I had the fabulous experience of being part of a yoga community yesterday that participated together in 108 sun salutations. I doubt I have ever done more than 12 in one day before, so the idea of doing 108 was a bit overwhelming at first. But as I listened to the wonderful spiritual leaders as we embarked on this quest, I released the struggle and was able to embrace the exercise.
We did the 108 sun salutations in 4 sets of 27 - my favorite number. In the first set, we were directed to focus on "what breaks our hearts" - as Andrew Harvey had just spoken about. He suggested that contemplating what breaks our hearts will provide insight on our purpose in life, and I appreciate his perspective on this. What came to me - as I moved into a meditative state while staying in continuous motion - is the notion that so many people live mediocre lives and don't realize they have a choice for more. Those people that do everything they were taught to do, followed all the "rules" and created the life they thought they wanted - only to realize that something's missing. It breaks my heart to see people who've stopped dreaming - especially parents - because they're teaching their kids by example to stop dreaming as well.
Moving on to the next 27 sun salutations, we were instructed to focus on one person each round. As I moved through my family and friends, employees and peers, I felt an overwhelming amount of love and appreciation for all of those in my life. I wanted to keep going as I thought of more and more people to praise with my movements, but alas, we were asked to move on.
In the third round of 27, the spiritual leaders brought us back to ourselves. To acknowledge and love ourselves so that we may be better people and build a better world in response. Then the final round took us through appreciation for 27 different parts of our bodies. It was incredible!
And then we danced, and the energy in the evening air was palpable! I could feel it reverberating in the space we were in, and for a moment before I left, I soaked it all in - bathing my soul and spirit in the energy that was shared in that sacred space.
I look forward to doing it again someday, and sharing the experience with someone else.
Namaste. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Find the Fun!
I was walking today to get some exercise and clear my head. Just moments before that I was crying and feeling quite down. The change of pace, scenery, and the fact that I was doing something good for me quieted my mind and nourished my soul. I felt much better.
I thought about the 'Yoga Play' class I taught just yesterday. It's a class geared toward kids, and there were a couple girls in the class, along with one of the moms. They were 13 and 12, and I envied them a bit, because I wished I had yoga at their age. I certainly think it would have helped - as those were my depressed days.
So you're probably wondering, where's the fun in this? Well, I asked the girls what was fun for them. For one it was running - for the other, rock climbing. When I got to the Mom, she came up with "quiet time". While I agree and think that quiet time can be quite fun, I wondered why, as adults, we forget about fun. And that's part of the reason I asked them in the first place - because if you know what's fun for you, and can find a way to do it every day - then life will be more enjoyable.
We tend to be so busy with so many things in life that I think we often forget about the fun, and I think many adults are tolerating life instead of enjoying it.
It's sad to think about, and yet there's a pretty easy solution in my opinion. Have fun. Find the fun. I can find the fun in just about anything, and when I do, it makes me smile and increases my energy. It makes me feel so good! I had a realization around this the other day as I whined my way through doing the dishes.
It's not one of my favorite "chores" - and I really did not want to do the dishes at that moment. Yet I realized that what I wanted even less was to come downstairs in the morning to a sink full of dirty dishes. So I did them. Reluctantly, whining, and complaining about it the whole time. It was almost like I was torturing myself. And then I just started laughing. I thought it was pretty funny that I was whining so much - because I ask my kids so often to repeat things to me without whining.
Anyway, as I was laughing, I realized that the task became almost fun, and that if I just put some music on and started dancing while doing the dishes, that it would be enjoyable.
So that's my message to you. Find the fun. In all you do - find the fun. It really makes a difference and will help make the journey in life more enjoyable.
Smiles and hugs!
Cybil
I thought about the 'Yoga Play' class I taught just yesterday. It's a class geared toward kids, and there were a couple girls in the class, along with one of the moms. They were 13 and 12, and I envied them a bit, because I wished I had yoga at their age. I certainly think it would have helped - as those were my depressed days.
So you're probably wondering, where's the fun in this? Well, I asked the girls what was fun for them. For one it was running - for the other, rock climbing. When I got to the Mom, she came up with "quiet time". While I agree and think that quiet time can be quite fun, I wondered why, as adults, we forget about fun. And that's part of the reason I asked them in the first place - because if you know what's fun for you, and can find a way to do it every day - then life will be more enjoyable.
We tend to be so busy with so many things in life that I think we often forget about the fun, and I think many adults are tolerating life instead of enjoying it.
It's sad to think about, and yet there's a pretty easy solution in my opinion. Have fun. Find the fun. I can find the fun in just about anything, and when I do, it makes me smile and increases my energy. It makes me feel so good! I had a realization around this the other day as I whined my way through doing the dishes.
It's not one of my favorite "chores" - and I really did not want to do the dishes at that moment. Yet I realized that what I wanted even less was to come downstairs in the morning to a sink full of dirty dishes. So I did them. Reluctantly, whining, and complaining about it the whole time. It was almost like I was torturing myself. And then I just started laughing. I thought it was pretty funny that I was whining so much - because I ask my kids so often to repeat things to me without whining.
Anyway, as I was laughing, I realized that the task became almost fun, and that if I just put some music on and started dancing while doing the dishes, that it would be enjoyable.
So that's my message to you. Find the fun. In all you do - find the fun. It really makes a difference and will help make the journey in life more enjoyable.
Smiles and hugs!
Cybil
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I'm not "Big Boned" anymore!
I had a startling realization one day as I was exercising. I realized that all my life I was told and I told others that I was "big boned". At that moment, as I was swimming in a pool in Arizona - where it was probably over 90 degrees at 6 in the morning - I realized how believing that I was "big boned" was limiting me. It was keeping me overweight, and allowing me to give myself approval to stay overweight.
Now, if you know me, you might not think I'm overweight. I attribute that to the other saying I would tell myself - "I carry my weight well". =) And I do. But for the past several years, I have not been happy with my weight or my body. I hide my thighs and was even on a quest this past summer to find LONG board shorts to keep them covered up! We had a family reunion and were going to be at a lake, and I was not going to bare my thighs for the whole family to see!
But the reunion had passed, and I was swimming - in my long board shorts - in one of the pools at the resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, where we were staying. Sean and I were there to assist Jack Canfield at his "Breakthrough to Success" weeklong seminar. The day before, Jack spent some time talking about limiting beliefs, and several participants were sharing limiting beliefs that they had been holding on to. Many of the beliefs that came up I had heard before; "Money doesn't grow on trees", "Act your age", "Nothing I do is good enough", etc.
But it had never occured to me that saying and thinking I was "big boned" was a limiting belief. Yet as I swam, it became so clear to me that being "big boned" was a belief I learned. I realized that this belief limited me by giving me an excuse to stay overweight, and kept me from trying to be the weight that I wanted to be. I thought exercise was futile - it would never help me because it couldn't change my "big boned" body. Regardless, I did still attempt to exercise every now and then.
So as I made this realization and decided to change my belief, I felt a huge shift within myself. I decided that I would believe my bones were strong and healthy. I also decided I would turnaround this idea of being "big boned" with the affirmation that "I have strong and healthy bones and a strong and healthy body". And I do.
I have even lost several pounds since that day, and I continue to affirm that I have strong and healthy bones and a strong and healthy body. When I look at myself in the mirror, I don't have the thought of being "big boned" anymore, and I know I can achieve my ideal weight by continuing to exercise and eat healthy. I will keep you posted on how it goes!
Now, if you know me, you might not think I'm overweight. I attribute that to the other saying I would tell myself - "I carry my weight well". =) And I do. But for the past several years, I have not been happy with my weight or my body. I hide my thighs and was even on a quest this past summer to find LONG board shorts to keep them covered up! We had a family reunion and were going to be at a lake, and I was not going to bare my thighs for the whole family to see!
But the reunion had passed, and I was swimming - in my long board shorts - in one of the pools at the resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, where we were staying. Sean and I were there to assist Jack Canfield at his "Breakthrough to Success" weeklong seminar. The day before, Jack spent some time talking about limiting beliefs, and several participants were sharing limiting beliefs that they had been holding on to. Many of the beliefs that came up I had heard before; "Money doesn't grow on trees", "Act your age", "Nothing I do is good enough", etc.
But it had never occured to me that saying and thinking I was "big boned" was a limiting belief. Yet as I swam, it became so clear to me that being "big boned" was a belief I learned. I realized that this belief limited me by giving me an excuse to stay overweight, and kept me from trying to be the weight that I wanted to be. I thought exercise was futile - it would never help me because it couldn't change my "big boned" body. Regardless, I did still attempt to exercise every now and then.
So as I made this realization and decided to change my belief, I felt a huge shift within myself. I decided that I would believe my bones were strong and healthy. I also decided I would turnaround this idea of being "big boned" with the affirmation that "I have strong and healthy bones and a strong and healthy body". And I do.
