Mdgwrites Challenges, Class Diaries, Confidence

Being Okay With Where You Are

Exercises-to-Nurture-Self-Compassion-RM-1440x810

“Yoga is about being okay with where you are today,” said the teacher as we slowly worked our way through poses in a mid-morning class. I’m not sure the ancient Yogic scriptures included that in their philosophy, but hey, it’s a nice thing to hear on a Monday morning. I’ve been practicing yoga for twenty years, and have for the most part been totally okay with those days when I’m more wobbly or the decline in my flexibility over the years. I’m pretty chill with where I am, at least on the mat.
Continue reading “Being Okay With Where You Are” →

Mdgwrites Challenges, Class Diaries, Confidence, Leadership

“Everything That Irritates Us About Others Can Lead Us to an Understanding of Ourselves”–Carl Jung

123-woman-reflected-in-broken-mirror300sq-medium_new

The other day right as taekwondo class ended I let a seven-year-old get under my skin. We were collecting our shoes and water bottles after a hard cardio workout when she remarked with wonder, “Wow, we didn’t take a break at all.”
“I know,” I said, “But we can handle it. We’re tough. We’re bo dans after all.”
She paused for a moment and said, “Bo dahns” matter-of-factly and trotted off to meet her mother.
Continue reading ““Everything That Irritates Us About Others Can Lead Us to an Understanding of Ourselves”–Carl Jung” →

Mdgwrites Challenges, Class Diaries

Anger Management

mad kitty

“Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!” – Emperor Palpatine, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

You gotta love a great villain, especially one with deliciously quotable lines like Emperor Palpatine from the Star Wars series. (Besides, that overused Yoda quote “Do or not do, there is no try” is a bunch of smarmy self-righteous crap.) Palpatine’s taunting statement made me think about anger, how we express it, when to use it to our advantage, and when to let it go.
Continue reading “Anger Management” →