08.09.09
OK – I had great intentions!
I planned to attend yoga classes several days a week, but found that life’s twists and turns kept me from my intention. Was this to stop me? If I flopped on the couch to watch the news, I was spending 30-60 minutes as a couch potato, even if I rationalized that I was feeding my mind.
So, I morphed our guest room into a yoga sanctuary. Fresh serene colored coat of paint, editing out unnecessary furniture to make room for my mat and blocks, and I was ready to go!
Now, how to discipline myself to use the room? When I arrive home and “change down” into more comfy clothes, I’m properly dressed, and my new yoga room is right across the hall from my bedroom, so that’s an easy commute. I start my yoga practice 20 minutes ahead of the news, so the “game’s on.” At news time, I relax in a seated pose to watch the news, which now is received by me in a much healthier state of mind – with a more peaceful and tolerant attitude.
Oh yes, and the yoga room still functions as a guest room, so I’m pleased with myself for the wise use of expensive Hawaiian real estate, and my guests appreciate a lovely and serene room!
Keep Like Items Together
Getting organized and staying organized – just a matter of mini-actions in a routine manner, that make for good habits. Takes a bit of commitment, but most “A” types relish dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s” anyway.
Easiest way to get motivated is to recall how often time is spent looking for things like: where did I put my eyeglasses? Where are my car keys? The time spent looking for things can be wasteful and draining of your good nature.
Keeping like things together doesn’t always mean keeping socks in a socks drawer and keys in a key drawer. Think about how you live your life – is it your natural style to walk through your home in a certain pattern before leaving the house? If so, consider putting your keys in the last spot you’d visit before going out the door. In a drawer, cabinet, or tray in that area, for example. Chances are, when you arrive home, you also pass by that spot and can deposit the keys there before going further, especially if you picture how much time you’ll save not having to look for them later!
Come on back for more on this topic, and let me know what you think.
The Beginning
1968 – friend of mine, knowing me as an adventurous dancer, asked me to present his CV to the Dean of a University on his behalf. His idea was for me to dress up in a costume and present in an unusual way, to capture the Dean’s imagination about his creativity. I had recently been to the Averof in Cambridge, MA, where I met George Abdo and Vina Haddad. George’s singing and the band’s music was stirring, and Vina’s dancing was elegant and inspirational. After the show I told George: ”I can do that!” He promptly hooked me up with Vina and made arrangements for lessons. So, I was partially on my way in belly dancing, and a performance for the Dean, with my friend’s CV in hand, seemed to be a fun opportunity to utilize my newly found skills. The Dean knew George and complimented him and Vina, and before long, I was a performing star at the Averof. Come on back for more….
Near & Middle East Dance Study
Anyone want news / shared info in this category? Let me know, and I’ll start blogging away on my adventures in Near & Middle East dance over a 40 year career across the US, Near and Middle East, Europe, Mexico, and now out here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
04.05.09
Why Organize?
Why be organized? Sounds like too much work. Don’t even know where or how to get started!
I’ll post tips and tricks I’ve learned to get and stay organized without going too far overboard. I’m basically lazy and I like it done yesterday, so I take the easiest path from point A to point B. Be glad to share with you how and why I’m on such a quick and easy path.
Put your two cents’ worth in, anytime!
Yoga – Twist and Ouch (er Shout)
Eeesh….I figured I’d just run out and jump into a simple yoga class. I didn’t realize how many styles / types of yoga there were. I decided to try a few types out for myself.
Check out my Yoga page for more….
How’s your Faith doing?
We renewed our spiritual life by joining the St. Andrews Cathedral in Honolulu this year. What a friendly place! Gotta say, best way to learn about a church is to jump in and participate. We just didn’t know how many fabulous programs are a vital part of this church’s life, but we’re learning something new every day!
Folks, Faith is not just for Sundays! Dust off your Faith, polish your Charity skills, and open your spirit to new adventures – St. Andrews Cathedral is a great place to start, so come on down! Ask for Linda and Dwayne – we’ll be glad to introduce you to the many new friends we’ve made already!
Dance page addition
Added a page for dance discussions – how music and dance affect us all. I’ll start posting some of my favorite dance stories, quotations, and dreams. How about yours? Don’t tap dance (pun definitely intended) around – just jump right in for the fun of it!