I have even lost several pounds since that day, and I continue to affirm that I have strong and healthy bones and a strong and healthy body. When I look at myself in the mirror, I don't have the thought of being "big boned" anymore, and I know I can achieve my ideal weight by continuing to exercise and eat healthy. I will keep you posted on how it goes!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
My Morning 'Minders
It's important for me to start each day with a little time to myself and focus on my intentions for the day. For the most part, my intentions are the same every day, because I am living my life's purpose. Currently my purpose in life is simple. My purpose is to be myself, and with my exuberant energy and powerful presence brighten the lives of those around me - so they may witness the pure happiness that comes from being completely at peace with oneself.
I hope to inspire others to be true to themselves, because I see so many who are trying to be who they think they should be, who they think others want them to be, and they're completely losing themselves in the process. I was there myself just over a year ago, when I was introduced to a meditation that helped me unwrap the gift of my purpose in life. Since that time, I've meditated again and my purpose has changed as I have changed. I am inspired to help others find their purpose and live it - so if I can help you, please let me know how.
Now back to my "morning 'minders" - reminders, or daily affirmations - whatever you want to call them. I have started off each day this past week reading through them. One of my notecards that I read has the summary of Don Miguel Ruiz's "4 Agreements". (I loved this book! If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it!)
The summary of the 4 Agreements that I read was as follows, "I am gratefully greeting the day anew, reciting the 4 Agreements, too. 1 - Be impeccable with your word. 2 - Don't take anything personally. 3 - Don't make assumptions. 4 - Do your best."
And this reminder had always resonated with me, until a few days ago. I thought about it for a bit, and realized that I was having trouble with the use of the word "don't" in two of the agreements. I've had some training in NLP and have learned that the mind recognizes images and action words - and it skips over words like "don't".
I'll show you. I'm going to tell you not to think of something, and I want to see if you can not think of it. OK - now whatever you do, don't think of a blue bunny rabbit. Now, be honest. What did you think of? A blue bunny rabbit! Of course - because those were the images and action words your mind heard! Just think of the implications this has in your life!
In the case of my morning reminder, I realized that I was unconsciously telling myself to take things personally and make assumptions. Since this is not what I want to do, I decided to change my reminders and write my own - based on my interpretations of the 4 Agreements. Here's what I read now:
"I am gratefully greeting this day anew. Today I will...
Speak with sincerity
Accept what is to be
Practice responsibility
And be the best possible me."
Feel free to use this yourself if it resonates with you. And share it with anyone you'd like.
I wish you peace, love, and happiness.
I hope to inspire others to be true to themselves, because I see so many who are trying to be who they think they should be, who they think others want them to be, and they're completely losing themselves in the process. I was there myself just over a year ago, when I was introduced to a meditation that helped me unwrap the gift of my purpose in life. Since that time, I've meditated again and my purpose has changed as I have changed. I am inspired to help others find their purpose and live it - so if I can help you, please let me know how.
Now back to my "morning 'minders" - reminders, or daily affirmations - whatever you want to call them. I have started off each day this past week reading through them. One of my notecards that I read has the summary of Don Miguel Ruiz's "4 Agreements". (I loved this book! If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it!)
The summary of the 4 Agreements that I read was as follows, "I am gratefully greeting the day anew, reciting the 4 Agreements, too. 1 - Be impeccable with your word. 2 - Don't take anything personally. 3 - Don't make assumptions. 4 - Do your best."
And this reminder had always resonated with me, until a few days ago. I thought about it for a bit, and realized that I was having trouble with the use of the word "don't" in two of the agreements. I've had some training in NLP and have learned that the mind recognizes images and action words - and it skips over words like "don't".
I'll show you. I'm going to tell you not to think of something, and I want to see if you can not think of it. OK - now whatever you do, don't think of a blue bunny rabbit. Now, be honest. What did you think of? A blue bunny rabbit! Of course - because those were the images and action words your mind heard! Just think of the implications this has in your life!
In the case of my morning reminder, I realized that I was unconsciously telling myself to take things personally and make assumptions. Since this is not what I want to do, I decided to change my reminders and write my own - based on my interpretations of the 4 Agreements. Here's what I read now:
"I am gratefully greeting this day anew. Today I will...
Speak with sincerity
Accept what is to be
Practice responsibility
And be the best possible me."
Feel free to use this yourself if it resonates with you. And share it with anyone you'd like.
