The Power of Fresh Air Makes for A Lovely Weekend

This past weekend -- simple as it was -- really filled my bucket, as my niece would say. It started with a spontaneous call from Chris on my way home from work on Friday, asking if I fancied happy hour at local, authentic little British pub.  There was no arm twisting needed here, so we met up and sat in the pub garden in the sunshine, grateful for the consistent, cool breeze.

Mini Life Update

I realized after a few questions I received that I hadn't updated everyone on the latest with my knee, hips, etc. so for those asking, here is what we know.  For those that aren't asking, feel free to stop reading here. I won't be offended!

Last week I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, though which one still remains a mystery.  My rheumatologist's best guess?  Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.  I also have achilles tendinitis, which explains the painful situation going on in my right heel for the past 4 or 5 months.

My knee has been suffering quite badly with more cysts, so I have been put on a brief stint of medicine to kick that back into shape, and hopefully help my hip pain in the process.  Over the next several months we will try a few different medicines (that will only target RA for instance) to see if my body responds.  The hope is this will help us get a full, proper diagnosis.  Once I have that, I intend to try any (and all!) natural solutions I can find to keep things feeling good.  I have heard that these medications can be quite harsh on your body, and for someone who prefers to not take medicine in general, my hope is that I can find a natural solution that works for me!  Although all of our questions haven't been answered, we have ruled out the potential of any sort of mechanical problems, and just knowing that it is an autoimmune disorder is huge progress!

Resting is Good for Daydreaming...

I know that y'all are expecting the before and after reveal that I promised you last week, but unfortunately, you are not going to get it quite yet.  There are several finishing touches that have to be done on the space still, and since I am laid up once again with knee and hip issues, those finishing touches will have to wait.  Even if it kills me (and it is!).

In the meantime, I am daydreaming of all the things I would rather be doing than resting...

Train Rides...

though this time, perhaps, of the Christmas variety.

What Month Is It?!

Between both the greeting card timescale and that of a part-time freelance writer, I find it especially difficult to keep track of what month we are actually living in!  Greeting cards need creating at least two seasons before they are due to hit the shelves (often even sooner!), and freelance writing can often require planning for a particular season.

While this certainly keeps things interesting, it can also be hard to stop, take a step back, and appreciate this moment.  Once upon a time, I was a planner through and through.  Now, I am much more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kinda gal.  The only conclusion I can think of is that the ways of my free-spirited husband have slowly rubbed off on me.  And if not, well, I'm blaming him anyway.  

I have, however, been trying to focus on living in the moment a bit more lately.  Moments where I am not thinking about what in the world I am doing with my life, the direction I want to take in my career, or whether I am saving enough for retirement.  So basically all of the boring adult responsibility type things.

This reflection may have been inspired by the life gurus we have seen speak over the past few months (including Sonia Choquette, Wayne Dyer, & Deepak Chopra), so I can't exactly take all the credit for this burst of inspiration.  

Here are some ways I am doing my best to live in the moment as of late.

The addition of this antique wooden crate/night stand, because it's just what my bright corner of the room needed!

DIY, because it soothes my soul... (big reveal coming soon - eek!)

A little picture frame makeover, because our bedroom walls are still bare... (this is the before)

These mirrors because craigslist finds make me happy!

This little reminder of Thailand, because I left a piece of my heart there, and because we finally put something (anything!) on our bedroom walls! (side stage right: another craigslist find from a few months ago, painted with my trusty chalk paint, of course!)

Cross country skiing, because we were excited about the arrival of snow! (though the same cannot be said for the freezing temperatures that followed!)

The beautiful Fall sunsets we get here in Colorado, because they really know how to brighten up a tough rush hour commute.

I love to sit and think about all of the little things I am appreciating at the moment.  It always brightens my mood.  Looking forward to holiday travels, seeing friends and loved ones (not mutually exclusive), and getting out of our daily routines at home.  Because you know we love to shake things up around here!

As I teased above, I should be posting a big DIY project (along with a mini one!) sometime after Thanksgiving.  So basically whenever I can physically finish everything!  I can't wait to show you!

And last but not least... who has decorated for Christmas already?  Am I crazy because I want to do it this weekend?!  Prepare for Christmas overload here on the blog in the weeks ahead.  The music has already begun!

♡ Gratitude Journal ♡

As Chris and I head off for a weekend camping trip today, just a few simple things that I am grateful for this week.

{ my absolute favorite flowers }

{ and the anticipation of being able to pick them from my own back yard soon! }

{ hiking trail maps }

{ and husbands for picking out just the right trails for my recovering knee. }

{ bird feeders }

{ and the cute little robins we hope to bribe with it. }

{ this simple rug }

{ for completing the entryway so darn nicely. }

{ summer maxi dresses }

{ for making my wardrobe choices so easy on those early weekday mornings. }

I hope you have a great weekend.  I would stay around and chat, but the mountains are calling and I must go. (John Muir).

Happy Friday!

30-Day Challenge: Bikram Yoga - Final Update!

Well, I did it!  I completed 30 classes in 30 27 days!  I have to say, it feels really good to reach the finish line of this challenge.  I am so proud of myself for sticking it out and completing what I set out to do.  And I may or may not have shed a tear as I laid down for my final savasana of the challenge.

It has also inspired me to do another challenge.  Not necessarily the physical sort, but something that I can tackle over 30 days that I might not otherwise do.  Stay tuned... I'm sure there will be another challenge in the near future.

Rounding out my challenge updates, I began to notice another cyst forming in my bad knee over the past week or so.  Discouraging, of course, but I still managed to do every yoga class since it started to form. And I am hopeful that it won't lead to a stiff and swollen knee by bursting yet again.  I have been careful not to overdo it.  I have also noticed increased flexibility (though still laughable by most standards), better form and depth in all of the postures, and slightly better balance.  I hope to continue with Bikram 3-4 mornings per week, and perhaps return to Dailey Method on the weekends since it is much nearer to home.

It occurred to me yesterday that three of the past 27 days included: 9 hours at work, 1 hour commuting and 3 hours of yoga!  Phew!

Here are the final 5 postures in the series.

 22.  Ustrasana  (Camel Posture)

This posture is by far the hardest for me.  I can do it outside of the heated room, but as soon as I try it in 105-degree heat, I get nauseous and dizzy.  Even thirty days in!  It is the biggest back bend of the series. The teachers often say the whole class is a warm-up for this pose and the Rabbit pose.  That is one LONG warm-up!  This posture, is however, very beneficial for the body.  It creates maximum compression of the spine, which stimulates the nervous system.  It improves flexibility of the neck and spine, relieves back ache and helps degenerative spinal problems.  By stretching the abdominal organs, it helps digestion and also stretches the throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands.

23.  Sasangasana  (Rabbit Posture)

The biggest back bend is followed by the biggest forward bend.  Maximum extension of the spine increases mobility and elasticity and does the same for the back muscles.  It expedites the feeding of the nervous system with fresh blood and oxygen.  This pose relieves tension in the neck, back and shoulders, and helps alleviate colds, sinus problems and chronic tonsillitis.  Compression of the thyroid and parathyroid glands rejuvenates these glands.  Rabbit is also therapeutic for insomnia, diabetes and depression.

24.  Janushirasana and Paschimotthanasana  (Head to knee pose and stretching pose)

This pose is excellent for the immune and lymphatic systems, increases circulation to the liver, pancreas, thyroid, thymus and intestines.  It improves digestion and is good for allergies and arthritis.

25.  Ardha-Matsyendrasana  (Spine Twisting Posture)

This is the only posture that twists the spine from top to bottom which increases circulation to all the spinal nerves, veins and tissues, and improves elasticity of the spine.  It helps to relieve lower back pain and prevents slipped discs, rheumatism of the spine, scoliosis and arthritis.

26.  Kapalbhati in Vajrasana  (Blowing in Firm Pose)

This pose improves digestion and circulation and increases elasticity of the lungs with every forceful exhale.  You generate prana and push out every ounce of carbon dioxide, replacing it with life-giving oxygen.  It also helps to increase abdominal organs and increases circulation to them.  Bonus: it also stimulates the digestive system!

Keeping myself honest, here are all of my check-ins from my 30 classes!  Feels so good to look through all of these and know that I accomplished my goal!

Happy Friday!!  I am looking forward to my first day off in 27 days!  Sleeping in, here I come!

30-Day Challenge: Bikram Yoga - Update 5

Well the past several days have been interesting.  They always say that strange things can "come up" in your yoga practice and that was definitely the case for me this week.  These things can be anything from emotional to physical feelings.  

For me, it was physical.  Whether it was related to my practice remains to be seen, but I had some pretty unusual and painful pain in my abdomen on Wednesday.  So much so that, despite attempts to push through, I ended up not doing half of the postures.  I was quite upset, but after chatting with the teacher, I felt much better.  She explained that yoga is a practice.  Your body is different every day, and that means that every day each posture is different.  Some days your balance is rock solid, other days you can't keep balanced in a posture to save your life.  She told me on Wednesday that today my practice was doing the postures that I could.  My body just wasn't allowing the rest.  She insisted that the day still counted towards my thirty classes.  Relief!

The next five postures in the series.

17.  Salabhasana  (Locust Posture)

Strengthens the upper spine and can relieve tennis elbow.  It can also help with varicose veins in the legs. This posture is slightly difficult for me as you lay on top of your arms (palms down), and my elbow has given me a bit of grief since I broke it a few years ago.  But it does feel really good to get all of the congestion out of your arms.  We spend so much of our day with bent arms - at our desks, driving, etc. - and this helps to counteract that.

18.  Poorna-Salabhasana  (Full Locust Posture)
Increases strength in the middle of the spine. This posture opens up the rib cage and increases elasticity, while firming abdominal muscles, upper arms, hips and thighs.

19.  Dhanurasana  (Bow Posture)

This posture is a bit of a doozy.  It opens the rib cage, allowing the lungs to expand fully.  It is a 360-degree flexion of the spine, revitalizing all of the spinal nerves by increasing circulation and strengthening the entire spine.  Bow aids in digestion, combats bronchitis and diabetes while improving the functioning of the large and small intestines, liver, kidneys and spleen.

20.  Supta-Vajrasana  (Fixed Firm Posture)

This posture strengthens and improves flexibility of the lower spine, hips, knees and ankle joints.  It increases circulation to the lower limbs, is therapeutic for lower back pain, sciatica, rheumatism and varicose veins.  It also helps to prevent hernia.  Yet another that is slightly challenging on my poor knee, but I am noticing small improvement in this posture with regular practice.

21.  Ardha-Kurmasana  (Half Tortoise Posture)

This posture can actually help us live longer.  It is great for tense necks and shoulders, it increases blood flow to the brain, enhances memory and improves mental clarity.  It also stretches the lower part of the lungs and can counter indigestion, etc.  They say this posture also helps balance sleep/wake cycles for those who struggle with insomnia.  

I have reached single digits in the countdown of my challenge!  It feels like such a big accomplishment!  I am off to my 22nd class this afternoon!  So after today, I have 8 classes left to complete in 7 days!  

30-Day Challenge: Bikram Yoga - Update 4

Phew!  This morning I completed my 16th class, and let me tell you I am super sore!  Friday I seemed to hit a bit of a wall, and ever since I have been really stiff, sore and lacking the motivation I found in the first two weeks.  

I am, however, battling on.  Not to worry. :)

I have also been experiencing a bit of knee pain the past few days.  I may have been going a bit too far into a few of the postures without realizing it.  So today, I held back a little bit from any postures that involve the knees in an effort to prevent compromising my knees.  

It felt really good reaching the 50% mark yesterday.  It feels like a great milestone to reach at just the right time.  Knowing I have less days ahead of me than behind me, has inspired me once again to push forward with the challenge.

And now, as promised... four more postures.

