25 Day Yogathon

So I haven't posted in a few weeks. I have a lot of ideas but finding time to sit down and write has been a challenge. It's no surprise that my theme for teaching yoga this week has often turned to the idea of maintaining balance in our lives. When the holidays come our self-nurturing tendencies are usually the first sacrifice. So I was terribly intrigued when Teeg at Living in the (K)Now offered up the idea of a 25 Day Yogathon!

While Teeg's motivations are a little different than mine this challenge really speaks to me. I want to tend well to myself this time of year. It allows me to be a better friend, employee, and teacher. Rather than indulge in self-care in a way that can be sloth and gluttony in sheep's clothing I will set solid intentions. Designed to nourish my mental, physical and spiritual self

• 25 days of yoga everyday (mind).
• 25 days of drinking at least 25 ounces more water than I normally do in a day (body). 
• 25 days of 15 minutes of meditation everyday (soul). 
• 25 days of mindful eating. Not saying "no" to holidays treats but recognizing a little goes a long way and I don't need super-sized portions of any indulgent foods (mind, body, and soul).
• 25 days of making home made green juice and drinking it.

You're invited to join along with the 25 Day Yogathon! Whether you want to work towards detoxing like Teeg, balance and self-care like me, or something new, the yogathon is about living your choices. Choosing an element of commitment for tending to the mind, body, and soul make your list and join us tomorrow. We're using the hashtag #25yogathon on Twitter, so joinus and follow the conversation there!

Manifesting in the Modern World: aka Creating Virtual Vision Boards

Yesterday I purchased a website domain for a project that I hope comes to fruition in a few years. I joked with a friend that buying the domain was my way of manifesting the project into existence. The truth is  I am laying the ground work, putting in the time and work, and will make it happen. Yet, knowing that url, that blank canvas is there just waiting to be developed gives me an area of focus. I realized it's like a vision board in it's own way. That lead me to wonder...is it possible to have a vision board in the virtual world?

For those of you not in the know, a vision board is usually crafted by hand. You take inspirational quotes, images, ideas, goals and put them into one place. As you can imagine it is a fun but messy project. For those not into glue sticks or push pins, then perhaps the Virtual Vision Board is for you. It also allows you to take it with you for travel, it's always there for you.

I used Pinterest to create my latest Vision Board (above). Pinterest allows you to "pin" images you find online and add text to them. I then took a screen capture, cropped the image, and saved it to use as the background on my computer and tablet. Now, it is always there. I see it every time I start the computer or alternate between programs. (You could take a picture of a hand-crafted Vision Board as well and apply the same concept).

If you want something more private you could consider using Evernote to create your Vision Board. While it takes a little more work with Evernote to pool the images in an attractive way it is possible. You can also include more robust content, quotes, images, and ideas. I used Evernote to manage my writing, my home work and also have a section for "Inspiration". Each of my notes in the Inspiration can evolve into class themes or written work easily.

 Another option, is Digital Dreamboard. This is currently a free service, donations are accepted. It is private and visually appealing. It's not as easy as Pinterest or Evernote but for some it is a good option. Another option is to create a collage in your favorite photo/image editor program.

I still love my tangible cut and pin Vision Board. However, I am a digital gal, and I find the Virtual Board easier to update, and always right there. After all Vision Board is only useful if you can look at it.  



Reflections on Loneliness

I spent the last weekend in Albuquerque visiting my friends, The Bacas. Last year we did a winter 5K walk and for this year we opted to do the Pumpkin Chase 5K. As I moved through the course on a beautiful brisk Sunday morning I had a lot of time to reflect.

During this race we did not all stay together. Paul-Baptiste is a more proficient runner than I. For me the race tends to be a jog, run, walk combination. Eveliina and their daughter Chickabiddy were happy to walk at a nice clip (Eveliina is due with their second baby soon). 

I began the race running with PB, then walked with the girls awhile, and then found my own stride. During that time I thought I would feel lonely. I didn't. I was merely alone. What was great is that we each got to do the race in a way that was satisfying while still sharing  the experience and the day.

On my trip home I thought a lot about the difference between being lonely and being alone. Generally I don't mind being alone. I am fairly busy so downtime is essential. However, there are times when you want to share experiences with people. It's easy to get down on yourself and feel lonely.

What's even easier is to convince yourself that if nobody is calling to hang out, that they don't want to spend time with you. Oh the lies we tell ourselves! For the last six months I've tested out the theory...when I feel lonely or feel the blues coming on I reach out. I've been asking my friends to brunch, to go for walks, to hit up a yoga class. Crazy thing is, they usually say yes. Often times, they were feeling a bit isolated and lonely too.

Sometimes friends are tied up, sometimes you're tied up. However reaching out and being persistent can keep the empowered, independent "alone" from turning into the "lonely". Give it a try. Make some plans. Be the one to reach out. You probably won't be the only one to benefit.