"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy." - Albert Clarke

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

hatha yoga on the beach

otherwise titled "yoga practice that ate my camera".

Ok, so it was the *sand* that, amusingly enough, you can see blowing  past the camera lens that killed the camera, but let's not quibble.

Good things about this experience:

1.  It was a REALLY nice practice.   Very relaxing.

2.  The focus was actually pretty good (unlike my previously posted headstand video).

3.  I've learned that using a couple of books as a tripod on a windy beach?  Not such a hot idea.

Ah, life and it's lessons..... ;-)




I like to video myself practicing every few months;  it gives me a better idea of my form and how I am progressing.   Next time, though, I'll choose a less sandy venue.

Monday, July 12, 2010

headstand

I've got lots that I've been meaning to write here, but computer time has been scarce lately.   I want to quickly upload a video tonight, though - - I spent an hour on the beach tonight, doing yoga and meditating.  I tell you, there is something about being on the beach ~ the sound of the waves, the Laughing Gulls, the feel of the sand ~ that is simply inspiring.  I find myself so much more "in the zone", so to speak.

Here is a short clip of my headstand after I finished my yoga practice.   I am really pleased by how strong my core is becoming;  it makes it *so* much easier to get up into the pose.  I'm also feeling much more confident, and able to hold the pose longer.  It's coming along nicely!

My camera auto-focused about a foot in front of the camera.  Let's pretend I was going for some hazy, Zen cinematographic style...  ;)



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

three good things

As part of a self-guided retreat that I began a few days ago  (which I hope to write more on soon), I spend some time at the end of each day to reflect on three of the high points from the day.  It's a simple exercise, doesn't take much time or effort, and is kind of a nice way to draw the evening to a close.

Today's Good Things ~


  1.  Meditation this morning was wonderful.   We did a Mindfulness practice, and it stretched me a bit beyond my usual comfort zone.   It was great to see everyone again;  I continue to marvel at how bonded I feel to these people who - just a month ago - were strangers to me.   I am *so* grateful.
  2. A most delicious post-meditation half-caf Americano at Starbucks and the luxury of an hour alone with my thoughts, my journal & what is becoming a very absorbing novel.
  3. THE best raspberries I've had in my life.  Well, except for maybe those freshly-picked from my Grandma's garden when I was growing up.   Kroger had a special on Organic Raspberries, and they are beyond good.  I think tomorrow will see me returning to pick up another pint (or four).  

There!  That didn't take but 5 minutes.   The best thing?  I could have gone on and on.  It was a great day.

~K

Monday, July 5, 2010

wheel

My wheel, it be improving!

This makes me very happy.

March 28 of this year...




Yesterday (making it just over three months from the first photo):



I think it looks much more "vertical", if that makes sense. I feel like I've got more expansion in my chest and shoulders.

It's fun to see progress!