Stop apologizing for your existence!

This is the first in a series of "Lessons Learned in Forrest Yoga Teacher Training."
I spent the month of October in an intensive (to put it mildly!) yoga teacher training in Houston, Texas, with the wonderful yogi, Ana Forrest. The first learning directive I received was "stop apologizing for your existence!" How quickly Ana and her assistants saw through my exterior.   "Apologizing" is a pattern I've operated under since I was a young child. 
The most noticeable way this shows up is automatically saying "Sorry" even when it's not applicable or I don't mean it.  Other examples are saying "Sorry" about something over which I have no control, and for minor mistakes that are common to all and no big deal. Another is apologizing when I feel the need to ask for help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help!
I've found that a good way to become more aware of this tendency in myself is to notice when others say "Sorry," and note whether it's meaningful or simply automatic and unnecessary.  This helps me pay more attention to "Sorry" coming out of my mouth. 
It's an ongoing learning process, to be sure.  And I'm NOT sorry about that :)
Love and joy,
Leta

Celebrate!

Each of us truly does many things each day worthy of celebration, even if it's just a couple of steps of "happy dance." Yet we tend to focus on what we did wrong, or what we didn't do that we should have done, or that we are simply inadequate in general. This focus does not support well-being on any level. 
Instead, let's change thought by thought by thought, the way change truly happens anyway.  Right now, think of something you've done in the last hour, no matter how small, and celebrate it.  I went to both the Farmers' Market and the grocery store. Though these seem like ordinary activities, I can celebrate that it is a beautiful morning to be outside, I was able to smile at lots of folks, I stocked our frig with fresh healthy food, and I saved my husband from having to do the shopping chores later. See-even the routine activities have lots to celebrate if we give ourselves a positive focus rather than the negative one. I'll let you in on a personal secret--when I do something I feel especially good about, I say to myself, "Damn, I'm good!"  It makes me smile, and it inspires me to keep the joy flowing, and CELEBRATE IT!
Love and joy,
Leta

Super Learning Opportunity in Wichita...

Leta’s “LOVE YOUR LIFE!” Class

An in-depth book study of The Journey Home, The Story of Michael Thomas and the Seven Angels

This book is a Kryon (www.kryon.com) parable rich in loving and uplifting spiritual wisdom.  We'll look at its meaning and application in daily life.  The class will be an extremely "Feel Great!" experience.

Kryon is a channeled entity similar to Abraham that comes through Esther Hicks (Money and The Law of Attraction, etc.).

The class is 8 weeks long, Thursday evenings from 7-9:30 pm. September 1/8/15/22, NO OCTOBER CLASSES, November 3/10/17, December 1

The cost is $150.  A deposit of $25 reserves your place in the class.  The balance is due by the end of the class--you do not have to pay it all up front!  The class will be held at Leta’s home in Wichita. Class size is limited to 12--get your reservation in early.  You need to purchase your own copy of the book--it is available on the Kryon website or Amazon.  There are NO prerequisites for this class, all are welcome!

Foolishness is a good thing...

This quote comes from my mother-in-law's church bulletin, author unknown:
"May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."

Every single one of us DOES make a difference in the world.  We would not bother coming here if that were not the case.  So yes, let's have the foolishness to put ourselves to good use!  Do you have the confidence, courage, and persistence to try new things, or do you live in fear of failure or of what others may think of you? 

There's an element of joy and fun in "foolishness"--it truly is an adventure to push yourself beyond what you think are your limits.  Those personal limits don't actually exist--we can always do at least a bit more than we think we can.

I can think of lots of things that others claimed could not be done: people flying, a man on the moon, cures for various diseases, portable phones, and so on.  What great idea is lying within you? Do us all a favor and let your foolishness shine!
Blessings!
Leta

Persistence and Patience

If one hangs out in time and space long enough, they'll inevitably learn it's through the twin gateways of persistence and patience that masters become masters, of all things.  Mike Dooley, Notes from the Universe

Persistence and patience—two things that require practice.  Speaking of practice, truly I believe that is the story of life here on earth.  Practice, practice, practice.  As babes, we practice walking until we “get it.” We practice reading and writing until we “get it.” Relationships are a life-long practice.  I could go on and on.   

One practice I especially love is yoga.  Not only is it good for me physically, but it also helps me tremendously with the aforementioned persistence and patience.  Persistent dedication to yoga has enabled me to develop great love for and patience with my body, and these spread into every area of my life.  The breathing practice that is an essential element of yoga gives me a vibrantly healthy, well-oxygenated body.  The balance practice in yoga brings balance into all aspects of living.  Yoga is definitely a path to mastery—why not give it a try?

Practicing joy,

Leta

A goofy quote

I heard this last night on Baseball Tonight, and I missed who said it--all I can say is that it's not original to me. 

"If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."  This made me laugh out loud.  It makes my brain go, "Huh!?!?!"  I'm thinking it probably takes as much energy to FAKE sincerity as it does to just be sincere.  It's a goofy thought, but fun to roll around in your head.
Have a great weekend!
Cheers and joy (sincerely!),
Leta

Generosity and Gratitude

"Generosity and gratitude turn good into great."  Mike Dooley, Notes from the Universe

I was blessed with a wonderful father who was extremely generous, both with me and everyone else, and who spoke frequently about how blessed the Miller family is.  He had a great handle on the spirit of Mike Dooley's quote.

I appreciate my dad's wisdom so much, and seek to apply this principle in my life daily.  Sure, generosity can mean giving money, but it also means smiling at folks, not being in a hurry, making eye contact, holding a door open, saying "please" and "thank you"--you get it, small acts of kindness add up to a generous spirit.  

Gratitude--that's pretty self-explanatory.  Start with the fact that you can read this blog--eyes to see, brain to comprehend, technology to deliver it, and so on.  If you can't whole-heartedly say, "I love my life!", it's time for some self-examination.  

Lovin' life, spreadin' joy!

Leta