Showing posts with label Bikram yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bikram yoga. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Packing.
At this point I am just picking things up and putting them back down in different places. I feel I have lost all grasp on where things belong. I'm done trying to organize. I have no idea where old birthday cards belong, or what one does with snap shots of bygone times. I was never one to scrapbook per say, I more or less just keep things of sentimental value in a box. I have the beginnings of maybe 3 scrapbooks, but about halfway in I lose steam. I'm wondering if this process is my hands-on lesson on letting go. Perhaps it doesn't matter how many pages are filled, or how many collages are made. Perhaps the best way to store an experience is to not store it at all. Instead, to live it. To feel it. To breath it in, soak it up and let it run through me. Then to let it go. Perhaps it's not the amount of trinkets that fill a shelf, but instead....blink blink. There's that damn cursor waiting on me again.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Free Box
I didn't anticipate it turning out to be such an ACTIVITY. When the the idea of a Free Box first hit me, it seemed like an easy way to get rid of the things I didn't want any more, but didn't feel like they were worth the hassle of selling. It quickly became a much more intriguing and gratifying experience. The first items in the free box were a whole bunch of books (quality reads, might I add), old CDs, and a few trinkets. I tried to watch the Free Box activity from my window, but the awning over the pizza place kept it out of sight. The only times I got to check on it was when I discovered things to add to it. My first trip down to the box it was clear it had already been ruffled through. Many, if not all of the CD's were gone and there were several books missing. I experienced a sense of pure satisfaction as I looked up and down the street thinking of the many people now carrying with them my old possessions. Even more pleasing was the thought that people had sincerely gained something for absolutely FREE that they would enjoy. I for one can certainly appreciate FREE gifts.
On my next trip down to the box there was man sitting on the steps deep into a book. I said, "oh I'm glad you found a book you like!" He didn't even look up. Strange, so I kind of snuck a look at the cover. Tuesday's With Morrie "Never read it, but I heard it's a great read." Still nothing. Interesting and curious. I added a few more things to the box and left the man in peace. Well he sat there and continued to read for hours. I kept adding items to the box as quickly as they found new homes with strangers. Never once did I actually catch someone in the act of taking things, but the mystery was half of the fun. I finally peaked out to see the man was gone from the steps. I felt a weird, fleeting sense of disappointment. I went down to check the box, and there was a note scribbled on the corner of one of the flaps, "Thanks for Tuesdays With Morrie! I will pass it along to a Friend ~ Me" I looked up and down the street, he was no where to be seen. The walk light blinked it's orange hand, the cars and pedestrians moved around me and life in Inman Square continued as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. But in that moment I felt as though pieces of my life were sprinkled all over the place. I thought of Ms. Rumphius and her Lupines. I was so content and full of joy.
Later that evening, as the sun began to go down over Inman Square and the intersection was showered in bubbles, we watched the Free Box Activity from across the street. It was so fun to see our junk become other people treasures. The Free Box continues to be an important part of this move and even now, Sunday Evening, the box is full and ready to go out on the stoop in the morning.
On my next trip down to the box there was man sitting on the steps deep into a book. I said, "oh I'm glad you found a book you like!" He didn't even look up. Strange, so I kind of snuck a look at the cover. Tuesday's With Morrie "Never read it, but I heard it's a great read." Still nothing. Interesting and curious. I added a few more things to the box and left the man in peace. Well he sat there and continued to read for hours. I kept adding items to the box as quickly as they found new homes with strangers. Never once did I actually catch someone in the act of taking things, but the mystery was half of the fun. I finally peaked out to see the man was gone from the steps. I felt a weird, fleeting sense of disappointment. I went down to check the box, and there was a note scribbled on the corner of one of the flaps, "Thanks for Tuesdays With Morrie! I will pass it along to a Friend ~ Me" I looked up and down the street, he was no where to be seen. The walk light blinked it's orange hand, the cars and pedestrians moved around me and life in Inman Square continued as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. But in that moment I felt as though pieces of my life were sprinkled all over the place. I thought of Ms. Rumphius and her Lupines. I was so content and full of joy.
Later that evening, as the sun began to go down over Inman Square and the intersection was showered in bubbles, we watched the Free Box Activity from across the street. It was so fun to see our junk become other people treasures. The Free Box continues to be an important part of this move and even now, Sunday Evening, the box is full and ready to go out on the stoop in the morning.
Monday, March 22, 2010
It's a daunting task to come back to this for a few reasons. One, my mind is reeling with all that's gone on the past few weeks. I also feel like I owe a GOOD post since it's been so long. In this very moment I am pretty confident I am experiencing the inspiration that puts me in a good space to write. In fact, I was writing an email when this all hit me and I realized, okay it's time to update. I'm going to pretty much share what I wrote in my email, and I feel it's necessary to state that so that you know it's not that fresh/orignal, but please don't allow that to diminish the value here. At least, that's how I feel.
I was recently away in Oregon for a few days. I don't want to say it was a vacation, but I guess it was. I wasn't working and I had LOT of fun...so yes, I was on vacation. It was truly a wonderful experience and I think what I enjoyed most about it was the fact that I was completely present the entire time I was there. And the times I felt myself get a little distracted, I practiced breathing and bringing myself back. I said to Em the second day I was in Ashland that I felt as though the mountains were speaking to me. This may sound strange to some of you, but I really felt as though part of me was just generally moved with where I was. I have never been that far away from home. Home meaning a few things including where I lived as a kid, and also meaning everything I am used to. I'm not used to being surrounded by mountains. It's really pretty neat. I'm not going to go into great detail about my trip, because I feel it gets away from the purpose of this post. What I wanted to share with you, is that time goes a whole lot slower when you are actually there for the experience you're having. I'm used to getting really excited for things, and then they come and go and then I'm sad they are over. I always wondered why those things that I most enjoy seem to fly by and the things I don't enjoy drag on. What I realized recently, and hope to be able to practice doing, is that when you just allow yourself to be awake and present to what is going on in that moment, you take whatever it is out of it and continue to move forward. You don't wish to go back to that moment, because you don't need to. It was merely a stepping block for the next moment. Being present is a wonderful gift we all have access to, but most of us forget how to do it, or that we even CAN do it.
This brings me to my next point, we actually have access to a lot of gifts that I think we forget about. We have complete control over how we take care of ourselves, which results in our overall health and well being. Take a look at the news, the paper, or just outside your window really, and it's clear we don't do a very good job with this. It's hard! grocery stores are lined with junk, it can be pretty easy AND cheap to eat unhealthy, we're often too busy to care for ourselves by practicing yoga, meditating, moving our bodies in more direction that standing/sitting. We work too much, don't have enough money, don't know how, don't want to try something new because it's hard and kind of uncomfortable. However, we actually could change this. Now I don't consider myself a political expert by any means, and but I do have my opinion on all of this. An opinion based on what I've seen at my job in the field of Social Work, working with systems of care that attempt to enhance the quality of people's lives; and opinion also based on my own person experience with both Western Medicine alternative healing mechanisms. I'll say this: As a country, and really as a Western Culture, we are in need of reform. We need to REprioritize. How can we even suggest spending more money on intervention at this point? We're creating our own health problems (and financial problems when you think about it) by feeding our children junk (have you seen what school lunches look like these days?), supporting the addiction to technology/sedentary lifestyles/ and pumping people full of chemicals in both beauty products and medications. We have forgotten the idea of "everything in moderation" and have become increasingly more addicted to bigger, faster, stronger, hotter, colder, etc. etc. Our bodies are taking a beating, our earth is taking a beating, and it's time to start looking at it instead of turning the other way.
I think what prevents people from making changes is the idea that we are powerless to actually create any change on our own. This is far from the truth. If each one of us made more of an effort, even in a small way, we would create enormous change. Recyle. Can you believe that so many people still don't recycle? Seperate your glass, plastic and paper and put it in a bin!! Easy as pie. Take shorter showers, walk/bike/take the bus to get there, turn off the lights/heat when you leave the house. Do it for financial reasons and sleep better because it's also GREEN, which if you haven't heard is the new sexy. I am not saying I've mastered this all yet. No way. But I'm trying and to me that's what's important. Be aware of what's going on around you. Ask questions if you don't understand. The point is that each one of us makes a difference. We're either leavers or takers. We either work to promote the greater good, or we work to dismantle it. Think about what you do each day, and decide which one you're supporting. It may not be completely black or white either. Some things you may do are wonderfully generous and kind, taking into account the other people around you, who have come befor eus and who will come after us. Other habits may be more frivolous and excessive. Just notice what they are and ask yourself if you could try making some changes around that. I promise I'll be doing the same thing.
I'm going to end on this note, because I feel that I will be picking here next time I write. It's like a budding idea, similar to the beautiful flowers that have begun to poke through the thawing ground lately- after a little sun, water, and love it will be a beautiful work of nature. The idea of trusting yourself. It's a difficult, and often scary endeavor. What if I'm wrong? What if I mess up or worse, fail competely? What if it hurts or is uncomfortable? I thank my dedicated practice of Bikram Yoga for teaching me that through pain and discomfort comes the most amazing strength and growth. With focus and determination you can achieve whatever you want. If I listen to my heart, really allow myself to catch up with....myself, things will continue to unfold to my desire. Because ultimately my desire is the desire of the greater good. I trust that I have a purpose and that purpose is to help make the world a more beautiful, wonderful, happier, healthier place for us, our children and so on. I thought I knew how I would go about doing that, but I think I'm still figure it out. I have been carving out what it is I don't agree with, support or believe in. Simultaneously I'm realizing what I do believe, what I can change, and what I feel my gifts to offer are. This a beautiful breakthrough which we are all capable of having. I encourage you to find some space, some stillness and some courage to explore this. I promise, you'll find what you're looking for.
Namaste.
