Celebrate::Love

Above is my latest creation from the art studio. Today is my roommate Jennifer's birthday. And, I wanted to make her a piece of art for her birthday which was inspiring, beautiful, and fun. Hopefully, the artwork will add a little happiness to her day. Even though I had a really busy week (I had two meetings and managed 6 special events), I managed to squeeze out a few creative sessions in my art studio and do a bit of creative browsing at the bookstore. I don't consider time in the studio as hard work. I look at it as "me time." Time where I look for creative ideas from other artists, revisit old pieces of art work or images I have collected, and pull together something new and beautiful. It is also a time for me to feel re-energized, rested, and renewed. I get to put aside my work grind and just be present in something fun.

I found the above picture during my bookstore browsing last week! The magazine Somerset Workshop Magazine has some really great ideas, and they even have step-by-step explanations for how to do their projects. The magazine issue focused on creative lettering, fabric art, old paper and brushes. The above photo used old sheet music as the background for the artwork and used antique paper for the dress. It got my mind jogging, and it reminded me of a project I did last fall for my 2D class at the Glassell.

I had an old class assignment where my teacher told us to take some rubbings of various textures and layer them to recreate a photo from a magazine. I decided to use my textured rubbings to create a woman's dress. My classmate and instructor liked the idea I used. I decided to combine the ideas from the magazine and my class to create Jennifer's artwork.

Lately, I love using words in my artwork and the words "celebrate" and "love" came to mind. In Ecclesia, we have been going through James in the Bible. James is a very humbling chapter because it talks about how we are to live in relationship and community. And so even though being in the studio is my "me time," I was inspired to use my artwork as a way to connect and share with others. I think ultimately that's why God creates in us gifts. Yeah, it's great to see what you are able to do with God's help, but ultimately, how will you share and seek others out?

I think it gives more intention to my artwork when I think about giving it to others. Perhaps I wouldn't be inspired to do a good job or have the motivation to create if it was all about myself. Are there talents and gifts that you are hiding? Do you ever think how your gifts could really affect others? It's an interesting thing to think about and I hope this post helps you celebrate love and seek out others more bringing the gifts that are already present in your life.

Monthly Musings & Hooray for Fall!

Goodness! The weather is getting cooler and crisper like a delicious salad. (heheheh) Have you been able to enjoy the temperatures and take a look outside? Above are my photos from the decadent and peaceful women's retreat I went to a couple of weekends ago. Cat Spring is always so beautiful. The downtime was much, much needed and refreshing. A few of my workouts have been outside too. Thanks to Lululemon, Jacob and I were able to do a bootcamp in this lovely weather.

So, I am here to check in with my monthly musings and reflections. Hmmm... let's see. In my next post, I will place my October Dreams. Oooh la la!

September Dreams Reflection

* Continue working in the art studio creating, scheming, planning potential small business ideas and research: Sad to say, but I have not really fulfilled this goal this past month. I checked into my art studio ONCE this past month. And, I have not really done much planning and scheming. BUT... two good things have come out of this. I am working with my friend Kathy to do an Artist's Way book club with craft AND I led a couple of yoga sessions. I did get some very positive feedback on these two projects. Must create manageable goals for this month. sigh.... Be patient and continue moving.

* Lots of reading, reading, and reading: all about connecting to compassion, love and spirit. Crucial Conversations, Sacred Commerce and Artist's Way I am about four chapters into "Crucial Conversations". And, Lauren and I will be taking the Crucial Conversations training (for FREE!) at our work starting this month. I am a little nervous about it, but I do recognize that communicating when the stakes are high is a crucial skill any professional must hone. "Sacred Commerce" is a very inspiring read. I am about halfway done with the book, and it speaks about enlightenment in the work place. I would like to delve into more reviews this month. "Artist's Way" is moving along. It is always an inspiring read. And, coincidentally, I found an article by the author Julia Cameron in this month's SELF magazine. Plus, I will be doing a book club soon! So excited!

* Women's Community - exercising, yoga, sharing, connecting with other women (book club, retreat) I really got to indulge in this. Super kudos. I have been doing the Athletic Conditioning classes, checking out free classes at Lululemon, and running with Brian O'Neills. I am trying to earn my 10 runs to get my free shirt from BON. I have five more to go. I have two lady workout partners, my co-worker Lauren and my friend Melissa. Yoga at the retreat was awesome. I am inspired to continue looking into yoga training because it has been quite enjoyable. Meeting with women at the retreat was energizing, and I look forward to the Artist's Way.

