THX

I've been feeling more than overwhelmed by the news lately. I feel like all my Brothers and Sisters around the world (the United States too) are facing too much political tension - heavy. tragic. violent. misunderstood. I was going to rant about it - link to news articles & whine, but instead - I'm going to focus energies on positive thoughts.

I've been reading THXTHXTHX on and off for quite some time, and it's always a joy to come back to. I just love it. Similar to my theories on fighting winter & the blues with a 'happy thought a day', Leah Dieterich writes a daily thank you note. To anything and everything.

In this time of political unrest, human rights violations and gloomy days - keeping reading the news, but find something to be thankful for as well. There's plenty of good going around too.

PS: Remember that hilarious time I tried doing yoga? Well, I've been trying it again (this time in a Core Power Classroom setting) & I love it. This week - I'm thankful for yoga.

 THXTHXTHX Cards via: thxthxthx

AHHH in AHHH out.

Around Christmas time I said to myself, "Jeanna, take up yoga."
At the time motivation was high. I cut out positions from magazines, scavenged the house for a mat, and went to it.

Then I fell.
Surprise, surprise I lost my balance (and the ability to touch my toes). I'm not sure what toppled over what, but I landed in a blushing mess on my bedroom floor. Needless to say, motivation died. Instantly.

But lately, I've been a victim of the January blues. As I keep searching for natural pick me up remedies, I have yet to find information that doesn't mention yoga. So in attempts to avoid another embarrassing episode (and more importantly a broken bone or ripped muscle) I decided to choose watch over read. Welcome to my life (for two weeks) "The Original Yoga: Featuring Tracey Rich and Ganga White". This morning I watched/tried the first chapter and had a really good time with it... although I'm sure the gracefulness will take a little time.

According to the American Yoga Association the practice is up to 5,000 years old (most likely started in the Indus Valley)! What I found most impressive was the way in which yoga has survived for so long, "The tradition of Yoga has always been passed on individually from teacher to student through oral teaching and practical demonstration. The formal techniques that are now known as Yoga are, therefore, based on the collective experiences of many individuals over many thousands of years." Neat-o.

Now, I just have to hope that my first half an hour of yoga has given me enough spiritual well-being and motivation to continue on.

Something to DO today: STOP & take a few deep breaths.