Thankful for Thankful Thursday 🙂
Here is my list:
Friends!
I got to see my very dear friends over the weekend in Mono,Ontario…we had a long lazy chatty lunch at the lovely Mono Cliffs Inn. And then we went trail walking in the snow and the magical peaceful winter…ten of us who’ve been friends for a long time, and it is just so joyful to see them every couple of months. No need to pretend to be anyone else…to just be, laugh, share, and hang out…a perfect winter’s Saturday afternoon indeed.
SNOW
Oh how I love the snow! I did not know that till, after having a crappy cold winter when I was sick of being SO COLD all the time, and having a hard time walking on all the ice on the sidewalk, I got to see and feel REAL SNOW! It lifted up my spirits from the depths of hating winter, to remembering that I also love it, in its own harsh complex way. And then the big snow fall we woke up to on Sunday morning…that just made me happy and light for all of the day. Even Monday seemed light and easy when I didn’t feel weighed down by my depressed mood with regards to winter. I am in love again…
My Yoga Practice
If you read my post earlier about waking up early, you would know that I have been using up my extra hour for practicing yoga. And by practice I really mean it. Because I am not doing interesting funky flows every morning, but doing the same few things over and over. My draw to Ashtanga form of yoga means I have to get very specific both about the movements, as well as the sequence of the poses. So starting out with practicing ten perfect sun salutations followed by standing poses…that is it. I am far from perfect at this point, but I am practicing, and feel like I am getting stronger. The in-person yoga class felt a little bit easier. And for first thing in the morning, counting my breaths, going with the same movements but discovering their nuances a little bit more…all of that is very hard, but also very calming in its repetition and effort. For finding this rhythm and time in my life, I am thankful.
For the Cheque from the Government
All adults receive a cheque for $200 from the provincial government this month. Whatever the reason for it, I am happy to have this little extra. And I know exactly how I am going to spend it! My in-person yoga class pass has run out, and they have a Valentine’s Day special for 2 extra classes with a ten class pass…so that is exactly where my little gift of this cheque is going. I sure am not complaining for this bonus mat time 🙂
For all the walking
It is cold, yes, but I am car-less as well since my car is gone to get fixed for 3-4 weeks. Which means, I have been brave and walking every where. To the gym, to the grocery store, to the yoga class, and just wandering around whenever I have time. Starting with the goal of simply walking more for the month of January, I have kept up, and getting a whole lot more steps than last winter. And I realized that once I get in the rhythm, I don’t mind the cold, and love just being outside and moving. And having just finished the book “Wanderers: A History of Women Walking” that I wrote my post about yesterday, I sure am inspired to walk. My body and my brain love this low key activity to be lost in, and I always come back happy…here’s to more walking in my life.