* Artist Dates - ideas and schedule in the time (Art! Foodie Trips! Movies! Museums!) One evening in the studio, watched the delightful chick flick "Eat, Pray, Love" (such a cute movie), took a walk to see the D-17 installation art at the Rice Art Gallery, spent a couple of sessions flipping through magazines in the book store (I can spend hours doing that!), did a little bit of doodling from walking through the Menil, and went to the Texas Art Supply and bought a new journal. It's bright canary yellow.

* Continue blogging and reflecting (4 articles : food, spirit, and art) WOW! I really did well for this goal! I made 11 blog posts. Four on my food blog at http://tastelivecreate.blogspot.com/ and seven on this blog. Writing and sharing is such a fun way for me to share my stories and experiences.

* Meaningful events and programs planned and created inspired with doses of community and energy I am continuing to grow in this way. We SOLD OUT of our block of tickets twice at the Rice/ UT game. I think we also had fun at the fabulous and swanky lounge, Lucky Strike, for our young alumni and athletics event. It was a little challenging to get people to come, but in the end, I thought it was a nice event. We are rolling out a series of events for homecoming. We'll be trying out this frequent flyer card which will be really cute. If you attend three parties, you get a beer glass. I will have to eat my Wheaties that week!

* Financial Goals - fall planning and decluttering Now that I have paid off my car, I would like to focus on continuing to save. Two goals are to follow a budget and get $1000 in my emergency savings.

* Further development - cooking, french, art, and gmat Cooking has been good. I have been working through a couple of Jamie Oliver recipes on our date nights. But, as far as French, art, and gmat, I would say I lacked in growth in these areas. Should be more specific and manageable on my goals in this development bit.

* Get spiritual - Continue morning pages (2x a week) and 5 artist date trips I feel like my morning pages are one of the most consistent things about me. I do start to feel like I am missing something if I DON'T write them. I feel like it is synchronous with the "clearing" concept in Sacred Commerce. We can't be present and compassionate in our experiences if we are holding onto deep pain and distractions. From my mention about, I did do 7 artist date trips. Plus, I have been reconnecting with church this past month: 3 visits on Sundays, the retreat, meeting up with a couple of people from church, and volunteering a little bit.

* Career - find good ideas, trends, and keep things fresh Again, I must have more specific goals in this area. I was really inspired by Stephanie Bradshaw in August. She had some great tips for keeping things fresh and innovative. I feel like my work needs to continue to be creative and new. I like her work- http://www.fashionforthehome.com/

"Sacred Commerce": Business as a Path of Awakening

I have started reading a book called "Sacred Commerce" after hearing the authors Matthew and Terces Englehart in an interview. I was really captured by their positive and compassionate perspectives especially when it came down to their work. They are very motivated by love and have written a book which challenges our thoughts on business.

They base their business on four standards, PASS.

P= profit=love of enterprise

A= awakening=love of transformation

S= sustainable=love of Earth or the whole

S= service=love of community

I was also captured by their clearing process. Clearing in the text is defined as "a basic technique for distinguishing how the past is impacting the present and then presenting an opportunity to create something new and shift one's attention to something more empowering." Clearing is used in their business Cafe Gratitude, and it works on investing in the employees. They spend time communicating with each other in order to have workers who can be more present, feel part of a community which listens, and ultimately feel empowered.

The keys to clearing are to be present, listen, and create something new. You begin by asking the person, "What are you present to?" Then, you listen! Don't fix. Just listen. You may want to reassure them by that you are listening by re-telling back to them what the person said. Don't come up with solutions. Just sit there and listen. Finally, shift the experience by asking them something new. For example, "What are you grateful for?"You end the clearing session by acknowledging the person for being honest.

Most recently, I have read another chapter on "The Art of Sacred Service." The author recounts a time he had a dream that he was asked by Jesus to serve at The Last Supper. Coincidentally, this was at a time when he was stuck in a rut and tired of of serving people day after day. He wondered when people were going to serve him.

But, when presented with the opportunity to serve, the author realized that "the highest calling and the mark of a true leader [is] to be the servant of all." So when employees are cleared from their personal crisis and emotions, they are able to serve in their jobs better. They can pay attention to their clients and be present. The present is the only place people can take action, and service is an expression of love.

Wow! It's hard to think about work in that way sometimes, especially when people feel bogged down with drama, dysfunction, and stress. Can you imagine what it would be like if you and your colleagues that of themselves as servants who were extensions of love? How do you convert your negative feelings (overwhelming obligations, being stuck, or feeling unappreciated) into feelings of love? How can we start to think about our workplace as opportunities to present love to others?

Fall Fitness Goals

Last week, my colleague took me to her lunch time athletic conditioning class. It is really fun to have a mid-day break and be physically challenged. Our trainer asked us to create a list of goals for ourselves. Something we can focus on as to why we are going to her class, and hopefully what we want to get out of coming. So, I gave it a little bit of thought and decided to have some creative fun with it. So, I decided to make a tiny accordian book on my goals and went a little crazy gluing fun paper on some leftover cards.

I decided on five fitness goals:

1. Be challenged: I often fall into doing the same old thing, and my body gets bored. With all the burpees, push-ups, intervals, and sprints, I know that my body is having to move in new ways. Sore muscles the next morning also show that my body is being challenged in a variety of exercises.

2. Have a positive way to manage stress: I think this is very key. Sometimes we harbor a lot of resentment, frustration, and worry. I think working out on a regular basis puts our minds at ease and takes the edge off of our concerns. It definitely puts me in a better mood to face life's challenges.

3. Have a stronger core: I know that I have made improvements in this area in the past, but I'd like to get stronger abdomimal muscles. Anything that will challenge this part of my body is definitely a good thing. Plus, it makes swimsuit season more enjoyable.

4. Have a stronger upper body: We have been doing so many different kinds of push-ups. And, since I am in my thrities, I know it is important to start strength training and building muscle because women begin to lose muscle mass at my age. I also think it will be nice to have toned arms when I wear sleevless tops.

5. Have fun! It is so much fun discovering how much stronger and energetic I can be. Working out with a group of good-natured women all striving to stay fit and have little fun is very motivating. If your workouts aren't fun, there is no way you can sustain the discipline to do them. So, I hope these workouts help me feel good.

Gearing up for the Fall

So the fall weather hasn't really caught up down here in Texas, but as I wait for cooler temperatures, I am anticipating upcoming frivolity, resting and connecting at our church's annual women's retreat.

I am looking forward to:

1. Solo road tripping: So technically this isn't a very long drive from the inner loop, but I like loading up podcasts and songs on my radio and driving down I-10. Here are a couple of my favorite podcasts: tranquility du jour and working class foodies.

2. Yoga: I'll get to share my yoga practice with others. I'm excited that we'll be carving out time to go into downward dog, practice grounding exercises and work on our breathing. It should be fun to do yoga in the morning instead of having the rushed pace of getting ready for work this weekend.

3. Connecting with Like-Minded Women: I am always amazed by the women that I meet at this retreat. A few of the retreaters are ladies I still hang out with on a regular basis. A lot of them have done some really inspiring things (trained for the MS 150, gone on the grad school, creatively inclined) and are very humble, grounded people. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people. I heard once that you should always be aware of the new people you meet in your life. It is often a sign of inspiration and fresh new perspectives that God wants to give you in your life.

4. Nature: With weather permitting, it will be nice to have a change of scenery. It is nice to get out of the city and actually see the night sky. I also enjoy just sitting and resting outside on the grass with a good book or catching up with an old friend. I also look forward to lacing up my sneakers and running down a country road. Very, very energizing - and sure as heck, beats running on a treadmill.

5. Delicious Food: Unlike a lot of cafeterias, the food at this retreat center is always so delicious. Retreats should have wholesome, good-tasting foods. It's a must while you work on feeding your soul and body.

6. Most importantly retreating = resting: I like how retreats get you out of your usual zone of work, home, and social life. Changing environments and mixing up the people you normally hang out with are crucial steps when you are ready to do some thinking. You may find a new idea or you may get the nap you were begging for this whole week. You can relax without worrying about the chores that have to get done or the social outing you want to cram into your weekend. Stepping out of our environment helps us get a deeper connection to God and our true authentic selves.

Cardio! Cardio! Cardio!

One of the quotes on Lululemon's manifesto is "SWEAT once a day to regenerate your skin." I firmly believe that exercise should be a daily thing. Sometimes it can't be daily, but I try to get at least 3-5 sweat sessions in. This fall I have been transitioning back to doing more intense workouts, and I am happy to say that I have logged in about 14 workouts thus far in September. Not bad for being the 20th day of the month.

September Highlights
1. Make it a workout date. Sometimes the only quality time that my beau and I have during the work week is fitting in a workout. We've tried out spinning, running around campus, lifting weights at home, and swimming at the gym. I think it's good because we get to see each other and vent out our frustrations through a workout.

2. Checking out events at Lululemon and Yoga One: I enjoy stopping by Lululemon and the studio at Yoga One to see what they have to offer. Many times Lululemon has free events you can check out during the week. I've tried out capoeira, a margarita fun run, yoga, and muscle strengthening. Yoga One has great teachers, and they often have specific workshops you can try out for belly dancing, yoga for athletes, or yoga with a dj - just to name a few.

3. Schedule in a mid-day workout or a mini 15 minute break. I've read somewhere that the biggest opportunity for people to push your buttons can be at the office. If you are fortunate enough to have a gym at work, try it out. Get a colleague with you and try a group fitness class, jump on a treadmill or lift some weights. Sometimes that mid-day workout just helps ease tension and give you the energy you need to face the rest of your day.

4. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Don't forget to use your water bottle. Take with you on your workouts especially during spin class or athletic conditioning. Water will help you avoid cramps and flush out toxins in your body. Plus, it makes your skin look great.

5. Food - protein, nuts, fruits and veggies! I try to know myself. I don't like eating or drinking too much before a strenuous workout. It is however important to put protein back into your system post workout. I've also noticed the more I workout, the more in tune I am to my body's needs. I am less likely to eat over-sized portions, and I don't feel bad if I have a beer on occasion. I think honing in on what foods are tasty and rewarding yourself along the way is crucial.

Reflections from Free Day of Yoga

Last Labor Day was the official free day of yoga. Jacob and I decided to check out the free class at YogaOne Studio in midtown. This was our first time to try forrest yoga, so I dug up a little bit of information on what it was. According to the Forrest Yoga website:

"The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. Our mission is to create in each of us a sense of freedom, a connection to our spirit and the courage to walk as our spirit dictates; thus, doing our part in "Mending the Hoop of the People". Forrest Yoga will teach you to Go Deeper, find your Truth and encourage you to take these gifts you have earned Beyond the Mat into the rest of your life."

For many people unfamilar to yoga, the philosophies of yoga can seem a bit new age, goofy, or maybe even granola. Don't let the smooth taste fool you. Practicing authentic yoga takes a lot of dedication, time, and patience. And, like a lot of experiences in life, yoga is what you make of it.

Intention: In our crazy, hyped-up worlds filled with so much stuff coming at us, it is often hard to find focus. We are fulled in so many different directions. The beautiful thing about yoga is starting off with an intention - a meaningful reason for taking the time to go to your mat. Is there something that has been bothering you? Release your concerns on the mat and let go. Is there a blessing you would like to send forth into the world? Let your hope for a good day and new experiences be your focus for your practice.

Breathing: Once you've set an intention, your breathe-work is what will push you through your yoga practice. Deep breathes have a way of moving us away from fight or flight reactions. Breathing can slow down your thoughts, heartrate, and clear your mind. When you are trying to stand in a challenging pose or trying to rest in savasana, breathing can put your mind into focus and help you work through difficulties. I sometimes think of breathing as that awkwardness that we go through during lifes' transitions and challenges.

Stretching: There is a lot of stretching involved in yoga. Your aim in yoga is to have flexibility and space in your limbs, chest, back, and ultimately in your heart and mind. Partnering with your breath can help lengthen the tight spots in your body as you stretch. The stretchs should never be painful, but it should have a dose of challenge in the pose.

Strengthening: As you continue trying out new sequences and poses, you will be amazed at how strong and confident your body can become. You'll start to find stability in your legs as you do a tree pose. And, you'll start to feel strength in core as you slowly move your legs up for a headstand. With patience and time, you can really see your body grow and change.

Prayer: The purpose of yoga has always been for us to relax our bodies and minds in order for us to pray and meditate. Running off after doing all the hard physical sequences and not doing your savasana/resting pose completely defeats that purpose. Your body is stretched and challenged and your ending prayer and meditation in resting pose is where you reap all the benefits of your practice. Sometimes, your mind will be racing around like a monkey. It will be difficult to let your mind stay clear. But, kindly and gently always try to re-focus and let go during your meditation. With humble beginnings, you will eventually start to build more compassion and patience for yourself and ultimately for others and for God.

Beyond the Mat: I honestly believe that having a regular yoga practice can work wonders in your life outside of the studio. When you're in a long meeting, you can practice doing long deep breathes. While your waiting in line at the grocery store, slow down your focus and stand on one foot. Your mind will also be more relaxed and focused when facing difficulty. When you are having a rough day, maybe you'll consider pampering yourself and doing a yoga sequence, journaling, meditating and a hot bath.

We all need that time for ourselves. Yoga can be an long hour or yoga can also be a few deep breathes. Yoga is about resting, stretching, and balancing not only in body and spirit, but in our lives.