Day 361 Intention ~ Get Reinspired

Day 361 Intention ~ Get Reinspired

 

 

I suffer from end-of-the-year-itus right now. I am excited that I have only three more classes in 2013. There is this thought in my head that come next Thursday when I am back to teaching, that everything will be new again just at the turn of a calendar page.

 

Why wait?!

 

Well, much to my surprise, instead of leaving 2013 feeling burned out and wanting to just hole up and hide for a month, I am already feeling renewed.

 

How did this happen?

 

Well, inspiration can come in the simplest ways. I needed to drive my husband to work this morning because his car is in the shop. I don't have class til later this afternoon, so I decided to watch a yoga documentary this morning. As I listened to different yoga masters talk about yoga, I started to feel that spark inside again. I started to realize that yoga is so important, not only for me but for millions of people. It is such a healing and growth tool. It is simply transformational and amazing.

 

Once the film was finished, I took George for a walk. As we walked through the snowy streets, I felt inspiration. Just being outside in the fresh air with a being who is so present there is no ignoring it.

 

I came home and started to write notes for an article that I have been struggling with conceptually for a long time now. I rolled out my mat and am warming up my little yoga room as I type this, and again, I am awed by the life I get to live and create and connect in.

 

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 323 Intention ~ Create A Daily Schedule

Day 323 Intention ~ Create A Daily Schedule

As usual, there are several items on the "to do" list. Not just for today, but that are constantly lingering. Many times, in my planner, I will write down which things need to get done that day, but without any other organization to it. 

With the holidays and so many additional events coming up, tightening up the schedule with time schedules, etc. will help. It also keeps me working rather than slacking off and doing other chores or surfing the internet. 

Another tip to getting the daily schedule together is to do the most daunting task first. Get it done. It will feel good and then the others will feel like a breeze (hopefully). 

If you find yourself losing steam, take a moment to breathe. Whether at a desk job in an office setting or if you are working at home, like I will be today. Another helpful thing to do when this happens is to do some yoga asana. Even at your desk. Reach your arms up, twist, fold forward, but move around a little bit. It will help to calm yet re-energize you. If you have a little more luxury of being at home, get on your mat. It can be only 20 minutes or it can be 90 minutes, but get on it. Even a shorter practice everyday is better than one 2 hour session every once in awhile. 

Have a great day! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Can't believe today is day 300! Wow, this year is flying by!!

Today, I am using another tagline, but it really rang true for me this morning. 

I have been wanted to get to a full Ashtanga Primary Series that is offered on Sunday mornings at one of the studios where I teach for a long time now. Over the summer, I was gone so much or subbing on Sunday mornings, so it just wouldn't happen. This morning when I woke up, I started looking to see what was offered at closer studios later in the day...then I realized I had enough time to get to Berea (about a 40 minute drive) and that I should just do it!

So I did.

And, I need to do that more often. It's nice to be led by an instructor since most of my Ashtanga practice is at home. It is also nice to hear/learn the transitions, since that is the part I am not sure about teaching sometimes. 

It was a great way to start the day...and the week!

So, if you want something, go for it! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 263 Intention ~ Keep On Truckin' (Baby)

Day 263 Intention ~ Keep On Truckin' (Baby)

Reading my September horoscope in Journey magazine, it says that basically, all this work and searching, etc. that I've been doing is almost there, but I have to keep the faith and keep it up to get there, but basically, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Today's African proverbs calendar reads a Zimbabwean proverb, "To climb a mountain, you zigzag." 

Yoga Rocks The Park posted on Facebook, a status along the lines of, I can't remember the exact quote: Synchronicity feels like the universe telling you that you're getting warmer. 

So, again, I say, hello universe! I am getting the message! I will keep at it, knowing there are rougher days and easier days, but you have to keep going to get there. 

Just like yesterday's comments on how are physical yoga practice can help us become attune with our bodies messages, it can also help us become more aware of the universe around us. 

I am listening.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 258 Intention ~ Listen & Learn

Day 258 Intention ~ Listen & Learn

I took a yoga class with a "new to me" teacher today. It is someone that I have known on the yoga scene for a few years now, but I have just never made it to her class. She led a beautiful class that kept me on my toes and led me to learn some new techniques. 

Yesterday I went to class with my teacher and I discovered that I seemed more receptive to being still and listening to the instructions instead of rushing into whichever posture she was signaling. It allowed me to think about how I was moving, how I felt transitioning into the pose (which, coincidentally, was the teacher today's theme) and enjoying it once I arrived. I felt more mature in a way with my practice that hasn't always been there. 

Both of these classes helped me discover things about my own practice, which is why I love to check out different teachers and different styles of yoga. There is something to be learned from each teacher and each class. It may not be your favorite all time class, but I assure you, that teacher has something to offer. 

As I came upstairs to the computer to write this, I flipped my African proverbs calendar to September 15 and it reads a Kenyan proverb:

"A listening ear leads to life but a deaf ear leads to death."

Too funny. I'm listening, I'm listening! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Trying to get back to normal. Still feeling pretty tired and out of it. Cleaned up a bunch of stuff from the trip. I also went through and cleaned out the fridge from anything that may have gone bad since we left. Got accounting done...for this week anyhow. 

Now, some yoga practice is needed. Of course, like every time I go to an outdoor festival, I bring my yoga mat with intentions of practicing. Almost every time, I don't. This time, in my defense, they didn't post the times on any schedule. I would get an update from the app on my phone after I had missed it to go to class. Oh well. So it goes sometimes. 

Today's practice will consist of some twists to help get the kinks out and squeeze my organs a bit. Detox please!! 

Also some energizing back bends to wake me up a little bit more. 

Hopefully after that, I will feel more awake to go teach class this evening...I hope so! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

There is a big yoga event going on this evening at the Rock Hall here in Cleveland. Believe in CLE is what they are calling it. An event sponsored by Lululemon with teachers from Inner Bliss leading the class. According to the event invite on Facebook, over 1000 people are going to go to this event. At first, I was excited at the idea of this event and the community building in the yoga spirit that it could bring, but now that the day is here, I just feel like laying low. 

Oftentimes, I try to avoid the "scene". Twenty years ago, I felt I always needed to be on the scene...these days, not so much. 

Although it's fun to practice with a bunch of people all breathing and sweating and flowing together, I tend to like my personal home practice a little bit more these days. So as cool as I think this event will be, I am going to lay low, keep my practice personal and spend the evening with my favorite beings, John, George & Stella. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 241 Intention ~ Stay Pure

Day 241 Intention ~ Stay Pure

Back to the African proverbs calendar, it's actually from August 22nd, but my calendar skips to September 4th from the 22nd, so I've kept it there. I think I finally read it today. 

It is a Swahili proverb that reads, "If your intention is pure, you can walk on the sea." 

Well, when reading that, I guess I would take it as being true to what yourself. So, in an effort to stay pure, I am going to try to stay true. Especially to myself, no matter what the truth is, good, bad or ugly. 

Truth today is that I have been feeling a little lazy, stressed and grumpy. Where did that bliss from yesterday go??? 

It's still there, but in a different form. Running out of time, I had to do a short Ashtanga practice today, which is still better than no practice, so that is good. I would probably be a little grumpier had I not done this. 

Truth is I am grumpy because I forgot to pay some bills I needed to pay and I am slightly beating myself up even though I know that's not healthy for me to do. 

I need to take the swaha attitude of it is what it is. So swaha! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 240 Intention ~ Feel The Bliss!

Day 240 Intention ~ Feel the Bliss!

When I first started really getting serious about my yoga practice, often after asana practice I would have that "yoga high". These days, sure, I feel great, but not necessarily that bliss like I used to feel. Only certain teachers would inspire that reaction out of me. This week, in an effort to get back to my Ashtanga asana practice, I have practiced the Primary Series in full twice...so far. Both times, that bliss has returned. Both times it was just a home practice. 

So basically, I am just riding this "yoga high" while it's here and apparently, the Primary Series is opening up something in me that is bringing that feeling out, so after years and years of practice, I'll take it! 

Just goes to show, every day is different and new things still happen on the mat each time, no matter how long you've been doing it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 227 Intention ~ Turn Negative Thoughts Around

Day 227 Intention ~ Turn Negative Thoughts Around

It's a general attitude for life and how you accept its ups and downs. I really try to make this a daily mantra for myself to keep from getting caught up in the whole domino effect that is negativity. 

Something is bound to happen each and every day that isn't exactly what you thought or wanted to have happen...right? If this is not your life, then kudos to you, it must be nice! 

But wait! It can be you, all by your attitude.

Take the swaha, so it is or so it goes, attitude and things won't seem so bad and you may just have that perfect (for you) day. 

Part of this is turning what could be perceived as a negative into a positive. 

For instance, twice today, things did not happen as I thought they would. I have a class in Little Italy on Thursdays at noon. This weekend is the Feast of the Assumption in that neighborhood. Tons of people, blocked off roads, and definitely nowhere close to park. In the past this hasn't affected that class...but this year, the parade was going right through it. I parked a mile away and started the trudge down the hill knowing that I was going to be late if anyone actually made it through there. 

Now, the fact that yoga classes slow down in the summer, I rely especially on my regulars and teaching my classes. So, of course, with my class not happening this afternoon. (I arrived about 10 minutes late and no one was there anyhow.) I walked back down the road and actually got to witness the parade which I have never seen before. So, that was pretty cool. 

Again this evening, one of my more popular classes only had one student. Of course, I get paid per head for this class, so it was not my biggest moneymaker, but as we went through class, I got to talk with my student and get to know what asanas work for her and what adjustments and modifications she could use in future classes too. Now, I do do this in a class with more people, but when it's one on one, it's nice for the student to get more of an explanation and more personal attention. So, although it wasn't my busiest class, I feel like I will be able to teach with a better understanding of this student in the future = positive thing!

So, when you feel like something bad or negative is happening to you, turn it around. Figure out what you are learning from the experience and make it a positive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 221 Intention ~ Practice

Day 221 Intention ~ Practice

There is a joke that yoga teachers never get to practice once they start teaching because they are always teaching. Well, my practice has also gotten a little bit lost, not from teaching too much, but from having injuries here and there. 

But, this morning, I went to my first Ashtanga (shorter version) class in a long time and it was fantastic!! I am still nursing my shoulder a bit from George the dog dragging me to the ground last month, so I couldn't go full force like I used to, but it was still good to be in class with other people, practicing. 

The last month or so I have been being very careful not to injure or strain that shoulder anymore, so I've been doing very slow and more restorative practices, but I LOVE Ashtanga!!

Glad to be back! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 198 Intention ~ Get Creative

Day 198 Intention ~ Get Creative

Okay, so I am not claiming to completely understand all of this planetary/stars alignment stuff, but according to the astrologers, today is the beginning of this "golden triangle" for all of the water signs that hasn't happened for the last 10 plus years. Being a pisces, of course, I am interested in this. 

Apparently it is a great time to get creative, especially if you are in publishing at all (ahem, I consider myself kind of a writer these days...), so it is time for me to stop thinking about things I could write and actually write them! 

So, over the next few days while this golden triangle is at its strongest, I am to at least write my ideas down, if not just get cracking on it. We will see what happens...let the words start to flow. 

One thing this forecast said is that things won't just fall in my (or your) lap, you have to work for it. Bummer, but c'mon we knew that, right? So, just like in our practice, you don't just pop up into handstand in your first class, well, maybe you did, but I certainly did not. Practice is key. Work is key. It's that way with asana practice. It's the same way with meditation practice. The more you do it, the easier it gets to start letting the outside thoughts go, the easier it is to sit in one position without moving, the easier it is to find that inner focus so that you can see and feel the whole universe inside of you. 

"Practice & all is coming." ~ Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

It's true. So keep it up. Work for it. Keep the energy flowing and get creative with it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 190 Intention ~ Don't Rush It

Day 190 Intention ~ Don't Rush It

Now that I am feeling re-inspired and creative, I want to do everything at once! The motivation is fantastic, but the reality is, rushing it will make the quality suffer. Taking the time to mindfully put things together in a calm, thought out way, is a much better path. 

Whether it is creating or doing something that you love, taking the time to put care into it makes it all the more special. You enjoy the process as well as the final outcome. 

It's the same way on our mats. When we are newer to the hatha, physical, yoga practice, we want to pop right up into wheel pose, forgetting that it's been 20 years since we've tried to move that way and it's much more difficult than it looks. But with care and mindful practice, we learn the steps as we build the strength and flexibility, and before long, coming up into that pose is not as daunting as it once was.

Have a minor injury in my shoulder girdle this past week has reminded me to take it step by step. Slow it down & not to rush it. 

All good things in all good time.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

It's been a few days since I've gotten on my mat. Since then I have been on 2 long car rides, hiked, slept in funny beds and been dragged to the ground by George, hurting my shoulder (see post from a few days ago). Needless to say, my body is TIGHT!!! But, alas, my right arm is still not 100% ready for practice. Heck, it still hurts to lift my arm over my head. But, yet, I need to get on my mat. 

So, as I would tell my own students...listen to my body. Do what I can and be okay with stopping if necessary. It's still a hard pill to swallow when every part but one is ready to practice. Everything in moderation. Pushing oneself beyond capabilities is just asking to injure oneself during what is supposed to be a healing practice. 

So, as I approach my mat today, I will listen to my body and back off when my right shoulder starts to resist my attempts.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 171 Intention ~ Accept My Practice

Day 171 Intention ~ Accept My Practice

A.k.a., lose the ego. I just went to a class with a teacher that I have never gone to before for a demo class at one of the studios where I teach. As we moved through the poses, I felt super tight and my quads just felt tired. 

I noticed that as I was struggling, my mind started to wander and I started to get frustrated with my own practice. I would draw back into the breath and find a little recovery from my own mind. 

Then, just as soon as I found a little santosha,  I tried to enter bird of paradise (which I love!) and suddenly the burrito I ate for lunch earlier decided that my core was not ready to contract and lift, I fell back into that land of frustration again. 

What is going on?? Why is my ego taking over today in class?? Do I not constantly remind my students to be accepting of your practice that day??!! 

As I once again noticed my thought patterns and brought myself back into the breath, I finally felt a little bit of calm. I felt a little bit of peace within my own mind. I found a little bit of yoga. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 165 Intention ~ Start a Summer Learning Series

Day 165 Intention ~ Start a Summer Learning Series

I have been thinking about my 500 hour training so much lately, but can't afford it. I have this desire and hunger to delve deeper into my yoga knowledge and practice that it feels almost uncontrollable. In lieu of my finances, I have decided to start a summer learning series...with myself! This is the perfect time of year to start this as classes tend to slow down while people are vacationing and/or enjoying other outdoor activities. 

To do this, I am going to go through several of my yoga books with a fine toothed comb & advance my knowledge. Starting with anatomy books, and moving into the more philosophical. If I study for at least one hour a day, I feel as if I will quench some of this thirst. This will also make my own practice and my teaching better.

Meanwhile, I will save my money and perhaps get to start my 500 hour training sometime next year. I hope so! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 155 Intention ~ Soak In The Practice

Day 155 Intention ~ Soak in the practice

There are just those days...I woke up in a fog, wondering how on earth I was going to teach class, feeling a little grumpy and out of it. 

Then, I practiced asana. It was just a quick hour long practice, but, man oh man, what a difference. Getting the blood flowing, moving around, breathing, and just letting the outside world go for that short time makes the day turn around completely. 

I know that I've said this before, but I will say it again. Those days that you feel stressed or tired, or just plain don't feel like practicing are the most important times to practice. You will feel better, more relaxed and even more energetic to get all those things done that you need to do. Even if it is only 5 sun salutation a's & 5 sun b's...do it!

Practice, practice, practice! You'll be glad you did. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 151 Intention ~ Stop Comparing

Day 151 Intention ~ Stop Comparing

In the yoga classes that I teach, I often tell my students, especially if they are newer to the practice, to stop comparing themselves to others in the class. It gets you nowhere & we are all going to be in a different spot. Period. 

It just causes undue stress, insecurity, feelings of unworthiness, and on and on when we put ourselves through that type of comparison. 

Luckily, as far as my practice goes, I am accepting of where my practice is each time and I am thankful for it. Sure, there are times when I wish my left hip wasn't so much tighter than my right or that I could just float up into some amazing arm balance that I don't quite have...yet, but in general, I am okay with how my practiced has developed. I am the turtle of the yoga asana. It takes time & I am very very patient. 

Where I find myself making comparisons is in my teaching. If I go to a class, I often think about the wonderful things the teacher is saying and sequencing that we are doing, and I start to think that I am a horrible teacher! It's nuts. We all have something to offer & frankly, I am not a horrible teacher. But yet, I put myself through this almost every single time. Why??? It frustrates me to no end and in reality, I know it does me no good to do this to myself. 

The reality is, there is something to be learned from each & every teacher and yoga class out there. I encourage my students to check out other teachers, classes and yoga styles, but then downplay my own abilities to teach. 

NO MORE!!! I am so grateful for all my teachers, past, present & future (btw, this includes my students too-I learn something every time from them also).  

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 142 Intention ~ Take My Own Advice

Day 142 Intention ~ Take My Own Advice

I am constantly going on about practice, practice, practice...and meditation and being present and so on and so on. As I wallow in my little funk I've been in, although, I have accepted it for what it is, I simultaneously kind of stopped my practice. 

Hmmm. Connection? No practice = tamasic funk? 

Seems likely. 

Sure, I still drink my green drinks and eat vegan. I pretend in my mind that because I demo a couple of poses during class, that I am practicing my asana practice. (I know my meditation & breathing practice has fallen to the wayside- at least I don't lie to myself about that!) 

But, no wonder I haven't been feeling my normal chipper self!

So, today, and the rest of my days ahead, I will follow my own advice to those around me and practice, practice, practice. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia