This is my intention for the week....

Each week I try to set an intention.  Initially I tried to do it daily, but I couldn't remember what the intention was by lunchtime!  Now, I choose something for the week.  I write it in my planner (yep, even with my fancy iPhone I'm still old school about the planner).  Recently I've begun writing it on the chalkboard in our kitchen on occasion.  I also use it when I meditate - because I'm the kind of person who needs something to DO while mediating.  Yeah, I know.
 
I got the inspiration from one of my favorite blogs by Brandi Reynolds.  After all who doesn't want to be part of a Joy Rebellion!?

What's your intention this week?  You can borrow this one, after all, I borrowed it from Brandi!

Things that were good for my soul this week....

For a lot of people this week was a vacation week, which kicked off with a Holiday.  For me it was business as usual, including long hours and several meetings.  But as I'm reflecting back on the week, I'm glad I made sure to do things that were good for the soul.....

• Participating in our Happiness Project Book club discussion
• Teaching six Jazzercise classes 
• Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen
• Baking vegan cupcakes 
• Shopping with my mom
• Booking a plane tix
• Taking a yoga class
• Having a glass of wine with a good friend after work
• Taking a bubble bath
• Donating to Education & Hope (I'm always inspired by the wonderful Julie Coyne)
• Writing a card to a special friend going through a rough time
• Meditating
• Having a pizza & movie night with my hubby- at least that's the plan for tonight!

What have you done this week that's good for YOUR soul?

Now THAT'S enthusiasm!

I couldn't help but smile when I watched this video clip. 

Check out the gusto with which this boy conducts his orchestra.


I especially love the ending.  When was the last time you approached something with such enthusiasm and total (and I mean total) involvement?  He literally throws himself into the moment.

Be inspired!  Now it's your turn.

I Wants a Piece of Calico.....

Nanny and her girls in Newport News 2007

After getting up this morning to see the snow falling and making the necessary arrangements to cancel the morning classes , I brought my coffee back to bed to read and meditate before jumping into this 'snow day.'  

Nanny at her 100th Birthday Celebration (2006)

I began thinking of Nanny today, the third anniversary of her death, and the many memories, even little things, like her recitation of her favorite silly poem.  When we "played school" we would practice it all the time. When you think about it,  memorizing (especially a poem) is really a lost art.   I mean who memorizes anything these days with the internet at your fingertips and in your pocket?  

Believe it or not I can still recite almost the entire thing, and some days I can't even remember what I had for breakfast!  I even made mention of it in the piece I wrote for her funeral mass (see my original post ) 

So this morning I pulled out my very worn copy of the poem to share, written on yellow legal paper in pencil in Nanny's beautiful Catholic school penmanship.  

There are much bigger memories and momentous occasions, but sometimes it's the littlest things that stick with you.

Mattie's Wants and Wishes

I wants a piece of Calico

To make my doll a dress

I doesn't want a big piece

A yard will do I guess

I wish you'd fred my needle

and find my fimble too

I have such heaps of sewing

I don't know what to do

My Hepsie tord her apron

In tumbling down the stairs

An' Caesar lost his pantaloons

He needs a nuzzer pair

My Maude must have a bonnet

She hasn't none at all

Fred must have a jacket

His ozzer one's too small

I want to go to Grandma's 

You promised me I might

I know she'd like to see me 

I wants to go tonight

She lets me wipe the dishes

And look in Grandpa's watch

I wish I had a penny

To buy some butterscotch

I need some newer mittens

I wish you'd knit me some

My fingers alomost freezes

They leak so at the fum

I wore them out last summer

Pullin' George's sled

I wish you wouldn't laugh so

It hurts me in the head

I wish I had a cookie 

I'm hungry as can be

If you haven't got a large one

You'd better bring me free

I wish I had a piano

Won't you buy me one to keep

Oh dear I'm so tired

I wants to go to sleep

 

When was the last time you....

...made a new friend?

This was a question I remember my boss asking  me many years ago.   I don't recall how the subject came up, but we were discussing how easily and often you make friends as a child, but that as an adult there seem to be fewer opportunities.  Or maybe it's just that we get settled and don't make an effort. Or we feel that we have all the friends we need. Or we're simply too old for that.

I remember thinking at the time that I didn't want to stop making new friends.  That I would always  make the effort, take the chance, or seize the opportunity.

Funny, that conversation took place probably twenty years ago, but it has always remained in the back of my mind and I think of it when I meet someone new and the relationship blossoms into a friendship.  It's even actually something I reflect on each year when I journal about the experiences of the previous year.  Inevitably I can almost always identify a new presence in my life, in fact several people come to mind as I write this.  

