Almost 2 weeks!!

That is the length of time I've been gone from the yoga room and my body unfortunately really feels it.

This month has been so crazy busy that I've chosen to embrace that knowing the yoga will always be there waiting for me.

Today I am going to purchase my annual Christmas gift though--my unlimited yearly--to help myself get back into the game.

The best part is I can get this covered through my work HSA!!

Self care. It is so needed!!

Happy weekending all. We almost made it thru the stressfulness of the holiday season....

Got thru the first hard week

First stressful week of December is in the books.
And it ended up so much better than I could've hoped.
Will keep reminding myself that obstacles are often just those barriers we build up in our mind.
Onwards and upwards!!

Monday

The holiday season kicks off big time at work this week.
I know this makes me sound like a crotchety old social worker but I really hate this time of year.
I wish we could continue to operate business as usual and not make a big huge deal of things.
The holidays often just lead to undue stress and aggravation.
I'm filling up on French Press this morning and still feel there's not enough coffee in the world.
Here's hoping this week fly's by!!

Purple love

Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

Same mandala different colors

Soothing blues, purples, greens

Dunkin' Donuts colors

I always gravitate towards these pops of color. TGIF all!!

Feelin' blue today

Got the idea for these soothing colors from the side of my water bottle in yoga earlier today.

I also think I want to do a print in the colors of the yoga studio--which is like the sun. Orange, yellows and faint reds.

To be continued.

Can't believe the weekend is almost over but it's been a relaxing one :).

Sooth my soul

Created this one in a couple hours this afternoon. Coloring always, always makes me feel better.

Off to yoga soon.

I went last night and it was only 2 of us in class. Took advantage to getting extra attention from the teacher and it was an extremely motivating class.

I am enjoying these tiny classes while I can lately. With the holidays and new year around the corner I know the resolution crowd will be upon us soon at the studio!

Hope you are having a relaxing weekend full of your favorite self-care.

Last two days

Brain break finished product

Used gel crayons for background.
Again not sure how I feel about them but could never use markers to fill up the whole background.

Long hot shower time!!

Sunday funday

I have no immediate plans for today which makes the best kind of weekend day. I am debating taking the day off from yoga even. I went on Friday and Saturday so it wouldn't be the worst thing to take a break. Right now I'm drinking a pot of coffee and enjoying these relaxing magenta and purple shades. Cheers to some relaxation before a crazy work week ahead. Speaking of crazy....I'm actually contemplating giving up my counseling clients in the new year to make more time for self-care. 

Love these colors

A mandala a day keeps the doctor away?
And back to yoga tonight after a FOUR day break from the hot room.
Happy weekending friends!

Some of this weeks mandalas

Finished 20!

I was able to stay and get through the two classes yesterday.

I definitely feel like a yoga rockstar.

And I'm definitely taking tonight off from yoga lol.

The biggest thoughts I take from this experience is how much yoga can impact my life and those around me.  

I also have found that EVERYONE has something to say about yoga....sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

This too has been a struggle as of late.

In any event, I am looking forward to keeping a consistent practice now of at least 3 days per week.

Double down, double to go

18 classes down!! I stayed for a double last night and it was great. While I hate morning yoga tremendously, it's my goal to finish up the challenge this morning. Even if that means laying out on my mat--that is still yoga.
I am really dragging this morning. Really.
Also if I can get thru just one class, I will still have Monday and Tuesday to finish up. Wish me luck that I can overcome the negative self-talk today....

All the yoga feels

I pushed myself to go to the 8pm last night and had a great class 16.

I felt exhausted before the session even began but somehow all the strength I needed was there to do every pose to the best of my ability.

I remember in a recent class the instructor saying that if you come consistently, it's easier to recover and go into each pose. Your body also is not as affected by the environmental elements either.

In any event I'm super proud of making it this far, and finding a new routine to keep me happy and healthy during the fall and winter months ahead.

I feel strong this weekend and hope to finish the full 20.

15 classes down

And I'm exhausted so I took tonight off.
Back to the mat tomorrow though!!

Forgot 14

I finished clase numero 14 two days ago. Hoping to get back to class tonight even if I have to force myself to go to the last class of the evening. 6 more to go!!

Lovin' the finished version

Update from my Dunkin donuts colors.
I love how adding the other colors made it pop. Had a lot of fun creating this over the past 2 days.

Lucky #13

Day 13 is in the books. Had a pretty great class. Heat didn't bother me at all.
I have my alarm set for the morning...the plan is to try to do a double. We shall see...

OK I actually decided to turn my alarm off. I can still aim to do my double in the afternoon then come home, make dinner and go straight to sleep before Monday is upon me again.

Gel crayons

Tried a different medium this morning. These are fun but probably will work better just coloring free hand so you don't need to stay between the lines. May bring to work for my clients who like to create their own designs.

My other favorite form of meditation

I usually blog from the app on my phone which for some reason doesn't let me upload pics of my other favorite pastime.

