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 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 291 Intention ~ Take A Breath

Day 291 Intention ~ Take A Breath

When I woke up this morning, my mind immediately started going down the list of things I wanted to get done before this evening. Tonight is my husband's first art show in over 10 years and although I am really proud and excited for him, it means there are many tasks to accomplish beyond the norm. 

Preparing for the in-laws, ie: make our house not look like quite a mess was number 1. It was one of those mornings in which the internet wasn't working, I was dropping everything, things just didn't seem to go right no matter what I did. 

Then, I took a very short moment to do some yoga (I mean very short, but some is better than none!) Once I started to breathe and move, even if it was only for 20 minutes, my mind started to clear and I realized that it's up to me how I handle this day.

Now, I am excited again and not dreading all of the lead up. 

So, if that stress wells up again inside of me, I know to practice what I preach, step aside and breathe, even if it's only for a moment it will help. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

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 276 Intention ~ Plug Away Gracefully

Day 276 Intention ~ Plug Away Gracefully

Today is going to be nuts. Somehow, well I know how, I am teaching 6 classes. I do usually teach 5 on Thursdays, which is already too many. I think that 4 should be any teachers limit, but, of course, I have this one day that I teach 5. Today though, it is 6. Luckily, I have a few hours break in the middle of the day to regroup. 

My goal in these classes is to maintain grace as I teach and not start to get abrupt or lazy when I start getting tired. This will prove more of a challenge today as I have been suffering from horrible allergies all week, so I already don't feel myself. 

But, enough whining! I am just hoping to have the strength to compose all of my classes today with grace.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 236 Intention ~ Go Facebook Free

Day 236 Intention ~ Go Facebook Free

This intention started yesterday evening and it is an intention for the whole weekend. No Facebook all weekend long. More and more lately, I find myself glued to my "smart" phone wasting time on Facebook rather than talking to whomever I am actually with face to face. 

In an effort to break this habit a.k.a. addiction, I am not going to look at Facebook until Monday morning. So far, it's been good. It's almost like a weight off my shoulders. And really, if that's the case, what good is it doing me??? 

There was a recent study stating that people with over a certain amount of "friends" are becoming more depressed. Don't quote me on this, but I think it was from seeing others wonderful status updates of all the fabulous things that they were doing...that you, as the "friend", were not. I don't think that I fall into that category, but I do know that I spend too much time on there when I need to be doing other things like meditating or finding some peace in my mind. 

So, til tomorrow...(I will only post this blog to Twitter today!)

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 186 Intention ~ Hold My Tongue

Day 186 Intention ~ Hold My Tongue

Keep the peace. I have never been very good at confrontation. My brother, who I adore, by the way, has very different opinions than me, loves to talk politics. Sometimes I think is trying to get a rise out of me, but in attempts to keep the peace for my family visit, I shut it down. Tonite I almost broke that rule, until John, in anticipation of what I was about to say, started rubbing my arm. I stopped & the situation diffused.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 177 Intention ~ Keep Counting The Blessings

Day 177 Intention ~ Keep Counting the Blessings...

It is always good to look at the things in life that are positive and good. Whether it is something personal or more universal. 

Today, I continue to count the blessings for having such a wonderful husband, dog, cat, family & so many wonderful friends. I am thankful that I get to do what I love to do for a living. I am thankful to have a home I love with food on the table and that we get to go have so much fun in this life. 

I am thankful for the downfall of DOMA today too so that others can share in some of the happiness and feel support in their equality in this life. 

We have this life (and maybe some more- ha ha) to be the best person we can be and live in love, harmony, peace and respect for all other living things. Let's not take these things for granted. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 175 Intention ~ Put One Foot In Front Of The Other...

Day 175 Intention ~ Put one foot in front of the other...

Thinking about this week could overwhelm me, but just going step by step, I think will be the best way to go. 

With writing assignments and *gasp* 17 classes to teach, my uncle passing away, my wedding anniversary tomorrow, and trying to get things together for our vacation next week, yep, my head may fly off my body at some point. 

In an attempt to not get stressed about these things, I have decided to just put one foot in front of the other and only take one step at a time. Find organization and lots of breathing and meditation to help it all come together without me freaking out! 

At this point, my emotions are only allowing me to do one thing at a time anyhow, so it's a good lesson and start to this week. 

Pacing oneself and focusing on just one thing, gives us all a little more piece and peace of mind when we are busy and it just allows us to remain more calm. Stopping every once in awhile when you are stressed at work or at home and just taking 10 nice deep breaths can help change your perspective. 

That is all for this Monday! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 147 Intention ~ Remember & Appreciate

Day 147 Intention ~ Remember & Appreciate

Memorial Day 2013. 

Although I am an avid believer in peace & peaceful resolutions to problems, I still can appreciate the freedoms that we enjoy here in this country and recognize the men & women who have fought so that we have these freedoms. 

With my father and my uncles, even 2 of my brothers having been in the military, I feel lucky to not have lost them in any wars or while they were performing their duties. I feel for the families that have lost their loved ones. I am grateful for all of their service whether at war or not. I wish, perhaps naively, for a time that we wouldn't need this, but know that that won't happen. 

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~Jimi Hendrix

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 143 Intention ~ Live Presently

Day 143 Intention ~ Live Presently

"Be here now", as Ram Dass would say, but he's right. We spend so much time trying to plan our coming days or wallowing in past events that we forget to enjoy the now. Right at this moment. Find contentment. Find peace.

Earlier in the week on my Facebook page, I posted a quote of the day from some other page that quoted Lao Tzu, "If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present." 

It's normal. But, just stop right now as you are reading this and enjoy this...present...moment...and exhale. :)

Presently saying til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 122 Intention ~ Be True To YOU

Day 122 Intention ~ Be True to YOU

Alright, so I know that the fortune cookie posting has been overdone, BUT this really was in my fortune cookie last night. "A man who trims himself to suit everybody will soon whittle himself away." No doubt. We, although we look similar to each other, are all unique and have wonderful beautiful quirks that make us all different in this vast world. It keeps things interesting and it keeps us happy. 

Who ever feels good when they're faking it? No one. Not really.

But, when you feel the freedom to relax and just be who you are, life is just more enjoyable. You feel more at ease. 

There is a quote in The Bhagavad Gita that says, "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." 

So, feel free to be you and you may just find a little more contentment and peace in this world while you are here. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 102 Intention ~ Ask For An Extension

Day 102 Intention ~ Ask for an extension

Or, you could say, give up control. One of the websites that I write for requires experts in the field in which I am writing assignments. Unfortunately, this doesn't always let me make my deadlines. When I first started writing for them, I would get so tense and stressed out because people may accept your invitation to be interviewed and be sincere, but even with the best intentions, people get sidetracked. They may eventually answer my questions, but not always in a timely deadline focused manner. 

Nowadays, I try to let it go. My editor is pretty reasonable and usually gives me an extension if necessary. Realizing that I cannot control others actions and admitting that I can't pull a rabbit out of a hat has made me a much more relaxed reporter. 

Learning this in other aspects of life is good too. Yesterday when my body was screaming for me to take a break, I listened. I am still not physically feeling 100%, but I do feel better than yesterday. 

Same with relationships with other people, either socially or in a work environment. People have their own things going on and they may not respond how you would or how you would like them to. It's okay, this is what makes the world go round. So long as you remind yourself that you cannot control others and their feelings and reactions, you may find a little more peace in your feelings and reactions. This will cause a much smoother and calmer day.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 99 Intention ~ Enjoy the Quiet

Day 99 Intention ~ Enjoy the Quiet

Even if it is only for a moment...and perhaps not all that quiet. Sure, I can hear the birds or cars passing by outside, the hum of the computer's hard drive, but just for a few moments it seems so peaceful. 

No music blasting or television blaring. No one talking in my ear...just "quiet". As yogis, we are supposed to be able to find stillness in any situation. Although, sometimes this is possible, it's just more clearing & calming for me (and I am sure others) when it's a little bit quieter around me. I can focus on the breathe, my mind can relax a little more and I feel more peaceful. Sure, I strive to find calmness in any crazy situation going on, but I guess I'm not that enlightened yet...maybe someday! 

But, if we find these little moments of stillness or quiet each day, even if it's just a short moment to start, it can make the rest of our day a little bit more calm. Eventually those moments of quiet become longer and perhaps even stretch into those other less quiet moments. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 19 Intention ~ To Be Understanding of Others

Day 19 Intention ~ To be understanding of others. 

Simple as that. I think that we all get wrapped up in our own issues, opinions, needs, wants, and daily lives that we can find ourselves overlooking what others need, want, think, and on and on. We lose understanding of others. Even our closest loved ones. 

So, simply put, I am going to try to keep putting myself in other's shoes, so that I can better understand their needs. Maybe that way, we can figure out a way to make our needs mesh and work together. 

Seems like a much more peaceful way to live.

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

Why we meditate

What wise man is eaten up with doubts about happiness in this life and the next? Intelligent men make meditation the essential thing.

~ Atisa Dipankara Shrijnana

When we meditate we are taking a moment to clear out the mind, by silencing the voices in our head we open ourselves up to a whole new universe of possibilities and ideas. Yes, I'm sure you've heard this all before, and yes, it can be hard to take that time to get to a point where the clutter and clamoring noised in our heads cease - but once this has been accomplished... there is just so much more to come.

Meditation is an ancient practice that over time is still as relevant and important as it was when Siddhartha sat under the bodhi tree, and just as Siddhartha obtained enlightenment and became the "Buddha" ("Awakened One"), we can sit and take the path to enlighten even if we live in a one room apartment in the middle of an industrialized city.

Peace and understand is available for all.

Why do we meditate? Because it allows us to see what is around us, removing the distractions and obstacles we place in our own path, bringing us one step closer to peace of mind and relaxation.

Some disregard meditation as something only little men in orange robes sitting deep inside a damp cave somewhere in India or Tebet, but that is a fallacy brought on by miss communication and elitist attempting to keep to themselves. You can learn to meditate by sitting with a pet and merely petting them or cooking your favorite dish for the people you love.

The secret is this - breath and let go.

When I speak of mantras and mudras - these are things that fascinate me and that fascination and love drives me to share them with you - but you do not need to memorized the 216 verses of the Gurugita in order to let go and meditate. You're mantra can simply be, "Let go" or "Who am I?" or even "Today I will just be." And your mudra can be your hands placed at your heart, fingers buried in dirt as you weed your garden or brushing against the hair of your beloved cat/dog.

This week take 10 minutes for yourself and do something that you love. Whatever it may be remember to breath, to let go and to smile.

You're mantra for this week is: WHO AM I?

You're mudra is what ever feels right

and your asana is: FULL WHEEL

~namaste~