This week I give myself permission to just go with the flow, have more fun at work, and not take life so seriously.
What do you need to give yourself permission to do (or not do) this week? Make a permission slip and hang it in a place you'll see it regularly.
Namaste'
Leslie
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
power of journaling
I have a bit of a confession to make: I took a long-very long-break from writing in my journal. Not necessarily intentionally, but when I started this blog, I found that my journal writing did slow down eventhough what I blog about and what I typically journal about are quite different. Yesterday I busted out my journal for the first time in over a year--yes, that is right--a year. I knew it had been a long while since I had written in it, but when I looked at the last date entered, I was a little shocked because I did not realize I had neglected my journal for so long.
So, what made me get it out? I have been feeling a bit stressed about a few different things in my life--and as much as I've tried to use yoga and mindfulness to release some of the stress, I could still feel it in my mind and body. So, I found myself getting out my journal and writing nonstop for 4 pages front and back. And, I can definitely tell it made a huge difference. The situations I've been preoccupied with haven't changed, but simply by writing about them and my feelings about them, I definitely feel like a weight has lifted. I often advise my students that they should try out writing about their feelings when they are upset or stressed, and this was a case where I definitely needed to take my own advice!
I am and always have been a true believer in the power of journaling. I am right now setting an intention to make sure I am writing in it more regularly this year!
Are you a journal-er? If so, what are your thoughts about it?
Namaste'
Leslie
So, what made me get it out? I have been feeling a bit stressed about a few different things in my life--and as much as I've tried to use yoga and mindfulness to release some of the stress, I could still feel it in my mind and body. So, I found myself getting out my journal and writing nonstop for 4 pages front and back. And, I can definitely tell it made a huge difference. The situations I've been preoccupied with haven't changed, but simply by writing about them and my feelings about them, I definitely feel like a weight has lifted. I often advise my students that they should try out writing about their feelings when they are upset or stressed, and this was a case where I definitely needed to take my own advice!
I am and always have been a true believer in the power of journaling. I am right now setting an intention to make sure I am writing in it more regularly this year!
Are you a journal-er? If so, what are your thoughts about it?
Namaste'
Leslie
Saturday, January 23, 2010
podcasts i love
I find that listening to podcasts on my ride to work is a great way to start the day off right. Here are a few of my favorite podcasts:
Oprah.com's spirit channel (soul series)
Tara Brach (Tara also wrote one of my all-time favorite books, Radical Acceptance, so check that out if you haven't!)
Tranquility du jour (interviews and musings on living a tranquil life with Kimberly Wilson)
Yoga Peeps (interviews with yoga instructors)
Mudra Moments (2 yoga instructors discussing yoga)
What are some of your favorite podcasts?
Namaste'
Leslie
Oprah.com's spirit channel (soul series)
Tara Brach (Tara also wrote one of my all-time favorite books, Radical Acceptance, so check that out if you haven't!)
Tranquility du jour (interviews and musings on living a tranquil life with Kimberly Wilson)
Yoga Peeps (interviews with yoga instructors)
Mudra Moments (2 yoga instructors discussing yoga)
What are some of your favorite podcasts?
Namaste'
Leslie
Thursday, January 21, 2010
yogathought
"Keys to Happiness:
Show Up,
Pay Attention,
Tell Your Truth,
Be Open to Outcome"
--Angeles Arrien
Namaste'
Leslie
Show Up,
Pay Attention,
Tell Your Truth,
Be Open to Outcome"
--Angeles Arrien
Namaste'
Leslie
Monday, January 18, 2010
karmacoy's list
Here is Karmacoy's list for the Create Your Life Create a List challenge (Thank you Karmacoy for participating and sending me your fantastic list!):
45 things to do before I'm 45:
