Monday Musings

There so much to say but it's a Monday, so I'll keep it simple.

1. Thanks so much for all your lovely comments. I love love love them. So inspiring.

2. April is Yoga Inspiring Oneness Moth(YIOM) and I will be doing 30 days of yoga related blogging here. If you are interested in joining or following some really awesome bloggers check here. Or follow the conversation via twitter hashtag #YIOM. P.S. I'm keishualove, if you fancy a chat with me.

3. Also, I am getting my mediation on with a gorgeous meditation via Lo, of YisforYogini. It's a meditation for a calm heart. Don't we all need a little of that?

4. I won a sweet STYLISH BLOGGER award from Bonda84 of Love Life & Other Everyday Adventures.

For the award, I have to tell 7 things about myself.
a. I learned to tie my shoes later than most kids in my class. Like after kindergarten age.  Well, I was wearing penny loafers and stuff so I really didn't have a need for shoe string shoes until later. To this day, I'm still not a fan of tennis shoes. Give me loafers and mary janes!
b. I use to square dance and like it. I'm originally from Texas and I guess it's part of the culture.  Anyway, I had a fabulous pair of red boots and love to hop to it with them on.
c.I'm addicted to berries. Another southern thing. In the spring there was always berries on the vine. Me and my siblings would pick gallons and gallons for eating with a sprinkle of salt.
d. Cows scare me. They look all cute in pictures but they are quite terrifying up close. I use to have to feed cows with my cousins and it was always stressful.
e.I use to want to be a soap star. I know, I am super embarrassed to admit. Please don't take my stylish blogger award away b/c of it. Summer with my grandma were spent watching soaps and I was a theater nerd-you do the math.
f.I'm sorta fanatical about turning off used lights and vampire electronics. That's why I love window-free light!
g. I'm in a movie. Kilowatt Ours, the college edition. Can't find the link to the actual version but the original one is fun, too.

I assume that everyone who reads this blog is super stylish and wonderful. So if you want to participate, please do in the comments or via your blog.

I hope you all have a sweet Monday!
peace,
k

P.S. Loving it here, here and here.

Back to the Middle

I think I've gotten away from what's really important.
How can I tell? My head is spinning. My energy is scattered. My life feels like a yo-yo.
There is nothing wrong with these as states but long-term residing in yo-yoville can be exhausting.

So, I need to take a look at what's really important.
There are obvious things like my family, my friends, my career, simple living, etc.

But there is also, that which is truly holding it together.
It is that quiet center that refreshes and renews me. Without some sort of nourished and nourishing center my life is literally running in all directions without me. I don't like that feeling of running, grasping after life. It sounds like a bad b-movie.
So, back to the middle I go.

What does that mean for me?

-intentionally unplugging more. 

-cutting out noisy food(processed, caffeine, alcohol, sugary)

-quiet time for reflection and gratitude.

-walking more.

-continuing my yoga practice

-journaling/writing time

-prioritizing my to-do list everyday.

Nothing fancy-just simple things that are kind and compassionate to get some "ground" underneath me.
What do you do to get back to the middle?

Sometimes I blog

Wow, it has been a while.
Life has been full of work, study,etc.
But also brimming with many good/fun things:
Walks, seeing the beehive design collective,  making fresh salsa, seeing friends, strong black tea and lots of sun. Oh, and getting my yoga on. While, I am frustrated because I seem to have either an awesome mediation practice or an awesome yoga practice. I am taking it in stride. It does not have to be perfect.

Plus, I have developed and addiction to popcorn and hot sauce{together}, a fondness for Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, and dash of spring fever.  What's new with you?

P.S. Currently, I am loving this, this and this  place very much. So inspiring.

P.S.S. The second picture is a picture of the beehive design collective poster, which is not copyrighted. The others are via me.

Fighting Spirit

Image by The Library of Congress via FlickrI have a friend who is the sweetest, kindest hardworking(est) woman I know. I mean this woman will go the extra mile in all aspects of her life. Well, except one. Anything that has anything to do with her standing up for her life is often pushed to the side.  She is in a painful situation where she feels misused(because she is being misused) but feels helpless to grab at her own agency.

I've been in situations where I have not known what to do.  Where I have felt too quiet and frighten to say no or to walk away. Like they say"The devil you know is always better than the devil you don't". However, there comes a point when I start dragging my feet to my own heartbreak.

It is at this time that I can easily become overwhelmed or stuck.  There is nothing like feeling trapped to suck your soul away. I think there is a point in every struggle, where you give in{but not up}. You see it for what it is and you become resourceful, maybe even brave. At that point, I know I've tapped into my "fighting" spirit. That's when you reach from your belly and take back your life...

 When this spirit invades my body and I just know that things have reached their limit. When I ignore that spirit I tend to be anxious, resentful and indecisive. Ironically, I already know that I have reached my limit but I am afraid of letting someone down, being mean or not being liked. It's the likeness monster at its finest.

A fighting spirit in this conversation is not violent confrontation, as you might imagine when you hear that words. Instead it is that little voice or two in you that says, "I don't like this" and "I want things to change".  It is not a bossy voice that says-all or nothing but, rather a voice of compassion, attention and intuition. You listen to it and it feeds your life.


Image via Wikipedia
My friend has to learn, like I have to learn that being nice does not mean being a doormat. We need to know that we have the right and responsibility to speak up for ourselves and set boundaries(whether through a court order or a unreturned phone call).We have to learn that we are just as important as the people we love/like/or want to avoid. 

All that said, is far is easier than it is done. So, everyday I must be mindful and attentive to what is working and what isn't. I need to be a creative and courageous problem solver to unwedge myself at times. What do you do to get unstuck in your life and get in touch with your "fighting spirit"?

Gumption

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I've noticed this wee little problem of bucking down in life. You know, you want to step up and be your sweet radiant self but you feel such a counter energy. It makes you want to tuck your tail in and run. You fall into yourself, curl into a little ball, maybe? Not, a great feeling?! I hate that feeling of dimming. Dimming when you could shine because you are scared of how your light may be embraced(or worse rejected).

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It's a common fear. I think it chokes a lot of lives.  I can see this folding down behavior wrecking my spirit at times. When I am around negative/naysayers/wet blanket types, I tend to be overwhelmed by that energy. I tend to blend into it. Not, wanting to be a the Pollyanna in a gloomy sky. I tend to get quiet. It's just what happens and I play small. I let that energy win because I am afraid of facing the consequences of countering negativity. {Wow, it actually stings to write this!}.

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Anyway, I have been thinking about this line from Maryanne Williamson, "Let me no longer play small, regardless of others people's reactions to me when I play big." 
I am wondering "What would life look like if we stop folding into fear and instead start living out of Gumption?"

Gumption is not built over night. You have to cultivate it. You have know and have mechanisms for dealing with shame, loneliness, success and grace that you may feel. You need heart courage, support and a touch of audacity. Yep, the audacity to be you.It's not all are not nothing.  So, don't fear.Take one little step into your light today see what happens.


Here's something small- say no instead of yes. Or yes instead of no. Or take one step in the direction of your dreams. Breaks rule or make them but whatever you do-do with all your heart and with a sense of largeness. Gumption is about being unafraid to hear your own voice and not being a shadow dancer but being the amazing and zany person you are.It's about having spunk and tenacity. It can be hard to march to your own drum at times but I think, it's worth a try every now and then.

Live with the rawness and see what happens. The world won't fall apart. Plus, you would have take wee step in your gumption footprint.

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Happy Friday!

P.S. I'll be sharing my gumption manifesta next week. 1)Why because I love the word manifesta 2) This post was already long enough!
P.S.S.  I am swooning over this blog, today.
P.S.S.S. I wrote this reflection about the events of today over here.

Beside Interview: A Simple Cup of Tea

I think it was the title of Karen's blog that caught my eye. A Simple Cup of Tea. What a sweet name and it her blog is like drinking a simple cup of tea. So refreshing and simple. I totally look forward to her posts because of these things.

If you have not been over to A Simple Cup of Tea, you really should and be prepared to be inspired. My beside interview with karen is below. 

Who are you?

My name is Karen, I'm a 23-year-old Belgian with a love for tea and chocolate (not necessarily in that order). I'm a full-time music teacher in high school but I'm planning to go on and study Musical Theatre next year.

What nurtures/inspires you?

Everything around me. That might be music, movies, theatre, pictures. Anything can trigger a creative idea and that's what makes it so fun.

As far as nurturing goes I like to surround myself with positive and supportive people and try to be as positive and supportive as I can be myself. It's a cyclical thing I believe. Call it karma if you will.

 What's your favorite part of your night routine?

