Day 335 Intention ~ Be Present & Content

Day 335 Intention ~ Be Present & Content

As the holiday weekend winds down, many of you may be dreading heading back to work tomorrow. For me, besides Thanksgiving day, I have been working all weekend long. So, as I wrapped up the two classes that I subbed this morning, I was so happy to not have any other obligations til tomorrow evening. 

I found myself sitting in the lazy boy chair, snuggled with a blanket and fire in the in the wood burning stove, watching the Browns (yes, I do love my Brownies still), I felt so content. So comfy, so happy, and relaxed. The best part to me besides feeling this way was realizing that I felt this way. In the moment. Ahhhhhhhhh. 

It's so great when we have these little moments. I hope that they happen often for you. Of course I feel like they could happen more often (at least the relaxed part), but I will take them when I get them.

Remember to breathe deep tomorrow & if you stay in the moment and think positively, you will have a great Monday back from a long weekend. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 24 ~ To Appreciate This Life

Day 24 ~ To appreciate this life.

I remember about a year and a half ago, sitting at my work desk, I would catch myself daydreaming, wishing I could just work from home and teach yoga and not be "stuck" in an office 8:30-5:30 each day. Today, the temperatures have warmed to a balmy 19 degrees, which believe me feels warm compared to the 6 degrees it was yesterday and the day before. It helped that the sun peeked out of the clouds too. I was taking George, my beloved dog, on a snow walk this afternoon and I realized that I am now doing what I used to daydream about at my old job. 

How lucky is that?!?! I can sit at my own computer in whatever clothes I choose and work on my writing assignments, I can walk my dog in the middle of the day or run errands at "off" times, I can even go to those middle of the day yoga classes that aren't filled to the brim. Life is good. I try to appreciate it every single day, but some days it is just more smack in the face obvious. 

Often in class, I ask my students to celebrate each step in their journey...today I am listening to my own advice. 

Til tomorrow.

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 9 Intention ~ To Soak in the Beauty of the Deep Blue Water & Beach

Day 9 Intention ~ To Soak in the Beauty of the Deep Blue Water & Relaxing Beach.

Today we are in Turks & Caicos. We are able to escape the ship for 6 hours or so and find a little beach paradise. The goal today is to just soak it all in, enjoying each precious moment in this faraway beautiful place. 

Oftentimes in class, I remind the students to be present and enjoy the journey. That is the goal and intention of today, and all days, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 2 Intention ~ To Practice What I Preach

January 2, 2013. 

Today's intention is to practice what I preach (on and off the mat). 

Often in class, I find myself repeating certain things time and time again to my students:

• "Your practice is different each time, so do not judge yourself." 

• "Everyone's practice is their own and each of us are at a different place, so do not compare yourself to the person next to you."

• "Be present." 

• "Keep a calm, steady breath."

All of these can help us not only in our physical yoga practice, but also in how we deal with situations in our life off the mat. Most yogis who have a consistent practice will confirm that their reactions to different, especially trying, situations, has taken a calmer, more thoughtful approach since starting their regular yoga practice. I can attest to that too. 

Although I know all of this, it can still happen. Even though I may be sore from an intense practice the day before, I wish my shoulders weren't so tight while doing down dog, or I watch in amazement while someone in class floats effortlessly around their mat, when I feel like I am grunting and groaning through class. And there goes that presence and breath. While thinking about that person next to me, I've lost my focus on my practice hence losing my breath at the same time. 

So, for today, I intend to keep my practice steady, focused, non-judgmental, calm and my own...whatever it may be today. When I allow this for myself, it makes me more confident, calm and in general, much nicer to those I come in contact with for the rest of the day. 

Til tomorrow!

Shanti, 

Marcia