I wish you peace, love, and happiness.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Two Words to Take Out of Your Vocabulary
It's been a while since I've posted anything. Been quite busy, but that's just an excuse. I had the privilege of assisting at Jack Canfield's Breakthrough to Success weeklong seminar earlier this month, and had an awesome experience!
Prior to that event, I would have probably said that it was an incredible or unbelievable experience, but I learned something about those two words.
Scott Schilling - and incredible guy - did an evening session on sales presentations. Now, I'm not in sales, per say, but he made a very good point that we're all in sales in one way or another - because in many instances we're selling ourselves. So I went to the presentation, and I got so much out of it! What's been sticking with me the most is that he said we should stop using the words incredible and unbelievable - because everything is credible and anything is believable.
It really struck a chord with me. With all that I've learned about the law of attraction, this just adds to it. If something amazing happens, when we say it's unbelievable, that's exactly what we're attracting. Either other people won't believe it, or after a while, we, ourselves might even question the believability. Now I don't know about you, but I've had enough doubt in my life that I don't need to be adding more with my language.
So I've recently been very conscious of those two words - and a third one came to my mind just yesterday. Impossible. I'm taking that one out of my vocabulary, too, because anything is possible.
Now, you may disagree with me, and I'm ok with that. But I know that if we want something bad enough - we can find a way to make it possible. And that's what I've got to say for today.
I hope you found it useful and I hope you check back in soon. Hugs, Cybil
Prior to that event, I would have probably said that it was an incredible or unbelievable experience, but I learned something about those two words.
Scott Schilling - and incredible guy - did an evening session on sales presentations. Now, I'm not in sales, per say, but he made a very good point that we're all in sales in one way or another - because in many instances we're selling ourselves. So I went to the presentation, and I got so much out of it! What's been sticking with me the most is that he said we should stop using the words incredible and unbelievable - because everything is credible and anything is believable.
It really struck a chord with me. With all that I've learned about the law of attraction, this just adds to it. If something amazing happens, when we say it's unbelievable, that's exactly what we're attracting. Either other people won't believe it, or after a while, we, ourselves might even question the believability. Now I don't know about you, but I've had enough doubt in my life that I don't need to be adding more with my language.
So I've recently been very conscious of those two words - and a third one came to my mind just yesterday. Impossible. I'm taking that one out of my vocabulary, too, because anything is possible.
Now, you may disagree with me, and I'm ok with that. But I know that if we want something bad enough - we can find a way to make it possible. And that's what I've got to say for today.
I hope you found it useful and I hope you check back in soon. Hugs, Cybil
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Freedom, Friends, Family & Fireworks!
The 4th of July is a festive time - people celebrating this great country we live in. So many people gathering with friends and family, enjoying their freedom, and, of course, the fireworks!
I've been blessed in my life to live in a few different places across this great nation - New Hampshire, Kansas, and California - as well as another place across the globe - the Phillippines. I've been to Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Canada as well. And within the US, I've been all over the place! Maine, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Virginia, Michigan, Alaska, and probably other places I'm forgetting right now, or was too young to remember!
I bring this up not to brag, but to share with you all some things I've learned along the way. I've learned that no matter where we live, how we talk or how we dress, we're all people, and we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. I lived in a third world country for 3 years, and while I still had many of the same amenities we're used to in the US, many in the country did not. I got to see people living in shacks with no electricity or running water, and still many of these people were happy and had beautiful spirits and souls.
And because of my experience of living in a third world country, I'm more appreciative of all that I do have here in the states. Still, like many others, I do have moments when I forget to be grateful for the little things. I have food on my plate, a roof over my head, and a great abundance of many other things. But it's not money or cars or clothes or furniture that bring me the greatest joy. The abundance I most appreciate are the smiles on my children's faces, their contagious laughter, their precious hugs, and their sweet kisses. And I can also appreciate the tantrums and fussiness - at least at times. =)
Not to lose sight of my husband, because I appreciate him as well. He brings to our home passion and purpose, love, strength, integrity, and a bit of silliness, too. Married 10 years now, our love and our relationship continues to grow and strengthen with each passing day. (Sean, I love you!)
My wish for all of you today is freedom. Freedom to feel what you feel, to do what you want, and to enjoy every aspect of your day and your life...for each day that has passed has brought you to where you are, and you can choose where to go from here. I choose to smile and keep on moving forward! I hope you'll join me!