Last week I had the pleasure of being introduced to someone who I had been told I'd really hit it off with.  And we did.  It was one of those times when you make an inevitable and immediate connection with someone.  That's what making new friends is about.  We had a great lunch (plus yummy lavender mint tea), and really wonderful conversation.  BUT you have to make the time.  It's always easier to look at a full schedule and long to do list and decide to eliminate those things that require a little extra effort. Try it though.  It just might be worth the effort.  I know it was for me.

Old friends are good too! 

Kristen & Beth circa early 70's

Movement is a vital celebration of life.

 I love this recent post from the Daily Om. It's SO true.  When was the last time you trusted your body?  Appreciated it?  Time to get up and move!!

 

February 3, 2011
Poetry in Motion
Moving Our Body

Movement is a vital celebration of life. It is a way to proclaim your own existence and relish in the joy of being alive.

Our bodies love movement. When we stretch or dance, our bodies adjust, realign and start to become fluid with the rhythm of life. Our mood lifts and we feel more connected with the world around us. If you are feeling stuck, ready to release old energy, or eager to feel more alive, try moving your body. By giving your muscles a chance to do what they were created for, you may find that all areas of your body and your life benefit as well.

Many times we can be so busy that we forget moving our body is even an option. Some of us remain seated at our computer for hours every day or rush from task to task with robotic precision. When we are caught up in crossing items off our to-do lists, we tend to neglect all the opportunities there are to enjoy our bodies in the process of living. If this is true for you, begin looking for opportunities to move. You might try dancing or moving about freely as you clean your home, tend your garden or care for your children. If you are able to devote a set amount of time to self-care, practices such as yoga, dance, tai chi and walking are all great ways to keep your body in motion.

Imagine how freeing it would feel to trust your body’s movements completely, knowing it has a perfect strength and rhythm of its own. See if you can sense your bones providing graceful support, your muscles and tendons expanding and contracting in just the right measure, your lungs changing pace to fill deeply with fresh air. Movement is a vital celebration of life. It is a way to proclaim your own existence and relish in the joy of being alive. Today, and into the future, give yourself the gift of your body in motion.

How have you been spending your snow days?

We're experiencing them at a record number and just about everyone you speak to is frustrated and complaining about the snow.

I'm doing my best to keep a positive outlook and ENJOY and embrace them. Hey, it's the weather, there's no way I can change it, so what else can I do.

 Luckily I have the option to work from home, even when my studio has to close due to the weather. On the plus side, I can get lots of work done at home. But, a snow day isn't really a snow day unless you weave in a little fun, so I've been doing a little of both this winter:

Here are some of things I've been up to the last few weeks.

• Trying new recipes like a yummy Indian vegetarian dish, and using celery root for the first time to make a tasty soup (celery root & white bean soup)
• Devoting time to more creative work projects and marketing ideas, such as designing the upcoming Be Your Own Valentine mini retreat. 
• Tackling pesky work projects that never seem to get done like organizing files, cleaning out emails, reading industry publication and updating forms.
• Trying to master some technology that still evades me.
• Facing home projects that usually seem too overwhelming.  Just a few minutes of cleaning the basement each day and I should be done by next winter.
• Catching up on what's in my DVR (like the Ugly Betty episodes from 2009).  No really.
• Reading, reading, & more reading with a steamy cup of tea.

With this extra unexpected time home, I don't want to hear my self saying "I wish I had time to...." a few months from now. 

Instead take this time and make it your most productive and fun.

How about you? How are you spending your snow days?

Can't change the weather, can choose how we react.

 Pina and I decided to get on track with our adventures month, but lo and behold, wouldn't you know the weather had other plans for us.  Seems like that's the tune everyone's singing these days.  Well we decided not to let the weather get us down.  And although disappointed our original plans had to be put aside, while we can't change the weather we can change our response to it.


The night before I had passed what looked like a very cool cafe while in Fairfield.  I thought it might be a place I'd like to check out.  No time like the present.

So we decided to venture to Las Vetas Lounge for lunch and tea (and a yummy chocolate cookie for me!).  We had a lot of catching up to do and while it wasn't crazy it was an awesome afternoon with lots of girlfriend chat, a delicious grilled cheese sandwich (can't remember when I last had grilled cheese!), and steamy tea.  

Sometimes it's the little things.....and while we couldn't change the weather, we choose to make to a beautiful day.

Sometimes, we all need some ice cream.

 

I received this great story from  my friend Sally.  Sally is truly a beautiful soul and I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many loving friends. Sally and I have been in a prayer group together for over ten years.   We're currently on a hiatus, but she continues to be a reminder to me to keep my eye on the really important things in life.

 Sometimes we forget the really important things in life.
                              

Last week, I took my grand-children to a restaurant. 

My six-year-old grand-son asked if he could say grace. 

As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Nana gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!" 

Along with the quiet laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark loudly, "That's what's wrong with this country.  Kids today don't even know how to pray.  Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!" 

Hearing this, my grand-son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong grandma? Is God mad at me?" 

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. 

He winked at my grand-son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a truly great prayer." 

"Really?" my grand-son asked.  

"Cross my heart," the man replied. 

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream.  A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes." 

Naturally, I bought my grand-children ice cream at  the end of the meal.  My grand-son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.  

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you.  Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes - and my soul is good already."

The End

I love this story!
Sometimes, we all need some ice cream.

I hope God sends you some ice cream today!

It's the little things that make my day

Love this...but won't tell you who it's from :)

Who is YOUR hero?  Tell them today. 

What I learned from 28 days of abstinence

No.  Not from THAT!  Let's not get carried away.

After battling some medical issues for some time and exploring traditional methods as well as considering possible surgery, I decided to try the alternative route.  I'm much more included toward holistic brouhaha anyway.

So at the suggestion of a new doctor, I decided to attempt a 28 day detox (note that this was done under the care and recommendation of a physician and included a medical food supplement to ensure it was done safely).  That's my disclaimer for don't try this at home kids.  

  It was definitely an eye opening experience. I had to meet several times with a group, each participating for similar reasons.  The facilitator in fact had reversed ALL symptoms of his Crohn's disease through diet alone.  I was eager to see what I'd learn.

Here's how it went down:

• No caffeine - I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I do start each day with a small (not supersized) cuppa Joe.  This was surprisingly easy.  Replaced it with a cup of herbal caffeine free tea and once the headache went away after a few days, I didn't miss my coffee.
• No alcohol - Ok this one was a bit harder. And not because I'm a huge drinker.   Believe it or not I made it through college with only a few wine coolers here and there (pathetic showing at college, I know!).  Although there was that one night in NYC after the Big East Tournament....but wait I digress.  Anyway, I realized it was not so much the alcohol, as the rituals around it.  My husband and I would have our little "happy hours" over the weekend on our patio.  We'd read, chat and drink wine.  Drinking water during these little dates was just boring.
• No sugar - That was a tough one because sugar is in EVERYTHING.  While I do consider myself to be a chocoholic,  the reality is that I don't eat chocolate every day.  But nevertheless, reading the labels looking for this was an eye opener.
• No gluten - Another challenge, but I learned a lot about the pricey gluten free products available today.  Needless to say, I ate a lot of rice that month.  Which incidentally is gluten free.
• No dairy (or soy) - Now I've never met a cheese I didn't like, but I've weaned myself off of a lot of dairy with soy products.  Since soy was also off the list, I began experimenting even more with things like almond milk and rice milk. 
• No processed foods - That one was a no brainer and one I've been trying to eliminate from my life anyway.
• No red meat  (and no chicken or fish for 7 of the days) - Here I'll confess that I cheated big time in this category, because I did not refrain from chicken or fish for the required 7 days.  My job is too physical  to limit protein to that degree, even with the medical food supplement.   The facilitator of my group agreed. 

 Here's what I learned:

1. I already have pretty healthy eating habits.
2. I have the power within me me to do ANYTHING I choose.  
3. We don't need as much food as we think
4. Making better food choices can COMPLETELY change how you feel every day.
5. Changing our health is absolutely in our hands.
6. Our food determines our energy and defines our mood
7. Many chronic conditions which we become accustomed to living with can be reversed naturally
8. Having such a powerful awareness of the impact of my food choices empowers me to choose more carefully.  
9. Hippocrates had it right "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food"

I'm happy to say that after completing this process, I no longer had an immediate need for surgery, and my symptoms were under control. I also learned a lot about the chemicals that we're exposed to, how it affects us and that we can all benefit from a minor detox (5-7 days) a few times a year.   

I'm planning to do another short one (this time using the NutriClean 7 Day Detox product.  It's simple and is designed for anyone who just wants to 'clean out the junk,' basically like an oil change for your body.  If you want to join me, send me a message and I'll let you know how to get yours.

 

Burned Biscuits

I received this great story from one of my dearest friends.  

I thought it was a great reminder not to be so hard on the people around me and just as importantly myself. 

