Sunday, 11 January 2009
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
2009: Reflections and musings
I am not really one to make New Year resolutions, I don't believe in waiting until a certain time of year to do anything that will improve myself or my life. I do like to make plans and I have a fondness of organising things. Recently I have become very aware that life is a journey, rather than just where you bide your time till you find your destination. That would just be pointless and you wouldn't learn much. It helps being organised when juggling different interests (Yoga being the new one in the mix!). Here are some things that I want to do to this year.
Fit in fitness
Regular exercise is important, while I am imprisoned in this body I should make the most of it. I have started a 30 day trial of doing Yoga everyday. I need to get my breathing right, and balance my body and mind. It is proven that exercise reduces the risk of disease, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood and is something that I should do as I have Lupus. I am pretty good in the summer and walk a lot, however in the doom and gloom of winter I rarely do any physical activity. This is not good and must change, I also find I have more energy the more exercise I do. If I spend all day at my desk than I am shattered, therefore this one is an important goal in 2009.
This is a picture from a book I bought called Yoga: Mind & Body. By the London Sivananda Yoga Centre, the book is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in starting or expanding a yoga practice. The picture shows the Sun Salutation, the book also describes in detail the 12 basic asanas. It also includes information on relaxation, positive thinking, breathing, diet and meditation techniques. What I liked best was that the physical, mental and pranic benefits of each pose are included, as well as a discussion of common problems associated with each asana. It is through this book that I discover headstands are something I should avoid as I am at risk of glaucoma. I never thought to warn my Yoga teacher of my eye problems!
Have more fun
I have already become more peaceful by moving away from materialism. Having fun involves bringing balance to your body, mind and soul. I want to do lots of photography, paint and draw in my free time, I am really enjoying revisiting Krishna's pastimes whether by watching Mahabharata or reading the Srimad-Bhagavatam. I also plan to go to the theatre more and generally find activities that expand my horizons.
Be a lifelong student
I want to read as many books by the BBT as possible. I love reading and hopefully I will write more too. I would love to take an evening class in something once my schedule calms down.
Random acts of kindness
Life has been kind to me and I feel like I need to give something back. I prefer not to disclose what I do as this works best when done in secret. It is fun doing something kind with no motive at all. I was probably inspired by Amelie...
A Pilgrimage
I am feeling drawn to visiting India again, not family though- Vrindavan. I must go, I would love to see the magical places where Krishna spent his time on this planet. For those who are unaware Vrindavan is the heart of Braja-Mandala, the place of Lord Krisna's pastimes about 5000 years ago. I would love to see Radharani's birthplace too, and the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Temple where my aunt is going this month. I hope to go there one day. Krishna is everywhere so even if darshan in India is not destined this year I am certain this year will be a conscious one.
Fit in fitness
Regular exercise is important, while I am imprisoned in this body I should make the most of it. I have started a 30 day trial of doing Yoga everyday. I need to get my breathing right, and balance my body and mind. It is proven that exercise reduces the risk of disease, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood and is something that I should do as I have Lupus. I am pretty good in the summer and walk a lot, however in the doom and gloom of winter I rarely do any physical activity. This is not good and must change, I also find I have more energy the more exercise I do. If I spend all day at my desk than I am shattered, therefore this one is an important goal in 2009.
This is a picture from a book I bought called Yoga: Mind & Body. By the London Sivananda Yoga Centre, the book is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in starting or expanding a yoga practice. The picture shows the Sun Salutation, the book also describes in detail the 12 basic asanas. It also includes information on relaxation, positive thinking, breathing, diet and meditation techniques. What I liked best was that the physical, mental and pranic benefits of each pose are included, as well as a discussion of common problems associated with each asana. It is through this book that I discover headstands are something I should avoid as I am at risk of glaucoma. I never thought to warn my Yoga teacher of my eye problems!
Have more fun
I have already become more peaceful by moving away from materialism. Having fun involves bringing balance to your body, mind and soul. I want to do lots of photography, paint and draw in my free time, I am really enjoying revisiting Krishna's pastimes whether by watching Mahabharata or reading the Srimad-Bhagavatam. I also plan to go to the theatre more and generally find activities that expand my horizons.
Be a lifelong student
I want to read as many books by the BBT as possible. I love reading and hopefully I will write more too. I would love to take an evening class in something once my schedule calms down.
Random acts of kindness
Life has been kind to me and I feel like I need to give something back. I prefer not to disclose what I do as this works best when done in secret. It is fun doing something kind with no motive at all. I was probably inspired by Amelie...
A Pilgrimage
I am feeling drawn to visiting India again, not family though- Vrindavan. I must go, I would love to see the magical places where Krishna spent his time on this planet. For those who are unaware Vrindavan is the heart of Braja-Mandala, the place of Lord Krisna's pastimes about 5000 years ago. I would love to see Radharani's birthplace too, and the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Temple where my aunt is going this month. I hope to go there one day. Krishna is everywhere so even if darshan in India is not destined this year I am certain this year will be a conscious one.
Friday, 2 January 2009
New artwork
I have been working on a new body of work which seems to have enveloped my Christmas holiday. Inspired by the dots that dance in front of my eyes after glancing at the sun, as well as traditional bandhani patterns and the beauty of nature these mixed media pieces are now available to view on my website.
This piece of work is from the Rays of Light series (which seems to be expanding everyday). I have recently been blessed with constant inspiration, in the past when this happened I would begin work on many things and complete very few projects to my complete satisfaction. Whereas now it seems to be difficult to not complete my current work. This year seems to be promising me many things and I am happy to take whatever comes my way.
Many of the new works will soon be available to buy as prints directly from my website.
This piece of work is from the Rays of Light series (which seems to be expanding everyday). I have recently been blessed with constant inspiration, in the past when this happened I would begin work on many things and complete very few projects to my complete satisfaction. Whereas now it seems to be difficult to not complete my current work. This year seems to be promising me many things and I am happy to take whatever comes my way.
Many of the new works will soon be available to buy as prints directly from my website.
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