Yoga Lesson

Last week was tough, but in different ways than I expected. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to say about those few days. Or what is the most honest thing to say about them. I promise I'll say something soon. Anyhow, that major milestone passed, and while it was passing, I didn't go to yoga, hike or eat anywhere near as healthy as I have been. When Monday morning rolled around, I was feeling sluggish and uninspired. It was kind of amazing what the unhealthy foods, lack of movement and serious stress did to my body over the course of less than a week. I knew I needed to lovingly shove myself back in the right direction, so I went to two yoga classes in a row. After my morning superfood smoothie and three hours of yoga, I felt much better. At the beginning of the second yoga class, the instructor shared this with us. I needed to hear it, and it really resonated with many feelings and thoughts I've been having lately. After class, I asked her if I could share it on this blog, and she agreed.

"1 1/2 years ago my father died, a few months ago my mother died. A couple of months ago I closed my yoga studio. I think most would agree that I “deserve to” or “should” feel sad or bad. But here’s the interesting thing, for the most part, I don’t.

Do I now judge myself for not feeling how I think other people expect me to feel? No, I focus on myself, and try to not concern myself with what others are thinking, because what they think does not REALLY affect me.

When we think we need to be, or act a certain way we restrict ourselves. Then energy can’t flow freely through us, and life certainly can’t flow through us.

This thought about restrictions applies to all areas of your life. Are we suppose to be a certain way? Is there something you want to do, but don’t because of fear of other people judging you? For example, when I decided to go natural with my hair, my longest friends were pretty mortified. Why, does this reflect directly upon them? Are they so uncomfortable with someone being okay in their own body or okay being different, that they feel the need to criticize it? I don’t know, but I do know that when I challenge myself, and try not to concern myself with other’s reactions, I grow - I gain clarity and I feel wiser. I believe that those are all things I am here to experience.

Release restrictions of how you think you are suppose to be, and believe you are free to be yourself!

(if you would like to, silently repeat)

I release all restrictions, and I am free to be me!"

Colleen Dwyer, CI, E-RYT - www.blossomingyoga.com

Colleen is such an awesome yoga instructor, and I'm looking forward to taking more of her classes. Check out her schedule of classes and workshops on her website above.)

My Money Tree!

I bought three tiny money trees about two years ago. I killed them all. Oy. What does that mean? I don't even want to think about it. Today I was walking into Kroger, and they had these GIANT money trees for $12.99. It is almost 4ft tall!

They are supposed to bring prosperity and wealth. I can use all the help I can get as far as those things go right now. Hoping I can keep this one alive!

What I am reading right now...

I had a gift card for Barnes & Noble that has been in my wallet for years....with a balance of about $3 on it! I went to the website, and browsed through the clearance books to find something I could buy without going over what I had on the card. I found this Deepak Chopra book about the life of Buddha. I only had to pay 55 cents more than what was on my card to cover shipping!

No matter what your religious beliefs or spiritual practices are, the story of his life is a fascinating one. After watching several documentaries about the Buddha, I'm enjoying this book. It uses the known information about his life as an outline for a beautiful imagined story.

Speaking of marriage....

Let's just start this post off saying that I have always been a big dreamer. I remember riding in the car one day when I was probably 7 years-old, looking out the window and thinking that I was going to marry Bruce Springsteen when I grew up. This seemed like a great plan. (Yes, I had a huge crush on The Boss.) I told my parents this, and then I remember them explaining that he was already married to a woman in his band. That was probably my first little broken heart experience. Ha. Seriously, I remember being so disappointed that it hurt. I may have even cried into the leather arm rest. Oh, Bruce, you sure were a looker back in the dia!

Now, if only a talented, mature, sane, sober, funny, honest, smart man who looked like this could come along, my heart just might find a way to go all aflutter again.

Mi Madre

Beautiful.

Photo credit: Betty Casale (My dad's mom.)

Forget 2 Years Ago...Try 40 Years Ago Today!

40 years ago today, my mom and dad were getting married. My mom was 19 & my dad was 20. He sold his stereo out of his car so they had gas money to get to Sevierville, Tennessee for their honeymoon. I know their marriage probably hasn't always been easy ( the words marriage and easy probably shouldn't even be legally allowed in the same sentence), but tonight they could have gone anywhere in the world to celebrate (they've come a long way, financially, since that August night of 1971), and instead, they chose to go to Sevierville to honor the last 40 years they've spent together. When I heard those were their plans, I just loved it. FORTY YEARS. I'm in awe and full of love for these two.

This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.
— Rumi