Day 334 Intention ~ Forgive

Day 334 Intention ~ Forgive

Someone stole my jacket last night. I will give the benefit of the doubt and hope that it was a mistake. As for the jacket, not that big of a deal. The knits they took make me sad because they were all JAK, my favorite designer, but again, not that big of a deal. And my keys. Drat. 

Luckily, as I set my stuff down, I had the wherewithall to put my wallet and my phone in my pants pockets. Luckily! 

I was a bit upset about this situation last night. I was attaching to these material items. I was upset about the inconvenience having to get my keys replaced would bring me. 

Today, I realize, I was overreacting. The keys are already made. I have another jacket & believe me, plenty of knits to keep me warm this winter. 

So, as upset as I was last night (I am sure the Stella Artois amped this emotion), today, I forgive. It could have been worse. Way worse. 

This is a pretty minor incident that needs forgiveness. Forgiveness can be a very difficult task in one's life. Whether it is towards someone who has hurt you or whether it's towards yourself, which can be even more difficult. 

Let it go. Forgiveness is the first step to opening your heart back up. Let love in! Love yourself & love others. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 333 Intention ~ Practice...

Day 333 Intention ~ Practice...

Just because Thanksgiving is over, it doesn't mean we stop practicing all the "nice" behaviors that we say & do over the holiday. Today, not only will I practice yoga (yes, I need a little bit of twisting too!), but I will continue to practice positive ways of living that hopefully make not only my days brighter, but those I meet in those days.

Throughout the year, not just at holidays, I vow to continue to practice: 

1. Kindness

2. Honesty

3. Compassion & empathy

4. Gratitude

5. Giving & living joyfully

6. Positive thinking

7. Healthy eating habits

8. Eco-awareness

9. Conscious eating (ie: vegan...at least vegetarian, organic, local, ++++)

10. Love for myself & for others. 

I think a list of 10 is good for today! 

Hope you all are enjoying a break from work still & if not, that you are enjoying your day! 

Til tomorrow...namaste

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 332 Intention ~ Spend Some Quality Time

Day 332 Intention ~ Spend Some Quality Time

At home, with my in-laws and with my husband. We are always rushing around, trying to do many things at once and not always appreciating the time we get together. 

This is a day to spend with family, friends or helping others. Being thankful for all of the good things in our life and all of the lessons we've learned over the past year. 

I hope that you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and really getting to spend some quality time with someone (or many folks) that you love. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 331 Intention ~ Give Thanks

Day 331 Intention ~ Give Thanks

My in-laws came today to celebrate Thanksgiving. They have to leave tomorrow, so we had the big meal a day early. 

So, this means it's time to reflect on what I am thankful for in this life today. 

I could do a whole year/life long list of thanks (and there would be a lot), but I think in an effort to keep it simple, I will just go with 10 things that I am thankful for today. 

10 things that I am thankful for:

1. Our cozy home and the love that is inside of it. 

2. The fact that we have family/friends that will travel in the snow to spend a holiday with us. 

3. The delicious meal we prepared and chowed down. 

4. For getting through a spynga class this morning, when I wasn't feeling quite up to it. 

5. The fact that I started to feel better. 

6. The laughter around my living room while watching Christmas Vacation after dinner.

7. My animals. 

8. My family. 

9. My friends. 

10. My life. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 330 Intention ~ Take The Challenge

Day 330 Intention ~ Take The Challenge

At one of the studios where I teach yoga, there is a yoga boot camp class. I have always avoided this class for more than one reason. 

Reason #1: In my snotty vision of yoga, boot camp doesn't fit in the description.

Reason #2: When I heard about all of the other students about the amount of planks and chatturangas involved, my arms got sore thinking about it!

Reason #3: Really, most Tuesdays I work, but am off from that job til 2014. 

So this morning, I went. I took the challenge. Now, no, I still don't really think of it as yoga, but it was fun, it was tough, and I got to see that I am stronger than I think I am. 

I used to shy away from things in life that seemed like they would be too much of a challenge...not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too. These days, I like trying things that scare me a little bit. I feel like I learn about myself, I become stronger and that is how you go forward in life. 

So, whatever challenges you in this world~ do it!! You won't be sorry. You will be grateful that you tried.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 329 Intention ~ Do My Best

Day 329 Intention ~ Do My Best

Still feeling a little out of it, but today, I have classes to teach and chores to do in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday this week. My in-laws are actually coming on Wednesday, so we are celebrating that day. 

