Day 282 Intention ~ Bend Don't Break

Day 282 Intention ~ Bend Don't Break

I read an article last night about what some super successful people do before 8 a.m. that puts them ahead of the game. Some were obvious like workout and eat breakfast, and then one that would seem obvious, yet now that I work for myself (sort of), I forget to do: make a schedule/to do list for that day. Seems like common sense to do that, but if something isn't completely pressing, I tend to let it wait until the last minute, so that I can just completely freak out to get it done. 

So, last night before I went to bed, I compiled a schedule for myself today. It helps to keep me focused and challenges me not to slack off. I used to make these schedules for myself all of the time to be sure I remained organized and didn't forget things that I needed to do, but have let that go the last few months for whatever reason. 

So, although I am trying to keep my "to do" list on track today, of course, things come up. Learning to find some flexibility in the schedule is important too. Otherwise, I would go crazy and life would be too regimented for me to enjoy it. 

The goal is to try to keep on track, but be willing to bend a little bit if needed, not break if something changes. 

We can apply this to many things, a detour on our commute, a different yoga teacher in class that day, if a plan simply falls through. It happens all the time, but if we can find some santosa or contentment and peace with what is going on around us, planned or not planned, we will be able to find a little more joy and ease in our day. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 139 Intention - Take a Smartphone Break

Day 139 Intention - Take a Smartphone Break

Sure, it wasn't my intention when I woke up this morning, it was nice to not even pick up my phone or look at emails or Facebook until 7:30 at night.

The break made me feel a little more interested in what was going on out in the world than when I check my phone every few minutes. 

I spoke to a parenting expert earlier in the week for an article I was writing and she expressed her concern with kids and all of their smartphones and games and t.v., etc. and her fear that they weren't going to learn the skill of conversation. How to actually talk to people. Heck, abbreviating words doesn't help childrens spelling skills either. 

For me, it allowed me to keep my head clear without constant stimulation. This allowed me to truly clear the mind, not answering emails and texts immediately.

You should give it a shot someday and see how it makes you feel. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 53 Intention ~ Give Myself A Break

Day 53 Intention ~ Give Myself A Break

I am not what you would call a Type A personality...not at all. But, it seems these days, I have become more of a perfectionist and always feel like I should be getting stuff done. And, well, it better be done right. 

In my yoga classes, I am always encouraging my students to accept where they are that day because each time one comes to the mat, it's a different experience, so drop any expectations. Not easy for a type A perfectionist, you can see them huff and puff to get into a position that they aren't necessarily ready to do. Not letting that go may be holding that person back from really getting it. 

Same thing off the mat. I make these lists for myself and huff and puff and stress myself out if they don't get done. Let it go. 

Of course things need to get done, but if quality suffers, what's the point? Just to mark a line through a "to do" list?

So, perhaps I am becoming more Type A, that's okay I guess. But, for this Friday, I am giving myself a break.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia