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 211 Intention ~ One Step At A Time

Day 211 Intention ~ One Step At A Time

Being the pisces that I am, I tend to live in a dream land sometimes...a.k.a. fantasy land. I dream big and sometimes lose the smaller steps to get that big dream to come true. Now, I'm not just talking about career goals, but everyday simple things that I would like done. 

For example, I get this vision of my back yard...finished how I would like it to be in my fantasy world. Reality...I've been ignoring it all summer because we've been away or too busy, etc. It became so overgrown that the thought of working out there was just too overwhelming. In my head, there was this bountiful garden growing and a hammock, the patio was clean and cleared off and there are garden candles and decorations, and on and on. A couple weeks ago, I put the candle stakes up and started pulling the weeds. Then...back out of town. Backyard ignored again. Today, the hammock went up and some plants actually went into the ground (finally!). 

And, although it may not be my fantasy garden/backyard. It feels great back there. One step at a time. 

Same with my writing. Instead of visualizing myself on a book tour, I have been writing down ideas for the book that still needs written. 

Instead of jumping right back into a full on hardcore yoga practice after hurting my shoulder, I have eased back in and finally today, started back on my forearm stand work. 

One step at a time. It takes the pressure off and it makes each small accomplishment more valuable. 

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 209 Intention ~ George Fun Day

Day 209 Intention ~ George Fun Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a wee bit obsessed with my dog George. Lately, between it being too hot (heat advisory type hot) and busy work schedules, George has been a bit bored with us. So today, we took George to the best dog park in Northeast Ohio, Bow Wow Beach. I always watch him like a proud mama as he ran about happy as a clam with the other dogs. 

So, maybe to some, not the most exciting intention, but for me and George, it was perfect!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia 

(Please forgive any typos but I am writing from my phone)

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang at Home

Day 208 Intention ~ Hang At Home

Probably sounds like an easy one. It is. But, it's funny, with all of the trips and friends visiting and shows and fun things to do in the summer, just hanging out at home for a change makes me feel like I should be doing something. But the reality is, it's good to take a night off and regroup. 

So, sorry this blog is short and sweet, but that's all that's up here today.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 207 Intention ~ Support Local Business

Day 207 Intention ~ Support Local Business

I have always preferred shopping at the local "mom & pop" stores in my neighborhood. It is just more personal and you are supporting someone in your community. Like everyone else, there have been times that I have had to go for the cheaper option at the chain store because I didn't have the money at the time. But, when I can, I shop local. 

It is so important to support those in your community and help those around you thrive. It builds a better community & really, where there is positive growth, well, there is more positive growth! 

When I lived in San Francisco, the local shops were really the choice and the chain stores just weren't appealing and usually meant more travel on Bart since I didn't have a car. It was just easier to shop locally there. But, the reality is, I walk down Lee Road by my house in Cleveland Heights and there are so many cool little boutiques and artisan shops, why wouldn't I shop there?!

So today as I was thinking of what to get a friend for her birthday, I thought of a cool shop on Lee Road that is run by a bunch of the artists that sell their art and items at the Hessler Street Fair. Seems like the place to start! 

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