teeter totter

Fine, fine, so I am not an avid blogger.  You figured me out.  And I figured me out.  With that being said, I have learned a lot about balance in my life these past few months.  For those who know me, know that I do not understand the meaning of moderation.  Yes, I can and will eat the entire tub of ice cream and then have a belly ache.  I will train for a mountain bike race and forget to practice yoga or do any other form of cross training.  I will focus on my yoga so much that I then find myself with 6 months of zero cardio under my belt to actually do anything I love to do outside.  I am aware of this teeter totter effect, but to actually find the balance in my life and make it happen, is another thing.

Many do not even realize why they feel frazzled or ungrounded.  Awareness is a HUGE step - but so is trying to make adjustments to your life to balance it all out.  We are a very reactive culture, versus proactive.  Some of us will not even make changes to their life until something happens to them - they develop an illness or find themselves under copious amounts of stress that is preventing them from functioning, they lose a loved one or their significant other has had it with them.  It seems to be conflicts like these that give permission for epiphanies and life changes.  Do you agree?

It's not easy.  I know.  And I'm not sure which is worse - being aware of it all and then stressing because you don't know how to to balance everything or being naive about it all.  I've spent the last few months of my life focusing on our sick kitten (literally tunnel vision), consuming my brain with mountain bike racing, wishing for more yoga trainings, all while trying to balance our every day life events such as work, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.  And with this all said, I actually feel AWFUL because all of these "worries" are first world problems.  I have food at my fingertips, a loving family, a job, a blanket, a roof over my head.  I have money and freedom to do pretty much whatever I want.  But I still feel ungrounded.

So when we feel ungrounded, do we focus on the things we DO have?  Do we practice gratitude (as we should anyway), knowing seams will seal together with appreciation of our life in general?

I am still on my teeter totter.  I find myself wanting to race but then find me telling myself to slow it down.  No need to race.  I know I can ride a mountain bike.  What do I need to prove?  Clearly nothing, since I have about 5 mechanicals during each race anyway.  :)  But there is a little horse is me that neighs and is pulling me to the starting line.  I want to submerge myself into yoga and never resurface, but my bank account would be depleted.  I want to help my sick kitten, but I need to stop baby-ing her and let her be sometimes.

It's called life.  Ebb and flow.  And it changes all the time.  Do what makes you happy.  If you have to leave the dirty dishes in the sink for the night because you can't be bothered, DO IT.  If you find yourself on a teeter totter, and maybe even on the side of the teeter totter that is suspending you in the air and you feel ungrounded, throw your arms in the air and embrace it.  What I have learned these last few months is to enjoy the ride.  I need not stress over finding an answer to my imbalance.  Embrace it.  Explore it.  Live it.  All it means is that you are ALIVE.  Besides, where can we really play on a teeter totter these days anyway?  I feel like they have been banned from childhood.

reactions

Reactions can be poisonous.  So often we react before we try something, before we listen, before our minds start to think and wander.  I taught a yoga class this morning where I instilled the theme of yoga.  Plain and simple.  To surrender to what is, to who you are, to be at peace with where you are today.  Yet to be strong and committed and driven.  To find the duality and the balance.  And to react FROM A PLACE THAT IS JOYFUL.  So with that being said, we found ourselves in some asanas that are reactive - meaning, that we want to get out of them the minute we get into them.  I did that on purpose so that it teaches us not to react immediately.

Why am I telling you all of this, because this week I had a bet with someone special that if I could work my way into tittibhasana (firefly pose... and I have been trying this for over a year) after watching a yoga video, I would have to play a Glee song ~ while students were in SHIVASANA.  ha ha ha... right?  Well, it happened (my tittibhasana) and I also played the Glee song.

With that being said, I prepped the class and made my confession, letting them know a Glee song will be playing for shivasana.  I received some snickers and some laughs.  And after class, I was joking around, saying how I actually had to purchase such a song.

And here I am, trying to instill reacting from a joyful place, and I reacted to this bet with a bit of shame.  Lesson learned.  And looking back - WHO CARES about that song.  It made my students smile.  And because I had to purchase it, I might just have to use it for future classes.  :)

Surrendering, relaxing, and being present, yet staying strong, determined and driven.  That is yoga.  I am currently trying to apply to my mountain bike training... staying determined and trying my best NOT to react from a poisonous place.  Telling myself things are hard and I can't do it.  But I know I am strong and able and I know I am capable of reacting from that place of joy.  This is why I have a love affair with yoga; because I can apply everything that yoga has taught me on my mat to my daily life.  And for me, that's deep.

Ask yourself where you are strong yet calm?  And bring that into your world, staying present and keeping reactions at bay (or at least brewing from a happy place).

And while you practice that, eat this:     :)

http://nourishmentnow.com/raw-lemon-bars/

stop sitting around and make them!  warning:  you just MIGHT eat the entire batch!

making time

It's sad but true, some of us glorify being busy.  I wouldn't say I necessarily glorify it, but I am guilty of talking about it, or sighing out loud about it.  I don't see the glorification of being busy, but it seems our culture is guilty of it.  

