Eyes open. Out of bed. Feet on floor. Unfold my spine. Deep breath in. As I inhale, reaching my arms in a wide semi circle until they meet, above my head. Placing my palms together, I look up, leting go in my shoulders, not letting them creep up around my ears. My feet rooted on the floor, my legs strong, I look up pushing out through my fingertips. I feel the stretch run through my body. I feel muscles uncurl. I feel space take shape in my mind.
Stretching is an essential part of my day. As I write, I sit up straight in my chair. I raise my arms to shoulder height. I push out through my fingers. I feel my shoulders loosen. The tightness from typing in my hands and wrists eases. I breathe. Long deep breaths from my diaphrym. In Out. IN - 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 OUT - 1 - 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. I turn my palm up on the left and then the right, I twist my arms backwards. All the while breathing.
In Out. IN - 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 OUT - 1 - 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10.
Longer on the exhale than inhale. IN OUT.
Why don't you try these two really simple stretches and breathing exercises today?
I am linking up with Lisa Jo and the Five Minute Friday Community. I hope you will join us here.
Today I had lunch with my pal Jenny. We used to work a couple of blocks from each other, and would have had lunch at least once a week for a couple of years. We went to a noodle bar, and I put so much chilli in my soup, that tears streamed down my face - but it was still delicious! I am a bit fan of chilli - a recipe coming! There is nothing better than being able to sit down with a great chum, and share life, to talk about the good and the bad, the things that have been bothering us, and the things, that have made us smile. Having someone to share your story, to listen, and suggest things to you, to ask questions, and allow us to process what is happening, is really amazing. It brings us perspective, and helps us see life differently, it allows us to truly live. I am so thankful for my friends.
Jam and Bread - this is one of the pics I took to accompany an article I wrote this week. Can you ever beat jam and bread? Such simple food, what a delightful taste, it brings such pleasure to just look at, and munch on.
I got this dvd on Monday, and I LOVE it. Seriously, if you are looking for something new to mix in with your workout, you just have to try it. Mandy's approach is really relaxed, entertaining, and exciting, it makes me want to be the best me possible. Iknow that this is a DVD that I will do again and again, and again. In fact I will be adding some of these moves to my daily workouts. Do you have a favourite workout DVD, or regime you like to practice? I would love to hear about it.
I love to exercise. Doing something physical with my body on a daily basis makes me feel great. It could be as simple as taking a walk, getting outside and enjoying nature; or working out to a DVD like the one I have mentioned. Or going running with others, or taking a class. Even though I exercise inside quite a bit, nothing beats a run along a beach, doing a stretch against some rocks, or taking a walk in the mountains. We live on an amazing planet, full of such beauty. I for one want to enjoy it.
This song has been making me smile, and reminding me of a simple truth - we are amazing - all of us, every single one of us - no matter what is going on with you just now, how you feel - do you know you are amazing.
Seriously say it out loud, say it with meaning, and believe it 'YOU ARE AMAZING, EXACTLY AS YOU ARE.'
I read this blog today, and loved the content, and the idea of expressing our emotions through movement. As I pursue my own art, taking risks, and trying to live those out, as best I can, with grace, and understanding these lines of Martha Graham resonate with me - "Willing to risk everything, driven by a burning passion, she dedicated herself absolutely to her art. “I did not choose to be a dancer,” she often said. “I was chosen.” "
I am simply in love with this magazine. There are so many magazines out there it can be hard to know which one to chose on any given day. But this mag is one since I read my first copy a few months ago, I am not ever going to be without. For the last two years I have been reading my brother's copies of Men's Health, and wishing, and longing for there to be a decent quality magazine out there like that for women. One with exercise tips, fashion, food, thoughts, great articles, good photographs, and all that good stuff. Scan as I did the newsagent's shelves, I could never find it, and then, hiding in the corner, Women's Health, leapt out at me. It is an American mag, and I haven't been able to find an Irish version, but I don't care, it is simply one of the best reads ever. It is a one stop magazine for all kinds of essential tips, and it makes me really happy to get hold of the latest copy, and read it cover-to-cover. Tonight inspired by the recipes in the May edition I made these for tea, and trust me, they were grrrrrrrrreat.
I took these photos of my friend lastweek. She didn't know I was taking them, and I love her beautiful she looks, and the story her face tells.
by Nics
