Day 314 Intention ~ Make It A Sunday Fun Workday

Day 314 Intention ~ Make It A Sunday Fun Workday

It used to be that Sunday was my only day off. That is still usually the case, but really, even if were doing stuff like chores at home, it's still work. We just aren't getting paid. 

Today, I am working. I already wrote an article for Examiner.com, I am subbing a class and then I am off to the JAK studio for one more workday before they head off to the Grand Central show for the next 6 weeks. 

It's Sunday. That's all. It's just the name of the week. No hang ups. The only downfall is that John is home on Sunday, but we hung out all day yesterday. 

Luckily, I enjoy all of my jobs: writing, teaching and whatever task the ladies of JAK will have me doing. Writing makes me feel like I am purging a little bit. Releasing words from my head for all of you to see. Teaching is just inspiring for me. Getting to help people get stronger and feel better, for some, just reteaching them to breathe and letting them know it will be okay is a fantastic feeling. Working at JAK is so completely different from anything else I do that it is so good for me to expand my horizons. I also get to work with two of my best friends, so there is always lots of laughter AND I get to spend time with them to boot. Win-win. 

So, although it's Sunday and I will be working all day, I am happy. It will be fun & there's no use to getting hung up on what day of the week it is anyhow. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 312 Intention ~ Turn Off

Day 312 Intention ~ Turn Off

Days have been very busy the past couple of weeks, which is great, but also very tiring. The other thing that happens with me when I am working a lot is that I can't seem to wind down ~ funny for a yoga teacher, huh?! 

It's true. When I get a chance to sit back, I feel like I should be doing something. You know...idle hands and all of that. 

But, this evening, I have a pact with myself to turn off. No computer, no email, no Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. There may be some movie or t.v., so I'm not going to get crazy, but no working. 

Letting myself relax. 

Heck, I may even do some yoga :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

It's Sunday. This is usually the one day a week I take off, but today, I subbed a class. I also have some knit work to do, but that is super laid back. 

John & I were talking last night about a few things that we did need to get done today. When I got home from my class this afternoon, I asked him what was on the list again. As he went down the items, the last thing he said was, "And most importantly, the number one thing we need to do today is...relax."

So, there it is. There is my intention for the rest of my Sunday. Although with the Browns in Green Bay today, not sure if I'll be able to relax. ha!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

And appreciate every minute of it....

As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed so many people with angry looks on their faces. Maybe not angry, but not happy. It was one of those mornings in which my iPod shuffle was hitting all tunes that I wanted to hear, so I was singing and boppin' down the road and yet still, it was hard to ignore the looks on people's faces as they headed into each day or when they insisted on tailgating me or having to pass me, and believe me, I wasn't driving slowly. 

It was sad to see this on the morning commute. It's not that I am unaware that I am lucky to get to do things that I love to make a living, but it was just blaring in my face (and consciousness) this morning. I love going to work for my friends, it's like I'm getting to go hang out and get paid. Please note, I do actually work when I am there...most of the time. :)

So, once again, just wanted to appreciate that I love what I get to do in this world and I am so so grateful for it. It is sad that I feel lucky to get to do what I want...I wish everyone could do what they want, follow their dreams and feel lucky.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia 

Day 280 Intention ~ Back to Work

Day 280 Intention ~ Back to Work

Although it was great to spend a whole day napping and relaxing without a care in the world yesterday, today it is back to reality. Back to work. But, because of yesterday, I feel ready to take on the world. With so much stuff coming up, it is time to buckle down and put the nose to the grindstone...any other cliches I can throw in there?? ha ha ha

So, happy Monday everyone! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 273 Intention ~ Get Back On Track

Day 273 Intention ~ Get Back On Track

There are a lot of wonderful things coming up for my husband and I in the next few weeks. We both have a lot of work to do to make these events successful. Sometimes, I think, in a bit of a childish way, we both tend to avoid these obligations by going out and celebrating our lives before we accomplish what we need to. I'm not saying we shouldn't celebrate life, but we also shouldn't avoid our responsibilities. 