Usually right before I go to sleep I do my ab exercises and it feels great to then spend ten to fifteen minutes reading a bit while you feel those muscles. Makes me feel pretty accomplished. Hehe.

What's on your nightstand?

An alarm clock: very important for my 5.30 am wake-up call on workdays. I hate it but it's necessary...

A night light: perfect for reading a couple of pages before going to sleep.

A little wooden box: it holds the necklaces and earrings I wear the most.

A potpourri holder: an heirloom from my great aunt. I keep my foreign valuta in there (GBP at the moment I think) and just to remember her every day.

A small painting: to keep that quote in my mind.

Books: for reading (pretty self-explanatory... hehe)

Where can people find you?

At my blog (http://simplecupoftea.wordpress.com)

P.S. Karen painted the bottom picture of Lily Cole. Sweet.

Mindful Monday

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Whatever our path, whatever the color of grain of our days, whatever riddles we must solve, to stay alive, the secret of life somehow always has to do with the awakening and freeing of what has been asleep.-Mark Nepo

The quote from above is from a book I am reading. The Book of Awakening is really like a daybook or something. However, I have it on loan from the library and am reading it like a book of short essays. It is all about paying attention to your life.

That seems to be a theme in my life these days. As busy as I may be or feel, I always want to have a deep love and attention for my life. I really do feel overwhelming grateful for everything, except snow. I can totally live without that.

What's the theme of your life these days?


P.S. I am loving looking here, here and here .

For some reason, I am listening to this song. It is kinda empowering, though.

My Review: The Ninth Week of the Year

Time for picture story. It's been super busy over here and I am glad for the weekend.
I plan on catching up with friends, catching up on your sweet blogs and catching up on some sleep.

Anyway, below are some pictures that I managed to snap through this week. In a nutshell, I ate a lot of cookies, it rained a lot one day and I spent way too, much time looking out the window at the library.Oh, and saw some super cute houses on short breather.

My ankle is still swollen but I am hobbling along nicely. I find it really hard to stay off it but I'm trying. Thanks for your well wishes and comments lately. They make my day.

P.S. Check out my little march mix here. It's random and wicked{in a good way}!
Oh, and I am crushing on this blog right now.

Have a sweet and lovely weekend.
Peace,
k

Wishcasting

Image via Wikipedia
Today, on Wishcasting Wednesday, Jamie asked "What limits do you wish to set?"
Um, I've been thinking about this all day and I still find it hard to pick one thing or anything.
If I set some limits. I would limit my self-improvement projects.
Ugh, I know I know, I hate self-improvement but always find myself wrapped in a some sort of worthiness dance.It's exhausting.

It never seems like its going to head to the point of obligation and exhaustion but it always does.The worthiness hustle is an endless cycle. You are always running to do the next thing to make yourself alright.  You feel guilty if you don't do those things you 

think you need to do to feel alright.

Plus,I always hold on too, tightly to whatever my "magic drug" is and before you know it I am tiptoeing through life.I'm not saying, I'm without flaws but I'm saying is maybe I need to limit
the thought that I personally, right now must correct each and every one.

I need to be a little undisciplined for a while. {gulp}
Not saying drop everything but really question
my intentions. Am I doing this to make myself feel worthy
or to enhance this moment? Something to chew on!

What do you need to limit?

Some of Me Beautiful

Image via WikipediaI have been thinking recently about beauty and comparison. 
Mainly, how comparison can be so limiting and binding when it comes to our definition of beauty.
Like most people, I've had to face the beauty script in my head and confront my own complacency with comparison in my beauty story. 


One thing that really help me was seeing Killing Us Softly. I can't quite recall the version I saw but forever made me think about the role gaze{that's a conversation unto itself} and the agenda of ads I saw. Now, I am not claiming to be above that all. I am just saying sometimes buying into "not good enough" mentality that beauty advertisers feed us can leave you a little tender.


Another thing that always encouraged me to think about beauty in a new way was "Some of Me Beauty" by Carolyn Rogers. I read this poem in an issue of Oprah Magazine and ripped it out and tapped in my journal. I wanted to remember this poem. There's a good version of the poem here.

Here my take on beauty. It takes courage to step in your skin, to be weave your own narrative and attempt to co-create a world that speaks of your deepest values. Your courage makes you beautiful. So, does your story. Your attempts to live life by your heart makes you shine. So, while we many have all these images telling us who we need to be. We are already engulfed in beauty. All, we have to do is live it.