I was recently away in Oregon for a few days. I don't want to say it was a vacation, but I guess it was. I wasn't working and I had LOT of fun...so yes, I was on vacation. It was truly a wonderful experience and I think what I enjoyed most about it was the fact that I was completely present the entire time I was there. And the times I felt myself get a little distracted, I practiced breathing and bringing myself back. I said to Em the second day I was in Ashland that I felt as though the mountains were speaking to me. This may sound strange to some of you, but I really felt as though part of me was just generally moved with where I was. I have never been that far away from home. Home meaning a few things including where I lived as a kid, and also meaning everything I am used to. I'm not used to being surrounded by mountains. It's really pretty neat. I'm not going to go into great detail about my trip, because I feel it gets away from the purpose of this post. What I wanted to share with you, is that time goes a whole lot slower when you are actually there for the experience you're having. I'm used to getting really excited for things, and then they come and go and then I'm sad they are over. I always wondered why those things that I most enjoy seem to fly by and the things I don't enjoy drag on. What I realized recently, and hope to be able to practice doing, is that when you just allow yourself to be awake and present to what is going on in that moment, you take whatever it is out of it and continue to move forward. You don't wish to go back to that moment, because you don't need to. It was merely a stepping block for the next moment. Being present is a wonderful gift we all have access to, but most of us forget how to do it, or that we even CAN do it.
This brings me to my next point, we actually have access to a lot of gifts that I think we forget about. We have complete control over how we take care of ourselves, which results in our overall health and well being. Take a look at the news, the paper, or just outside your window really, and it's clear we don't do a very good job with this. It's hard! grocery stores are lined with junk, it can be pretty easy AND cheap to eat unhealthy, we're often too busy to care for ourselves by practicing yoga, meditating, moving our bodies in more direction that standing/sitting. We work too much, don't have enough money, don't know how, don't want to try something new because it's hard and kind of uncomfortable. However, we actually could change this. Now I don't consider myself a political expert by any means, and but I do have my opinion on all of this. An opinion based on what I've seen at my job in the field of Social Work, working with systems of care that attempt to enhance the quality of people's lives; and opinion also based on my own person experience with both Western Medicine alternative healing mechanisms. I'll say this: As a country, and really as a Western Culture, we are in need of reform. We need to REprioritize. How can we even suggest spending more money on intervention at this point? We're creating our own health problems (and financial problems when you think about it) by feeding our children junk (have you seen what school lunches look like these days?), supporting the addiction to technology/sedentary lifestyles/ and pumping people full of chemicals in both beauty products and medications. We have forgotten the idea of "everything in moderation" and have become increasingly more addicted to bigger, faster, stronger, hotter, colder, etc. etc. Our bodies are taking a beating, our earth is taking a beating, and it's time to start looking at it instead of turning the other way.
I think what prevents people from making changes is the idea that we are powerless to actually create any change on our own. This is far from the truth. If each one of us made more of an effort, even in a small way, we would create enormous change. Recyle. Can you believe that so many people still don't recycle? Seperate your glass, plastic and paper and put it in a bin!! Easy as pie. Take shorter showers, walk/bike/take the bus to get there, turn off the lights/heat when you leave the house. Do it for financial reasons and sleep better because it's also GREEN, which if you haven't heard is the new sexy. I am not saying I've mastered this all yet. No way. But I'm trying and to me that's what's important. Be aware of what's going on around you. Ask questions if you don't understand. The point is that each one of us makes a difference. We're either leavers or takers. We either work to promote the greater good, or we work to dismantle it. Think about what you do each day, and decide which one you're supporting. It may not be completely black or white either. Some things you may do are wonderfully generous and kind, taking into account the other people around you, who have come befor eus and who will come after us. Other habits may be more frivolous and excessive. Just notice what they are and ask yourself if you could try making some changes around that. I promise I'll be doing the same thing.
I'm going to end on this note, because I feel that I will be picking here next time I write. It's like a budding idea, similar to the beautiful flowers that have begun to poke through the thawing ground lately- after a little sun, water, and love it will be a beautiful work of nature. The idea of trusting yourself. It's a difficult, and often scary endeavor. What if I'm wrong? What if I mess up or worse, fail competely? What if it hurts or is uncomfortable? I thank my dedicated practice of Bikram Yoga for teaching me that through pain and discomfort comes the most amazing strength and growth. With focus and determination you can achieve whatever you want. If I listen to my heart, really allow myself to catch up with....myself, things will continue to unfold to my desire. Because ultimately my desire is the desire of the greater good. I trust that I have a purpose and that purpose is to help make the world a more beautiful, wonderful, happier, healthier place for us, our children and so on. I thought I knew how I would go about doing that, but I think I'm still figure it out. I have been carving out what it is I don't agree with, support or believe in. Simultaneously I'm realizing what I do believe, what I can change, and what I feel my gifts to offer are. This a beautiful breakthrough which we are all capable of having. I encourage you to find some space, some stillness and some courage to explore this. I promise, you'll find what you're looking for.
Namaste.
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