The Criticism of a Women's Body

A very inspirational woman took her camera and did what many (including myself) would fear. 

She decided to capture people's reactions to her body.  

You can view her powerful photo series HERE. 

A Reminder on Happiness

How does that saying go? I have a lot on my plate right now? Without understanding that idiom myself, I will trust you know what I mean. I have a lot going on, and I am a bit overwhelmed. 

I have my eye on the future. Six months. I will be finishing my last class, completing my practicum hours, my partner and I will be looking for new jobs.... and a new place to live. Meetings. Papers. Resumes. Packing. Phew!

BUT.

While on this quest to attain what I want... I must be mindful of all I have...right....now. If I get tunnel vision and only focus on that light at the end of the tunnel (another idiom?) I lose sight of all the wonderful greatness around me. Sometimes reading this post helps, or making time for meditation. For now, I will jot down the happiness that is all around me, and remember to be zealously in the moment.

♥All my basic needs are met.

♥I am looking forward to a movie marathon with a friend.

♥I have a mom and dad who I know I can call, no matter what.  

♥I love going to the gym!

♥I think my pup understands me.

 

NW Rain

"The language of rain is primarily private but the practice of hearing it is universal." - ML

The Northwest rain has arrived.

Truth

Wish List: Cannon Lewis Jewelry

Thanks to a fabulous BLOG, I have fallen in love with this jewelry designer.

"Peace cannot exist in personal discord where the interior and exterior do not ring in one accord."

To see more, view her website: Cannon Lewis Jewelry



Quote of the Day

"I DECLARE AFTER ALL there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! - When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." 

-Pride and Prejudice 

c/o HipHipGinGin

"What would happen if one women told the truth about her life?

The world would spit open."

-Muriel Rukeyser

Presently Sweating

"Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are."
-Jason Crandell 



I did NOT want to go to yoga last night. I am exhausted from the week, and I still have Friday/Saturday class to be present and attentive to. I literally (with the help of a few others) had to talk myself into going.

After spending 90 minutes in heat and humidity, contorting into different positions, keeping control of my breath and the drips of sweat all over my body… I couldn’t have felt better. There were moments where I thought I was going to die (or at least pass out) but as soon as we bowed to Namaste’, I felt invigorated and proud. I need to think about the end result when I am dragging my feet and don’t want to go. It’s always worth it.

Staying present and in the moment is an everyday practice – in yoga it is a requirement. I am not thinking about the papers I need to write, the article I just read, the groceries I need to pick up, money or any other momentary stresses. Those 90 minutes allow me time to challenge myself, work out the tensions of my body and mind and sweat out the negativity.

I have to be my own little cheerleader. “Sweat it out girl- you’re worth it.”

"The most general statement of our politics at the present time would be that we are actively committed to struggling against racial, sexual, heterosexual, and class oppression and see as our particular task the development of integrated analysis and practice based upon the fact that the major systems of oppression are interlocking. The synthesis of these oppressions creates the conditions of our lives." 

- Combahee River Collective 

Mantra

Work: Monday - Thursday, 7 AM-5:30 PM

Practicum: Friday, 8 AM- 5PM 

Class: Saturday, 9 AM- 4 PM 

ROLLER DERBY: Sunday, 1 PM-3PM 

           This has to be my new mantra.
                     

Perfect for me…

Quote of the Day

"To thoroughly understand the world, to explain it, to despise it, may be the thing great thinkers do. But I'm only interested in being able to love the world, not to despise it, not to hate it and me, to be able to look upon the world, me and all beings with love and admiration and great respect." 


                           Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse 

Stop & Think

Over the past week, I have had a few very special people say very special things. Each of them has made me stop and think. It's important to take time to reflect on your thoughts, as well as others'. Be present. 




"The more I learn, the more I know I don't know anything." 
                    - Lois Hall 


"Everyone has their strengths, and their opportunities for improvement." 
                    - Dan Masters 


After a conversation with a great friend, he recited this quote: 


"Just think of the trees: they let the birds perch and fly, with no intention to call them when they come and no longing for their return when they fly away. If people's hearts can be like the trees, they will not be off the Way."
                    -Langya 

Quote of the Day

"It's been said that one of the most profound human needs, what we often crave after food, water, and shelter, is to be heard. In moments of quiet desperation and personal pleas for support, what each of us desires is to have someone listen to our hopes, our needs, and our frustrations and perhaps even respond in a way that improves the quality of our lives."

                                                                                    - Celeste Watkins-Hayes