Thursday, May 31, 2012

Seven Steps To Follow My Heart

Image from Kim de Broin at queen-of-arts.blogspot.com. I may be checking her blog out. This image is amazing. Total credit to her! 


"Who am I in the midst of all this thought traffic?" - Rumi

This quote popped up on my Facebook a day after I began working on this.  How appropriate and on time!  Especially since one major dilemma that has plagued me for years is... My Own Mind.  There are times when I feel my mind literally struggling against me.  It may be a Heart vs. Mind issue.

My allegiance is with Heart, but Mind has the bigger army.  I keep getting kidnapped by the enemy like the Pink Princess in Mario.  When Heart begins to rise up, Mind comes back with cannons of doubt and fear gunfire.  Or simple random thought troops running around the battlefield madly, just to disorient the Heart.  Unlike the Princess, I can and will save myself.  It helps I'm never too far from a fanciful or wishful thoughts.  I don't believe I will ever give that up.

I've always had a great imagination. Practicing yoga is helping me to realize this is a good thing!  I'm going to be real for a moment...Pardon if you find offense but Reality is Bullsh*t.  Thinking inside the lines is a great way to stay exactly where you are or about two feet beyond it.  Now I'm not against common sense! Please, be reasonable.  When I talk about mind, I mean being too realistic, not thinking outside the lines, thinking with extreme fundamentalism that allows no room for creativity and exploration. This idea was confirmed when I saw this video on Laruga Glaser's blog of Will Smith talking about success. It's really inspiring, straightforward and hits the heart when  he makes you realize, "Wow, I really can get it figured out! I really am the only one holding myself back."


The purpose of this post is to try to find a way to make time to tap into the unreal.  To find time for the Heart.  To open up the heart.  To make time to do what needs to be done in life but to also do what you Want in life.  For me, the major thing is Happiness. I want to be happy. I want to have fun, I want to enjoy what is out in the world and I want to do it with others. As stated above, my mind gets in the way. Cluttered, unorganized, distressed, stressed, weary. Starting the First of June (I know, there is no day like today, but I ended up finishing this post on the 31st haha) I will begin to work on my Seven Steps To Follow My Heart.  My ways to open my heart, clear my mind, do what obligations I need to do, but always make time for myself and fun.   How does that sound?  I'm open to having you come along with me! xoxo 


For some, they may do this all the time.  And that is fantastic! Please, feel free to share any tricks of the trade you have! For others, like myself, if takes a little longer. But We Never Give Up. 


1.)  5 Minute Meditation. 
Meditation is important to allow ourselves to let go.  Have some time for oneself, clear the mind, and just get some breath going on.  Of course, you can meditate longer if you wish for an hour, or even shorter, for a song's length.  My post on Meditation for beginners is Here.  I will give you a post from Mindbodygreen.com on the more physical aspects such as posture, hand placement, etc. Here. Taking 5 minutes out of the day is making sure you have at least the smallest amount of personal/reset time. It will probably get to the point, once you start doing it, you will realize how great it is!  I got off track. The only good thing about that is, it made me realize how much of a difference it was making!


2.)  Make Goals
This is a list of long term goals you wish to accomplish.  I tend to have a lot of things I want to accomplish at once, and it would be best to have all of them in one space.  Sometimes we tend to focus on one thing, then another, and eventually it all gets lost.  Having a list of long term goals will help to always keep in mind major plans for the future.  Examples, weight loss, going back to school, growing your hair to your shoulders, anything that is going to take a bit more time to accomplish.  Having a list in one place will allow you to keep your eye on your goals.  I also advise leaving some room for revision.  There may be an added goal, a goal crossed out, or revised. Or rewrite them, haha, but sometimes it's fun to see where we have been and where we are going. Next to a calendar, in your planner, on the mirror, somewhere it can be noticed and not forgotten.


Goals are very important.  They give us something to strive for.  Purpose and direction.  It feels good to say, "Hey, look what I've done!".  Confidence and pride comes from accomplishing a goal.


3.)  Have a schedule
Having a schedule is for short term goals, events or errands that need to be done.  For example, Work on Monday, Hair appointment on Tuesday, Grocery shop Wednesday, and so on.  These are things that are done weekly.  Or have to get done during the week that do not take long term investment.  I find if I have something marked in my planner, there is a better chance I will go to get it done because it is written.  It may sound crazy, but if it's written down, it has a more official and set in stone feel to it to motivate me to be productive.  This is another way to keep track of the smaller more prevalent things that need to get done and may get lost in the helter skelter of thoughts and activities.  It may also keep (some) of us from overbooking ourselves. 


4.) Yoga four times a week
Or some sort of physical activity.  Now this may be hard.  Especially with schedules that do not have consistency.  It is a must to get some sort of activity in because it's good for the body and the mind.  This is a long term goal and a schedule thing.  Your physical activity should hopefully be something you really enjoy and want to stick with.  It can be scheduled into your week until it becomes something that's natural. 


 It has been hard for me lately to get to yoga four times a week (tear) which means....The dreaded Home Practice!  Well, not dreaded, but not something I am comfortable with.  That just means, I have to try to work with my house and myself to make it work.  Also, try to find other physical activities I enjoy in between any non yoga time. Staying active will keep the mind active and alert.  The body will feel the same way and then, there will be no stopping getting out and going somewhere. 


5.)  Think and expand on one happy thought a day.
I say only one because I want to mindfully think about whatever this happy thought is.  To truly understand an appreciate it.  That doesn't mean you have to be able to feel you could write a book about it or fly on new found wings, though if that happens, right on. Don't over analyze.  Just take a moment to really feel thankful for the happy moment.  Thinking even one positive thought a day will begin to change your minds perception of life.  


Instead of thinking of the negatives, your mind will begin to search for all the positive things in life.  Instead of one happy thought, you will be flooded by all the other examples that you came across that day.  You can think this thought to yourself, write it down, or talk to a friend about it.  However you do it, just make sure you have that thought.  Here is an article of gratitude quotes on MIndBodyGreen.com that can serve as some encouragement and to help jump start this thought process.  


6.)  Do something you love everyday
No matter how long or short the time, 30 seconds to 2 hours and all above, below and in between!  Each day we need to do something we love.  Why?  Because each time we don't we are putting what makes us happy to the side and eventually it becomes something that we lose track of and miss.  If we condition ourselves to do something we love each day, it will become a habit and we will remember how much we love doing whatever it is and won't want to stop.  And why should we?  I was talking to my husband, about something else, but he made the same point all the same.  By not going for what you want today, that leaves one less day to have that going on. (He's so smart xoxo) 


Again, my major goal in life is happiness.  How can that be attained by not doing what makes me happy?  Here are some examples of something anyone would do to make themselves happy: play a video game, yoga, meditation, read a few pages of a good book, watch a favorite show, listen to a favorite song, sing to a favorite song as though no one was listening, dance as though no one is watching, kiss a loved one human or animal, write poetry, a song, an erotic novel, heck rewrite history!....Whatever you love to do that puts some joy in your heart.


7.) Love and Respect Yourself!
Something I noticed is that, it is easy for me to complete some tasks or some challenges for other people or reasons outside of myself. Sometimes it is easier to complete a challenge for religion, a prize, a friend, or an organization.  Then lose motivation when there is only myself to complete something for.  Has anyone else experienced this? Why is that?  How does that make sense?  That is another battle of the mind.  Thinking vs. Knowing you are worth putting effort into.  


In all of this, there is a search for self worth.  Proving that taking time out for all of these different things for oneself is okay and should be embraced.  If we do not love ourselves, how can we completely love others? We all live in our own skin, if we don't take care of, and love, and respect and appreciate it, what is the point of life?  Yes, someone else will see your greatness, but if you don't, it's all for nothing.


Yes, life is full of obligations. If we take the proper steps, and make our first Priority, Happiness, Love, Adventure, Well Being, some obligations will disappear, we will learn that doing what we love in life is worth fighting for, living for, and eventually, have the lives we've always wanted.  The Heart will not only be open, but strong!  Heart and Mind will make a truce and learn to work together (though Mind can be second in command).


Whose With Me?!




Namaste My Friends,


~Writer Yogi 


Monday, May 21, 2012

Where the Stars and the Moon Play

Because I can't get this song out of my head since I've heard it.  It makes me happy and my heart open.  I hope it can do the same for you! Namate.


~ Writer Yogi 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Equal Parts Science and Magic - Anis Mojgani

Anis Mojgani has a way with words that is absolutely heart expanding and mind blowing.  His words really touch me when he speaks.  I hope it does the same for you.


xoxo,


~Writer Yogi 

NAMASTE


As of now, my blog which I started April 24, 2012 has 507  Views and 1 comment! I believe this to be amazing since it's only the beginning.  Thank you for all of those reading and supporting! I hope you continue to follow my journey and express yours as well!


I honor the light in you, and bow to you. Namaste my Friends. 


~ Writer Yogi 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Coloring Outside the Lines



The poem  below "Tall Grass", came from my thoughts on having a "real" job. Doing what you your "supposed" to do to live life.  The jobs to get by, to pay rent.  Thinking inside of societies construct of success and what it would be like to think outside of it. To Live outside of it. 

You want to know why kids start off coloring outside the lines?  Because they know no boundaries! Their freedom and imagination are nearly endless and too big for the black lines, or (even the paper if they go beyond that).  Staying neatly inside the lines, doesn't make it art.  Just because you can hold a money making job, doesn't mean thats the right way to live.  If that does happen to be your path, I hope it makes you happy. For those like me... Here's to living a life of art, poetry, community and creativity! 


Tall Grass

Let us step forward into the nappy forest.
More episodic with every step.

You call this land unsightly
I call it independent.

You call dandelions weeds
I call them yellow flowers.

You call the coastal redwood old and its towering height unnatural
I call it wise and the size of my dreams.

“Look at the tall grass.  Wild and unmanageable.”

“Yes the grass is long and tangled,
It’s determined to one day reach the sun. Can you think as big?”

Your solid path is hard and unforgiving.
The grass gives way underneath my feet.

Your realities pavement is stiff, pushing back.
The grass lifts me on its back like a kid sister.

The grey road soaks up water, pretending it wasn’t there.
The grass shares its tears openly in the rain.

You’re ready go to your concrete reality.

“You still haven’t seen the forest yet.” I plead,
“Won’t you color outside the lines with me?” 

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A Simple Thought

Image from dopodomani.me/festival-of-dolls-day/


If I can, You can.
Hold my hand and 
We Can Together. 

Friday, May 11, 2012

Just For Fun

Two Words... "Om Shanti".  lol


Namaste my friend,

Writer Yogi 


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Your Line of Sight

CoverLayouts.com




Who are you?  Take a moment to think about your answer.  Now, think about where your answer came from.  Is all of it from you?  A quick response may be "Yes!"  Let's think about it.


A friend of mine called me "The Writer Yogi". (XOXO Sherry) Is that who I was when she said so?  For her, yes.  For myself, it wasn't...yet.  Just because someone else says you're something, doesn't mean it's true.  No matter if it's positive or negative.  Sherry could say all day long I'm the Writer Yogi but that is her perspective and not mine until I go with it.  We discussed this and agreed I should take claim over this identity since it's what I wanted to be so badly.  Now look at me :-) !  Writing inspiration to others and myself about the yoga journey and its connection to life.  By claiming something, making it yours and believing it's true, makes it so! 


iStockphoto
It reminds me of the first time I attempted Crow Pose.  I never imagined myself being able to support my body on my arms and balancing.  I haven't gotten it yet. It will come!  My first shots at attempting, I remember the thoughts that ran through my brain.  I was afraid thinking, "I can't! I'll break my wrists, then I won't be able to work, then won't be able to pay rent..." And so on.  Yeaaaaaah... Not very positive and full of fear!


Less than 30 seconds later I thought, "Do it.  Even if you fall on your face.  Fall down Rachelle.  You'll be fine."  I did just that. My feet went into the air for a split second! Woot!  I was (and still am) so proud!  I even fell over which is awesome because I was fine as I thought I would be!


What made this experience so uplifting and exciting was I perceived a situation as impossible.  So it was, I didn't move.  Didn't even try.  As soon as I saw it as possible, something happened!  Though not a full crow pose, the best part was being unafraid to try, getting results, falling down and laughing as I got up.


Unfortunately, it goes for negative thoughts as well.  If I believe there is a pose I can't do or achieve, there is a slim to none chance I will.  You see, your perception is your reality.  It is true that if you perceive something, it will become real.  If not you and the others around, at the very least yourself.  Which is enough since you live in your own world/mind.


Letting your point of view be warped by another is hazardous, too.  If a family member says, "You can't be happy and make any living being an artist" and you take it to heart, beginning to see as they do, that life won't happen.  You won't be happy or successful as an artist.  We have to remember, sometimes when others are speaking to us, they can be speaking from their perspective and view of themselves.  Maybe that family member says you can't succeed as an artist because they can't.  Maybe that person says you can live as a bank teller living the average 9 to 5 because they could.  Take to heart only what goes with your vision of yourself!  If a complete stranger says, "Your art will rock the socks of the creative world!" and that's what you want, add it to how you see yourself.  If someone says, "Your art stinks and you should stick to your day job" take that as nonconstructive criticism, give them deuces and go on your way.  


shutterstock
Ah yes friend, you may be thinking, "How do I change my perspective from negative to positive?"  A reasonable question.  One way that I embrace from time to time is "Fake it 'till you make it".  Ever hear this phrase? It's honestly what has to happen in times of insecurity.  If you pretend standing on one foot in Tree Pose is cake when you're a person with and exceptional lack of balance, though not instantly, it will become easy.  Acting like you've already won gives you the starting place to actually winning.  How?  If you've already won, you don't have to focus so much on the challenges because they're already vanquished.  When the difficulties do arise, you just snap your fingers in a "Z" formation and say, "I already got this" and go get it.


Another ways is to actively alter your perspective of life and how you're living. I've read if you think or write about at least 3 positive events, people, whatever, just 3 positive things in your life or day, everyday, life will begin to look pretty peachy.  Even if you don't do it every day, from time to time (more often than not) take a moment to think a thought along the lines of "Hey, today I had a great breakfast, read an awesome book and saw the stars before I walked into the house tonight." that brief moment will brighten everything.


Don Quixote had it right all along!  I LOVE the movie "Man of La Mancha" with Peter O'Toole and Sophia Loren.  Everyone thought Quixote was crazy for believing life to be something out of a fairy tale.  In the end, it turned out he was the smartest one!  (There is So much I can say about this movie.  I was extremely moved.  I might have to post about it.) If you can, please watch it.  It's a really great movie in terms of message and craft.  "Don Juan DeMarco" with Marlon Brando and my man Johnny Depp is another great example.  If you see the world as wondrous, though not always, it will be most of the time! 


When was a time you changed your perspective from one way to another and saw change?


See with your HEART and not with your head.


Namaste my friend,


~Writer Yogi 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Keeping connected

(image from google search/haitham.info)




I am moving up in the technological world!  Trying to expand my audience and be available in all the different networks incase some people prefer one over the other.


My FACEBOOK page is... http://www.facebook.com/UjjayiLife


My TWITTER page is... @WriterYogi2  The page... https://twitter.com/#!/WriterYogi2


Keep an eye on them if you use any of those networks. I appreciate the support!


Stay Inspired xoxo


~Writer Yogi 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Inside Out


(image from newfbcovers)
Be everything, especially Victorious.

This is a poem I wrote a couple years ago for my capstone.  It is in a collection of poems that I want to be a book some day. Well, we will see on that. My inspiration has changed but it is still a great poem.  It came into my mind because when I wrote this, I was not practicing yoga.  Now that I am, it seems to relate to a yogi's life also.  Finding what is inside and letting it all out. Letting it out creatively, beautifully, strongly, passionately. Thinking about things differently.  

What is inside of you, don't hold it back, do not be afraid of it! (I am preacher, choir, and congregation to myself as well right now). That's your Greatness going through Fear and Doubt's gauntlet. As Greatness walks through, Doubt taunts with negative "what if's" and downplays budding potential as nothing but silly dreams.  Fear strikes pushing thoughts of failure and rejection.  Doubt beats your Greatness over the head with "reality" and thinking "rationally" and "realistically".  Fear goes to your Greatness's knees with "You can't you can't YOU CAN'T!".  

As as you Greatness is on hands and knees, bruised and beaten.  What does it do?  Cow Pose, Cat Pose, Upward Facing Dog, Downward facing Dog, Steps Forward to a fold, stands up reaching to the sky, and with hands to heart, Walks forward.  Amongst the taunts, the beatings, bruises, Fear, Doubt, Worries, Greatness walks on until it reaches the End and.....Smiles. Without looking back, Your Greatness continues on to what it was meant to be. Raising you to a higher level by doing what you LOVE to do and living a HAPPY life. 


Inside Out
What is inside a minds synaptic jungle
Must come out of the mouth like a breeze.
Unseen to human eyes
Felt like a heart flutter
Jumpstarting thoughts on its meaning.

What is inside the fist shaped muscle
Must come out to the purpleorange sky.
Pumping imaginations reality through blood
In order to bring rain
Or contained in God’s eyes.

What is inside the throats harp strings
Must come out like reverberating rhythms.
Making opinions dance on light bulbs
Awaking a statement
With a harmonizing song.

What is inside a palm lined with constellations
Must come out as a spilled bottle of bubbles.
Flowing like the fountain of life
In a soft infants eyes
Before a  feather-like sleep. 

What is inside the warped reflection behind an eye
What is inside an ear hearing a planet pause
What is inside a dew drop of passion on a tongue

Must come out. 


Namaste my friend,

~Writer Yogi~ 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Yoga and Hair



Not too long after I began my yoga journey, I began a hair journey as well.  Going from relaxed (chemically treated) and unhealthy hair to natural (naturally growing without chemicals) and healthy hair.  Both of them have their lessons to learn.  The three ways I  connect Yoga and going to Natural Hair are Patience, Peace, and Growth.


Patience
Yoga takes patience in many ways.  Letting your body begin to get used to the poses, acquiring a more focused mind, and not rushing anything.  Just to name a few. Going natural takes tons of patience as well.  It takes months (at least 6) of growth to get out all of the chemically treated hair.  Then if you are like me with zero hair skills, learning how to take care of and style this "new" type of hair all by yourself. (Yes it is a big deal for me when I get one decent looking braid on the side of my head! lol) There are many techniques and products to try for your hair and for practicing yoga.  Sorting them all out is going to take time.  What I find is that, the more patient you are, the more time you seem to have because you are focusing in and getting it done right.  


Rushing usually means trying to do something the fast and easy way, incorrectly, or by cutting corners.  Which in the long run makes everything slower due to the fact you are guaranteed to have to go back and begin again properly, or scrapping what you were working on in the first place. My example is the first time I tried to go natural.  I didn't have the patience to work with my hair and gain the knowledge to do it correctly, so I went back to relaxed. I shall not turn 'round again! 


Peace
Yoga helps you gain peace with your own body.  Learning to be okay with how it does and doesn't move.  Pacing applies as well due to the fact you have to be okay with, for example, everyone else having a pose you do not at the moment. *cough*downwardfacingdog*cough* Ahem, excuse me. Mental peace is a benefit from all the breathing and sweat, too.  Learning to let go of certain things allows you to gain clarity and harmony in exchange.  


You may be thinking, "Hair and peace? Are you talking about some Afro or long haired hippy stuff?" No, but feel free if those modes of expression move you.  When it comes to going natural, you must make peace with how your hair is.  Accepting your hair is kinky, curly or coily and may need more maintenance and time you are used to putting in. 


Not forcing your hair to do what you want it to do (being straight or what have you) and accommodating the hair, not making the hair accommodate you.  This point goes back to yoga.  You must go along with where your yoga practice is taking you and not the other way around. Forcing your practice can be detrimental to your body and forcing your hair to work a certain way can damage your hair.  By using Patience, we will eventually gain peace.  A lesson that I must always be taught.  I'm slowly getting there, and will get there.  As will you. 


Growth
At least for me, yoga is one way I am growing as a person.  Completing four days a week at the studio last month was a big deal.  Showing myself I can stay consistent with something if I plan and work hard at it. There is also the renewed purpose in my writing, confidence and other things that are slowly developing. Like what I have listed and what will come along later.  


Growth comes from yoga opening your mind when a teacher says something that strikes you or from a question you ask.  Also, your limbs grow flexibility, as your mind, while your spirit gets stronger.  There is the obvious growing in length with hair.  I have seen a woman's hair go from her shoulders to her hip in about a year and a half if I am remembering correctly.  Keep in mind the skills and knowledge you develop from styling your own hair and looking and experimenting with different products.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Practicing Patience and going along with how things are developing in yoga, your hair, or life, and not forcing anything, will allow a Peace to come from seeing what is happening, accepting how and the rate it is happening, and knowing everything is going in the right direction.  The end result is Growth from the knowledge, skills and experiences gained along the way.  


Yoga and Hair...Who knew?




Namaste my friend,
~Writer Yogi

























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