Day 243 Intention ~ Drop It

Day 243 Intention ~ Drop It

One of those days today. Started the day off subbing a class. The usual insecurities arose in me and didn't subside as I watched a few of the students walk away when they discovered that their beloved teacher was not going to be there this morning. 

Although this is an expected behavior in a substitutes world, it still doesn't feel good. I was overtired and relishing in the fact that I actually have 2 days off (in a row!) after I taught these classes today, so I became a bit distracted during the first class that, of course, was the one I was subbing. I felt like I had marbles in my mouth and unfortunately, couldn't get the vision of people walking away rather than take my class out of my mind. Good ego check for me though I suppose. 

As class went on, I started to find presence with the students who were actually there...finally! By the time my regular class rolled around, I was back on my game. 

But then as I was leaving, feelings of self-doubt crept into my being again thinking about the morning class and how I didn't feel like it was my best teaching and no wonder those people didn't want to take my class, blah, blah, blah....

But, now that I have been beating myself up for the afternoon, it's time to DROP IT! It's not serving me to talk to myself this way. We all have off days...even yoga teachers. It's okay. Move forward. And, yes, rest for a couple days before getting back to it on Tuesday! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

There is a big yoga event going on this evening at the Rock Hall here in Cleveland. Believe in CLE is what they are calling it. An event sponsored by Lululemon with teachers from Inner Bliss leading the class. According to the event invite on Facebook, over 1000 people are going to go to this event. At first, I was excited at the idea of this event and the community building in the yoga spirit that it could bring, but now that the day is here, I just feel like laying low. 

Oftentimes, I try to avoid the "scene". Twenty years ago, I felt I always needed to be on the scene...these days, not so much. 

Although it's fun to practice with a bunch of people all breathing and sweating and flowing together, I tend to like my personal home practice a little bit more these days. So as cool as I think this event will be, I am going to lay low, keep my practice personal and spend the evening with my favorite beings, John, George & Stella. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 241 Intention ~ Stay Pure

Day 241 Intention ~ Stay Pure

Back to the African proverbs calendar, it's actually from August 22nd, but my calendar skips to September 4th from the 22nd, so I've kept it there. I think I finally read it today. 

It is a Swahili proverb that reads, "If your intention is pure, you can walk on the sea." 

Well, when reading that, I guess I would take it as being true to what yourself. So, in an effort to stay pure, I am going to try to stay true. Especially to myself, no matter what the truth is, good, bad or ugly. 

Truth today is that I have been feeling a little lazy, stressed and grumpy. Where did that bliss from yesterday go??? 

It's still there, but in a different form. Running out of time, I had to do a short Ashtanga practice today, which is still better than no practice, so that is good. I would probably be a little grumpier had I not done this. 

Truth is I am grumpy because I forgot to pay some bills I needed to pay and I am slightly beating myself up even though I know that's not healthy for me to do. 

I need to take the swaha attitude of it is what it is. So swaha! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 240 Intention ~ Feel The Bliss!

Day 240 Intention ~ Feel the Bliss!

When I first started really getting serious about my yoga practice, often after asana practice I would have that "yoga high". These days, sure, I feel great, but not necessarily that bliss like I used to feel. Only certain teachers would inspire that reaction out of me. This week, in an effort to get back to my Ashtanga asana practice, I have practiced the Primary Series in full twice...so far. Both times, that bliss has returned. Both times it was just a home practice. 

So basically, I am just riding this "yoga high" while it's here and apparently, the Primary Series is opening up something in me that is bringing that feeling out, so after years and years of practice, I'll take it! 

Just goes to show, every day is different and new things still happen on the mat each time, no matter how long you've been doing it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 239 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 239 Intention ~ Just Do It

For fear of sounding like a Nike ad, that is my mantra today! 

Sometimes when I am going to go sub a class, I get myself all worked up about it, which really, if I just go teach my class, it will all be fine. Trying to be like the regular teacher is not worth the stress. Sure, consistency is important, but at the same time, if you lose who you are to try to teach like another, the class is likely to become disjointed and feel insincere. 

