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.

minimalist

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I would love to be a minimalist.  But is one ever a minimalist?  or do we just strive to be?  What exactly is a minimalist?

MINIMALISM IS INTENTIONALITY.

"It is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality. And as a result, it forces improvements in almost all aspects of your life."   ~http://www.becomingminimalist.com

Trying to live with only the things you need.  But what is it you NEED?

For those who know me, you know I love clothes and fashion and outdoor gear and... and... and....

Minimalism is something I would love to strive for but I know it will take baby steps.  And it won't happen overnight.  Especially with all of these cyber Monday emails I am getting (damn you!).  My first steps might involve cleaning out my closet.  Or not.  More importantly, my first steps will simply be cultivating an AWARENESS of my desire to be a minimalist.  When I see those cyber Monday sales and tell myself that I don't need anything.  I need nothing more.  I am wealthy with the simplest things in life - comforters and blankets, a pantry full of tea, a choice of clothing, warm water, healthy food, a roof over my head.  Yet to become aware of the things I already have will help me make choices for my future purchases and "wants." 

I am not saying I won't ever buy anything again (because those Hunter boots are super cute), but it's a start.  And motivation:  imagine how much money you could save for other amazing passions, such as, traveling.  :) 

Wouldn't it be nice to be on the beach with a yoga mat, a surf board, enough food to feed your belly, a camera, and your partner in crime?  oh wait, I forgot the margaritas too. 

I wonder how much more we would notice in this world if we pushed aside our distractions (did I mention those cyber Monday emails yet?).

greatness

moving forward

We all have our moments where we hold onto the past.  It's natural.  I mean, the past is why we are here now, in this moment, right?  But it's one thing to be so CONSUMED by our past that we cannot even fully acknowledge this moment.  this.moment.NOW.  Living in the present moment is SUPER hard and it takes constant reminders from the self to put yourself back into the NOW.

I was suppose to start my 300 hour yoga training this weekend, but I bailed.  All weekend I have been contemplating as to if I did the right thing because I wasn't feeling so hot about it all.  For some reason, I didn't feel ready to embark.  Maybe I shouldn't say "ready" because I am ready for my 300 hour.  But I wasn't ready to be away from home for 4 days when I feel like I am never at home.  Chris and I are always here, there, and everywhere.  Sometimes it's nice to stare at a wall or actually get my laundry done.  I didn't feel content with my decision, but I knew that if I would have started my training, I would not have felt content during my training too - as my heart was longing to be home.  I wanted to embrace my training and absorb and live in the present moment, not be longing for something else.  Yet I continue to beat myself up;  yes it would have been nice to have 30 fresh hours of yoga under my belt and yes it would have been nice to have such a physical, mental and spiritual "workout" per se.

But sometimes, you need to listen to your heart.  It knows best.  Those are the times when self nourishment comes first.  No looking back on what I could have done  this weekend.  In fact, I committed to a few mentoring sessions for the 200 hour yoga students ~ with that, I can still be at home this weekend and still feel so blessed to see such an amazing group of yoga students learn and grow together.

I am moving forward, making some space in my life and letting go of these things I have been dwelling on.  Clearly, there's not much I can do about it or I would have done something by now.

And to think of all of the moments passing by right NOW because sometimes we dwell.  It's not worth it.

While in Boulder, I did spend my whole paycheck at whole foods (wait - is that why Chris always calls it whole paycheck???).  :)  Gathering items for some self nourishment - such as Pangea Organics facial cleanser.  mmmmmmmm!  has anyone tried it out?!?  yum.  Visit their website - you CAN'T go wrong!   I also bought ingredients for pumpkin bread french toast;  I will be trying it out this week.

http://paleomg.com/pumpkin-bread-french-toast/






After all is said in done regarding my choices this weekend, I have to say that I have gained tremendous knowledge and empowerment in the few mentoring sessions I was at.  I wouldn't trade that in for the world. 

