Find It

Some days are filled with joy and peace, others are not. Perhaps its how we view it. 

I began my yoga in the dark and by the time I finished, light filtered through the woods. 

At first I saw the grey trees and prepared for a gloomy day. Then I noticed the lovely hues of peach and rose. The warmth filled my soul. 

It will be a good day. 

Find the joy. Find the peace. 

Ooo... look what I found...Mindful Meditation And Breathing Exercises

I've always believed a little is better than none.

I do 10 minutes of yoga every morning.

My goal this year is do it in the morning and at night.

I'd like to bring meditation back into my day. When I did meditation before, I always felt better both physically and mentally.

Here's a guided one I like...

A Beautiful Begining

The beginning can set the tone of the entire day so take a moment to think about it. 

Choose one word, perhaps the first word that comes to mind, of how you want to feel, be or accomplish today. 

My word today is "creative".  I want to feel creative and be creative.

Realistically,  my day involves laundry and cleaning the house. But for breakfast I'm trying a new recipe... chive and cream cheese omelets for Flyboy & me. I also hope to get some blog posts done and work on Hawk's Honor.

But for now, I'll start my day and set the tone. I take a deep breath, enjoy the moment and say the word " Creative."

#MIchigan #Meditation

 Time spent in nature is an opportunity to rejuvenate the soul.

Try a moment of Michigan Meditation.

My state of Michigan is known for nature. I was blessed to have worked for the Department of Natural Resources for a time. Every day I walked the 81 acres of marshland I was charged with and started the day with peace, wonder and beauty.

Yesterday was the first day of bow hunting season and hunters took to the woods, including my flyboy. Like many hunters, he didn't see a deer but simply enjoyed being in nature. Curious squirrels teased him while he sat enjoying the sounds and smells of the woods. 

You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy Michigan Meditation, or even be in the state. Find a spot outdoors, on your porch, in a park; and take a moment to listen, look and smell. Feel the peace.

Morning Meditation with Mother Nature

Vacation Day #2

Cool temperature with a breeze from the north.

Mood is "chillax".

Communing with nature is a great way to start the day.

Doing yoga next to water is an amazing experience. 

It good to break up your routine of being inside.  Breathing in clean air cleanses the body and opens the soul. Some may think practicing yoga outside not only develops your inner strength and stability, it aligns you with nature. Yoga outside can boost your self esteem and the dose of vitamin D from the sun will help fight depression. Even if you practice yoga in the shade like I do, you'll still get those "feel good" vibes.

Loons calling to each other  replace the sounds of the city. 

My only observers were seagulls.

The breeze caressed my skin like a lover's touch. 

If you get the chance, step outside.

Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.

Take a moment to listen; focus on nature sounds.

Hear the birds?

Feel the breeze?

Remember to Breathe

During all the prep for the wedding, the dark cloud of stress tried to visit.  

Someone told me...

Just remember to breathe.

I take that advice to heart and suggest if you ever feel anxiety or stress slipping into your veins take a moment. 

I do a little thing I call the 4 by 4. I stand tall facing the north. I raise my arms while taking a deep breath to 4 counts. With my arms up, I stretch, and hold my breath for 4 counts. Exhale while lowering my arms. Breathing in good air, pushing out the bad. 

I turn and face the east, repeat. Breath in for count if 4. Stretch to the count of 4.

Turn and face each direction. During this time think beyond your vision, think of the wonderful world. Count your blessings.

New Yoga Partner? Catnip Anyone?

My son's cat joined me for yoga today. I was moving into Downward Dog when I felt her soft fur against my arm. She slithered around my arms and legs, rubbing her face as she purred a happy sound.

Believe it or not, Cat Yoga is a thing. It started back in Asia around 1998. Yoga studios featuring friendly felines have popped up around the county. The yoga features a restorative, slow-paced sequence that allows for plenty of time for fawn over the furballs while still guaranteeing a feel-good stretch. The presence of the cats isn't distracting but actually helps "keep you in the moment".

While I enjoyed the Mona's company and she left a trail of fur everywhere she went. I think yoga tired the little gal out... or bored her to death, she left me to curl up for a nap.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried Cat Yoga!

....And Just Breathe

Today is a good day to breathe.

The one thing about doing yoga outside is breathing. Yes. I know we breathe all day long, but we rarely focus on a single breath. 

When we take a deep breath, its almost as if time stops. Anxiety and tension melts. I feel my awareness sharpens. My senses wake up.

Take a moment to go outside or open a window and stick you nose close to the screen. Close your eyes and slowly take a deep inhale. Feel your chest rise. Hold that air for a couple seconds, feel the oxygen enter your lungs. Exhale slowly pushing bad air out. Cleansing your lungs, your body. Try it 3 times. 

How do you feel? What do you hear? What do you taste? 

Maggie found today's exercise very calming.

 

I tried a new video today.

Yoga For Complete Beginners

Yoga With Adriene is pretty nice. I like the way she calmly explains the poses. As I learn yoga, sometimes I get caught up in the correct way to pose rather than to relax into it and breathe. 

I'm definitely going to use this video and will check out more of hers in the future.

Morning Yoga Doggie Style

Yoga is good for me but what's with the wet nose in my face?

I love doing my morning yoga. 

When you do yoga as the first thing you do in the day,  and it becomes habit,  your body will automatically adjust the time to wake up as well as the time  to fall asleep.  I find I wake with more energy and I'm inspired to tackle the day.

Even though dogs stretch and do normal yoga poses, they simply enjoy stretching.  However, your dog is in tune with your stress and anxiety. When you are calm, they're feeding off it and are essentially calm as well. A calm dog is happy and of course wants to share the joy, thus the wet nose and kisses while you are in a yoga pose. 

Today's  YOGI tea tag- "When you become a part of the universe,  the universe becomes a part  of you."