A Slice of Life: Approaching August

August is approaching. For many educators, parents, and students, August 1st signifies the anticipated opening of school. Shopping season begins; dorm room planning is at full peak; summer reading is a priority. Sometimes angst builds up with these commitments and expectancies. My #TuesdayTip is to flip all thoughts to the positive to maintain a sense of balance and continued enjoyment of the summer season. As Meeno Rami said in a recent Twitter chat, "Summer is a great time to seek inspiration and imagine the possibilities." 

With the word possibilities in my mind, I took part in a morning yoga practice today. While at Come Together Yoga Studio I heard a message that validated my #TuesdayTip. In the stillness of the room only the gentle voice of our instructor Flor Villazon was heard. With her usual gracious style, she respectfully greeted everyone with "Namaste" and led us into a breathing exercise. I heard words like relax, reduce stress, breathe, and release the negative. As these thoughts flowed in the stillness of the room, I savored and stored them in the corners of my mind. Separate though the words were strung together they became not only a message for the moment but a life mantra as I walked away from the class.

In yoga, students benefit from the practice of being fully committed. Thoughts that enter the mind are to be swept away to totally engage in the present - a life message for me and perhaps for you as you approach August. There is a benefit from the practice of reflection and a gentle breathing exercise when the signs of frustration, disruption, and anxiousness over upcoming events come your way.

My Take-Aways Tips for the Day: 

• Tip #1 - Relax in stillness. Unclutter the mind. 
• Tip #2 - Reduce stress. Let go of outside interference during reflective moments. 
• Tip #3 - Breathe in and exhale in a flowing pattern to calm the spirit.
• Tip #4 - While engaged in a breathing exercise, allow the breath to be exhaled out the left nostril to dispose of any negativity. 
• Tip # 4 - Savor the present moment. 

Approach August with a positive frame of mind.

Open your heart to possibilities.

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