Posts tagged ‘Off the mat’
How to be Alone
Are you alone right now? Embrace it, you never know what will come to you.
Cuz if you’re happy in your head than solitude is blessed and alone is okay.
My Happiness Project
After reading the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, this winter, I decided to start my own project on a smaller scale.
At first, I started thinking my happiness project needed to be a group, getting out twice a month to meet with others to plan and talk about our personal projects. It would be great – I’d organize it all and even thought about what cookies I’d bake.
Then I stepped back from the idea and realized that I just don’t have the extra time for all that right now. I find that I love to keep busy, but sometimes too busy so that I don’t actually accomplish anything. The result being disappointed and frustrated. So in the end, realized the group idea was one extra thing I shouldn’t put on my plate right now.
So I thought of something that would make my happiness project simple and effective, today and for the next 12 months. I decided the only rule was to give my happiness some good thought the last week of each month. Then to start the next month have two or three things I’d like to change for or about myself. Aware of and working on these things will make me mindful of my well-being, as well as will ripple this happiness to those in my life.
So here’s a recap of the last few months:
January was to cut back on a few of the foods I’ve been indulging on too often. No chips (of any kind) or take-out pizza. This was something I knew I could do and would start my happiness project off on a good foot. It was perfect.
In February, I wanted to cut my sugar use in half and track my water intake. I did great with watching my sugar, I’ve even thought of going without in my morning java. With my water intake I knew I wasn’t getting enough to start with. Having this as a resolution made me research the adequate amounts a person my size and activity level should be taking in. I found the iPhone app Waterlogged to help me record my progress. Which I’m happy to report worked great on the days I started off with a glass of water and kept recording throughout the day. I need to work on remembering that first glass.
As for March, here are my resolutions:
1. Start each day with a glass of water and record it.
2. Embrace early mornings: love the idea of being a morning person but never really enjoyed it. This month I’m going to make it a habit to get up early and enjoy the calm of the sun coming up. Or the west coast drizzle if I must.
3. Mad Abs – I found this calendar on Pinterest and thought it was an attainable goal.
So far so good. All the best on your happiness project adventures! Please leave comments below of what you are doing to be a little happier.
Here’s the Mad Abs that I’m doing. (Not sure the source of Mad Abs March)
Like this:
every WOMAN workshop leader
Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. ~Carol Welch
This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a workshop leader at Every WOMAN Powell River. I hope everyone enjoyed the sample of yoga. My workshop was first thing in the morning, a perfect way to start the day.
The whole day was filled with inspiring workshops. I took in pilates, nai, Qigong, African drumming, belly dancing, meditation and made time to relaxed in the tea lounge. The lunch and snacks were tasty and seemed to never run out.
Thank you, Kerri and Lynn, for organizing which a memorable, action packed day. I don’t think I’ve stopped shimming my shoulders yet, thanks for the moves Mara. 
For those that couldn’t make it, here’s the link to a slideshow (click here), created by a local photographer. I’m in the drumming segment, to the right of the lady in pink, my good friend Erin.
Also, check out what city is next for Every WOMAN at http://www.everywomanintheworld.com
Supplements at a glance
A link to this cool site was sent to me few weeks back and I’ve been back to it a few times now. I really like how fun it looks and the bits of information it shares. Are the supplements you’re taking worth it? Find out here.
Gamers move over
I’m not a gamer by any means, though there are a hand full of games I love and the rest frustrate me to no end. I miss the two dimensional days of Mario for Nintendo and Tetras. I have found a 3D game with no boundaries that I enjoy. It’s Flower for the PS3.
This game can be downloaded right from the PlayStation Store through the conceal itself. The concept of the game is you are the wind. Which you control by moving the controller and pushing just one button. Simple. You collect petals as you blow past trails of blossoms. It’s up lifting as you move through the levels changing what was once brown fields into lovely colour. I love it and have to laugh when I find myself leaning into the game.
“Reviewers praised the game’s music, visuals, and gameplay, calling it a unique and compelling emotional experience. It was named the “best independent game of 2009″ at the Spike Video Game Awards, and won the “Casual Game of the Year” award by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.” [wikipedia]
Elizabeth Gilbert :: TED Talks
I’m in the middle of reading Committed, which has rekindled my love for the humbled writer, Elizabeth Gilbert. I am one of her readers, that after finishing Eat, Pray, Love, I couldn’t wait to read her next great work. I visited her site monthly in hopes for an announcement of a release date and checked Chapters online often to make sure it didn’t slip through the cracks. Now that it’s here, I once again have Liz fever, ok I’m not that excited, but I do enjoy having my weekend coffee with her.
A year ago, she did a TED talk. Presenting a fresh way of keeping our creative accomplishments in perspective… and suggests what creative genius is. A must watch or listen.
CLICK to watch: Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity
“It’s a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.” – TED
Reflecting on the past decade
Here we are, a decade behind us and a new year to look forward too. This past week I’ve been reflecting on the past ten years. What has transpired? Where is my life headed? What is left undone? I have a lot to be grateful for; I’ve never been so content with life as I am today. Even though the last decade had it’s roller coaster moments and even at times “how could this be happening” consumed my thoughts, I’m glad it all took place. It has made me the person I am; someone activity striving to be the best I can be.
I’m dedicating my free time the rest of the winter months to Svadhyaya, the yogic discipline of studying sacred text and studying oneself. Svadhyaya is part of Patanjali’s Eight Limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga) described in the Yoga Sutra. In brief, the eight limbs are steps and practices that will lead to enlightenment. Asana and pranayama are both limbs in this path. Through reading and researching yoga text, a better understanding of the Self (our true nature), as well as skills of self-observation that leads to yoga or union will present itself.
One of the best text I found helpful in understanding what yoga is all about, The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar. It’s well written, in simple terms without being over welling.
A great way to experience self study is in your yoga practice. Observe your thoughts, is your mind present? How does the movement/yoga posture feel in your body? What subject matter draws your mind away?
33 Ways to get and keep yourself motivated
Now that winter is starting to set in, I’m feeling chilled and lethargic. The winters here, on the coast feel colder then the -20 ºC winters in Southern Alberta. I find the air is heavy and damp; and chills you to the bone. Making me want to curl up on the couch until mid April. Today’s list is about motivation, just reading the first few has motivated me to read all 33, so I thought I’d share. CLICK HERE and start these winter months with a positive, productive and clear mind.
Benefits of Massage
I have a massage appointment booked for Saturday and I can’t wait, it’s long over due. A massage is such a good thing to get done to yourself, not just for the pampering reasons. If you are someone who hasn’t treated themselves to a massage or feel they aren’t sore enough for one, here’s an article that may change your mind. Five Surprising Benefits of Massage.
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