Tag Archives: community

Sad and Lonely at the Holidays? You Are Not Alone.

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sad lonely holidays

Dear Friend,

Recently a friend posted on Facebook urging others to remember that the holidays can be particularly difficult for people who have suffered loss. My dear friend lost both her parents in the last couple years and was explaining that she experiences those losses again and again over the holidays and around birthdays. She just wanted to remind everyone that the holiday season can feel particularly tender for her.

I was not only struck by her emotional honesty, but also how deeply what she said resonated with me. While I have been making my peace with the season (see below), I have quietly discovered that on the actual holiday day, I usually feel a bit sad, a bit lonely, a bit disappointed, a bit like an outsider looking in. I use the word quietly on purpose here because I am not overcome by these feelings, but I am just quietly observing them and letting them have their say.

In holidays past I used to let those feelings take up residency in my body from the day before Thanksgiving until well after the new year. Now I just watch what comes up and almost before I know it, the feelings pass. Until they come again. And if something sticks around a little longer – that’s ok because I know now that all feelings (well, everything) is temporary.

So, friend, I wish you the merriest of Christmases. And if you find yourself feeling lonely or sad for whatever reason, I want you to know you aren’t alone.

I hope you are well.

With lots of love and compassion,
Tami
xo

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Other posts you might like:

How Not to Lose Your Marbles During the Holidays

8 Self-Care Tips for the Holiday Season

How I Overcame the Holiday Humbug in 7 Steps

Look Back In Order to Look Forward

Treat Yourself: 8 Reasons Why Private Yoga Session Might Work For You

Community – A Twitter Love Letter

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Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

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Dear Twitter, 

I know we met in 2009, but it wasn’t really until 2010 that we solidified our relationship. I used to be a little embarrassed how much I loved reading tweets and finding out how people spend their time. I think it is because I was still trying to figure you out. 

I just didn’t get how useful people on Twitter can be. Questions about WordPress, online polls, browsers or blogging with kids? Ask and multiple answers come quickly. 

Need help planning a yoga class? All you have to do is ask. 

Want to trade stories about rock shows and cute rock stars? Twitter is the place to do it. 

Thanks for the great year! 

Love,
Tams 

PS – In 2011, I’d like to meet more teachers committed to self-care and time-wasting practices like yoga, reading for pleasure and goofing off on social media.
Do you know any? 

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Where are your people? Who do you want to connect with next year?


Author: Cali Harris
caligater.com
@caligater

Saturday Senses

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Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.



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tasting :: hot chocolate and toast with creamed honey.

hearing :: excitement about student blogging.

smelling :: lavender essential oil at bedtime

seeing :: a community forming

feeling :: delicate – news about another has old feelings resurfacing.

wishing/hoping :: for everyone to feel loved and connected to another.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

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Curious about #Reverb10?

#reverb10

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The last few days of December last year had me writing furiously to catch up with The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge set forth by Gwen Bell.

I didn’t find the challenge until December 27th and decided to jump in with both feet.

Head and heart.

I completed 16 of the 31 prompts in 4 days.

It isn’t pretty or polished, but it is real.

The Best of 2009 Challenge was such a heart warming experience during a time when I usually fall into a pretty deep depression so I was beyond thrilled when Gwen announced this year’s December project: #reverb10.

The button to the right is a link right to the project. I hope you decide to join me. You don’t have to have a blog or Twitter or Facebook to participate. All you need is a journal and an intention.

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If this project interests you and you’d like to follow some of my friends on their #reverb10 journey subscribe to their blogs.

Blogasana by Michelle

MadYoga by Madeleine

Powerful Moon by Geanette

Just A Titch by Amy

Y is for Yogini by Lo

Click here to see a full list of participants {or to add yourself}

EDIT:

This is My Happiness by Jenna

Summer Reading Program – Who is with me?

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I love libraries.

I’ve got a special place in my heart for Sacramento Public Library.

All the free books you can possibly read.

The music CDs, DVDs and ebooks.

and now this –

Summer Reading BINGO!

Yes, a summer reading program for ADULTS!

Just like when you were a kid, only better!

Anyone want to join me???

All you have to do is complete a row of activities on a bingo card to claim a prize {book bag!!!} and be entered into the drawing for one of the grand prizes.

Not to worry if you don’t, I’ll totally win all those awesome prizes myself!

  • Sony Reader with a $25 Reader Store gift card
  • iPod Touch with a $25 iTunes gift card {could have used this yesterday}
  • Nintendo DSi with a $25 Target gift card
  • Target gift card

    • Click here to sign up!

    Happy Library Advocacy Day!

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    I love my library. Actually I love ALL libraries, but mine is special. 

