Archive for the ‘Yoga’ Category

Stillness is a Powerful Action

March 7th, 2010 JoAnn Guida
Laozi

Image via Wikipedia

As I was reviewing my favorite blogs today, I came across this post written by Leo Babauta and wanted to share it with you.  It’s very informative, very simple but to many hard to do.

After reading the article I can relate to it as I practice Yoga and meditate almost daily.  It is when we can quiet our minds that we allow it to come.  This is how the Law of Attraction works.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.  Namaste!

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“Activity conquers cold,  but stillness conquers heat.” ~ Lao Tzu

It’s a bias of our culture that stillness is regarded as lazy, as being stuck in inaction, as a negative.

It’s not. It’s an action, and a powerful one.

What’s more, it can change your day, and in doing so change your life.

You’re in the middle of a frazzled day, swamped by work and meetings and emails and interruptions, or hassled by kids and phone calls and errands and chores.

You pause. Stay still for a minute, and breathe. You close your eyes, and find a stillness within yourself. This stillness spreads to the rest of your body, and to your mind. It calms you, centers you, focuses you on what you’re doing right now, not on all you have to do and all that has happened.

The stillness becomes a trans-formative action.

Stillness can be a powerful answer to the noise of others. It can be a way to push back against the buzz of the world, to take control. It can remind you of what’s important.

How to Practice
Stillness, oddly, doesn’t come naturally to many people. So practice.

1. Start your day in stillness.

  • Whether it’s sitting with a cup of coffee as the world awakes, or
  • sitting on a pillow and focusing on your breath,
  • stillness is a powerful way to start your day.
  • It sets the tone for things to come. Even 5-10 minutes is great.

2. Take regular stillness breaks.

  • Every hour, set an alarm on your computer or phone to go off. Think of it as a bell that rings, reminding you to be still for a minute.
  • During this minute, focus first on your breathing, to bring yourself into the present.
  • Let the worries of the world around you melt away — all that is left is your breath.
  • And then let your focus expand beyond your breath to your other senses, one at a time.

3. When chaos roars, pause.

  • In the middle of a crisis or a noisy day, stop.
  • Be still.
  • Take a deep breath, and focus on that breath coming in, and going out.
  • Find your inner stillness and then let your next action come from that stillness.
  • Focus on that next action only.

Let stillness become your most powerful action.  It could change your life.

“Through return to simple living Comes control of desires. In control of desires Stillness is attained. In stillness the world is restored.”  ~ Lao Tzu

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You may find this book written by Leo Babauta, helpful in your journey to peace and stillness. The Power of Less: The Fine Art of limiting Yourself to the Essential”




Check it out today at Amazon!

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Relax and Imagine

March 4th, 2010 JoAnn Guida

Relax and Imagine!

Take a Break from your busy day.

I listen to this before doing my Yoga -  Namaste.

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January Updates on My New Years Resolutions

February 1st, 2010 JoAnn Guida

So how am I doing on my New Year’s Resolutions?

Here are my January 31, 2010 updates. These bi-weekly reports are helping me to keep accountable, focused and on-track for reaching my New Year’s resolutions.

joannguida.com Beach

Florida Beaches

1. Positive Attitude – managing to with the extreme cold weather and trying to ward off Cabin Fever.

2. Manage my time better - When I get up each morning I immediately do my Yoga and meditation exercises as it helps keep my stress level and attitude in check.  I’m continuing to learn my Internet marketing, social networking and my blog.  Every day I try to balance work and play.  It is a challenge and as many of us experience we get out of balance so easy.

3. Like the movie – Pay it Forward - I was able to help a friend out by attending a new Yoga class in another town.  Quite a few friends showed up in her support of starting classes at a new location.

The Proposal

The Proposal

4. For the little successes, I have, I will celebrate in a happy healthy way. - I’m continuing with changing my diet and lost 4 pounds in the month of January.  It is a start and one that I am pleased with.

5. Laugh more – I was able to laugh more this month by watching the movie with Sandra Bullock’s, “The Proposal”.  It is one of my all time favorites.

6. Be aware of the changes you make each day, keep moving forward. I’m reporting and sharing my diet and exercise progress with a good friend of mine and maintaining my personal journal.

7. Get out of my comfort zone. As I get further into this Internet marketing it is helping me expand my self in areas that I have not in the past. coming up with ideas to blog about is quite a challenge at times, as you may have noticed.  Leave me a comment with any suggestions you may have.

8. Be realistic about your resolutions – I still believe that I have made very real and reachable goals while also be prepared for the unexpected – like more snow and freezing temperatures.

9. Be invested 100% in yourself – I am committed in 2010.  I will dedicate myself and stay focused and do what I need to do to get back into shape in my body, mind and soul. Even to the point of resisting Brownies, I did not eat any only smelled them when they were cooking.  That is will power.

CR Gigson Onyx 5 Yr Diary
Health Journal

10. Lose weight at a steady and healthy rate until I reach my goal weight. In January I lost a total of 4 pounds and feel it is a very good start for me.

I practiced meditation and yoga for 17 of the 31 days or 55% of the days  in January.  I’m continuing to keep a health journal to track my food and exercise progress. This is very important to write it down and to see the progress I am making. I strongly suggest you do it also.

How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?

Let us know and leave a comment below.

Together we can do it.


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Internet Marketing Updates

January 31st, 2010 JoAnn Guida

If you have been following my blog, you know that is has been about 3 months since I started blogging. My objective is to be able to work from home and make a living from the Internet by participating in Social Networking, Internet Marketing and blogging.

It has been an honor and pleasure to have Erika Rich, an Internet veteran of 12 plus years, as my Internet Marketing Mentor, she is the Greatest. I came up from Florida for this opportunity to work with Erika and learn hands-on what is necessary to be successful in Internet Marketing. Erika is a GREAT teacher.

joannguida.com cabin fever
Winter Cabin Fever

One of the most challenging things for me is the cold weather.  It has been about 20 years since I was in cold weather like this in Blairsville, Georgia. I’m not used to having Cabin Fever and having to stay inside for so long a period because of the weather.

I have learned so much in such a short period of time, even with taking time off to spend with family and friends during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.

To help me through the winter a friend of mine told me about a weekly Yoga class that is taught at a local church on Tuesday’s.  I have gotten hooked on Yoga again and it is helping me with the Cabin Fever.

I’m just taking one day at a time and before I know it Spring will be here.  Can’t wait to be able to get outside and do things in this beautiful city of Blairsville, Georgia.  I can go hiking, camping, bicycling, Kayaking, fishing, and boating to name a few.

I am very grateful to be working with Erika, she is truly an Internet Marketing Guru.  I’ve learned how to build Squidoo lens, post on my blog, and become a social networker. There is a lot to learn yet, to grow my social networking and develop a successful Internet business, but I’m ready for the challenge – I Am Doing It.

joannguida.com baby
Baby Crawling

As I said in my initial post, it is like being a baby that is learning how to walk.  Yes, I have stumbled some since starting back in November and I have made it through the distractions of the holidays, but I am back at it more excited and very anxious to see things develop.

It is my objective to be able to work from home and make a living off of the Internet.  Stay tuned for further updates and enjoy my Blog.

If you have any questions please leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with an answer. Blessings to All, JoAnn

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Winter Storm Warning for Blairsville GA

January 29th, 2010 JoAnn Guida
Blairsville Snow

AM Snow

Here in Blairsville, Georgia we are experiencing our second snow storm of the winter.  It started this afternoon with some very a mixture or rain and snow.  It melted as it hit the ground.  As the afternoon went on we got a mixture of rain, sleet and snow with just enough snow to almost cover the grass.

PM Snow

PM Snow

It is reported that the snow and sleet will continue this evening and we could get 2-4 inches before it to a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow after midnight on tonight.  We could have 3-6 inches of snow and sleet by Saturday morning and up to a 1/2 to 3/4 inches of Black Ice.

They advised people to stock up with food for a few days as the roads will be quite dangerous with the thick ice.

Super Bowl Chili Chicken

Super Bowl Chili Chicken

I’m sure glad I made my pot of Super Bowl Chili Chicken the other day, it is great comfort food to help weather the storm.

Jeep in Snow

Snow on Jeep

I’m looking at my Jeep and it is saying, ” What the heck is this white stuff on me – please take me back to sunny Florida.”

Get the books, movies and wine out and the fireplace roaring as it is definitely time to stay indoors and veg out. I’ll be working on my blog and social networking things this weekend and naturally doing my yoga and meditation.

If it snows enough I’m going outside and make a snow angel, I’ll get a picture for my blog.  We made snow angels when I was a kid. Just because we are older now doesn’t mean we still can’t do it.  The neighbors might think I’m crazy- oh well – I’m going to have some fun.

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Pet Sitting 101

January 25th, 2010 JoAnn Guida
joannguida.com

The Dog Pack

During my short Winter hibernation earlier this month I had the best time ever when I was house and pet sitting for a friend.  I never laughed so much with all the pets.

The 5 pets consisted of 4 dogs and 1 cat.  The cats name is Joanna and she holds her own with the 4 dogs. It was like having 4 teenage kids.  Each of them has a unique personality.

Liam is a 9 year old 112 lb Black Labrador Retriever and has such sad eyes.  He is so very lovable and is a great protector, his bark alone is ferrous sounding.  He loves to sit on the porch and watch the wildlife around the mountains.

Chealsy is a 9 year old 80 lb Red Golden Retriever. She is the Alpha Dog. She is just like an older person and does what she wants when she wants.  She was by my side most of the time and kept the other dogs in line.  She played a little game with the other dogs at meal time and would be the last one to finish her bowl of food.  Naturally, she growled at whoever came close to her food – but that was all part of the duties of being the Alpha Dog.

Bailey is a 3 year old 100 lb Yellow Golden Retriever. He is the baby of the group and is so full of energy and joy.  His stride is so beautiful to watch as his hair flows in the wind.  He is always happy and wants most of the attention no matter who you are petting Bailey was right there butting in.

Shannon is a 9 year old 43 lb Beagle. Who cannot get enough to eat. When she finishes her bowl of food she teases Chealsy and Liam.

joannguida.com cat

Joanna is a 3 year old cat that helped me a lot on my computer.  She manages with all 4 dogs and is one of the family.

When I was practicing my Yoga, Liam would get on my mat when I went to turn the DVD player on.  See my Good Yoga Day post for his picture.

They all settled down as I did my Yoga but once I got into my meditation and started to chant OM – Bailey came over and started licking my face – I had to laugh.

Our Daily Schedule: Get up early,  go potties, give them their breakfast, then I would pet each of them and massage their backs where they could not reach.  Then it was morning nap time

Around mid morning they got their ice cube treats, back to napping until noon time.  This is when I would work on my Internet Marketing and social networking.  Then in the afternoon we would all go outside for some fresh air, weather permitting.

joannguida.com dinner

Dinner time was a riot, the dogs when asked would sing for their dinner.

As Shannon got howling, then Liam would start to bark a very loud deep and fearce sounding bark, next came Bailey – with a younger bark and then finally Chealsy. We did not do this every night.

Treat time was after dinner – was very interesting because all 4 dogs would crowd around by the counter where the treat jar was. On command they would sit and wait their turn as I gave each of them their treat.

joannguida.com bedtime1

Bedtime was quite interesting.  This is a King Size Bed, hard to tell when you have Liam, Bailey and sometimes Shannon and Joanna in bed.  Chealsy slept on the floor or in the dog bed across the room.

These were the BEST behaved pets I have ever known.  So if you ever want to have a great time and laugh a lot spend time with animals. They are awesome creatures and give you such unconditional love.

4 Deer

For custom embroidering, check out their Mom’s website at Horsefeathers Embroidery and Stitchin Post. You can see how hard the pets work in the company pictures where all the pets are active staff members.

The wildlife was unbelievable.  Here is a picture of  4 deer that were in the lot next door and walked down the driveway.

I guess that is why God gave them to us dogs, to show us unconditional love.  God spelled backwards is Dog.  Be kind to each other.  Love and Blessings, JoAnn

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Great Yoga Day

January 23rd, 2010 JoAnn Guida
OM Symbol

OM

Took a break from my Internet marketing business today and  joined some friends and we went to Blue Ridge, GA to a new health club and did 2 hours of yoga.  I wanted to share this blog.

Today was a Great Yoga Day, it was awesome. Lots of breathing into poses, stretching, bending, and meditation. We even did Yoga Nidra.  It really loosened me up,  plus I was very energized after wards.

As part of my New Year’s resolutions I have started a regular yoga exercise program and have had the opportunity to share it with some of my four legged friends.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Liam Meditating

Liam Meditating

This is my very good friend Liam.  Liam is a Black Labrador Retriever that weighs 112 lbs and is solid as a rock.  He is so lovable and very affectionate.  He joins me during some of my yoga practices.

Liam in Child Pose

Liam in Child Pose

Liam loves to meditate after his yoga workout.  In this picture he is really into meditating with his eyes closed.

Liam’s other favorite pose is the child pose.

Here is my friend Snoopy doing a twist.

Snoopy doing youga

Snoopy doing a twist

Try Yoga!

It’s great and a gentle way of exercise

for your body, mind and spirit.

Namaste

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Updates on My New Years Resolutions

January 20th, 2010 JoAnn Guida

So how am I doing on my New Year’s Resolutions?

What I am going to do to help keep me accountable, focused and on-track for reaching my New Year’s resolutions is to update you all on a regular basis.

Sunflower

Sunflower

1. Positive Attitude – doing well on that one even with the unexpected Jeep repairs and extreme cold weather so far this year.

2. Manage my time better - with the holidays over now,  I’ve gotten back into a definite work and exercise schedule.  I’m spending more time on my Internet marketing, social networking and creating Squidoo Lens and my blog.  Working on Balancing work and play.

3. Like the movie – Pay it Forward - I was able to help a friend out and watch her 4 dogs and cat while she took a road-trip to visit with a sick friend.

4. For the little successes, I have, I will celebrate in a happy healthy way. - I’ve been successful in changing my diet and starting a exercise program.  Taking the time to do this has been my reward to myself.

Clock

Balance Time

5. Laugh more – I have not laughed so much as when I watched my friends 4 dogs and 1 cat. Total weight of 343 lbs. YES 343 lbs.   It was an awesome and enjoyable experience for 9 days.  One I’d do again in a heart-beat.

6. Be aware of the changes you make each day, keep moving forward. I’m sharing my diet and exercise progress with my friend and with my personal journal.

7. Get out of my comfort zone. Expanding my self and knowledge I’ve continued to read Ask and It is Given by Abraham and Esther and Jerry Hicks.

8. Be realistic about your resolutions - I believe that I have made very real and reachable goals while also be prepared for the unexpected – like the 10 days of below 32 degree temperatures we had earlier in January.

9. Be invested 100% in yourself – 2010 is the year in which I’m very committed to getting back into shape in my body, mind and soul.

CR Gigson Onyx 5 Yr Diary

Health Journal

10. Lose weight at a steady and healthy rate until I reach my goal weight. I’m eating differently and have lost about 3 lbs. which is a great start.

-  I have done yoga for 8 of the 20 days so far this month.  I’m keeping a health journal to track my food and exercise progress. This is an example of the Law of Attraction.

Leave a comment below and share with us how you are coming along with your New Year’s Resolutions!  We would all like hear and support each other as 2010 unfolds.

Have a GREAT 2010

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Arctic Blast Hits Blairsville in North Georgia

January 18th, 2010 JoAnn Guida

Getting back to my blog after a short winter hibernation .

Just shortly after New Years Day a bone chilling arctic blast hit us here in Blairsville, Georgia.  From Jan 1- 10 the minimum temperatures ranged from 1.1 to a high of 22.5 degrees and one day high of 41.5 on January 1, 2010.

1.1 degrees
Temp @ 1.1 degrees

We had snow on January 7 and schools closed early to get home before the snow and ice caused hazardous road conditions.  Schools stayed closed from January 8-12, 2010, due to the Black Ice on the roads.  On January 7, due to the snow and ice on the roads there was 42 E-911 emergency calls.

JoAnnGuida.com Firewood
Remainder of Firewood

Needless to say the weather did a number to the firewood.  This is what is left.

The weather hit everyone in many different ways. I was no exception, as I went to my Yoga class on Jan. 5th my Jeep had a low quelling noise from a fan belt and for some reason the engine heated up and the temperature gauge was much higher then normal.  I checked the fluids & all looked OK.

Snow in Blairsville

Snow in Blairsville

When I went out on Wednesday steam started coming out of the engine. I’ve had my Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1995 and it just turned 180,000 miles.  I guess it was a combination of age and cold weather that caused the Water Pump to go out now.

Snow Jeep
Jeep in Snow

Thank goodness I was not to far from Phil’s Garage on (S129) 383 Cleveland Street in Blairsville. He came highly recommended from a good friend of mine.

Phil was was able to do the job while I waited.  He even replaced the lever pulley.  It was so nice to drive home with heat and a quiet engine.  GREAT Job – Go see Phil for your auto needs – tell him JoAnn with the Jeep sent you.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day and enjoying the warmer weather – it’s now 56 degrees, and time to get back into the swing of things with my internet marketing and social networking.

Stay tuned for updates on my New Year’s Resolutions.

Needless to say this arctic blast did a number to the fire wood pile.Needless to say this arctic blast did a number to the fire wood pile.
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My Top Ten New Years Resolutions for 2010

December 31st, 2009 JoAnn Guida

Happy New Year

Before sitting down to write your top ten New Years Resolutions take time to think about the things in your life that you wish to improve to make your life better.

Do you want: to improve your health, spend more time with family and friends, stick to a budget, save money, advance your career, get organized or what ever. Keep in mind these are just the starting points for a better life.

If you are serious and want to keep yourself motivated make your resolutions realistic and achievable. Your resolutions are more effective when you write them down in detail as to how you will achieve them and then share them with a friend. This will keep you motivated and accountable not only to yourself, but also to a friend. You’ll get a boost of encouragement when you completed your goal by proving it to your friend.

Today all our lives are hectic. Once we identify our goals, what we need to do next is to break it into smaller and manageable goals which we can accomplish more easily. We will feel more motivated and our self-confidence will build as we complete each of the smaller goals on our way to completing our entire goal.

By doing this you stay committed to your goal. What you do now determines your future success in meeting your goal. Yes, we may stumble or stray from our goals, but we are human – so don’t beat yourself up. Just get right back up and take that first baby step again and get back on the path to reach your goals.

It does not matter what your focus on, it is your good intentions with the smallest of efforts that will add up to a successful 2010 for you and those around you.

Some quotes to ponder:

  • Andre Gide, “Be faithful to that which exist within yourself.”
  • Anonymous, “Rome, was not built in a day.”
  • I have a picture that say, “Things take Time.”
  • My Mom, “Have more patience.”

My Top Ten New Years Resolutions for 2010.

1. Keep a positive attitude in all that I do

2. Manage my time better in work and play

3. Like the movie – Pay it Forward - as many have helped me in the past.

  • It’s my time to help someone else.
  • The rewards will be great as the possibilities are numerous.
  • Try to do something nice everyday.
  • The small things add up more than we realize.
  • Each of us can make a difference in someone’s life.

4. For the little successes, I have, I will celebrate in a happy healthy way.

  • Rewards will be a positive boost and help me to keep focused on my goals.
  • We do not realize how strong we are and we need to keep in the right mindset.
  • Give ourselves the credit we deserve for reaching our resolutions.

5. Laugh more, they say it is the best medicine.

  • The choice is mine to be happy or not – it is as simple as that.
  • See the bright side in things and do not beat yourself up when you fail.
  • We learn from our failures and then know when we have won.
  • Bring a smile to someone‘s face each day, whether it is at the store or sharing a funny story with a friend.

6. Be aware of the changes you make each day, keep moving forward

  • Get a friend or support group that you have to be accountable to.
  • This will help you keep focused.

7. Get out of my comfort zone. Expanding my self and knowledge

  • By reading and implementing a new book each month – Starting with The Teachings of Abraham by Esther and Jerry Hicks.
  • Be more creative, try different types of yoga, meditation and exercise.
  • Expand my skills in my: Internet Marketing, Social Networking and SEO business.

8. Be realistic about your resolutions

  • Have a plan for obstacles that may come your way and slow you down.
  • Take care of it as it comes up, take the detour, but get back on track.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected.

9. Be invested 100% in yourself

  • Whatever the resolution, do it for yourself and no one else.
  • Do it will all your passion and keep at it until it is complete.

10. Lose weight at a steady and healthy rate until I reach my goal weight.

  • Focus on changing my behavior towards food and exercise.
  • Do 30-60 minutes of exercise each day
  • Keep  food and exercise journal to track my progress
  • Try new sports – hiking, kayaking, and canoeing- weather permitting
  • Get outdoors and enjoy it.

In Summary

  • Be kind to yourself
  • Make a commitment and keep going forward one day at a time.
  • Believe in yourself and know you can do it- Baby Steps.
  • Follow Louise L. Hay’s affirmations in her book, “You Can Do It!“
  • You Will Do It!
  • Wishing You a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!

The Best is Yet to Come

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