Lessons on the Journey

June 18, 2010

I’ve been spending a lot of time journal writing as part of the 21.5.800 Challenge. I don’t know how much it has helped. As an active participant in my thoughts, journaling seems to excite it which I do not need. However, I suppose getting the thoughts out does just that. They don’t continue to circle . . . in my head. Plus, it seems writing is easier because of it. Words flow more freely.

As far as the challenge, I’ve missed the mark at 800 Words by two days, but I’m not beating myself up over it. Like everything else, life gets in the way. However, I have also noticed a few things about myself that sabotage me, so its good information I am using to move past the deficiency.

What has helped the most in the challenge is my new-found meditation practice, which in turn has led to even more mindfulness throughout my days. It is, in fact, a catalyst for making a change to how I plan to teach classes at OhioU this summer. Since we will have four hours together per week in a compressed 5 week quarter, here’s what I’m planning: a yoga class, meditation outside and then writing/creative time to finish. I am hopeful that students learn something about themselves through the process.

Today, my writing consisted of a new Associated Content article about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, an Examiner article about the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure and this blog post. (It may take the AC article a day or so to be available.) Other than that, it was a simple day, enjoying the sunshine and swimming. Next: a relaxing evening by the fire with my hubby, sipping on Chardonnay, relaxing.

Happy Friday! They sure aren’t what they used to be. They’re better!


Grateful . . .

June 3, 2010

As a yoga teacher, I often don’t know how I’m touching my students.  By touching, I mean how much I am connecting with them.  I teach.  A few people stay after class to comment or ask questions, but many others don’t.  I keep giving because it is in my nature ~ and the nature of yoga ~ to do so.  I love teaching.  I love when I feel like the spirit of yoga just comes through me.  Yet, sometimes I leave class wondering . . . was it a good class?  Did I touch someone in someway?  Reaching.  Connecting.  Spreading joy.  It’s important to me.  However, I teach a lot at  a local college and often don’t get feedback like I do in other community classes.  Yet, I LOVE these classes and the students.  Many are new to yoga at the beginning of each quarter.  I hear from some of them after the quarter has ended.

Today, I got validation.  It came from current students in a class now ending and past students from my former workplace.  It is interesting the way in which life works.  Questioning.  Feeling low.  Feeling high.  Validation.  Grateful.  I know its not what really matters, but it feels good, and if the spirit of yoga through me is reaching people, for that I am truly grateful.  It is a gift.  I feel grateful to have been given the gift of yoga in my life and to be blessed enough to share it with others.  Grateful.


Yoga Outdoors

May 17, 2010

For Friday’s yoga class at OhioU, I decided to take the students outside.  The weather was gorgeous.  I had a bit of a rough week, and really needed the fresh air to stay centered.  I teach at a branch campus and there are only two classroom buildings there.  There is also a lovely rolling lawn, with little foot traffic, especially in the back.  A walking trail meanders further back and a quaint greenhouse stands just behind the second building.  I also discovered a small patio area I didn’t know existed.  The space is perfect for yoga practice.  I didn’t have my camera with me, but plan to take it this week, so I can share with you. ;-)

I had the students come into a large circle.  We started with seated meditation, feeling the gentle breeze and sunshine upon us.  From there, we warmed up, moved through flowing Sun Salutations,  a simple vinyasa sequence, then partnered up to play in partner poses.  When the class was over, a few students said, “can we do this every week?  That was so fun.”  It really was too, so I think I’m on to something with the warmer weather!

Incidentally, I practice fairly often outside, in my own backyard.  I practiced here yesterday.

If you remember, my backyard had lots of flowering trees just a month ago.  Everything is now more covered and all green.  Blessed!

Many blessings to you!


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