Connection to a Place

This conversation I had with a man that had recently moved here from Colorado made me think about my connection to places. He had lived in Colorado his whole life and was in Portland visiting a friend. The way in which he described Colorado as a place of high elevation, bright sun even in the winter months with powdery snow. I could hear his love for this place that brought him joy. After this conversation it made me think about places that I have a connection with.

My yoga mat because when I do yoga it brings me back to my inner stillness

Orcas Island surrounded by ocean and beaches

Thailand for all the beautiful temples, culture and food

Teaching yoga

 

When I connect with something it brings me inner joy that trickles out into the world where I want to share this joy with others. This also is a whole body reaction when you connect to something that ignites your spirit. It also makes you think that finding connection in what we do ignites that joyous spirit that resides inside, awaiting to be connected.

 

What connection ignites your spirit?

 

 

 



The Ebb and Flow of life

Just as we flow from one pose to the next in yoga, we also do this in life from one event or situation to the next. We may have days where the flow feels smooth, balanced, inspiring and creative and other days we feel off balance. Is life all about movement and the stillness. This may be seen as a time to look inward and reflect upon what your vision or passion is. Then we adapt movement to create or fulfill our inner reflections. While in our stillness we pose questions seeking answers that may arise now or later. As we journey through these two spaces stillness and movement I invite you to practice meditation.

Light a candle

Sit in front of your alter if you have one if not sit in your favorite spot

Start to focus on your breath, maybe label in/out to help you center yourself

Place your hands palm down on your knees to process or palm up to receive

Tuck your chin and close your eyes

 

As we focus on our breath we can start to let all

that is not serving us go.

We can feel the inner stillness

that resides within us. So when

moments arise we can remember

that we always have our breath.

My favorite sunset at Discovery Park.

 

 

 



Spending our days

        "The way we spend our days is the way we spend our lives"

 

-Unknown source

Wow, I came across this quote while looking through some papers. This makes you think that we have some amazing choices to make everyday. These lead to the whole of our lives here on earth.
After reflecting on this does it make you want to challenge yourself? Take risks? Make different choices than you are doing now? Or help you to see that when a new day starts we have fresh choices to make.

So, I am grateful to this quote for reminding me that everyday is a gift filled with choices to make and experiences to have.

A hike in eastern Washington, love the bumble bee

Felt inspired to do up dog at Discovery Park in Seattle, WA

Gratitude

So, I went to a yoga retreat this summer in central Washington. The place was peaceful, and relaxing. I stayed in contact with one of the teachers and she recently created a Gratitude event for 30 days. So, you can journal, share with family/friends. I love this idea because life gets so busy we forget to find the great in everyday.

So, I invite you to join me in these 30 days of Gratitude, Thankfulness, Recognition etc. to find the good in your life.

I'll start I am really enjoying the beautiful sunny fall days because I am able to run and hike.

Fall farm fun

 

There will be a time, not so far from now, that you will look back on this phase of your life and instead of condemning it or beating up on it... Instead of blaming or guilting, you will feel appreciation for it, because you will understand that a renewed desire for life was born out of this time period that will bring you to physical heights that you could not have achieved without the contrast that gave birth to this desire.

 

---Abraham

Oregon hike viewpoint

Triple falls hike

Inspire life and let life inspire

Do what feels good. Keep practicing to inspire your life.       

 Let your favorite places inspire you to be silly or adventurous!

Be adventurous, and do yoga poses on your travels 

Be inspired by natures beauty!

Try new poses even if it isn't perfect.  Oops, I fell. 

When you feel like posing, practice and inspire others. 

How does life inspire you or how do you inspire life? 

Success, defined

“Wild success isn’t about your possessions or your portfolio. It’s about knowing that you’re doing the right thing with your time on earth.” – Tama J. Kieves

Found on Kirplau facebook page

For me this quote brought to light the importance of doing what inspires me, not the recognition I get or the status I have. Finding that true success is being connected with body, mind and spirit. What puts a smile on my face? When do I feel confident and inspired? How do I keep this focus?

Wow, so glad I found this quote as I have been struggling with the success of portfolio, possessions which doesn't do anything if I am not connected to what I do.