November 2015 Quotes
A Little Space Yoga & Tai Chi
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
— American Poet and Author and Civil Rights Activist
Maya Angelou (4 April 1928-28 May 2014)
“There’s release in knowing the truth no matter how anguishing it is. You come finally to the irreducible thing, and there’s nothing left to do but pick it up and hold it. Then, at least, you can enter the severe mercy of acceptance.”
— Southern American Writer
Sue Monk Kidd (b. 12 August 1948)
Happy November Day, All!
I hope you enjoy this month’s quotes. I was trying to find some that spoke to the subject of acceptance — ourselves, others, life as it is as we head, sometimes charge, with our head first, into the holidays. Finding such quotes, I learned, may be more difficult than you may imagine.
I hope you enjoy this month’s quotes. I was trying to find some that spoke to the subject of acceptance — ourselves, others, life as it is as we head, sometimes charge, with our head first, into the holidays. Finding such quotes, I learned, may be more difficult than you may imagine.
In last Thursday afternoon’s Yoga for Every Day class, I mentioned the idea of a Gratitude Practice for November. Please join us for 21 days of writing down every day a gratitude list. It does not have to be long or short. There are no real rules, except 21 days. If you miss a day or do not receive this until tomorrow, start when you are ready. Some days, you might be able to only connect with one or two things that inspire gratitude; other days, the list may run off the page. Perhaps some of you already do this.
This is also something that can be helpful in falling asleep.
For example, some times when I cannot sleep, I think (I do not necessarily get up to write things down) about what I am grateful for, just lying there: my family, my health, a blanket, a pillow, a roof over my head, socks, etc. Oftentimes, I will drift off with such a list. If this is interesting to you, I will be speaking about more such practices at December’s Workshop on Nonviolent Communication and Ideas for Better Sleep (Sunday, December 6th).
Please share any experience with this that you are willing. I may be sharing my lists here and there.
Next Sunday is the annual Yoga for Digestion Workshop.
The Eating and Visiting Season:
Self-Care for Digestion Through the Holidays and Beyond
Sunday, November 8th (Payment Due: Friday, 11/6/15)
1-4 p.m.
$45 (There will be food and eating!)
This is the workshop where we will talk about and practice yoga ideas to do before and after eating as well as talk a bit about food and ways to be mindful when eating. There will be a smorgasbord of foods for us to learn more about and try. Digestion in the holidays is not just about food, but it is also about how to savor and allow room for ourselves and others during all the festivities and visiting that often arrive hand in hand with food during the holidays. Can we stay present with ourselves, our feelings and our needs during the holidays? Or are we already prepared to give up everything for others? Be aware that giving up everything often leaves us empty, depleted, run down and, even, sometimes sick. Remember, we do not have to become sick to say, “No.” Plan now to feel and be well during the holidays and to say “No” when you really mean “No,” “Yes” when you really mean “Yes” and “Maybe” when you are unsure. Happy, Healthy Holidays to all!
Just reply below to sign up by this Friday, November 6th, and I will send you a Confirmation email. This workshop is a little longer and a little more expensive due to the food and eating aspect.
I am grateful for each of you, my teachers, these practices, the opportunity you give me every week to share my love and respect for these practices and life, and our ability to accept ourselves as we are and be transformed just by that every day.
May we all hold space for ourselves to breathe, to be, to digest, to feel human once more.
Namaste,
Nicole