It Only Takes A Smile

On this recent Dave Ramsey podcast, stories of giving are shared . It inspires you to give deeply. When we have more we can give more
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dave-ramsey-show/id77001367?mt=2&i=379255447

When an opportunity to try something new arises, generally I am quick to grab it. But sometimes it doesn’t live up to the hype it did in my mind. The ideal me would love to be a scuba diver , do a full tough mudder, and travel for months as a proper backpacker. But the real me and the ideal me do not always align .

This was the case of aerial yoga .

Excitement brewed as I waited to attend  this class. As the warm up stretches, subsided, I questioned what am I doing here? When does the fun begin ? 

Maybe it was the instructor being too intense. Or perhaps my body simply wasn’t used to the positions we were getting in. Or perhaps I just didn’t like it. I didn’t want to admit the latter. 

To top it off I’ve been quite sore.

It’s been five days since my aerial yoga class , and I still am injured. Stiff neck and shoulders. I can’t even properly turn my neck without wincing it when driving or attempting to swim laps at the pool. 

I love yoga , how can’t I like this class? How can yoga injure me to the point I can’t twist my neck without grimacing.

And so I caved. Today i went to see an acupuncturist to take care of this. I am one who usually cares for others, and rarely take the time to take care of myself . Typical helper mentality. 

But when our body limits us we, we have no choice but to care for ourselves. There is a gift in being gentle with oneself. If you are like me, a Type A person , always striving and doing , look at how you can practice the art of non-doing. You deserve it. 

Today is the winter solstice , and what that means is it’s also the shortest day of the year. This is not what I’m happy about , but what tomorrow brings. Each day a little bit of more daylight. Soon Puzo (pictured above) will no longer needs his seasonal affective disorder (Sad) lamp 

https://apple.news/AJnO2lwyqQMOvjUm8q9jBCg

I can admit it , when this time of year comes around, the urge returns. It’s December 20th, I’ve bought 2 planners and 3 calendars. For work , home, and somewhere in between. 

I should convert to all digital calendars, but there’s something about print that stirs me. And I know this last calendar was right because I’ve already gone out of control doing a photo shoot with my dogs.

They make me smile and that’s all that matters . Hope they bring joy to you . 

Happy calendar shopping 🙂

In line at the gas station shop today, a man was in line to order a water and soda. He looked in his pockets and realised he forgot his card and his cash. He was disappointed and frustrated with himself. A mother behind him offered to pay for his drinks. He was in shock. She said nonchalantly , “don’t worry about it. I know what it’s like.” Both carried on. I was behind the mother , and offered her a gratitude card for this act . 

As I walked outside, this same man who received his drinks for free was picking up a piece of random glass off the parking lot floor. This was not from his drinks , but in order for someone to not tear their tires up. He already was paying it forward . It was as if I was witnessing a gratitude commercial of kindness being contagious being played out in front of me. 

Kind acts do not go unnoticed , and often serve as inspiration for others.

http://www.upworthy.com/7-real-things-you-can-do-right-now-about-the-catastrophe-in-aleppo

I have this frame in my office stating the words above:  yoga, seva, write, and travel. My co-worker yesterday popped into my office and asked “what’s seva?” I answered, “in yoga and Sanskrit it means serving others .” The act of selfless service.  

I have this on my wall to serve as a reminder of what to focus on. A four word mantra . 

Many times I feel that seva has to be something outstanding such as striving to volunteer in an underserved community in a struggling nation like the Philippines  , working in a low paying non profit job with the homeless in the Bronx , or assisting foster kids in Compton. I have done all of these things , but oddly what I think may bring joy on more frequently  is these gratitude cards.

It’s the small acts done consistently that make us, not the over the top short term events . How can we make seva part of our daily practice ? Just like brushing our teeth , mindfulness, or exercise? 

Start small. Perhaps opening the door for someone. Smiling at a stranger. Letting someone go ahead of you in a grocery store line. Saying thank you while looking into someone’s eyes sincerely. 

All kindness acts are welcome .

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.”-Khalil Gibran 

Teachers have such an opportunity to demonstrate to their students the power of praise and kindness

Since I have moved to Europe, one thing I have grown to appreciate is spas. It’s not the regular American spa that I embrace , filled with a massage and facial in an office setting  (although those are available).

But there’s a different concept in other cultures . There are  Hammams throughout Turkey, Morocco, and Spain I have explored . I also have peaked into the spas in the German town of Baden Baden , lavishly filled with sun lamps , lavender scented rooms , and even activities such as water zumba.

Spas have the potential in some countries to be part of our weekly lives.  The setting may look luxurious, but it’s not saved for rare moments but Everyday life . 
How can we care for our bodies as temples in a temple? This picture was actually taken at my gym which used to be a church, the sauna was the old confessional! 

When was the last time you have shown your body appreciation and love ? Not shame , frustration , or even dismissal . Love and gratitude . 

For a funny look into a Korean spa I went to in LA , watch conan’s visit 

Lists 

Favourite hamam ever : Malaga 

Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga

Stunning spa in Germany with a nude floor: Baden Baden

http://www.baden-baden.de/en/health-wellness/thermal-baths/caracalla-spa/

Hammam listed in book 1000 places to go before you die :Istanbul 

http://www.cemberlitashamami.com/

I saw this on a friend’s page. What a beautiful commercial. All parents sacrifice so much for their children. And the ad is for met life!