Living in the past is toxic, people.   Facts of life... the fact of life.

the little things

ah the little things.  Everyone knows what I am talking about, even if "the little things" do not give the same warm fuzzy feeling to each individual.  Like my cup of tea for example.  LOVE.  Or my mug for example - DOUBLE LOVE.  It's those special little things that can make you stop dead in your tracks and smile.

Speaking of tea, we all know it's good for us (don't we?).... A favorite website of mine is www.wakeup-world.com.  Here's yet ANOTHER reason to sip your tea (and it makes these cold days in the mountains so much warmer).

"Drink Three Cups of Tea Every Day to Increase Antioxidants and Prevent Heart Disease  ~Researchers recruited 87 participants between the ages of 25 and 60 to conduct the study. Each was randomly assigned to drink either three cups of black tea each day or the equivalent volume of hot water for a period of 12 weeks. The scientists found that consumption of black tea was associated with an 18.4% decrease in fasting blood sugar levels and a 36% decrease in triglyceride levels. Both high blood sugar and excess blood fats are known to be primary factors in increased risk of heart disease as well as a number of other deadly chronic diseases.  The result of drinking three cups of tea each day is substantial and provides a measured degree of protection against cardiovascular disease."

Now I know what you are ALL thinking.... 3 cups of tea?  I know, it's a lot and we all want our red wine too.  How do we fit it in?  That is entirely up to you.  Test your creativity, or at least be content that you are getting 1 cup in.  It's better than none.  

A lot has happened in my life in the last few days that has emotionally affected me and that is why I am turning to the little things today.  Why don't I do this more often?  It is hard to slow down - but remember that post where I asked to try breathing in 3 deeps breaths a day (hopefully more)?.... it's all woven together in this universe.  Are you catching what I am saying?

Other "warm fuzzies" for me today include the fresh smell of clean laundry, a hot shower, my freedom and choices with what to do with my day, a hug from my preschoolers, friends checking in on me, my health, and the list could go on.  It's hard to choke back the tears sometimes or feel "up" to doing anything.  All that means is that you are HUMAN.  Make a list of your warm fuzzies ~ the list itself might just become your "little thing".  It's worth a smile.  

Speaking of smiles ~ this made me laugh!   HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

  

randomness

It's only been two days since my last blog.  Pat me on the back!  Randomness is what comes to my brain today.  Read on, and you will see this blog is RANDOM.

I am such an advocate for happiness (yet not always a prime example ~ is anyone?) and what it means to YOU.  Happiness is such a universal and (maybe) over advertised topic that perhaps people have become immune to the word.  But have you ever asked yourself what happiness MEANS to you?  Really?

The things that make me the happiest seem to be the most simple ~
Snow.  Swings.  Chocolate.  My bike.  Traveling.  Time with the hubs.  Chocolate.  Chocolate.  My most favorite thing though that makes me giddy?  Chris and I have a "love jar" in our house and every time we have a warm thought about one another, we write it down and put it in the jar.  We are not allowed to look in the jar or open it until every Christmas Eve.  It makes me so happy I could cry!  I hope that more and more people can see that happiness doesn't stem from external factors like money and a job or a ring.... those things don't last forever.  And they weren't cultivated by you.  Just my two cents.

On another note, and a very off topic thing I am about to say here:  I have learned that breathing - connecting yourself to your breath, can ward off cancer.  "Huh?" you say.... it's true.  Cancer cannot live in an oxygen rich environment.  Have you ever noticed when you are stressed that you are breathing short little breaths?  Or when you are hurrying from point A to point B you aren't even breathing!?  Or maybe you haven't even noticed because you haven't built a connection with your breath yet?  Try it.  Even if it is for 3 deep breaths a day.  It's pretty cool stuff!

Clearly yoga and things related to clean living are on my brain.  My 300 hour training starts tomorrow, and I couldn't be more thrilled.  

Now to my favorite part of my day - FOOD. 
How about this for goodness on Thanksgiving:  Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake.  I will let you know how it turns out.  The recipe:  http://paleomg.com/thanksgiving-pumpkin-cheesecake/