Oh, how I hated waking up yesterday.  A dark Pigpen-like cloud surrounded me most of the day for I hate New Year's Eve.  Ugh, all the lead up to the best fun night of the year.  The dilemma of to drink or not to drink, to make it a big eventful night or to lounge in footie pajamas watching Guardians of the Galaxy again.  The damn ending of a those 365 days makes me look back and judge myself, focusing on the negative.  All the things I didn't get done.  All the friends I wanted to keep more in touch with.  All the plays I wanted to see but didn't.  All the writing I wanted to get done but didn't.  All the-- yes I could go on and on but something happened this morning.  I woke up refreshed.  It's like clicking the reload button on the  browser-- everything just seemed to come in smoother, clearer and lighter.  I jumped up ready to start the year off right.  I did my Hatha practice this morning and my head was clear of the "Nagging Negatives."  I jumped in the Delaware with the intention of "Less thinking-- more jumping & having fun this year."  The old year was cold-burned off (along with maybe a toe or two) and I feel great.  

So now what?

How do I keep the mind clear and have ultimate fun?   Guruji says over and over that the goal of Yoga (all Yoga, not just Hatha) is to have ultimate, unwavering fun no matter what.

Okay dust bunnies, I will vanquish you with the joy of a youngster playing Star Wars.  Dishes- a doldrum?  Not possible-- (Okay I might need a little help with that one.  That's why I'm buying the mix of songs from Guardians of the Galaxy.) 

What else will I do?  Not get down on myself for what I haven't done and focus on what I have.
Such a simple concept.  

New rituals for the new year:

1.  Happy Thought of the Day

Elizabeth Gilbert has a Happy thought of the day.  She puts it in a glass jar each day, even on bad days.  Then she can pull one out when her dark days do come and she can smile remembering the happy moments.  I'm putting a jar next to my bed tonight.  

2. Practicing Hatha throughout the day-- a little in the AM, a lunch time ritual and then a few evening practices.  So if I can't get a full hour and a half session in, I still have done it throughout my day.  Might even make the nodding off as I ride home less of an occurrence.  4-5pm when I drive home from school-- that's my lowest energy time-- But not anymore.  That and my new suggestion from my doctor to take iron supplements.  I bet that's contributing to my lower energy.

Thank you "M" for the Spinach info.  http://www.vegetariantimes.com/blog/nutrition-face-off-raw-vs-cooked-spinach/  This should help with the low iron in my blood as well.  Lemon/Lime in my water to add vitamin C to aid in absorption of iron-- done deal.

3. And lastly see more friends this year.  Yes, a writer needs time at home in front of the computer, but the soul needs laughter & sharing.  So let me know if you'd like to catch a Yoga class, go for a hike, kayak, see a play or "Play Make Me Laugh" as we did when we were kids.  First one to laugh loses.  Or does she?


Happy 2015 everyone!

-- Yoga Girl

New Year of less thinking and more jumping in!

Air 35 Degrees 

Water 40 Degrees