So my mum started making reusable fabric bags....oh probably 10-15 years ago with left over scrap fabric pieces and it became a running joke in our family that if Mary gave you a gift she wanted the bag back.
We still have some of the very first fabric bags she ever made.
They can be made easily with a sewing machine, scrap fabric (old tshirts would be great!) and some string or yarn to tie them off. You can make them occasion centric (Christmas, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Weddings, etc) and they can be made in any size!
And you can be like my mum and ask for the bags back OR if you're stuck for gifts make a bag of bags and spread the sustainable wealth!
It's really a perfect project for beginner sewers.
This site reuseit.com has options if you aren't savvy in sewing at all! But there are other sites as well.
Someone recently told me that wrapping things in bags is "cheating" and "takes the fun out of it" but honestly, fun to me is being able to see the planet healthy and alive.
If you do use wrapping paper be aware of recycling standards in your area and take the time to separate and do your part.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Live Green (For Holiday Gifts)
So with the Holidays really coming at us now I know people are thinking about gifts. A big problem though is that most of the people in my life have everything they need. Really and truly. Food, shelter, heat.
And are settled into their homes or lives so finding that "perfect gift" gets harder and harder every year.
BUT I my approach this year and for the past few for some people was too figure out fun ways to bring sustainable and useful gifts to people. Also, finding ways to give experiences rather than "things."
I found these great bamboo utensils that my entire family (and myself!) are getting. The set comes with a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks and a container that has a clip attached so you can take them with you. Meaning to-go plastics are no longer needed. Meaning you have your own chop stocks and don't need to get them when you order sushi!
These are the ones I picked up and I'm so excited for people to unwrap...partly so I can use mine. ;) Also, not pricey! If you want something for a stocking these would be perfect!
Another way I found some great gifts was on Groupon (or Wagjag). The ability to give winery tours, snowmobile rides, hot air balloon rides, tea dates, etc., is at your finger tips.
For my brother-in-law I picked up a subscription to a monthly coffee club (3 months). So he'll sign up and receive samples of various coffees. He loves coffee and it's a neat idea for those "hard to buy" people. And yes, gifting a piece of paper is sort of lame SO I glass etched a container with "COFFEE" on it, put the gift voucher inside and wrapped that! Voila! Neat gift ideas.
Another great idea is sites like Kiva, Oxfam, or Plan Canada where your gift becomes an opportunity for another human being to survive and create a beautiful life. My mum gets goats every year from my dad now. That's what Christmas is about isn't it?
If you want more local ideas, events like Memory Ball are fantastic gift ideas! Tickets for the event aren't on sale to the public til January 1st BUT if you want to gift a ticket for Christmas you can email info@memoryball.org and pick up a ticket as a gift!
OR if you'd like a ticket use one of these images on instagram or Facebook to let your loved ones know!
Whatever your gifting this year keep in mind the world and the person you're giving to. The best things we can give is our time and love.
Keep the holidays green!
And are settled into their homes or lives so finding that "perfect gift" gets harder and harder every year.
BUT I my approach this year and for the past few for some people was too figure out fun ways to bring sustainable and useful gifts to people. Also, finding ways to give experiences rather than "things."
I found these great bamboo utensils that my entire family (and myself!) are getting. The set comes with a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks and a container that has a clip attached so you can take them with you. Meaning to-go plastics are no longer needed. Meaning you have your own chop stocks and don't need to get them when you order sushi!
These are the ones I picked up and I'm so excited for people to unwrap...partly so I can use mine. ;) Also, not pricey! If you want something for a stocking these would be perfect!
For my brother-in-law I picked up a subscription to a monthly coffee club (3 months). So he'll sign up and receive samples of various coffees. He loves coffee and it's a neat idea for those "hard to buy" people. And yes, gifting a piece of paper is sort of lame SO I glass etched a container with "COFFEE" on it, put the gift voucher inside and wrapped that! Voila! Neat gift ideas.
Another great idea is sites like Kiva, Oxfam, or Plan Canada where your gift becomes an opportunity for another human being to survive and create a beautiful life. My mum gets goats every year from my dad now. That's what Christmas is about isn't it?
If you want more local ideas, events like Memory Ball are fantastic gift ideas! Tickets for the event aren't on sale to the public til January 1st BUT if you want to gift a ticket for Christmas you can email info@memoryball.org and pick up a ticket as a gift!
OR if you'd like a ticket use one of these images on instagram or Facebook to let your loved ones know!
Keep the holidays green!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Every day learning
I think sometimes in our every day lives we really miss true opportunities to live to learn.
That's why this part of my Live to Learn project was so interesting to me. I was hired in early September in a new part time job that was out of my field and over my head because of that.
Working in communications is just part of me but working with finances, math, calculations, budgets...well, as we established numbers not my strength.
HOWEVER!
In this position I've been given opportunities to really grow. I've worked with graphic design, I've organized a successful event (in three weeks!), I've created a personal budget, I've written newsletters, edited chapters of a book, and been exposed to really great tactics to tackle any project.
I think the planning will be 100% useful in any job. It looks at things in a positive light. Obstacles become actions to complete. Goals provide motivation.
As well, it's neat to see how my mind reacts to working in unique, competent, and incompetent abilities. The way time flies while working with creativity, in editing, with graphic design. The satisfaction of transcribing an hour and half presentation and the sense of a true "break time" once it was complete, and the sense of dread when it comes to cold calling.
To learn tackle skills, practical skills, life skills while learning about myself is pretty much the best job opportunity I could have been given at this stage in my life.
That's why this part of my Live to Learn project was so interesting to me. I was hired in early September in a new part time job that was out of my field and over my head because of that.
Working in communications is just part of me but working with finances, math, calculations, budgets...well, as we established numbers not my strength.
HOWEVER!
In this position I've been given opportunities to really grow. I've worked with graphic design, I've organized a successful event (in three weeks!), I've created a personal budget, I've written newsletters, edited chapters of a book, and been exposed to really great tactics to tackle any project.
I think the planning will be 100% useful in any job. It looks at things in a positive light. Obstacles become actions to complete. Goals provide motivation.
As well, it's neat to see how my mind reacts to working in unique, competent, and incompetent abilities. The way time flies while working with creativity, in editing, with graphic design. The satisfaction of transcribing an hour and half presentation and the sense of a true "break time" once it was complete, and the sense of dread when it comes to cold calling.
To learn tackle skills, practical skills, life skills while learning about myself is pretty much the best job opportunity I could have been given at this stage in my life.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Yoga for Seniors
So I took the first weekend of Yoga for Seniors in early October and was supposed to take the second weekend this weekend but with such a small enrollment it was cancelled. :(
The first weekend was a fairly practical approach. Lots of modifications for age, lots of modifications for mobility, balance, flexibility. It was interesting to see the approach from a non-Moksha view point and be led by a variety of teachers through poses.
It also really helped me solidify my trust in my knowledge as Moksha focuses on Accessibility and this really has become a part of my practice and my teaching. I knew how to use the wall, the chairs, blankets, bolsters, etc., to create poses for a variety of aging situations.
The best was that I was able to come back to my students at the Salvation Army and in the studio and be even more aware of the best pose for them.
That being said, I was super excited for Part 2. It was going to be a therapeutic approach with a focus on palliative care and bed yoga.
I will keep my eye on it for the next time it's offered. And what I learned from it being cancelled was that this is an area I truly care about-I want to be accessible in my teaching, I want to expand my knowledge for safe and effective practices and I want to continue to take additional trainings so that I can be the best teacher for the students who cross my path.
The first weekend was a fairly practical approach. Lots of modifications for age, lots of modifications for mobility, balance, flexibility. It was interesting to see the approach from a non-Moksha view point and be led by a variety of teachers through poses.
It also really helped me solidify my trust in my knowledge as Moksha focuses on Accessibility and this really has become a part of my practice and my teaching. I knew how to use the wall, the chairs, blankets, bolsters, etc., to create poses for a variety of aging situations.
The best was that I was able to come back to my students at the Salvation Army and in the studio and be even more aware of the best pose for them.
That being said, I was super excited for Part 2. It was going to be a therapeutic approach with a focus on palliative care and bed yoga.
I will keep my eye on it for the next time it's offered. And what I learned from it being cancelled was that this is an area I truly care about-I want to be accessible in my teaching, I want to expand my knowledge for safe and effective practices and I want to continue to take additional trainings so that I can be the best teacher for the students who cross my path.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Hit me with your best shot.
So studying for the GMAT...yikes!
From being completely underwhelmed to completely overwhelmed.
Literally, wanting to bang my head on the wall from ease and "are you kidding me people don't know that?" to wanting to bang my head on the wall from frustration and "are you kidding me, I don't know this???!?"
As predicted, the English portion-grammar, sentence correction, essays, etc., I got that. I know a "typical" essay is an intro, 3 arguments and an conclusion. I know how to pull out topics and how to make logical arguments.Deductive reasoning? No problem.
The quick sample test that was 5 questions and supposed to take 10 minutes. I did in 3 minutes and 7 seconds. That includes checking my answers. Of which I got one wrong. So ya know, take the time you have and that won't happen. Live and learn!
But the math, it's not that I don't understand it, it's that I do need to think harder about it, focus and concentrate. Which isn't bad at all! I've also been constantly using my English skills, every day, all the time, whereas math comes and goes.
I want to write early February so I have time to rewrite if need before applications are due but that gives me a good month to read and take sample tests.
Luckily, my dad is an accountant and my mum a retired teacher (who studied math).
Pushing my brain makes it easier to find the relaxation in practice, in teaching, growing and evolving and finding my limits fully and completely.
From being completely underwhelmed to completely overwhelmed.
Literally, wanting to bang my head on the wall from ease and "are you kidding me people don't know that?" to wanting to bang my head on the wall from frustration and "are you kidding me, I don't know this???!?"
As predicted, the English portion-grammar, sentence correction, essays, etc., I got that. I know a "typical" essay is an intro, 3 arguments and an conclusion. I know how to pull out topics and how to make logical arguments.Deductive reasoning? No problem.
The quick sample test that was 5 questions and supposed to take 10 minutes. I did in 3 minutes and 7 seconds. That includes checking my answers. Of which I got one wrong. So ya know, take the time you have and that won't happen. Live and learn!
But the math, it's not that I don't understand it, it's that I do need to think harder about it, focus and concentrate. Which isn't bad at all! I've also been constantly using my English skills, every day, all the time, whereas math comes and goes.
I want to write early February so I have time to rewrite if need before applications are due but that gives me a good month to read and take sample tests.
Luckily, my dad is an accountant and my mum a retired teacher (who studied math).
Pushing my brain makes it easier to find the relaxation in practice, in teaching, growing and evolving and finding my limits fully and completely.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Live to Learn
I've always fancied myself a lover of learning.
Yup. I was that nerd throwing her hand up in the air for every question in school. And yup, they were usually "right" in one way or another.
In University, I changed my tune a bit and the "scholars" bugged me. I have never been a huge fan of Classic Literature...and yet I'm an English Major. Even now, there are certain books I am drawn towards in that canon and certain ones (and authors *cough* Fielding *cough*) that I just cannot get into. SO I played devil's advocate. I was able to see the very valid points being made but could also see the flaws or holes in the arguments that could typically be overlooked by those who fully LOVED the novel, poem, etc., that all encompassing blindness that comes with passion.
So my live to learn project is going to get at the core of my love of learning-studying for the GMAT, as well as, a part of my life. Learning new skills and a new industry in a new job and growing my knowledge to teach with an additional training.
Yup. I was that nerd throwing her hand up in the air for every question in school. And yup, they were usually "right" in one way or another.
In University, I changed my tune a bit and the "scholars" bugged me. I have never been a huge fan of Classic Literature...and yet I'm an English Major. Even now, there are certain books I am drawn towards in that canon and certain ones (and authors *cough* Fielding *cough*) that I just cannot get into. SO I played devil's advocate. I was able to see the very valid points being made but could also see the flaws or holes in the arguments that could typically be overlooked by those who fully LOVED the novel, poem, etc., that all encompassing blindness that comes with passion.
So my live to learn project is going to get at the core of my love of learning-studying for the GMAT, as well as, a part of my life. Learning new skills and a new industry in a new job and growing my knowledge to teach with an additional training.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Reflection
So it is now November and I've been "not keeping" a gratitude journal for 6 days.
The best thing though is that even if I'm not writing things down in lists when my mind starts to jump to the negative-yes the thought is there BUT I can easily turn it into a positive. It's natural to go 'this sucks argh!" but now my "this sucks" have turned into "this may suck but I can't help the traffic so I'm going to be content moving slow-the world sometimes tells us when we need to slow down and look around" and then I see things I would have missed. Or when things are just challenging I can look at those small things that brings a smile to my face regardless and once I acknowledge and send out that love I feel better and things "turn around."
I was skeptical but I do think this has helped to push my mind into a more peaceful state and because of that I know I have more to give back to my students and the world.
I truly believe that your life manifests your practice, but then your practice starts to manifest your life.
The best thing though is that even if I'm not writing things down in lists when my mind starts to jump to the negative-yes the thought is there BUT I can easily turn it into a positive. It's natural to go 'this sucks argh!" but now my "this sucks" have turned into "this may suck but I can't help the traffic so I'm going to be content moving slow-the world sometimes tells us when we need to slow down and look around" and then I see things I would have missed. Or when things are just challenging I can look at those small things that brings a smile to my face regardless and once I acknowledge and send out that love I feel better and things "turn around."
I was skeptical but I do think this has helped to push my mind into a more peaceful state and because of that I know I have more to give back to my students and the world.
I truly believe that your life manifests your practice, but then your practice starts to manifest your life.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Endings
Really this is just the beginning, I go to sleep, I think about this list throughout my day and THAT is something I'm grateful for. Pulling me back into the moment and seeing the goodness around me-even if it's a learning experience that can be the most beneficial.
So today I'm grateful for...
1. Be Peace
2. The distance learning portion of my training
3. Halloween. The ability to be creative and powerful.
4. The joy of carving pumpkins
5. Seeing children dressed up and excited for life
6. Candles in jack-o-lanterns
7. Working as a team to set up the Food4Kids event
8. Creating pitches for the play
9.Listening to my body and heading to bed at a decent hour
10.Appreciating the weather for what it is.
11. Tasty dinner
12. Milk for when tasty dinner was tooooo spicy
13.Live blogging with the rest of the TVD fandom
14.My parents safe arrival to their trip destination
15. My heart-literally and figuratively
So today I'm grateful for...
1. Be Peace
2. The distance learning portion of my training
3. Halloween. The ability to be creative and powerful.
4. The joy of carving pumpkins
5. Seeing children dressed up and excited for life
6. Candles in jack-o-lanterns
7. Working as a team to set up the Food4Kids event
8. Creating pitches for the play
9.Listening to my body and heading to bed at a decent hour
10.Appreciating the weather for what it is.
11. Tasty dinner
12. Milk for when tasty dinner was tooooo spicy
13.Live blogging with the rest of the TVD fandom
14.My parents safe arrival to their trip destination
15. My heart-literally and figuratively
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Day before the end
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Waking up with breakfast
2. Tea-herbal, green, black
3. Moments of breathe
4. Productivity at work
5. Snack time
6. Warm socks
7. Cozy boots
8. Circle scarves
9. Creating time for work outs
10. Setting goals
11. Time away from the computer
12.Watching Criminal Minds
13. Spending time with Bobbin
14. Creating determination
15. Working with vices
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
1. Waking up with breakfast
2. Tea-herbal, green, black
3. Moments of breathe
4. Productivity at work
5. Snack time
6. Warm socks
7. Cozy boots
8. Circle scarves
9. Creating time for work outs
10. Setting goals
11. Time away from the computer
12.Watching Criminal Minds
13. Spending time with Bobbin
14. Creating determination
15. Working with vices
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Gratitude flows
Today I'm grateful for...
1. My friend Emily
2. Sleeping deep
3. Only having to work one job today
4. Building relationships with co-workers
5. Finding time to breathe
6. The "record" button
7. My brain
8. My writing ability
9. How fully I'm beginning to feel again
10. Going to bed early
11. No line ups at the gas station
12. Crisp mornings
13. Hot and Sour Soup
14. Cozy pajamas
15. A soft place to lay my head
“Sometimes life knocks you on your ass... get up, get up, get up!!! Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them.” Steve Maraboli
1. My friend Emily
2. Sleeping deep
3. Only having to work one job today
4. Building relationships with co-workers
5. Finding time to breathe
6. The "record" button
7. My brain
8. My writing ability
9. How fully I'm beginning to feel again
10. Going to bed early
11. No line ups at the gas station
12. Crisp mornings
13. Hot and Sour Soup
14. Cozy pajamas
15. A soft place to lay my head
“Sometimes life knocks you on your ass... get up, get up, get up!!! Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them.” Steve Maraboli
Monday, October 28, 2013
Happy Monday!
Today has been busy!
Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up before my alarm
2. The students I haven't seen in a while
3. Picking up another class
4. Showering after teaching a double
5. Easy traffic
6. Getting everything organized for the event smoothly
7. Leaving work early to get dinner and change
8. Leftover turkey dinner
9. Arriving early to set up for the event
10. Pretty dresses
11. Finding my Marilyn Monroe lipstick
12. Having chamomile tea
13. Clients having a good night
14. Getting a copious amount of pens!
15. Cuddles with Bobbin before bed
“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” Thích Nhất Hạnh
Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up before my alarm
2. The students I haven't seen in a while
3. Picking up another class
4. Showering after teaching a double
5. Easy traffic
6. Getting everything organized for the event smoothly
7. Leaving work early to get dinner and change
8. Leftover turkey dinner
9. Arriving early to set up for the event
10. Pretty dresses
11. Finding my Marilyn Monroe lipstick
12. Having chamomile tea
13. Clients having a good night
14. Getting a copious amount of pens!
15. Cuddles with Bobbin before bed
“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” Thích Nhất Hạnh
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sometimes the best thing is to just sleep
Hitting the hay early tonight but first, today I am grateful for...
1. Morning classes to get my up and out of bed
2. Feeling stronger in yoga with weights
3. The song "Benny and the Jets"
4. Being able to read
5. Being able to write
6. Turkey dinners without any turkey business
7. Being able to step away from the internet to take mental breaks
8. Being able to catch up on business/personal work after mental breaks
9. Beads being on sale at Michael's
10. Creativity through mala creation
11. My dad being able to play Sunday hockey
12. My mum being able to visit with her parents
13. Soft rain
14. That break in the sky between storm clouds and white bliss
15. Having the knowledge that sometimes all that's needed is sleep.
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. Lionel Hampton
1. Morning classes to get my up and out of bed
2. Feeling stronger in yoga with weights
3. The song "Benny and the Jets"
4. Being able to read
5. Being able to write
6. Turkey dinners without any turkey business
7. Being able to step away from the internet to take mental breaks
8. Being able to catch up on business/personal work after mental breaks
9. Beads being on sale at Michael's
10. Creativity through mala creation
11. My dad being able to play Sunday hockey
12. My mum being able to visit with her parents
13. Soft rain
14. That break in the sky between storm clouds and white bliss
15. Having the knowledge that sometimes all that's needed is sleep.
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. Lionel Hampton
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Who ya gonna call?
GHOSTBUSTERS!
Halloween season you are my favourite!
Today I am grateful for...
1. Teaching a double
2. Students who support me as a teacher
3. Silent Moksha classes where I kick my own ass
4. The breathe and movement created in silence
5. Allowing myself to cry in pigeon/savasana from the experience
6. An evening with Bobbin
7. Ghostbusters
8. Fitting into something unexpected
9. Not attaching to that 'ideal'
10. Finding motivation inside myself
11. Letting each day bring something new
12. Drinking water
13. Helping friends
14. Creativity
15. Desire
Halloween season you are my favourite!
Today I am grateful for...
1. Teaching a double
2. Students who support me as a teacher
3. Silent Moksha classes where I kick my own ass
4. The breathe and movement created in silence
5. Allowing myself to cry in pigeon/savasana from the experience
6. An evening with Bobbin
7. Ghostbusters
8. Fitting into something unexpected
9. Not attaching to that 'ideal'
10. Finding motivation inside myself
11. Letting each day bring something new
12. Drinking water
13. Helping friends
14. Creativity
15. Desire
Friday, October 25, 2013
Find the peace
Today I'm grateful for...
1. That it's Friday
2. The start of Dracula
3. Halloween photos
4. Halloween candy
5. Quiet time by myself
6. Letting myself feel
7. Listening to those who care about me
8. Listening to sad songs in excess
9. Memories from a week ago and a year ago.
10. Dressing Bobbin up in faerie wings
11. Getting to bed at a decent hour
12. Perspective
13. Growth
14. My eyes
15. Slowing down
Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. A.A. Milne
1. That it's Friday
2. The start of Dracula
3. Halloween photos
4. Halloween candy
5. Quiet time by myself
6. Letting myself feel
7. Listening to those who care about me
8. Listening to sad songs in excess
9. Memories from a week ago and a year ago.
10. Dressing Bobbin up in faerie wings
11. Getting to bed at a decent hour
12. Perspective
13. Growth
14. My eyes
15. Slowing down
Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. A.A. Milne
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Thumpin' Thursday
Throwing it back to Teacher Training in the title. ;)
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Short Days
2. 2pm Yoga classes
3. Finding my breathe in practice
4. Laughing as I fall out of poses
5. New inspiration to study for the GMAT
6. The Vampire Diaries
7. New followers on tumblr
8. My ability to type quickly
9. Seeing the beauty in the world-natural and constructed
10. Socks
11. Infinity scarves
12. Alarm clocks
13. 10 minute savasana's
14. My teachers
15. MYH
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Short Days
2. 2pm Yoga classes
3. Finding my breathe in practice
4. Laughing as I fall out of poses
5. New inspiration to study for the GMAT
6. The Vampire Diaries
7. New followers on tumblr
8. My ability to type quickly
9. Seeing the beauty in the world-natural and constructed
10. Socks
11. Infinity scarves
12. Alarm clocks
13. 10 minute savasana's
14. My teachers
15. MYH
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Happy Hump Day!
Sometimes it's just easier to jump right in.
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Having a job to go to in the AMs
2. Messaging with friends to get my through my day
3. Following my heart
4. Giving myself a break
5. Teaching a class full of energy
6. Replenishing my store by taking a class
7. Challenging myself with yoga with weights
8. Coming home to dinner
9. Being greeted by Bobbin
10. Catching up on tv shows
11. The chance to take a step back and breathe
12. Advice and support from friends
13. Warm showers
14. Hot tea
15. Internet access
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Having a job to go to in the AMs
2. Messaging with friends to get my through my day
3. Following my heart
4. Giving myself a break
5. Teaching a class full of energy
6. Replenishing my store by taking a class
7. Challenging myself with yoga with weights
8. Coming home to dinner
9. Being greeted by Bobbin
10. Catching up on tv shows
11. The chance to take a step back and breathe
12. Advice and support from friends
13. Warm showers
14. Hot tea
15. Internet access
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Really feel the gratitude
Just keeping today simple.
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Long sleeps
2. AM classes
3. Seeing students so strong in their practice
4. Liveblogging with Emily
5. Catching up on TV
6. Buying Bobbin fairy wings
7. Having the ability to chat with friends all the time
8. Coming home to dinner being ready
9. Green Tea
10. Working with awesome people
11. Being able to laugh at myself
12. Taking risks
13. Wise advice
14. Quinoa
15. Clean rooms
Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Long sleeps
2. AM classes
3. Seeing students so strong in their practice
4. Liveblogging with Emily
5. Catching up on TV
6. Buying Bobbin fairy wings
7. Having the ability to chat with friends all the time
8. Coming home to dinner being ready
9. Green Tea
10. Working with awesome people
11. Being able to laugh at myself
12. Taking risks
13. Wise advice
14. Quinoa
15. Clean rooms
Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust
Happiness
cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is
the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and
gratitude.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gratitude.html#SBX2X1ZyF0urJCam.99
Monday, October 21, 2013
Hello Monday...
Sometimes Monday's seem extra long when you've had a great weekend.
Regardless, everyday is a new day, and today I am grateful for...
1. Easy waking up
2. Bobbin in her bed
3. Turnips
4. Water
5. Green Tea
6. Schedules
7. Catching up on work
8. The potential for the next job posting to be "the one"
9. Online banking
10. Bobbin cuddles
11. Tasty eats
12. Happy memories
13.Realizations
14. Motivations
15. Determination
Regardless, everyday is a new day, and today I am grateful for...
1. Easy waking up
2. Bobbin in her bed
3. Turnips
4. Water
5. Green Tea
6. Schedules
7. Catching up on work
8. The potential for the next job posting to be "the one"
9. Online banking
10. Bobbin cuddles
11. Tasty eats
12. Happy memories
13.Realizations
14. Motivations
15. Determination
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sunday Peace
A long and amazing few days so today I'm grateful for...
1. Waking up with a smile
2. Ease of packing
3. Brunch's and storytelling
4. Finding the perfect necklace
5. Giving myself permission to treat myself
6. Walking in the sunshine
7. Exploring the market
8. Seeing my old apartment/home
9. Soothing lake waves
10. Making wishes
11. Photoshoots
12. Hanging in the ARC
13. QP's great service
14. Being so tired and still so happy
15. My own bed
1. Waking up with a smile
2. Ease of packing
3. Brunch's and storytelling
4. Finding the perfect necklace
5. Giving myself permission to treat myself
6. Walking in the sunshine
7. Exploring the market
8. Seeing my old apartment/home
9. Soothing lake waves
10. Making wishes
11. Photoshoots
12. Hanging in the ARC
13. QP's great service
14. Being so tired and still so happy
15. My own bed
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Home is where the heart is
So many great things today.
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Kingston, ON. It's food, it's vibe, it's everything
2. Queen's University, campus, people, friends, education, social life
3. Football games
4. Crisp leaves to walk through
5. Trikonasana after a homecoming win
6. Tricolour everything
7. Bagpipes
8. Grant Hall
9. The "Welcome Home" sign in a ghetto house on Union
10. Laughing with friends
11. Laughing by myself
12. Being connected
13. Time travel
14. Smiles and smirks
15. Polka-dot dresses
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Kingston, ON. It's food, it's vibe, it's everything
2. Queen's University, campus, people, friends, education, social life
3. Football games
4. Crisp leaves to walk through
5. Trikonasana after a homecoming win
6. Tricolour everything
7. Bagpipes
8. Grant Hall
9. The "Welcome Home" sign in a ghetto house on Union
10. Laughing with friends
11. Laughing by myself
12. Being connected
13. Time travel
14. Smiles and smirks
15. Polka-dot dresses
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on a Friday
That's only being used as a title because it was popular during Undergrad. ;)
So that being said, today I am grateful for...
1. Lemon and Ginger tea
2. Naps with Scout
3. Gluten free and local food
4. Sunshine on Fall days
5. Generosity of friends
6. My own legs for walking Princess Street
7. Problem Solving skills
8. Deep Breathes
9. Naps before dinner
10. Seeing Old Friends
11. Meeting new friends
12. Dancing
13. SO MUCH LAUGHTER
14. Coincidences
15. Confidence
So that being said, today I am grateful for...
1. Lemon and Ginger tea
2. Naps with Scout
3. Gluten free and local food
4. Sunshine on Fall days
5. Generosity of friends
6. My own legs for walking Princess Street
7. Problem Solving skills
8. Deep Breathes
9. Naps before dinner
10. Seeing Old Friends
11. Meeting new friends
12. Dancing
13. SO MUCH LAUGHTER
14. Coincidences
15. Confidence
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Homecoming for insight
Sometimes you need a mini-escape to reconnect.
Today I'm grateful for...
1. My mum and her effort to help when I need it
2. My parents overarching generosity
3. Teaching a class full of beginners, reigniting my cues and why I come to the mat
4. New "moon" lights at the studio
5. Being able to let go of those pet peeves through breathe
6. Tears of joy
7. Using my brain to study for the GMAT
8. Being met by friends Skyping with friends
9. Inexpensive taxi rides
10. Drinks with friends
11.Cuddling with TWO cats at once!
12. Letting myself feel the sadness of missing Shrimpy
13. Down pours
14. Reconnecting with friends
15. Cozy blankets for sleeping
Today I'm grateful for...
1. My mum and her effort to help when I need it
2. My parents overarching generosity
3. Teaching a class full of beginners, reigniting my cues and why I come to the mat
4. New "moon" lights at the studio
5. Being able to let go of those pet peeves through breathe
6. Tears of joy
7. Using my brain to study for the GMAT
8. Being met by friends Skyping with friends
9. Inexpensive taxi rides
10. Drinks with friends
11.Cuddling with TWO cats at once!
12. Letting myself feel the sadness of missing Shrimpy
13. Down pours
14. Reconnecting with friends
15. Cozy blankets for sleeping
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Short Week brings gratitude
I've been up since 5am, taught 2 Moksha classes and worked 8 hours, as well as practicing myself, so jumping into this and BEDTIME! :D
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Easy rides to teach
2. Quick sign-ins
3. Chatting with students
4. Projects at work
5. Long savasana's
6. Letting the feelings rise and fall
7. Challenges with those I work with-teaching me patience and other life skillz
8. Friends from around the world
9. Technology to connect to those I need
10. The movement in my joints
11. Tea breaks
12. Teachers to guide my practice
13. Seeing my Sangha blossom
14. New favourite songs
15. Enjoying silence
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Easy rides to teach
2. Quick sign-ins
3. Chatting with students
4. Projects at work
5. Long savasana's
6. Letting the feelings rise and fall
7. Challenges with those I work with-teaching me patience and other life skillz
8. Friends from around the world
9. Technology to connect to those I need
10. The movement in my joints
11. Tea breaks
12. Teachers to guide my practice
13. Seeing my Sangha blossom
14. New favourite songs
15. Enjoying silence
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Grateful for sleep
I slept poorly last night but have a wonderfully cozy bed so that is just wonderful.
So I can get some good sleep tonight here is my list of what I'm grateful for today...
1. Comforters
2. Traffic moving well
3. Finding a single gummy worm in my purse
4. Pay day!
5. Saying 'I love you'
6. Being mindful of each task
7. Time moving at a steady pace
8. Time aside for editing
9. Mowing the lawn
10. Gilmore Girls
11. Cut up peppers to snack on
12. Sleep Tea
13. The feeling of purring on my belly
14. The Originals, Emily and our bi-weekly chats
15. Sharing with Bobbin
So I can get some good sleep tonight here is my list of what I'm grateful for today...
1. Comforters
2. Traffic moving well
3. Finding a single gummy worm in my purse
4. Pay day!
5. Saying 'I love you'
6. Being mindful of each task
7. Time moving at a steady pace
8. Time aside for editing
9. Mowing the lawn
10. Gilmore Girls
11. Cut up peppers to snack on
12. Sleep Tea
13. The feeling of purring on my belly
14. The Originals, Emily and our bi-weekly chats
15. Sharing with Bobbin
Monday, October 14, 2013
Long weekends say THANKS!
Let's get to it.
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Sleeping in
2. One less day of work
3. Teaching classes full of bodies breathing together
4. Being inspired by students
5. Laughing at the studio
6. Painting
7. Watching movies
8. Snuggles with the kitten
9. Paint under my fingernails
10. Old Cheddar cheese
11. Alarm clocks
12. Critical thinking
13. Determination
14. Check-ups with friends
15. Intuition
Today I'm grateful for...
1. Sleeping in
2. One less day of work
3. Teaching classes full of bodies breathing together
4. Being inspired by students
5. Laughing at the studio
6. Painting
7. Watching movies
8. Snuggles with the kitten
9. Paint under my fingernails
10. Old Cheddar cheese
11. Alarm clocks
12. Critical thinking
13. Determination
14. Check-ups with friends
15. Intuition
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Canada!
I celebrate today so tomorrow you can rest, digest, and eat left overs in peace.
Today I am grateful for...
1. Rainy days
2. Long drives
3. Sun-showers
4. Cousins
5. Turkey
6. Mashed potatoes
7. Being an aunt
8. Hugs from aunts
9. Messages from friends
10. Playgrounds
11. Deep sleeps
12.Kittens sleeping on my chest
13. Warm toes
14. Good cries
15. True Authentic Self
What are you grateful/thankful for?
Today I am grateful for...
1. Rainy days
2. Long drives
3. Sun-showers
4. Cousins
5. Turkey
6. Mashed potatoes
7. Being an aunt
8. Hugs from aunts
9. Messages from friends
10. Playgrounds
11. Deep sleeps
12.Kittens sleeping on my chest
13. Warm toes
14. Good cries
15. True Authentic Self
What are you grateful/thankful for?
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Hey, hey, it's the weekend!
Saturdays.
Things I'm grateful for this fall day...
1. Fresh apple cider
2. The crunch of colour under my feet
3. Watching Bobbin explore the world
4. Crisp, fresh, sweater weather
5. Sunshine warming my face
6. Dad's traditions
7. Grandma's spirit
8. Gluten-Free pies!
9. Cozy fire places in Second Cup
10. Friends to keep my sane
11. Friends who understand the writing process
12. My books on style
13. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
14. Laughing
15. Silliness
Things I'm grateful for this fall day...
1. Fresh apple cider
2. The crunch of colour under my feet
3. Watching Bobbin explore the world
4. Crisp, fresh, sweater weather
5. Sunshine warming my face
6. Dad's traditions
7. Grandma's spirit
8. Gluten-Free pies!
9. Cozy fire places in Second Cup
10. Friends to keep my sane
11. Friends who understand the writing process
12. My books on style
13. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
14. Laughing
15. Silliness
Friday, October 11, 2013
TGIF (Too easy?)
Seriously, TGIF...even if I have so much work to do tomorrow.
SO today, I am grateful for...
1. Waking up to kitten cuddles
2. Teaching my ladies at the Salvation Army
3. Laughing at the studio
4. Letting go of the stories
5. Guided practices by friends
6. Long savasanas
7. New music loves
8. Voxing with friends across Canada
9. Being a part of teams like Memory Ball
10. Writing more daily
11. Sunshine-Fall Days
12. Pumpkin pie
13. Nights alone
14. New tights
15. Crafts!
SO today, I am grateful for...
1. Waking up to kitten cuddles
2. Teaching my ladies at the Salvation Army
3. Laughing at the studio
4. Letting go of the stories
5. Guided practices by friends
6. Long savasanas
7. New music loves
8. Voxing with friends across Canada
9. Being a part of teams like Memory Ball
10. Writing more daily
11. Sunshine-Fall Days
12. Pumpkin pie
13. Nights alone
14. New tights
15. Crafts!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
One of those days.
You know the ones I'm talking about. Little things that compound until you just need to step back. Breathe and give thanks for the things that you have to put it into perspective.
My heart goes out to the person who lost their life today in a car accident that literally stopped the city I am in from moving so fast.
Yes, it taking almost 45 minutes to get home from the studio was an annoyance but I am alive, my loved ones are safe, I was able to see the beauty in the city I usually drive through without blinking. The architecture, the older lady waiting or watching while the leaves changed.
So in spite of today being one of those days, today I am grateful for....
1. My life, the breathes no matter how shallow, how hard, each one in and out.
2. The history of my city
3. Being able to slow down without stressing about work
4. Eating a pomegranate while stuck in traffic
5. Slow flows
6. Reconnecting with my body
7. Swimming
8. Colleagues/Teachers/Friends who care
9. Feedback (negative/positive) so I can grow
10. Being able to feel deeply
11. Canadian Healthcare
12. Opportunities to travel the world
13. Pre-dinner naps
14. Smiles from wee-babes
Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.
John Henry Jowett
My heart goes out to the person who lost their life today in a car accident that literally stopped the city I am in from moving so fast.
Yes, it taking almost 45 minutes to get home from the studio was an annoyance but I am alive, my loved ones are safe, I was able to see the beauty in the city I usually drive through without blinking. The architecture, the older lady waiting or watching while the leaves changed.
So in spite of today being one of those days, today I am grateful for....
1. My life, the breathes no matter how shallow, how hard, each one in and out.
2. The history of my city
3. Being able to slow down without stressing about work
4. Eating a pomegranate while stuck in traffic
5. Slow flows
6. Reconnecting with my body
7. Swimming
8. Colleagues/Teachers/Friends who care
9. Feedback (negative/positive) so I can grow
10. Being able to feel deeply
11. Canadian Healthcare
12. Opportunities to travel the world
13. Pre-dinner naps
14. Smiles from wee-babes
Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.
John Henry Jowett
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Hold onto to the child within
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
Thornton Wilder
Today I am grateful for...
1. Alarm clocks
2. Changing colours in the leaves
3.Productivity
4. Sleeping through the night
5. Access to food
6. WunderUnders
7. Moksha Hamilton
8. Small miracles and big dreams
9. When people take the time to teach me new skills
10. Silly chuckles on the phone with strangers
11. Realizing as much as things change, things stay the same
12. Love in all it's realms.
Happiest day on the Merry-Go Round in Disneyland. #selfie
Thornton Wilder
Today I am grateful for...
1. Alarm clocks
2. Changing colours in the leaves
3.Productivity
4. Sleeping through the night
5. Access to food
6. WunderUnders
7. Moksha Hamilton
8. Small miracles and big dreams
9. When people take the time to teach me new skills
10. Silly chuckles on the phone with strangers
11. Realizing as much as things change, things stay the same
12. Love in all it's realms.
Happiest day on the Merry-Go Round in Disneyland. #selfie
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Peace moves mindfully
Things occur day to day. This week is testing me so coming to look at all I'm grateful for at the end of each day helps but things in perspective.
So today I am grateful for....
1. Tea-green, black, white, flavoured.
2. Heat in my house
3. Funny internet memes
4. Eating meals with my dad
5. My ability to think critically
6. The opportunity to work in various industries
7. My friends french bulldog named "Kitty"
8. Sunshine-y Fall Days
9. Scarves
10. A satisfied belly
11. The movement in my joints when I type
12. My Moksha family
So today I am grateful for....
1. Tea-green, black, white, flavoured.
2. Heat in my house
3. Funny internet memes
4. Eating meals with my dad
5. My ability to think critically
6. The opportunity to work in various industries
7. My friends french bulldog named "Kitty"
8. Sunshine-y Fall Days
9. Scarves
10. A satisfied belly
11. The movement in my joints when I type
12. My Moksha family
Monday, October 7, 2013
New Week. More Thanks.
Know those Mondays that make you want to throw the covers over your head and cuddle in for the day?
Yup. Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up.
2. Teaching two classes
3. Being able to drive
4. Helpful EE's
5. Smiling students
6. Water
7. Market Salads with Iceberg lettuce
8. Friends who let you vent
9. Chamomile and lemon tea
10. Fireplaces
11. Knitted blankets
Yup. Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up.
2. Teaching two classes
3. Being able to drive
4. Helpful EE's
5. Smiling students
6. Water
7. Market Salads with Iceberg lettuce
8. Friends who let you vent
9. Chamomile and lemon tea
10. Fireplaces
11. Knitted blankets
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Slow Progress is Progess
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie
Those days your body is just so tired. Today I am grateful for...
1. Rainy days
2. Blankets that wrap around me
3. Knowledge from within
4. Sushi lunches with new friends
5. Enjoying a leisurely walk in a new neighbourhood
6. Potato pancakes and baked apples for breakfast
7. Socks
8. Dinner in the oven
9. Bobbin cuddles
10. My own bed
Melody Beattie
Those days your body is just so tired. Today I am grateful for...
1. Rainy days
2. Blankets that wrap around me
3. Knowledge from within
4. Sushi lunches with new friends
5. Enjoying a leisurely walk in a new neighbourhood
6. Potato pancakes and baked apples for breakfast
7. Socks
8. Dinner in the oven
9. Bobbin cuddles
10. My own bed
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Gratitude Day-by-Day
October 5th. Doozy of a day!
With each day brings a little more peace. Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up before my alarm
2. Cozy hobbit hole apartments
3. My friend MoMo
4. Training to connect more easily to Seniors in Practice
5. Pomegrante season(!!!!!!!)
6. Dad's texts and phone calls
7. My Moksha training
8. Sushi lunches
9. Green tea
When you cultivate gratitude, you become a happier, more fulfilled person. The more you're grateful for, the more blessings will come to you.
Susan Santucci
With each day brings a little more peace. Today I am grateful for...
1. Waking up before my alarm
2. Cozy hobbit hole apartments
3. My friend MoMo
4. Training to connect more easily to Seniors in Practice
5. Pomegrante season(!!!!!!!)
6. Dad's texts and phone calls
7. My Moksha training
8. Sushi lunches
9. Green tea
When you cultivate gratitude, you become a happier, more fulfilled person. The more you're grateful for, the more blessings will come to you.
Susan Santucci
Friday, October 4, 2013
Peace isn't a trend
October 4th. You took me by storm.
Gratitude resonates always. Today I'm grateful for....
1. Public transit running on time.
2. Fun-time diners with friends
3. Learning while I teach
4. Practicing at my home studio
5. Bobbin snuggling with Dad
6. Having so many options to pack
7. Taxi-Cabs knowing where to go
8. Two seats on the bus
What's on your list?
Gratitude resonates always. Today I'm grateful for....
1. Public transit running on time.
2. Fun-time diners with friends
3. Learning while I teach
4. Practicing at my home studio
5. Bobbin snuggling with Dad
6. Having so many options to pack
7. Taxi-Cabs knowing where to go
8. Two seats on the bus
What's on your list?
Thursday, October 3, 2013
On the way to peace
Day 3 of Be Peace.
It completely started as "One of those Days."
Spilling my entire water bottle, into my boot, sopping wet sock, losing my phone, hitting every red light on the way to work, etc.,
The funny thing is I recognized it, stepped back and let it roll. I can't control traffic lights, I can't control computers, and well, it was probably a much needed break from my mobile.
So here's to day 3. Breathing deep and finding the Things I'm grateful for...
1. Warm Apple Cider
2. Bank Tellers being helpful
3. The return of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals
4. Practicing
5. Laughing while falling out of dancer's post
6. Homemade potato chips
7. Plans with friends
It completely started as "One of those Days."
Spilling my entire water bottle, into my boot, sopping wet sock, losing my phone, hitting every red light on the way to work, etc.,
The funny thing is I recognized it, stepped back and let it roll. I can't control traffic lights, I can't control computers, and well, it was probably a much needed break from my mobile.
So here's to day 3. Breathing deep and finding the Things I'm grateful for...
1. Warm Apple Cider
2. Bank Tellers being helpful
3. The return of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals
4. Practicing
5. Laughing while falling out of dancer's post
6. Homemade potato chips
7. Plans with friends
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Gratitude Spreading Peace
Let's just say today was a struggle but, here I am. Because creating peace in the world starts with creating peace in oneself. And that begins with gratitude.
Day Two, Today I'm grateful for....
1. My bed, my blankets, the combination of firm and soft.
2. Opportunities to learn-be it through work, family, friends, nature
3. That my phone battery seems to be holding a charge. :D
4. Having glasses to be able to see the world around me
5. Naps.
6. Texting/Connecting with friends time zones apart
Day Two, Today I'm grateful for....
1. My bed, my blankets, the combination of firm and soft.
2. Opportunities to learn-be it through work, family, friends, nature
3. That my phone battery seems to be holding a charge. :D
4. Having glasses to be able to see the world around me
5. Naps.
6. Texting/Connecting with friends time zones apart
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Be Peace
I think for Be Peace I'm going to do a Gratitude Journal for the next month and slowly try to incorporate a meditation practice.
I've already begun coming into my yoga breathe during stressful times in my day-to-day life so I hope I'm ready to tackle this!
DAY 1: I'm grateful for....
1. My cozy red blanket from S&R I bought in 3rd year on suggestion by Donut
2. Bobbin, her furry snuggles and feisty attitude.
3. Being able to teach-the experiences each class bring me.
4. A water bottle that is easy to drink from so I stay hydrated
5. Having an available pool to go and swim for hours while forgetting the world.
I've already begun coming into my yoga breathe during stressful times in my day-to-day life so I hope I'm ready to tackle this!
DAY 1: I'm grateful for....
1. My cozy red blanket from S&R I bought in 3rd year on suggestion by Donut
2. Bobbin, her furry snuggles and feisty attitude.
3. Being able to teach-the experiences each class bring me.
4. A water bottle that is easy to drink from so I stay hydrated
5. Having an available pool to go and swim for hours while forgetting the world.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Send a Letter, Feel the Love
My Sangha Support project taught me a lot.
I had started it with huge ambitions-sending a post card to every single Moksha (and now Modo) Studio AND all my fellow trainees.
Then I decided to take a step back. Sending personalized post cards to 60+ people would be a huge endeavor so I started there.
So I put out a call on our Facebook group-asking for real, live addresses (not email!) to begin building my database and working through each individual as they came in.
I got three responses and honestly, was a bit like "oh" about the entire ordeal.
And then I decided that just because it was three respondents did not mean anything. It was an opportunity to connect deeper with those three, give them the support that they needed because as much as this was "my project" it was a project designed to reconnect, reach out, and be there for someone else. My Sangha is awesome and doing what they need to do to create their lives with each moment and that is not something to be downtrodden about but to celebrate.
So I set forth and wrote cards to each of the three, reflecting back to our time at training, discussing the present/their present and hoping to continue to be there for them in the future-whenever they needed. I also included a bracelet/anklet out of a chain with an "OM" charm because I could and was able.
And then I went to the post office, envelopes addressed and sent them on their way with hopes that they would arrive as a nice surprise close to but before our 6 month anniversary of leaving each other.
What I learned is that, sometimes, the smallest actions mean the most, intent should always be considered in action, and I truly am supported by some of the most amazing people in the world and I hope they know I'm here for them too.
Six months...just wow.
I had started it with huge ambitions-sending a post card to every single Moksha (and now Modo) Studio AND all my fellow trainees.
Then I decided to take a step back. Sending personalized post cards to 60+ people would be a huge endeavor so I started there.
So I put out a call on our Facebook group-asking for real, live addresses (not email!) to begin building my database and working through each individual as they came in.
I got three responses and honestly, was a bit like "oh" about the entire ordeal.
And then I decided that just because it was three respondents did not mean anything. It was an opportunity to connect deeper with those three, give them the support that they needed because as much as this was "my project" it was a project designed to reconnect, reach out, and be there for someone else. My Sangha is awesome and doing what they need to do to create their lives with each moment and that is not something to be downtrodden about but to celebrate.
So I set forth and wrote cards to each of the three, reflecting back to our time at training, discussing the present/their present and hoping to continue to be there for them in the future-whenever they needed. I also included a bracelet/anklet out of a chain with an "OM" charm because I could and was able.
And then I went to the post office, envelopes addressed and sent them on their way with hopes that they would arrive as a nice surprise close to but before our 6 month anniversary of leaving each other.
What I learned is that, sometimes, the smallest actions mean the most, intent should always be considered in action, and I truly am supported by some of the most amazing people in the world and I hope they know I'm here for them too.
Six months...just wow.
“That's what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you're not so lovable.”
-Deb Caletti
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Live Green
Trying to get these projects done and inspiration just sort of hit me for this one.
I should preface: This idea came to me while I was sprinting up the stairs by my house the day my Grandma went into the hospital and we had to let her go.
The stairs are in this beautiful tree covered and there used to be a waterfall section of Hamilton. They get a lot of traffic and it made me feel so sad when in my sprint I noticed the amount of garbage that had accumulated since my last use of the stairs.
My project? I'm going to clean the area and see if I can't enlist some friends and family to help.
I'll keep you all updated!
Love the earth-it takes care of you so make sure you take care of it!
I should preface: This idea came to me while I was sprinting up the stairs by my house the day my Grandma went into the hospital and we had to let her go.
The stairs are in this beautiful tree covered and there used to be a waterfall section of Hamilton. They get a lot of traffic and it made me feel so sad when in my sprint I noticed the amount of garbage that had accumulated since my last use of the stairs.
My project? I'm going to clean the area and see if I can't enlist some friends and family to help.
I'll keep you all updated!
Love the earth-it takes care of you so make sure you take care of it!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Be Accessible
Another project for the distance portion of my training!
This is "Be Accessible."
I thought maybe this time I'd pull directly from the Moksha Pillars description.
THIS is how Moksha International describes the Be Accessible Pillar.
"We endeavor to be accessible in our language, yoga postures, and in the way we run our studios!
What the heck does that mean? Basically, we believe that everyone can have access to yoga and everyone can walk into a Moksha studio and know right away that they belong - all religions, body types, injured bodies, all political views, crazy yoga outfits - you name it, you're welcome! We create this accessible experience by using clear language to explain yoga, and clear modifications for both absolute beginners and seasoned practitioners. Whether you're a tree-hugging vegan or a corporate Type-A, we want you to feel like you've walked into your yoga-home. Simple as that."
This wasn't going to be the project I did next-even though I was working on it(!)-and I am so very grateful that I fell into this opportunity.
Arriving back from training, I got an avalanche of emails, from scheduling, to studio policies, to teacher updates, newsletters, congratulations, etc,. One of the emails included an opportunity to teach at an organization in Hamilton. Some of the teachers from Montreal training had taught there and were just finishing up. It was an opportunity to teach. That's how I saw this so I jumped.
And did not expect to learn SO much from my students in this small classes. I've learned to read bodies better, find appropriate modifications for certain body ailments, conditions, stresses, and just learned to find the joy in my students. I think that can be missed just how much they give back by letting us guide them.
This is all volunteer and I wouldn't change that. Bringing yoga to those who show such true passion and appreciation.
I missed one of my scheduled classes from a sudden day of just sickness. Feeling awful physically I wasn't able to be there for my students. And one of them emailed me to check in and tell me to feel better.
They are just amazing people and I am blessed to be able to bring them something, though I don't think it'll ever compare to what they've brought me.
Let's decolonize this thang!
Namaste!
This is "Be Accessible."
I thought maybe this time I'd pull directly from the Moksha Pillars description.
THIS is how Moksha International describes the Be Accessible Pillar.
"We endeavor to be accessible in our language, yoga postures, and in the way we run our studios!
What the heck does that mean? Basically, we believe that everyone can have access to yoga and everyone can walk into a Moksha studio and know right away that they belong - all religions, body types, injured bodies, all political views, crazy yoga outfits - you name it, you're welcome! We create this accessible experience by using clear language to explain yoga, and clear modifications for both absolute beginners and seasoned practitioners. Whether you're a tree-hugging vegan or a corporate Type-A, we want you to feel like you've walked into your yoga-home. Simple as that."
This wasn't going to be the project I did next-even though I was working on it(!)-and I am so very grateful that I fell into this opportunity.
Arriving back from training, I got an avalanche of emails, from scheduling, to studio policies, to teacher updates, newsletters, congratulations, etc,. One of the emails included an opportunity to teach at an organization in Hamilton. Some of the teachers from Montreal training had taught there and were just finishing up. It was an opportunity to teach. That's how I saw this so I jumped.
And did not expect to learn SO much from my students in this small classes. I've learned to read bodies better, find appropriate modifications for certain body ailments, conditions, stresses, and just learned to find the joy in my students. I think that can be missed just how much they give back by letting us guide them.
This is all volunteer and I wouldn't change that. Bringing yoga to those who show such true passion and appreciation.
I missed one of my scheduled classes from a sudden day of just sickness. Feeling awful physically I wasn't able to be there for my students. And one of them emailed me to check in and tell me to feel better.
They are just amazing people and I am blessed to be able to bring them something, though I don't think it'll ever compare to what they've brought me.
Let's decolonize this thang!
Namaste!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Future Wheel of Life
This is what I’d like my Wheel to look like:
Before I jump into sections to prevent repetitiveness
NOTHING is at a 10, for me, I need that room to “grow” and change and adjust
and even if I listed something as a 10 I’d have something I want to change or
readjust. So no 10s is just me being realistic about life and my view on life.
If everything was an 8 I’d be pumped because I’d have room to grow, there would
be no ‘perfection’ but life would rock!
So Career is rated at an 8 in my “ideal” Wheel. I’d be doing
what I love, what I’m good at, and still have time to rock out instructing
students. There would be room to be creative and give feedback and maybe be
promoted within the company. And the company would appreciate the work I do.
Finances are funny because I’d be happy sitting at a 7. My
friends always tell me I sell myself short in regards to how much I’d be happy
living off but it’s true. I don’t need 3 million dollars a year to be happy and
live the life I want. I’d love my finances to cover the cost of living,
allowing for savings and me to do things I enjoy. I don’t mind budgeting and I
don’t need brand names to enrich my life because they are just things and money
is just money-necessary but not the food that fuels the soul.
Health is rated the highest on this scale at a 9. I want to
find that healthy weight for me, sort out my food intolerances, keep practicing
and understand that there are going to be colds and coughs and sniffles that
occur in life. If I’m at my most healthy I can tackle the world.
Romance is listed as a 7 but again this isn’t even a
priority for me at the moment so when it IS-a 7. I want time to do my own
things and am not ready to fall in love-so when I have time, dating and
enjoying what “Romance” has to offer would be great but I don’t want it as a
life changer yet and this is my Wheel as I see and want my life to be as a 25
year old. Not as a 30 year old, 35 year old, etc .
Personal Growth I would love to be at 7, giving SO MUCH ROOM
to continue to discover and grow. I don’t need to “find myself” but to keep
finding aspects of myself would be awesome.
Environment in my ideal is an 8. I’d have my own place, own
space, afford to furnish and decorate and express myself, while bringing in the
food that makes and keeps me healthy and maybe another cat to keep Bobbin
company. :D
Recreation is still a 6. I’m quite happy with where I’m at
in how much I do, what I do, and just continuing to say yes, explore and hang
with friends when it works out (maybe doing things that cost more once and a
while). This is good for my personality and me overall.
And last, Friends and Family I’d love to be an 8. There are
relationships I want to fix, that need to be changed and unfortunately they are
two-sided and I can only provide one side of them so this may never happen and
it’s an 8 because there is always going to be “stuff” that I can’t control in
this aspect of my life and fights/misunderstandings are a given but having
friends and family I know love and support me whole heartedly is 10 no matter
the scale and other “stuff” that will affect that scale.
And that about covers it! Lots to work on but slow and
steady it won’t happen overnight.
Wheel of Life
One part
of the distance portion of training is to take an overview of your life
via “The Wheel of Life.”
The key is to rate a variety of aspects of your life and
then reflect on what the wheel looks like, why it looks like that and then
create a second wheel that reflects what you want your life to look like with
simple ways to make that happen.
This is what my current Wheel looks like:
Let’s start reflecting!
Most of my Wheel is out of balance. But I’ll start at the
top-Career.
Right now basically my “career” [because teaching for me is
not what I want to do to make “money” there are a variety of reasons for it but
I know if I choose it to be my career/moneymaker I’ll end up burning out and
stressing over it and do not want that to ever come into play with my
students]. So “career” is out of the scale completely. Sitting at a zero, it’s
an aspect of my life I have been working towards with little to no success. I
am constantly sending out applications but part of this is just our economy and
that’s not something I can change. Also, training took up a good chunk of time
(intensive) and leading up to training I had been laid-off, too close t0
Christmas to be hired for something else, and then who hires someone when they
are leaving for 6 weeks? So that has been a struggle. In order to raise this
up, I need to learn how to network better, check my applications more
thoroughly and maybe see if there is a way to start lower than what I’m aiming
for. I check for new jobs daily and I’m volunteering and always looking for new
opportunities. Sometimes we’re doing all we can in an area of our life and just
have to keep hammering until the wall breaks.
Which leads to my Finance section being so low hitting
the“2” mark on the scale. I’m very lucky because my parents have been amazing
in letting me live at home, rent free, but I still have expenses and my savings
are down to almost nil right now. The biggest factor is that I can’t get set in
my Career and start earning and that starting off as a new teacher from
practice teaching, to community class rates, to not having seniority in
receiving copious amounts of classes, all adds up to very little moula coming
your way. This will start to increase (hopefully before it decreases!) when the
wall breaks in the career search. I’m doing little things like saving my $5
bills because it’s something and I don’t spend money all too often. I am
looking into finding a part-time “job” to just bolster this section until
something gives for that “dream career.”
I’ll slide around the Wheel to “Health” which is sitting at
a 5 on the scale. I feel healthier than ever in so many ways but I know that a)
I stress out about things too much which means b) This causes problems in my
body such as c) being overweight and unable to take it off and d) my mental
health becomes a power of wills which is exhausting. I have a regular yoga
practice and understand my eating habits, how, why, what but there are those
few things that just “turn up.” I’m also not sleeping consistently well-I would
say this is definitely due to stress and occurs even when I practice. So it’s
not perfect, there are things that need to improve so I am healthier all around
such as tracking my food and finding out what I eat that isn’t agreeing with my
body. I already know gluten is a huge no but slip from time to time out of
convenience-which needs to stop.
Talking with other members of my sangha to bring into focus the real
effect stressing about being overweight, not having that career, etc, is having
on my body and starting to learn to let that go. And just ensuring that my
practice stays strong through all the difficulties and stressors.
Which leads (sort of) into Romance, which is a nice fat
Zero. And I’m actually totally okay with this. I haven’t put any effort into
this area of my life for a very long time and it’s not currently a priority for
me. I want to get other things in order first; I know that I can’t give my love
freely to someone else until I can freely love myself. I’d be okay with not
worrying about this for a while and just letting it unroll as it does. I’m not
concerned about the “lack” in my life for this section.
So let’s look at the Personal Growth section. I’ve rated it
as a 5 because I’m working towards growing in my yoga teaching, in my own practice,
in discovering who I am but I think I need to bring in other aspects of the
Live to Learn Pillar in order to expand in an all around way. I think Personal
Growth is super important and finding the balance in creating a well rounded me
is going to be tough long-term. I
think this just means finding more time to read, paint, create and keep trying
new things.
Part of my personal growth being mid-point is that in my
Physical Environment [note: this to me means my living environment on the day
to day] is in my childhood home. This aspect in my life and on the Wheel is at
a 4. Again, grateful for having a home, a bed, food, but sometimes it’s okay to
lack in those areas for things like privacy or knowing you can take care of
yourself via your own place. It’s even harder when you have lived on your own,
paid for everything and had to return to being non-self-sufficient. Rough. The
space isn’t really “mine” which is probably a great lesson in learning to
practice non-attachment but being honest about this overview. Hard to grow when
you can’t support yourself in the basic way. The biggest day-to-day change I
can make is my attitude (which is huge) so when I wake up acknowledge how
grateful I am for all the blessings I have while continuously working to find
my own space. Another easy thing, is to recognize how lucky I am and take some
time to make sure my space [room] remains clean and functional, while keeping
the house “tidy” to show my gratefulness and respect.
For Recreation [I take this as social life/hobbies], I’ve
rated it about a 6. A lot of this does come from the studio-my time there, my
practice, now being on Christie Lake and enjoying SUP, but I do connect with
friends for low-cost hang outs when it works out and don’t feel overly worried
about this aspect of my life at all. It feels natural. I’m an
introvert/extrovert so really actually enjoy my alone time. If I wanted to improve this it’d come
into conjunction with Personal Growth and that ‘say yes’ to new things!
Which brings us to Family and Friends. Who are about a 6
“overall.” Everyone has things
going on in their Family but the majority of my immediate family and I get
along, enjoy being together and support each other. The same goes with my
friends, we keep in touch fairly well thanks to technology and see each other
when it can work out for everyone. But there is always ways for me to improve
these relationships such as reaching out, listening more, showing more
compassion and this will come, as my love for myself is able to grow.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Reach Out...Hard.
So I haven't been able to get myself back to visit my Grandpa again [yet].
I think it just shook me how different each visit can be so that is what I'm doing for Reach Out but it's going to have to be a big longer in it's execution. Because I want to continue to see him after I submit that project and I need to build the habit and prepare emotionally for it.
Work in progress to move towards an end goal for my Shorty!
I think it just shook me how different each visit can be so that is what I'm doing for Reach Out but it's going to have to be a big longer in it's execution. Because I want to continue to see him after I submit that project and I need to build the habit and prepare emotionally for it.
Work in progress to move towards an end goal for my Shorty!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Memory
Second visit with Grandpa today and I didn't stay very long.
It went...as well as a visit can go at this point?
He was having a good day Saturday. Today, he didn't know who I was, he kept picking at his skin and seemed annoyed.
So I sat with him for 10-15 minutes, gave him a kiss, and then left him to just be.
It was easier to force myself to get there but not easy to go inside, not easy to see my delightful and hilarious Grandfather so sombre and uncertain, and not easy to hear him say he didn't know me and I wasn't his granddaughter.
But none of that is his fault and he still deserves all the love, time and attention he gave to me.
I won't be able to get there for the next few days but Friday it's on my list. Hopefully, he'll be having a good day but regardless I'll be there.
It went...as well as a visit can go at this point?
He was having a good day Saturday. Today, he didn't know who I was, he kept picking at his skin and seemed annoyed.
So I sat with him for 10-15 minutes, gave him a kiss, and then left him to just be.
It was easier to force myself to get there but not easy to go inside, not easy to see my delightful and hilarious Grandfather so sombre and uncertain, and not easy to hear him say he didn't know me and I wasn't his granddaughter.
But none of that is his fault and he still deserves all the love, time and attention he gave to me.
I won't be able to get there for the next few days but Friday it's on my list. Hopefully, he'll be having a good day but regardless I'll be there.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Reach Out
Onto another Moksha Pillar.
I'm not sure there is an exact reason why I chose to do "Reach Out" for my second big project. I think maybe it has to do with just keeping momentum and needing to jump back in.
This is not going to be an easy journey for me, I want to be upfront and very honest about that.
Previous to yesterday, I had not seen my grandfather since August 9th, 2011 the night before I made a big life change.
Seeing him yesterday, sum it up? Ball of emotion. Before, During, After.
And likely that will be the case every time I visit. But sometimes, it's not about us, sometimes life is challenging in ways we never expected, never wanted and that means we have no clue where to go forward. The only thing to do is take a deep breathe and let the stories go.
I almost bailed on my own plan for this project, I don't think I'm ready to face this, face my grandfather who isn't really my grandfather in a lot of ways anymore.
I cried in the car driving to the home, cried in the car trying to get ready to go in, cried in the elevator up to his floor, cried while visiting, cried when leaving and have cried various times since for a variety of reasons.
But the first visit. The first time in almost two years of seeing my grandfather. I did it and my aversion is still so so strong but know what I learned? He's still there and I think I got my eyes from him.
Let me go back for a minute, I have a lot of trouble looking people in the eyes but yesterday I looked into my grandpa's eyes, saw him and saw him in me.
We had a conversation. He may have struggled. More than I can even tell I'm sure to get the fairly mumbled short sentences out but small conversations. He knew what he was talking about when he was talking about it and I know he recognized me. He may not know my name but he knew who I was. He smiled and I smiled.
And when the lady tried to get past his wheelchair and I had to move him so she could fit but then started talking to me (which by the way was heartbreaking for other reasons. She told me she was tossed aside and no one loved her. And my heart broke) I could see his annoyance in her being in his space, in being in his way.
When I eventually left-my visit was probably close to 45 minutes-giving my Shorty a kiss on the top of his head and leaving him there made my heart break. He looked at me though, after I walked away, he watched me at the elevator and waved me back over. He then stated very clearly to me "Don't hang out here" and I told him I was heading home and he asked how I was getting home and I told him I was driving and held up the car keys, giving him a kiss again and heading back to the elevator.
He's still here and I think that makes this that much harder than I had originally anticipated but more motivated because he needs to know he wasn't tossed aside and how much he is loved.
I'm not sure there is an exact reason why I chose to do "Reach Out" for my second big project. I think maybe it has to do with just keeping momentum and needing to jump back in.
This is not going to be an easy journey for me, I want to be upfront and very honest about that.
Previous to yesterday, I had not seen my grandfather since August 9th, 2011 the night before I made a big life change.
Seeing him yesterday, sum it up? Ball of emotion. Before, During, After.
And likely that will be the case every time I visit. But sometimes, it's not about us, sometimes life is challenging in ways we never expected, never wanted and that means we have no clue where to go forward. The only thing to do is take a deep breathe and let the stories go.
I almost bailed on my own plan for this project, I don't think I'm ready to face this, face my grandfather who isn't really my grandfather in a lot of ways anymore.
I cried in the car driving to the home, cried in the car trying to get ready to go in, cried in the elevator up to his floor, cried while visiting, cried when leaving and have cried various times since for a variety of reasons.
But the first visit. The first time in almost two years of seeing my grandfather. I did it and my aversion is still so so strong but know what I learned? He's still there and I think I got my eyes from him.
Let me go back for a minute, I have a lot of trouble looking people in the eyes but yesterday I looked into my grandpa's eyes, saw him and saw him in me.
We had a conversation. He may have struggled. More than I can even tell I'm sure to get the fairly mumbled short sentences out but small conversations. He knew what he was talking about when he was talking about it and I know he recognized me. He may not know my name but he knew who I was. He smiled and I smiled.
And when the lady tried to get past his wheelchair and I had to move him so she could fit but then started talking to me (which by the way was heartbreaking for other reasons. She told me she was tossed aside and no one loved her. And my heart broke) I could see his annoyance in her being in his space, in being in his way.
When I eventually left-my visit was probably close to 45 minutes-giving my Shorty a kiss on the top of his head and leaving him there made my heart break. He looked at me though, after I walked away, he watched me at the elevator and waved me back over. He then stated very clearly to me "Don't hang out here" and I told him I was heading home and he asked how I was getting home and I told him I was driving and held up the car keys, giving him a kiss again and heading back to the elevator.
He's still here and I think that makes this that much harder than I had originally anticipated but more motivated because he needs to know he wasn't tossed aside and how much he is loved.
Friday, May 31, 2013
30 Day Challenge/Be Healthy
So this was my 2nd official 30 Day Challenge, 3rd unofficial challenge since I count training as a special 30 Day Challenge.
Going into this was very different from the first Challenge in November. I was excited for that challenge but I don't think I understood the impact it would have on me and where taking that challenge could lead me if I let it. In a lot of ways that Challenge brought my decision to apply to Teacher Training right to the forefront of my mind and it was during classes where I felt strong and "me" like I hadn't in a very long time.
And yet, the effects of that challenge faded quickly.
I didn't understand that the challenge continued when the month was over.
Going into this Challenge-yes as part of my distance learning for Teacher Training but mostly as a way to solidify my practice, get in tune with my body and really take a step back to be grateful for the amazing things my body does for me without having to ask and being amazed at all those fluctuating functions.
I felt a bit like I was floundering after training, that I had lost my practice at the exact time I needed to be focusing on it. I lost touch with my body and began to slip into a mindset a lot of women and some men do-just criticizing the details instead of seeing the big picture. I was scared my teaching wouldn't be as effective because I've gained weight the last year and a half. A lot of weight. And yoga is about "being healthy." What I kept missing was the part where 'healthy' doesn't have to equal a size 2 or 4 or even 6. What I was missing was that healthy encompasses a vast range of motion including those pesky little thoughts that creep into everyone's mind and scream "You're not good enough." Whether it be "You're not thin enough" or whether it be "You're a failure at being successful in a career" ANY self deprecating thoughts are unhealthy.
And so those became my focus in this Challenge. Challenging myself to connect with the body to bring ease to the mind.
There were really hard days. Days where practicing just seemed like the worst idea but I practiced and I let that thought go and I left the studio feeling the prana moving through me. Letting that be enough.
I have a long way to go in regards to finding a great balance in my health but I know that I can do it and I know that listening to my body will never steer me wrong, it's fairly intuitive and that needs to be respected, rejoiced and thanked. Repeatedly.
Onto the next project bringing the lessons I've learned into my life toolbox....
Going into this was very different from the first Challenge in November. I was excited for that challenge but I don't think I understood the impact it would have on me and where taking that challenge could lead me if I let it. In a lot of ways that Challenge brought my decision to apply to Teacher Training right to the forefront of my mind and it was during classes where I felt strong and "me" like I hadn't in a very long time.
And yet, the effects of that challenge faded quickly.
I didn't understand that the challenge continued when the month was over.
Going into this Challenge-yes as part of my distance learning for Teacher Training but mostly as a way to solidify my practice, get in tune with my body and really take a step back to be grateful for the amazing things my body does for me without having to ask and being amazed at all those fluctuating functions.
I felt a bit like I was floundering after training, that I had lost my practice at the exact time I needed to be focusing on it. I lost touch with my body and began to slip into a mindset a lot of women and some men do-just criticizing the details instead of seeing the big picture. I was scared my teaching wouldn't be as effective because I've gained weight the last year and a half. A lot of weight. And yoga is about "being healthy." What I kept missing was the part where 'healthy' doesn't have to equal a size 2 or 4 or even 6. What I was missing was that healthy encompasses a vast range of motion including those pesky little thoughts that creep into everyone's mind and scream "You're not good enough." Whether it be "You're not thin enough" or whether it be "You're a failure at being successful in a career" ANY self deprecating thoughts are unhealthy.
And so those became my focus in this Challenge. Challenging myself to connect with the body to bring ease to the mind.
There were really hard days. Days where practicing just seemed like the worst idea but I practiced and I let that thought go and I left the studio feeling the prana moving through me. Letting that be enough.
I have a long way to go in regards to finding a great balance in my health but I know that I can do it and I know that listening to my body will never steer me wrong, it's fairly intuitive and that needs to be respected, rejoiced and thanked. Repeatedly.
Onto the next project bringing the lessons I've learned into my life toolbox....
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Day 30
And I made it!
This last week was tough though-way tougher than I expected! I think the added heat outside the studio as summer really tries to be here just added to the "stress" and endurance of my body. Especially added humidity. Oy!
But practice was good today. Taking a class and enjoying a very long shavasana and then guiding challengers through their last class. Fun!!
I've planned to do a big "reflection" post on the 30 day challenge and will hopefully get that up tomorrow. :)
This last week was tough though-way tougher than I expected! I think the added heat outside the studio as summer really tries to be here just added to the "stress" and endurance of my body. Especially added humidity. Oy!
But practice was good today. Taking a class and enjoying a very long shavasana and then guiding challengers through their last class. Fun!!
I've planned to do a big "reflection" post on the 30 day challenge and will hopefully get that up tomorrow. :)
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Day 29
Oh am I tired.
I'm not sure if the rain last night kept me awake or I was unknowingly more anxious for my community classes today BUT sleep last night was not so great.
Alas, I got through both my community classes and feel okay about them overall. No one seemed too upset that there was a new teacher guiding them and I enjoyed myself.
And then I took an SSU class and it was magical. So here's hoping a busy day at the yoga studio leading classes, taking classes, and being a part of the community will bring me some sweet dreams.
ONE MORE DAY!
I'm not sure if the rain last night kept me awake or I was unknowingly more anxious for my community classes today BUT sleep last night was not so great.
Alas, I got through both my community classes and feel okay about them overall. No one seemed too upset that there was a new teacher guiding them and I enjoyed myself.
And then I took an SSU class and it was magical. So here's hoping a busy day at the yoga studio leading classes, taking classes, and being a part of the community will bring me some sweet dreams.
ONE MORE DAY!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Day 28
I don't really know where this month went. Only 2 days left in the Challenge and I teach on both days AND have to practice.
What a way to go out!
Today's practice was okay, lots of fun, few flows. ;) My right shoulder is being a bit stiff so I'm just being extra mindful of how it feels.
The best thing about practice today? It shows that if you take a step back, remove yourself and reconnect, you can turn your day around.
Namaste world!
What a way to go out!
Today's practice was okay, lots of fun, few flows. ;) My right shoulder is being a bit stiff so I'm just being extra mindful of how it feels.
The best thing about practice today? It shows that if you take a step back, remove yourself and reconnect, you can turn your day around.
Namaste world!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Day 27
Oh today.
You were not an easy day were you?
My body craved practice and my mind didn't want to go.
My mind let me body have this one.
End of the challenge toughness eh?
3 more days and lots happening in them!
You were not an easy day were you?
My body craved practice and my mind didn't want to go.
My mind let me body have this one.
End of the challenge toughness eh?
3 more days and lots happening in them!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Day 26
Hmm Day 26 what can I say about you...
Not the best day. Lots going on in the mind and some days you just have to let go of because everyday is another chance to learn.
So not the best day but it's done. And time to move forward and let it go.
Not the best day. Lots going on in the mind and some days you just have to let go of because everyday is another chance to learn.
So not the best day but it's done. And time to move forward and let it go.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Day 25
Sometimes it surprises me. My body, life, everything!
So many surprises today.
Starting with my body being very tired, powering through a wicked Moksha class, and then powering up for some stair climbing!
The best part though? The random chat I had with another stair climber and giving him stretching tips for his quads. Those pesky stairs!
How are there only 5 days left????
So many surprises today.
Starting with my body being very tired, powering through a wicked Moksha class, and then powering up for some stair climbing!
The best part though? The random chat I had with another stair climber and giving him stretching tips for his quads. Those pesky stairs!
How are there only 5 days left????
Friday, May 24, 2013
Day 24
YOGA RAVE!
The 30 Day Challenge was made for creating really ridiculous and awesome yoga events.
That being said, oh my goodness yoga only lit by glow sticks and to techno tunes. What. An. Experience.
It's all about trying new experiences and just being in the moment.
Also, I missed ending a class/community event with an "Om."
The 30 Day Challenge was made for creating really ridiculous and awesome yoga events.
That being said, oh my goodness yoga only lit by glow sticks and to techno tunes. What. An. Experience.
It's all about trying new experiences and just being in the moment.
Also, I missed ending a class/community event with an "Om."
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Day 23
Day 23..and I'm all caught up!
My day got turned around and it worked out for me to take a Moksha and then a Yoga for Runner's class.
It felt great and the one day I missed, welp, all caught up!
It was an odd day but so weird to be in the home stretch for the 30 Day Challenge!
My day got turned around and it worked out for me to take a Moksha and then a Yoga for Runner's class.
It felt great and the one day I missed, welp, all caught up!
It was an odd day but so weird to be in the home stretch for the 30 Day Challenge!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Day 22
SO yeah. Today's practice on the mat was great. Today's practice off the mat. Not so great.
I was doing okay and then hit a bump in the road and need to get my head sorted before I teach next week. The thought of my insecurities, my unhealthy thinking will affect someone's yoga practice makes me really not okay with that. So I've got a few days and that's what needs to happen.
Let's go out on this 30 Day Challenge with a bang eh?
I was doing okay and then hit a bump in the road and need to get my head sorted before I teach next week. The thought of my insecurities, my unhealthy thinking will affect someone's yoga practice makes me really not okay with that. So I've got a few days and that's what needs to happen.
Let's go out on this 30 Day Challenge with a bang eh?
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Day 21
Three weeks of yoga everyday and still 9 days left. ;)
Today was good-took a class, taught a private practice class, and attended a workshop with Ted (and friends).
Suffice to say there was a lot of Moksha today and all of it was amazing.
Sitting in a room with people passionate about the thing that brings so much peace to me and I can see the small ripples beginning to move out brought me so close to tears more than once. Tears of joy fyi.
So excellent day and excellent way to enter into this last stretch of the Challenge.
Today was good-took a class, taught a private practice class, and attended a workshop with Ted (and friends).
Suffice to say there was a lot of Moksha today and all of it was amazing.
Sitting in a room with people passionate about the thing that brings so much peace to me and I can see the small ripples beginning to move out brought me so close to tears more than once. Tears of joy fyi.
So excellent day and excellent way to enter into this last stretch of the Challenge.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Day 20
How are there only 10 days left in this challenge???? This month is flying by!
Today's class was great-not the one I had planned on taking but it worked out really well and I felt really strong at times (and recognized that was a good feeling but there will be days I won't feel strong!).
I need to do some prep for my class tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous! I haven't taught in a while but my practice has been fairly strong since so let's hope that I can draw and factor that into my teaching for my students.
Namaste world!
Today's class was great-not the one I had planned on taking but it worked out really well and I felt really strong at times (and recognized that was a good feeling but there will be days I won't feel strong!).
I need to do some prep for my class tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous! I haven't taught in a while but my practice has been fairly strong since so let's hope that I can draw and factor that into my teaching for my students.
Namaste world!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Day 19
I think I'm over the sleepy hump of the 30 Day Challenge. But it can always come back if I dont watch my hydration levels and food intake.
I had intended to take the yoga with weights class today and then see how I felt to take Moksha Music...but ya know, not being attentive means I missed the start of class. Oops!
But Moksha Music was such a fantastic class today!! It was full of wicked energy and played with the Moksha series.
Best.
I had intended to take the yoga with weights class today and then see how I felt to take Moksha Music...but ya know, not being attentive means I missed the start of class. Oops!
But Moksha Music was such a fantastic class today!! It was full of wicked energy and played with the Moksha series.
Best.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Day 18
Oh wow day 18.
So Moksha class at noon and then getting ready for a day on the trails with awesome waterfall views!
I'm not sure if this day could have been any more yogic for me.
The lilacs in bloom, being surrounded by water and oh boy those trails were rough for me but taking deep breathes and feeling the air and energy flow in and out of me.
What. a.day.
So Moksha class at noon and then getting ready for a day on the trails with awesome waterfall views!
I'm not sure if this day could have been any more yogic for me.
The lilacs in bloom, being surrounded by water and oh boy those trails were rough for me but taking deep breathes and feeling the air and energy flow in and out of me.
What. a.day.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Day 17
Day 17. I kept thinking today was St. Patrick's Day...I couldn't explain it if I tried.
But my yoga with weights class I took was awesome! I think I need to grab a lighter set of weights (or two and alternate depending on the use) but ultimately it was an amazing class and I'm super pumped our studio is offering these types of classes!
Overall, I think Day 17 has been a success and just part of the challenge of life.
But my yoga with weights class I took was awesome! I think I need to grab a lighter set of weights (or two and alternate depending on the use) but ultimately it was an amazing class and I'm super pumped our studio is offering these types of classes!
Overall, I think Day 17 has been a success and just part of the challenge of life.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Day 16
What a good day for practice.
I pushed my limits today it was great.
Along with a straight Moksha practice led with great energy, I ran the stairs and did some warm up biking/rowing.
I finished the day just being amazed by my body. I don't think anyone truly gives their bodies enough credit. Even when we don't take care of them-they continue to do their best to take care of us and when we do take care of them. The sky is the limit!
I have a long way to go in regards to being comfortable in my own skin (for a variety of reasons) but today was a great step forward. And I want to encourage any one who reads this to actually ditch the scale.
One huge pondering I had was that I've stepped on a scale being pumped feeling great and then when I see that "number" it affects me more than I want or realize. So I'm ditching the scale at least til the challenge is over but ultimately I don't want to live my life based on what it tells me. I want to base it on how I feel, how my clothes fit and give my body the credit that it's earned.
I pushed my limits today it was great.
Along with a straight Moksha practice led with great energy, I ran the stairs and did some warm up biking/rowing.
I finished the day just being amazed by my body. I don't think anyone truly gives their bodies enough credit. Even when we don't take care of them-they continue to do their best to take care of us and when we do take care of them. The sky is the limit!
I have a long way to go in regards to being comfortable in my own skin (for a variety of reasons) but today was a great step forward. And I want to encourage any one who reads this to actually ditch the scale.
One huge pondering I had was that I've stepped on a scale being pumped feeling great and then when I see that "number" it affects me more than I want or realize. So I'm ditching the scale at least til the challenge is over but ultimately I don't want to live my life based on what it tells me. I want to base it on how I feel, how my clothes fit and give my body the credit that it's earned.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Half Way Point! Day 15
Half Way Baby!
The tiredness is setting in, but I can muscle through, and probably up my Ultima consumption...and Banana's. Keep my electrolytes up.
I had a long day but made it to class and then...may have...fallen asleep. BUT I made it to my mat and sometimes that's what the body needs. I felt just as good coming out as I do after working my body for a full class. I think that's the best part.
It's neat looking out the windows, walking outside and noticing the beauty in small things. It happens when I practice regularly, my eye gets caught by things I'd normally overlook.
Bring on the second half of this challenge. :)
The tiredness is setting in, but I can muscle through, and probably up my Ultima consumption...and Banana's. Keep my electrolytes up.
I had a long day but made it to class and then...may have...fallen asleep. BUT I made it to my mat and sometimes that's what the body needs. I felt just as good coming out as I do after working my body for a full class. I think that's the best part.
It's neat looking out the windows, walking outside and noticing the beauty in small things. It happens when I practice regularly, my eye gets caught by things I'd normally overlook.
Bring on the second half of this challenge. :)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 14
I was so pumped for Day 14....alas my body is tired today.
The plan: Take the flow. Take yoga with weights.
The result: Body is tired and savasaning during the tail end portion of the flow....Didn't think my muscles would like me much and was just exhausted.
AND usually class pumps me up, wakes me up before winding me down ya know?
The car's check engine light came on so I'll guess we'll see what's in store for Day 15 on day 15?
But then it'll officially be half way through!
The plan: Take the flow. Take yoga with weights.
The result: Body is tired and savasaning during the tail end portion of the flow....Didn't think my muscles would like me much and was just exhausted.
AND usually class pumps me up, wakes me up before winding me down ya know?
The car's check engine light came on so I'll guess we'll see what's in store for Day 15 on day 15?
But then it'll officially be half way through!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Day 13
Day 13th. Wonderful, wonderful Monday!
So I thought I'd try to get to two classes today but really, one great flow class is better than two "not quite" connected classes.
Plus it's day 13th so I've got some time to make up that day I missed. Or not. It really isn't about the goal of 30 in 30. It's about recognizing habits, creating new space, and growing in the practice.
I realllly wasn't feeling a class for a few reasons but there is no real reason to have NO gone yesterday. There was time and I was able.
Ashley always leads wonderful classes. The energy in the room was pumping but no one felt like they were "pushing" themselves. It was a lot of listening to the body and just connecting with breathe. Once a few people do that it creates an energy pull in the the room and connects the people in the room in their practice just creating a great environment and reminder of the power of union.
Doesn't hurt that it's almost half way through the challenge now either.
So I thought I'd try to get to two classes today but really, one great flow class is better than two "not quite" connected classes.
Plus it's day 13th so I've got some time to make up that day I missed. Or not. It really isn't about the goal of 30 in 30. It's about recognizing habits, creating new space, and growing in the practice.
I realllly wasn't feeling a class for a few reasons but there is no real reason to have NO gone yesterday. There was time and I was able.
Ashley always leads wonderful classes. The energy in the room was pumping but no one felt like they were "pushing" themselves. It was a lot of listening to the body and just connecting with breathe. Once a few people do that it creates an energy pull in the the room and connects the people in the room in their practice just creating a great environment and reminder of the power of union.
Doesn't hurt that it's almost half way through the challenge now either.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Day 12
Almost half way through this Challenge!
I'm finding this Challenge (so far) easier than my first Challenge. But I think it's just "challenging" in different ways now. I know I can complete 30 Days in a row of yoga everyday. I've made it through the physical challenge and now it's moving deeper. It's challenging the thoughts of "I don't want to go" and thinking about WHY I'm feeling as such. Delving into the mind more, recognizing challenges don't have to be all serious and can still be fun and enjoyable and once you get that it makes it easier.
I think it's helped to give myself some credit too. And has been interesting being a part of the challenge on "the other side" as a teacher too!
Class today was excellent. With my Mumma by my side and a fellow trainee leading class. I could feel the growth in my mum's practice and in the teacher's style. She has always been amazing but today it felt like her true authentic self really shone and that is awesome.
Peace out!
I'm finding this Challenge (so far) easier than my first Challenge. But I think it's just "challenging" in different ways now. I know I can complete 30 Days in a row of yoga everyday. I've made it through the physical challenge and now it's moving deeper. It's challenging the thoughts of "I don't want to go" and thinking about WHY I'm feeling as such. Delving into the mind more, recognizing challenges don't have to be all serious and can still be fun and enjoyable and once you get that it makes it easier.
I think it's helped to give myself some credit too. And has been interesting being a part of the challenge on "the other side" as a teacher too!
Class today was excellent. With my Mumma by my side and a fellow trainee leading class. I could feel the growth in my mum's practice and in the teacher's style. She has always been amazing but today it felt like her true authentic self really shone and that is awesome.
Peace out!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Day 11
Okay okay so I didn't make it to the 930am flow today...BUT I really wanted a moksha class so sort of justified?? No?
It's okay, I like doing doubles. :)
I did teach a "cool down" though after one of the Climb for Cancer runs and on the fly so props for that!
Plus, I got out in nature and discovered an amazing waterfall or two I must venture back to in the daylight.
Sometimes it's not about the practice on the mat.
Namaste.
It's okay, I like doing doubles. :)
I did teach a "cool down" though after one of the Climb for Cancer runs and on the fly so props for that!
Plus, I got out in nature and discovered an amazing waterfall or two I must venture back to in the daylight.
Sometimes it's not about the practice on the mat.
Namaste.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Day 10
I think my favourite ever is yoga on Fridays. The combination is just divine.
Tonight there was a Challenger's Only 80's Themed YogaMix class....and HOW MUCH FUN WAS THAT?!?!
Oh man, it's funny to think "It's just yoga" but when put into a practice like I feel most of the people in the room did tonight. You can FEEL the energy change
Being dressed up in 80's themed clothes only made it even more awesome.
Also, heck yes Anthony! Fantastic teachers surrounding me=best gift.
Tonight there was a Challenger's Only 80's Themed YogaMix class....and HOW MUCH FUN WAS THAT?!?!
Oh man, it's funny to think "It's just yoga" but when put into a practice like I feel most of the people in the room did tonight. You can FEEL the energy change
Being dressed up in 80's themed clothes only made it even more awesome.
Also, heck yes Anthony! Fantastic teachers surrounding me=best gift.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Day 9
I just need to state that I always feel such a sense of peace, community, worth at my yoga studio and during class.
Today was hard-not for on the mat practice but in dealing with those inner demons.
The good news is that I have a practice and I can look to my practice to help place things into focus. One of my favourite things about the 30 Day Challenge is that when these days happen, as they are bound to, it makes it that little bit easier to just go and practice, get to the studio, get to my mat, and breathe.
I have been struggling with finding a good, even, steady breathe in my practice since training and today taking that first breathe in Pranayama, I just felt my lungs expand into all those little crevices inside as I pushed down through my feet and made space.
So going forward, I'd like to remember day 9. Reconnecting with breathe. And moving forward.
Today was hard-not for on the mat practice but in dealing with those inner demons.
The good news is that I have a practice and I can look to my practice to help place things into focus. One of my favourite things about the 30 Day Challenge is that when these days happen, as they are bound to, it makes it that little bit easier to just go and practice, get to the studio, get to my mat, and breathe.
I have been struggling with finding a good, even, steady breathe in my practice since training and today taking that first breathe in Pranayama, I just felt my lungs expand into all those little crevices inside as I pushed down through my feet and made space.
So going forward, I'd like to remember day 9. Reconnecting with breathe. And moving forward.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Day 8
Oh the start of week 2.
I had planned on just ya know, savasanaing the whole time, but then class started and well I just practiced and it was good.
So welcome to week 2-keeping it real and rocking it one day at a time.
I had planned on just ya know, savasanaing the whole time, but then class started and well I just practiced and it was good.
So welcome to week 2-keeping it real and rocking it one day at a time.
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