Day 301 Intention ~ Contribute In Some Way...

Day 301 Intention ~ Contribute In Some Way...

Lokah samastah sukinoh bhavantu

May all beings everywhere, be happy & free,

And may the thoughts, words & actions of my own life

Contribute in some way,

To that happiness and that freedom for all.

Shanti, shanti, shanti...ommmmmmmmmmmm

This is the Jivamukti invocation, it is also a mantra that is included in the closing Ashtanga prayer. It's a mantra that has been around for a very (to say the least) long time. 

Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in the little things in our daily lives, that we forget that part of this life is just about taking care of each other. 

I think about some of the negativity about some personal things that has been running through my mind the past couple of days and when I hear or chant this mantra, it makes me feel silly. Life is not about focusing on the negative, it's about bringing the good out of situations. Not wallowing in negativity and letting things just fester and grow. So, even though, right now, the things I am thinking about are personal, I want to contribute to the good and positive things in people's lives. Yes, all people. Sometimes the ones we miss are the ones closest to us. So, especially them. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Can't believe today is day 300! Wow, this year is flying by!!

Today, I am using another tagline, but it really rang true for me this morning. 

I have been wanted to get to a full Ashtanga Primary Series that is offered on Sunday mornings at one of the studios where I teach for a long time now. Over the summer, I was gone so much or subbing on Sunday mornings, so it just wouldn't happen. This morning when I woke up, I started looking to see what was offered at closer studios later in the day...then I realized I had enough time to get to Berea (about a 40 minute drive) and that I should just do it!

So I did.

And, I need to do that more often. It's nice to be led by an instructor since most of my Ashtanga practice is at home. It is also nice to hear/learn the transitions, since that is the part I am not sure about teaching sometimes. 

It was a great way to start the day...and the week!

So, if you want something, go for it! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

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

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 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 123 Intention ~ Love What I Do

Day 123 Intention ~ Love What I Do (again!)

I get to teach yoga, almost everyday. It is a really rewarding job emotionally for me. I am lucky. In my life, I have had jobs that I have enjoyed, but not felt fulfilled or jobs that I haven't enjoyed so much and was definitely not fulfilled, but now, I love my job. Yes, it's a hustle. Yes, it's hard work (whether you believe that or not.) Yes, I struggle financially sometimes to do it...okay, more than sometimes. :) But, I feel "richer" than I ever have in my life and that is worth it.

I have a student that usually goes to yin classes or to my yin + slow flow and restoratives class. This morning, she ventured into my Ashtanga class! Now, I am not a strict strict Ashtanga teacher and we aren't doing a full primary series in that class. It is a shorter hour long class that I pretty much follow the shorter versions that David Swenson offers up in his Ashtanga book. I think that it is a great base for learning vinyasa flow and the basic poses in a way that is accessible in order to build your practice. 

She came in and took the challenge! It was her first full vinyasa class and she did great. I am never sure how people will transition, but as she described afterwards, "It seemed to flow like water." Perfect. She loved it and I am excited to have been the one to start her on her vinyasa journey. 

These are the days that I am particularly reminded how much I love what I do. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia