Finding peace within

This year I have started learning yoga - 'practising' they like to call it. I go to a well-attended class on Thursday late afternoon - a break between work and home. A halt, a suspension. 


When we arrive, we find a mat and bolsters and we lie in a knees akimbo style on our backs and prepare our bodies and minds for the work ahead. I fidget, I scratch. My mind races. I think about my day and what still needs to be done. I am conscious of my fat stomach. I keep my eyes closed to gain a sense of perspective and inward thinking but really what I want to do is check other people out...always curious!


And then our calm and talented teacher makes a start and for the next hour or so, she demands concentration and perfection. Who knew there were muscles there?
As the session progresses I become oblivious to the others in the room and think only of myself - what is my body doing? How is my breath helping? Can I release any tension I'm feeling?


And at the end we lie once again on our backs to relax - legs straight this time and I am still. My mind is at peace, my body too. I walk out with new found energy and a spring in my step. Pure bliss.


ps When I say I am oblivious to the others in the room that is except for the woman who invariably seems to end up right in front of me. When the instructor repeatedly says "Big toe mounds touching" why does this woman always have her feet apart? I am tempted to kick them together!

Today I'm grateful for...

The whole point of counting your blessings each night is to concentrate on what you do have in life, not to lament about what's not working so well. That was what this blog was supposed to promote.
And so, I've come to to the realisation that I need to try it for a few days to see whether it really does pull me up by my boot straps, whether it really helps to put my head in a different spot.
Keep it simple. Focus on the positive.

1. The weather is perfect - warm days and cool autumn nights. Lots of energy can be found on days like these.
2. Two parents who are alive, alert, interesting and interested.
3. Being fit and healthy - taken for granted until its taken away from us.

Simple things but in no way small.

Wake up call required!

I'm struggling at the moment - hate to admit it but I feel flat and slightly irritated with people - most people actually. What's all that about do you think? I think I'm doing an okay job of balancing work and me time - maybe the 'me time' is a bit one sided toward getting stuff done - you know the cleaning, the washing, the shopping, but I'm still practising my yoga and taking the dog for lovely walks (getting rid of a bit of aggro with that), but still I feel let down and disinterested. I don't like feeling this way. And what I've learned in life is that whining becomes tiring for the listener (sorry folks), and that no matter who is in my life, no-one is going to make me feel better about my life than yours truly.


I went to the Farmer's Market this morning, my favourite time of the week, and brought home lots of delicious fresh produce and beautiful red flowers...nothing.


I've come back from walking Maggie near the lake - restful, quiet and fresh...nothing.


I have a 3 day weekend ahead of me full of possibilities...nothing.


I'm searching for an answer - just don't know where. And I assume I'm making you frustrated with my complaining. You'll let me know won't you?