Day 13: Oct. 4, 2013

Daily Yoga Meal Record:
10/3  10:00 a.m.  Had a muffin and chai latte at Fresh Grounds Coffee Shop with Courtney.

Remained seated? Yes ✓  No.
Refrained from conversation while chewing?  Yes   No ✓ (if no, % of meal = 70%)
Refrained from any external distractions?  Yes ✓  No
Waited until food was completely chewed and swallowed before picking up my next bite.  Yes✓  No   (if no, % of meal = __%)
Refrained from putting more than two handfuls of food on my plate at any given time, finished eating my two handfuls, then waited 3-5 minutes before taking more food. Yes ✓ No.
Waited 2-6 hours before taking my next meal. Yes✓ No.

Comments:  It was good to meet with Courtney and connect about the week and share experiences.  She and her husband have been a great support to me after my dismissal at Juut.  I ate a muffin during our conversation. There were a few times I had to remind myself to take a moment to focus on the food in my mouth before talking/responding to her questions.  Good to have fellowship.  She reminded me of a few Old Testament stories which were really relevant to recent experiences; in essence reminding me of trust and providence.


Daily Meditation:
10/3  1:00 p.m.  After working on some applications I took a break to just sit.  I had better luck this afternoon than I have during some evening meditations but it still wasn't as "productive" as my morning meditations.  Perhaps this just means I need to work with more intent to stay focused (this would be good for me).  My mettā-meditation focused on gratitude for motivation.



Daily Practice:
10/3  Attended 4:30 practice of Slow Burn today at Life Power.  Again, instructor mentioned she was subbing for Jennifer but did not mention her name... I meant to ask her afterwards but she disappeared.

Good focus today inward.  Enjoyed sequence from downward facing dog to warrior one to humble warrior to modified side angle to some sort of squat, then half way lift then chaturunga back down into down dog.  Easy flow, very soothing for me today.  Her statement at the end of savasana into our seated upright position for closure was about change and being okay with that.  I know she was talking about the seasons but it felt VERY appropriate for me today.


Daily Gratitude:
10/3  Grateful to have made it through this week. Have talked to so many helpful people.  Today I chatted with a woman from Blue Cross Blue Shield who made my day; she explained all the price points and differences between short rate plans and wow they are all very affordable.  I am no longer worried about not having coverage.  Sounds like my plan from Juut is still in effect until the end of the month.  The state of MN also sent me some unemployment information and I filled out a career exploration/plan sheet.  There will be free classes I can go to for improving my resume and interviewing skills.  I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity!  As Bryce put it, what a surprising way to get a free ticket/new start into my future!  Heard from Dad, he made it to Iowa and is safe from the storms they are having down there.  I am now enjoying a fall evening with a fire in the living room fireplace.  Don't know what my plans will be for tomorrow but I am so pleased at how well this week has gone – how productive I have been and again, so overwhelming grateful for the support I have had from colleagues, friends and family.