health

Meditation: Part Two

Okay, I’ll admit it. I wasn’t very good at following my first weekly challenge. I didn’t sit and meditate for ten minutes a day, but I did think about it, which is a step closer than I was the week before, and I started reading The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh, which actually kind of makes me want to meditate. Can reading a book on mediation for ten minutes a day count as meditation?

I’m very open to what I will accept as mediation and always have been, but I also recognize that I am not very good at sitting still and being quite. (Note the photography above of Maggie not being still with her sister.) My boyfriend nicknamed me Chatty Cathy long ago.

The way peace and calm are described in the book seems to strike a cord with me. He talks about thinking of yourself like a pebble sinking through the silky waters of a pond until you gently hit the soft sediment below where nothing is pushing or pulling you. I […]

Meditation: Part TwoMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:36-04:00

Meditation: Part One

I have to admit, I’ve never been very good at meditating. I seem to fall asleep, get bored, or get antsy. I don’t have the willpower of my older sister who attended a Sit for 10 days, where she literally sat still all day, everyday.

Yet, there is an aspect of mediation that is appealing to me. I like imagining the calm, the stillness of mind. I’ve started reading The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. It was recommended to me by someone at the gym.

I’m really enjoying it and I find that it relates to Pilates, and in that aspect, I can relate. One of the chapters is on mindfulness. When you are breathing, you are supposed to notice you are breathing. When you are brushing your teeth, you are supposed to focus on brushing your teeth; when you are washing dishes, you are supposed to be washing dishes. Your mind shouldn’t be elsewhere (a virtual impossibility if you ask me, but a grand idea).

But the truth is, that is what Pilates is all about. Pilates is supposed to make you […]

Meditation: Part OneMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:50-04:00

June 30th–Midway through 2009

Believe it or not on June 30th we were half way through 2009. It’s hard to believe how time does fly. But halfway through the year is an ideal time to stop and take stock of how the year is going and if we are reaching all our goals for this year.

Take some time today to recall those New Year Resolutions you made six months ago. Don’t nag yourself if you’ve fallen behind, just get back on track this week. The 4th of July picnics have come and gone and the summer is in full swing. You can get outside and get active. If you planned on getting in better shape or eating better this year, now is the time to make sure you’re moving forward to achieve your goals. It is never too late to get started.

June 30th–Midway through 2009Maggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:51-04:00

Preventative Medicine

This was a interesting article. It’s worth a read for those who care about their health and wellness.

It does provide the opportunity to give a shameless plug: If you would like to start Pilates classes at your place of business check out our website for details.

Preventative MedicineMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:51-04:00

Invest in Your Health

With all the chaos going on in the economy right now, there is something you can invest in that you can’t lose: your health. When you workout and become healthy no one can take that away from you. It is like investing in an education (although, ultimately, probably much cheaper). The knowledge you gain won’t be lost when the market crashes.

I have to admit, it wasn’t my idea. Susan, one of Personal Euphoria’s instructors, thought of the concept of investing in your health. But it’s a really great concept and one of the best ways that I can think of to invest your time, money, and energy. It’s on the top of my list of priorities anyway.

Invest in Your HealthMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:07:04-04:00