspired me to try yoga and learn about Eastern medicine. I became self-educated on all holistic health diets, remedies, and therapeutic energy work. I went on to temporarily leave the fashion world to start teaching yoga. Although I haven't renewed my Madonna fan club membership in forever, she'll always be that powerful force that touched me beyond the physical world. The leather cutoff gloves and one piece bodysuits may be retired, but I still get nostalgic when I come across Madonna images.
Sometimes in life, you can lead someone to something better, without even knowing it. Share your ideas, inspirations, experiences with others. You never know who's really paying attention. Happy belated Birthday Madge - sending you appreciation for exposing yoga to a girl who just wanted to have your arms.
Namaste.
M