I've been blessed in my life to live in a few different places across this great nation - New Hampshire, Kansas, and California - as well as another place across the globe - the Phillippines. I've been to Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Canada as well. And within the US, I've been all over the place! Maine, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Virginia, Michigan, Alaska, and probably other places I'm forgetting right now, or was too young to remember!
I bring this up not to brag, but to share with you all some things I've learned along the way. I've learned that no matter where we live, how we talk or how we dress, we're all people, and we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. I lived in a third world country for 3 years, and while I still had many of the same amenities we're used to in the US, many in the country did not. I got to see people living in shacks with no electricity or running water, and still many of these people were happy and had beautiful spirits and souls.
And because of my experience of living in a third world country, I'm more appreciative of all that I do have here in the states. Still, like many others, I do have moments when I forget to be grateful for the little things. I have food on my plate, a roof over my head, and a great abundance of many other things. But it's not money or cars or clothes or furniture that bring me the greatest joy. The abundance I most appreciate are the smiles on my children's faces, their contagious laughter, their precious hugs, and their sweet kisses. And I can also appreciate the tantrums and fussiness - at least at times. =)
Not to lose sight of my husband, because I appreciate him as well. He brings to our home passion and purpose, love, strength, integrity, and a bit of silliness, too. Married 10 years now, our love and our relationship continues to grow and strengthen with each passing day. (Sean, I love you!)
My wish for all of you today is freedom. Freedom to feel what you feel, to do what you want, and to enjoy every aspect of your day and your life...for each day that has passed has brought you to where you are, and you can choose where to go from here. I choose to smile and keep on moving forward! I hope you'll join me!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Bad Day Golfing is Better Than....
...many things! I had the great opportunity to golf with my hubby again today. We used to golf almost weekly about 12 years ago. We golfed on our honeymoon 10 years ago, and then about 7 years ago it came to a halt. We had a beautiful baby girl. Golfing no longer had the same importance or interest level for me. As for my hubby, he didn't golf much either, but he did manage to get away to Palm Springs each summer for a tourney with some of his friends.
I didn't miss it...at least I didn't know I missed it until recently. My hubby started playing weekly again, and I was using "my time" to do yoga and other things. But then we had the crazy idea to play golf again together. It started a couple weeks ago, and we've kept it up now. My first game "back" I shot a 50 on the front and a 50 on the back - my best score ever! I've been playing every once in a while, and I go to the range every now and then, so I'm a little rusty, but it doesn't take much for me to get back in the swing of things.
But today, while my swing was working well for my drives and irons, it was horrible around and on the green...at least for the front 9. Still, after my worst hole...I believe it was a 10...I still was able to smile. A bad day golfing really is still a good day. I was outside, I was walking and getting some exercise, and I was spending time with my hubby. And, even though he works from home and we see a lot of each other, it's good to get out and do something together that removes us from the day to day. We really enjoyed today.
So whether it's golf you love, or something else, make sure to make time in your schedule to do it often. And if it's something you love to do with your mate, make sure to schedule that, too! When we don't take a break from the day to day, sometimes the routine can drag us down - and it can really drag down a relationship. Taking breaks and spending time together doing something you both love can build you both back up, and make your relationship even stronger.
Here's to a good day for you (and hopefully your mate, too!)
Cyb
I didn't miss it...at least I didn't know I missed it until recently. My hubby started playing weekly again, and I was using "my time" to do yoga and other things. But then we had the crazy idea to play golf again together. It started a couple weeks ago, and we've kept it up now. My first game "back" I shot a 50 on the front and a 50 on the back - my best score ever! I've been playing every once in a while, and I go to the range every now and then, so I'm a little rusty, but it doesn't take much for me to get back in the swing of things.
But today, while my swing was working well for my drives and irons, it was horrible around and on the green...at least for the front 9. Still, after my worst hole...I believe it was a 10...I still was able to smile. A bad day golfing really is still a good day. I was outside, I was walking and getting some exercise, and I was spending time with my hubby. And, even though he works from home and we see a lot of each other, it's good to get out and do something together that removes us from the day to day. We really enjoyed today.
So whether it's golf you love, or something else, make sure to make time in your schedule to do it often. And if it's something you love to do with your mate, make sure to schedule that, too! When we don't take a break from the day to day, sometimes the routine can drag us down - and it can really drag down a relationship. Taking breaks and spending time together doing something you both love can build you both back up, and make your relationship even stronger.
Here's to a good day for you (and hopefully your mate, too!)
Cyb
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