Slow Down and LIVE

40 day meditation challenge is under way!

One of the most recent emails received from my teacher, Jen, was inspired by a highway road sign that a student/friend had seen on his vacation travels. It read, "SLOW DOWN AND LIVE" and was probably meant to protect highway workers and drivers from having an accident in areas of construction, but struck him in a new way. To be mindful and slow down in your life allows you to truly live in the moment!

live one breath at a time

I realized when we are able to be present in each moment, we feel more content in our lives. Rushing around and multi-tasking, living our lives jam packed with stimulation and information leaves us feeling empty and disconnected. To tune in and notice the small things, appreciate the little special moments, is truly to live wholly and fully. Try taking a mundane activity like doing the dishes and begin to tune in to the senses, the smell of the dish soap, the weight of a bowl in your hands, the feel of running warm water. Slow down.

It's alright....

Have had a busy few weeks.  I have had some ups and downs, but the thing that stands out to me the most from these chaotic days is my general shift in attitude. I have been able to let go, if even a little bit, more than normal and take some space around situations that make me uncomfortable. 

"Little darling, the smile's returning to their faces,

It seems like years since its been here...."

Finding a way to step back for a while and give myself time to process why I am uncomfortable with a particular situation allows me to approach it with more understanding and peace. There is truly so much to learn from these uncomfortable places and so much light that you can bring to others when you try....

Today I am grateful for taking time, for the opportunity to grow and for savasana under the trees.

Big Fun

I haven't had a chance to blog because of a busy week and some big fun....mainly our new BIG, fun puppy...Duke (short for Marmaduke). He is a Great Dane mix, about 4 months old, and was living at the humane society and needed a home. Yeah, so that's that. He's a sweet, large pup with a very cute face and very very large feet. Our old dog, Bear, is coping well...we are proud of both!

Bear and Duke

The last week or so I have been teaching everyday. What made this daunting week a little easier was the love and sweet thoughts of my family and friends! I had so much support this week...received flowers two different times, gifts of special soaps and candles, concerned text messages and emails and so many sweet smiles and hugs. It was an amazing show of love and I am truly humbled all around! Namaste!

Still, it would be okay if everything just mellowed out for a minute...

climb it out (and up)

Then I treated myself to a little gift (more like a little therapy): went climbing today with 'Drea, Kristen and Tim at Upper Limits, West County, talked Tim into buying me a nice, new prAna yoga mat, and even had homemade pizza topped with homegrown veggies from my student's garden afterwards!

It was an absolutely perfect finish to a full week.

2 thumbs up!