There is a vast difference between seeking solitude and loneliness, though, in our warp speed minds – solitude and loneliness are often used interchangeably on a daily basis.
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Alone : Together :
Posted: January 7, 2015 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: Barre, Body Image, Equanimity, gratitude, life, love, New Years Resolutions, Omaha, passion, pilates, yoga 8 CommentsI can hardly wait for tomorrow, it means a new life for me each and every day-
Where were we?!? Equanimity and Happiness are temporary mood state(s) that can’t be achieved by flipping an inner switch, which I like to call – Will power. The delicate aspects of equanimity and happiness that we can control, is about what we consciously choose to focus on – The way in which we shine our attention upon the good “things” in our lives.
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Sadly, we are pressured and guilted into resolutions by social media and society as a whole. Buried in the sweeping negative thoughts, the sadness and depression that come with resolutions unfilled … Is being grateful. We are too distracted with our FitBit stats and marathon training plans to notice how we are goaded into being too ambitious with our delicate souls. Simply being grateful for our health, simply being, awakens us to the idea of nurturing ourselves and not mindlessly causing harm with addictive New Years resolutions.
Daily Meditation:
As the temperature gradually gets colder outside, I feel fortunate to be able to shut out the cold north winds, the driving snow, grateful to take shelter in your warm hearts.
Start Where : You : Are
Posted: December 30, 2014 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: Bliss, Buddhism, Equanimity, love, meditation, New Year's, Omaha, passion, peace, WordPress, yoga, Zen 13 CommentsNobody can hurt me without my permission-
The dictionary loosely defines equanimity as “mental calmness and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.” Equanimity refers to a mind that is at peace even in the face of stressful and unpleasant experiences.
Many, if not all of us have experienced this dissatisfaction. The absence of peace arises from our longing for our live(s) to be different, even when we have absolutely no control over the particular circumstance(s) in question.
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After sharing my numerous injuries and “circumstances” with you over the past four or so years, I have spent countless posts lamenting, nauseously, for my life to be the way it was before the surgeons incisions healed. The constant complaining found in the archives here, have made me miserable to be around. Gradually, with the help of some amazing and caring people (like you) – I came to witness that our lives have their share of both joy and suffering, and the only way I could find peace again was to stop trying to change circumstances over which I had no control of, and instead, choosing to start where I am at in this beautiful moment.
When I see that I am not just suffering, when I am not just frustration or sadness. When I notice during yoga class I’m not super flexible or the perfect manifestation of a particular pose … Equanimity helps me to calmly wait for “things” to change.
Daily Meditation:
With equanimity, I try to start each day with where I am, looking around to see what life has to offer.
: Joy :
Posted: December 22, 2014 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: christmas, kindness, love, meditation, Omaha, passion, winter, yoga 8 CommentsWhen you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy-
The season of “peace” … Hanukkah, Festivus, Kwanzaa, Christmas, winter solstice, and New Years arrive once a year. Some folks look forward to this time – Others, like myself … Dread them. Can we peel away some of the stress, and find time for peaceful days?
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I’m not a complete Scrooge – Really! I enjoy winter and the holiday season, all of the celebrations, traditions, and joyous gatherings they bring. And there are some tangible benefits we can reap from this time of year – like spending more face-to-face time with friends, rather than “liking” them on social media. Also hidden within the holidays are remedies for being a grinch and a curmudgeon. Such as joining family and old friends for a pick up hockey game, a walk after dinner or even a bike ride. For most of us though, the wear-and-tear of the most “Wonderful Time” of the year is simply too much to handle. As much as hibernation sounds like the perfect solution …
Daily Meditation:
Meditation or whatever you want to call it, can truly bring us peace. Slow down with me this morning, let’s take in the lovely sights, the alluring scents and sounds that are traditional for this time of year … And as Cousin Eddie once said: “That’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”
Too Close for : Comfort :
Posted: December 16, 2014 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: Body Image, courage, gratitude, kindness, love, Omaha, passion, perfection, yoga 7 CommentsConfront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing-
Raise your hand if you consider yourself to be a perfectionist? Good. Now keep your hand raised if you expect those around you to follow in your footsteps?
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This past Saturday morning during a powerful yoga class, I made a series of mistakes, and I want to share with you in this brief post – What a relief it is to make a mistake without belittling yourself. Without a doubt, I want to do the very best I can, but expecting myself or anyone else to achieve perfection is unrealistic and a denial of my true spirit. Accepting my many “imperfections” does not mean I can allow myself to become unfocused during yoga class or life for that matter, but rather that we can set realistic goals for ourselves.
Daily Meditation:
I don’t have to be perfect to smile and enjoy life, and as a wise yoga instructor once said during class – Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
Vacation in the : Sun :
Posted: December 15, 2014 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: gratitude, karma koffee omaha, kindness, life, love, meditation, Mindfulness, Omaha, passion, Solitude, yoga, Zen 12 CommentsThere is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more
― George Gordon Byron
Solitude is the state of being alone, without being lonely. Solitude is a state of being, where we nourish our hearts with wonder and experiencing the bounty of nature. Solitude is a time for reflection, searching for, and developing our true spirit.
Solitude nurtures our inner peace – Solitude is simply enjoying stillness, Solitude is sustenance for our souls.
Daily Meditation:
We can choose solitude, loneliness on the other hand – Is imposed on us by others.
CultFit 