Buried in Winter, Basking in Light

How can we be buried in winter but bask in light?  All I've heard around me is complaints about the cold, the snow, the endless snow STORMS, this longing for something else.  Anything but this we yell!  I find that snow and winter and the piercing cold touches upon our seeds of anger and depression.  Knowing that another day will be cold, gray, and perhaps snowy just makes us want to curl up and go to bed, not face the world, and hibernate until the first sign of the spring crocuses appear.  Or it makes us irritable and angry.I have a better idea!  What if we basked in winter light?  What if we said yes to endless hours of snow shoveling (my life for the last few days).  Maybe we would enjoy that steaming cup of hot chocolate in our palms after, that blazing fire, and that cuddly love nest on the couch in front of your favorite show (with your loved one!)?  Perhaps, dare I say, we would enjoy the opposite forces even more.  Ever notice that a hot cup of tea is most enjoyable on a chilly night?  The sun is much more brilliant when shining off of snow. 
Here's to winter!  I salute you!  I say yes!

Here's what my week looked like!

taught 3 yoga classes
took 4 yoga classes
started tai chi class
artist date at Tiger lily
enjoyed morning book reading
drank  2 freshly squeezed juices
penned valentines and sent by snail mail
attended my first book club meetup
worked 3 shifts at the library
baked vegan chocolate chip oatmeal and flax cookies
savored a rose and chamomile bubble bath to warm bones
meditated twice
worked on yoga business
plenty of sesame oil ayurvedic massages
built a fire
yoga practice by the fire
penned a birthday note
started "Fire and Ice" yoga e-course
shoveled
shoveled
shoveled
enjoyed bright yellow tulips
Cuddling and Sherlock watching
watched Dallas Buyers Club and thoroughly enjoyed
hours of wedding planning

Weekend Plans
work 2 shifts at the library
get reading done
yoga
home pedicure
Valentine's Day celebration
RELAX.....

This Week in Yoga, Life, and Self-Care

I'd like to stay in touch with all of you as much as possible. As you know from my last post I have been focusing on getting organized this year.  My word of the year is: EXPLORE.  I am seeking out activities or things that are outside of my comfort zone.  This month I am starting a Tai Chi class.  Not TOTALLY out of my comfort zone but taking new classes is not my usual homebody self!

Here is my week in review over on Long Island.  What have you been up to?  Keeping track of what is DONE seems to work well with making to-do lists.  See if you can focus on all that you do at the end of the week, and you'll find you are much more productive then you think.  Then sit back and have gratitude for all that you do and are!  PEACE

                                               Beautiful Sunset at Cedar Beach post Work

                                                      Start of snow storm extravaganza

                                             Winter Walk at Avalon Park in Stony Brook, NY

                                                Green Juice: Kale, Apple, Celery, Cucumber
weekly happenings:

taught 3 yoga classes
took 3 yoga classes
shoveled snow 3-5 hours total
built and savored 3 fires
penned February goals
worked on yoga biz and stats
soaked in a rose +chamomile bubble bath
hiked at avalon park
made chocolate chip cookies (Tate's)
savored green juices and kombucha
sent snail-mail love
started e-course on yoga international on agni
made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (gluten free!)
made oatmeal choc. chip cookies w/out butter or eggs!,
enjoyed 3 snow days:
a day off/ 3 class cancellations
worked at library
started "The Circle" by Dave Eggers
meditated 3x. 

this weekend:
ladies book club
tai chi class
yoga
meditation
work at library
artist date at B+N to browse magazines

What have you been enjoying?  What's keeping you bright on these cold winter days?

Peace,
Natalie