Monday, September 30, 2013

Day 273 Intention ~ Get Back On Track

Day 273 Intention ~ Get Back On Track

There are a lot of wonderful things coming up for my husband and I in the next few weeks. We both have a lot of work to do to make these events successful. Sometimes, I think, in a bit of a childish way, we both tend to avoid these obligations by going out and celebrating our lives before we accomplish what we need to. I'm not saying we shouldn't celebrate life, but we also shouldn't avoid our responsibilities. 

Today, it's back to reality, as I have classes and a lot of work to do at home before tomorrow. I am taking a hiatus from socializing to get my head screwed back on straight and until I get some of these "responsibilities" crossed off of my list. Then we can really celebrate...without any guilt!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Day 272 Intention ~ Toss It Up

Day 272 Intention ~ Toss It Up

By toss it up, I mean, toss our plans up and just go with it. This was one of those weekends that didn't go as planned. We originally had music to go see both Friday and Saturday night. We didn't do either. We were supposed to go to the Browns game today, that didn't happen. Among other things. But, although, it was not what we were planning for this weekend, just going with it and being spontaneous, we still enjoyed ourselves. (Although, I still hate wasting Browns tickets!)

So, just going with the flow is good. It isn't healthy to be so rigid and living on a strict itinerary...especially when, once again, I am writing this 40 minutes past day 272 EDT. Ha!

Til tomorrow (later today)...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Day 271 Intention ~ Accept My Mishaps

Day 271 Intention ~ Accept My Mishaps

Okay so, after last night when I almost missed it...tonight I did. First time in 271 days. Not too bad. Surely I thought I would have missed more in the past year. I am here now though, just to say...it's okay. So it goes. Whatever cliche pat on the back, inspirational type saying you want to throw out there. I am here. I am late, but I am here now. 

That's it. 

til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Friday, September 27, 2013

Day 270 Intention ~ Remember

Day 270 Intention ~ Remember

Frankly, I'm not trying to remember anything big. We just got home from a dinner with John's co-workers and as I yawned and put on comfy clothes, I remembered this blog! 

It's hard to believe it's been 270 days already. I have yet to miss a day, but this one was very close. As October approaches, I start to look back on 2013 and think of all of the events of the last year...and those still to come. 

As the leaves change color, I look forward to new adventures on the horizon and a new year ahead of us. Snowy days and family gatherings. 

I hope you all are enjoying your Friday night. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Day 269 Intention ~ Practice Some Yin Yoga

Day 269 Intention ~ Practice Some Yin Yoga

In particular, yin for the lungs, large intestine, small intestine &heart. In yin yoga, the student holds the poses for 3-5 minutes and really gets into the connective tissue and allows the body to deepen in each posture. There is also a connection to the meridians of the organs and chi...more Eastern medicine. There is a lot to it & believe me, I am just scratching the surface, but I will tell you the emotional & mental reasons why I would like to work on these parts of the body in particular. 

Lungs and large intestine: the emotional qualities of their chi is courage and reverence...allowing us to be strong and present. Mentally, we are strong, have endurance and confidence. Also, we can think clearly.

Heart & small intestine: With healthy heart chi we find some inner peace and calm, we are joyful and feel nourished ~ inside and out. We feel connected to life. With the heart and small intestine working together, we feel happiness and love for the world and the people in it. We have purpose and find meaning in life. 

These are things that when I feel a little depleted or maybe negative about things, I need. Last week I was feeling tired and worn out...uninspired. This week, that will be changed (even though it is Thursday already!)

A great book for Yin Yoga is Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers. That is where I got the information shared with you today. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Day 268 Intention ~ Play To My Audience

Day 268 Intention ~ Play to My Audience

I have three yoga classes today. All are very different audiences. The first are at the Centers for Families and Children. Most of these students are stressed out and just need some gentle poses and breath work to find ease and relaxation. We always practice yoga nidra also to soothe them even more. 

The next group is a group of seniors that need to go a little bit more slowly and gently. I also need to be clear and talk a little bit louder. They still do many of the standing poses, but just enter into the poses a little bit differently and more gently than in a full on vinyasa flow class. They usually have more questions or things that are harder for them to do, so it's always a good lesson for me also to discover what directions and processes are the best to help them get the most out of their practice. 