Personal Growth & Creativity
1. Find a better paying job, possibly with a school board
2. Create at least 2-3 scrapbooks for and with my daughter
3. Design, make and sell (and give away) my own greeting cards and bookmarks
4. Develop a more regular practice for creative writing, songwriting and my blogs
5. Publish one of my children's stories in picture book format
6. Dance more! Maybe sign up for a hip hop class
7. Paint more often. Take a water colour painting class
8. Learn the art of face painting
9. Attend one of Jamie Ridler's Dreamboard Workshops and host one locally
10. Seek some counseling and/or coaching to deal with a few issues
Family, Relationships & Travel
11. Go away on a vacation (somewhere warm when it's cold) with my sweetheart
12. Go on a Road Trip with my Sister-in-law
13. Have a "girls-getaway" weekend twice a year with my daughter
14. Continue to strengthen, explore and discover new aspects of relationship with my sweetheart and deepen our bond
15. Visit my best friend in New York
16. Plan and host a dinner party a couple of times each year
17. Develop deeper, more meaningful friendships
18. Plan and go on a family camping trip
19. Introduce my daughter to 3 new physical activities (skiing, bowling, & ?)
20. Spend more time with my parents
Music
21. Record a cd of Children's music including some of my own songs
22. Go on a music and songwriting retreat of some sort
23. Sing at a minimum of 6 open mic nights
24. Take more vocal lessons
25. Develop connections with other musicians and songwriters
26. Keep up guitar practice, take more lessons
27. Increase repertoire of songs I can play (by 10)
Health & Wellness
28. Become skilled at Menu Planning and organizing healthy meals
29. Schedule at least 2 massages per year
30. Rely less on Grocery Stores, buy more locally and organically grown foods
31. Treat myself to a mani/pedicure at least twice/year and take better care of my hands and feet in general
32. Make healthy, hearty soups more often
33. Cook vegetarian meals more often, try one new recipe 2-3 times/month
Yoga
34. Take more Teacher Training and read 3-5 new yoga books
35. Study more Sanskrit Chants
36. Write a series of newsletters for my students (2-4 per year)
37. Engage in random acts of kindness weekly
38. Show more gratitude by sending Thank you cards for small deeds (1-2 per week)
39. Dedicate more time to class preparation, developing themes and evaluation
Home
40. Find a wonderful new home that will be just right for us
41. Undertake some major de-cluttering before moving and reorganization afterwards
42. Turn each room of our home into an artistic, comfortable living space
43. Start a small vegetable garden and ask for help from garden friends
44. Make my own wine
45. Organize a space for my painting, scrapbooking and other creative projects
If you'd like to join this challenge, simply send me your list at ldgkarma@hotmail.com
Namaste'
Leslie
45 things to do before I'm 45:
Personal Growth & Creativity
1. Find a better paying job, possibly with a school board
2. Create at least 2-3 scrapbooks for and with my daughter
3. Design, make and sell (and give away) my own greeting cards and bookmarks
4. Develop a more regular practice for creative writing, songwriting and my blogs
5. Publish one of my children's stories in picture book format
6. Dance more! Maybe sign up for a hip hop class
7. Paint more often. Take a water colour painting class
8. Learn the art of face painting
9. Attend one of Jamie Ridler's Dreamboard Workshops and host one locally
10. Seek some counseling and/or coaching to deal with a few issues
Family, Relationships & Travel
11. Go away on a vacation (somewhere warm when it's cold) with my sweetheart
12. Go on a Road Trip with my Sister-in-law
13. Have a "girls-getaway" weekend twice a year with my daughter
14. Continue to strengthen, explore and discover new aspects of relationship with my sweetheart and deepen our bond
15. Visit my best friend in New York
16. Plan and host a dinner party a couple of times each year
17. Develop deeper, more meaningful friendships
18. Plan and go on a family camping trip
19. Introduce my daughter to 3 new physical activities (skiing, bowling, & ?)
20. Spend more time with my parents
Music
21. Record a cd of Children's music including some of my own songs
22. Go on a music and songwriting retreat of some sort
23. Sing at a minimum of 6 open mic nights
24. Take more vocal lessons
25. Develop connections with other musicians and songwriters
26. Keep up guitar practice, take more lessons
27. Increase repertoire of songs I can play (by 10)
Health & Wellness
28. Become skilled at Menu Planning and organizing healthy meals
29. Schedule at least 2 massages per year
30. Rely less on Grocery Stores, buy more locally and organically grown foods
31. Treat myself to a mani/pedicure at least twice/year and take better care of my hands and feet in general
32. Make healthy, hearty soups more often
33. Cook vegetarian meals more often, try one new recipe 2-3 times/month
Yoga
34. Take more Teacher Training and read 3-5 new yoga books
35. Study more Sanskrit Chants
36. Write a series of newsletters for my students (2-4 per year)
37. Engage in random acts of kindness weekly
38. Show more gratitude by sending Thank you cards for small deeds (1-2 per week)
39. Dedicate more time to class preparation, developing themes and evaluation
Home
40. Find a wonderful new home that will be just right for us
41. Undertake some major de-cluttering before moving and reorganization afterwards
42. Turn each room of our home into an artistic, comfortable living space
43. Start a small vegetable garden and ask for help from garden friends
44. Make my own wine
45. Organize a space for my painting, scrapbooking and other creative projects
If you'd like to join this challenge, simply send me your list at ldgkarma@hotmail.com
Namaste'
Leslie
Saturday, January 16, 2010
my all time favorite quote
"You don't need permission to shine. That's the biggest mistake we make in life; we think we need someone's approval to be magnificent of just own what is true to us. But we are all not only capable of radiating light and love, it is our moral responsibility." --Baron Baptiste
What's your favorite quote?
Shine on,
Leslie
What's your favorite quote?
Shine on,
Leslie
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
yogathought
"The willingness to listen and act on your inspiration, independent of the opinions of others, is imperative if you're going to live the life you desire." --Wayne Dyer
Namaste'
Leslie
Namaste'
Leslie
Sunday, January 10, 2010
feelin' yoga yummy
I just got done taking a 90 minute power yoga session with myself, and my body is feeling incredibly yummy. Seriously, every single time I get done doing yoga, I feel SO good. I wish I could bottle up the sensations and sell them to those who aren't feeling so yummy! (Or even better: convince everyone to begin a yoga practice of their own!)
In case you are wondering how I was able to take the session with myself...yesterday when I taught the karma yoga class, I actually audio recorded it live. So then today, I was able to do the class. It was quite interesting doing yoga to my own voice. This was my first try at audio recording a class. Overall, it went very well. I did have the mic. a little to close to my mouth so there is some excess noise from me breathing; however, over all it sounded pretty good. I look forward to more of this audio adventure in the future...
Namaste'
Leslie
In case you are wondering how I was able to take the session with myself...yesterday when I taught the karma yoga class, I actually audio recorded it live. So then today, I was able to do the class. It was quite interesting doing yoga to my own voice. This was my first try at audio recording a class. Overall, it went very well. I did have the mic. a little to close to my mouth so there is some excess noise from me breathing; however, over all it sounded pretty good. I look forward to more of this audio adventure in the future...
Namaste'
Leslie
Saturday, January 9, 2010
karma yoga
This morning I taught a 90 minute karma yoga donation class. $55.00 will be donated to a local animal rescue organization thanks to the generosity of those who participated. It always feels so good to give, and I love the idea of using gifts and talents in a creative way to raise money.
Next on my agenda? Shower and head to Barnes & Noble for some Leslie time. I hope you have a fabulous Saturday!
Namaste'
Leslie
Next on my agenda? Shower and head to Barnes & Noble for some Leslie time. I hope you have a fabulous Saturday!
Namaste'
Leslie
Thursday, January 7, 2010
snow day list
*light yummy smelling candles
*sip coffee slowly
*knit, knit, knit!
*watch 1,000 Journals
*make red beans and rice (sweet husband is actually doing this)
*read
*journal
*blog
*read blogs
*sun salutations
*savor the day!
Namaste'
Leslie
*sip coffee slowly
*knit, knit, knit!
*watch 1,000 Journals
*make red beans and rice (sweet husband is actually doing this)
*read
*journal
*blog
*read blogs
*sun salutations
*savor the day!
Namaste'
Leslie
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
diana's list
Here is Diana's fabulous list for the Create Your Life*Create a List challenge: (if you'd like to send me your list, and have it posted here, e-mail me at ldgkarma@hotmail.com)
Me:
1. Read Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
2. Read Nudge by Richard H. Thaler.
3. Continue to see skincare specialist every 8 weeks.
4. Continue to move forward in my yoga practice at home, in workshops, classes and discussions with other yoga teachers. Find my new edge in yoga.
5. Look at certification for PMP (project management professional).
6. Read The Right to Write by Julia Cameron.
7. Read Tranquilista by Kimberly Wilson.
8. Focus on a Yama or Niyama each month -note it in my plannerpad.
9. Practice non-judgment in every day.
10. Peruse the idea of a blog-look into creating, format, content, etc.
Family:
1. Get together at least once every 8 weeks to spend the day sewing with my mom.
2. Spend time outdoors with husband every week (I can be a party pooper if the weather is not perfect).
Home:
1. Cook two meals each week from one of my cookbooks-learn to cook new and healthy dishes.
2. Keep clutter to a minimum and get rid of one thing for every other thing brought in.
Financial:
1. Spending hiatus on anything that is not a necessity (food, tp, a bill or automobile fuel). This means no purchases of anything for fun-we learn to live creatively without it. One exception is a new tv stand. It is a planned purchase and unable to buy before the holiday.
2. Pay off $10,000 of debt-credit card, loans, whatever (I will determine exactly what this coming weekend.) This is in addition to our regular monthly payments that we have been making.
3. Save $4,000 for a Christmas vacation in 2010.
4. Develop a monthly budget and stick to it--this includes a weekly allowance for me and my husband.
5. Pay bills every Thursday night according to budget (avoid late fees).
6. Read Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
Business: (this includes my work life and where I want my yoga teaching to go)
1. Develop a system to keep track of yoga classes, payments in by students and out for studio rental, yoga curriculum, etc. (use computer with back-up system).
2. Develop an official business plan for my yoga teaching--where will it take me?
3. Read Basic Black by Cathie Black.
4. Read Getting Things Done by David Allen.
5. Read Zen of Business Administration by Marc Lesser.
6. Use 2010 Planner Pad DAILY-actually use it as intended to keep track of projects, deadlines and 'to dos'.
7. Begin using time two evenings a week to catch up on work and prepare for the week ahead. These evenings will be Monday and Thursday.
Once again, a BIG thank you to Diana for sending this list. It's always inspiring to see what great plans other fabulous ladies have for creating their lives!
Namaste'
Leslie
Me:
1. Read Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
2. Read Nudge by Richard H. Thaler.
3. Continue to see skincare specialist every 8 weeks.
4. Continue to move forward in my yoga practice at home, in workshops, classes and discussions with other yoga teachers. Find my new edge in yoga.
5. Look at certification for PMP (project management professional).
6. Read The Right to Write by Julia Cameron.
7. Read Tranquilista by Kimberly Wilson.
8. Focus on a Yama or Niyama each month -note it in my plannerpad.
9. Practice non-judgment in every day.
10. Peruse the idea of a blog-look into creating, format, content, etc.
Family:
1. Get together at least once every 8 weeks to spend the day sewing with my mom.
2. Spend time outdoors with husband every week (I can be a party pooper if the weather is not perfect).
Home:
1. Cook two meals each week from one of my cookbooks-learn to cook new and healthy dishes.
2. Keep clutter to a minimum and get rid of one thing for every other thing brought in.
Financial:
1. Spending hiatus on anything that is not a necessity (food, tp, a bill or automobile fuel). This means no purchases of anything for fun-we learn to live creatively without it. One exception is a new tv stand. It is a planned purchase and unable to buy before the holiday.
2. Pay off $10,000 of debt-credit card, loans, whatever (I will determine exactly what this coming weekend.) This is in addition to our regular monthly payments that we have been making.
3. Save $4,000 for a Christmas vacation in 2010.
4. Develop a monthly budget and stick to it--this includes a weekly allowance for me and my husband.
5. Pay bills every Thursday night according to budget (avoid late fees).
6. Read Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
Business: (this includes my work life and where I want my yoga teaching to go)
1. Develop a system to keep track of yoga classes, payments in by students and out for studio rental, yoga curriculum, etc. (use computer with back-up system).
2. Develop an official business plan for my yoga teaching--where will it take me?
3. Read Basic Black by Cathie Black.
4. Read Getting Things Done by David Allen.
5. Read Zen of Business Administration by Marc Lesser.
6. Use 2010 Planner Pad DAILY-actually use it as intended to keep track of projects, deadlines and 'to dos'.
7. Begin using time two evenings a week to catch up on work and prepare for the week ahead. These evenings will be Monday and Thursday.
Once again, a BIG thank you to Diana for sending this list. It's always inspiring to see what great plans other fabulous ladies have for creating their lives!
Namaste'
Leslie
Monday, January 4, 2010
creative decorating
My newest home-made furniture...
My decorating style? Earthy Glam
How can you get creative with your decorating?
Namaste'
Leslie
My decorating style? Earthy Glam
How can you get creative with your decorating?
Namaste'
Leslie
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
my list
35 things to do by my 35th Birthday:
Connections
1. Connect with more like-minded women
2. Increase communication with Hubby and continue to strengthen our marriage
3. Spend more time with friends: plan dinner parties, shopping trips, spa days, yoga party, etc.
4. Host our 2nd and 3rd Annual soup and wine tasting party
Personal Growth/Learning
5. Learn more about nonviolent communication and mindfulness based stress reduction
6. Learn more about digital photography & Photoshop
7. Participate in an on-line teleclass w/Kimberly Wilson
8. Learn more about and do more vlogs
Health/Wellness
9. Get a Thai Yoga massage
10.Integrate more natural/organic beauty products and phase out most unnatural ones
11.Keep a daily food journal and practice mindful eating
12.Get a minimum of 3 facials and 3 massages per year
13.Use my plannerpad on a daily basis-keep a food diary, write affirmations, reasons I'm
grateful, and plan fun and adventure time!
Creativity
14.Learn how to knit more than just scarves
15.Make & send home-made cards
16.Design t-shirts & get them made
17.Change blog layout (learn more about designing blogs)
18.Design and decorate my NEW, fabulous home so that I love, love, love it!
Adventure
19.Eat at every restaurant in town (locally owned-not fast food or chains) where I haven't yet
eaten
20.Travel (out of state) at least twice
21.Spend time reading and sipping coffee in every coffee shop in town
22.Plan and go on a family float trip
23.Get professional photographs taken-individual and w/Hubby
Yoga/Business
24.Go to a conference or workshop w/Seane Corn
25.Grow my yoga business (include more on-line opportunties, more classes, workshops, etc.)
26.Read 5 Business related books
27.Present a yoga/personal growth workshop
28.Learn more Sanskrit
29.Read 5 yoga books
30.Audio record at least 3 yoga classes and make them available on-line
31.Research coaching certification options
32.Teach a Hot yoga class
33.Write a yoga/personal growth newsletter at least 2 times a year
Financial
34.Donate a minimum of $500.00 to local charities
25.Save more $
Namaste'
Leslie
Connections
1. Connect with more like-minded women
2. Increase communication with Hubby and continue to strengthen our marriage
3. Spend more time with friends: plan dinner parties, shopping trips, spa days, yoga party, etc.
4. Host our 2nd and 3rd Annual soup and wine tasting party
Personal Growth/Learning
5. Learn more about nonviolent communication and mindfulness based stress reduction
6. Learn more about digital photography & Photoshop
7. Participate in an on-line teleclass w/Kimberly Wilson
8. Learn more about and do more vlogs
Health/Wellness
9. Get a Thai Yoga massage
10.Integrate more natural/organic beauty products and phase out most unnatural ones
11.Keep a daily food journal and practice mindful eating
12.Get a minimum of 3 facials and 3 massages per year
13.Use my plannerpad on a daily basis-keep a food diary, write affirmations, reasons I'm
grateful, and plan fun and adventure time!
Creativity
14.Learn how to knit more than just scarves
15.Make & send home-made cards
16.Design t-shirts & get them made
17.Change blog layout (learn more about designing blogs)
18.Design and decorate my NEW, fabulous home so that I love, love, love it!
Adventure
19.Eat at every restaurant in town (locally owned-not fast food or chains) where I haven't yet
eaten
20.Travel (out of state) at least twice
21.Spend time reading and sipping coffee in every coffee shop in town
22.Plan and go on a family float trip
23.Get professional photographs taken-individual and w/Hubby
Yoga/Business
24.Go to a conference or workshop w/Seane Corn
25.Grow my yoga business (include more on-line opportunties, more classes, workshops, etc.)
26.Read 5 Business related books
27.Present a yoga/personal growth workshop
28.Learn more Sanskrit
29.Read 5 yoga books
30.Audio record at least 3 yoga classes and make them available on-line
31.Research coaching certification options
32.Teach a Hot yoga class
33.Write a yoga/personal growth newsletter at least 2 times a year
Financial
34.Donate a minimum of $500.00 to local charities
25.Save more $
Namaste'
Leslie
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