Don’t hate me, but I’m a teacher and  I’m lucky enough to be embarking on a four-week summer break.  Family vacation to some touristy city where my daughter can shop and I can museum hop will only take up five days.  The rest is mine, all mine!

Lest I squander my well earned, much-anticipated time off, I’ve decided to make a very personal, but public, To Do list for myself.  (If you’re reading this, hubby, I didn’t say “Honey-Do” list.  So if you’ve been entertaining some notion of me as the site manager to any home improvement projects, you’ll just have to release that notion.  We can certainly put those ideas on the back burner, but I don’t plan to spend my time in the kitchen monitoring the stovetop.)

Back to my list.  Back to me. (Oh, I feel so delightfully selfish right now.)  These are my “home improvement” projects, with home defined as: a place where one feels comfortable, safe, entertained and can let it all hang out; a place where there’s no need to be anyone but who you are, and have a hell of a time exploring who that might be.

• Play a round of golf on a real golf course.  Thanks to my wonderfully talented and patient husband, I have learned how to hit a golf ball fairly well.  It never goes more than 110 yards at the most, but I almost always make contact with the ball and have a great time at the driving range.  Nervous as I might be to debut on the greens, I’m bored with the little green carpets.  Time to foray onto the course and into the grass (sand and/or water optional).

• Take a kayaking lesson.  I’m so lucky to live near the ocean.  It’s a real shame that I don’t do more water stuff.  I’ve been yearning lately to be out on the water in a boat.  The dilemma being that I don’t actually know anyone with a boat.  But who are all those people paddling around in the marina between the docked boats?  Kayakers.  I will be one of them soon.

• Yogacize on an almost daily basis.  I’m thinking that five times a week would be a great goal to put on the To Do list.  My usual excuses for not getting in enough exercise have to do with having other commitments that conflict with yoga class schedules.  Well, now, I think that by posting this, practicing yoga has just become one of my top commitments.  Other things will have to work around the yogi’s schedule.  Ja Yoga, here I come!

• Meditate in the Japanese Gardens.  Yet another blessing practically in my backyard is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden.  Sad to say, but I only go there when I take my students on field trips to the adjoining university.  I spend the whole time taking photos of everyone, and I never get to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the gardens.  A new experience of a familiar place is on the horizon.  Time to gather my quarters for the koi food machine.

• Make a date with a detective on the beach.  Okay, this one probably sounds either really sinister (what kind of trouble have I been getting into, right?) or maybe raises a suspicious eyebrow for anyone who knows that my husband is not in law enforcement of any kind.  Relax.  It’s just a date with a novel.  I spend most of my time, most of my year really, reading great inspirational books.  In fact, many wonderful authors (shout out to Wayne Dyer, my guru) inspired this blogging adventure.  But nothing fits better in the beach bag than a good detective novel.  Female private eyes are especially heroic and entertaining to me, especially ones named Stephanie Plum .

• Be more neighborly.  Many people in big cities don’t even know their neighbors.  I’m lucky enough that I know several of my neighbors on a first-name, small-talk basis.  However, I have never made the time to socialize with any of them.  I’m not sure what form this socialization will take, but I do plan to invite a neighbor or two to lunch, movies, a walk in the park or whatever the universe presents as a good opportunity to be with these kind people. Shyness, concern for proper neighborly boundaries (or whatever else was stopping me from doing this sooner) will be left behind.  Howdy, neighbor!

• Personal tune up stuff.   Not as boring or mechanical as it might first sound.  Okay, maybe slightly mechanical.  My car does need maintenance, and deserves a little tune up after all it’s done for me this year.  So do my eyes, teeth and muscles (why have I waited so long to book a massage?).  Oh yeah, the hair and nails must not be forgotten.  I love those parts too and plan to keep them for a long time. 

Okay.  Now that I’ve shared my To Do list with the universe and my readers, I plan to be accountable for progress made on said list.  If you’re at all interested, check back in about a month to see what I was able to check off my list, what got revised or back-burnered.  I promise to give an honest report.  I almost can’t wait to see the final report myself because life is always so interesting and full of twists and turns.  The possibilities are exciting.

What personal To Do list can you create for yourself?  What check mark on that list would put a huge smile on your face?  You don’t have to share it with anyone, but I encourage you to at least make the list and let the possibilities unfold.

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

Lately, I’ve been enjoying being inside.  Inside of me, that is.  Being present.  Being thoughtful, without having great thoughts.

Did you ever sit down to write something — a letter, a paper for school, a birthday greeting — and find that you don’t have anything witty or especially interesting to say?  Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling lately, and I’m thinking that it’s probably okay. 

There are times when I’m just about busting out with new ideas, and everything I experience seems to be experienced in prose or poetry.  Then there are times when the experiences just sit with me, marinate, ruminate, and don’t need to be expressed right away. 

This is one of those times and I think I’ll just enjoy it.

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

Did you ever flow through your day and think, “This is good. Life is good. I’m good.” – only to have one little miniscule everyday life event mess it all up? (Oh please let me not be the only one.)

Yesterday was that day for me. The morning (my special, intention-setting, alone time) was bliss. Work was more like play. Yoga class was downright spiritual. My angelic teenager (who knew those two words could go together?) was super loving and appreciative of her dear old mom. Life was good (as I always say in my closing).

So why was it that I checked that last email late in the evening? Oh yeah. I was waiting for news and hoping it would be good. I only checked to confirm what I wanted to hear. But, alas, it was what it was. And before my conscious mind had a chance to process the news and rationally put it in it’s place, disappointment grabbed hold of me like a scared child wrapped around her mommy’s leg. Without even knowing it really, I had turned my in-love-with-my-life mood into nobody-in-my-house-can-do-anything-right within a matter of minutes.

I swear, before I even saw that black cloud cover my light, I found that my angelic daughter hadn’t done the dishes yet. My husband hadn’t dried the laundry which he washed three days prior. And the poor cat was being uncharacteristically unaffectionate (I’m thinking her animal instincts told her to stay away from the grumpy human).

Simply put, I needed a time-out.  Problem was that I didn’t know it at the time.  It wasn’t until I had made everyone around me miserable, too, that I realized what was happening.  Yes, I fell off the positively positive wagon once again, and I even took a couple of others down with me for a while. 

How to recuperate after the fall?  Well, I just caught myself as soon as possible.  Made my apologies.  Asked for forgiveness.  Forgave myself.  And tried to get right back up on the positivity wagon.  Hopefully, next time I will catch myself just that much sooner, or at the very least, take the fall on my own and leave the innocent bystanders alone.

Today’s a new day. It’s a good day. Life is good!

Namaste. –Lori

I’m truly one of the lucky ones. Yes I am.  I’m a homeowner of a lovely townhouse situated in a fairly peaceful condo community.  We have the usual gated parking, community pool, clubhouse, and spa.  Sweet deal, don’t you think?  And the landscaping is a special treat with more than our fair share of waterfalls and a stream that connects them all.  That’s where the ducks come in.

Every spring, we’re graced with the temporary residency of a couple of ducks – or a duck couple, to be more accurate.  Now I’m not sure if it’s the same couple that frequents our complex from year to year, or different ones, but the ducks sure find our outdoor water areas to be a place of inspiration (if you know what I mean).

Ah.  But there’s a twist.  I never actually see any ducklings appear.  After weeks of cohabitating with the human population, guarding some secret nesting spot, occasionally taking a dip in the pool (I still can’t believe that all that chlorine doesn’t bother them), leaving little duck droppings in the patio (that’s what irks the other homeowners the most), the couple magically disappears into the night without the thrill of showing off their new family additions.

Personally, I think one of the human residents is interfering with the duck residents in a way that makes it more desirable for my quaky little friends to relocate to friendlier quarters, but that’s just a theory.  Though the “problem” of the ducks is a recurrent topic in our Home Owners Association meetings, no one has admitted to any “foul” behavior.  So I can’t prove a thing.

This summer, however, my favorite feathered duo has not done the usual middle-of-the-night exodus.  Seems that our little condo community has been blessed with eight beautiful little ducklings.  They are so cute and fuzzy and playful.  Watching them just makes my heart sing.

Now, instead of sitting by the pool, engrossed in my latest good read, I sit and watch my newest neighbors learn to paddle, dunk, climb rocks, dry feathers and see who can cuddle closest to mom (what a fun little competition that is when you’re one of eight).  Instead of listening to my iPod, I listen to mother duck instruct, warn and maybe even chastise the straggler who lingers too far behind the brood.

I ask you, how lucky am I?  I don’t describe my neighbors as eccentric anymore.  They’re downright quaky!  Shhhh.  Don’t tell the other home owners, but I like, like, like the ducks and I hope they stay.

Life is good! Namaste.  –Lori

I’d like to bid farewell to Michael Jackson even though I didn’t personally know him.  Like almost everyone else, however, I’ve been affected by the passing of a superstar:  Michael Joseph Jackson.  May he rest in peace. 

Take away the unfortunate life choices, the human form that we so liked to criticize, the gossip, the speculation (yada, yada, yada – enough already), and we have the passing of another spiritual being who took the human journey and graced the planet earth with us for fifty years.  Now his spirit is free to continue the journey, and it finally gets to be a private one between Michael and his source.