13.  Savasana  (Dead Body Posture)

Dead Body Pose facilitates powerful blood flow, then lets circulation return to normal, creating internal cleansing and greatly magnifying the benefits of the postures that precede it.  We begin to learn relaxation in this posture.

14.  Pavanamuktasana  (Wind-removing posture)

Wind-Removing Pose compresses and massages the ascending colon and descending colon.

It also messages the transverse colon and compresses the entire digestive system.  It strengthens the arms, prevents flatulence, improves hip flexibility, and firms the abdomen and thighs.

15.  Pada-Hasthasana  (Sit-up Posture)

stretches the spine and increases flexibility, as does Half Moon.  Both poses firm and trim the lower body, where many problem areas, especially for women, reside.  It also works the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the legs and improves circulation there as well.

16.  Bhujangasana  (Cobra Posture)

Cobra Pose strengthens the lumber spine, relieving pain and combating slipped or herniated discs, scoliosis and arthritis in that region.  Other important benefits include improved digestion, relief from menstrual disorders, improved appetite, and raising low blood pressure.  Cobra Pose also improves the functioning of the liver and spleen.

Thanks for all the love on Facebook, it is keeping me going!  Here we go with another week!

I Hear You, Universe

Do you ever feel like sometimes the Universe is sending you a message?  I love it when things come into your life at just the right time.  Through life's ups and downs, I am finding myself seeking out all things positive to keep me facing the sunshine rather than the darkness.  This has led to me devouring any and all information that I think will help me in my quest to do just that, but also to better understand myself (more on that in a separate post next week!).  

Last night on the way home from my second yoga class of the day, I set my itunes library to shuffle and set off towards home.  The first song that came on, was a song by Kris Allen from a few years ago, titled Live Like We're Dying.  I have always loved it, but it was just the reminder I needed to hear last night.   Such true and powerful lyrics.  Even if you know the song, have another listen.  Maybe it will ring true for you, too.

The second song that came on, was one that I found via my favorite morning radio show.  One of the hosts of the show, Amy, has been open about her Mom's struggles with cancer diagnoses over the past few years. Her mom, Judy, has chosen to "choose joy" through her battle with cancer, even in the darkest of times.  She focuses instead, on brightening the days of other patients at the hospital and just keeps her focus on the positive with her situation.  Amy decided that her mom needed to start a twitter account, and searched for ages trying to find a suitable name.  @ChooseJoyJudy, etc. were all already taken, so she finally settled on: @JudyBePimpinJoy.  Ha!  Seems silly, but it really embodies Judy's outlook, and she seems to be enjoying the new (to her) world of Twitter.  So the morning show decided to do a "choose joy" (or "pimpin' joy") week in her honor.  It was all about getting listeners to do kind things for strangers, and it was AMAZING how many wonderful things were done during that week.  

A dedicated listener of the show, wrote and recorded a "Pimpin' Joy" song for the week (it's available on iTunes, and all proceeds go to the St. Jude's Children's hospital!  Go download it!).  Such a fun and uplifting song.  And another great reminder of what is truly important.  Here is the music video they made from the song.

The third (and final!) song that came on before I started to repeat these three songs over and over the entire commute home, was Loving You Tonight by Andrew Allen.  Such an uplifting song, and one that I connect with so much.  I am always excited to get home to see Chris and share my day with him.  After this week's post about my gratitude for having him in my life, it only served as an even bigger reminder to me.  Have a listen...

I guess what I am trying to say is, I too am choosing joy.  Yeah, I hear you, Universe.  Loud and clear.

I Need a 30-Day Challenge in My Life

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I need to challenge myself to push through the not-so-good times.  For some reason, I just haven't been myself lately.  I honestly told Chris last night that the only way I can describe it is that I feel like an alien has taken over my mind and body.  Sounds silly, but I honestly have struggled to get back to feeling like myself.  I know that there is one thing that is likely to help above all others, but when I am not feeling so great, I struggle to make it a routine in my week.

What is it, you ask?  Exercise.  

Since I am limited (still) on what I can do, physically, I am turning back to Bikram yoga for this challenge. Starting Sunday (because we have friends in town this weekend), 30 Bikram yoga classes in 30 days.  It might seem extreme, but it is very doable and I feel like I need a reason to get up and go every day.  And a challenge to tell myself that I can commit and follow through.  You see, I often give up on things when I lose motivation, and that is a difficult habit to break.  So, I am telling you this so that you can help keep me accountable!  I will post an update on my progress twice a week, and be honest about if I have missed any days (though that is allowed, if I double up and do two classes another day - eek!).  

So here we go.  Sunday March 9th through Monday April 7th. Complete 30 classes.

Wish me luck!

Seeking Mindfulness

Most people, upon hearing that I am about to turn thirty, jump to the same question: when are you going to have kids?  It's a perfectly logical question, I suppose, but truth be told it is one I often struggle with.  Hear me out.

You may call me a daydreamer, but I often fantasize about traveling to remote places of the world and helping those in need.  Or living somewhere very culturally different to the West for a year or two.  And let's not forget about my ongoing need to realize my true passions in life and fulfill my own potential.  

Why can't you do those things at the same time as starting a family, you ask?  (It's okay, I ask myself this question, too.)  The truth is, I am not sure how to balance these priorities in my life.  And they really are all priorities.  I may not need to move halfway around the world, but I do need to feel like I am making a difference.  Like I am not falling into the life that is expected of me, but instead, that I am creating the life that I want to lead.  How do I balance finding inner peace-of-mind, gratitude and life balance, while surrounded by faster, better, more, more, more, here in the west?  And if we do start a family, how do I impart these important things on a little one?

We read so many books, watch so many documentaries, and can recount all kinds of a-friend-of-a-friend stories about people who move to India and return a changed person.  A more centered, grateful and happy person. Which I suppose is part of the appeal.  But how then do we manage to make these necessary changes without an intercontinental move?  I think immersion in this case, as in so many others, is very important and helpful in achieving your goals of inner piece and mindfulness. 

And therein lies my struggle to find this without disrupting my life, along with many other goals that I have.  I dream of using my creativity to impact the lives of others, and often brainstorm ways to combine my two passions, both in a way that is true to who I am, yet unique to me and only me.

My solution will be a work in progress and will likely (hopefully!) evolve over time, but I have a few action items that I plan on taking to get me started.

The first priority must be focusing a bit more time and effort into meditation.  It may not be meditation in a small tribe of Monks, but rather an old stone building in downtown Denver, however the concept remains the same.  Clear away the clutter and achieve the ability to calm my own mind.  I think this small step is the most important, as it is so much easier to tackle difficult challenges when you can control the thoughts and noise of your own mind.  So for me, that means attending regular meditation sessions until I am able to achieve successful meditation at home, or anywhere, on my own.

Priority number two is one that I have already made some progress on, at least in terms of research.  I may not know how to combine my own caged creativity with giving back to the community just yet, but that doesn't mean I can't start giving back a bit more.  After a lot of research over the past few months, I have found a nonprofit organization that feels like a good fit for me to start volunteering my time with.  It requires a minimum of 2 days a month, which should be very easy to begin incorporating into my schedule of work and play.  Hopefully it will grow from there.

And my final priority to get me started down this path, is making my friendships a more vital part of my life. Having moved around the country a fair bit over the last ten years has meant that my friendships are also scattered around the country.  I plan on nurturing those existing friendships a bit more, and focusing on creating a more stable network of friends locally in an effort to feel more settled and happy here in Colorado.

I hope to continue adding to this list, as I progress through this journey, and I'm sure I will learn a lot along the way.  One thing that I find extremely important when it comes to all of these things, is believing that I am enough.  I heard this quote from a motivational speaker recently, and realized that I fall victim to this more often than I realize.  So just a little reminder to myself every day, that I am enough.  Simple, yet powerful.

Do you think it's possible to master the art of mindfulness while living in the chaotic West?  I do, too.  With a little patience and a lot of effort.  Who's with me?  :)