Day 210 Intention ~ Make Today Fun

Day 210 Intention ~ Make Today Fun

It's funny, I don't work a regular 9-5 type job, yet on Monday's, I still feel what I guess most Americans feel starting the work week. Weird. Maybe I have just been trained to think that way? Maybe it's John leaving for work that makes it seem like a drag? I don't know, but really, Monday is one of my more mellow days, so it's funny that I allow myself to get in a rut about it. 

Not today! Today, although I do have 3 classes to teach and research to do, I am going to make today fun. Please, I love my work anyhow, so that's already fun. It's gorgeous outside and I have a few free hours before my evening classes...all the makings for a fun filled Monday! 

The way to make something better is to change your thoughts about it, so from now on when I feel dread about a certain day or event or meeting (anything really) that I don't necessarily want to do, change the attitude about it and it will surely turn out better than expected! 

Have a great day!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 163 Intention ~ Suck It Up

Day 163 Intention ~ Suck It Up

Yep, that's my own personal pep talk for today. Although I get to work for myself and do what I love to make a living, some days, frankly, I am tired and a bit unmotivated. Today happens to be one of those days. But, with two classes to go to sub in 90 minutes, it's time to rally my brain and emotions into finding some perk & passion for these classes tonight. 

It is usually just getting myself out the door that is toughest and then once in the situation, it's all fine. It's really just mind over matter at this point. I am sure many people go through this on a daily basis for a variety of things, so the reality is, I am lucky that this doesn't happen all the time. 

The step to changing one's mind is, well, consciously deciding to change one's mind and attitude on the topic. Maybe that means doing an inversion of some sort like a handstand or headstand, or taking some deep breaths to get there, but you find what works and you go for it. 

So, wish me luck! And I hope that you are able to enjoy whatever it is you have to do today...namaste.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 129 Intention ~ Practice Outside

Day 129 Intention ~ Practice Outside (finally!)

There is a little strip in my yard that my neighbors can't really see me when everything is in full bloom. My Rose of Sharon offer a lovely natural privacy wall, but they are not quite there yet. Regardless of that, it was wonderful to head over to my little strip this afternoon and practice. 

At the beginning of the year, I made an intention to myself to practice everyday this year, even if it is just a little bit. I've been pretty good about it, but have slacked a tad bit as of late for various reasons. So today, I am back! 

There is something special about breathing outdoors (even with all the pollen floating around thanks to my new spirulina regimen) and getting back in touch with nature. Sure the flow isn't quite as graceful on a lawn with different lumps and bumps all around, but it is what it is. Practicing arm balances become a little less frightening when you have soft smushy grass underneath you. I enjoyed letting birds and lawn mowers be my playlist as I flowed from pose to pose and even as I wasn't afraid to flip right over when attempting to stick pincha mayurasana (a.k.a. forearm stand). 

It's also just nice to change your "work" space sometimes. Even in yoga studios, students tend to always place their mat in the same spot...attaching themselves to that space. It's better to move around, be open, and it may even change your perspective on the class or on your practice. 

I hope that you all get to practice today & are having an amazingly beautiful day like we are here in good ol' Cleveland! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia