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 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

Day 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

I will admit, I had a pretty gluttonous weekend when talking about food. I woke up this morning feeling bloated and out of balance. 

The funny (or not so funny at all) thing is, eating and drinking in this fashion this weekend made me feel lazy and I didn't even practice any yoga. The only exercise I got was walking the dog. 

That being said, I am back on track today. I went spinning, did yoga, and went back to my salad eating vegan ways. I feel so much more like myself it is incredible. 

A healthy diet is so important to maintaining one's health. Now, I am not going to preach about being vegetarian or vegan, I think people have different needs. I do think it is a good idea to try out different "diets" and see if you feel better eating one way over another. 

The real rule of thumb to follow though is everything in moderation. 

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 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