I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

Today was quite a lovely Saturday. Not only was the sun shining and radiating across the blue sky all day, but I began my day with the alignment of my body, mind, and spirit as I dedicated 3 hours to myself to attend a workshop at my yoga studio that included yoga, conversation, and meditation. Each time I am at yoga I am amazed and inspired by the words of wisdom by the lovely ladies that teach the classes. This particular morning an analogy was shared that seemed so obvious, so true, yet so overlooked that I had never considered it before. While listening to this analogy of life and water, I was amazed. It seemed so fitting to my personal life and its recent events. In life we can approach things two different ways. We can grab at things with fast moving, clenched, and strong hands- expecting to catch what it is we have in sight. Or, we can slowly and cautiously bring our hands cupped together to scoop up what it is we desire. Think and envision. If we grab for water with clenched, ...

For weeks I've seen it. Green trees. Bright lights. Sparkling ornaments. Christmas has apparently arrived early. But I must admit that it upsets me to see the packed catalogs, toy-filled store shelves, and Christmas wish lists in full force. We have completely forgotten about the holiday with a universal message of gratitude and skipped right to the holiday of wishing and greed. We have forgotten about what we have and are only worried about what we don't have and badly desire. As someone who practices the daily mindset, "attitude of gratitude" it bothers me to see corporate America and the media focusing on what we don't have and what we can add to our own personal wishlists. Although some people view Christmas as a time to give, help, and donate, many people also view it as a chance to receive. Let's not indulge in cookies, shopping, and seasonal bargains, but rather let's overindulge in family, gratitude, and some savory home cooking. I hope that peop...

Often times in life we are faced with a choice. Some, far easier than others. There are so many different mindsets we can choose to take in a situation faced with choice. We can take a chance, we can play the "better safe than sorry" card, or we can remain where we are comfortable. We can make a pro/con list, we can discuss among other experienced peers. Regardless, making a decision is never a quick task. Personally, I fear the unknown. I get anxious, nervous, and worried even for things that are out of my own control. A large piece of making a decision is the unknowingness of what will happen once your mind has been made up. Will it be the right choice? Is there no turning back? What if it's not right? While our minds race trying to answer these questions among infinite others, I try to refocus my energy to something positive. I am positive, I have a lot to be grateful for, and when faced with a choice or fear, we must remember to look on the bright side. Every situ...

So, I hate bad weather. I have hated bad weather as far back as I can remember. If I know a storm is coming or I watch the sky turn from blue to darker shades of gray to black, I develop this anxiety and fear. Fear of thunderstorms, heavy wind, tornadoes, and of course, hurricanes. Not that I've been in very many hurricanes- in fact only one that I can remember and that was just last year. But the state of CT is preparing for a hard hit from Sandy tomorrow. I can assure you that I'll be in the basement hiding. Luckily the couch from my apartment is down there so perhaps I'll dust it off and set up the coffee table in front of it. I'll make myself comfortable down there! I will play any music that I can to drown out the noises from outside, and I will pray. I will pray for everyone that they are safe and using good judgement. It's better to be safe than sorry, people! We are not invincible! I already have my board games and bananagrams ready to go! And of cours...

I am absolutely blessed with the best group of friends a girl could ask for. As cliche as that sounds, I am constantly reminded and always amazed at the strength of my relationships and the miles we will travel in order to spend time together. Though the miles are too distant for some, they are easily traveled by others. Through traffic, rain, appointments, and the works of life, another reunion for a good cause was had and enjoyed. Yesterday I had friends come visit from New York, Boston, and Washington DC to enjoy a night of fundraising and bar crawling together. More than just a night of drinks, I got to spend time with friends for a night that we otherwise wouldn't have spent together. It's heartwarming to see the length that my friends go to to be there for each other. I say it a lot, I constantly tell my friends how grateful I am for them, and I see reminders often of how strong our friendships are. I continue to learn about my friends through every conversation; I am alw...

One of the most obvious concepts in my yoga practices as well as in life is that of balance. At times our lives seem to be constantly on the go, finding it hard to even catch a breath let alone a healthy, energizing meal. Other days the time passes slowly and the chores get done with ease, finding a nice comfortable couch to rest on in between various tasks. Everyone moves at a different speed; some prefer to take the role of the rabbit while others enjoy watching the scenery as they stroll by like a turtle. I tend to think that we can't always be the turtle, sometimes we need to chase after good things and act on impulse. We need to involve ourselves in many important activities that are both helpful and rewarding. Sometimes we need to bite the bullet, be spontaneous, and fight the urge to play it safe. (I should take my own advice, really.) I don't think that being the busiest bee in the hive is wise at all times either. In order to let our body rest and replenish, we need t...