Sunday, December 14, 2014

I wanted to share with everyone about a great video I watched this morning which was a clip from the Oprah Supper Soul Sunday. The take away from that clip was this key questions:


What gives you Life ?

This made me stop and think that I get so wrapped up in the daily routine of life that I forget to ask this question to myself on a daily basis. Our souls need to be feed so we can contribute to the larger world we reside in.



So here are my Life givers:


Yoga=connects me to breath and spirit
Running=releases my energy and unblocks my creativity
Books=ignite ideas and challenge me to be my best
Gardening=shows me the beauty that surrounds us and our connection to this earth
My sister on our road trip through Utah.

I feel warrior II is a great pose because you must ground your feet into the earth, shoot your arms out and hold them strong, look forward beyond your fingers. This pose makes you aware that there is no looking back. You are grounded in the present and challenge yourself to feed your soul and know that whatever the future holds you got this.

 



Monday, December 8, 2014

After a very physical week at my work my body forced me to slow down and take a breath. When I get in that mode of go, go, go it is sometimes hard to slow down until your body just tells you to stop and listen. It made me realize that I was not taking care of me and this creates a disturbing energy within myself. I find in these moments I need yoga so much. The connecting of my breath to movement, to myself, to my community.

So, on Sunday I took time to take a yoga class, then today I took a nia class. This time of dedication to one self is essential in living a well balanced life and being a positive contributing member to this planet.
Root down into yourself and honor this new way of being.



And remember to keep your heart open

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Weekend Fun

So, the weekend is a time to restore, have fun and find inspiration. That is how I like to spend my weekends any way.

Saturday I ran to Hatha yoga class and the humidity here was at 75% and when I got to class I was red faced and sweating. I have never taken a class from this teacher and I really liked the long meditation we did before starting our practice because it settles your mind and roots the body. Towards the end of class she said notice today how you are after you take a yoga class and it got me thinking that I am a more calm, pleasant person to be around.

Now I want to ask all of you how or does your outlook or behavior change after taking a yoga class?


Yoga makes me shift my shit.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Respect yourself

When you uphold yourself to a certain standard you expect others to respect that. I feel I have finally come to see the value in myself and require those close to me to love, honor and respect me. So, if someone in your life is not flowing with your values take time to step back and assess that relationship. Our lives are to short and grand to endure disrespect.

So honor you today by taking a look at those that bring light into your life and those that bring clouds.



Monday, July 14, 2014

I was just reading an article on how to transform into the CEO you want. It got me thinking aren't we all CEO's of our own companies. We create a vision for our life, then we take steps to attain that vision. So, here is what I learned from the article and will incorporate this into my life to be my most successful self.

Celebrate your strengths and be aware of your opportunities.

Take on challenges with a learning mindset. You don't have to be perfect or know everything, in life we need to stay curious and keep learning.

 In this life you will always be transforming and adapting your approach, but don't lose yourself in the process.

I would love to hear how and if this could help you be the best you.

Enjoy this Monday.


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Recommitting

Lately, I have been falling off the wagon with running, yoga, meditation, etc. So instead of feeling guilty or buying into negative self talk, I have decided to recommit myself to those things that bring balance and joy. So, I invite you to see everyday as a time to recommit to those things that are important to you.

I commit myself to getting up early to run by the lake, get off work early to do Dharma yoga and attend meditation classes that teach me to strive for the best in myself.

 
 
 
 
 



Sunday, May 18, 2014

Don’t get stuck. Move, travel, take a class, take a risk. There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming. Don’t lose yourself at happy hour, but don’t lose yourself on the corporate ladder either. Stop every once in a while and go out to coffee or climb in bed with your journal. Now is your time. Walk closely with people you love. Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep travelling honestly along life’s path.”

a well traveled woman
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Linkedin Post

Good Morning, I was reading an article on linkedin yoga group and a quote by BKS Iyengar caught
my eye.

"God has a job for every individual"
 
-BKS Iyengar
 
 
It really makes me think that our job is to find out who we really are and what makes us shine while residing on this earth. We all have a job so I say follow what makes you feel alive so you can inspires others on their jobs.
 
 
Cute little church on Lummi Island with a Labyrinth.


Monday, May 5, 2014

Awareness

Think of attentiveness as the capacity to be one-pointed, listening at ever-deepening levels of awareness.

                                                    -Sue Monk Kidd

I feel when we commit to yoga and meditation this helps to become more attentive to our awareness levels. I become more awake to the world and my heart opens to what is. Grounding poses are a great way to focus on the breath, so I challenge you to focus on your breath when you seem to slip into your own world.

Stay open, stay present and be aware.
We mustn't go through life
 wrapped up in our own lives.
 
 




Saturday, May 3, 2014

Rising above, gossip, judgment and negative people can be overwhelming. However, I have found that by stepping back and checking in with your pranayama helps to slow you down. This makes you become aware of your feelings and help you rise above the junk.

These 2 poses help me root down in myself and RISE ABOVE. What poses help you when your in an overwhelming space?




Sunday, April 27, 2014

To discover a space that frees the mind and inspires the soul, one must take note, to visit this space and relish in the energy it brings.

 
May we all discover this space and be able to have a piece of it daily.
 
That space for me is the Chicago Botanical Garden. Being surrounded
by natures beauty calms my soul and inspires me.
 
 
 
CBG, English walled garden


 
 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Am runs inspire

Was on my am run with my cousin, discussing goals I want to accomplish while in Chicago. And before I came, I wrapped up this package of what I wanted from Chicago and it is not unwrapping the way I wanted which I makes me frustrated. But, I need to remember that Gratitude is the Attitude! Also that things don't always unfold the way you want. However, it is important to stay open to these different packages and the ways they unfold. So by shifting my perspective I can rid myself of this frustration that is preventing me from learning and enjoying the time spent here.

So reframing is essential to my success here. I am not disregarding my goals, I am merely reconstructing my attitude. Would love to hear how you deal with unfolding packages.

Back off Waterfall at one of the Multnomah falls trails.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Enjoy

I am currently reading a book by Gabrielle Bernstein called May Cause Miracles. It is a 40 day workbook with a focus everyday so todays is Gratitude is the Attitude.

So, I awoke to some am meditation on gratitude and wanted to share of photos of  beautiful Chicago and the gratitude I feel for being able to experience it. I welcome you to share your gratitude with me could be a place, picture, situation, event, etc.




Saturday, April 19, 2014

New Yoga studio

I found a new yoga studio which is 2 blocks from where I am living. The space is small and perfect. The studio focuses on Dharma yoga which I am new to and excited to experience. So, the class was full and students here in the Midwest are talkers giving the teacher feedback while yoga is going on and I love this.

I had not done yoga for about 3 weeks so I was sore after class which is good and makes me want to get to doing more classes. I wanted to share that at the end of class the teacher read from Meditations on the mat. She talked about home and that we seek things outside of ourselves in order to become fulfilled, and experience happiness. So, the teaching was to remind us that you always have a choice to go home and this resides within all of us.

I feel that yoga for me has helped me to realize that I am enough, and shifted my perspective of myself to a positive light. So, I ask what has yoga helped you realize?

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Chicago my temporary home

Loving my am runs in Chicago and this morning there was snow on the ground but the sun is coming up and the city is quiet, love fresh air in the morning.

Off to discover a yoga studio called Dharma yoga which is close in the area to where I am temporarily living. So, I'll let ya know. Also going to check out new meditation spots. Exploration is fun.


Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Monday, April 7, 2014

Enjoy

I have been home visiting family and took advantage of the wonderful hikes in Central Washington. We also attended the Leavenworth Outdoor film festival and it was a real inspiration to watch these documentaries.

The take away for me was that we all need to be true to ourselves and push our limits. And MOST of all ENJOY the JOURNEY!




Sagebrush buttercup, spring plant in Central WA

Warrior 1 between Ponderosa pines

Friday, April 4, 2014

Confidence

Confidence, it has always been something I struggle with. And, I realized that without confidence how can you fully engage in life. So, when I am feeling less than par I do a Warrior sequence to aliven my inner confident Warrior.


Warrior II

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Mantras

Watched a really great show last night and the person being interviewed talked about being mediocre. This made me sit up straight and realize that times of transition for me when I don't have a goal become moments of mediocracy. I do not have time for this because when I am not being my best, challenging my norms and comforts I am disempowering myself and these moment of mediocracy turn into days, weeks, and months of this behavior, so I say STOP!

My mantra that serves me right now is, Don't BE Mediocre!!! BE Extraordinary!!!


Yoga poses on Badger Mountain

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Being allegiant about who you are and who you are not.

                                                                     -Shirley Maclaine

I love this because I focus on who I am not or my deficiencies. I need to be loyal to who I am and see the beauty in who I really am. Embrace it, and Own it  

The sun is shinning today so I am off to explore the landscape and breath fresh air.


Joseph's coat vibrant, beautiful and fun.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Challenge Week

So, I am challenging myself to post on my blog everyday for the next 7 days. I will post inspirations, thoughts, frustrations, explorations just anything I want to share.

I read this book by Twyla Tharp and she says to make creativity become routine, set aside some time to do your creative thing. So, I am setting aside some time to do my thing.

What have you challenged yourself to do in the last month for one week? I would love to hear from ya.


Morning Glory such a beautiful summer vine. Opens in the morning and closes mid morning.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

New Adventures

Do something you haven't tried before.


Like riding the ski lift at Mount Hood with the sun shining on the snow which makes it look like crystals. This was my first time to ever ride a lift and it was exhilarating. The view was magnificent of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson and The Sisters.

We were the only ones without skis or a snowboard but don't let that stop you from having a experience. I must say that doing something out of your norm empowers the soul and must be done daily so we can break our minds of thinking that we can't.


BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW WE CAN IF WE JUST LET GO OF THE MENTAL CHATTER!




Thursday, March 13, 2014

FOCUS can hurt but it is the only way to delve deeper into something. 
                                                                                           -Danielle Laporte
Wow, this was a moment for me because I tend to want to dabble in many things. However this statement is so true and enriches your experience. What do you want to delve deeper into?


 
 

Monday, March 10, 2014

 
Getting out is a great way to ignite creativity and cultivate inner joy.
Where is your place?
 
 


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Kumare

Wow, I just watched the movie called Kumare on Netflix about a false prophet that transforms himself into a guru. His whole teaching is that we are all alike and have a guru that resides within each one of us. This film was so insightful and showed me how much we believe in others and not ourselves. How we are searching for community. How we need someone to really listen to us without telling us what to do.

So, yoga can unite us with ourselves and bring us to that quiet stillness we seek. Meditation can provide us with inner peace and joy.

So, I ask this who is our inner guru? What does that person look like? What does that person act like? What does that person do to bring out the inner joy?


Roper Lake in AZ

Find the inner guru even if it seems a little off


Saturday, February 1, 2014

What yoga gives me!

Yoga
for me is the crucial element of connection with oneself
 
 And what I mean by that is the Asanas
we do aid us in our ability to be compassionate,

be grounded in our values and bodies,
also to see that life has a bigger purpose and
Yoga
 carries us to that place of connection with
ourselves as well as those around us!


 

 Warrior III

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Silent Getaways

How can we dig deep within ourselves?

When we do dig what is it we find?

Does finding this help us on our path?

So, I am still in transition and moving in one month to a place not known yet and I wanted to get away. This getaway was to Lummi Island. The space was great for reflection, with a wood burning fireplace, surrounded by evergreen trees, complete silence and a wood burning hot tub.

These times of transition I feel require you to be with the silence. You may read, reflect, journal, yoga or take a walk to explore. However this time is spent know that it is contributing to your inner journey of deeper discovery. As I was there I identified my primary objective and then from that came my sub objectives.

Let me share

Main Objective: To Live My Desired Life Fully!

Next:
Being my Best Self   (Ok, I hear ya sounds corny and over used but hear me out)

So, what does being my best self feel like? Look Like?

Freedom, Joy, Passion, Confidence, Inspired, Open, Wealth, Authentic, Strong, Supported, Excited.

How can I describe look like? Well, I'll stand taller, a smile will be on my face, laughter will be coming from my mouth, I will have a glow from the inside out.

By writing this out you can begin to envision yourself as your best self. Once you have that vision it will be easier to put into practice.

Lummi Island Beach

Lummi Island, view of Orcas Island








Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Checking out Yoga studios

So, I am checking out different yoga studios in 2014. And yesterday I went to a community class at a local studio called The Bhakti Shop Yoga. Before we started class the instructor read a story about a rabbit. Now I don't remember the whole story but the meaning was insightful.

The message was that by listening to yourself and doing what feels right for you in the moment will not only liberate you but it will do the same for others. This can be so helpful on and off the mat. As we are in class our eyes may wonder comparing ourselves to others, but by listening to our bodies and honoring our needs we liberate others to do the same. So the more you accept and honor yourself on and off the mat the more liberated you will be.


Monday, January 6, 2014

Big Changes

Why is it that when you make a big decision to quit something that is not bringing you any joy or fulfillment
 
 
You have this feeling creep up that you failed
 
You didn't plan appropriately
 
Your research wasn't in depth enough  
 
Well, I had all these feelings after I decided to quit my certificate program. And, I thought wow these negative thoughts are not serving me at all. I need to make a choice and know there may be consequences but I listened to my inner voice. So, I say accept what is and make a plan that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
 
Would love to hear others stories of changes that made you feel poorly about yourself, yet you rose above them to find true joy.
 
Arizona so beautiful
 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Xmas roadtrip in the SW

Wow, what an amazing Christmas and New Years I had with my sister. We took a road trip from El Paso where is was currently living to Phoenix. This trip for me really took me out of my gloomy mood and helped me to see that if I want change I need to act. There are so many beautiful places to discover and see. This cemented for me that life is to be enjoyed and explored. So if you have a nomadic spirit follow that.

So, my mission is to take hold of my life and stop existing. Research 5 places I would enjoy living and exploring. Then act, move, grow and let fear be my driver.


Roper Lake State Park, Safford, AZ

Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ

Roper Lake Loving it!