Day 347 Intention ~ Watch My Thoughts

Day 347 Intention ~ Watch My Thoughts

 

 

 

Sometimes we may not say negative things out loud for the sake of another's feelings and for various reasons. We are taught that if we don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all as children. It doesn't always take things being said out loud for us to feel hurt. When we think negatively about others and ourselves, we are not following the yogic moral code of ahimsa or non-harming.

 

 

I beat myself up all the time in my head about silly little things. I get frustrated by people's behaviors and rather than tell them, I think negatively about that behavior and so on. This can be just as harmful as saying them out loud.

 

Think positively. Think with an open mind and an open heart. I'm not saying be blind to things, but don't put a negative twist on everything either. Negativity breeds negativity. And guess what, positive thinking breeds, well, positive thinking.

 

 

Sure, a little less harm could be done by not saying something mean or negative to someone, but thinking it, one can usually sense it anyhow. Don't feed it.

 

 

Til tomorrow...

 

Shanti,

 

Marcia

Day 235 Intention ~ Practice Ahimsa

Day 235 Intention ~ Practice Ahimsa

Ahimsa, one of the yamas or restraints, that yogis are supposed to practice to live in a yogic way. Non-violence or non-harming. Being vegan or vegetarian, trying to leave less of a carbon footprint on the world, being kind (or at least not mean!) in thoughts, words, and action. To other beings...even yourself. 

I reminded myself of this today as I started to beat myself up for not making it to Ashtanga this morning. As a woman, sorry guys, bear with me for a moment, there are certain times that a less vigorous practice or even skipping practice for a day or two is recommended. That is where I am at today. Although, I have just been enjoying my reinstated Ashtanga practice so much these days that I hate to miss an actual led class rather than home practice. But, alas, I am feeling a bit rundown and wanted to sleep in a bit. As the day goes on, I know I made the right choice and that a gentler, more restorative practice is in order today. So, in an attempt to be a little less harming to myself, the harmful chatter to myself has ceased. 

This is one way to bring yoga into your *very* personal daily life :) There are many many other ways. Yoga doesn't end once we step off of our mat...that is when it starts. It's a lifestyle. Live it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 137 Intention ~ Ride My Bike to Work

Day 137 Intention ~ Ride My Bike to Work

Well, at least to my first workplace. Not gonna lie, riding from Cleveland Hts to Berea is not going to happen today, but at least I rode to my morning class. 

So many great reasons to ride your bike instead of driving!! 

For me, the fresh air and exercise are great, but also saving the gas and the miles on my 231,000 mile Subaru is helpful. 

And the environmental reasons are fabulous too! Getting one less car on the road is my small way to help today and practice ahimsa, or non-harming, towards Mother Nature. :)

I wish everyone a happy Friday! TGIF

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 113 Intention ~ Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!

Day 113 Intention ~ Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!

I know that the saying has been used over and over again and cliche, but I am a day behind and wanted to get my Earth day blog in, and besides, it is true! We need to try to do things a little bit differently every single day while we are on this planet to stop polluting so much, using up all of our resources and really in yogic terms, practice ahimsa, aka non-harming. 

Recycling, composting, buying local, walking or riding a bike, even using public transportation or carpooling are just some of the ways we can help leave less of a carbon footprint. Going vegetarian or vegan or perhaps just having a meatless Monday (or any day of the week for that matter) to make less of an impact and save some animals while you're at it are great ways to practice ahimsa. 

Other options can include, buying from local stores and farmers, starting a garden, using a rain barrel to collect water for your garden and plants, wearing clothes from thrift stores or swapping with your friends ~ why not make it a party!

There are many small ways to make an impact on this Earth while we are here. We are all in this together and each small step is important. So find something, if not many things, each day to help make this place a better place to live. 

Today, I finally rode my bike to class since I got it fixed instead of driving! It was super fun, took the same amount of time and it was great to get some fresh air and exercise! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia