Still trying to convince Javi he ENJOYS sailing 😉
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou Small Acts
Big Impact I recently read an interesting article about the power behind small acts of kindness. Dick Kazan, a 79 year old man in California, greets people passing by his home with a smile and wave. Every morning. That’s it. And guess what? People love it! In fact, folks have talked about the positive impacts that ripple out from this small gesture. The kids are really all in! Many smile and wave enthusiastically in return. What I was especially intrigued by though is the reasoning behind Mr. Kazan’s outreach. At 46 he was materially successful, but he also understood he was not a very nice person. Now, he delights in the small, intentional acts of kindness because he knows they build community and connection. I try and remind myself of this, and the Maya Angelou quotation up above 👀⬆️, during moments of challenge. Yes, in the heat of busy summer, people may challenge us at times. But, better to lead with light and love because we all need the moment of grace. So, take a deep breath everyone. Enjoy the moment. And remember to be kind, Unless you can be fantastic. Then, be fantastically kind! ♥️ Let’s all lead with love and light, ~m
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“Our purpose is to put a name, a face, and a place to every cup of coffee you drink.” ~ Bob & Michelle Fish, Co-Founders of One Bigg Island in Space Escaping Our Own Mind
Listening with Both Ears There’s lots I want to share about my time in Nicaragua. First, the coffee farm we stayed on is GORGEOUS! No matter where we were throughout the 360 acres, everything was:
All that said, it’s the PEOPLE who made this trip so memorable:
On top of all that, I was able to lead yoga classes in the morning for whomever wanted to attend. If you’ve been in class with me, you know sometimes I give this unusual yoga cue: “Try listening with both of your ears.” While you may not think of our ears as having anything to do with yoga, this is a quick way to separate ourselves from the constant chatter that rattles around in our head. When we focus on trying to hear with both ears, we get outside of our head and into the soundscape that surrounds us. I teach in a lot of different environments, so sometimes this cue is less helpful. Who wants to tune into the noise of a highway or the loud lawnmowers and leaf blowers buzzing around? 🤪 But at El Recreo, this was the BEST cue imaginable. We listened to animated bird songs and bubbling waterfalls. I hope that soundscape stays with me, because it’s an imprint my nervous system needs! ♥️ So, take a moment to settle into a peaceful place and try it! Try listening with both of your ears. Reach far away for a sound. Then, bring your listening within to explore your own breath. Enjoy 5 - 10 rounds of expansive, even breathing. See how much better you feel?! 🥰 Yoga does not have to be complicated to be impactful, and it can happen anywhere! With love and light, ~m
Hope to see you at Red Dock on Sunday | 3 - 7 P! 🎉🎤🥰
“I’m glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility.” ~ Nikki Giovanni Lessening the Stress
Elevating our Lives The 4th of July may seem like a funny day to think about getting quiet within. 😉 But, when so much else is heightened around us, it’s even more important to have the tools that keep us grounded and connected. Today, a short note. A sweet reminder:
And, a quick heads up. No newsletter next week. I’ll be back in coffee land; this time Nicaragua! 🇳🇮 My classes at Satya, Lakeshore Resort, and Yacht Club are STILL ON! 💪🏽 I look forward to sharing stories of my adventures 🥰 Happy holiday, ~m P.S. Mike’s Band is playing at Red Dock, right when I return! 🎉 Sunday, July 14 | 3 - 7 P Guest Vocals by my dear friend, and fellow traveler, Michelle Fish Trust me, you WANT to hear her sing!! 🎤 I hope to see you there! |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
August 2024
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