Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

by mcaines@gmail.com | Jun 14, 2018 | Uncategorized

Ever have one of those days that you just want to punch in the face?  And by “punch in the face” I don’t mean “take the bull by the horns” or “rock it” or “kill it” in an ambitious way.  I mean a day that you would like to punch in the face, repeatedly.

Well I had one of those yesterday.  I was cranky, crooked, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Tasks were piling up, my three inboxes were flooded, and I had to deal with a few unexpected items that kept me from bigger projects I had planned for the week.

Why am I telling you this?  Because I’m human and humans have bad days.  Because it’s completely 100% normal.  Because there’s a myth out there that people who are yoga teachers, health coaches, wellness professionals, etc. always have their shit together and life is always perfect.  Not. True.

Sure, I’m generally a positive and grateful person but some days are just garbage.  Sometimes I want to unplug everything, put a blanket over my head, and sleep.  Sometimes that feeling lasts 24 hours, sometimes it’s 24 days.

But I know what helps me feel better (good food, meditation, yoga, taking a day off, delegating tasks, talking to a friend) and I know that “this too shall pass,” eventually.   Some times that fuzz and haze is the impetus for making a shift or a change in my schedule or my life.  I try to listen and learn from those times of darkness.

So if you are having a day, know that you are not alone. We’ve all been there.  Let yourself feel what you feel and be sure to reach out to someone for support – there’s always someone to talk to.

Love,
-melanie-
xo

Spring Cleaning for the Soul

by mcaines@gmail.com | Mar 19, 2018 | Uncategorized

As the weather warms and the light brightens there’s a real shift in how we feel, right?  There’s that desire to peel away the layers of the former, cooler months and to shake off what feels old, heavy, stale, and stagnant.  So how can we cleanse ourselves of all the mental & physical crap that can accumulate?

1. Morning Detox: treat yourself to a cup of warm water & the juice of half a lemon every morning.  It’s a great way to cleanse the liver (and who doesn’t need that?!)

2. Twist it out: get on your yoga mat and indulge in some juicy Twists.  Twist help to wring out the internal organs and stimulate the digestion process.  It’s a great way to make some space in there! (Check out my Spring Cleaning: Let’s Twist! practice HERE)

3. Throw it out: consider your surroundings and notice what is collecting dust and taking up space.  Not using it?  Toss it.  You’ll feel better about living and working in a room that’s clean.

4. Clear the mental clutter: a friend of mine says that meditating is like taking a shower for your mind.  There’s a lot going on up there, and sometimes it needs a good scrub.  Consider this intention: “let go of what pains you and embrace what sustains you” or “everything positive in, everything negative out.”  Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes, and with every exhale let go of any negativity, stress, or tension that you are tired of carrying around with you.

And voila – enjoy your brand new, squeaky clean self!

I’m curious: what are you favorite ways to shrug off winter and welcome spring?

-melanie-
xo