I have learned in the last few months that sometimes saying "yes" to others means saying "no" to myself.  I am notorious for having a full plate.  I will admit, I like to be busy, to an extent.  I do much better with structure but lately I have found myself juggling more often than I prefer.  

How do I know this?  Because I m the type of person who will take the time out every night to make a healthy dinner, a soup from scratch, a fresh batch of cookies.  Or take extra time to juice my greens.  Or write on this blog.  Or pack my lunch for the next day at work.  Or ski.  or practice yoga.  Yet lately, none of that has been existent in my life and I am feeling it.  It happens to all of us.  It is simply part of life.  

I didn't realize it though until I saw a quote today that went something like this: "don't have enough time to eat healthy?  Then you better make time in your life for illness".  And it struck a cord.  Chris and I are pretty healthy people, but sometimes, life happens.  I reach for my mid afternoon coffee when really I should be reaching for my beet juice or tea.  All those quick, easy, "comfort" things can easily become a habit.

For some, those quick, easy, "comfort" things can become a ritual.  Or so robotic, that we don't even notice what we are tasting or doing to ourselves.  So of course, we need to develop an awareness.  And to do so, we need to make some time.

Life's too short.  It passes by silently.  Next time you are feeling busy, make sure you say "no" because that means "yes" for  your family, your children, your husband, girlfriend, YOURSELF.  

I recently had a birthday and received some notes from friends that brought tears to my eyes.  Some were simply a card of fun gift in the mail (who doesn't love mail) and others were notes mentioning my zest for life.  It's fun to learn what others portray of you and I realized I wasn't feeling so "zestful" lately (is that a word?).  But it sure made me realize that I need to get back on my train and make TIME to send a card and make someone else's day, drink a cup of warm tea, and as my yoga teacher said to me this week:   Just breathe ~  Note my big rocks and see if there is anything I can refine, shave time off of, and ask myself where am I getting caught up.

So ask yourself the same and stop glorifying busy.  Take the time and energy you would use to tell others how busy you are and instead use that time to breathe, to taste your food (instead of being so robotic and shoveling it into your mouth), to send a card or to have a cup of warm tea.  Even better - to tell someone you love them or to count your blessings.  

It's up to you to make the time for the things you value most.

 Happiness.  We all know what it is.  We all want it.

But why do we want it?  I am curious - as each of us has our own reasons.

I feel I am pretty content in life.  Of course, we all have our ups and downs, our good days and our bad days, but I am happy.  I am grateful.  I have a roof over my head, food anytime I need/want it, not one job, but two, a healthy family, fabulous and supportive friends, and the best hubby in the world.  Hands down.  Life is great.

In my opinion, I think focusing on those "little things" keep us happy.  How often do you stop to even acknowledge those little things?  The freedom in those little things.  And what those little things offer to us in our lives.

Theories actually suggest that 40% of a person's happiness is based upon the actions you choose to do ~ those things you can do on a regular basis (sourced from the documentary Happy).  FORTY PERCENT!  That's pretty huge, considering it means that you have a large part in contributing to your happiness.

So before you choose what you will do with your day, what are things that would make you happy?

Every day is different.  For me, today, I chose to catch up on things at home and indulge into a few cappuccinos.  Maybe yesterday, that would not have made me happy.  And I know tomorrow, that won't make me happy as I have a date with my skis, skins and WP resort bright and early.  Saturdays are my designated mornings to skin to the top of that never ending mountain.  And it makes me happy because I am alone in the stillness of nature and I know I will get to see the sunrise without being distracted.

Brainstorm ideas of what makes you happy.  It doesn't have to be winning the lottery or a new fancy home.  Dig deeper.  And even deeper.  Find those things in the nooks and crannies of your life that maybe you never gave attention to before.  Like coffee, for example.  It's warm.  It's comfort.  What's not to love.  Maybe tea.  Maybe a snowflake landed on your nose.  Build your awareness on those things that you often pass by.

Becoming aware is key.  Knowing you are having a bad day allows you to acknowledge and accept it and then DO something about it.  Remember what I mentioned above:  40% of your happiness is based upon the actions you CHOOSE to do.

Be present.  Be aware.  I recently ran across a quote that really stuck a cord with me.  I don't know who said it.  "When you live in the present moment, you will never have to wait for anything".

Just a little reminder to empower yourself today.  To be grateful.  To see the little things.  To become aware.  To cultivate your definition of happiness.  And then practice that - every day.

Those things are hard to do if you are constantly planning for the future or dragging your feet in the past.  We all have the skill set to be happy.  And if you don't think so, make an effort to change just one thing in your day.  I promise, you will see that you indeed have the skills.  Instead of wanting happiness, BE HAPPINESS.

money

If money were no object....

But is it an object?  Or is it only an object if you make it an object?

I arrived back home recently from a yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico.  Blissful.  It was an amazing week that provided clarity and empowerment, and a whole lot of self reflection.

It crossed my mind that Chris and I could live in a simple home on the beach and be content.  What would you need money for?  The necessities like food.  Perhaps a surfboard, a yoga mat, and a kite surfing set up.  But in all reality, it could be done with little money.

Chris and I both have jobs that we adore, and although our combined income is far less than most people's, we are happy.  Friends sometimes insinuate that Chris is still a ski patroller at the spring chicken age of 40.  Yes he is.  It is what he loves.  And it is the quality of life over a large paycheck.

We do not need fancy cars. 

We do not need a large house.  Even when we brushed on the idea of having children (don't get excited, it is not happening mom), we figured we would have the baby in our walk in closet.  It didn't need an entire room for itself just yet.  Having smaller spaces can also cause creativity of the mind (furniture rearranging, interior design ideas to maximize space) and can spur on adventure (sleeping in a tent in your yard when you have guests).

And all of that, to us, is worth more than what money can buy.

Don't get me wrong, those who know me know that I enjoy a new yoga tank every now and again and take full advantage of other material items if on sale.  Those who also know me, know that I am trying to cut back on purchases because really, I could go shopping in my very own closet.  It's amazing what I have hanging on hangers that I forgot about. 

I could type for days about this topic.  Yet what I have concluded is that it is really what YOU value.  Some friends wonder why we won't go out for drinks or simply pack our own lunches when we go skiing - all those little things that add up.  Because we know those things add up.  FAST.  And those things are less valuable to us, then the endless opportunities of what we could do with the money we save over time (ah hem.... TRAVEL).  We value traveling and creating our own memories.  We value a simple cup of coffee at home and the coziness it presents.  We value breathing the air in while cross country skiing.  And spending time with each other as opposed to grinding away at a 60 + hour a week job.  Those are the little things in life that are the most important to us.

Clearly those things we value (especially travel) require money.  Therefore it has to be an object of some sort to us.  So perhaps this is the real question:  What do you value?  How much of an object is money to you?  What emphasis does it have on your life?

So if money was no object at all, what would you do?  I found this video through YogaScapes.  It got my brain thinking.  Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L_cGjQSR80

traveling

the title of this post says it all.  My love.  My passion.  My blood.  My cravings.  My family.  Adventure.  Endeavors.  Exploration.  Knowledge.  Culture. 

Traveling is always on my brain.  There are SO MANY PLACES to see and experience.  Yet I will say, I always love coming back home.  To the mountains.  Home is my happy place too.  I came across this today and it resonated with me:

I have been asked before how I can afford to travel.  Surely, it must cost a fortune.  Or not.... it is what you make of it.  You can definitely be a traveler on a shoestring.  For example, when Chris and I were in Venice, we took the "traghetto" across the canal.  It cost 50 CENTS.  OR, you can take a gondola ride.  Cost = at least 100 euros, plus tip.  On our traghetto ride, an Italian man in his striped shirt paddled us across the canal and he even sang a song.  Italian culture at it's best.  Don't get me wrong - the traghetto ride is merely just to get you across the canal, so it lasts about 3 minutes as opposed to an hour long gondola ride.  Yet when we sat on the canal eating pizza, we noticed a lot of gondola "drivers" using their cell phones.  It all depends on what you like.... personally, I like the simple pleasures. 

Yes I admit, my parents help out with my travels from time to time as well, but it is because they know what it means to me and to us as a family.  One of my brothers live in Australia, the other in Germany.  I'd be lucky to see my brothers once a year, if not, once every 2 years.  I've lived in France, in New Zealand and have Canadian citizenship (thanks, Dad!).  My parents have a place in Paris.  Need I say more?  It's in my blood (and I think it is rubbing off on Chris too!).

I've done some of my best soul searching while traveling.  My own best self reflection.  And by no means do you need to travel internationally.  Look what we have just hours away OR at our fingertips.  From our home, we could hike in and camp near lakes, in the mountains.  Or skin up a mountain and ski down.  That's just as much of an opportunity to self reflect as a plane ticket to Asia.

Last but not least, traveling could be expensive.  If you let it be.  OR you could buy your ticket to Australia, paint a house, pick apples, or some other "under the table" job, make enough money for your plane ticket to your next destination.  All the while, making friends and crashing on their couches, etc, etc, etc.... you make it work.  If you think about it, you could truly be a nomad with no pay check.  I once considered it - a decade ago.  Maybe I will reconsider when I retire in our volkswagon van.  :)

Next up:  Tulum.  A yoga retreat.  Talk about self reflection.  And did I mention I will be surrounded by some of the coolest people on earth?  Travel.  Whether it be to the nearest hiking trail or across the globe.  If you think about all of the logistics and risks that come with it, you are missing out.  It's the one thing in life you should not miss out on.

love

meet Chloe Cameron.  our adorable little barn cat.  She still gets scared of a lot of things, but is warming up to us faster than we ever imagined.  LOVE.