So, today, I'm just going to do it. 

Practicing truthfulness or satya, not necessarily how Patanjali meant it, but what it will mean for me...today, in this modern world. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 238 Intention ~ Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

Day 238 Intention ~ Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

Of course not! We learn this as children, but sometimes we forget. Today was one of those days. I had a student this morning that I had never met before who just looked like she didn't want to be there today. As we went through just a few gentle poses, she blurted out snarky comments like, "What is this supposed to be stretching? I don't feel anything." And just glaring at me for the rest of the asana part of class. 

I thought to myself that she will probably never come again. As we went through a 25 minute yoga nidra, I still wondered if she thought that I was trying to hypnotize her or if she was questioning me and my teaching or just plain counting the seconds til she could get up and leave. 

Much to my surprise, after class she came up to me and said that normally she can't relax during such practices like meditation, breathing or in savasana (corpse pose), but that she really turned off and was able to just focus on what I was saying during yoga nidra. She felt relaxed. She was smiling. My work was done. 

I often tell newer teachers to just remember that people make funny faces doing yoga and to not worry that it's your teaching. Nice to get a reminder for myself today! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 237 Intention ~ Continue...

Day 237 Intention ~ Continue...

Tru to continue what I need to get done without attachment. Although it is Sunday,  a day that many take as a day of rest, there are things that need to get done. In the past,  I would feel discontented if I had to teach or work on a Sunday.  Lately, I just continue to do what needs done.

That's it for today ;)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 236 Intention ~ Go Facebook Free

Day 236 Intention ~ Go Facebook Free

This intention started yesterday evening and it is an intention for the whole weekend. No Facebook all weekend long. More and more lately, I find myself glued to my "smart" phone wasting time on Facebook rather than talking to whomever I am actually with face to face. 

In an effort to break this habit a.k.a. addiction, I am not going to look at Facebook until Monday morning. So far, it's been good. It's almost like a weight off my shoulders. And really, if that's the case, what good is it doing me??? 

There was a recent study stating that people with over a certain amount of "friends" are becoming more depressed. Don't quote me on this, but I think it was from seeing others wonderful status updates of all the fabulous things that they were doing...that you, as the "friend", were not. I don't think that I fall into that category, but I do know that I spend too much time on there when I need to be doing other things like meditating or finding some peace in my mind. 

So, til tomorrow...(I will only post this blog to Twitter today!)

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 235 Intention ~ Practice Ahimsa

Day 235 Intention ~ Practice Ahimsa

Ahimsa, one of the yamas or restraints, that yogis are supposed to practice to live in a yogic way. Non-violence or non-harming. Being vegan or vegetarian, trying to leave less of a carbon footprint on the world, being kind (or at least not mean!) in thoughts, words, and action. To other beings...even yourself. 

I reminded myself of this today as I started to beat myself up for not making it to Ashtanga this morning. As a woman, sorry guys, bear with me for a moment, there are certain times that a less vigorous practice or even skipping practice for a day or two is recommended. That is where I am at today. Although, I have just been enjoying my reinstated Ashtanga practice so much these days that I hate to miss an actual led class rather than home practice. But, alas, I am feeling a bit rundown and wanted to sleep in a bit. As the day goes on, I know I made the right choice and that a gentler, more restorative practice is in order today. So, in an attempt to be a little less harming to myself, the harmful chatter to myself has ceased. 

This is one way to bring yoga into your *very* personal daily life :) There are many many other ways. Yoga doesn't end once we step off of our mat...that is when it starts. It's a lifestyle. Live it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 234 Intention ~ Tune Into The Class

Day 234 Intention ~ Tune Into The Class

When I first started teaching yoga, I would have everything written down for each class and try to teach that to the note. 

If it wasn't exactly right, I would have a minor panic session (in my mind of course) and get a little bit flustered (for the class to see). It's part of being a new teacher and it's okay. But at the time, I hated taking requests or if people had certain injuries or aches and pains, I hoped they would keep them to themselves in case I blanked out on what to do to help them out. 

Then there was the period where I didn't plan anything besides some sun salutations. I would fly by the seat of my pants. Sometimes it worked, but when it didn't work, it was horrible. 

So, nowadays, I always have some sort of idea of what I want to work on, but I am open for suggestions or changes. Part of that is just having more experience and confidence. Today, I had a bunch of back bends and arm balances I wanted to work on in a pretty fast paced powerful mode, but had a woman with a back injury come in, and then a newer student that has difficulty even getting into downward facing dog at this point and the vibe in the room was just more mellow. 

So, I still got in a couple of the moves I wanted to teach, but then did more therapeutic back postures and movements to help out the student with the sore back and some gentle hamstring and hip openers for my newer student. It worked out just as it needed to for today. 

As a teacher, tuning into the class is very important. Sure, it's good to get people to work on poses they don't necessarily like doing in hopes that they will learn to love it (okay, like it), but sometimes their mode is exactly the right one for that day. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 233 Intention ~ Take Some Time to Regroup

Day 233 Intention ~ Take Some Time To Regroup

Having many different responsibilities and obligations seems to be either the American way or maybe just how life goes. 

Between teaching classes, writing, working for JAK, changing teaching schedules, meetings, cleaning, shopping, preparing meals, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, getting my own practice in and on and on, things can get jumbled in my head. 

Today, luckily, at least for the rest of summer, is one of my mellow weekdays. It allows me to stop and think and put things in order in my head. These days are important to have. If they didn't happen every once in awhile, I would turn into that frazzled, burned out yoga teacher from which no one would want to take a class. 

If this doesn't seem like a possibility in your coming days, even just taking 10 minutes in the morning, midday, or really, whenever you can and just meditating can help clear the mind. It can help to bring back focus and calm. 

Find a comfortable seat, sit up nice and tall and close your eyes. Focus on the 3rd eye and breathe. When outside thoughts float in, and believe me, they will, just acknowledge them and let them float right back out. It's unbelievable how just a short meditation can turn your mind and day around. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 232 Intention ~ Gaze At The Moon

Day 232 Intention ~ Gaze at the Moon

Tonight the moon will be at its peak at 9:45 p.m. est. It will be the seasonal blue moon. This seasonal blue moon has not happened in almost 3 years and it is the third of four full moons in a season. The next one is not until May of 2016. 

I love the moon, it's beautiful glow in the dark sky lighting our paths. It's femininity and mystery. The calm it makes me feel when I gaze at it. It is a wonder of the universe. So far away, but when it's full, it seems so close. 

In my favorite line in my favorite Jack Kerouac poem, The Moon, he writes: 

Gaze at the moon,

Ocean marking the face.

In some cases, the moon is you.

In any case...the moon.

Love that. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 231 Intention ~ Be Understanding...and Kind

Day 231 Intention ~ Be Understanding...and Kind

In my line of work you deal with the general public...a lot. Many ask me questions before or after class about either some of the yoga poses we did in class that day, about certain studios/teachers, or other general yoga questions. 

Of course, I am always open to these questions and love when my students are interested in learning more. 

Every once in awhile, someone just keeps going and going. There are definitely people that need a little more hand holding in class and after class. Although I do try to be understanding, it can get to me at times. Today, I can feel that I have a bit of an annoyance coming on when it comes to a certain student, which is NOT how I want to feel or act towards this person. 

So, today, I am trying to remind myself to be understanding and kind to this student. This is my intention. But first, a few deep breaths in and out. :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 230 Intention ~ Experiment

Day 230 Intention ~ Experiment

January 1st, not only did I start writing these intention blogs each day, but I also went vegan. It's been going great...can't believe it's already been 8 1/2 months! 

I have learned to adjust recipes, but haven't been too crazy with my experimentation...til today. I have been dreaming of these stuffed peppers that we ordered sometime last year from the restaurant, Pizzazz, that were amazing. So, today, I am experimenting with tofu ricotta recipes so that I can make a vegan version of these. 

They are in the oven now, but I just used a recipe from the Whole Foods website and I am hoping that it turns out well.

I will keep you posted!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 229 Intention ~ Mind My Own Business

Day 229 Intention ~ Mind My Own Business

We all hear gossip sometimes. And sometimes, it's hard not to get sucked into the drama or speculation of it all. Lately, whether it's on social media or just whispers from one person to another, seems like there's more than ever. What I do know, it's none of my business. This type of talk, whether publicly or private, does no good for anybody involved. And, although it could be cheap conversational entertainment for some, it does them no good either. 

So, I am just sticking to what I know, and minding my own business. Not just today, but I try, to do this everyday. Whenever I have gotten involved in one of these chats, I always feel a little dirty afterwards, so, to me, that means it was not the right thing to be doing. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 228 Intention ~ Don't Overdo It

Day 228 Intention ~ Don't Overdo It

It's Friday. I have a rare Saturday off tomorrow. So exciting! 

But, alas, I am tired. Today was a busy day starting at 6 a.m. and pretty much running solid til I got home at 6:45 this evening.

Some new friends have an opening party for their store tonight and of course I want to support them. I always want to think I can do everything all the time, but tonight my goal is to not overdo it. It's enough to show up and support and then head back home. 

Listening to my body and my mind and allowing myself to rest when it is necessary. That is how to stay healthy. Friday night or not, I am tired!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 227 Intention ~ Turn Negative Thoughts Around

Day 227 Intention ~ Turn Negative Thoughts Around

It's a general attitude for life and how you accept its ups and downs. I really try to make this a daily mantra for myself to keep from getting caught up in the whole domino effect that is negativity. 

Something is bound to happen each and every day that isn't exactly what you thought or wanted to have happen...right? If this is not your life, then kudos to you, it must be nice! 

But wait! It can be you, all by your attitude.

Take the swaha, so it is or so it goes, attitude and things won't seem so bad and you may just have that perfect (for you) day. 

Part of this is turning what could be perceived as a negative into a positive. 

For instance, twice today, things did not happen as I thought they would. I have a class in Little Italy on Thursdays at noon. This weekend is the Feast of the Assumption in that neighborhood. Tons of people, blocked off roads, and definitely nowhere close to park. In the past this hasn't affected that class...but this year, the parade was going right through it. I parked a mile away and started the trudge down the hill knowing that I was going to be late if anyone actually made it through there. 

Now, the fact that yoga classes slow down in the summer, I rely especially on my regulars and teaching my classes. So, of course, with my class not happening this afternoon. (I arrived about 10 minutes late and no one was there anyhow.) I walked back down the road and actually got to witness the parade which I have never seen before. So, that was pretty cool. 

Again this evening, one of my more popular classes only had one student. Of course, I get paid per head for this class, so it was not my biggest moneymaker, but as we went through class, I got to talk with my student and get to know what asanas work for her and what adjustments and modifications she could use in future classes too. Now, I do do this in a class with more people, but when it's one on one, it's nice for the student to get more of an explanation and more personal attention. So, although it wasn't my busiest class, I feel like I will be able to teach with a better understanding of this student in the future = positive thing!

So, when you feel like something bad or negative is happening to you, turn it around. Figure out what you are learning from the experience and make it a positive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 226 Intention ~ Continue Learning

Day 226 Intention ~ Continue Learning

Keeping our brain working and learning new things throughout our lives helps us with preventing senility in old age. Teaching yoga is always a constant learning process. I learn from my students every class I teach. I try to learn new things to do in class to teach, but sometimes I get caught up in a rut and teach the same things over and over. 

This fall a new challenge is coming to me. I am putting together a meditation group at one of the venues that I teach. I have been doing tons of reading on the subject, which has made me feel more focused and calm just reading about it! 

But the reality is, I am learning a lot about it. Different methods, different parts of ourselves and our lives that we can work with through meditation. It is pretty exciting. 

I encourage you to continue studying in this life, no matter what the topic. Learning really is fun if it is something you love. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 225 Intention ~ Take It In Stride

Day 225 Intention ~ Take It In Stride

Plans change. Things come up. Today was one of those days. The muffler fell off my husband's van, so he needed a ride to work. No problem. Then he informed me of an appointment midday that he had. Threw my work plans into the fire since I go work for friends about 50 miles away on Tuesday's. Then his phone wasn't working, so we spent an hour at the Sprint store. 

In the past, pre-yoga days, I may have freaked out and felt put upon in my selfishness that my day was getting screwed up, but nowadays, I just take it in stride. Sure, there are times I am stressed about things and can't seem to let things go right away. But more times than not anymore, I can take things in stride and realize the world is not going to come to an end & everything will be okay even with a change of plans. 

So, if you find yourself feeling stressed or upset because things haven't progressed in the way you planned or the way you hoped, try to let it be what it is and take it in stride.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 224 Intention ~ Push Through

Day 224 Intention ~ Push Through

Doesn't sound like a very yogic intention, I know, but after my weekend of bliss, I am struggling coming back to "reality". So, although I often tell students not to force a posture, your body will go there when it's ready, today, I am living a "push through" mantra to help me get things done. 

Luckily, Monday's aren't too too crazy for me, but it has still been an effort to get through my classes and "to do" list today. 

Sometimes, you've just gotta push through it. :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 223 Intention ~ Keep On Being Grateful

Day 223 Intention ~ Keep On Being Grateful

There are just some times when I am reminded how much the people in my life are just amazing and just how lucky I am. This week was one of those special weeks that I got to experience that a little bit more than an average week. 

Yoga, live music, a baseball game, a great canoe ride, laughs, old & new memories and just great people and times have left this lady's heart welled up with gratitude and love. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 222 Intention ~ Take A Trip Down Memory Lane

Day 222 Intention ~ Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Kent State University, the early 1990's. This is where my husband and I met so long ago. Tonight, we are headed back and actually spending the night. It should be fun to check out the new places to go and some of the old. I am sure old memories will be triggered and come shooting back to me like crazy of those good, carefree times back then. 

It will also be good to see friends and I'm sure some folks that I haven't seen in quite a time. 

Should be a fun trip.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 221 Intention ~ Practice

Day 221 Intention ~ Practice

There is a joke that yoga teachers never get to practice once they start teaching because they are always teaching. Well, my practice has also gotten a little bit lost, not from teaching too much, but from having injuries here and there. 

But, this morning, I went to my first Ashtanga (shorter version) class in a long time and it was fantastic!! I am still nursing my shoulder a bit from George the dog dragging me to the ground last month, so I couldn't go full force like I used to, but it was still good to be in class with other people, practicing. 

The last month or so I have been being very careful not to injure or strain that shoulder anymore, so I've been doing very slow and more restorative practices, but I LOVE Ashtanga!!

Glad to be back! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 220 Intention ~ Get Hometown Proud

Day 220 Intention ~ Get Hometown Proud

It's one of my favorite times of year...football season! I do love my Cleveland Browns. As much as they lose and disappoint year after year, I still love them. And so do many people all over. With the largest group of backers in the country (don't quote me, but that used to be true I know!), I am not alone. 

Yoga is about creating connection and community & in it's own way, football, and other sports teams, create a bond and a community between people also. 

Especially in Cleveland. There have been many rough years in this rust belt city, not only with football, baseball & basketball. There have been years of population and job loss, run down buildings, business loss...c'mon we all have heard Cleveland jokes. 

But, these days, things are looking up here in Cleveland. Lots of new energy and businesses. Young people moving back into downtown. Many foodie chefs have come to sink their heels, or their forks, into this food city & have created a lot of buzz. 

There is a new excitement around this town and I am excited for it. 

And with the Browns pre-season starting tonight, it makes my Cleveland loving heart well up a little bit more. 

Til tomorrow...Go Browns! 

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 219 Intention ~ Accept Whatever Happens

Day 219 Intention ~ Accept Whatever Happens

It's a rainy day today in Cleveland. I have 2 outdoor classes scheduled with no rain backup. As much as I would like these classes to happen, I am just going with the flow and accepting whatever happens. 

Finding contentment with what goes on...good or seemingly bad or unfortunate is just a part of life, therefore, we might as well not fight it. That just makes it harder. Everything happens for a reason, or so "they" say, so I am going to practice santosha and be grateful just for the day and be content with whatever happens. I certainly am not going to fight with Mother Nature about the rain! 

When things don't go as we planned, it can be an interesting investigation as to what the universe is trying to tell us. Maybe something bad would have happened if things went on as we wanted or perhaps something more important to the here and now will pop up. It's hard to know, but either way, I am content. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 218 Intention ~ Hang in There

Day 218 Intention ~ Hang In There

Although an afternoon and night away from reality was great, as soon as I got home this morning, the "to do" list started ticking in my brain. 

How do you turn it off?? 

Well, you take deep breaths and try to tackle one thing at a time. Once you get going, it's really much easier to keep the pace up. Sometimes that is easier said than done, sure, but once you get up and do it, it usually starts rolling. At least that is what I have found, not just today, but other days when I am trying to get back into the swing of things. 

Appreciate the time away, and appreciate the time in the daily grind. It's the only time to celebrate this particular time, so appreciate it and enjoy life...hang in there! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

One of the perks of working for yourself is that you can arrange your schedule to take a day off on funny days without really having to ask anyone's permission. 

Today, an old friend and I are doing just that and heading off to her place on the water. We are planning on canoeing, watching the water, playing with the dogs, watching the sunset and reconnecting with each other too. Should be a fun and much needed adventure away from it all...even if it's just for a day.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 216 Intention ~ Hoop It Up!

Day 216 Intention ~ Hoop it up!

The last couple of years I have become mesmerized by the hoop girls at music shows. Especially those hoops with the lights. The picture above is from All Good Festival a few years back when this minor obsession started. 

Last night as my husband and I were walking up the road in our neighborhood, it happened. This 40-something girl got her first hula hoop. I've gotta say, it's hard work! But, already today, I feel like I have gotten it down a little bit and am excited to develop this new skill. I think to these folks I see at live shows and how they hoop to the music...maybe tomorrow. Seems so far off right now, but you never know! 

So, hooping it up today (and the rest of my days) have brought back a certain childlike fun and energy into my day and it feels good. I wish I had gotten a hoop when the bug first bit me, but I have it now. 

If there is something you have been wanting to try that you have been putting off for one reason or another, just do it! What do you have to lose? You may just feel like a kid again.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 215 Intention ~ Relax

Day 215 Intention ~ Relax

The other day I put a hammock up in the back yard. Every day I thought to myself,  "I'm going to lay out there today and relax." Something kept me from doing that each day...til today.

After subbing and teaching my own classes today, I returned home and napped in the hammock. It was heaven.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 214 Intention ~ Remember It's Already Inside

Day 214 Intention ~ Remember It's Already Inside

We have everything we need inside of us already. It's just waiting for us to tap into it. I still forget this and get nervous sometimes when I am about to teach students that don't already know me. This was how I felt this morning and then luckily, in a moment of clarity, I realized that I just need to teach my yoga. I already know what I am doing. Trying to teach like someone else is silly...and inauthentic. 

Stay true to yourself, stay open to others and teach from your heart, knowing that you already have the tools to live, teach, and love this life...whatever it is you do.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 213 Intention ~ Go Back to the Proverbs Calendar

Day 213 Intention ~ Go Back to the Proverbs Calendar

It's been awhile since I posted any of my African proverbs calendar, but today's seemed fitting. 

It's a North African proverb that says: 

Let the heart be overflowing but let the mouth be restrained. 

I agree. Too often we say things that are hurtful that we don't mean or just voice negative feelings or emotions. Now, I don't think it's good to bottle up what you are feeling, but lots of times when we are feeling negative or angry, the feeling is fleeting and just better left unsaid. 

Going back to what we teach young people, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I believe that this still holds true. Misery loves company, but what if the company never shows up? Or what if the company shows up, but only with an overflowing heart? 

How fabulous would that be!

Let's learn to lead with love and leave the negativity at the door. And maybe, just maybe, with time, those negative thoughts will slip away also.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia