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Making Compliments = building bonds!

5/27/2013

From Woman's World 2/18/13:
"A kind word goes a long way! In fact, one study found that dishing out a compliment to friends or family boosts your likeability by nearly 40% and builds on the bonds you already share! The key is to make sure your words are heartfelt, as your likability can lessen if the person detects insincerity."
This is part of ahimsa and living a life of grace and compassion as Jesus calls us to live. What do you think?

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Recycling Yoga Mats

5/18/2013

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A member of my Thursday night yoga class brought in a purse made from recycled yoga mats. It was very cute. Seeing that pocket book started me thinking of ideas for old mats. At first I came up with some basic ideas:
- Use a mat to stand on as you work at your shop
- Put a piece under your electric shop tool, like a band saw, to prevent it from vibrating and moving.
- Cut a piece and put it under the pedal of a sewing machine to prevent it from sliding.
But then I went online and found some great websites about recycling yoga mats. (see list below)
Here are some great suggestions:
- Mouse Pad
- Napkin Rings
- Baseball Bases
- Line pet carriers
- Cut into shapes for tub and pool toys
- Line your car trunk to cushion parcels
- Tablet Covers
Then I thought why not make a knee cushion for kneeling poses or a cushion to sit on during easy pose. To create a knee cushion or seat cushion, sew or tape (use colored duct tape) the mat material into an envelope the size we need, stuff it with old towel or newspaper and stitch or tape it shut!
I am sure we could come up with more creative ideas. Feel free to write back with your ideas.

Websites on mat recycling:
http://life.gaiam.com/article/50-ways-reuse-your-yoga-or-fitness-mat
http://www.yogaconsumerreports.com/30-ways-to-reuse-a-yoga-mat/
http://life.gaiam.com/article/50-ways-reuse-your-yoga-or-fitness-mat
http://www.namastilo.com/how-to-make-studded-napkin-rings-with-a-yoga-mat-diy/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2312475/Clutch-bag-flip-flops-iPad-case-20-ways-recycle-yoga-mat-Anjelika-Paranjpe-Brit--Co-website-Brit-Morin.html

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How to Clean Your Mat!

5/16/2013

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Click on the picture of the yoga mats to find a quick article from Yoga Journal on how to clean your yoga mat! Another way is to use one of the Lysol cleaning cloths or similar product.
A student from Thursday Night Yoga suggests steam cleaning mats. She says steaming brings the mat back to it's natural texture and color!

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Do Not Worry!

5/14/2013

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Yesterday I was reading Matthew 6:25-34. It is the story about the lilies of the field that God dresses and cares for. In this scripture Jesus is encouraging his followers and us to not worry about our day to day needs as God will provide for us. Instead, put our focus on God instead of our needs. It is like when we do our breathing/centering time at the beginning of our practice. As we focus on our breathing, sometimes our mind wanders. When a thought of the day comes into our focus, we acknowledge it, file it away and gently turn our focus back to our breathing. Our daily focus sometimes gets stuck on a need or worry. Instead of dwelling on that need or worry, we lift it up to God in prayer, take some deep breaths and re-focus on life. We gently re-focus, not condemning ourselves, but using it as a time of growth and connection with God.
How does your breathing help you focus?
How does this entry make you feel?

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Yoga is still on!

5/11/2013

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Hi Everyone!
Many of you may have heard I am not teaching water aerobics because of an injury. However, I will be teaching Yoga!!!! : ) I was diagnosed with Plantar Faciitis, an inflammation of the facia that run under our foot bones, this week. I need to avoid the bouncing etc that I do on the deck for up to 6 months. Dr. Gavigan (podiatrist) has asked me to wear good sneakers with an insert for my left foot.
I will still teach swimming and lifeguard as long as it does not irritate my feet further.
I will miss teaching my water aerobic classes. The students have become a special community for me and all of us. Each student has made the classes so fun to teach. I will miss throwing noodles at the "trouble makers"!!! I will miss Tom's corney jokes, our singing, laughing, falling off our noodles and just being with everyone. (I will not miss the creaky chair!) I have shed some tears of sadness for not being with everyone.
I will still see some of you in my yoga classes and look forward to that.
Please stay in touch!

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Lemons!

5/5/2013

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You may have heard of the Blue Collar Tour. It is a group of comedians who have a southern sound. Ron White is the comedian of the group I least like. His on stage persona is that of a smart alcoholic..it does not impress me. However, a saying of Ron's has been on my mind these last few days.
Ron says, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
We talk about cars and other things that are "lemons," stuff that does not work as it should. Life sometimes throws us lemons, stuff that's not so sweet but is rather sour. Instead of letting the sour stuff take us over, find a way to make lemonade. To make lemonade from fresh lemons, we squeeze each lemons and combine the resulting juice into a glass. Sometimes we add a little sugar to sweeten the lemon juice taking the edge off the sourness of the juice. To make lemonade in life we look for the sweetness or the less sour that comes along with the sour. In the deep of the sour of our life it is hard to see the sweet, it is there and often is something simple or small, but it is there.
Trying to make lemonade has been a challenge at times for me, especially in the more sour moments of my life or when I forget to look for the sweet. Yet, I do find myself making lemonade.
Please share your stories where you have been able to make lemonade.

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Making Compliments = building bonds!

Recycling Yoga Mats

How to Clean Your Mat!

Do Not Worry!

Yoga is still on!

Lemons!

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