My favorite corner of my office
Like many people, I have a busy life full of deadlines and obligations, so Office Yoga 101 might just be for you. While taking a yoga class regularly can help retrain your brain to breath and relax there is no quick cure for realigning our default in times of stress. One of the most rewarding practices I have kept ever since I started to study yoga, which was college in the 90’s, is creating altars at home and at the office.
Since visual reminders are very helpful to me, I enjoy making an altar that serves as a rock to help me ground into myself, my knowing, gifts, and strengths. Which is why you will see many rocks in and around my personal spaces. The rocks from the photo you see above are a collection from my travels over the years: Tahoe – Argentina – Colorado – Belize – California – Montana – Mexico and so many more.
One of the greatest things about keeping an altar is that you can keep it current, maybe you find a acorn or a shell while taking a soul searching watch. A simple memento like this can take you back to the peace you felt, the revelation you had, the kind stranger you met. Let any critical thoughts fall away and realize that no one has to know it holds a special place for you, this is for you by you.
This morning I slept in with my kitty cat and felt rushed when I got to the office only to realize I missed a meeting this morning. Not even the empty parking lot clued me into this oversight. And then, of course! Instead of going into beating myself up, I picked up my camera and struck a pose. A tree pose that is and just allowed my humanness to wash over me.
The reality is I haven’t stood in tree pose just breathing and smiling in too long so I was GRATEFUL to miss the meeting this morning. I was able to see how much I have grown into being more centered and calm, less judgmental and critical of myself. In all fairness, often times the most extreme criticism comes from ourselves and in the recent past I would have kicked myself for the mistake all day. To me, yoga has broader implications than putting on my Lululemon pants and heading to the yoga studio or gym for 90 minutes. It is creating the space for me to be my best in every moment.
The painting you see is one of my favorite pieces of art and it has a special significance for me so I placed it opposite my desk. Which means I have the best view of it while I am on the phone or working away on my computer. Simply put, it makes me smile and feel light.
In reality, we have altars all over the place: a photo of a loved one on our desk, a special candle we light, a flower arrangement… Make an effort to keep your space current, let those keepsakes feed your soul. In other words, donate that expensive but-not-quite-your-style crystal vase your ex gave you and replace it with a green colored glass one that you found at a local thrift store for $2 but makes you smile from ear to ear.
Smiles and Sunshine from the BlissinGypsy xo