Thought For Today - 9/18/08

There is some days (many in the past several weeks) that I feel like I'm chasing the dollar. Going to this class, that class, another class, a private, and another class. Don't get me wrong - I love what I do! I love the people I teach Yoga and provide private instructions to. But, most of my days start early and end late, including weekends. There are challenges for me to take a Yoga class for myself (it's nothing like taking a class versus doing your own personal practice).

Then, there are days I come in contact with such positive energy from students - I can feel healing in my body from just being around them. Then, there are other days I absorb negative energy of stress and tension from students, which attacks my body. Those are the days when my body actually hurt and muscles become tight.

I often tell students in class that stress and tension can affect their entire body. Stress and tension know just where to go in our bodies and take resident, such as necks, shoulders, lower backs and hips.

I'm learning to take time away from teaching and private instructions. I'm actually learning to relax. I'm taking a weekend off in October to attend a Yoga workshop with one of my favorite Yoga Masters - Beryl Bender Birch. (Her website is: http://www.power-yoga.com/) I'm also making it a point to take 2-3 Yoga classes a week - just for myself – no matter what!

I don't need or ask for much in life. My life is pretty simple. I'm a caregiver. However, I'm making the effort to explore relaxation - finding ways that I like and can afford with ease. I must love myself enough to help my spirit; mind and body relax and become refreshed.

Can you relate to this?:)

Much love,
Joseph