Leaving my cousin’s house after early Sunday morning coffee, I was running by my aunt’s house to grab a set of keys. As I drove by what used to be my grandfather’s farm and home, I took in the early spring beauty from the variety of greens displayed by the budding trees and renewing grasses. … Continue reading Exhale
Tag: Self empowerment
Empowerment
Value
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
The Queen’s Gambit and the Messy Middle
The Queen’s Gambit creator Scott Frank has said that even though there is demand for a second season of the Netflix limited series, there will not be one. He explained, “The joy of a single-season show is the promise of a complete story. Knowing the ending from the onset means that when the season concludes, … Continue reading The Queen’s Gambit and the Messy Middle
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
Mantra Monday: I Am Light
There is a reason why “I Am Light” sung by India Arie is on at least one of every yoga teacher’s playlists, including one of mine. I play my “Come onto the Light -Bliss” playlist often in the morning. Sometimes for a personal, free form yoga practice or often while I’m getting ready for the … Continue reading Mantra Monday: I Am Light
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: Caught Red Handed
It was 10 a.m. in the small, urbane grocery store. I was looking at organic produce that I would use for my morning green juice. I guess I got a little excited because a friendly, female voice said, “That is a happy dance.” I did not realize that I had done a little wiggle in … Continue reading Mantra Monday: Caught Red Handed
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!
The Yoga Cowgirl 