We are what we think

We are what we think; as we desire so do we become! By our thoughts, desires, and habits, we either ascend to the full divine dignity of our nature, or we descend to suffer and learn. - J. Todd Ferrier

It used to be you are what you eat, right? Well that's still pretty true too.

I wanted to share this powerful quote, because it was a needed reminder to me to choose my thoughts carefully.

Last week I had a challenging experience, probably one of the tougher ones I've had to face. And it's been dominating my thoughts for days.

Then I read this quote popped into my in-box and I decided to focus on what I wanted to be this week. And I can assure you it wasn't someone who was stressed and losing sleep!

If I am what I think and if that shapes who I will BE...then what do I want to be this week:

• A supportive friend who listens
  
• An instructor who teaches four awesome classes this week
• A volunteer at the Soup Kitchen donating time & lots of energy
• A manager who gives positive feedback to the people around me
  
• A person who is healing (and thus getting a massage this week for those stubborn injuries!)
• A great date for my hubby to Tressa's wedding (including not forcing him to dance -- too much)

"....as we desire so do we become! "



What do you want to be this week?

Running Through Sprinklers

(Written last Thurs. 7/14)

I am sitting at a playground in New York City on 70th Street as I write this. It's a hot day and kids are splashing through the sprinklers with abandon.





Can you even remember when you moved so freely, so at home in your body, so uninhibited?

As I watch I am wondering when the turning point occurs. When do we become self-conscious, ashamed of our bodies, critical and judgemental?


Maybe there's a lesson to be learned form them. Sometimes you need to embrace what you've got and let loose. Channel the self who used to charge confidently onto the Slip & Slide (come on, you remember those days, don't ya?). Go back to the time when you cared more about what you were doing (riding your bike, cannon-balling into the pool, racing after the kick ball), rather than what you looked like doing it.


Go back to a time before you counted carbs, tracked your heart rate, and analyzed and agonized over your thighs, butt, or whatever!


Remember when you embraced movement AND your body, for the pure JOY of it!


Now go find a sprinkler to run through!

PS I really would have run through this one if I wasn't on my way to a play at Lincoln Center. No, really I would have!

10 Reasons to be Optimistic Right Now!

There are PLENTY of reasons to see the glass half full. Better yet, why not see it overflowing! Check out this article from Ali Brown for 10 Reasons to be Optimistic Right Now.

Click below to read more:

10 Reasons to be Optimistic Right Now!

Have yourself a little dance party

I am fortunate to work in an environment where cranking the music and getting my groove on is actually part of the job. Obviously that's not going to fly in every workplace, so you may have to try this challenge at home.


It's simple. Turn on the music and let go. No other preparation is required. Your dance party can be as short or as long as you like. Most pop songs are about 3 1/2 minutes so don't even think about making the excuse that you are too busy.


Involve your kids, get your husband to shake his hips or make it a solo act, it doesn't matter.


This blog was inspired by this video from this amazing individual who isn't making excuses or accepting limitations.

Now it's YOUR turn. Put on the music and DANCE!



K



PS I want to hear about it! What song did you use? How did you feel afterward? Did you dance solo or with others? And most importantly, when's your next dance party?

Even your Blackberry gets to recharge....

Or in my case my iPhone.

I made a last minute decision Monday night to take two days off to head up to one of my favorite spots, Kirpalu in the Berkshires, for a little R&R. Since I work on Saturdays and most holidays, it's very rare to have two full consecutive days off. Now I see why weekends were invented!

For me recharging meant unplugging from email, voice mail, & the internet (though I confess to some texting).

Here were some of the highlights which I think are key to fully recharge:

• Exploring movement - Because I'm recovering from an injury some of my usual activities like kayaking and biking were off limits. So for movement I took some wonderful Gentle Yoga classes and went on a nice walk. It was a nice change of pace to my usual workouts
  
• Getting a good nights' sleep - I actually got a full 8 hrs! I don't remember the last time that happened, but wow it feels great!
• Finding the Silence - I attended a meditation session which reminded me how such a simple practice can be so powerful
• Enjoying fabulous healthy meals - I even finally bought their cookbook after years of leafing through it in the Gift Shop. Now I hope to bring a little of the Kirpalu kitchen into my own.
• Making a connection - I made an interesting new acquaintance (my husband says I can make friends anywhere, even during the Kirpalu silent breakfast!), and we had a wonderful conversation. We initially chatted about the World Cup (he's a former professional soccer player), but as the conversation evolved I was reminded that everyone has a story to tell if you really listen, and often it is the exact message you need at the time.

Movement, sleep, silence, nourishment & connection....a perfect recipe for recharging. Mix in the beauty of the Berkshires and you've got a feast that will have you wanting a second helping!
Namaste!