adventure

In my last blog post, I officially declared my 2010 word of the year: ADVENTURE. Today, when I got my latest Yoga Journal mag, I took it as a "synchronistic sign" that there was a short article all focusing on living life with a spirit of adventure. Here are a few great quotes from the article that articulate my thoughts on adventure exactly:

"At it's core, adventure is the willingness to commit to an uncertain outcome with an open haeart and an open mind. It is the ability to take a leap into the unknown with mindfulness and grace. Framed this way, opportunities for adventure present themselves to us every day: walking a new route to yoga class, having lunch away from your desk with a co-worker, organize a volunteer project, taking the kids out to dinner and giving your partner the night off.

Adventure isn't something that's reserved for the extreme athlete or daredevil. It is an epression of your heart's intention and passion for life. It's the ability to think big about who you are, how you live, and what yo can do in the world, whether you're climbing mountains, practicing Sun Salutations, or listening to a friend. It is the willingness to embrace challenge and move toward success. It is the acknowledgment that total commitment does not mean blind faith or brazen disregard, but confidence and belief in the face of challenge...

My practice of mindful adventure is not unlike my yoga and meditation practices. It takes work, but the payoff is well worth the commitment. When you approach everything with the spirit of adventure, you infuse your life with vitality and radiance. You find a level of engagement and awareness with everything around you that is deeply satisfying and joyous. Your summits await." --Matt Walker

Wishing you a year of adventure, too!

Namaste'
Leslie

2010 word of the year

With 2009 quickly coming to a close, I have been thinking about what I want my 2010 word of the year to be. I regretfully do not know which lovely blogger started the word of the year tradition (as I wish I could give credit where it's due), but I love the idea! I have never been one to make New Year's Resolutions as I am constantly setting goals and trying to grow and change in positive ways throughout the entire year; however, I love choosing one word to focus energy and attention on for the whole year.

My 2009 word of the year was action. I know I spend a lot of time in my head--thinking, and planning, and reading, and learning, and thinking and thinking. So, this year, I decided I wanted to focus on taking action. And, it was in this year that I took action and rented a space for my yoga studio. I also had smaller examples of action throughout the year, but opening my yoga studio is definitely my biggest success.

My 2010 word of the year is:

ADVENTURE

I will admit I do not consider myself a very adventurous person. I also need to explain that my definition of adventure may be a bit different than others. You will not catch me sky diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, rock climbing, etc.--this is not my idea of adventure, it's my idea of insanity (no offense if you've done any of these activities--they are just not for me!) To me, adventure means pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, reaching my edge, taking risks, traveling, exploring, and creating an adventurous life!

Do you choose a word of the year? If so, what is it for 2o1o?

Namaste'
Leslie

***I think Christinekane.com just might be the place the idea of a word of the year originated. Be sure to check her out!

Sat. night mini-adventure

At the beginning of the Dynamic Hatha yoga class I attended on Thur., the instructor announced that a group of belly dancers would be at Cooper's Landing Saturday night. I immediately decided I would see if my sweet husband and some friends wanted to go.

Cooper's Landing is an interesting place, to say the least. It's about 20 minutes outside of town, by the river. People can camp at Cooper's Landing, although what I find most interesting is that many people go there for the great Thai Food. Yes, Thai food and camping by the river...interesting combination, huh? My husband and I decided to check out Cooper's Landing for the first time last year, but once we arrived, we were a bit disappointed to find out they only take check or cash, and all we had was our bank card. So, we headed back home. Last night was our first night to actually stay for dinner. We were there with two great friends, and we got a little Belly Dancer entertainment at that (although there were so many people there we were barely able to see the dancing.) Here are a few photos of our evening:

Quite a beautiful sunset by the river, huh? I think it's important to always find ways to take mini-adventures in life--try new restaurants, new foods, explore parks, go camping, have a picnic in you back yard, retreat into the woods, etc. Enjoy yourself, your company, and don't forget to breathe!

Namaste'

Yogadiva