I am going to try to get the house as clean as possible today, so that I can focus mainly on food preparation tomorrow (mixed in with classes that is). But, I will just do my best, as I don't want to get myself rundown again for the holiday. 

One thing at a time. Just do your best in all that you do and no one can say you didn't try....

Clean, teach, yoga...that is my plan. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 328 Intention ~ Honor How My Body Feels Today

Day 328 Intention ~ Honor How My Body Feels Today

I say that in class all the time to students. One of the wonderful lessons of the physical yoga practice is that you learn to hear what your body is trying to tell you each time. 

You also become more aware off the mat. 

Today, I feel run down. Exhausted, physically and mentally. So, although yesterday's intention was to follow through with plans, we didn't go to the Browns game as planned. I rested by the fire, under a down blanket & dozed on and off all day long. Just what I needed. (And the game was horrific anyhow!)

So, learn to pay attention to what you physically need. We tend to push ourselves to do everything...too much...all of the time and this can not only wear us out, but can make us sick. 

Save yourself! Listen and do what your body says to do. Honor that vessel while you are here on Earth. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 327 Intention ~ Follow Through With Plans

Day 327 Intention ~ Follow Through With Plans

Ugh. Stayed up til 4 a.m. celebrating my husband's birthday. What was I thinking?!?! 

Still had to get up and do all of my responsibilities today. 

Banking, teach class, deal with my car issue, walk the dog, and now I am off to a benefit. 

Almost there...it's snowing and cold outside. We just got the 3rd season of Treme, disc 1 in the mail from Netflix. My husband is planted on the couch in his recovery spot. Yes, I would like to just stay here and doze off to the sounds of New Orleans. 

BUT ~ in my more mature 40's, I really am trying to do what I say I am going to do. And that means, go to this benefit right now. Then, I can rest. 

Follow through is a good intention for me as I used to just blow things off if I didn't feel like it. This not only made me miss out on some cool experiences, but sometimes put other people out. I try not to behave that way anymore. 

So, til tomorrow (when I am better rested)...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 326 Intention ~ Celebrate My Love

Day 326 Intention ~ Celebrate My Love

Today is my husband's birthday! Happy Birthday to him!

He is the most important person in my world and therefore, I want him to have the most special day that he can! Of course, we try to celebrate life in general, but today is an extra special day to get to celebrate my love. 

My advice, no matter who it is, if someone is special to you, let them know. Celebrate them! Live to love, love to live! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 325 Intention ~ Exude Calmness

Day 325 Intention ~ Exude Calmness

In about 90 minutes I will be leading a special pranayama, restoratives & yoga nidra class. It is all about finding control in the breath, so we can find peace in our minds (and our lives), healing and ease in the body and relaxation for the whole being. 

In doing this type of workshop, I need to exude calmness. For if I appear tired or strained, my students will not feel calm and relaxed. So, following my own workshop, I am trying to bring that calmness to myself so that I can spread that joy to others. 

This works in our daily lives too. When you encounter someone who is upset about something, if you approach them calmly, their breath tends to slow, they tend to settle down. If you react to them in the same aggravated, tense, barely breathing way that they are acting, they will continue to behave this way or perhaps even amp it up. 

Exude calmness...it works! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 324 Intention ~ Continue...

Day 324 Intention ~ Continue...

Sometimes we are busier than other times. When we are in these busier times, it can feel a bit daunting and for some us, we just want to curl up in a ball and disappear. Although I am not feeling that extreme today, I am feeling like there is so much to get done. I am excited about it all, but am ready for Friday evening to arrive so that I can relax. My big workshop tomorrow night will have passed, my writing assignment that is due Friday afternoon will be handed in and I will be out celebrating with my husband for his birthday.

So, instead of curling up in a ball, I command myself to continue...for now. Rest & fun will come soon enough.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 323 Intention ~ Create A Daily Schedule

Day 323 Intention ~ Create A Daily Schedule

As usual, there are several items on the "to do" list. Not just for today, but that are constantly lingering. Many times, in my planner, I will write down which things need to get done that day, but without any other organization to it. 

With the holidays and so many additional events coming up, tightening up the schedule with time schedules, etc. will help. It also keeps me working rather than slacking off and doing other chores or surfing the internet. 

Another tip to getting the daily schedule together is to do the most daunting task first. Get it done. It will feel good and then the others will feel like a breeze (hopefully). 

If you find yourself losing steam, take a moment to breathe. Whether at a desk job in an office setting or if you are working at home, like I will be today. Another helpful thing to do when this happens is to do some yoga asana. Even at your desk. Reach your arms up, twist, fold forward, but move around a little bit. It will help to calm yet re-energize you. If you have a little more luxury of being at home, get on your mat. It can be only 20 minutes or it can be 90 minutes, but get on it. Even a shorter practice everyday is better than one 2 hour session every once in awhile. 

Have a great day! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 322 Intention ~ Open My Heart

Day 322 Intention ~ Open My Heart

Giving and receiving love, compassion, kindness. Accepting others and yourself with open arms. When we give love, it tends to swing back our way. The old "what goes around comes around" quote comes to mind here. 

So why do we close ourselves off sometimes? Usually because we've been hurt and it's hard to put ourselves in a vulnerable position again. We tend to guard our hearts. Physically, we may start to slouch or roll our shoulders forward in a protective posture. Unfortunately, this physical action over time can cause us lots of tightness in the shoulders or our backs start to hurt, our posture suffers, even our breath is cut off a bit. Mentally, the more we close off, the harder it is to open up again. 

What can we do? 

First, we need to forgive and let go of our past hurt. Learn that we can't move forward until this happens. Easier said than done, but at least affirm to yourself that you are deserving of love in this world. 

Physically, bring the shoulderblades onto the back, sit up tall and work on the breath for starters. Start to activate the lungs, letting the chest open. Backbends and shoulder openers are key to getting the chest and the heart open. Backbends could include a locust pose variation that includes clasping the hands behind the back, camel pose, or even just arching back in mountain pose. Just be mindful to draw the navel towards the spine and the tailbone towards the floor to protect the lower back. In camel and when arching back in mountain, really lengthen the spine, lifting the chest and let the backbend start from the upper back as much as possible. Shoulder openers could include cow face pose arms or eagle arms. I have also found that taking binds in poses like extended side angle or triangle pose (if available) have really helped in opening my shoulders over time. If taking the bind, particularly in these two poses, be sure to continue to lengthen the spine on the inhale and rotate the chest towards the sky on the exhale. 

Doing these types of poses will help give you energy and fill your heart with love and acceptance. 

Sending you all best wishes for an open heart that is ready to not only give, but also to receive. Remember, you deserve it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 321 Intention ~ Continue My Studies

Day 321 Intention ~ Continue My Studies

Yesterday I went to an anatomy workshop. Whenever I go to anatomy lessons of any sort, even just in a regular class, I always leave feeling inadequate. Sure, I had some anatomy in my 200 hour teacher training, but the whole course was so much information, and frankly, I was interested more in the "cosmic consciousness" of it all that I left the training with a basic knowledge of yoga anatomy. 

This has always haunted me some in my head and the desire to study it more is always on my list of the 1000 things that I need to do, so, not surprisingly, it gets lost in the shuffle. 

After the workshop yesterday, my fire to learn is reignited. At this point in my teaching career, it is ridiculous that I should be feeling any doubt on the instructions that I am giving students. Now, I may never be a complete anatomy obsessed teacher as some are, and yes, I am jealous of their vast knowledge (and retention of that knowledge), but I will keep trying. Sometimes the information sticks, sometimes it doesn't, but if I don't continue to study it, then of course I won't remember/learn any of it. 

So, lesson today for all of us is, keep studying. Keep learning. Whatever it is that interests you. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you lose it.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 320 Intention ~ Make Like A Turtle

Day 320 Intention ~ Make Like A Turtle

This time of year can be windy, stormy and honestly make people feel a little flighty. Finding solid ground is important to feel balanced. So instead of acting like hare today, trying to be fast and multitask...go go go, quick, quick, quick, I am taking the tortoise route, slow & steady to win the race. 

As always, as with everyone, there are things that need to be done. One at a time is the way. Keeping things calm, cool and collected is how I would like to handle today instead of rushing and stressing out. 

Things that can help with this are grounding poses in yoga.

Baddha konasana ~ bound angle pose: sitting on the floor with the outer edges of the feet together, knees open wide. Breathe in and sit up nice and tall, draw the shoulders down away from the ears. Keep that nice long spine and then fold forward. The chest draws towards the toes. For grounding, close the eyes to go a little bit deeper. Take 5 breaths here...if you are feeling particularly flighty, stay as long as you need. Inhale and come back up. 

Bheki ~ child's pose: start on your hands and knees. Bring the big toes to touch and spread the knees wide. Sink your hips back towards your heels and rest your forehead on the floor. Reach the arms forward. If you have knee issues, roll a blanket up like a burrito and place it right behind the knees to take some of the pressure off. If the shoulders are tight, bring the knees a bit closer together and reach the hands back towards the ankles rather than reaching forward. 

Supta baddha konasana ~ reclined bound angle pose: set your legs up just as in baddha konasana, but walk your hands behind you and mindfully lay onto your back. Rest one hand on your heart and one on your navel, or both on your navel. Let your eyes close and start to count your breath in. As you breathe out, try to find a longer count. Do this for several rounds. Slowing the breath down is a great way to calm the mind and the body, allowing us to relax and feel grounded again. 

I hope you have a wonderful Saturday & try out these poses to help you feel grounded if you are feeling a little "windy" today. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 319 Intention ~ Perform Checks & Balances

Day 319 Intention ~ Perform Checks & Balances

I like to be organized. If the house is dirty or just messy, I feel like I can't focus. If my bills and check book aren't figured out, I feel out of balance. If I don't write out a daily list of things I need to get done, the bare minimum will get done. 

I think you get it. I'm not really an anal a-type personality. Nor am I a scatterbrain. But, I do need some level of organization around me to get things done and to feel like I actually can get things done. 

Lately, I've been spiraling a bit out of control with my spending and haven't been go through the numbers as they happen. Things weren't adding up. So, today, I literally needed to perform checks and balances. And, am I glad I did. I had written an extra deposit into my account (whoops!) which is disappointing but I am glad I discovered it before I became overdrawn. 

Organization and habits and how people function are different for everyone. I need a little bit of order for my mind to feel ease. My husband can find calm in a tornado surrounding him. Lucky him. 

So, now I feel more calm for the rest of my day. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 318 Intention ~ Keep Moving Forward

Day 318 Intention ~ Keep Moving Forward

"If you keep your head and heart going in the right direction, you won't have to worry about your feet." ~Nigerian proverb

Thanks for the reminder African proverbs calendar! 

We are all working towards something in this life. Sometimes things seem like they are working out great, sometimes we doubt what we are doing. Over the past year, many of you have read some of my issues on paying bills and teaching yoga for a living...they don't always go hand in hand. Those are the days (and they are the only days) that I question my decision to do this full-time. But, as I look back, I am so much happier than ever before. I feel more fulfilled in my "career" than ever before & new opportunities and growth keep happening as time has passed. 

So, when those moments of doubt arise, remember that Nigerian proverb and keep plugging away. If it is something you truly believe in and are willing to work hard, it will flourish one day. Hang in there. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 317 Intention ~ Give My Best Effort

Day 317 Intention ~ Give My Best Effort

Often when I am teaching yoga, I try to remind people that every time you come to your mat it is going to be different than the last time. It may be harder, it may be easier. A pose you were a superstar at getting into last week, may not be available to you today. It's just the way it is, but don't attach to that too much, just give your best effort and that's all anyone can ask. 

Some days the best effort may not be as intense as the day before. That's okay too.

Today I took a spynga class, a combination of spinning and yoga. Thirty minutes on the bike, then 30 minutes of yoga. I felt like I was giving so much effort, but I just didn't have the juice today. Everything (except savasana ~ corpse pose) felt difficult. Bike & on the mat. 

It's just the way it goes. I did the best I could do for today without overexerting and hurting myself. One of the keys to practice is learning that fine balance of getting to your edge, which changes daily, and pushing it too far. But, as we practice, we continue to learn awareness of our bodies and how far we should go that day. 

Be happy with where you are at, give your best effort & it's a win-win! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 316 Intention ~ Chop It Off

Day 316 Intention ~ Chop It Off

My hair that is! It is long enough that I can safely cut off 10 inches to donate to Locks of Love without feeling like I've lost my identity! ha ha ha. 

