Staying sparkly

Staying Sparkly

What makes you sparkle?

And more importantly how do you get more of that in your life? 

Just when you thought you had the right amount of all the things that make you sparkle things change and you have to readjust, modify or accept some support. Yes, I can hear the inner dialogue: I felt so grounded and then this happened....I could do this pose yesterday and then ..... or my mind was lovely and quiet there was stillness and space between the thoughts this morning but now!!! 

I guess I am writing this as the New Year rolls in and past and I'm listening to people talk of their hope for a better year where they stay balanced and centred in their lives. Yet many of us have made resolutions (I don't anymore) and possibly or even pretty likely many of us have already witnessed our heartfelt resolutions fall away onto barren ground. 

Balance: Where are you? 
 
For me yoga has taught me that balance is and ongoing process. Yoga is not simply a set of poses and breathing exercises but a lifestyle - an holistic lifestyle  that encompasses a myriad of practices, ways of being and lifestyle ideas. Yoga helps me to keep seeking the right balance of everything that keeps me sparkly. To find that harmonious mix is always an ongoing practice; each day delivers new challenges and requires a different approach to being balance. Rest and activity, eating wholesome foods, cooking for loved ones, drinking fresh water and juices, spending time recharging in nature, enjoying quiet time, meditation or day dreaming under a tree, and drawing or making mandalas.   

Inverloch Beach Victoria, Australia. Photo by Margot Porter

I spend time a lot of time in our large and productive vegetable garden and orchard weeding, composting, planting, pruning, harvesting, creating flower beds, and watering. Here on a daily basis I witness nature try to seek balance against the elements. Today it is 38 degrees and there is a big hot wind blowing. Some plants will survive, others with wilt, some may even perish. Tomorrow will be different cooler less wind and the plants, animals and insects will begin again to refine, tinker, adjust their circumstances the best they can to find harmony.

Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle 
(shine, glimmer and glow)

inspiring people: friends, teachers, strangers
 good quality sleep
wholesome light food
clean water
time in nature
physical movement: yoga, walk, dance
quiet time 
creative time

 Nature up close. Photo by Margot Porter

 Is finding balance challenging because everything changes? 
 
Or can you simply change your approach. Just like the plants in my vegetable garden finding personal equilibrium is amazingly like balancing on a tightrope - moments of exquisite balance followed by wobbles to nearly falling off to actually falling off. In fact, very similar to standing on one leg in your yoga class where to keep yourself from falling requires both gross and subtle adjustments, indeed constant adjustments. Is this why I like them so much? 

#Laugh. Everything is okay.

But does this need to create suffering or  even be seen as a challenge instead I try to be in the moment another will be longer soon and will be completely different so enjoy that one too as each one teaches us the priceless art of simply being. No need to attach any commentary or analysis to where we are on the balance continuum just keep tinkering and relaxing into each moment. After all we all want to be happy and peaceful and letting yourself off the hook is a lovely way to move towards being centred, grounded and calm.

# Ego says once everything falls into place I will find balance; spirit says be peace and everything will fall into place.

  

 Side plank photo by Marc Perri

The art of reflection

2015 will be my fifth year of teaching and running a small yoga business. I have learnt a lot about how to manage factors that create stress in my life, how to ensure that I have enough sparkle energy for me, my partner and family and to spend much loved time outdoors. Getting enough sleep is crucial, for example, I changed a late night class to earlier so I could unwind before bed and yes I do like to go to be early. Eating well lots of fresh vegetables and food but not overloading and 2014 was they year I let go of coffee yeah sure I have the occasional one and boy when I did have one I got a lot done in a rather maniac way - quite strange. Stick with the herbal tea or if that craving really hits Decaf.

Quiet time whether that is simply switching off the computer, TV, music and sitting in silence observing thoughts, feelings, surround sounds or even finally committing to that formal meditation practice you have been promising yourself.

#Simplify less is the new more. Simplify as much as possible.

Zen saying

My Mala beads. Photo by Margot Porter

I do think however, one key change I made this year was reducing time spent on email and social media. In fact, having days and even weeks off made a huge difference to the way I felt and behaved. Now I understand for many of us this is not possible and I know that sinking feeling of coming in on a Monday morning and having to sift through 50 or more emails but you can choose to switch off your phone, disconnect from social media in your personal time and actually be present with the person you are with or the activity you are doing.

# Give the present of presence to your life and those in it.

This year after teaching at my  Spring Yoga Retreat instead of walking away feeling relaxed and rested I was tired and drained. Despite all the positive feedback and comments "best retreat" from a return student I felt disappointed with myself and as I reflected and decided that all the hard work organising and then teaching across a whole weekend was not working for me and this would need to change in the coming year to keep me in balance.

Recognise your stress points as there are many things in your control to bring you back to your optimal self.

 Drain, drain, drain
spending too much time working 
or thinking about work
 computer time
social media
expectations of others
too much socialising 
bad food
alcohol and coffee 

Find your balance. 
Do more of those things that make you glow and let go of habits or activities that drain your energy! 

Om shanti, shanti, shanti,
Margot XXOO