Burned Biscuits-author unknown

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every
now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made
breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago,
my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned  biscuits in
front of my dad I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all
my dad did  was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my
day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I
do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that  biscuit and eat
every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom
apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget
what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he
really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said,
"Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And
besides – a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the
best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just
like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that
learning to accept each other’s faults - and choosing to celebrate each
others differences - is one  of the most important keys to creating a
healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the
good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet
of God.  Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give
you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the
base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or
friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep
it in your own."

So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some
kind of battle. 

The Happiness Project

"One is happy as a result of one's own efforts, once one knows of the necessary ingredients of happiness  — simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel certain."
— George Sand

I do truly believe that happiness is a choice. And there are certainly some days where I just simply don't feel like making that choice. Anybody with me on that one?   

In my continuous effort to make that conscious choice, I'm teaming up with my associate Beth to facilitate a book club gathering based around The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

I'm calling it the underachiever's book club, because we're only reading one book - at chapter a month.  Then we'll get together on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am and discuss.  All are welcome.   Hope you'll consider joining us (even if you haven't read the chapter yet). And as the song goes....don't worry, be happy.

In 2010 I....

I'm waiting for my husband to get back from his walk and then we'll launch into our (now annual) New Year's Eve tradition - a movie marathon with Thai take out and of course champagne.

While I wait I am reflecting on the year.  I've been thinking about all I've experienced in 2010 and the lessons and memories which have made their mark.  

In no particular order...
 

In 2010  I.....

• Tasted my first beignet in New Orleans 
• Enjoyed several wonderful Broadyway shows in NYC
• Sang a Lady Gaga song at Karoke
• Heard Judi Shepard Missett give an incredibly nspirational speech
• Rode in the car with my step daughter driving for the first time
• Developed several new friendships with very special people
• Volunteered regularly at the Soup Kitchen
• Shared a 'low country boil' with my family while visiting them in Virginia
• Said good bye to some fantastic instructors who moved away and mentored a new one
• Played an awesome round of golf in Aruba
  
• Began giving regular Reiki sessions each month and broadening my reiki practice
• Made ravioli from scratch
• Attended a wonderfully moving fundraiser for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission
• Suffered a painful and challenging injury that kept me out of work for several weeks
• Traveled to San Diego and met my oldest friend for a margarita(oh and went to the zoo)
• Hosted the Sixth Annual Girl's Night In and ended up with some cool accessories
• Biked 42 miles in the Five Boro Bike Tour
• Created a vision board
• Tried a lot of new wines
• Celebrated 20 year of teaching Jazzercise and danced with Tim Roberts
• Got a henna tattoo
• Received successful  results after 3 stressful weeks of a possible bone cancer diagnosis
• Retreated to Kirpalu for some bliss
• Treated my staff to a evening at a spa
• Helped a friend going through a tragic & heartbreaking experience which tested my faith.
• Read 50 books
• Went zip lining and tree climbing
• Flambéed a dish for the first time
• Cultivated a more regular yoga practice and added yoga to our studio schedule
• Created a logo for my new business
• Hosted a summer cookout for my long time friends

It was a year of milestones, challenges, celebrations and pure gratitude.

Looking forward to the wild abundance of 2011. 

Happy New Year.

Mini adventures....are still adventures

November and December passed quickly without much time for Pina & I to plan our monthly adventure, so I made some mini adventures.  I say mini because they weren't totally new experiences, but at least it kept the spirit of adventure going.

In November, while in Aruba I went on a snorkeling adventure, and while I've been snorkeling before, this particular excursion was fun firstly because we explored a shipwreck, which was new.. But also because we brought slices of watermelon underwater and let the fish eat from our hands (which was sort of cool).

In December I went on a solo mini adventure to NYC.  Now I've been to NYC hundreds of times and have gone alone often, but never without a purpose.  I wasn't there to see a show or attend an event, and I didn't even go to shop. . In fact I had no agenda at all.   I spent the day wandering, people watching, and absorbing the Christmas spirit.

Ice skaters at Bryant Park

And so that we didn't totally lose our momentum, Pina and I planned a mini adventure (now becoming an annual outing) to see the Christmas lights at Paul Tudor Jones' home in Greenwich.   This year we were joined by Pina's daughter Danielle and Danielle's friend Ashley.  Pina was in charge of the hot chocolate and we had a great time with the girls. 

So even though we weren't zip lining through the sky, the spirit of adventure is still alive. 

What will January bring our way? If you've got suggestions, we'd like to hear them!

Love the message in my inbox this morning

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."

- Charles R. Swindoll 
    

“Trust that perfection is all around you right now.”

I can just hear Lorin Beller Blake's voice in my head as I type that line.  I've worked with Lorin as my business coach and when she wrote about this concept in her blog last week, the message was just what I needed to hear and one Lorin and I have been exploring in our work together.

