Fall Equinox

Today marks the beginning of Fall.  I love this season.  I love the smell in the air, the beautiful and amazing colors of the changing leaves and wearing jeans and sweaters.  Note to self: buy new jeans and sweaters.

The Fall also marks the time when the days get shorter and the nights get longer. I will miss the sun still shining at 7 pm but I am looking forward to eating chili on cool nights.  I felt I should do something to honor this day. I was supposed to have a dentist appointment this morning but I rescheduled it just so I could make it to yoga. I could not go last week because one of my daughters was home sick from school. I was really happy I did that. Afterwards, I drove to the grocery store and decided to purchase a bouquet of autumn flowers. The colors are so deep and rich. I have not purchased flowers for myself in forever. It was a nice treat.

A friend mentioned that the Fall Equinox is the ideal time to contemplate what you want to Harvest and also what you want to let go. It’s true. If we want to create something new and different in our lives, sometimes that requires letting go. If you want a relationship, you may need to let go the need to date multiple people. If you want to go back to work, you may need to let go of a certain amount of freedom.

What do you want to bring into your life? What do you want to let go?

New Moon in Virgo

I love me some New Moon.  Although I believe any time is the perfect time to start a new endeavor, the new moon seems to add an extra appeal. Tomorrow there is a new moon in Virgo. I typically refer to Jan Spiller’s site for the new moon information. However, I recently came across an astrologer, Holiday Mathis, who provided a few new moon rituals that I had never heard of and I wanted to share them with you: 

NEW MOON RITUALS: Friday, Sept. 18, brings the new moon in Virgo, one of the most productive moons of the year. This is the perfect start date to launch an organizational, fitness or life makeover project. Create a ritual to celebrate your new beginning and to energize your endeavor and give it the best chance of succeeding.

Fire signs: (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): In order to move forward with your new plan, you’ll need to let go of other things that have been taking the place of these actions. What will you be saying “no” to in order to say “yes” to your new life? List those activities, feelings and people on a piece of paper. Write a formal goodbye letter to your “no” activities. Say your ending salutation out loud, and toss the paper into the lit fireplace or fire pit. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Choose a few small symbols of your old life, as well as a few symbols of your new life. Find a patch of earth and dig a hole. Bury the symbols of your old life in the ground, all the while saying goodbye. Place the symbols of your new life on a shelf or other place where you will see them often and daily.

Air signs: (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Those born under the air element respond beautifully to breathing exercises. With a pen, divide a piece of notebook paper into two columns. Label one side “in” and one side “out.” On the “in” side, list the behaviors, habits, things and people you will be adding to your world. On the “out” side, list what you will leave behind in order to make room for the new. Then quietly sit and consciously breathe in an item from your “in” list and out an item from your “out” list. Work through the whole list and repeat. Water signs: (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) Have you ever tossed coins into a wishing well? This works like magic for water signs. You can vary the ritual by wishing on pebbles and then throwing them into the sea, a lake or a fountain.

I am a Gemini and I will be writing my In and Out list. However, I am also a Scorpio rising. And, I live near a stream. So, I will be making a few wishes and throwing my pebbles into the water. Can’t hurt! Happy Manifesting!

Another Instant Manifestation

When my youngest daughter came home from school yesterday, she immediately began asking for a play date.  ”I want to play with someone” she kept on saying over and over.  My older daughter was sick and I explained that we could not have anyone over since her sister was not feeling well.  ”But, I want to play with someone,” she continued to whine.

Two minutes later, one of our neighbors came over to ask if my girls wanted to come over for a play date.  Talk about instant manifestation!  I was in shock. This happened before my very eyes. I felt like the Universe is giving me a sign. But what is it telling me? Ask, let go and allow? I have been doing that. Why isn’t it working for me?

Madonna Set Tracy Up

I haven’t blogged about Tracy Anderson in forever. According to Blogger Perez Hilton, Tracy Anderson has been dating Philippe van den Bossche, the executive director of Madonna’s Raising Malawi charity, for the past 6 months. Perez Hilton quotes Tracy Anderson saying:

“We train for two hours six days a week. We do 45 minutes of dance aerobics, followed by work on muscle tone, flexibility and definition. There’s no running and no weights bigger than three pounds, because Madonna doesn’t want to bulk up.Madonna’s body is perfect. She has no fat, no cellulite, she is so toned, and her arms are amazing.”

I find it really hard to believe that Madonna doesn’t lift anything heavier than 3 pounds. Do you? But if she says so, then it must be true.

I would love to meet, interview or train with Tracy Anderson.

Would I Lie To You?

Exactly two weeks ago, I blogged about how excited I was that it was Back To School Time. I had all these grand endeavors in my head. However, in the shower this morning, I realized that I lied. I had done nothing that I set out to do. Granted, I have been doing laundry practically every single day or finishing writing assignments, but I failed to keep my word. Besides, all that I just wrote are just a bunch of excuses.

I just finished chanting. Yes, I am back and committed to another 40 day mantra chant. Tomorrow, I will take a yoga class.

I’m not going to beat myself up. Instead, I will feel good about finally taking steps and taking action. Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? Talk is cheap. Just do it!

Manifest Like A Child

I have heard many people comment that they learn so much from their children. Today, for the first time, I understand what they mean. We took our girls to Great Adventures for the day. My 6 year old really wanted to win a stuffed animal.  We played a few games and lost each one. By that point, we were all tired and my husband and I did not want to spend any more money. My daughter was in tears, of course, but I knew she would survive. As we walked, my husband ran into a co-worker of his.  Out of nowhere, she asked if our girls wanted some of the stuffed animals she and her friends had won.  I could not believe it! Instant manifestation and in a very unexpected way. Fabulous!