I’m not going to do a rundown for you here about all of Michael Jackson’s legendary musical talentand accomplishments, his superstar highlights, his personal choices.  You can read other types of articles for those details if you’re so inclined.  It won’t be hard to find them.  Just turn on your computer, your TV or any media source. 

Part of my intention in this short article is a little selfish.  I’d like release an intention out into the universe to this effect:  When I’ve moved on from this particular spiritual jaunt, I hope that those I’ve touched will remember my goodness and be kind enough and forgiving enough to forget  the bad.  Having intentioned that, it’s only fair then that I extend that same courtesy to everyone else (and everyone means everyone…no picking and choosing, right?).

So here’s my mini-tribute for what it’s worth.  From one spiritual being to another, from one struggling human to another, from me to the universe, I bid Michael Joseph Jackson  farewell from this journey called life.  May he find peace, joy and fulfillment in the next.  It was nice sharing the planet with “The Man In The Mirror” for a brief time in history.

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

I’m about to fess up about my true identity, so pay attention.  Lest you think that I’m some big time blogger and have made it rich by just cranking out fun articles on my laptop while sitting on park benches (what a nice life that will be…someday), let me shock you with my true identity:  I’m a teacher. 

Yep, I’ve got a day job just like anyone else.  But the really cool thing is that my day “job” doesn’t feel like a job at all.  In fact, after three years at the same place, I still chuckle when I get my paycheck thinking “What a scam. I can’t believe they are paying me to do this”.  (Of course, I cash the paycheck anyway…I’m not nuts, just blessed.) 

I teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to international college students, and it’s a fun  gig.  Like any college teacher, I prepare classes, give lectures and exams, try to grade fairly.  But what I love most about my teaching experience is the opportunity I have to mentor, motivate and mother my students.  

When my newly-arrived 18-year-old from Vietnam is missing her mom and frustrated that no one can understand her accent, I get to play “American mommy” and give her a hug.  When my Muslim guy is struggling through a full day of college classes during Ramadan (a fasting month) and his classmates are all eating snacks and drinking coffee during break time, I get to show him to the unoccupied classroom where he can pray.  When my too-cool-for-school  Japanese dude has decided that staying up late playing video games supersedes getting up early for class, I get to remind him of his ambitious academic and life goals, and how proud his tuition-paying parents will be when he reaches those goals.

(Please don’t interpret the above examples as stereotypes of any sort.  You know that we can find examples of homesick,  religious or motivationally-challenged  students in any country or culture.  I really hardly see the cultural differences anymore.  To me, they’re all just cool kids trying to learn English in a foreign country and some day get that college degree.  I respect each and every one of them for the courageous souls that they are.)

Think about it, if we didn’t want the personal attention, special encouragement and  occasional mommy-like lectures about getting our work in on time, we would take online courses or just do self-study.  Truth is, most of us (by that I mean ME) need a good-spirited cheerleader to help us get through that book, or that course, or that semester.   And if that cheerleader happens to be the teacher, too, all the better.

Do you have a story about a special teacher that touched your life, your heart, your spirit?  I’d love to read it (and I promise not to correct your grammar ).

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

Remember how your mama used to tell you, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”?  Well, I’m ready to hold my tongue…literally.  Yes, I just may need to grab it with my index finger and thumb and walk around like that all day long.  No whispering, no mumbling, no nothing.  I just need to shut up.

Since reading Edwene Gaines’ The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, I’ve been trying very hard to eliminate negative thoughts and comments from my daily conversation.  Ms. Gaines challenges her followers to try a 21-day fast from gossip, criticism, judgment…even sarcasm.

While I have no doubts that cutting out negativity from my thoughts and words will free me up to be more creative and attract more positive people and situations into my life, I’m stuck on the actual follow through.  Sadly so, I can barely make it through a whole day without a slip.

I’m not planning to give up, though.  There’s already a much shorter turnaround time between my untamed tongue and my I-can’t-believe-I-just-said-that realization.  And I do keep coming up with new strategies to try out (I might be kidding about the actual hold-the-tongue thing).  But it is getting a little frustrating to not be able to make it 24 hours without a slip. How will I ever string together 21 days in a row?

That brings me to plan P: Positively Positive.  Going forward, I will not use the terms Negative, Negativity Diet, Fast From Negativity, Eliminating Negativity, etc.  After all, how will I ever evolve into the powerfully positive woman I desire to be while focusing on the opposite attribute?  I won’t.  I’ll get exactly what I’m putting out into the universe.

Starting now (listen up Universe), I am a powerfully positive woman who brings joy and peace wherever I go.  That’s my mantra and I’m sticking to it.  If you’re inclined to disagree or critique, remember what your mama taught you.

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

Now wait a minute, you’re saying.  I thought this was a blog, not a blatant advertisement for your new yoga studio, Lori.  Well, although I love my favorite little yoga studio (Ja Yoga), owner Mick Ja is not running any such specials as far as I know.

Friends in the human form will have to pay. But a friend-by-intention is absolutely free of charge. 

I love Mick, my favorite yogi, because he’s always taking us somewhere else during our yoga practices.  Sometimes we go whale watching, sometimes on a hike (as you can imagine, that class was a good workout for the legs).  Always, deeper and more to the core (my favorite place when I can get there). 

Today I found myself looking at another woman who reminded me of my BFF who lives a few thousand miles away.  I miss her and wish we could do more things together, so I decided to bring her into the yoga studio to take class with me.  Yes, I just consciously set the intention to have her spirit practicing yoga right there next to me.

What a lovely practice I had, sharing the ups and downs, ins and outs of the class with my best friend at my side.  When I took a deep inhale, I closed my eyes and pictured her deep-breathing right along side me.  When I stretched, I set the intention that she feel the wonderful sensations in her muscles as well (she might have been a little out of shape because I thought I saw her wince…or was that me?).  In the final relaxation pose, we were both able to let go of our hectic days and share a moment of peace across the miles.

Afterwards, I told Mick about my experience in class and he assured me that my friends-by-intention were welcome to participate in class anytime, free of charge.  He was willing to forego his usual fee in exchange for having the extra yogic energy in the room. 

While I appreciate the freebie,  I felt so wonderful sharing class with my BFF, I just might pay double next time for the pleasure of her company.  Why not bring a friend-by-intention to your next activity?  It closes the gap on long-distance friendships and certainly adds a new dimension to “the buddy system.”

Life is good!  Namaste.  –Lori

I’m currently trying to follow Edwene Gaines (The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity) 21-day challenge to fast from negativity. Honestly, it’s not going so well. When I first read the chapter in the book, I thought that it would be a cinch. Never did I imagine that I couldn’t keep negative comments from flying out of my mouth for even a full day. I thought that I was one of the positive people (nice delusion, Lori).

Every morning, I get up extra early, reread that chapter in her book and try to set my intention to fast from negative comments or thoughts. So far, I’m lucky if I last until noon. Then I get up the next day and try to hold my sarcastic tongue, curb my critical thoughts just a little longer.

Unlike other diets, there aren’t a lot of support groups out there to help you.  Why not?  Well, quite simply, it’s a very human tendency to bond by bitching.  And when in a group, be it family, coworkers or friends, I fall prey to that tendency as well…quite easily, I’m  embarrassed to admit.

So I think this is one spiritual challenge that I’m going to have to form a committee of one for my support. I’m hoping that if I keep setting my intention in the morning as soon as I wake up, I will eventually find that I’ve kept that intention alive until evening when I go to bed. I know that once I get through one full day, stringing several days of negative-free thinking and talking will be attainable. And the report to the committee will be glowing with praise for the committee member: me.

Life is good! Namaste.  –Lori

I recently reconnected with an old childhood friend on Facebook. My girl from the hood (we just called ourselves neighbors back then) was trying to piece together the last 30 years of my life. She’d gathered some snippets here and there, but her timeline was messed up.  So I wrote back to her and managed to fit the last 3 decades of my life in about 10 bullet points!  No fluff, just dates, places I’ve lived and major life events (you know, educational achievements, marriages, divorces, that sort of thing).  My major life events fit into 10 bullet points, no kidding.

I finished my message and wondered when and how I had become so detached from the events of my life that, at the time, seemed so darned important.  So darned defining. So darned dramatic…especially the divorce part, right? Then I realized that I have such a peaceful relationship with my past now that I can relate to it as what I did and what happened.  Not who I was or why I made those choices…or “What the heck was I thinking?”

My life has been a series of events, people and places that I moved through, for better or worse. It doesn’t do me any good to judge those choices now. I feel no shame or regret. What good would it do, really? I don’t have a time machine to step into and go back and change the past. Do you?

I am who I am today, in this present moment.  Just trying to be better than yesterday. Hoping that all the lessons I’ve learned along the way have stuck just enough to create a better me. So don’t ask me to go into detail about my personal history. The details just don’t matter like they did at the time. They were just the stepping stones that took me back and forth across the stream of life. Now that I’m older, I’d rather just jump into the stream and go with the flow. (I’m so corny, I can barely stand myself).

Can you bullet point the last 10, 20, 30, 40 years of your life? Give it a try. It’s an interesting exercise. You’ll realize that all that earth-shattering stuff you went through didn’t actually shatter the earth. We’re still here!

Life is good! Namaste.  –Lori