#SOL22 March Musings Day 5: Namaste

I remember the dim lights of the yoga studio, a sacred place of peace. My teachers were filled with the spirit of mindfulness and positivity. After moving to Virginia, life was hectic and I longed for a return to yoga. I missed my practice and waited patiently for my return to yoga. Then, last month, our community brought in a yoga teacher to instruct those interested. I was elated and signed up immediately. 

While we do not have a yoga studio with a bamboo floor like my previous studio on Long Island, we do have the same gentle coaching from a trained yoga teacher who mixes exercise with peaceful inspiration. Here in this small space, I find calmness once again.

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." (The Bagavad Gita), a gift of internal peace and tranquility. After a few weeks of yoga, I penned this poem. 

gentle yoga, a

practice of mind and body

holistic self-care

©CV, 2022

I thought this piece of writing would be my slice yesterday but the muse thought it would be right for today, Day 5, a day of perpetual motion, not Day 4. (The above photo was taken at Fort Lauderdale Beach a few years ago. It was my first time taking a yoga class at dawn on the beach, a truly inspirational experience.)

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for this daily meeting place to connect with a community of reflective writers.

Self-Care & Happiness

It's Sunday morning. For the first time in a week, sunshine covers the sky with softened wisps of cotton puffs. Beachgoers flock to Long Beach Boardwalk to stroll alongside the Atlantic Ocean shore. One of my favorite south shore happiness spots comes alive with springtime joy. 

What makes this place special? Rising surf rushes to shore in rhythmic patterns as sea gulls silently swoop up and down. Life slows down beachside, below the busy boardwalk. People share their zen-like routines and rituals. Meditative practices are seen everyone from dozing babies and senior citizens on boardwalk benches and in strollers to a lone fisherman basking in the sun. A solitary yogi bows in respect for sun salutations. Serenity is found. 

Atlantic Ocean beaches are one of my go-to happiness spots. What's yours?

The above poster was shared by Happiness Coach, Kim Strobel, on #NYEDChat last night. The conversation revolved around the topic, The Science of Happiness. You can access the transcript here.

☀

It's Tuesday so I am now joining  Two Writing Teachers with this slice of life. 

March Musings #1 Part 2: Facing the Music

I am not musically inclined. Evidence: I cannot sing and did not finish my harp lessons in 9th grade because of the huge blisters on my fingers and lack of funds to rent or buy the instrument. But I do enjoy listening to music and seeing how it positively contributes to my well-being. 

Last night, as I was researching, I happened upon the article, 10 Positive Benefits of Listening to Music According to Science, that lists important, findings based on research. I chose three that I feel are the most important for my well-being. "Music increases happiness, decreases stress while improving overall health, and improves sleep." Happily, I listened to the following instrumental composition. It soothed my cluttered, fragmented mind so I could have a restful sleep.

Mindfulness Relaxing Music for Stress Relief

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This morning was a fresh start. I stared at the Spiritual Journey first Thursday writing task created by host, Karen Eastlund. She chose facing the music as a topic. When I face the music in my life, I have a few choices: cry and run away from the issue or stand tall and reflact (reflect with action). I choose to reflect on my missteps, examine where I'm going, and with hope grow in the spirit. 

A quote by Paul Theroux, that I hold dear at this time of year, popped into my head. I wrote about it recently. "Winter is a season of recovery and preparation."  It is during this time of the Lenten season that I need to "recover" from the hustle bustle of life, take time to listen, reflect, and  prepare to journey on. There is comfort in knowing that there is a time set aside for this.

Journey to the Past

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Today is a special day. It is #ThankfulThursday, the opening day of the March Slice of Life Story Challenge (you can find my #SOL18 morning post here) and it's Spiritual Journey 1st Thursday at  Irene Latham's blog site. Consider joining me at these sites. 

Day 1, Part 2