I could certainly use some lessons. I have been working towards achieving a goal. It’s been months now. I have tried chanting, positive thinking, scripting, writing, creating a magic box, etc. And yet it still has not manifested. Oh, and don’t be confused, I have also taken a lot of action towards my goals. I am not one to just think about doing something. I do it.

Most would say it’s clear that the reason why it has not yet manifested is because I am concentrating on the fact that it’s not here yet. “You have to act AS IF it’s here.” Or “Focus on the feeling that you think you will feel once you achieve your goal.”  Although I get those statements and I agree with them, I still want my goal to MANIFEST RIGHT NOW!  My desire isn’t even a major one at all. I am not asking to win the lottery or win a new car (although I would certainly accept those in my life).  It’s a very attainable goal. I just don’t get it. 

So, I’ve decided to just forget about it. I know I have done all that I can. However, even as I write this, I don’t believe it. I feel letting go means letting go of my desire. And that is not the case. I still want it! I do intend to let go of the feeling that I must do something else in order to make it happen. I’ve tried and I’ve tried. I’ve asked the Universe for help over and over. I’m done asking. I’m done trying. I am sick and tired of feeling this way. I’m letting the Universe take over. I’ve made it perfectly clear what I want. 

There must be an easier way. There must be a better way. Maybe I should wake up my daughter and ask for her secret.

A Magic Box

Have you ever had the experience of hearing something that peaks your interest?  And then, perhaps the next day you see an ad for it or hear a commercial about it? It seems like wherever you go, there is that thing, whatever it may be.

I recently completed a book called Living the Law of Attraction and Enjoying a Serendipitous Life by Kathleen Mackenzie. In the book, she talks about having a Magic Box. Basically, it’s a box where she places her intentions, wishes, hopes and dreams.  She write them down on a piece of paper, places it in her Magic Box and they come true. Well, she admits that sometimes some things do not happen because it was probably for the best that they did not occur.

I have been thinking about this box ever since. I had heard about it before. And, once I was reminded of it, I keep on hearing about it again. I have a gorgeous, wooden box that is in my bedroom. I plan on using this box as my Magic Box. Tonight is a full moon and it’s a perfect time to release to the Universe and allow the Universe to make your dreams come true.  I’m ready. Are you?

Back To School Ain’t Just For Kids

My children return to school on Thursday, September 3rd. Thank Goodness.  We’ve had a great summer filled with vacations, ice cream and many, many sun-kissed days at the pool and beach. However, I am looking forward to returning to the school routine of early bedtimes, more learning and, of course, more free time for me.

I feel that back to school time is truly one of the best times to make resolutions. Sure, New Years is the traditional time but if you weren’t inclined to make resolutions in January, or, more likely, have long forgotten those resolutions, September is another ideal time to renew those vows. Why should our kids have all the fun? New school shoes for them, new sneakers or a new class for you. Makes perfect sense to me.

I am looking forward to getting back into my workout routine, including practicing with my beloved yoga teacher, Amy, once again. I also intend to get back into my mantra practice. I intend to take one more writing assignments. I am open to other new and fun projects. The possibilities are endless!  

What are you looking forward to doing this September? Own it and then do it!

Fell Off The Wagon Again

On Monday, I finally got to the gym after a long hiatus.  I took a kickboxing class which literally kicked my butt.  I was in pain for days but, nevertheless, I went back for more. On Wednesday, I took a Body Pump class. I have not worked out with weights in forever and it felt amazing. I was shocked to see muscles that I thought for sure had converted to mush. On Thursday, I used the treadmill for 45 minutes and then used one of those machines that target your hips. So far, so good, right?

I had thought it was going to be hard for me to go back to the gym since it had been a while. But, as you can see, it didn’t take me very long at all to revert to my old habits. I felt great. I have been much calmer and patient with my daughters, I have been feeling better about myself and just felt pretty damn good. Go me!

On Friday, I intended to go back. However, a work project came up, I felt stressed and ended up skipping the gym. “It’s ok,’ I told myself. “You can take the Ashtanga Yoga class on Saturday morning. No worries.” 

However, I did not sleep well last night. And I opted to go back to bed after my husband woke up instead of going to the gym. I’m pretty mad at myself. Tomorrow will be another no-gym day since we have plans to go to the beach. Oh well.

The gym will still be there on Monday. My butt will be waiting.

Back To The Grind

I don’t recall previous August months being so….I don’t even know the proper word to use.  We returned from vacation early in the month. Then we had family visiting for the next two weeks. Last week was the first time that I was home, alone, with my daughters. I have been filling their days with pool, ice cream, play dates and whatever else I could figure out.  In between, I have been working.

One thing I have not been working, though, is my body. I tried to ignore the sluggish feeling that I have been experiencing. I cannot practice yoga as my teacher, Amy, does not provide babysitting. I have not felt motivated enough to throw in a Tracy Anderson video.  I haven’t even been continuing with my mantra practice! I am really out of sorts.

I tell myself this is only a temporary situation. Come September 3rd, my girls will be back in school and I will have more time to exercise, work and take care of myself. But even that was not helping.

I decided to drag my daughters to the gym with me yesterday. Initially they protested, but they got over it when I promised them a muffin afterwards. I was tempted to just hit the treadmill but then I realized that a class was about to start. Kardio Kickboxing. The teacher, Bonnie, is one of my gym’s most popular teachers. She is really, really tough and hard core.

I was actually scared to take the class! It’s been so long and I felt so out of shape. However, I stuck to it and I survived. I am feeling so sore today. Feels good. I missed this feeling.

Tomorrow, I plan on taking a Body Pump class. And, afterwards, I will need to rush my daughters to the dentist. A mother’s work is never done. But, she should certainly look and feel as good as possible while doing it!