Posts Tagged ‘Stay present’
I was honored and quite happy to guest write for this week’s BizeeBee blog. I wrote the post focused on teachers, but I think it can apply to anyone who is over-scheduled and feeling overwhelmed.Â
Read the post and remember to leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Shanti, Shanti, Namaste.
So, you think you’re the only one who struggles with meditation? Trust me, you’re not! And to help reassure you of that fact, I thought I’d share a typical meditation moment. The one that occurs after I’ve dimmed the lights, shut off the computer, turned off the phone ringer (I use the Zen Timer on my phone to time my meditation), arranged my meditation cushions, settled in, closed my eyes and started to focus inward seeking the peace, quiet and serenity, only to find the reality of practice.
Inhale. Exhale. Oh, I must shift, I’m not comfortable, I’ll never be able to sit for 30 minutes. Ok. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale … Are my sit bones even? Focus! Back to the breath. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Did I remember to put bread on the grocery list? Iggy’s bread would be good, wonder if there’ll be any left? Darn it! Focus! Inhale. Exhale. Read the rest of this entry »
Well, I just learned (again) what happens when one gets ‘caught up’ and doesn’t pay attention and the teachers were yoga and hiking.  The other night, craving BOTH Yoga and hiking (good thing I’m Hiking Yogini, right? ;))  I grabbed my mat and water bottle for a quick ramble in Lincoln Woods, happy that I had easily an hour before I’d have to leave the park (which closes at dusk.) Read the rest of this entry »
One of the main lessons Yoga teaches is “be present”. Essentially, we learn to honor a given moment and whatever it may hold — physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and/or energetically — and let go of the rest.  This practice leads to a more equanimous/peaceful existence, rather than one that constantly reacts to sensation.  This practice also leads to questioning the small and large parts of our lives like, “Is what I’m doing (now or in my life) important?”, “Is this *object* important?”, “Does this experience/object/choice/sensation provide true fulfillment? Or only momentary satisfaction?”, “Am I filling my life and time with that which is important for my Happiness, or am I simply filling my life and time?” Lately, I’ve been compelled to really look at what fills my life and my focus fell on all the “SCHTUFF” filling my home … and I felt a little ill. It was past time to declutter. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the things I’ve been learning, and with which I’ve struggled for a long time, is the concept that Yoga and Yoga Asana means much more than the one or one-and-a-half hour classes I attend. Part of my struggle lies in the resistance to that idea. That is, of course, my competitive and ego driven part of me peeking through. But due to an overburdened schedule which makes getting into the studio that much more challenging, I’m finding that if I want Yoga Asana, then I’d better re-evaluate my ideas around it. And what I’ve begun to learn lately is that Yoga Asana can be found and done everywhere, even in the most unexpected places — and it can be FUN. Read the rest of this entry »
I realize this isn’t a political blog, nor do I want to write a political blog, but this past Fourth of July holiday with all the ubiquitous articles commenting on our country’s beginnings, the fireworks shows, the picnics, the music, and the gatherings of family and friends prompted me to give some good thought to what freedom actually means. Merriam-Webster has a generally accepted definition of freedom. The Future of Freedom Foundation takes the definition of freedom and created a political viewpoint. The National Endowment for Democracy charges itself to promote democratic freedoms globally. The U.S. Department of State has a branch that promotes global religious freedom. All of these groups, and all the varied groups in between, are populated with well-intentioned individuals attempting to live their values and promote freedom in grand, illustrious and outwardly-focused endeavors. But what of the rest of us? How can those of us with lives so full we can barely find time to sleep understand how to promote or live freedom in our daily lives? In our blessed American lives, does the question of freedom ever cross our minds? Read the rest of this entry »
I once took a management seminar in which the facilitator was discussing how to deal with the ubiquitous “How are you?” in the work place. We all know that the person asking has simply expanded, “Hello”, and they don’t really want to know how you’re doing unless the answer is, “Great! That project proposal you need is all set.” or “Great! I just scored tickets to the Superbowl!” They don’t want to know anything else — they’re busy with their own angst-ridden day. The only folks who may really want to hear your true answer when they ask are your girlfriends, buddies or loving family members …  So how do you answer your coworker when your day isn’t great and still practice Right Speech … In other words, not be a liar? Read the rest of this entry »