    E.K.McClatchy Library

     

    The E.K. McClatchy Library  is a couple blocks from my house and I go there at least once a week. At certain times during the year {hello summer break!}, you can find me there several times a week: 

    I go to read magazines 

    To pickup my reserved books, music and DVDs {I’ve always got 30 items checked out} 

    I read the latest picture books so I know what to check out for my class 

    Occasionally I’ll just hang out enjoying their air conditioning while chatting with neighbors and friends. 

    I’m always running into people I know at my library. 

    Our branch is a true community meeting place.  

    Whenever I enter my library I’m always greeted with a warm smile and know that my treasures await me two shelves up from the bottom on the reserve wall. 

    The Sacramento Public Library has almost every book I want to read and if for some reason they don’t, they can almost always get it for me. 

    Yes, sometimes I have to wait to get the latest and greatest book, movie or music CD. 

    What, am I in a hurry here? 

    What surprises me is how few people I know that actually use the library. Most people I know buy their books, magazines and get their music and movies from other places. 

    I don’t get it. 

    Why would you purchase something that your tax dollars have already purchased? 

    Today is Library Advocacy Day. I’m advocating that you get yourself to the library.  

    Get a card. 

    Check out a book. 

    Read a magazine. 

    Use their free wi-fi. 

    Check out a DVD. 

    Meet a neighbor and make a community connection. 

    Want to learn how you can help preserve your library? Click here. 

    Tell me your favorite library story…

    Saturday Senses

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    I’ve been inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday to start a new tradition at Teacher Goes Back to School: Saturday Senses!

    tasting :: the first delicious moments of summer break

    hearing :: Session #1 with Chris Guillebeau with the World-Changing Writing Workshop

    smelling :: cupcakes!

    seeing :: a community come together to celebrate FIVE years together!

    feeling :: nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone

    What are your senses this Saturday?

    {click on image for source}

    The In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 2

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    I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs, Twitter and the idea of creating community online. I am aware I am late to the party, however it’s better to be late than never arrive.

    Who knew the Internet was full of such wonderful, caring, compassionate people?

    Occasionally, I’ll post my favorite posts from other people here.

    The In Case You Missed It Edition!

    Impermanence — My father has Alzheimer’s disease.  Last night, during a family conference call, we decided it is time to move him into the dementia unit of the retirement community where my parents live…..

    Bob has a way of cutting right to the important parts. See if you can read this without feeling deeply.

    Good Enough is the New Perfect is the title of the upcoming book by my Twitter friends @holleeinbalance and @beckyinbalance. Their  blog is a treasure box full of gems about issues around work and family. A must read! Plus Hollee is a fellow yogi!

    This week’s guest post is by a woman who has 30 HOURS of LEISURE time a WEEK. If that doesn’t grab your attention, I don’t know what will. It sure got mine.

    Social Change Through Simple Living pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? That’s what @RowdyKittens is all about. Tammy S is a former Sacramentan, now Portlander (hello, opposite of me!) explores the notion of living a fuller, richer life with less stuff. I think she may be on to something.

    The Beet Goes On is my friend V3’s chronicling of her life in NYC. Filled with food photos that make you want to bite your monitor. This girl rocks.

    Last but not least, the woman with so many ideas I want to steal.

    Office Hours at Gwen Bell, Big Love in a Small World. – LOVE HER.  I wish I was in Boulder. I just may have to copy this. Who wants to meet for office hours?

    If you have a favorite blog that you’d want everyone to read if you were in charge of the universe, please let me know about it here. Leave me a comment about your favorites and maybe I’ll start reading them too.

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    Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day94)

    Today’s yoga brought to you by Michelle at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

    Today’s music is Away We Go Movie Soundtrack. I’ve been loving the movie soundtracks recently, even those movies that didn’t make me love them. Go figure.

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    Yoga Teaching Update:

    FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

    I’m sub-teaching 4/5/10 – for Michelle at 5:45. Level 1-2, so every body is welcome.

    Free class for School Teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st. Yoga Nap+Milk and Cookies.

    Yoga+Music365 (day7) – Here We Stand by The Fratellis

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    I love January.

    Most people think of January as the beginning of the year, the time of year for resolutions and self-improvement. But as a teacher, it is pretty much the midpoint.

    I spend the first half of the year filling them up with information, procedures and expectations. Some kids can keep up with the quick pace from the start. Some kids can’t.

    But then I send them home for winter break and it finally all sinks in.

    My students are finally mine.

    Every year in January I’m surprised how much my class comes together. I’m surprised how much we’ve become a real community. We’ve finally learned how to work well together, how to get our work finished and what behavior works and what doesn’t.

    By this time of the year, I always feel connected to my students and I am proud of their accomplishments. It’s so nice to see them become more independent learners and to really start to take charge of their learning.

    It’s my hope that one day, I will finally remember that my class really becomes mine, in January.

    Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga, Sacramento. <ROCKS>

    Today’s music is Here We Stand by The Fratellis.