I did this a few years back. At that point, I was nervous. It had been a long time since I had a shorter than shoulder length haircut, but today, I'm excited. Besides, it'll grow back. 

Donating the hair for children (and young adults) who have lost their hair for various medical reasons seems like a good way for me to give back to those in need. It's simple and can make a big difference for someone who has gone through enough.

If you are curious about Locks of Love, check out their site: www.locksoflove.org.

This is just one way I like to give back.

How do you like to give back to those in need? 

Why not do something today to help improve someone's well being? I guarantee it will make you feel good & that person feel better than you can even imagine. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 315 Intention ~ Say Something Nice To Myself

Day 315 Intention ~ Say Something Nice To Myself

In our daily lives, we do so much to take care of others. Whether it's family, friends, co-workers or the person in line with you at the supermarket. Often we put ourselves last, which is commendable yet a wee bit unfortunate. 

When others make mistakes, I tend to do all in my power to make them feel better about it. When I make a mistake, I beat myself up over it for far longer than necessary. I know I am not the only one who does this...why do we do this?!?!

So, today, give yourself a compliment. Big or small, but something nice and for Y-O-U! You deserve it. 

Have a great Monday!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 314 Intention ~ Make It A Sunday Fun Workday

Day 314 Intention ~ Make It A Sunday Fun Workday

It used to be that Sunday was my only day off. That is still usually the case, but really, even if were doing stuff like chores at home, it's still work. We just aren't getting paid. 

Today, I am working. I already wrote an article for Examiner.com, I am subbing a class and then I am off to the JAK studio for one more workday before they head off to the Grand Central show for the next 6 weeks. 

It's Sunday. That's all. It's just the name of the week. No hang ups. The only downfall is that John is home on Sunday, but we hung out all day yesterday. 

Luckily, I enjoy all of my jobs: writing, teaching and whatever task the ladies of JAK will have me doing. Writing makes me feel like I am purging a little bit. Releasing words from my head for all of you to see. Teaching is just inspiring for me. Getting to help people get stronger and feel better, for some, just reteaching them to breathe and letting them know it will be okay is a fantastic feeling. Working at JAK is so completely different from anything else I do that it is so good for me to expand my horizons. I also get to work with two of my best friends, so there is always lots of laughter AND I get to spend time with them to boot. Win-win. 

So, although it's Sunday and I will be working all day, I am happy. It will be fun & there's no use to getting hung up on what day of the week it is anyhow. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 313 Intention ~ Have Family Time

Day 313 Intention ~ Have Family Time

Or rather, stay home and hang out with the hubby, dog & cat. This morning, I was getting ready to go get ready to go to yoga class when my normally independent cat jumped up onto my lap and planted herself. She seemed so comfortable and as she purred, I couldn't bring myself to disturb the moment. 

Class time then passed. But, I went upstairs and practiced from a recording a Rocket Series class with one of my favorite local teachers that I had made when I was trying to learn how to teach the series. It was great. It had been quite awhile since I had done that series and it was just what I needed. Home practice is good. It is nice to be with others in a group, breathing and practicing together, but the home practice is always nice too. Sometimes it's putting other things in front of practice on the priority list that makes home practice more difficult. 

Because of this, I haven't had to go anywhere, except to walk the dog, and John & I (plus George and Stella) have been able to spend the whole afternoon together. It has been a long time since that has happened & it is nice to reconnect with my number 1 satsang. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 312 Intention ~ Turn Off

Day 312 Intention ~ Turn Off

Days have been very busy the past couple of weeks, which is great, but also very tiring. The other thing that happens with me when I am working a lot is that I can't seem to wind down ~ funny for a yoga teacher, huh?! 

It's true. When I get a chance to sit back, I feel like I should be doing something. You know...idle hands and all of that. 

But, this evening, I have a pact with myself to turn off. No computer, no email, no Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. There may be some movie or t.v., so I'm not going to get crazy, but no working. 

Letting myself relax. 

Heck, I may even do some yoga :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 311 Intention ~ Choose To Be Positive

Day 311 Intention ~ Choose To Be Positive

This morning was one of those mornings that as I was trying to get out to my car to class, I spilled my whole cup of coffee on the kitchen floor, then the tomatoes fell off my toast, then I dropped my bag, and on...you get the picture. 

