Day 359 Intention ~ Enjoy Time With Family

Day 359 Intention ~ Enjoy Time With My Family

It's the holidays. I know it sounds cliche, but the thing that makes me happiest is to see my family and get some time with them. We are all spread out these days and rarely are we all in the same place at the same time (this year included), so it's nice to catch up with whoever I can.

My nieces & nephews are changing and growing up so fast that it's hard to keep up. My father will be 85 in 2014, so I know it really means a lot to him when we are all (or some) there.

So, as we drive back to Ohio to work tomorrow, I am so glad to have been able to live, share, laugh & love with my original satsang!

I wish you all the merriest and hope that you got to spend the holidays with your loved ones.

Namaste til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 351 Intention ~ Get The Holiday Spirit

Day 351 Intention ~ Get the Holiday Spirit

 

 

Interestingly enough, after yesterday's post and voicing out loud that I had the holiday blues, I almost immediately started to perk back up. I took the dog for a walk and went to start the old holiday shopping. It was as if I purged a little bit.

 

 

Today, I feel like a different person. I am ready to tackle this holiday madness and get in the spirit. Really, I feel the spirit of giving and love, peace, joy and happiness all year round. It's just this time of year when spending money that I don't necessarily have to spend that I can get a little bit down. But, it's once a year. It will be okay and it's not like I go too too nuts anyhow.

 

 

It's not really about the gift giving anyhow as we all know. It's about spending time with loved ones. No matter what you believe...for some it's about Jesus, for others, it's not. Most importantly, get together with people and spread some joy and peace. Laugh, love, and let's just enjoy some time together...as one.

 

 

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 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

Day 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

There is so much going on in this world, in this life, that there is no reason to not keep learning through it all. It keeps life exciting and new and helps us from becoming stagnant. 

Besides, nobody likes a know it all anyhow!

In yoga, I am still always learning. I have been teaching for just about 4 years now, and practiced for years longer than that, but yet, I still learn something every class I take. It may not be about a pose, but often, it's something about myself. How I react to certain movements, what it brings out in my body and my mind...and, yes, no day is ever exactly the same. 

When I was in teacher training, I remember it being said at one point that as soon as you think you know it all, you know nothing. I have always tried to keep that in mind as I teach and as I take class. I think it's a great mantra for beyond the class too. 

As soon as we think we know everything, we start to close ourselves off in a way. We aren't open to new ideas, we are definitely never wrong and we slowly become all about the ego again. I, me, mine. We forget that we are all living and breathing as one, it may appear we are living separate existences, and from certain angles we are, but in the grand scope of the universe and life, we are all part of the same beating energy and breath. What I do effects you and vice versa and on and on. So, let's try to keep open. 

Breathe deep, lift your chest and your heart and open your arms to the universe and all it has to offer. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

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 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 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 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 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 306 Intention ~ Celebrate A Good Friend

Day 306 Intention ~ Celebrate A Good Friend

Today is my great friend, Jen's, birthday. In about an hour, we will be meeting her and her wife for dinner to celebrate this wonderful being. It is so important to let the one's you love know that you love them & celebrate them, whether or not it's their birthday! How lucky are we to have wonderful people in our lives, why not fill them with love. 

I am lucky to have a friend like Jen, so today, I dedicate this post to her. 

Here are 10 things Jen loves...a lot!

1. Tanya, her wife. Of course she does! Just so you know.

2. Her family & friends. Yep, I think this blog being dedicated to her can show you how Jen treats her family & friends.

3. Music. Especially rock 'n' roll. This said, she really enjoys The Stones, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Black Crowes, Levon Helm...I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention, she is one funky lady also, with a deep love of it being on the one. 

4. The Environment. Yep, Jen is not only pretty, but pretty organic. She does what she can to save the Earth for future generations. 

5. Hot spicy foods. This was not always the case, but these days, she is chomping on some crazy peppers that make me cry just touching them. 

6. Yoga. Jen is zen! She is a seasoned yogini and I love when she visits my class!

7. Laughter. I laugh a lot with a lot of people, but there are few that I have laughed as often and as hard as when I am with my friend Jen. 

8. Camping. See #4 and it will probably make sense. 

9. California. Ohio is lucky to have Jen for now, but the reality is, her heart is in Northern California and she will return there someday. Imagine how she feels when she is camping in California!!

10. Wine. Among other beverages, but we'll stick with wine today. :)

Thanks Strongarm for being my buddy all these years! Keep 'em coming. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 304 Intention ~ Enter With An Open Heart

Day 304 Intention ~ Enter With An Open Heart

In Max Strom's book, A Life Worth Breathing, he suggests starting each day with an intention for that day. Not an intention for selfish worldly items, etc., but a way to create goodness in the world that day...for yourself and others. Of course, I have been writing these intentions all year long and admittedly, as you can most likely tell, they aren't set as soon as I wake up in the morning. The events of the day have definitely shaped what my intention turned into on several occasions. 

Often when the alarm goes off, I am struggling not to hit the snooze button several times, but today, the intention was buzzing in my brain. I lay in bed for a few moments and set my intention for the day. It was to enter each interaction I have today with an open heart. So, not pre-judging a situation, trying to be open to hearing what the people around me have to say and listening. It doesn't matter if I agree with what they are saying or not, but just being open to hearing it. 

Trying to lead with love. With an open heart.  

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 303 Intention ~ Start Over Again

Day 303 Intention ~ Start Over Again

Everyday is a new chance to start over again. If you read yesterday's post, I was feeling a little bit down on myself and I am sorry that you got to feel the brunt of that. I blame Mercury! 

Today, I am feeling much better about things and am ready to hit the reset button. Yesterday, I was questioning myself about choosing to teach yoga in this life. Today, I feel reinvigorated to teach yoga in this life! Could it be more financially rewarding? Sure, but I look at different jobs I have had throughout my life and no matter how much $ I ever made, I was always broke. I am a spender, what can I say!

So, let the adventure continue. Search for happiness, love, peace, bring joy to others and keep on truckin'! If today has got you down, just remember, you have a chance to start over again tomorrow...and the next day and the day after that, so don't get to caught up in the gloom of the day. See the brightness of tomorrow.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 299 Intention ~ Teach, Write, Love

Day 299 Intention ~ Teach, Write, Love

Sorry, couldn't help the little reference to Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, but the goal today really is to teach, write & love. We have been out the last two Friday nights...out too late for me, who has to actually work on Saturdays. I don't do well when I don't get enough sleep, so teaching is always a little off when we go out on a Friday. 

It is also my two year anniversary with Examiner.com, which is exciting, but also makes me want to write a new article...and work on the backlog of ideas that I have jotted down in different notebooks. 

And I want to do all that I do today with some love in it. Teaching, talking with the people I encounter, share it with my animals and with John. If you can't do something with love in your heart, why do it?!?!?

Til tomorrow (for Day 300!!)...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

I have an old friend that I have been having issues with the past year or so. Now, I didn't really think that I would be dealing with things like this into my forties, but here I am. I have spoken with this friend before about some of the things that make me feel hurt/upset when I am speaking with her. She apologized and then just kept it up. 

At this point, I have dealt with it by not dealing with it. Conveniently for me not dealing with it, this person doesn't live in the same state. Inconveniently for me to act like an adult and deal with it, this friend does not live in the state, so it's much easier for me to ignore. 

I think that I have been doing this so long, that I suppressed my emotions (completely unhealthy-I know I know), I didn't realize how much until a mutual friend started discussing making some plans with this person with me today. Next thing I knew, I was crying and upset and it has put me in a funk for the rest of the day...so far. 

What this really tells me, is that it is time for me to deal with it. Get to the bottom of what is going on. Has it been built up in my head to be worse than I remember? Have we just simply grown apart? Did I do something to make this person treat me disrespectfully? 

I guess a phone call is in order. In the end, things will be resolved and, whether good or bad, hopefully, I can put this to rest. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Last night was my husband's big art opening. I was amazed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, co-workers and my yoga students (who are also friends) that came out. It is difficult for me to express how touched John & I both were from all of this. I stand in awe of all of their amazing-ness.

I am also in awe of the turn out in the Cleveland Heights community and all of their kind words and support. It is always nice to hear from strangers. I do really enjoy living in this community, so to feel like my husband's work was appreciated here, at home, was a wonderful feeling. 

I am also in awe of the amazing range of artists that do support the community. The talents out there are amazing and I hope that we can all support each other in our endeavors and keep art alive & well! 

Keep living and loving those around you and your community will only grow and thrive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

And appreciate every minute of it....

As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed so many people with angry looks on their faces. Maybe not angry, but not happy. It was one of those mornings in which my iPod shuffle was hitting all tunes that I wanted to hear, so I was singing and boppin' down the road and yet still, it was hard to ignore the looks on people's faces as they headed into each day or when they insisted on tailgating me or having to pass me, and believe me, I wasn't driving slowly. 

It was sad to see this on the morning commute. It's not that I am unaware that I am lucky to get to do things that I love to make a living, but it was just blaring in my face (and consciousness) this morning. I love going to work for my friends, it's like I'm getting to go hang out and get paid. Please note, I do actually work when I am there...most of the time. :)

So, once again, just wanted to appreciate that I love what I get to do in this world and I am so so grateful for it. It is sad that I feel lucky to get to do what I want...I wish everyone could do what they want, follow their dreams and feel lucky.

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 257 Intention ~ Show My Love

Day 257 Intention ~ Show My Love

Leading with an open heart, it can help others to open their hearts too. This helps to bring people together. People tend to act in the way they are being acted toward. Today, I want the people in my life to feel how much I love them. I want them to know. It will make them feel good and that makes my heart burst.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own little world of work, play, errands, just life, that we take those that are always around us in our whirlwind for granted. Today, I am taking a moment out to show my love to my husband especially. He gets the brunt of my moods, my ignorance, whatever is going on with me each day and I want him to know how much I love him and how much he means to me. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 255 Intention ~ Bring Joy To Another

Day 255 Intention ~ Bring Joy To Another

Perhaps it's just a smile or a laugh. Maybe it's letting someone in your driving lane. Maybe it's by listening...really listening. There are so many ways to bring joy to another person that you come across in your day. Whether it is a stranger or your dearest loved one, bring someone some joy and it is sure to be passed on. 

Seems like that should be an everyday intention...for everyone. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia