Day 350 Intention ~ Accept the Ups & Downs

Day 350 Intention ~ Accept the Ups & Downs

 

 

Perhaps it's the holiday blues (or stress surrounding the holidays) or too much holiday cheer being injested, but this time of year tends to catch me in a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute, I love the ambiance created by the fire, Christmas lights and snow outside, the next moment, I am distraught over the money needed not only to pay my bills, but to buy gifts for all of my loved ones without breaking the bank.

 

 

Ups and downs. This time of year also creates reflection. It's normal and natural. I start questioning my choices wondering if I will ever stack up to the vision I have of how I am supposed to be at this age. I also wonder if I will ever be satisfied with that in years to come. So it goes. It's almost like a holiday ritual.

 

 

In reality, we need these up and downs to appreciate the good times. We move in cycles. Our being is made up of three doshas according to Ayurveda: vata, pitta & kapha. Very basically, when we have too much vata we tend to feel "windy", flighty, and hard to focus...ungrounded. Pitta is unbalanced when we feel firey...angry, hot headed, etc. And an unbalanced kapha creates laziness, sluggishness and even weight gain.

 

When balanced, these doshas are wonderful. They help us be creative and motivated, we find our way to be great leaders with a calm, serene spirit. We need each of these to balance the others out. When we feel ungrounded, we need the kapha influence to bring us back to Earth a bit, to slow us down. When we feel lazy, we need that vata wind to motivate us.

 

But, there are the cycles. They aren't always the same and there is no set time frame for how long you may be feeling more lazy or windy. Once you notice it, if you start to take steps to balance, it should even out more quickly. This cycle right now for me is definitely more of a kapha laziness, depressed cycle and now that I realize it, I accept it, but am searching for what will bring me out of it. Not sure what just yet, but hopefully this cycle is short lived.

 

 

Although, it could be considered a bit depressing, knowing that it is normal actually helps.

 

 

Til tomorrow...

 

Shanti,

 

Marcia

Day 346 Intention ~ Let Love Rule

Day 346 Intention ~ Let Love Rule

 

 

This week I have been working on the anahata chakra, a.k.a. the heart chakra in my classes. This can involve backbending and chest opening that can make people feel vulnerable. Some of us guard our hearts so intently that once we try to open that area, it is a challenge.

 

Usually when this class is going on, people have such contorted faces and make noises to assure me of their discontent in attempting these positions. After a little while, as they start to warm up and even start to open up, things tend to settle down. People tend to quiet except for their breath. When the class is over, there is a new vibrant energy about the room and even many smiles.

 

 

When we can get the chest opening and that heart area opening, balancing the heart chakra, we start to find some space...for love. Not just self-love, but a love for others. A sense of community starts to form. We can start to see ourselves in each others hearts and vice-versa.

 

 

So ham, I am that. I am that I am.

 

Namaste, the divine in me sees and honors the divine in you.

 

Let love rule.

 

 

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 287 Intention ~ Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

Day 287 Intention ~ Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

We live in a pretty pessimistic society. We tend to be suspicious of people's intentions. And, unfortunately, we assume the worst. 

When someone is impatient at the grocery store line or displaying signs of road rage, it's important to realize that they must have something else going on in their lives that is upsetting them. Sometimes their actions create a reaction in us that we assume they are just an *sshole. Maybe they are, but more than likely, there is something just upsetting their balance.

I have personally read how people write emails or post status' on social media, etc. and read it in as an angry or snide conversation or statement when that wasn't how it was meant at all. Why did I just assume the worst? 

Today, give people the benefit of the doubt. I talk about living with love and an open heart a lot in my classes and elsewhere...but we can't do that if we assume the worst in them. It's time to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. 

I have a feeling it will be a very positive day!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

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 

Day 148 Intention ~ Work, Rest, Work, Rest...

Day 148 Intention ~ Work, Rest, Work, Rest...

Apparently I am pretty exhausted from all the excitement of the holiday weekend & am finding that I've needed to switch from work to rest, back to work and then rest again all day long. 

I suppose this could lead into a discussion about balance in one's life or listening to what my body is requesting, but the reality is, I have work to do, but I'm tired. Therefore, instead of work and play, today, it is work and rest...in short shifts for each. 

Sorry, but that is it for today! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 121 Intention ~ Juice It Up!

Day 121 Intention ~ Juice It Up! 

Yes, it's happened. I resisted for as long as I could, but I have started juicing in the mornings. Sure, there's been a couple times so far (it's been less than a week) that I've had to choke down the green a little bit, but it does feel good. 

Yesterday, as I was energetically telling a friend that I didn't think that I really felt anything, I had to stop and laugh at the fact that I was basically jumping up and down bouncing off the walls. So, now I realize, maybe there's something to it. 

To find the balance in your body, we need to eat more alkaline foods. We tend to be more acidic in our diets as most foods are acidic. Juicing is a great way to bring back the balance! For a list of more alkaline foods to incorporate, here is an alkaline food list. I tip my green drink to you ~ cheers to balance! 

Happy Wednesday & happy juicing! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 117 Intention ~ Flow Like Water

Day 117 Intention ~ Flow Like Water

Perhaps I should say, "go with the flow", but flow like water just sounded a little prettier to me this afternoon. Being a pisces (not to get all hippie dippy on ya), this isn't really a hard task. We tend to go with the flow naturally. 

Today, I was supposed to be at a pretty public venue for yoga demonstrations and drumming up business for a new place I am teaching, but plans change. I was actually looking forward to doing something new (to me) and meeting new people and potential students. 

It is just too gorgeous out today and this event is indoors, so I have been called off duty. Although I was looking forward to it, I am also excited to get to enjoy this afternoon outside also (after I get off the computer of course!)

So, in this way, I am going with the flow. Sometimes it's easier than other times. This was an easy one. When we learn acceptance of events in our lives and don't get so attached to the outcomes, we learn to flow a little bit more gracefully through life. A person that loses attachment to outcomes becomes sattvic, or pure and balanced in body and mind. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 89 Intention ~ Spring Clean

Day 89 Intention ~ Spring Clean

Perhaps a cleanse is in order...at the very least, a buckle down on my eating habits needs to happen. A spring cleaning of sorts. Ever since going vegan (and discovering delicious vegan baked treats) my diet has fallen into a no man's land of sugary "good"ness. Ugh. Sluggishness, laziness and just a general gross feeling have joined in the fun. 

So, today, my intention is to get back on the healthy food track...so really, this intention will spread much longer than today. It's been good so far with kale and other fruits, veggies and whole grains in my meals today. Crossing fingers, I can stick to it and break my newly formed habits. 

Spring is a great time to reassess your habits, food and exercise related. With the weather breaking, people come out of the wood work and get more active. There is a "lighter" energy about town and our diets should follow. Moving away from the heavy chilis, soups, stews, potatoes, fatty foods and meals that comforted us in the cold winter months and allowing fruits and fresh salads to move in to keep us light and energized. 

Our yoga practices even can take on a lighter tone. While in winter, we tend to find grounding and comfort through many seated forward folds, more yin and restorative poses and perhaps a slower pace in class, spring and summer is a time to float and move a little bit faster. Jumping, flipping, twisting, balancing and back bends are great poses to help us spring clean the body and allow us to greet the world with a great big smile. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 77 Intention ~ Stay Strong & Keep Calm

Day 77 Intention ~ Stay Strong & Keep Calm

Everything seems to happen all at once. Assignments, classes, bills, car trouble, illness, appointments, and on and on. How do you handle it? That is the question. I am trying to stay strong and keep calm through it all. 

Sometimes I stress out for sure. Sometimes I hide from it all...avoidance. And sometimes when I'm feeling a bit more balanced about things, I just keep plugging away. Why freak out?! It seems like it is always all or nothing around here. Usually all or all unless I am on vacation, so just keep on rolling and going. So long as I can remember that there are worse scenarios to be in and that I've actually got it good and that there are always choices in this world, I can just roll with it without stressing out. 

So for now, I am strong and calm. Hopefully tomorrow too :)

Til then...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 46 Intention ~ Go Have Fun!

Day 46 Intention ~ Go Have Fun

You heard me. It's Friday, happy hour time and my friends should be here in about 30 minutes to go out and have some fun. It's been a looooooong week and it's time to let my hair down. 

This is going to be short and sweet, but keeping balance in one's life includes going out and having some fun! 

Enjoy your weekend everybody! 

Til tomorrow...hopefully the intention will not be a moderation reminder! 

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 35 Intention ~ Stay Strong

Day 35 Intention ~ Stay Strong

These days, we all have several things on our plates. Whether it's working 2 jobs, volunteering, taking care of kids and a household, and all of the other chores and responsibilities that are part of our everyday life. And, just as life goes, sometimes we are just busier than other times. Or, perhaps we're not actually busier, but we just seem to have less energy for all of our activities than we have had on other days. 

Just remember to stay strong, this feeling will pass. But, if for some reason it continues for days or weeks...or even longer, it's time to look at some habits. Are you working out? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you taking time for yourself for pleasure? Regardless of how busy you are, if you don't take time to go to a yoga class, the gym or take a walk, meditate, eat right and sleep enough, you will feel run down. You may even make yourself sick. Having some down time to enjoy life with your spouse or see friends or maybe just watch a movie by yourself are so important in helping us feel more balanced and less ragged to work on all of our, well...work. 

Life is best lived in a balanced way. It will be much more pleasurable for not only you, but for everyone in your life and those you come in contact with each day. 

Stay strong my friends! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 18 Intention ~ Relax a Little Bit

Day 18 Intention ~ Relax a little bit.

The week after being away from home can be hectic. This week has been an extremely busy week since returning last Sunday. Add in my husband's flu and taking care of him, it was downright exhausting. 

As I tried to get all of my responsibilities done at all hours of the day and night this week, I am happy to say that I am now going to take a little time to relax. My writing assignment turned in, one yoga class down with one to go later this afternoon, I am feeling pretty good. I even got my own practice in already today! 

Balance is so important in our lives. It helps to bring a calm and ease to our minds and our bodies. Especially in Western culture, we have this mindset that it is better to be busy, busy, busy...all of the time. Even if we are pulling our hair out, are only taking short breaths, eating fast and unhealthy while at our desks, and raising our blood pressure  while we're at it, we still think this is what we are supposed to be doing. 

Take a break. Walk away from your desk - even better take a walk on your lunch hour. Put down your smartphone. Enjoy a salad. Laugh. Enjoy your friends. Breathe deep. Allow yourself some time for you. Doing that will make you that much better for whatever you need to do the rest of the day or for whomever you meet.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 14 Intention ~ To Remain Balanced

Day 14 Intention ~ To Remain Balanced

Back to life at home. Today is my first day back at work and I really want to keep that balance between work and free time. Being an independent contractor, whether it is teaching yoga or writing, I find myself working all the time. It could be writing/touching up assignments or planning classes (either in my head or on paper.) Before I left on vacation last week, I found myself constantly working on something. Now that I am back, I want to be sure to find balance between work and  well, not working. I would say "pleasure", but I enjoy my work, so it is pleasurable, but relaxation is still a necessary element of life. 

Taking time out to relax, be with my husband, friends, family or to just be with myself is very important for everyone. It allows us to rejuvenate so we can perform our job better. 

So, as I did a bunch of chores yesterday when I awoke and started to plan today and this coming week, I found myself already creating long lists of things to get done and slowly noticed my relaxation fading away. So, witnessing this behavior, I am going to be very conscious to keep a balance in my life so as to not burn out. 