This year has definitely been full of interesting changes and opportunities.  At times I might have described it as full of challenges, but in working with Lorin, I realize that all of the changes have actually been perfect.

Even though I was initially resistant or disappointed by some of the changes, they have opened up ideas and possibilities and a very exciting path for 2011.   As I continue to expand my vision and think bigger (hope you heard that Lorin!) more and more wonderful things have come my way.

I have begun to eliminate negative people and drama from  my life, and new partnerships and friendships have emerged.  It's exhilarating when you surround yourself with such strong positive energy.

The photo above expresses one of my favorite sayings and serendipitously I came across it painted on a sidewalk in San Diego this summer where I snapped the photo. 

As we approach that time of year when we reflect back "trust that perfection is all around your right now."  

And when in doubt Let Go, Let God!

It only takes a few minutes to unplug

I'm working on getting better at finding a few minutes to unplug every day.  I typically work 10-12 hours per day and find it hard to unplug - especially thanks to Steve Jobs and the iPhone.  I can have instant communication at my fingertips 24/7.

I am finding that keeping it simple is my best bet.

Recently in the midst of a busy  which included driving from Norwalk to Stamford to Bridgeport to Stamford back to Norwalk (not unusual in a typical day), I stopped at the new Whole Foods in Darien.  

I got a mini chipwich (isn't it cute?) and my first green tea latte.  I opened my book (I always have a book in my bag) and took a 20 minute snack break to read.  Just like the good ol' kindergarten days.  It was a little slice of heaven.  Although I confess next time I'm opting for regular green tea, which I love, 'cause the latte tasted and smelled like grass.  

But nevertheless to be "unplugged" is priceless!

Rainbow Reflection

This blog post was 11/16/10  written while on vacation in Aruba.

This morning while walking on the beach in Aruba I saw the most magnificent rainbow.  Walking on the beach is one of my favorite past times and my morning ritual when I'm here.  I generally walk at least an hour each morning, stopping at the end of my walk to get my morning coffee, then enjoying it on the beach.

Aside from the $2 for coffee and my condo key, I usually have my ipod in hand, listening to podcasts or  favorite tunes. 

As I stepped on the beach today I saw a rainbow that took my breath away.  My first though was "OMG how beautiful!" Which was followed immediately by "I wish I had my carmera or my phone to snap a picture.  Should I go back and get it?" 

What?? Is that crazy?

There I was, rather than taking total delight  in the scene before me, I was wondering how I can capture it rather than just enjoying it.   

My grandmother was always the life of every party (many of you know her as Dolly).  She was also obsessed with capturing it all on film and video tape.  Smile for the camera. Hold that pose. And recreate the moment if necessary.

And while I appreciate having those tangible memories now (although I didn't like posing so much back then) I wonder if she every really enjoyed the moment. 

The memory struck me as I stood and took in the perfection of the rainbow.

In today's age of instant information where our lives are chronicled on Facebook and Twitter and our every action can be broadcast on You Tube, it's refreshing to stand in the sand, breath the salt air and enjoy a rainbow moment.

***********************

Addendum    Three days later I was taking a walk specifically to take some pictures of the scenery and find some interesting shots and lo and behold --- another rainbow!

Sharpening the saw

A few vacation scenes

Do you remember the parable about the woodcutter who had become totally exhausted by his work? He chopped furiously, unwilling to stop for a moment, in a frenzy to meet his quotas.

One day a stranger stopped and observed this frantic pace.  After a few moments, he asked the woodcutter if he could inspect his ax.  The stranger ran his finger along the dull blade and raised his eyebrows.  

"If you take a few minutes to sharpen your ax," he told the chaotic woodcutter, "the work will go much more quickly and easily."
 

"I can't," the agitated woodutter replied.  "I just don't have the time."

Sound familiar?

Are you cutting wood with a dull ax?  Could you move through your day with more efficiency and grace if you just took time to sharpen the ax?  

I was fortunate enough to take a vacation last week and as I return to my regular routine I'm reminded that sharpening our ax doesn't have to be a week away (how often do we get that luxury?).  It can be through exercise, meditation, healthy food choices or simply ten minutes a day of quiet.  Although I have a busy day today, I am planning to take a break a little later to read and enjoy a cup of tea this afternoon before I start my  Juniors class. Believe me, that 20 minute break can be a lifesaver!

Making time to sharphen the ax daily will hel pyou stay balanced and at ease no matter what your day may bring.

When we take time to do things which center and balance us on the inside the things on the outside flow much more easily.