My husband and I dance every day...usually like a couple of idiots in the kitchen, to either no music or bad music (and sometimes to the chimes of Japanese key chains playing the "doors closing" song of their subways...story for another time...), but it's dancing nonetheless. Recently we've discovered that our dog, Riley, loves this. He gets up from wherever he is and prances over to us, tail wagging so hard it doesn't know which direction to swing in! He's even tried hopping up on me (to join in? I think so!) during our maniacal ritual.
What does this mean? We obviously didn't teach it to him--we adopted him 6 months ago. Maybe his previous owners danced with him. It's possible; he is nearly 10 years old. Or perhaps he just responds to our endorphins. Dogs have brilliant senses, and Riley is a basset hound, after all.
This is a great reminder that it's really within all of our natures to enjoy ourselves and be happy. It's all any of us want. We all try to achieve it in various ways, but the goal is the same. In his book, How to be Compassionate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes that we need to remind ourselves that everyone wants this same thing--it connects us--and if our true natures were anger, greed, or jealousy, then we would be those things all the time, no matter what. He likens our true natures to the clear, blue sky. He says that the sky is there in its essence, even beneath the stormy weather when we can't see it for the clouds. He says that our afflicted emotions are these clouds, and that we're at peace again once the storm passes.
I can't recall when our dancing tradition started, but I do know that it's easy to be happy when I'm dancing (and when I'm watching Riley dance!), so it's something we'll always do, I'm sure. At least as long as we're able to. It's such an effortless way to feel joy, and while neither my husband, my dog, nor I will ever win a dance competition, (No, Canada, I Don't Think I Can Dance!), we'll continue to do as fools do and shake it, in our kitchen and anywhere else the mood strikes.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Yoga...Sweet Yoga...
82 days! That's how long it's been since my wrist broke, and I finally went to a yoga class! Cast off, wrist tender but a LOT better, and I loved it. Of course, I wobbled, teetered, and planked all wrong (military-style, on fists because my wrist is still unable to handle the full weight of my bod--ouch), but it felt great nonetheless!
Resilient. If I had to use one word to describe the human body, that's it.
Don't get me wrong, my favourite exercise has become long walks with our newest, floppy-eared little buddy. But I'm slowly incorporating my other faves back into my life--I rode my bike to work a couple of weeks ago (too soon, perhaps), but there's always been something special about yoga. I've never been exceptional at it, but there is one feeling it always gives me during any practice--powerful. My body feels strong, engaged. With every inhalation and exhalation, I feel connected to myself in a way that truly feels authentic. It's liberating.
In Indian back in 2004, I used to do yoga on the rooftop of the dorm I called home for a few months. My fondest and most peaceful memories are of those times, practicing the poses that felt good to me, in no particular sequence (the warrior poses are definitely my favourites), while watching the sun rise and the people come to life on the dirt road below. A few rooftops over was an older man who practiced with a fervor and discipline I've never seen matched since or before. I could hear him doing the breath exercises from my rooftop, and when he bent himself into tight balls and twisted himself into pretzel-poses, I could see the purity of his practice come to life. Slowly, over the time I was there, I watched people start to join him and ask for guidance in their poses, and he always helped them. There was never money exchanged, no formal class, just his love for yoga and their desire to learn.
The image of that man and his response to those people is what yoga epitomizes for me. The structure of yoga, mixed with the humanity of those who practice in the truest way, makes me feel peaceful and connected.
So, yoga...sweet yoga...is something everyone can practice. It is an unbiased, accepting discipline just waiting and willing to offer its peace to all who are interested.
Resilient. If I had to use one word to describe the human body, that's it.
Don't get me wrong, my favourite exercise has become long walks with our newest, floppy-eared little buddy. But I'm slowly incorporating my other faves back into my life--I rode my bike to work a couple of weeks ago (too soon, perhaps), but there's always been something special about yoga. I've never been exceptional at it, but there is one feeling it always gives me during any practice--powerful. My body feels strong, engaged. With every inhalation and exhalation, I feel connected to myself in a way that truly feels authentic. It's liberating.
In Indian back in 2004, I used to do yoga on the rooftop of the dorm I called home for a few months. My fondest and most peaceful memories are of those times, practicing the poses that felt good to me, in no particular sequence (the warrior poses are definitely my favourites), while watching the sun rise and the people come to life on the dirt road below. A few rooftops over was an older man who practiced with a fervor and discipline I've never seen matched since or before. I could hear him doing the breath exercises from my rooftop, and when he bent himself into tight balls and twisted himself into pretzel-poses, I could see the purity of his practice come to life. Slowly, over the time I was there, I watched people start to join him and ask for guidance in their poses, and he always helped them. There was never money exchanged, no formal class, just his love for yoga and their desire to learn.
The image of that man and his response to those people is what yoga epitomizes for me. The structure of yoga, mixed with the humanity of those who practice in the truest way, makes me feel peaceful and connected.
So, yoga...sweet yoga...is something everyone can practice. It is an unbiased, accepting discipline just waiting and willing to offer its peace to all who are interested.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Healthy Travel
Knowing what to pack and how to maintain one's health when travelling is always a challenge! Obviously checking the weather for your destination can help with the first problem (along with the good sound advice of a loved one who will let you know whether certain items are a definite NO!), but health necessities take a bit more thought. Here are a few basic suggestions for the health dilema:
1. digestive enzymes if food indulgence is on the list of activities!
2. vitamin D if heading somewhere less than sunny,
3. vitamin C to keep immunity up for stress on body during travel
4. probiotics to keep gut healthy (Trophic has product that's stable at room temp)
5. olive leaf extract as antibacterial/antiviral
With these tips, plus an open mind to new experiences, any vacation can be better!
Bon Voyage!
1. digestive enzymes if food indulgence is on the list of activities!
2. vitamin D if heading somewhere less than sunny,
3. vitamin C to keep immunity up for stress on body during travel
4. probiotics to keep gut healthy (Trophic has product that's stable at room temp)
5. olive leaf extract as antibacterial/antiviral
With these tips, plus an open mind to new experiences, any vacation can be better!
Bon Voyage!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)