These things always seem to happen when I am running a little late, so it's easy to get frustrated. Of course, the first thing that runs through my head is "arghhh ~ is this how today is going to be?!?!" I also blamed Mercury being retrograde, which really hadn't been affecting me negatively at all this go round, so I'm guessing that was not really an issue. 

As I wiped the coffee up from the floor, I wondered if I was really going to let these couple of instances ruin my day. 

No. No, I was not. 

At that moment, I decided the day I was going to have...and I chose to be positive. It's going to be a long, busy day and if I decide to let little things bug me, then it would be an even longer, busy and horrific day. No thank you.  

Once that decision was made, I could move on. Was it a perfect day? No, but perfect for what it was going to be today. 

You can decide how you want things to affect you on any given day, in any given moment. How do you handle stress, or little things? Is it really worth it to get road rage, honking and raising your fist (or other things) at the person who cut you off? No. No, it's not. 

How do you want your day to be? You decide. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 310 Intention ~ Change Perspective

Day 310 Intention ~ Change Perspective

It is the American way to think about having to go to work and feeling some dread. "I don't want to go to work!" Getting a bad attitude about it. Almost deciding before going that it is going to be a negative experience. 

I get to do what I love for a living (even in my side jobs ~ yes, I am lucky I know), but when the weather starts to turn cold and the darkness falls on the day much earlier, I sometimes dread going to "work". For me, it's more of an actually leaving the house type of scenario rather than doing the work. 

When I feel this way, I think about my students. I think of them looking forward to their yoga class, just like I do when I am going to class. If I go in with a bad attitude about it or not really wanting to be there, they can tell. That isn't how I want them to feel in a class that is supposed to relax, calm & empower them! So, usually, if I put myself in their shoes and look at it from their perspective, I am motivated again. 

It's all about perspective. How do you look at things? Do you look at the pile of the dishes as an unwanted extra chore or do you think about the delicious meal you got to enjoy while dirtying those dishes? Finding some gratitude for the meal may change the perspective on the clean up. 

Do you get angry when the person in the car in front of you doesn't bolt off as soon as the light changes or do you see it as a moment to enjoy another breath or the view? 

Do you dread when your yoga teacher tries to challenge you in a pose that may scare you a little bit or do you see it as a chance to grow & build strength in body and mind? 

When you find yourself reacting negatively to something, try to change you attitude and perspective on it. You may just realize that it isn't as bad as you think. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 309 Intention ~ Just Listen

Day 309 Intention ~ Just Listen

Forgive this post today as I am using my newly downloaded Blogger app on my phone. My husband pulled in just as I arrived home & needed to go to Urgent Care, so I couldn't get to our computer. (He is okay btw, just a slight earache issue.)

As he arrived home, he started to talk about some of the frustrations of his day. Having just arrived home myself,  I wasn't the most receptive to listening at that moment.  As he went on,  I started to tune in more.

I realized that he just needed to get his day off his chest & to have someone listen. Certainly,  as his wife, I can take a few moments to just listen so that he can feel better.

We spend so much time with distractions in this world: tv, computers,  phones, social media,  that we forget to be with the ones we are with in the present moment...in person.

Take a moment to just listen today & show someone you care.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

Day 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

I will admit, I had a pretty gluttonous weekend when talking about food. I woke up this morning feeling bloated and out of balance. 

The funny (or not so funny at all) thing is, eating and drinking in this fashion this weekend made me feel lazy and I didn't even practice any yoga. The only exercise I got was walking the dog. 

That being said, I am back on track today. I went spinning, did yoga, and went back to my salad eating vegan ways. I feel so much more like myself it is incredible. 

A healthy diet is so important to maintaining one's health. Now, I am not going to preach about being vegetarian or vegan, I think people have different needs. I do think it is a good idea to try out different "diets" and see if you feel better eating one way over another. 

The real rule of thumb to follow though is everything in moderation. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 307 Intention ~ Be Grateful

Day 307 Intention ~ Be Grateful

Fantastic weekend filled with good friends, music, good food, art, football, laughter & celebration. I am so grateful for all of these wonderful things. Noticing this and appreciating it while it's happening is part of being present. 

Take a moment to reflect on the past day & find one thing you are grateful for that happened today. It may just change your perspective.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia