Day 357 Intention ~ See Old Friends

Day 357 Intention ~ See Old Friends

 

It's a couple of days before Christmas and all through Cleveland, people were packing parking lots and driving like maniacs to pick up last minute gifts for the holidays. They were checking their phones (doesn't have to be a holiday for that) and distracted by their thoughts so much that they were cutting each other off and getting into accidents and honking their horns.

 

Happy holidays.

 

I drove down to Kent this morning to see some old friends that live in California now. It was my only chance to see them this holiday season, so I trekked down there even if it was for only 90 minutes. I will take what I can get. Seeing friends and family during the holidays is more important to me than anything else. So, I do what I can.

 

As I drove to and from, the cars were driving erratically and cutting each other off, not signaling or not turning their signals off long past switching lanes. The exit at Chagrin was backed up all the way to the highway. As people pulled up next to me, everyone looked so unhappy.

 

I couldn't help asking myself, why do we put ourselves through it each year!?!

 

So, in defiance of this holiday stress, I chose to remain calm in my vehicle and know that I would eventually move again. I would get home. And, I am still happy I drove all that way to see old friends for a few moments today.

 

A friend of mine has a bath towel in her bathroom that reads, "Friends are the best presents." Last weekend when we were all over at her house for a holiday gathering, we busted her chops a little bit on that towel and had a good laugh. But, today, when I think about it, it's true.

 

 

Til tomorrow...

 

Shanti,

 

Marcia

Day 354 Intention ~ Soften

Day 354 Intention ~ Soften

With the holidays upon us and lots of classes to be subbed, I have found myself feeling burned out and tense. My shoulders have gotten tighter & tighter over the last week making me feel hard as a rock. That is physically speaking.

Between money woes and holiday stress, my mind and emotional state has also hardened. There has been a minor pity party going on for myself the last few days making me unmotivated and uninspired in my "normal" life & in my classes.

Today, I have tried to lighten up a bit. As soon as I changed my mindset, my shoulders started to soften...then my heart.

What happened after that? Well, everything got a little bit brighter and better.

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 339 Intention ~ Plan Ahead

Day 339 Intention ~ Plan Ahead

I am not one to map everything out in my life or world. I admittedly get a little lazy about it and fly by the seat of my pants at times. 

Tomorrow I am leading a wellness day for a community group that I have been very excited about. Sure, I've known about it for months. Sure, I've had an idea of what I have wanted to do since learning of this event. And, no, not til this afternoon, did I type it all out and get it together. 

What's funny is that the past two nights I have dreamt of this event and me leading it and, well, it all going well. But, the fact that I am dreaming about it lets me know that I am actually concerned about it more than I consciously feel like I am. 

So, even with my vague outline in my head, today, I planned this event. I typed it all out & am ready to roll with it come tomorrow. 

And guess what? I feel more relaxed now. 

A Malian proverb from today's African proverbs calendar reads, "Those who accomplish great things pay attention to little ones."  So, perhaps this outline and plan for me are the "little" things, but to someone who reaps its benefits tomorrow, it could be considered great. 

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 262 Intention ~ Go Easy

Day 262 Intention ~ Go Easy

Trying to take it easy today, even with 5 classes to teach. Four down, one to go this evening. With the fall schedule coming into play, and the busier schedule upon me, I fear that I have run myself down a little bit. When I got home last night, I was worried that I was falling ill early in the season for me. 

In this yoga profession, having a cold is not an option. So, I am listening to the cues today and going easy on myself. 

Luckily, I have this break in the day to rest and get it together for class this evening. 

In yoga, we get to learn our bodies cues. We become so familiar with how our shoulders, arms, legs, back, etc. feel in poses and moving through the poses, that we know when something just isn't right. We learn to listen to what our body is telling us that day. How far it can go, push further or pull back a bit that day. The key is accepting and being okay with what your body is telling you any given day. 

Learning to apply these lessons in our regular life off the mat is helpful too. When to push for that promotion or raise, how to assess a situation and deal with it, how we handle stress, and even when to call in sick. Allow the body to rest and heal when it needs it. 

So, that is what is going to happen here this afternoon. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 261 Intention ~ Regroup

Day 261 Intention ~ Regroup

The last two nights I have had nightmares. I used to have them all of the time when I worked 9-5 or rather 8:30-5:30 Monday through Friday and then taught every evening and on weekends. I would be pulling my hair out. I was frazzled and I would have nightmares caused by stress. Not very yogic for sure. 

Since quitting my day job and teaching full-time, I have had less. Sure, the occasional one slips in when all the bills are due and I am constantly running a calculator through my head, but the longer I have been teaching, the less that has been happening. 

The last two days though. What's up?! Well, I start 3 new classes (all different from each other) this week besides the 2 new ones I started last week and in addition to subbing 2 classes already this week. Needless to say, it's a busy week. With new classes, especially ones catered to certain groups, today's new one is a class for seniors. It takes extra preparation that I haven't felt like I have had time to do yet. It stresses me out. Even though I know it will be fine and I will get it together, I want it to be good. 

So, writing this early today and getting off of the computer...and the smart phone and regrouping, so that I can make these nightmares fade away and feel more organized. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 225 Intention ~ Take It In Stride

Day 225 Intention ~ Take It In Stride

Plans change. Things come up. Today was one of those days. The muffler fell off my husband's van, so he needed a ride to work. No problem. Then he informed me of an appointment midday that he had. Threw my work plans into the fire since I go work for friends about 50 miles away on Tuesday's. Then his phone wasn't working, so we spent an hour at the Sprint store. 

In the past, pre-yoga days, I may have freaked out and felt put upon in my selfishness that my day was getting screwed up, but nowadays, I just take it in stride. Sure, there are times I am stressed about things and can't seem to let things go right away. But more times than not anymore, I can take things in stride and realize the world is not going to come to an end & everything will be okay even with a change of plans. 

So, if you find yourself feeling stressed or upset because things haven't progressed in the way you planned or the way you hoped, try to let it be what it is and take it in stride.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 212 Intention ~ Be Kind

Day 212 Intention ~ Be Kind

It sounds so simple and it really is simple. Sometimes we just need reminded. We can get so caught up in our stressed out worlds that we forget that it is just easier and just plain more pleasant to simply be kind to those around you. 

Whenever I have snapped at someone, I always feel badly about it afterwards. I don't think there has ever been a time that I felt good about it, even in my bitchier teenage years. 

So, kill 'em with kindness, right?! 

If you find yourself getting frustrated today and ready to snap, try being kind and see how the situation may turn around. Everyone will feel better about it that way also. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 206 Intention ~ Work From the Heart

Day 206 Intention ~ Work From the Heart

I think as a yoga teacher, I often find myself worrying about delivering a quality class to my students while keeping it interesting for them also. Sometimes I stress about this so much that the class could then turn into exactly the opposite of the goal. I have often laughed at myself overthinking classes and getting stressed...over yoga. 

It took some time, and it was something that I was aware of the whole time, but once it resurfaces, it all flows together again, and is one piece of advice that I have for newer teachers ~ to teach from the heart. People will feel your sincerity and appreciate that much more than you trying to impress them with fancy sequences that were put together haphazardly or to try to "show what you know" to the students. 

In any line of work or project or passion that you have, if you work from the heart as you do it, that love and sincerity will be visible to whomever sees it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 200 Intention ~ Take Responsibility

Day 200 Intention ~ Take Responsibility

I can't believe it's day 200 already!! 

Today I am taking responsibility. I admittedly have made some stupid mistakes regarding my money and credit cards in my life. I try to make these things life lessons, but this one has taken me 20 years to learn. BUT, I am finally learning it. 

It is a point of contention with my husband and myself and has held a dark cloud over my head for way too long. 

How could I have let this happen??? When I first started teaching yoga full-time and was building up my classes and clientele, I was too proud to ask my husband for money to pay my credit card bill. I stupidly paid late more than once, but never more than a day or two. Well, they jacked my rate up. Now the payments are out of control. Half of my monthly income seems to go to paying on that account. ugh. Of course, I am completely embarrassed by the situation. But now, I am swallowing my pride and admitting to myself that I don't have this under control and making calls to help myself. 

Why is this such an issue??

I am totally responsible in other aspects of my life. I show up, on time, for all of my work engagements, heck, even my social engagements. I pay our other bills. I balance my checkbook, I admit when I am wrong, and I've written this blog everyday for the last 200 days like I promised. 

So, today I am taking responsibility. I have already called the credit card company to try to get them to work with me on this. My next call is to my accountant to ask for her advice on how to handle this issue. I had told my husband that I would do this quite awhile back and avoided it out of embarrassment, but today is the day!

Even though I may not like what I hear, I already feel better having taken the first steps in this process. If you have something hanging over your head, get it out! It's not worth the stress. Start moving forward with it today and clear it up. 

You'll be happy that you did. 

I know that I already feel more true to myself by admitting and trying to fix this than I did just yesterday.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 189 Intention ~ Get Creative...

Day 189 Intention ~ Get Creative...

And I mean that with work and play! After a nice break, you may have noticed a little frazzled tone in my posts pre-vacation last week, I am now ready to conquer the world!! Ha ha ha, okay, just get a little more creative with my yoga teaching and writing & my play time (generally I mean with George.)

It's summer, classes tend to slow down and dogs like to have a more adventurous time in the great outdoors. Feeling more inspired, I have a bunch of motivation and new ideas for my business and pleasure. Of course, this being Monday and having the last 5 days off, I suppose it's going to be about business today for me, but that is okay too. One great thing about planning fun yogic things and writing is that I can brainstorm and plan outside in the beautiful weather. 

Mercury is retrograde and yes, I have felt its effects somewhat, but even with that stress going on monetarily and emotionally (and you know not to make big purchases of electronics or sign any contracts during Mercury retrograde, right??), I feel good and positive! This is going to be a great summer & year ahead! 

So, if you are local to me, stay tuned for some great exciting new things coming up very very soon! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 178 Intention ~ Relax In The Midst Of It All

Day 178 Intention ~ Relax in the midst of it all...

Today is a busy busy day for me, but with a break between the (yikes!) five classes that I am teaching today, I have found a chance to get back into teaching mode and not tired burned out mode. It's great to find little chances to take even a 5 minute break at times and allow your mind to let go of all the daily grind and concern that tends to make us wrinkle our faces, drink more coffee and stress out. 

Try this exercise next time you need a little break:

Sit in a comfortable seated position. It can be crossed legged or sitting on your heels. You can also use a blanket or block to get a little lift so that you don't dump down into your lower back. *This can even be done at your desk if getting away is not an option. 

Close your eyes. Relax your shoulders. Still sit up nice and tall. Rest your dominant hand in your less dominant hand and place them in your lap with your thumbs gently touching. 

Start to breathe in and out through the nose. Just the natural breath at first, just letting the body feel ease on the inhale and letting outside thoughts or stress flow out with the exhale. 

Start a mantra. Inhale, say to yourself, "relax" or "let". Exhale, say to yourself, "relax" or "go". If you have a mantra that puts you at ease besides relax or let go, feel free to use it. 

Once you feel more calm. Come back to the rest of your day. 

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 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 144 Intention ~ Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Day 144 Intention ~ Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

There are times when I get worked up over something that, really, in the whole scheme of things, is just not a big deal. 

There are many factors that can lead to this reaction: lack of sleep, if I ate junk food, if I have pms or an argument with someone I love, and many many more. 

Last night, I had one of these moments. I got myself worked up over a little thing because I was overtired and didn't want to be inconvenienced. 

In the light of day, all is fine and everything has worked out. But, I still really don't like when I react that way to things. When it does happen, it means it's time for me to take a step back and really think about what's going on around me. It's usually something else bothering me or causing me to feel frustrated. 

So, think before you react. And really, don't sweat the small stuff! It's never worth it. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 124 Intention ~ Be Gracious

Day 124 Intention ~ Be Gracious

This will be short and sweet. We are going to my in-laws this weekend. We always have a good time, but there is always the before trip anxiety. This time is no different. Sometimes the communication exchanges I hear upset me because I want everyone to be happy and I especially do not want my husband to be upset or stressed.

Family get-togethers are a wonderful crazy thing that can be great or can put unnecessary pressure on someone. I am just hoping to be a gracious guest and that we can all operate on a level of maturity, acceptance, understanding and love because it can only be people who care about each other that would let themselves get so emotional and crazy over each other and their opinions, thoughts, and actions. 

To family! 

And til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 114 Intention ~ Stay Productive

Day 114 Intention ~ Stay Productive

I've been in vacation mode ever since we got back to Cleveland at 3 a.m. Monday morning. Luckily for me, I've only had a few classes and work that I can do at home since we returned. But today, I am kicked back into full gear and need to stay productive to get it all done. 

I used to just go into a frenzy whenever I had a long laundry list of things I needed to get done. Now, I think of the tortoise and the hare. Slow & steady win the race. 

As with our asana practice, keeping the breath slow & steady gives us strength and a more calming meditative effect to our poses. If we breathe into each pose whether it's vinyasa flow or just when holding a pose, we find that the body starts to open, tense muscles start to release and we discover new spaces and strength in ourselves. We also notice the mind starts to focus and remain calm. 

When we are stressed out, the breath becomes shortened, if not, barely there. This leads the body to react and tense up. Muscles strain, the mind becomes fuzzy and unclear and we may feel hopeless. Stop here. Try to notice when this is happening, and stop. Take (at least) 10 nice slow calm breaths and regroup. If you can keep this breath throughout your day, no matter what is going on around you, you will find that you will be able to get more done and stay productive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 94 Intention ~ Keep Plugging Away...

Day 94 Intention ~ Keep plugging away...and breathing.

From about 3 a.m. on this morning I kept waking up just about every 5 to 10 minutes. I had gotten to bed a little later than normal and had to get up at 6 a.m. 

With 4 classes and an article due tomorrow that I won't have any time to finish tomorrow, I knew today was going to be a busy day. I guess that's why I kept waking up...I guess. 

But, rather than allow stress to take over, I just kept plugging away with my less than stellar sleep and with my breath. So far so good. Three classes down and the article shaping up, I am feeling pretty good about things. Usually when I stress and freak out about things, they only get worse. Breathing and letting it happen as it will, and just continuing to work has let it all fall into place. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 77 Intention ~ Stay Strong & Keep Calm

Day 77 Intention ~ Stay Strong & Keep Calm

Everything seems to happen all at once. Assignments, classes, bills, car trouble, illness, appointments, and on and on. How do you handle it? That is the question. I am trying to stay strong and keep calm through it all. 

Sometimes I stress out for sure. Sometimes I hide from it all...avoidance. And sometimes when I'm feeling a bit more balanced about things, I just keep plugging away. Why freak out?! It seems like it is always all or nothing around here. Usually all or all unless I am on vacation, so just keep on rolling and going. So long as I can remember that there are worse scenarios to be in and that I've actually got it good and that there are always choices in this world, I can just roll with it without stressing out. 

So for now, I am strong and calm. Hopefully tomorrow too :)

Til then...

Shanti, 

Marcia