Day 212 Intention ~ Be Kind

Day 212 Intention ~ Be Kind

It sounds so simple and it really is simple. Sometimes we just need reminded. We can get so caught up in our stressed out worlds that we forget that it is just easier and just plain more pleasant to simply be kind to those around you. 

Whenever I have snapped at someone, I always feel badly about it afterwards. I don't think there has ever been a time that I felt good about it, even in my bitchier teenage years. 

So, kill 'em with kindness, right?! 

If you find yourself getting frustrated today and ready to snap, try being kind and see how the situation may turn around. Everyone will feel better about it that way also. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 211 Intention ~ One Step At A Time

Day 211 Intention ~ One Step At A Time

Being the pisces that I am, I tend to live in a dream land sometimes...a.k.a. fantasy land. I dream big and sometimes lose the smaller steps to get that big dream to come true. Now, I'm not just talking about career goals, but everyday simple things that I would like done. 

For example, I get this vision of my back yard...finished how I would like it to be in my fantasy world. Reality...I've been ignoring it all summer because we've been away or too busy, etc. It became so overgrown that the thought of working out there was just too overwhelming. In my head, there was this bountiful garden growing and a hammock, the patio was clean and cleared off and there are garden candles and decorations, and on and on. A couple weeks ago, I put the candle stakes up and started pulling the weeds. Then...back out of town. Backyard ignored again. Today, the hammock went up and some plants actually went into the ground (finally!). 

And, although it may not be my fantasy garden/backyard. It feels great back there. One step at a time. 

Same with my writing. Instead of visualizing myself on a book tour, I have been writing down ideas for the book that still needs written. 

Instead of jumping right back into a full on hardcore yoga practice after hurting my shoulder, I have eased back in and finally today, started back on my forearm stand work. 

One step at a time. It takes the pressure off and it makes each small accomplishment more valuable. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 210 Intention ~ Make Today Fun

Day 210 Intention ~ Make Today Fun

It's funny, I don't work a regular 9-5 type job, yet on Monday's, I still feel what I guess most Americans feel starting the work week. Weird. Maybe I have just been trained to think that way? Maybe it's John leaving for work that makes it seem like a drag? I don't know, but really, Monday is one of my more mellow days, so it's funny that I allow myself to get in a rut about it. 

Not today! Today, although I do have 3 classes to teach and research to do, I am going to make today fun. Please, I love my work anyhow, so that's already fun. It's gorgeous outside and I have a few free hours before my evening classes...all the makings for a fun filled Monday! 

The way to make something better is to change your thoughts about it, so from now on when I feel dread about a certain day or event or meeting (anything really) that I don't necessarily want to do, change the attitude about it and it will surely turn out better than expected! 

Have a great day!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 209 Intention ~ George Fun Day

Day 209 Intention ~ George Fun Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a wee bit obsessed with my dog George. Lately, between it being too hot (heat advisory type hot) and busy work schedules, George has been a bit bored with us. So today, we took George to the best dog park in Northeast Ohio, Bow Wow Beach. I always watch him like a proud mama as he ran about happy as a clam with the other dogs. 

So, maybe to some, not the most exciting intention, but for me and George, it was perfect!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia 

(Please forgive any typos but I am writing from my phone)

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang at Home

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang At Home

Probably sounds like an easy one. It is. But, it's funny, with all of the trips and friends visiting and shows and fun things to do in the summer, just hanging out at home for a change makes me feel like I should be doing something. But the reality is, it's good to take a night off and regroup. 

So, sorry this blog is short and sweet, but that's all that's up here today.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 207 Intention ~ Support Local Business

Day 207 Intention ~ Support Local Business

I have always preferred shopping at the local "mom & pop" stores in my neighborhood. It is just more personal and you are supporting someone in your community. Like everyone else, there have been times that I have had to go for the cheaper option at the chain store because I didn't have the money at the time. But, when I can, I shop local. 

It is so important to support those in your community and help those around you thrive. It builds a better community & really, where there is positive growth, well, there is more positive growth! 

When I lived in San Francisco, the local shops were really the choice and the chain stores just weren't appealing and usually meant more travel on Bart since I didn't have a car. It was just easier to shop locally there. But, the reality is, I walk down Lee Road by my house in Cleveland Heights and there are so many cool little boutiques and artisan shops, why wouldn't I shop there?!

So today as I was thinking of what to get a friend for her birthday, I thought of a cool shop on Lee Road that is run by a bunch of the artists that sell their art and items at the Hessler Street Fair. Seems like the place to start! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 206 Intention ~ Work From the Heart

Day 206 Intention ~ Work From the Heart

I think as a yoga teacher, I often find myself worrying about delivering a quality class to my students while keeping it interesting for them also. Sometimes I stress about this so much that the class could then turn into exactly the opposite of the goal. I have often laughed at myself overthinking classes and getting stressed...over yoga. 

It took some time, and it was something that I was aware of the whole time, but once it resurfaces, it all flows together again, and is one piece of advice that I have for newer teachers ~ to teach from the heart. People will feel your sincerity and appreciate that much more than you trying to impress them with fancy sequences that were put together haphazardly or to try to "show what you know" to the students. 

In any line of work or project or passion that you have, if you work from the heart as you do it, that love and sincerity will be visible to whomever sees it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 205 Intention ~ Enjoy the Moments

Day 205 Intention ~ Enjoy the Moments

Still in gold friend bliss from last night, I just love that feeling of waking up and having a full house of some of my favorite people in the world. Laughing over coffee and feeling like we get to do this every day. 

Although I already miss them all dearly, even though I will see two of them next week still, I enjoyed each and every moment that I got to spend with these friends and really, this part of my family. 

With gratitude. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 204 Intention ~ Enjoy Old Friends

Day 204 Intention ~ Enjoy Old Friends

I love all of my friends and consider myself lucky to have and know so many great people in my life. But, there are those few that always stand out. The ones that know you better than you know yourself sometimes. The ones that even if it's been a long time since you've talked or seen each other, you pick up as if it were yesterday. 

Today I am super lucky & excited as 4 such people will be at my house in a matter of 2 hours. The last time we were all together was probably 4 years ago. I have seen them each separately between that time, but all together like this? Not for a long time. I cannot wait. I am going to enjoy them as much as I can and cherish each moment I get.

I think it was in Brownies when I was a kid that I learned that song, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." 

These are the gold ones for sure. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 203 Intention ~ Just Do What You Can

Day 203 Intention ~ Just Do What You Can

You can't control Mother Nature. Today, I had many gardening & lawn mowing plans to get ready, not only for a yoga class in my yard tomorrow morning, but friends that will be here in the evening. 

But, alas, the rain and wet grass lead me to delay my plans outdoors and focus inside. So, for today, I am cleaning indoors rather than out in hopes of at least getting some of these tasks taken care of. 

We constantly get thrown curve balls to what we may have planned for ourselves. It can be minor like a weather delay for yard clean up or more major, but adjusting and accepting what is the reality rather than the plan in our heads, helps us move forward with our day and our lives rather than react harshly or negatively to a different situation than what we wanted. Reacting in this way never does any good to help the situation, so try to accept whatever is going on around you...ideal or not. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 202 Intention ~ Listen to the Birds

Day 202 Intention ~ Listen to the Birds

Outdoor yoga. As much as I enjoy it, sometimes in a crowded park, it can be distracting. Granted, I realize that that is part of the lesson of yoga. Find focus in yourself, in your breathe, but when kids are yelling f-bombs while you are trying to attain bliss in savasana...it's difficult even for the most seasoned, enlightened yogi (no, I am not referring to me, in case you thought that I was!) 

So, with the madness going on around our little class on the grass, I just tried to listen to the birds instead of the conversations and loud discussions going on around me. 

Sometimes there aren't birds around when you find yourself getting distracted. In this type of a case, come back to the breath. Start to count the inhales and the exhales, either finding the same count for each or perhaps making the exhales longer. This is one way to bring the focus back in and let those pesky outside thoughts float away. 

This doesn't just help with your yoga practice, it can bring more focus to your life in general whether it's at work, when you are driving, playing a sport...whatever you do! 

Enjoy the day & if you find yourself getting distracted and stressed, listen to the birds.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 201 Intention ~ Chill Out

Day 201 Intention ~ Chill Out

Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation, hanging out at the pool, laying in a hammock, reading romance novels, being carefree, right? Not really. 

Seems to me, summer is a busier time with activities, trips, and work than other times of year. Maybe not busier, but just as busy. 

This summer has been no different. I have been going on a rapid pace pretty much all summer with full days off few and far between. 

Today, I am going to chill out. Sure, I taught 2 classes today, but once I got home, I took my husband's lead and just relaxed. Luckily, it's kind of a dreary cloudy day here today, so we watched movies and laid around. I even napped. 

So for today, let's chill out. We all deserve that from time to time. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 200 Intention ~ Take Responsibility

Day 200 Intention ~ Take Responsibility

I can't believe it's day 200 already!! 

Today I am taking responsibility. I admittedly have made some stupid mistakes regarding my money and credit cards in my life. I try to make these things life lessons, but this one has taken me 20 years to learn. BUT, I am finally learning it. 

It is a point of contention with my husband and myself and has held a dark cloud over my head for way too long. 

How could I have let this happen??? When I first started teaching yoga full-time and was building up my classes and clientele, I was too proud to ask my husband for money to pay my credit card bill. I stupidly paid late more than once, but never more than a day or two. Well, they jacked my rate up. Now the payments are out of control. Half of my monthly income seems to go to paying on that account. ugh. Of course, I am completely embarrassed by the situation. But now, I am swallowing my pride and admitting to myself that I don't have this under control and making calls to help myself. 

Why is this such an issue??

I am totally responsible in other aspects of my life. I show up, on time, for all of my work engagements, heck, even my social engagements. I pay our other bills. I balance my checkbook, I admit when I am wrong, and I've written this blog everyday for the last 200 days like I promised. 

So, today I am taking responsibility. I have already called the credit card company to try to get them to work with me on this. My next call is to my accountant to ask for her advice on how to handle this issue. I had told my husband that I would do this quite awhile back and avoided it out of embarrassment, but today is the day!

Even though I may not like what I hear, I already feel better having taken the first steps in this process. If you have something hanging over your head, get it out! It's not worth the stress. Start moving forward with it today and clear it up. 

You'll be happy that you did. 

I know that I already feel more true to myself by admitting and trying to fix this than I did just yesterday.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 199 Intention ~ Get to Work!

Day 199 Intention ~ Get to Work!

Working for what you want is definitely the theme around my house this week. Everywhere we turn someone who inspires us, horoscopes or even just reality has been telling us that we have to work for what we want in this world. Of course, we know this already. But, it's good to get a little kick in the pants to encourage motivation also. 

Problem here is...these hot hot days in Cleveland this week are making me more sluggish than ever! When I have returned home from classes the past two days, I have fallen into a deep sleep in the recliner. Maybe I just need sleep or perhaps I am turning on too much British television. :)

Regardless, the past two days, while on my way to class, I have been excited about the work I would get to do when I get home only to find the motivation is sapped out of me when I get there. 

So, my intention for today (and tomorrow and on and on) is to get to work. 

As G. Love says, "You got to work to deserve it, earn it to own it."

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 198 Intention ~ Get Creative

Day 198 Intention ~ Get Creative

Okay, so I am not claiming to completely understand all of this planetary/stars alignment stuff, but according to the astrologers, today is the beginning of this "golden triangle" for all of the water signs that hasn't happened for the last 10 plus years. Being a pisces, of course, I am interested in this. 

Apparently it is a great time to get creative, especially if you are in publishing at all (ahem, I consider myself kind of a writer these days...), so it is time for me to stop thinking about things I could write and actually write them! 

So, over the next few days while this golden triangle is at its strongest, I am to at least write my ideas down, if not just get cracking on it. We will see what happens...let the words start to flow. 

One thing this forecast said is that things won't just fall in my (or your) lap, you have to work for it. Bummer, but c'mon we knew that, right? So, just like in our practice, you don't just pop up into handstand in your first class, well, maybe you did, but I certainly did not. Practice is key. Work is key. It's that way with asana practice. It's the same way with meditation practice. The more you do it, the easier it gets to start letting the outside thoughts go, the easier it is to sit in one position without moving, the easier it is to find that inner focus so that you can see and feel the whole universe inside of you. 

"Practice & all is coming." ~ Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

It's true. So keep it up. Work for it. Keep the energy flowing and get creative with it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 197 Intention ~ Don't Get Discouraged

Day 197 Intention ~ Don't Get Discouraged

Mercury is still in retrograde til the 20th. They always say it's not a good time to make deals or purchase electronics during this period, so trying to keep that in mind. 

This morning I was looking to start a new season of classes outside and well, let's just say it didn't go off as planned! 

BUT, that being said, I will not get discouraged. It's so hot outside this week and I know some of my "regulars" are currently out of town or at work. They will come as the season goes on. 

Anything you do, if it's something you really want, keep at it! Keep trying. There will always be ups and downs, but that is how we learn. 

Keep your chin up, only a few more days of this Mercury retrograde my friends.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 196 Intention ~ Keep My Word

Day 196 Intention ~ Keep My Word

Home sweet home. After a fun yet exhausting work trip, I just wanted to curl up & go to sleep. But I told my Monday night students that if I got back in time, we would have class. I like to follow through & do what I say I am going to do.

Although I was tired and ready to sleep, in the end, I am glad I kept my word & followed through.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 195 Intention ~ Sleep Tight

Day 195 Intention ~ Sleep Tight

Sounds simple I'm sure, but being on the road in strange beds without my husband makes for funny abnormal sleep. Jen & I worked our butts off in the heat & drove a lot and it just takes it out of a person. One short leg to go before we get home. But for now, I am going to drift off to sleep so ththat I am not zombie-like for my husband tomorrow when I see him. 

Til tomorrow.. 

Shanti,

Marcia 

Day 194 Intention ~ Let the Whirlwind Take Over

Day 194 Intention ~ Let The Whirlwind Take Over

Helping a friend out this weekend selling her amazing knits in Madison, Wisconsin. The show has around 100,000 plus people pass through it. From the time we lifted the tent wall, people were in the store. It was so busy & it was as if I could only have on the job training since Jen had no time to show me certain things.  

It was a whirlwind. But it made me forget any nervousness I may have been feeling because there was no time. Let the whirlwind take over a.k.a. go with the flow. 

It's 9 p.m. & I am ready for bed. We do it all over again tomorrow. Sweet dreams from the road. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 193 Intention ~ Don't Worry About It

Day 193 Intention ~ Don't Worry About It

So, traveling again.  Horoscopes read today said that there would be some setbacks, as nd that all would be okay. 

Today was a busy hard day. Driving, getting our bearings for this show, lots of walking in the hot sun, setting up the booth & parking fiascos. But, still a fun day. When the troublesome issues came up, Jen & I reminded each other of the horoscope and let it go.

Now, I must sleep before another long day tomorrow.

Sweet dreams.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 192 Intention ~ Find Joy

Day 192 Intention ~ Find Joy

Finding joy in all that you do, whether it is work or play, whether it's rainy or sunny, hot or cold. Even if it seems as mundane as balancing your checkbook (although that is not always a joyous outcome!), try to just enjoy life, being thankful for each moment. 

If you hate your job, and hate every moment you are there, guess what?! It won't get any better until you find something there that gives you joy. The attitude in you has to change for things to turn around. 

It's amazing how just tweaking your mindset a bit can really change how things look. And then, when you are joyful and positive, joyful and positive things start to happen around you! The energy shifts. Misery loves company is the saying, and yes, if you wallow in the misery, it continues. 

Who really wants that? No one. 

So, today is the day, this moment is the moment, make a choice to find joy & start enjoying your life now.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 191 Intention ~ Step Away From the Computer

Day 191 Intention ~ Step Away From the Computer

Okay, and the phone. I recently got a brand new fancy smartphone and I admit, I am addicted to it! My last phone constantly had battery issues and just didn't have the capabilities like this fancy new one. So, besides constantly being "in touch" through email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and text, I also have been spending a lot of time staring at the big screen of the desktop computer writing and working on marketing, etc. this week. 

My eyes hurt and with all of this "connection" going on, I feel...well...disconnected. So, getting all of this business online done early today, the plan is to step away from the computer and the phone and reconnect with the outdoors, with my dog, with the Earth in it's most basic format. Just like I did pre-internet. Step outside. Breathe it in. 

Disconnect to reconnect. 

Practice yoga. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 190 Intention ~ Don't Rush It

Day 190 Intention ~ Don't Rush It

Now that I am feeling re-inspired and creative, I want to do everything at once! The motivation is fantastic, but the reality is, rushing it will make the quality suffer. Taking the time to mindfully put things together in a calm, thought out way, is a much better path. 

Whether it is creating or doing something that you love, taking the time to put care into it makes it all the more special. You enjoy the process as well as the final outcome. 

It's the same way on our mats. When we are newer to the hatha, physical, yoga practice, we want to pop right up into wheel pose, forgetting that it's been 20 years since we've tried to move that way and it's much more difficult than it looks. But with care and mindful practice, we learn the steps as we build the strength and flexibility, and before long, coming up into that pose is not as daunting as it once was.

Have a minor injury in my shoulder girdle this past week has reminded me to take it step by step. Slow it down & not to rush it. 

All good things in all good time.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 189 Intention ~ Get Creative...

Day 189 Intention ~ Get Creative...

And I mean that with work and play! After a nice break, you may have noticed a little frazzled tone in my posts pre-vacation last week, I am now ready to conquer the world!! Ha ha ha, okay, just get a little more creative with my yoga teaching and writing & my play time (generally I mean with George.)

It's summer, classes tend to slow down and dogs like to have a more adventurous time in the great outdoors. Feeling more inspired, I have a bunch of motivation and new ideas for my business and pleasure. Of course, this being Monday and having the last 5 days off, I suppose it's going to be about business today for me, but that is okay too. One great thing about planning fun yogic things and writing is that I can brainstorm and plan outside in the beautiful weather. 

Mercury is retrograde and yes, I have felt its effects somewhat, but even with that stress going on monetarily and emotionally (and you know not to make big purchases of electronics or sign any contracts during Mercury retrograde, right??), I feel good and positive! This is going to be a great summer & year ahead! 

So, if you are local to me, stay tuned for some great exciting new things coming up very very soon! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

It's been a few days since I've gotten on my mat. Since then I have been on 2 long car rides, hiked, slept in funny beds and been dragged to the ground by George, hurting my shoulder (see post from a few days ago). Needless to say, my body is TIGHT!!! But, alas, my right arm is still not 100% ready for practice. Heck, it still hurts to lift my arm over my head. But, yet, I need to get on my mat. 

So, as I would tell my own students...listen to my body. Do what I can and be okay with stopping if necessary. It's still a hard pill to swallow when every part but one is ready to practice. Everything in moderation. Pushing oneself beyond capabilities is just asking to injure oneself during what is supposed to be a healing practice. 

So, as I approach my mat today, I will listen to my body and back off when my right shoulder starts to resist my attempts.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 187 Intention ~ Be Thankful For The Time Together

Day 187 Intention ~ Be Thankful For The Time Together

As my family parted ways this morning,  I am thankful for what time we do get to spend together. We are spread out in Georgia, Virginia, New York & Ohio and just don't get to spend that much time all together. Sure we don't always agree, but we still always love each other. We laugh a lot & there is an unbreakable connection between us. These are the people who helped shape my life and who I am today.

Thank you to my family ~ I miss you already ♡

Til Tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 186 Intention ~ Hold My Tongue

Day 186 Intention ~ Hold My Tongue

Keep the peace. I have never been very good at confrontation. My brother, who I adore, by the way, has very different opinions than me, loves to talk politics. Sometimes I think is trying to get a rise out of me, but in attempts to keep the peace for my family visit, I shut it down. Tonite I almost broke that rule, until John, in anticipation of what I was about to say, started rubbing my arm. I stopped & the situation diffused.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 185 Intention ~ Reconnect With My Family

Day 185 Intention ~ Reconnect With My Family

This is the cabin that we are staying in this holiday weekend with my family. There is one week a year that we all get together and this is it. My father turned 84 on this trip this year and it is fantastic to get to spend time with him. For him, the best gift is to get to spend time with all of us. I have learned to really cherish this time together too. 

Family is wonderful & we all laugh a lot when we are together which is great. And at least once a trip I can get my mother to laugh so hard she starts to cry. That night was tonite.

Happy 4th to all!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 184 Intention ~ Change My View

Day 184 Intention ~ Change My View

So as we were driving through Charleston late last night, we arrived at our hotel to find a bunch of, well, sleazy activities going on pretty openly and all around the hotel.  We had been driving all night & were pretty tired, but this was too much.  Don't get me wrong, John & I have stayed un some pretty cheap nasty hotels before, but this was too much.

We drove on & I started to develop a bad attitude about WV, which I never had before. John assured me it was just because we were on the outskirts of the biggest city around. I started to mellow & remember how beautiful I have always thought WV was & we found this pet friendly hotel with this sign out front...we knew we were at the right place. 

Today to the woods!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia