Ruffled

Started teaching yoga at work again but, lately, I've been feeling so sour that I thought that it was unfair to do so.

Did self-talk and explored the reasons why one does yoga and, of course, one of the reasons is to recalibrate.

Passed one of my ruffled co-workers in the hall and she said, I wish this were a yoga day — an omen for me to continue but, alas, I will probably have to pause yoga due to a new person at work who also made my recent three day work week feel like a six day one…

The 'Fugee came and now has returned to her homeland. While the ‘Fugee was here, she typically spent time with me on Fridays and Sundays. On Fridays, I barely felt like I belonged to the human species. Can't say that I felt much better on Sundays as they tend to be long days too. At any rate, think I miss my Sunday time with the 'Fugee the most and also being in the same time zone.

One of my former co-workers from about 10 years ago, has been looking for a job off and on. I enjoy her Twitter posts about "sharing the salary" etc. Recently, after several interviews, she posted MITA. Had to go and look it up.

Sometimes people will having you believing MITA...

Last week was such a trash week that I strongly felt the need to go to my hometown and take a walk and connect with my ancestors. After that, went to visit my cousin and, without telling her what a crappy week that I'd had, she started telling me about Brittany Packnett Cunningham being on Cross Connection talking about microaggressions directed toward Black women. I'm never surprised by such aggression and brought up how no Black woman is immune. Remember that time Oprah was in Switzerland, asked to see a purse and was refused. Or, as a former colleague said, racism never takes a break. Looking at you, too, sexism and...

Took my mother for a walk today and, as we started off, she took my arm and hooked hers around mine; she's never done that before; she got that ritual from the 'Fugee. 

When It Comes To Swimming

After more than a year, went back to the swimming pool. Of course, things have changed. You have to reserve your time online, temperatures are taken and masks are to be worn until you get to your lane. Brought a plastic bag along with me so that I could put my mask in there. 

Joked with the 'Fugee that I didn't know if I'd still be able to swim but all went well. As I swam, so many things crossed my mind, including the time that I sprained my ankle but asked the doctor if I'd be able to swim. 

Thought about how my desire to learn how to swim was born out of being at the 'Fugee's pool and watching kids fearlessly jump into the deeper end and how I didn't know anyone with a pool up until then and also how the 'Fugee once told me, "I wasn't supposed to meet you" which made me think of Lisel Mueller's poem, Alive Together. 

Swam 20 laps and this woman in the locker room complimented me and it's so funny because I totally have imposter syndrome when it comes to swimming...

Didn't bother to take my bike to the shop because I was on it so little last year. Inflated the tires, hoisted it out of the basement and headed to the Riverfront Trail. Only, it's hard to get to the riverfront so I headed out Highway 70 which made me think of going to the airport for trips. 

Didn't ride for long but it was a gorgeous day and I enjoyed riding along the Mississippi River. 

Love this part of the trail. Is it anything special? Probably not. Maybe it's just how nature makes you feel.

I'm trying to grow Zinnias and probably should have just tried to plant the seed directly in the ground. This should be interesting. 

The Release

Before I headed to a restorative yoga class at work last Wednesday, I explained something to a super frustrated colleague. When I realized her level of despair, I mentioned the yoga class but she told me that it was at work with work people and she wouldn't be able to relax. I get that.

On Friday, we had our holiday party and I won a $100 dollar gift card to a Thai restaurant. There was also a cake walk and when I went to the stage, one of my colleagues said Haven't you won enough already?, LOL. I only went to the stage because they needed more participants. I need a whole cake like I need another hole in my head.

Went to the 'Fugee's on Friday and she made me a smoothie -- the same color as my juice that I've been getting. Not sure why but I started laughing which escalated into shrieks and I couldn't stop for quite a while. Seriously, I lost control -- guess I needed the release. 

At any rate, the concoction was very tasty. Thank you, 'Fugee...

Had weird dreams last night, including one that was set in a jail but I'm about 99% sure that came from watching Empire. 

I'm doing a meditation "challenge" right now. I'm on day two which really resonated with me. I've added it to my  iPod and will definitely listen to it again.

I am on a mission to get you to meditate. So, here’s a challenge: 7 days for 5 minutes each day. You can do this, and it could just shift your life in a sweet and powerful way. There is no shortage of evidence on the efficacy of meditation physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Does this sound familiar? “I really should meditate, but I don’t know how to.” “I really should meditate, but my mind is all over the place.” “I really should meditate, but I don’t have time.” “I really should meditate, but I can’t sit still.” “I really should meditate, but I need some guidance.” The excuses go on and on. The truth is that you CAN meditate - and this is the community to offer support and accountability. I am even willing to bribe you with some swag if you finish the challenge and bring friends with you. I’ve created a free (and downloadable!) 5 min. guided meditation for each of the next seven days - Day One is already up on my website. Just complete the 3 steps below to have a chance to win some giveaways (shown in photos above - swipe left!), or complete the challenge simply for your own benefit. Just meditate!!! More info below. 😊 TO PARTICIPATE: 1) Follow me, if you’re not already! Then TAG A FRIEND on this post. 2) Head over to my website at www.colleensaidmanyee.com/meditate (link in my Bio as well). Listen to the new five minute meditation available on each of the seven days. Feel free to download for future use! 3) Check-in on my website each day - takes only a few seconds (check-in is directly below meditations on the web page). Steps 1-3 must be completed all seven days to enter. (I’ll be checking! 😉) Share/repost my photo for 2 additional entries. Hashtag #whywaitchallenge. Must be following @colleensaidman. Must tag friend in comments. There will be multiple swag bags sent out! Includes: Yoga Shanti water bottle and tank (sizes S/M/L), yoga DVD, Yoga For Life book, and one Young Living Essential oil. Winners selected at random and contacted through DM or email on December 18th. MUST BE IN CONTINENTAL USA. All others are still welcome (and encouraged) to participate! ✨🙏🏽 #whywaitchallenge #challenge #giveaway #yoga #meditation

A post shared by 💜 Colleen Saidman Yee (@colleensaidman) on Dec 8, 2017 at 5:40am PST