Adult coloring....as cheesy as it sounds.

I usually do at least one a day or spread it out to complete over a few days if it's very intricate.

This is so relaxing for the brain.

I also love that I can throw it out and start over again if I don't like the way it's turning out.

And it keeps me on track to actually start and finish something.

These are definitely applicable real life lessons.

Adult coloring is one of the most favorite activities with my own clients at work as well.

Here is my latest....Dunkin' Donuts colors.

Day 12 done

Was a pretty decent class. Also took yesterday off from work so getting to attend much earlier in the day was fabulous.

I'm planning to go to lucky #13 later today and may set my alarm to get up early and do a double in the AM.

Then I will only have 5 to go :).

Happy weekending all. 

Day 11

Wonderful tiny class of all women.

I made a new yoga friend.

And our teacher Jen had us turn our mats to see ourselves completely in the mirror.

It was great to get a new angle to poses.

I came out of class and had a message from an old friend I lost touch with.

All this yoga made me realize how a positive vibe seems to be attracting that all around me.

I crossed the half way point so I feel I really have this challenge now!!

I've also taken about 20 classes so far since I picked up my 3 day a week routine back in September.

20 days is what they say it takes to establish a new habit and it is absolutely working.

Yay to Thursday tomorrow and only 2 more work days!!

Half-way mark

Day 9 and 10 did and done.

Remind me never to eat a large meal and go to a late night yoga class less than 2 hours later though.

Only positives was I laid out almost all of floor series and that just being there was still yoga ;).

Yoga for trauma

Yoga can play a huge part in improving a trauma survivor's overall quality of life.

First off, it can help one get to a place of immediately feeling better if they are anxious and stressed. Just through the acts of breathing and movement.

Finding a warm and welcoming studio can give many survivors a safe space that feels like the home they would love to create. They also become spaces that trauma survivors can just go to if they need to get away from their "normal" life.

Yoga studios tend to be spaces that bring a variety of people together, most who are caring and supportive--NOT judgemental or even down right scary.

For those who struggle with the lasting effects of trauma, being around people in regular day to day settings takes a lot of work and often "acting" to get through.

At a safe studio, a person can let their guard down and be themselves.

They have the opportunity to relax and let their brain rest. Relaxation and rest are life needs that are often missing for the person facing effects from a traumatic life situation.

Yoga helps clear the brain to the point where a person can begin to see different options and possibilities to improve their life circumstances.

Many trauma survivors do not feel comfortable talking about their problems with people in real life, including a therapist.

Yoga offers the ability to seek answers internally.

Yoga is also something that can be done on one's own.  If one wants to be social, studios offer this option but they also offer the option to be left alone as well.

Many trauma survivors don't always want to be social but still crave being out and around people.

Lastly yoga can also give a trauma survivor a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

Yoga is not an easy thing for the average person to do--especially certain styles like Bikram.

Just getting through the class though can be the reminder that one can get through anything life may throw their way.

Day 8

Feeling super content.

Takeaways from my instructor:

This yoga is the real deal. It's transforming. No matter what, we leave each class with a clear, crisp mind and seeing so many possibilities that lie before us.

You are never too old to start and you will reap endless benefits if your practice is consistent.

I hope someone out there is reading this yoga diary and has the courage to try for themselves.

Day 7

I finished Day 7 yesterday. Some of my yoga friends were impressed I've done so many classes so far.

I'm loving it!!

Tonight I'm taking off to stay in and have some much deserved wine, cheese and other finger foods.

Yoga tomorrow and Sunday though.

Day 6 done

And I have to miss tonight :(.

We've been talking about letting go of bad habits.

Also had a teacher show me the right way to do a pose I've been doing wrong forever. He said isn't it good to let go of a bad habit....

It was like a lightbulb went off.

Can't wait to get back tomorrow.

Loving my renewed yoga habit ;).

Day 5 is done

I'm now into my groove where I am seeing this yoga as the best thing in my life to get me through the upcoming time change and long, dark, cold winter.

I'm enjoying my new routine.

Socializing a bit before and after class.

It's not always easy getting to the studio or doing this practice.

I kept remembering a favorite yoga quote yesterday though that can also be applied to real life:

Falling out of a pose is human. But getting back in is what makes you a yogi.

I am planning to get back to my mat tonight again though. Can't wait!!

Day 4 done

Not sure if I'm gonna make it to class in the AM. But so happy I went today even with family in from out of town.

I did plan for the week ahead though: Monday, Tues, Thurs, Fri and the weekend.

I chatted with some yoga friends today....old and new. Encouraged someone new who was struggling as well. She caught my eye several times and I was happy to see she came back and stayed this time after running out for the second time. The other day she left altogether.

Anyways it is late and I'm exhausted. Have a great sleep yogis.

Birthday wishes

Do more yoga. It's like a vacation away when I can't take vacation.

Speaking of vacations, in January have a surprise Florida vacay planned.

Hoping to go back to cozy beach cottages in the early summer and hopefully a cruise in the late fall!!

As I get older all I want is self-care to look forward to.

Day 3 down

I already feel like I'm falling back into a good routine. It was wise starting weeknight classes after work a few weeks ago.

My body is already craving the practice and this new structure.

I'm actually kind of bummed because I probably won't make it to the studio today and tomorrow due to work and some personal appointments. 

I *could* probably make the late night class, but I'm also not willing to sacrifice not seeing my son at all tonight.

We also have company from out of town staying this weekend so it looks like I may need to change my yoga schedule to AM classes. I rarely do AM classes because I find my body is not warmed up enough, however, if there is anything this yoga is teaching me---is the importance of just showing up for myself. Even if it's only for a basic, easy practice.

Now that I've completed  3 days of classes in a row, I really feel confident that I have this challenge.

With every day down, that goal is closer....

Every journey begins with a single step.....

Day 2 Yoga-isms

Arrive early to class each day and talk to someone new or who you normally do not interact with.

Our instructor also mentioned if you do 20 days of yoga classes in one month, your body changes more for the better compared to what it would in 6 months worth of yoga because of the consistency.

Can't wait to go back to the studio again this evening for #3.

Day 1: Yoga Challenge yoga-ism

Relax and you shall receive.

Wise words mentioned throughout Day 1 of my 20 day yoga challenge.

Yoga-isms

Yesterday my instructor spoke about how changing one thing about how we present ourselves could change our whole day.

He used example of walking down same street same time each morning. But typically doing with a blank expression, no contact with anyone.

However, if you do one little thing like smile and say hi to whoever you pass on your morning walk, has the potential to not only change your mood but open up so many opportunities--even meeting new people.

This is a simple change we have control over that makes our life completely different from how it was just the day before.

Love these little yoga-isms.

Can't wait to get back to my mat this afternoon.

Tried writing from the beach

Just got back yesterday from a long weekend at the beach. I tried writing a post from there but the app kept shutting down.

In any event, had a relaxing time overall and my mini vacay was exactly what I needed to recharge.

Speaking of shutting down though....I wish people wouldn't catastrophize so much the end of summer.

It seems so dismal and final but that's really NOT the case.

We will still have decent weather and sun for sometime.

Still be able to go places and do fun things.

I actually have something great to look forward to in January even.

Seasons come and go, for sure. But we always seem to manage and pull thru.

Wednesdays are ridiculously hard

I am always so tired on Wednesday and this is also one of my longest days of the week because I see a counseling client after my regular job.

Tuesday night is also MAFS reality tv so I am up extra late.

Main positive is once Wednesday is over, the rest of the week usually flies by.

My son is going to be away for a few days with his grandparents.

I also need to pack for our upcoming beach long weekend.

Hope today flies by for all of us!!

Crisp mornings

We were supposed to leave for a week to the beach in SC this morning. For several disappointing reasons that I am now over, that trip is not happening.

Instead, I am making the best of the first crisp morning here on my couch.

Windows open slightly, fresh air, hot coffee and no plans except maybe yoga later.

We spent the day out in the Hamptons yesterday at a pool party.

Even though it's not a week away at the beach....this is exactly a mini break that I need to rest and recharge.

Long Days

I've found my days at work have become longer lately.
New client schedules.
Plethora of more challening people.
Additional tasks to take on.
On one hand this is good because it helps the days go quickly.
On the other, there are some days I sit down at the end of the day and am simply exhausted.
I try to take a long walk for self care but even then I still feel like I want to collapse on the sidewalk lol...

I've been putting my feelers out lately in looking for something new.

There's some stuff going on with my job that I can't change and am not happy about.

It's helped to get my resume out and talk to other social workers about their work and what's available (And not!!).

I will probably stay put for the time being-it's not ALL bad thankfully--or maybe move to a different department if it can happen (super hard to move internally for a variety of reasons which is also a current frustration).

Anyways, at least it's Thursday and the weekend is almost upon me....

That moment

That moment in the morning when it goes from really dark to becoming a little light outside.

Sipping good coffee a la my trusty French press.

Knowing that something great may be coming my way today.

Sending out the positive vibes on this weekly hump day for you and for me....

Mindfulness is....

In yoga class yesterday our teacher Brian spoke about his favorite mindfulness visualization.

I forgot the name of the person to give the original credit and am too lazy to google before coffee but here goes...

He spoke about how our thoughts are a constant waterfall...coming and going and unable to stop.

But, if you look closely, right behind the waterfall, there is an empty space, a place that just exists....calm and just letting all come and go if you can get yourself to that place behind the waterfall...

I also loved the idea of visualizing all of our thoughts as a beautiful waterfall.

It reminded me that even in the most challenging and frustrating of moments, they usually always pass.

And that we may have one thing we are getting stuck on, however, we are still surrounded by lots of beautiful.