Today, it's back to reality, as I have classes and a lot of work to do at home before tomorrow. I am taking a hiatus from socializing to get my head screwed back on straight and until I get some of these "responsibilities" crossed off of my list. Then we can really celebrate...without any guilt!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 267 Intention ~ Keep Balanced

Day 267 Intention ~ Keep Balanced

Sunday was the fall equinox and on that day the daylight and nightfall are an equal 12 hours each. It brings me to think about balance. As fall starts, many of us throw ourselves back into work or school activities, football, upcoming holidays and all sorts of things after a lazy summer and forget to take time for oneself. 

I am the same way. I like the activity that gets stirred up once everything gets back to normal, but being in a constant state of "go" can burn you out...fast.

So, remember to find balance in your life. Take some time for you to replenish so that you can enjoy all of those great fall activities. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia 

Day 266 Intention ~ Just Do What You (I) Can

Day 266 Intention ~ Just Do What You (I) Can

Back to reality. There is a list of things that need to be done, but, of course, I am feeling lazy & tired...and dare I say, a little hungover. We had a great time in Cincinnati yesterday. The hotel was fabulous, the people in town were super friendly, Oktoberfest was going on and the show was great. 

So, today, although I am tired, I am just doing what I can to get the things I need for tomorrow finished. No rushing, not really worrying about it. If I stress, the work becomes shoddy and I feel badly. So, just do what I can...that's all anyone can ask anyhow, right?

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Been feeling a little "heavy" in my mind the past couple of days. Not sure if it's the rainy weather or too much tme watching Don Draper pout in Mad Men reruns, but it is time to lighten up. Sure, classes were a little bit lighter this week for some reason (I have given up trying to figure out the waves in yoga class attendance!), but other than that, things are GOOD! 

Lots of work to do, fun times with friends, my husband's art & guitar work are starting to gain some traction, we're healthy, our family and friends are healthy. Life is good. 

So, although, I am working this evening, so that I can have the next two days off instead, I need to try to get out of my head, and just enjoy. 

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 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 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 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 199 Intention ~ Get to Work!

Day 199 Intention ~ Get to Work!

Working for what you want is definitely the theme around my house this week. Everywhere we turn someone who inspires us, horoscopes or even just reality has been telling us that we have to work for what we want in this world. Of course, we know this already. But, it's good to get a little kick in the pants to encourage motivation also. 

Problem here is...these hot hot days in Cleveland this week are making me more sluggish than ever! When I have returned home from classes the past two days, I have fallen into a deep sleep in the recliner. Maybe I just need sleep or perhaps I am turning on too much British television. :)

Regardless, the past two days, while on my way to class, I have been excited about the work I would get to do when I get home only to find the motivation is sapped out of me when I get there. 

So, my intention for today (and tomorrow and on and on) is to get to work. 

As G. Love says, "You got to work to deserve it, earn it to own it."

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 162 Intention ~ Get Back Into the Routine

Day 162 Intention ~ Get Back Into The Routine

Ahhh summertime, it seems that every weekend there is somewhere to go or someone coming to town. This past weekend was a little combo of that. My mother in-law came to town, then we went out of town for a family wedding and then all came back and then visited for another couple of days. 

Now, I am ready to get back to my usual routine. As much as it is fun to see family and loved ones and relax or explore new cities and places, it's exhausting. 

Suddenly, I am ready to just work and chill out! Who knew?!?!

So, til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 148 Intention ~ Work, Rest, Work, Rest...

Day 148 Intention ~ Work, Rest, Work, Rest...

Apparently I am pretty exhausted from all the excitement of the holiday weekend & am finding that I've needed to switch from work to rest, back to work and then rest again all day long. 

I suppose this could lead into a discussion about balance in one's life or listening to what my body is requesting, but the reality is, I have work to do, but I'm tired. Therefore, instead of work and play, today, it is work and rest...in short shifts for each. 

Sorry, but that is it for today! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia