Day 219 Intention ~ Accept Whatever Happens

Day 219 Intention ~ Accept Whatever Happens

It's a rainy day today in Cleveland. I have 2 outdoor classes scheduled with no rain backup. As much as I would like these classes to happen, I am just going with the flow and accepting whatever happens. 

Finding contentment with what goes on...good or seemingly bad or unfortunate is just a part of life, therefore, we might as well not fight it. That just makes it harder. Everything happens for a reason, or so "they" say, so I am going to practice santosha and be grateful just for the day and be content with whatever happens. I certainly am not going to fight with Mother Nature about the rain! 

When things don't go as we planned, it can be an interesting investigation as to what the universe is trying to tell us. Maybe something bad would have happened if things went on as we wanted or perhaps something more important to the here and now will pop up. It's hard to know, but either way, I am content. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 218 Intention ~ Hang in There

Day 218 Intention ~ Hang In There

Although an afternoon and night away from reality was great, as soon as I got home this morning, the "to do" list started ticking in my brain. 

How do you turn it off?? 

Well, you take deep breaths and try to tackle one thing at a time. Once you get going, it's really much easier to keep the pace up. Sometimes that is easier said than done, sure, but once you get up and do it, it usually starts rolling. At least that is what I have found, not just today, but other days when I am trying to get back into the swing of things. 

Appreciate the time away, and appreciate the time in the daily grind. It's the only time to celebrate this particular time, so appreciate it and enjoy life...hang in there! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

Day 217 Intention ~ Connect with Nature

One of the perks of working for yourself is that you can arrange your schedule to take a day off on funny days without really having to ask anyone's permission. 

Today, an old friend and I are doing just that and heading off to her place on the water. We are planning on canoeing, watching the water, playing with the dogs, watching the sunset and reconnecting with each other too. Should be a fun and much needed adventure away from it all...even if it's just for a day.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 216 Intention ~ Hoop It Up!

Day 216 Intention ~ Hoop it up!

The last couple of years I have become mesmerized by the hoop girls at music shows. Especially those hoops with the lights. The picture above is from All Good Festival a few years back when this minor obsession started. 

Last night as my husband and I were walking up the road in our neighborhood, it happened. This 40-something girl got her first hula hoop. I've gotta say, it's hard work! But, already today, I feel like I have gotten it down a little bit and am excited to develop this new skill. I think to these folks I see at live shows and how they hoop to the music...maybe tomorrow. Seems so far off right now, but you never know! 

So, hooping it up today (and the rest of my days) have brought back a certain childlike fun and energy into my day and it feels good. I wish I had gotten a hoop when the bug first bit me, but I have it now. 

If there is something you have been wanting to try that you have been putting off for one reason or another, just do it! What do you have to lose? You may just feel like a kid again.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 215 Intention ~ Relax

Day 215 Intention ~ Relax

The other day I put a hammock up in the back yard. Every day I thought to myself,  "I'm going to lay out there today and relax." Something kept me from doing that each day...til today.

After subbing and teaching my own classes today, I returned home and napped in the hammock. It was heaven.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 214 Intention ~ Remember It's Already Inside

Day 214 Intention ~ Remember It's Already Inside

We have everything we need inside of us already. It's just waiting for us to tap into it. I still forget this and get nervous sometimes when I am about to teach students that don't already know me. This was how I felt this morning and then luckily, in a moment of clarity, I realized that I just need to teach my yoga. I already know what I am doing. Trying to teach like someone else is silly...and inauthentic. 

Stay true to yourself, stay open to others and teach from your heart, knowing that you already have the tools to live, teach, and love this life...whatever it is you do.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 213 Intention ~ Go Back to the Proverbs Calendar

Day 213 Intention ~ Go Back to the Proverbs Calendar

It's been awhile since I posted any of my African proverbs calendar, but today's seemed fitting. 

It's a North African proverb that says: 

Let the heart be overflowing but let the mouth be restrained. 

I agree. Too often we say things that are hurtful that we don't mean or just voice negative feelings or emotions. Now, I don't think it's good to bottle up what you are feeling, but lots of times when we are feeling negative or angry, the feeling is fleeting and just better left unsaid. 

Going back to what we teach young people, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I believe that this still holds true. Misery loves company, but what if the company never shows up? Or what if the company shows up, but only with an overflowing heart? 

How fabulous would that be!

Let's learn to lead with love and leave the negativity at the door. And maybe, just maybe, with time, those negative thoughts will slip away also.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia