[the reason i am sore right now]

This past Tuesday, I did yoga in a cathedral.

Yes, even I question whether we are allowed to do yoga in a cathedral. But if a cathedral can have an AIDS memorial in it, then it can definitely have a yoga class.

I went to Yoga on the Labyrinth hosted and taught by Darren Main.

While I could go on about the varying yoga poses we did and the breathing exercises he taught us, I just want to take this time to reflect on the energy I felt while I was there.

There is something very powerful about a group of strangers (more or less – I’m sure many are regulars or have brought a friend along) sitting in a circle and breathing together – in a cathedral, a spiritual site for worship.

At the very beginning, Darren had us all breathe in together, and as we exhaled, we all breathed out the word “om.” I was initially unnerved by this. I was both surprised that we had said “om” out loud (seemed almost too spiritual to me) and that almost everyone in that cathedral said it with such conviction and selflessness.

“Om” just flowed out. There was no snickering, there was no pressure. Everyone found their balance, everyone found their “om.”

As we moved on to yoga poses, I could hear the people around me breathing. With every new move, we all exhaled and inhaled. I was feeling the energy of the cathedral at a very high vibration that I had never felt in a room of strangers before.

What was more impressive was that we were in a cathedral – the space is very large. Yet the energy I felt was both expansive and immediate. I felt lifted and yet at the same time grounded. It was such a bizarre yet comforting feeling.

(I realize I’m talking in opposites right now – but how else does one balance themselves)

Finally, we got to the part of the class (that I know we all love) where we get to just lie on our backs and relax. Except Darren invited those of us who would rather take that time to meditate to… well.. meditate.

And I don’t know what it was but I had this incredible urge to sit and meditate. And I did. And it only lasted about 15 minutes but it was an amazing meditation. I chanted the mantra, “hamsa” to myself, and I could feel the world drop around me.

I will be honest and say that it took me a while to get to my rested state, but once I did, i didn’t want to get out of it. Every part of me wanted to keep meditating rather than listen to Darren talk about his other classes.

When we closed the class with “om” on the exhale, this time I was right there with everyone. I had the same conviction that they did.

I think the combination of the singular energy in the room, the fact that I was in a cathedral, and that this move to SF has been all about new beginnings and balancing myself added into my medtiation.

I will definitely be going again next week. I want to feel the world at a high vibration. And ideally, I would want to feel it every day, but I’ll take baby steps. So for now, I’ll feel it when I go to Grace Cathedral on Tuesdays.

Also on a slight side note – maybe it’s because SF has a lot of pretty churches and cathedrals, or maybe it’s just my general openness to all things spiritual as of late (don’t believe me? Remember, I did have a conversation about god with two perfect strangers) but I’ve been spending lots of time in churches and cathedrals lately. But you know what, it’s probably a good thing. I don’t plan to become Christian at all, but a spiritual place is a spiritual place. And if all religions end up preaching the same thing – love – then perhaps I can find my spiritual balance anywhere.

For a more light hearted account of my yoga class, click here.

[my illness dear friend]

dear friend,

put your scissors away
take away your razors
i have no need of your pens and pencils

the plastic bag you hold
no meaning
there is no time for myself

the door will remain locked
my fingers type away
check after check after check

no walks across the road
no waiting rooms of gray
no need no need no need

your graph says i should be up
the blue line hovers above ground
that tree that park

busy masking pain and hurt
finger nails painted red
tears after tears after tears

this is my last time
if you promise to love me
no need for red marks

outline me in orange
watch me float above you
make time for me

put your scissors away
take away your razors
I have no need of your pens and pencils

all i need are my hands
ten sharpened digits
no self-control no self-confidence no love

i will scratch the pain and hurt away
my illness

dear friend

–

dedicated to my comrade, Miss A, and my Shiva.

Wellness Wednesday: 18 Ways to Find True Happiness by Deepak Chopra

This is a list of what kind of choices and values can lead to real happiness from Deepak Chopra. The article itself was published in the SF Chronicle, and was also featured on Intent. So click on those links for the full article. But here’s a snippet.

Write it in your journal. Print it out. I don’t care. But keep it in mind – because I know I will!

What kinds of choices and values lead to real happiness?

— Meditation, which opens up deeper levels of the mind.

– Actions that benefit others.

– Social relationships that support intimacy and bonding.

– Inspiration through reading the world’s scriptures and poetry.

– Taking enjoyment in natural beauty.

– Having a vision of personal fulfillment that you follow every day.

– Aiming for inner fulfillment rather than external fulfillment.

– Reducing stress.

– Taking time for peaceful reflection.

– Learning to love your own company, cultivating the self as a state of Being.

– Eschewing violence and anger in all its forms, gross and subtle.

– Resolving conflicts, both inner and outer, rather than letting them build up.

– Paying one’s debt to the past, which means healing old hurts and grievances.

– Stepping away from group think and second-hand opinions.

– Giving up a belief in enemies and us-versus-them thinking.

– Cultivating kindness and compassion.

– Being generous of spirit, learning to give.

– Seeing yourself as part of a larger humanity, and humanity itself as an expression of the divine, despite our flaws.

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Ways To Love Your Body | Intent.com

Mid-term studying so no time to write myself. So instead, a lovely post from Intent.com by Intent Voice Sheer Balance.

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Growing up, I always found something to not like about myself.  I still do.  For instance, I have always had what my mother lovingly refers to as a ‘regal’ profile.  Regal, in my mind, was always a nice way of saying big.  I’m not going to run out and chop off my nose, but it is definitely one of those things that I wish were a little less ‘regal’.  Going back to my childhood, I had extremely light blond curly hair and was extremely fair.  So much so, that my schoolmates would heartlessly call me an Albino.  Suffice it to say, there are a few emotional scars.

So often, it is easy for us to focus on what we don’t like about ourselves.  We don’t like our double chin, our extra five pounds, the color of our hair, our pimples…the list seems to go on forever.  Granted, media and bullies don’t help.  Focusing on the negative and honing in on all of our faults, not only is harmful to our self-esteem and body image, but it can cause us to become blind to our assets:  the things that are beautiful about us and should be celebrated.  In short, finding things to love about ourselves is way MORE important than finding things to criticize.

As I’ve gotten older, I have finally started to enjoy my assets.  I’ve started acknowledging them and feeling thankful for them.  For instance, I’ve never had to dye or perm my ultra blond wavy hair, saving me SO much money over the years!  And although I won’t bore you withall of my ‘assets’, I have come to appreciate my derriere and my eyes, among a few other things.  Granted, my nose hasn’t made the list, but all in all, I’m thankful for the good qualities that make up for my ‘regal’ flaw.

Taking time to focus on our good qualities takes practice.  Especially if we aren’t used to complimenting ourselves and rely on the external world’s approval.  But, with a little practice we can become much better, enjoying the qualities of our assets.  Here are a few ways to get your mind into a self-loving mindset:

1. Get out of Looking and Start Feeling: Inner beauty is far more lasting than outer beauty.  Start celebrating your inner qualities that make you beautiful (E.g., You are a loving wife and mom, you volunteer at the local shelter, you are a phenomenal cook, you have a beautiful voice, etc.).  Make a list of these and keep them as a reminder of what makes you beautiful as an individual.
2. Celebrate-You Day: Dedicate one day or evening a month to celebrating you.  Dress in something you love and do your hair the way you like it best.  Do something you love and enjoy yourself.
3. Take Some Photographs: On your personal ‘Celebrate-You Day’, get a friend or family member to take some pictures of you.  Take lots of them so that you can be sure that you will be happy with at least one or two.  Get prints and frame the ones you like best.
4. Find your Assets and Accentuate Them: Don’t be afraid to look at yourself in the mirror.  Be honest with yourself and find the things you love…or even like.  Maybe you have great legs.  Maybe you have great arms.  Maybe you have beautiful eyes.  Stay focused on the positive and don’t allow yourself to criticize the things you would change.  Do this at least once a week and enjoy it.  It will get easier with time.
5. Take a Break from Media for a Month: Often, we compare ourselves to what we see in magazines and media.  Take a break from your favorite publications, TV Shows and movies and instead, spend your time outdoors, gardening, knitting or anything else you enjoy.  You can always TeVo your shows and hold your magazines for vacation reading!

Enjoy your assets!  You owe it to yourself!  What parts do you love most about yourself?

Originally published on Sheer Balance

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Related Topics:

• Top 5: Stop Comparing Yourself to Celebrities
• My Beautiful Mommy
• Do you like yourself naked or clothed better?
• Top 10: If the clothes don’t fit…don’t wear them
• Your Ideal Body: What it REALLY takes

PHOTO: Flickr / ktb

Wellness Wednesday: 30 Days of Intentions with Mallika Chopra and Intent.com

17 days ago, Mallika Chopra, on her website Intent.com, announced that she was going to commit to 30 Days of Intentions.

The idea is that for 30 days, she will post at least one intention on Intent.com for 30 days. This is a commitment to herself and to the year 2010 as she wonders what social movements could possibly begin through concentrating on positive intentions.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘intent’ as the following:
1 a : the act or fact of intending : purpose; especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act b : the state of mind with which an act is done : volition
2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : aim
3 a : meaning, significance b : connotation 3

As an avid user of Intent.com, and past employee, I was quick to join in.

As I thought about it later, however, I realized that this commitment was more than just a “fun activity” but also a great way for me to really begin taking care of myself as well as listen to my internal longings, pains, desires, and joys. Writing an intent a day forces me to take a moment for myself and ask what can I do for myself, my community, and my world today.

I thought coming up with an intention for 30 days was going to be a difficult task, but interestingly enough I’ve found it quite easy.

Every day, I seem to have a thought or emotion that will not leave me, leading me to an intent to actively deal with it or learn from it. And what people say is true – the more you write it down, the more likely you are to do it.

It doesn’t matter when you start, or if you use the website at all, but I highly encourage you to join in a similar venture.

Take a moment every day to write down an intent and see what doors it opens for you.

To see intents for the past 18 days, click here.

Wellness Wednesday: Time Management Tips For College

As I approach the end of my college career, I’d like to say confidently that I’ve got this ‘time management thing’ under control. But alas… I feel like there is never enough time to get everything done, and that I’m constantly behind!

So some tips and strategies that I’ve learned or developed in my 3.5 years of college to stay productive, motivated, and stay on task. They aren’t perfect, but they definitely help!

To-Do Lists:
To-do lists really help because it forces you to think through all of your classes and commitments and write down what it is that you need to do. If you’re a visual learner, like me, then it’s great to see, literally, what you have on your plate. You can also categorize the “to-do’s” by date they are due or need to be done by. To-do lists also have a weird way of constantly reminding you of all you have to do, so the moment you have a free second, you can do a once-over of your list, and see what else you can accomplish in that time. That way you’re not sitting on your butt all day, taking time trying to remember all that you have because the list is there to tell you. You’d be surprised at how quickly you can accomplish some tasks. Just grab your pen and paper, and write that list. There’s also nothing more satisfying than crossing things off when you’ve done them!

List Work In Order of Difficulty and Time:
This was a trick my mom taught me. She told me to order my work in difficulty from hardest to easiest and then finish my work in that order. That way by the time I’m done with the hardest, most time consuming work, all I have left is the easy stuff left. Personally, I like to finish work from easiest to hardest, so then I have the mindless stuff out of the way and can concentrate on the hard assignments without worrying that I still have the easy work left to do.

Turn off Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc:
Surprise! There are plenty of websites and programs out there that let you turn off certain websites when you really need to work. Take advantage of them! Or, if that means downloading all of your reading beforehand, and then finding a location that doesn’t have wi-fi, then so be it.

Multitask:
I know, I know – it feels that everyone is trying to tell you NOT to multitask lately. Well, as a college student, not multitasking is harder, so might as well do it in a productive way. No, I don’t mean do next class’ homework while sitting in another class’ lecture. Read while working out on the elliptical, practice your speech while cleaning your room, use meals as a study break. I’m sure there are plenty of creative, healthy ways to multitask.

Don’t Try To Do Everything:
As a college student, you feel like superman/superwoman, running from one class to another, and then going to club meetings, rehearsals, and practices afterwards. Sometimes you just have to say no. Prioritize what needs to get done first, and if you don’t have the time to do something, don’t volunteer to do it. There are plenty of other people who can do it as well. Don’t over exert yourself – that will just lead to more stress and less time.

Work With A Friend:
If you have a friend that is having similar time management problems, sit down with them and come up with a game plan. Write a to-do list, schedule everything out. Then make sure you guys check in with each other to make sure you’re on task. And if you guys decide to take a study break and promise to only take a break for 10 min, then stay on each other’s butts and make sure it’s 10 min. Sometimes, having a friend around forces you to do work, and encouraging each other is always a positive plus!

Ask for Help:
Generally, there are people on campus that can help you with time management issues. I know at my school there are classes that teach time management, or you can go to the undergraduate life office and ask for help. Take advantage of your resources. They are there for you and know what kind of work load you are dealing with and can cater time management skills to what works for you. One meeting with them might just do the trick!

I’m sure there are a lot more ways to help you manage your time, but these are a good place to start. Good luck on your second semester!

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This post is also up on Intent.com.

Wellness Wednesday: Rediscovering Dance – Healing With Movement

An article from Daily Om about dance and movement as healing. As a dancer, and possible future drama therapist, this article rings true. Enjoy! (click on the title to connect to the Intent.com version)

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Rediscovering Dance: Healing with Movement

As children, most of us were encouraged to dance on a regular basis, freely and openly, in whatever way felt best. A few of us may have retained or regained our ability to engage in dancing unselfconsciously, but by the time we reach adulthood, many of us have stopped dancing altogether. We may have hang-ups about our bodies, or we may fear being judged. Then again, we may simply have fallen out of the habit for so long that we don’t even realize we never dance anymore. Whatever the case, there’s no time like now to rediscover the healing pleasure of moving your body to music—alone, as part of a couple, or in a group. Opportunities to dance abound, once you start looking for them.

If you haven’t danced in a long time and feel too self-conscious to start in a public situation, find some time alone to reintroduce yourself to the joy of listening and responding to music with your body. Turn the lights down low and remember that it’s much more fun when you’re not thinking about what you look like. It won’t take long before your body remembers how much it loves to move. Feel the music in your soul, feel the vibrations healing your body. Treat the time like a meditation session in which you agree to allow yourself to fully inhabit your amazing body.

If you feel awkward, remember that every culture since time immemorial has celebrated life and the body with dance. All people carry the memory of dance in their blood and bones. In other words, you were born to do this, it is in you already; all you have to do is start moving. If you prefer more interaction, take a class one night a week. In most cities, you can find everything from modern dance to African dance to ballroom and salsa. Whatever you choose, you won’t regret choosing to rediscover your birthright—the healing, joyful thrill of dancing.

For more, visit DailyOm.com

Wellness Wednesday: Four Letter Words That Could Change Your Life | Intent.com

Yes, I’m well aware that today is not Wednesday (well, if you think about it, it’s Wednesday in Japan). But I saw this post on Intent.com‘s Twitter feed and felt the need to share it. As we quickly approach the new year and we begin to think about the ‘great tradition’ of ‘new years resolution,’ perhaps this is a time to give yourself a break and stop writing those resolutions you know you’re not going to get to. Really, ask yourself – how realistic is “lose 50 pounds” when it’s been on your list of resolutions year after year and it never happens? Instead, think about these words by Eli Davidson. Reframe your resolutions so that they are more universal and actually for self-development.

Four Letter Words That Could Change Your Life by Eli Davidson

Recently, there was an outbreak of Potty Mouth in our office. @*#^**#! Computer one- down. Ugh! Computer two- down. Double Ugh! Computer three-down. *#@**#!!!! I hate to admit it but, the air of our normally serene office was peppered with some pretty ripe phrases. Those expletives slapped me in the face as they hung in the air. If you are reading this, you are on the cutting edge. You know about the powerful impact language has on the results you create. Trust me there’s nothing like hearing yourself talk like a sailor to bring that message home. It got me thinking.

Maybe, there is real power in four letter words.

The N Word
What sector is hiring the most new employees in the US right now? Technology? Manufacturing? Financial Services? Nope. National Public Radio recently reported that collection agencies have the highest growth in new hires. How could that be? Consumer debt is at an all time. Why? People have confused two four letter words: Want and need.

If you are peering into the overstocked warehouse called your closet, a wee bit of reeducation on that distinction might be a good idea. “You mean I don’t need a new pair of blue boots?” Sure, you want them. They just aren’t in the need category. You need an umbrella, groceries, and to getting your teeth cleaned. Begin spending your money more consciously on what you need and you will discover that you have more money for the things you really want (owning home, enjoying a vacation, starting your own business).

Loral Langemeier introduced me to the concept of Financial Freedom Day. That would be the day that you no longer need to work. Imagine that! If you give yourself the luxury of imagining your opulent prosperity and you may make different choices. Boy, that has more juice for me than saving for retirement. What day do you want to have financial independence and the cash flow to be living from as you choose? It might be something to consider the next time that a trip to the local department store temps you. Do you feel you should buy someone a gift?

“Do I need this?” is a great question to ask yourself. Write the question on a Post It and attach it to your wallet. Spending less money on your immediate gratification want can assist you in building up the cash to have more of what you really want.

The H Word
Those Americans that have jobs are working harder and longer hour than ever before. Studies have shown that now Americans have surpassed the Japanese for most hours worked. Maybe, this is a little something you have noticed in your own life. If you are looking for a job, you could probably benefit from some help.

Read complete article here.

Wellness Wednesday: 7 Intangible Gifts You Can Give This Year | Intent.com

Since I’m feeling overwhelmed with wedding plans (not for me), holiday shopping, grad school applications, and life planning, here’s a nice article from Yumi Sakugawa of Intent.com. Enjoy!

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How can we give to others without wrapping something in a box? Whether you are strapped for cash or simply want to give in a creative way, here are 7 intangible gifts you can give to others this holiday season.

1. Give a homecooked meal. When you cook a homecooked meal for a loved one, you are giving him or her the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed evening without having to worry about preparing, cooking, serving and cleaning up. Now that’s priceless.

2. Give your skill or expertise. Maybe you are a certified yoga instructor and you can give your friends a free yoga instruction for a day. Or you are good at oil painting and you can give a family member a free painting lesson for two hours. Or you know how to cut hair and you can save some friends an expensive trip to the salon.

3. Give cleaning services. Offer to clean out the closet, de-clutter every room, wash the windows, vacuum the carpet and do other organizing so the recipient can start off the new year with a really clean house. Doesn’t that sound so much cooler than a cheesy Santa Clause mug?

4. Give your valuable company at a cool event or trip. I know one couple who gave each other the gift of enjoying a weekend getaway before Christmas in lieu of an actual wrapped present. Maybe you can agree with a loved one or a circle of friends to pool gift money for a fun trip out of town or a concert all of you will enjoy.

5. Give your precious time at a volunteering event. Many non-profit organizations and charity event organizers are in need of people who are willing to give their time for a good cause. Scout out for volunteer activities that are going on in your area this holiday season.

6. Give much-needed publicity to a good cause. Not everyone can be a rich philanthropist, but everyone can help spread the word to more people. Share great organization websites on your Facebook or blog. Ask your loved ones via e-mail to consider making a donation or a micro-loan to a good cause. Tweet out charity links in less than 140 characters if you have Twitter.

7. Give positive energy to extremely overworked store clerks, public service workers and strangers. Rather than getting all in a huff about the extremely long lines or slower-than-usual service, spread genuine holiday cheer by actually smiling and wishing people happy holidays.

Do you have other ideas for giving intangible gifts this holiday season? Share them in the comments below!

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See the original article here. Check out her blog and follow her on twitter.

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Ways to Recharge During the Holidays Before Going Back to School

For us students, the winter holidays proves as a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of school. Many of us have finished our finals before returning home, and the last thing we want is to be reminded of the chaos of papers, essays, and problem sets.

So some tips for to get the most out of your holiday break, regardless of where you are, who you are with, and what you might be doing.

1.) UNPLUG – We immerse ourselves in technology at school; home should be where we unplug. Promise to only check your email twice a day. Unless you really have a need to use the computer, turn it off and tuck it away. Stop texting your friends. And take those earphones out and place your iPod next to your computer. Good bye technology, hello fresh air!

2.) Have a Conversation – How often do we get to see our relatives? How often do we get to see our neighbors? Teachers? Siblings and friends? Take the time to sit down and have a conversation with them. Not over instant messaging or an email. Here’s your chance to talk to that person face to face. Grab some eggnog, apple cider, or whatever you wish. Ask your grandparents about their memories of when they were children. You might be surprised with what new things you learn.

3.) Read a Book, For Fun - This goes along with unplugging. With text books and required readings, we forget the take the time to read just for fun. Also, there’s a clear difference between magazines and books. I’m not saying go get US Weekly or People Magazine (I mean, please do if you’d like), but here’s a chance to really read that book you’ve been wanting to read. So get warm by the fire, or bring it out to the beach. Here’s your chance!

For some good reads:
- Cane River by Lalita Tademy
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- The Ultimate Happiness Prescription by Deepak Chopra
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Check out this list from goodreads for more.

4.) Use Your Hands – Build, write, knit, sew, weld, press, film, drill, stack, paint, sketch, scrapbook, create something! Use those hands and fingers NOT for typing or texting! Make little Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Bodhi, Eid, Matariki, Yalda, etc, gifts to friends and family. Why not say ‘I love you’ or ‘Thank you’ with a home made gift with a personal twist

5.) Just Be – Take the time to sit, breathe, and be silent. I don’t know about you, but living in a dorm, I have very little time and space for myself. Forget about being silent, I’d be lucky if I could get to sleep by 2 am without running feet and a banging bass. So take the time early in the morning, late at night, or during the day and find a quiet place in your house or outside and take a moment just to sit still, breathe the air, and be present. Recenter your energy.

Do it! Take advantage of your break and time off from school.

Happy holidays and have a wonderful break!!!