“The teaching tool of one swami was to repeat the phrase ‘are you awake?’ At certain points throughout the day. This reminded his students to remain mindful and not slip into sleepy patterns of habit. Repeat it to yourself every now and again.”
I found this little gem when I opened up 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom to the first random page and I love that it really speaks to me especially given that I feel like I’ve been putting aside important things. Like connecting with friends, going to yoga, crafting, etc.
I’m still struggling with my work schedule and that sort of throws my whole evening out of balance. It’s not so much work but the commute. I haven’t had a long commute in years so now to have a long commute and with horrible traffic, well it’s really no fun. Even if I’m not necessarily tired from work, the ride home will leave me in a less than stellar mood. So yes, I’m still working on finding some balance in life.
Anyway, I did have a present waiting for me today so I really shouldn’t be as grumpy. My box of books from Amazon arrived and here’s what I got:
- 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom by Liz Lark. This chunky little book has meditations, asanas and all sorts of teachings to enhance a yoga practice.
- Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. I loved To Say Nothing of the Dog and have been meaning to read another of her books.
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. How many of you have told me to read this book? Lots of you right. I am looking forward to it.
- Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. It seems like everywhere I turn lately I see this book. NPR, a friend at book club mentions it, blogs, etc. So I think the stars are aligned and telling me something – read this!
I wish you all a terrific weekend. I am planning on taking naps, going out for yummy food, yoga, and hopefully finishing at least one book. And, of course catching up on your blogs. What about you, what are you up to?
I am going to check the “1001 pearls of Yoga Wisdom” that sounds something that I would like. A book that is never far from me is “365 days of Tao”. That book has so many ear marks, feather, little bits of paper markers, dried out flowers and odd things. when I need a little start for meditation or affirmation that is the one I turn to. You have a great weekend Iliana.
Madame Bovary is on my lifetime must-read list! I like that idea of remaining “awake”–I’ve been curious about mindfulness a lot lately too, and trying to remain present in your life without being too caught up in anxiety about the past or future.
Enjoy your weekend!
OK, don’t get mad if somebody has already mentioned this, but if you are commuting in your car (I assume this is the case) have you tried audiobooks? After I started listening to them everywhere, but especially in the car, nothing gets me down. In my head, I feel productive! And assuming I like the book, I could care less how long it takes for me to get where I’m going. It’s a beautiful thing, even when I’m weeding or cleaning toilets.
Doomsday Book is great. I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you have a relaxing and restorative weekend. Tonight is a stay in and read night. The rest of the weekend will be school but hopefully I can fit in some fun too!
Work is really draining–commute included. I am often so tired at night during the work week that I get nothing done and usually get behind in things (like reading and blog reading), so I can sympathize! I really must read Connie Willis–I have a couple of her books (the two you mention here actually). I hope to just read and relax this weekend!
Oh, I love you love Doomsday Book!
er… HOPE you love it 😛
Nymeth made me really laugh out loud. 🙂 I loved The Doomsday Book — need to read more of Connie Willis’ books. I have quite a few of them, now. I’ve been collecting, you see.
Sorry about your commute. I’ll agree with the audio suggestion. I listened to audios while I was driving to physical therapy and I had trouble finding a reader I liked, but once I did it was fun. And, then I graduated from PT and I’m only 3 disks into the book I was finally enjoying. Le sigh. Have a wonderful weekend, Iliana!
Enjoy your weekend, and happy reading. They all sound good.
STILL haven’t gotten around to The Doomsday Book! Will look into 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom, which sounds like something I’d love. I’m practicing kirtan kriya 12 minute daily meditation now.
I’ve read Madame Bovary many, many times (I taught it). It isn’t enjoyable, but it is a literary gem. An oxymoron?
Can’t imagine your commute in Austin traffic!
Sorry about your commute! That sounds hard. I went to my first yoga class in a long time on Friday, and I’m very glad I did. It’s time to get back into it.
Are you awake. Such a little but significant reminder!
I totally feel you on your commute. I live 22 miles from work but it takes me a good 45-60 minutes to get to and from work each day. The drive to work doesn’t generally bother me as I leave early enough to have 30 minutes of ME time before work starts (unless traffic is bad, then I’m GRUMPY the rest of the day), but after work I just want to be home and usually I don’t feel like cooking, working out, or doing anything productive after such a long day. It stinks! I hope you’re able to find some balance. I’ve found that audiobooks help a little, but generally I just feel so unorganized in life.
I’ve been thinking about Madame Bovary lately–did you pick up the Davis translation?
Madame Bovary is amazing!! Hope you will enjoy it.
Books on Tape (CD)
I hope that you have a CD player.
I can relate to the whole commute thing. I wish I could take those hours back that I spend in the car twice a day and use them for reading time!