Finding this balance will allow peace, steadiness and calm to continue...which sounds like a continuous vacation to me. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 12 Intention ~ To Remain Grateful

Day 12 ~ To remain grateful for this amazing trip...again. 

Time to go home. Feeling ready to get back to my regular life on land again. Keeping this feeling of relaxation, calm and balance going once getting back to the daily grind will be a challenge, but I am going to try. 

To do this, I will stick with the plan. Practice yoga asana, pranayama and meditate daily. Eat healthy...now on to the full vegan! Enjoy each moment, no matter what life throws at you. It's all for a reason, our job is to learn from it. 

Namaste to all. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Finding balance in an unbalanced world

There is often so much going on around us that it's hard to find balance. Between careers, school, family, friends, housekeeping, bills and on and on and on, many of us end up feeling tired, stressed, out of whack and most definitely out of balance.

In our yoga practice, it's all about balance. Not just standing on one leg balance (although that is welcome too), but finding evenness in the breath, finding focus in the mind, finding a balance between muscular energy and organic energy and yes, even finding balance in the balancing postures. We come to our mats to help us create and find that balance and bring it to our daily lives. When we take the time to consciously breathe and find that time for ourselves, we find that we can find the focus and figure out the balance in our daily lives.

When we fall down on our mat, we get up, brush ourselves off and try again. If we do this enough times, perhaps, when we fall down in life, we will do the same. It's all just a practice and we keep on learning with every step.

A simple breathing technique to find that balance in the breath is sama vritti or "same change". So, as you inhale through your nose, count your breath in. As you "change" the breath, or exhale, also through the nose, try to find the same count. Do this for several rounds. You are welcome to incorporate ujjayi breath for this practice also. You should start to feel yourself settling down and finding some focus and balance, not only in your breath, but in your body and mind.

For a balancing posture to practice, give vrksasana or tree pose a try. Stand firmly on your left leg, bring the bottom of your right foot to the inside of your left leg, anywhere except the knee. Open your right knee out to the side, so that the hip is opening. Stand tall, draw your shoulders back, draw the navel towards the spine and bring your palms together at your heart or raise them above your head. Breathe. Take 5-8 breaths here and then switch sides.

Like trees, we need to firmly plant ourselves in the ground and then we can bend and blow in the wind.

As B.K.S. Iyengar says, "Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions."

Shanti~Marcia

Balance

Most people get a fair amount of fun out of their lives, but on balance life is suffering, and only the very young or the very foolish imagine otherwise.

~George Orwell

For every ying there is a yang - for every good deed there is one that may not be so great. Life is balance and balance it life. Having a life filled with happiness and joy is possible, but knowing and understanding that happiness is something worth fighting for.

Yes - at times it can be hard - but that is balance. Each trial we have will teach us a new way to be happy. When you are feeling low always remember the lowest low is only a precursor to something great and that in the darkest moment is when we find how important faith is and when we see a new level of clarity. Clarity that shows us what we're really made of.

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

~Thomas Merton

Meditation

"I am balance. I am centered. I am grounded."

Come to a comfortable seat, adjusting the flesh from your sitting bones and find yourself grounded where you are. Breathing in deeply all the way down to your belly and exhale completely. With each breath begin to count back from ten all the way down to the number one - each time you find a though enter your mind, allow it to slip away and in stead offer up your own mantra.

Today I choose, "I am balanced. I am centered. I am grounded."

Know that your mind is a working machine, so do not become angry with yourself if outside life keeps gnawing at you. Just simply breathe and bring your attention back to your mantra. Wether you sit for five minutes - which is a very reasonable time for a beginner - or an hour, follow the cadence of your breath and your voice filling in the spaces between your breaths until you fill the room with you.

Breathe and let go.

The light and spirit inside of me, honors the light and spirit inside of you.

~namaste