Lastly, I have a class at the community center. It's an open level class and it runs in 6 week sessions. Some of the folks have been coming since I started teaching this class 3 years ago and are getting pretty advanced; this time there are also a number of new people that are new, not just to my class, but to yoga in general. Although this class is more vigorous than the other two today, we are still working on some basic poses for the newer people. 

I used to go into classes with a whole plan and if I got off of that class plan, I was thrown off completely. As time went on and I got more experience, the plan became less strict. I always have something in mind that I would like to work on, but depending who is there and their injuries or limitations, teachers need to be able to adapt to what is going to be best for their clients that day. We always want to offer a safe, maybe challenging class to our students. A class that makes them learn how to listen to their own body, to feel stronger, more flexible, relaxed, and wanting more.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Day 267 Intention ~ Keep Balanced

Day 267 Intention ~ Keep Balanced

Sunday was the fall equinox and on that day the daylight and nightfall are an equal 12 hours each. It brings me to think about balance. As fall starts, many of us throw ourselves back into work or school activities, football, upcoming holidays and all sorts of things after a lazy summer and forget to take time for oneself. 

I am the same way. I like the activity that gets stirred up once everything gets back to normal, but being in a constant state of "go" can burn you out...fast.

So, remember to find balance in your life. Take some time for you to replenish so that you can enjoy all of those great fall activities. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Day 266 Intention ~ Just Do What You (I) Can

Day 266 Intention ~ Just Do What You (I) Can

Back to reality. There is a list of things that need to be done, but, of course, I am feeling lazy & tired...and dare I say, a little hungover. We had a great time in Cincinnati yesterday. The hotel was fabulous, the people in town were super friendly, Oktoberfest was going on and the show was great. 

So, today, although I am tired, I am just doing what I can to get the things I need for tomorrow finished. No rushing, not really worrying about it. If I stress, the work becomes shoddy and I feel badly. So, just do what I can...that's all anyone can ask anyhow, right?

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Day 265 Intention ~ Sunday Funday!

Day 265 Intention ~ Sunday Funday! 

It's off on another road trip today with the hubby. This is a quick overnight one down south to Cincinnati. Should be fun, we are staying at a hotel downtown that is not only historic, but supposedly haunted. Love that stuff! 

So, today, it's all about letting go off responsibilities and enjoying time with my sweetie. 

On that note, hope you all have a great day.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Been feeling a little "heavy" in my mind the past couple of days. Not sure if it's the rainy weather or too much tme watching Don Draper pout in Mad Men reruns, but it is time to lighten up. Sure, classes were a little bit lighter this week for some reason (I have given up trying to figure out the waves in yoga class attendance!), but other than that, things are GOOD! 

Lots of work to do, fun times with friends, my husband's art & guitar work are starting to gain some traction, we're healthy, our family and friends are healthy. Life is good. 

So, although, I am working this evening, so that I can have the next two days off instead, I need to try to get out of my head, and just enjoy. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Friday, September 20, 2013

Day 263 Intention ~ Keep On Truckin' (Baby)

Day 263 Intention ~ Keep On Truckin' (Baby)

Reading my September horoscope in Journey magazine, it says that basically, all this work and searching, etc. that I've been doing is almost there, but I have to keep the faith and keep it up to get there, but basically, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Today's African proverbs calendar reads a Zimbabwean proverb, "To climb a mountain, you zigzag." 

Yoga Rocks The Park posted on Facebook, a status along the lines of, I can't remember the exact quote: Synchronicity feels like the universe telling you that you're getting warmer. 

So, again, I say, hello universe! I am getting the message! I will keep at it, knowing there are rougher days and easier days, but you have to keep going to get there. 

Just like yesterday's comments on how are physical yoga practice can help us become attune with our bodies messages, it can also help us become more aware of the universe around us. 

I am listening.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Day 262 Intention ~ Go Easy

Day 262 Intention ~ Go Easy

Trying to take it easy today, even with 5 classes to teach. Four down, one to go this evening. With the fall schedule coming into play, and the busier schedule upon me, I fear that I have run myself down a little bit. When I got home last night, I was worried that I was falling ill early in the season for me. 

In this yoga profession, having a cold is not an option. So, I am listening to the cues today and going easy on myself. 

Luckily, I have this break in the day to rest and get it together for class this evening. 

In yoga, we get to learn our bodies cues. We become so familiar with how our shoulders, arms, legs, back, etc. feel in poses and moving through the poses, that we know when something just isn't right. We learn to listen to what our body is telling us that day. How far it can go, push further or pull back a bit that day. The key is accepting and being okay with what your body is telling you any given day. 

Learning to apply these lessons in our regular life off the mat is helpful too. When to push for that promotion or raise, how to assess a situation and deal with it, how we handle stress, and even when to call in sick. Allow the body to rest and heal when it needs it. 

So, that is what is going to happen here this afternoon. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Day 261 Intention ~ Regroup

Day 261 Intention ~ Regroup

The last two nights I have had nightmares. I used to have them all of the time when I worked 9-5 or rather 8:30-5:30 Monday through Friday and then taught every evening and on weekends. I would be pulling my hair out. I was frazzled and I would have nightmares caused by stress. Not very yogic for sure. 

Since quitting my day job and teaching full-time, I have had less. Sure, the occasional one slips in when all the bills are due and I am constantly running a calculator through my head, but the longer I have been teaching, the less that has been happening. 

The last two days though. What's up?! Well, I start 3 new classes (all different from each other) this week besides the 2 new ones I started last week and in addition to subbing 2 classes already this week. Needless to say, it's a busy week. With new classes, especially ones catered to certain groups, today's new one is a class for seniors. It takes extra preparation that I haven't felt like I have had time to do yet. It stresses me out. Even though I know it will be fine and I will get it together, I want it to be good. 

So, writing this early today and getting off of the computer...and the smart phone and regrouping, so that I can make these nightmares fade away and feel more organized. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Day 260 Intention ~ Say No With No Guilt

Day 260 Intention ~ Say No With No Guilt

I am a "yes" person, that is for sure. So much so that I tend to overtax myself physically, mentally, emotionally to say yes to people when they need me. 

This creates a couple of problems: 
1. this taxes me physically, mentally & emotionally
2. People take for granted that I will say yes all of the time

I sub for teachers all of the time. I hate canceling a class because there's no sub available. I think it builds inconsistency for the class and eventually people start to go elsewhere. Besides, it introduces me to some students who may not have taken my class before. 

I have subbed 2 classes this week already and with 3 new classes in addition to my regular classes, that is enough. So today, when asked to sub later in the week, I said no. I felt a little guilty for a moment & then realized that people say no to me all of the time. This person has never once subbed for me when I have asked and I have always done it for her, except maybe 1 other time in all these years. 

Anyhow, that's all besides the point. The point is, I thought about it, I decided it was not something that I wanted to do because I have a busy day that day & am already feeling stressed about it and I said no. I said no and I feel good about it. Woo hoo!!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia




Monday, September 16, 2013

Day 259 Intention ~ Get Positive

Day 259 Intention ~ Get Positive

Monday morning. Some mornings just have a more gloomy factor to them than others. For me, this morning is one of those. Why? Not sure. Mondays really don't make too much difference to me since I work pretty much every day of the week. The sun is even peeking out through the clouds. 

So what's the problem here? 

My attitude. I need to get positive and know it's going to be a good day...if I decide to make it that way. In the Yoga Sutras it reads, "When transgressions hinder, the weight of the imagination should be thrown to the other side." A.k.a., change your attitude. Make the negative energy positive. 

Still working on it for today, but I am getting there. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Day 258 Intention ~ Listen & Learn

Day 258 Intention ~ Listen & Learn

I took a yoga class with a "new to me" teacher today. It is someone that I have known on the yoga scene for a few years now, but I have just never made it to her class. She led a beautiful class that kept me on my toes and led me to learn some new techniques. 

Yesterday I went to class with my teacher and I discovered that I seemed more receptive to being still and listening to the instructions instead of rushing into whichever posture she was signaling. It allowed me to think about how I was moving, how I felt transitioning into the pose (which, coincidentally, was the teacher today's theme) and enjoying it once I arrived. I felt more mature in a way with my practice that hasn't always been there. 

Both of these classes helped me discover things about my own practice, which is why I love to check out different teachers and different styles of yoga. There is something to be learned from each teacher and each class. It may not be your favorite all time class, but I assure you, that teacher has something to offer. 

As I came upstairs to the computer to write this, I flipped my African proverbs calendar to September 15 and it reads a Kenyan proverb:

"A listening ear leads to life but a deaf ear leads to death."

Too funny. I'm listening, I'm listening! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Day 257 Intention ~ Show My Love

Day 257 Intention ~ Show My Love

Leading with an open heart, it can help others to open their hearts too. This helps to bring people together. People tend to act in the way they are being acted toward. Today, I want the people in my life to feel how much I love them. I want them to know. It will make them feel good and that makes my heart burst.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own little world of work, play, errands, just life, that we take those that are always around us in our whirlwind for granted. Today, I am taking a moment out to show my love to my husband especially. He gets the brunt of my moods, my ignorance, whatever is going on with me each day and I want him to know how much I love him and how much he means to me. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Friday, September 13, 2013

Day 256 Intention ~ Stay In

Day 256 Intention ~ Stay In

One nice thing about the weather getting a little cooler and at least today, rainy, is that it conjures up a nesting feeling in me. During the spring & summer months, all I want to do is be outside running around, socializing, and living a very energized lifestyle. Fall & winter bring us inside. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. It's a time to regroup and recoup some of the energy spent over the past few months. Don't get me wrong, I would still like to see some summer like days out there, but for today, I am okay with it. 

Many Friday nights this summer, if we were in town, my husband and I have be-bopped around our neighborhood having fun. Not always the easiest for me to deal with come Saturday when I have to teach, but okay. We had fun. We met people, we supported local businesses (although we usually do) and most importantly we bonded. 

But, this Friday night, tonight, we are staying in and I am thrilled. I am excited to just recoup, especially after last weekend's craziness and rest. And, I actually have a rare Saturday off tomorrow, which is a bonus! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Day 255 Intention ~ Bring Joy To Another

Day 255 Intention ~ Bring Joy To Another

Perhaps it's just a smile or a laugh. Maybe it's letting someone in your driving lane. Maybe it's by listening...really listening. There are so many ways to bring joy to another person that you come across in your day. Whether it is a stranger or your dearest loved one, bring someone some joy and it is sure to be passed on. 

Seems like that should be an everyday intention...for everyone. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Day 254 Intention ~ Speak Clearly

Day 254 Intention ~ Speak Clearly

Sometimes when I get nervous, I start to talk fast and mumble. Today, I had to do a demo class for the senior center to try to encourage attendance for my class that is starting next week. I also started a new session at the community center. I still get a little nervous when teaching to new people. Although it's better than it used to be, I still sometimes catch myself releasing a nervous laugh, or mumbling through instructions, or saying the dreaded, "you know". 

Today, although with a couple moments of those reactions, I did my best to speak clearly and slowly. The reality is, the more relaxed I am as a teacher, the more relaxed the students will feel. That's when they can really start to open, not only physically, but emotionally. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Trying to get back to normal. Still feeling pretty tired and out of it. Cleaned up a bunch of stuff from the trip. I also went through and cleaned out the fridge from anything that may have gone bad since we left. Got accounting done...for this week anyhow. 

Now, some yoga practice is needed. Of course, like every time I go to an outdoor festival, I bring my yoga mat with intentions of practicing. Almost every time, I don't. This time, in my defense, they didn't post the times on any schedule. I would get an update from the app on my phone after I had missed it to go to class. Oh well. So it goes sometimes. 

Today's practice will consist of some twists to help get the kinks out and squeeze my organs a bit. Detox please!! 
Also some energizing back bends to wake me up a little bit more. 

Hopefully after that, I will feel more awake to go teach class this evening...I hope so! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia




Monday, September 9, 2013

Day 252 Intention ~ Rest Up

Day 252 Intention ~ Rest Up

Home sweet home. After driving 8+ hours home today after a crazy 5 days on the road, it is time to rest up. Being in a festival setting with the scorching sun during the day and the cool air at night, the dusty roadways to the venue, the walking and dancing on hilltops, eating out of coolers and going to the bathroom in port o' johns, really make me appreciate all of the amenities we have at home. 

Hot private showers and refrigerators especially. I am sure my bed is going to feel great to sleep on too. I had a great time and enjoyed each moment thoroughly, but it is great to be home. It is great to just relax and get a normal night's sleep tonight before getting back in the groove tomorrow.


Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia







Sunday, September 8, 2013

Day 251 Intention ~ Soak It Up

Day 251 Intention ~ Soak It Up

I've been having such a good time here in Virginia,  I will be sad to leave, but with one more day here, I am going to soak it up and enjoy it thoroughly. The people here are so happy & fun. It's great to see. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Day 250 Intention ~ Drink More Water

Day 250 Intention ~ Drink More Water

Hydrate or die. That is what my old friend, Nate, told me 20 years ago in college. I have kept that mantra with me to this day. Especially out here in the beating sun. 

That's all from the road today.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Friday, September 6, 2013

Day 249 Intention ~ Pull It Together

Day 249 Intention ~ Pull It Together

Day 2 at a music festival, usually on this morning when I'm at a festival, I am hurting because I get so excited the first night that this yogi overdoes it. I am human.
But, with Jimmy Cliff playing in 1.5 hours, I have got to get it together. It is a beautiful sunny clear day here, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

More from the road tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Day 248 Intention ~ Find Patience


Day 248 Intention ~ Find Patience

Waiting in line for a music festival is trying enough. Waiting to get into a music festival while your friends friends get their tickets and try to maneuver around people is more trying. Why stick with them? So we can camp together of course.

Keep breathing is all I can say :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Day 247 Intention ~ Hit The Road


Day 247 Intention ~ Hit the Road

Off on another adventure today! I am so lucky. Today we are headed to Virginia for Lock'n Music Festival where we are sure to meet some interesting folks and hear some great music; I am particularly excited for The Black Crowes & Jimmy Cliff! I may even try SUP yoga on the pond there...we will see, I will at least get to the Ashtanga tent (thank goodness!)

Just as I encourage in my yoga classes, I always enjoy the drive/ride to the adventure. That's part of it, right?! So, sure, just like getting into that pose that has eluded you is fun, it's also fun to learn the ways to open & work the body to get to that pose. That is how I look at these adventures my husband and I go on. I always have fun when I am there, but it's also nice to drive down the rode, see the sights and just enjoy the whole trip. 

They claim that they put up cell towers at the site where the festival is happening, so I am hoping to keep up my daily intentions with you while I am there. If not, I apologize, but I will be writing them on paper & sending them out once I return next week. 

Til tomorrow (I hope!)...

Shanti, 

Marcia











Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Day 246 Intention ~ Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

Day 246 Intention ~ Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

Okay, so it's a little Christmas-specialy, but that's what is running through my mind as I try to get everything together to get out of town tomorrow. 

With it being the beginning of the month, there are other things already that make things a bit busier, but trying to make sure everything is good to go for us to leave town for a few days is essential. Then there's the, getting everything ready to take out of town task. 

But, one step at a time and it all surely gets done! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Monday, September 2, 2013

Day 245 Intention ~ Get It Together

Day 245 Intention ~ Get It Together

I know it's a holiday, but with my sleeping for 16 hours last night, now I have a bunch of stuff to get together because John & I are headed out of town on Wednesday.

Laundry, packing, food shopping, cleaning, lists, animal needs, and on and on...

Hopefully you all have a wonderful Labor Day!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 244 Intention ~ Give Myself A Pass

Day 244 Intention ~ Give Myself A Pass

Okay, so I missed a day. Yesterday, I woke up after only a few hours of sleep, I took care of what I needed to take care of and then fell asleep...til today! 

So, this intention is really for yesterday & it's a make-up intention. Giving myself a pass & I hope you will too :)

Happy Labor Day!

Til...well, later today! 

Shanti,

Marcia