A student at the university where I work, stopped me to say thank you. She was honored that I had asked her to play a piano at a donor event. She was genuinely happy and grateful. I realized that by asking her to play, I had affirmed her talent and hard work. I had reaffirmed … Continue reading Value
Tag: Self acceptance
Accept
Valley of Shadows
Free from all old stories I've been toldI walk through the valley of my own shadowGajumaru performed by Yaima Most weekdays I listen to inspirational music as I get ready for work. Last week I was listening to a friend’s playlist when these words grabbed me. I have listened to this song every day this … Continue reading Valley of Shadows
This is not a perfect. This is a practice.
I taught my last yoga class on the Friday before spring break in March 2020. When the university students left for break, none of us had any idea that they would not return to campus until after Labor Day 2021. The campus community soon adapted to a world of masks, distancing and other changes to … Continue reading This is not a perfect. This is a practice.
Monkey Brain vs. Monk Brain
Lately my monkey brain has been working overtime drudging up narratives of shame, comparisons, anger, victimhood and complaints. One morning this week the monkey started before I got out of bed, quieted down while I did yoga and meditated and then returned with a vengeance as I got ready for work. My fiery nature was … Continue reading Monkey Brain vs. Monk Brain
Mantra Monday
Mantras and affirmations are a part of my daily practice. I like to recite my ever evolving list of four to six mantas as part of my meditation practice. I keep my current affirmation list on my phone and on a post-it note on my desk at work. When I feel myself becoming frustrated, agitated, … Continue reading Mantra Monday
Buck Norms
When I was four-years-old I made two announcements: 1. I was an adult and would be treated as such, and 2. I was not going to have babies so I did not need a daddy. I was going to raise puppies. Everyone thought that was cute, but I was not kidding. As I aged, I … Continue reading Buck Norms
Brené, I hear you!
One of my weekly journal prompts was to look at what triggers me when I react with anger. Of course I skipped that prompt. A couple of days later I found myself in a confrontational situation after a neighborhood meeting. The exchange upset me so much that I was unable to sleep that night. I … Continue reading Brené, I hear you!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
“The ox is slow but the earth is patient.” Dad, via Confucius Sometimes I stop and realize how much I have evolved over time. How quickly I forget life before the change or the times I fall back into old patterns only to, as my yoga teacher constantly said, “begin again.” Fifteen years ago I … Continue reading Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Fangirling: Valerie and Alicia
If the cosmos announced I could have dinner with anyone of my choice, I would immediately say Alicia Keys and Valerie June. “But from this side of life, I can see how every moment, every experience, every pivot, even my supposed missteps have been life’s way of getting me where I have always been meant … Continue reading Fangirling: Valerie and Alicia
Scales
“How much do you weigh,” asked my friend MB as she worked on the form to secure my COVID shot. “I don’t know,” I replied. Truth be told, I have not known for years. I used to weigh myself weekly, sometimes more. I would live and die with the number. Mostly I just berated myself … Continue reading Scales
The Yoga Cowgirl 