Day 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

Day 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

There is so much going on in this world, in this life, that there is no reason to not keep learning through it all. It keeps life exciting and new and helps us from becoming stagnant. 

Besides, nobody likes a know it all anyhow!

In yoga, I am still always learning. I have been teaching for just about 4 years now, and practiced for years longer than that, but yet, I still learn something every class I take. It may not be about a pose, but often, it's something about myself. How I react to certain movements, what it brings out in my body and my mind...and, yes, no day is ever exactly the same. 

When I was in teacher training, I remember it being said at one point that as soon as you think you know it all, you know nothing. I have always tried to keep that in mind as I teach and as I take class. I think it's a great mantra for beyond the class too. 

As soon as we think we know everything, we start to close ourselves off in a way. We aren't open to new ideas, we are definitely never wrong and we slowly become all about the ego again. I, me, mine. We forget that we are all living and breathing as one, it may appear we are living separate existences, and from certain angles we are, but in the grand scope of the universe and life, we are all part of the same beating energy and breath. What I do effects you and vice versa and on and on. So, let's try to keep open. 

Breathe deep, lift your chest and your heart and open your arms to the universe and all it has to offer. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 152 Intention ~ Look Around & Smile

Day 152 Intention ~ Look Around & Smile

Yesterday I was driving home from class and realized that I had a grin across my face as I drove in this crazy traffic that was happening. It was that moment of realization that struck me...life is a wonderful amazing thing, no matter what is going on. Sure, sometimes things don't go as we would wish and are tough or sometimes we're just plain bored, but sometimes that is okay. It all moves in cycles and we need those times to appreciate the blissful times. 

Last weekend I spent so much time driving, from Cleveland to Rochester to Toronto, back to Rochester and then back to Cleveland, all with so much activity inbetween (which was fabulous), but it was also exhausting. 

Today, after my class, I chilled at home, made vegan cookie dough and watched "Dexter" with my husband, dog, George & cat, Stella. At first I felt guilty, wishing it would start raining, so that I didn't feel like a lazy good for nothing. But then I realized that there was nothing else I'd rather do than have a lazy afternoon with my family...relaxing. Bring that smile back to my face. 

Lo and behold, as soon as I came up here to write this blog up, the downpour came outside. Hopefully it cools it down, so that actually baking the cookies won't create a sauna in my house! 

Til tomorrow...just look around and smile...life is so full of richness & wonderment. Enjoy.

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 120 Intention ~ Check Your Intention

Day 120 Intention ~ Check Your Intention

I know it sounds funny, but it is something to pay attention to. Why do we do the things we do or say the things we say or behave the way we do? What are the reasons? What is the intention behind it? 

Hopefully we're all working for good and not evil. :)

But, really looking into our actions and our wants and our behavior and trying to lead with our heart seems like a good way to go about things. If you are out to upset or one-up someone in your world, what is that worth? What is really behind that action? 

Just paying attention to why we do things, may make us think twice before forcing negativity on someone else or on a situation. Others around us will be a little more peaceful & perhaps we will be able to find a little more peace and contentment when we lead with love.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 82 Intention ~ Lead with Love

Day 82 Intention ~ Lead with Love

It's free. It's easy. And why the heck not?!?! Being present with an open heart not only makes those around you feel good, but you will feel good too. 

It's a choice. How do you want to face the world? I was in the post office this morning and a man was upset that he may have to come back to pick up his parcel because it wasn't there. He began to lose his temper and raise his voice to the woman working behind the counter. Meanwhile, the line is getting longer and longer while he continues to let the world revolve around him. 

I just kept thinking to myself that if he was just a little nicer about it, she may have been a little more open to helping him work it out. My husband is very good at this. He will talk to folks at the airlines when flights get screwed up and just soothe them into making things work for him (and us, so that's advantageous for me too!) Sometimes we do get put in frustrating positions, but exploding may temporarily make you feel good, it will most likely make the person you're exploding on feel bad and people around the situation will most likely just feel uncomfortable or not want to be around that energy. Once you settle down, you may feel badly for being a jerk and losing your cool. 

Entering that situation in a different way...with love, all those involved will most likely feel good when the situation is over and there won't be any need for guilty feelings later. Besides, it's just plain easier to lead with an open heart. 

The more you give, the more you will receive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 37 Intention ~ Give Thanks

Day 37 Intention ~ Give Thanks

I am thankful for many things in my life. I love my work, my family, my friends, my dog, laughter, yoga, the delicious vegan soup a friend gave me today, The Rolling Stones...you name it. Often when it's not around Thanksgiving or the holidays anymore, we forget to appreciate and give thanks for everything in our lives and for this magnificent world. 

So today, I invite you to pause with me & give thanks for all the good (and even the bad-we learn from those things, right?!) that are in our lives. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia