What's good for us and is contagious ?

It's ... Smiles 😊

this is something you'll remember, 

smiles are ... contagious

Dona Anderson

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Everything is amazing when I

receive the gift of another day to

see the love and kindness in your 

Sweet, Sweet Smile ... 

Smiles are Gifts to others and yourself.

I'm in the pages of Simply, One Breath At Time today and thought I'd share with you some of this guided relaxation titled -

A Smile - on page 103.

Here's another in the True Treasures series

Have you ever thought about how your

breath changes from a smile to a frown.

Have you played around and gone back & forth from smiling to frowning and actually thought about how that felt.

You will in this Relaxation and I like to share it in Yoga for a reminder of how open we are when we smile and how tight closed we are with a frown.

try it a few times if you want

When you frown you're kind of closed off, can't even take a real deep breath and when you relax and smile space opens up through your body for both the inhale and the exhale.

Imagine how you'd feel being grumpy most of the time, how tight and closed off you'd be not getting those wonderful deep breaths down into our lower ribs and belly.

Smiles help reduce Stress and can even make You look younger - YES!

Here's some of what's written ... 

"You can smile at anything, a thought, a loved one, a picture, a stranger ...

Smiles are beautiful free gifts that light up your face ...

They're gifts to the world and you ...

Each smile is a conscious choice you've made to connect with the present moment ...

You can be both the giver and the receiver of that special moment ... 

Give yourself the gift of a smile - give the gift to others - see and feel what happens"

©Dona Anderson 2008 
Simply, One Breath At a Time

Thanks for your Visit. 

Links below for sharing and use the label
True Treasures to find similar posts.

600+ posts in the Archives on the

right side of page,Web version

This would be another good one to

keep sharing with others around the World.

Thank You.

Smile!

Are You smiling more now? 

                               Whose smile fills you with Joy?

Let us know in the comments.

P.S. I'd like to leave you with this post from 2016. 

The poem in it by Rumi always seems to remind me of Father's Day which is coming up. 

Information on Resources at this link.

 Gifts for a lifetime.

Don't forget to - Sign up to follow by email.

My 4th Summer of Music starts July 7.

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No cost - just enjoy

Take Care & Bye for NOW!

You be the judge - am I Crazy?

Have a look ...

What does the wind and stress

have in common?

Ok this IS a weird thing to say,

but just wait, think about it - take a moment

Dona Anderson

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Check the Resources page for how to 

get my guided relaxation CD Free - 
offer expires June 30, 2020

It's TIME again to do that important

self check for Stress.

Here goes ... starting with the wind.

You can feel the air moving from the wind but you can’t see it. 

You can only see and feel how it affects other things. 

You can see if there is a soft gentle breeze or not by looking at the leaves on the trees or by noticing how the clouds are moving.  

The wind can shape our landscape, be the force for windmills, and as it changes in strength it can become the warnings for destruction and danger. 

Yes, you love the soft breeze that brings freshness to the air or the scent of spring flowers, and you love the puff that brings a touch of coolness on a hot summer’s day.

But, it can quickly build up into a windstorm warning, a threatening twister and other intense storms. The destruction, personal danger, loss and property damage can be very extensive.

Can You see Stress. 

Take a Breath & rest a moment with this photo message

What does it look like, what color is it?

If you could buy it, you’d for sure be asking for a refund!

If you have too much, you can probably feel & sense it, and we can see how it affects others.

What worries me is that sometimes others don't recognize it as Stress and just call it their crazy busy life until something happens.

As freeing as the photo is, it also lets us know that our life, world can change at any time. 

The day I took this picture the wind felt good, opened me up and sent positive energy my way. 

It let me know things were always changing on top but below the surface it was quiet.  

Unfortunately Stress lives below and on the surface.

It sometimes sneaks in and other times it rudely barges in at the worst times and digs in to make other things that are not going well even worse. 

It seems to like to pile up on other things, I guess it's lonely.

There is a good side. It's our natural response for danger and it can challenge and encourage us to get busy to do or learn something we need to and other times it can feel like a guiding gentle breeze.

It can teach us more about ourselves and how we react to things, and sometimes it pushes us to use that last bit of courage or strength to win the race or make a change.

But, sometimes I envision Stress as a monster, a fire, and feel the effects of a knife in my back or the hammer in my head.  

Sometimes we get nervous and feel the slippery slope, and other times be exhausted or feel the pressure of everyone else's needs, anger or sadness on top of ours.

A few minute search can create a long list of things that Stress impacts from everyday physical symptoms to emotional and behavioral symptoms and everything in between.

In just a few minutes I had over 60 so I stopped looking for more (link to post here)

Stress creates various types of problems and if left unchecked it can affect our health and lives.  

It often takes root in our daily activities and interactions and then grows to impact something else to where it reaches that place where we get warning signals. (like the wind) 

It reminds me of that small nasty weed.

The one you can’t see growing under a bush until it pops out on top saying Hi, Remember Me, and is ready to burst open and happily spread its seeds everywhere.

We can't change the direction of the Wind but if needed we can help turn that Stress Monster back into a gentle breeze!

Stress is getting worse & Worse and the
more we understand about how it affects us
the more we can control, limit & reduce it.

Have you noticed how the word Stress seems to 

be just part of everyday conversations now. (?)

 2020 has added even more stress -

how are You handling it (?)

Thanks for your visit and for
sharing at the links below. 

Together we're spreading

Wellness around the World

Check out ways to Reduce Stress and more HERE

Another of my photo messages.

 So - am I Crazy?

Wow -  you did good if you made it this far,
sorry for the long post.

Bye for now,
we're back here next week.

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Quote from Rumi ~ 

"Life is a balance of holding on and letting go"

Are you struggling with letting go of some things or holding on tightly to others - let us know below in the comments. It's a stressful time of wondering, what to do now & what's next.

                                      

Pelvic Floor Relaxation Exercises for Pelvic Pain

Realizing the Importance of something we do all day long.

Dona Anderson

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A few months back I was having some pelvic pain on and off over a couple of days.

I had been been exercising the day before but just doing what I usually did.

Couldn't figure it out so I spent some time online searching for what was wrong and if I was going to ...

No Drama or Stress here ...

I guess a lot of us do the Google searches for reasons and symptoms

Luckily I was feeling Ok the next day.

Thank Goodness.

Anyway through my searching I found this video which reminded me to use my breath which helped me to relax the pain and spasms.

So OK, really this was not funny. 

WHY - Because I use breathing techniques for opening my body in Yoga all the time for years but in my discomfort, I didn't think about it when I needed it.

I hadn't thought about it for relaxing the muscles, the rest of my body, and especially my mind.

Luckily it went away or my next step was - a visit to my Doctor.

I thought I'd share my story and the video if you want to watch it or save it for a resource. 

What reminders do you use to support your health.

Take Care.

Coming up in February - 

it's time again to soothe our Heart 

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Get started with this post from 2015,
a relaxing Heart Meditation video - enjoy.

This post and video is for general information only.

Always consult your Health Care Professionals 

as needed for information & treatment.

Yoga for the Soul

What does that mean?

I don't know...

Dona Anderson

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photo & message by Dona Anderson

I have been using these four words many times over the years I've been practicing and teaching Yoga. 

Yoga for the Soul

I said I didn't know what it means above because I think it could be something different for each of us.

And, now there are so many different kinds of Yoga.

There's the old traditional types and new ones pop up all the time.  Whatever style it is there's always things to learn and try out, which helps to keep us coming back.

For me, I'm happy I grew up in times where nothing much changed for years so we were more relaxed and knew what tomorrow was about.  That well used response to what have you been doing, "same old" was kind of like a nice deep breath.

Yoga and I finally came together 20 years ago and I decided to put teacher training on my to do list to learn more after we moved here.

I love sharing what I can with others in my age group that like me need a gentle class because we usually hurt in various places.

Lucky for me, I have a small room in our home and lots of props and things to entertain us.

Through the years I have had the privilege to share and be part of some pretty special changes on the mat that also flowed off the mat into ones life as well.

In Yoga we talk about the purpose of our poses, and how they help us build connection, awareness, presence, gratitude, acceptance, focus and so much more.

What I got to witness over the years was "My Ladies" learning about their bodies, their breath, that they had toes, how the body feels with a smile rather than a frown, that we just do what we can that day and letting go, resting and  looking after ourselves is not doing nothing. 

In the classes we grew in strength of

body, mind & soul. 

We all grew in knowing our body and being grateful for the gains and understanding the days we needed to nourish and nurture. 

We grew to recognize and pause for past hurts in our lives that maybe went unnoticed and needed to be resolved.

We grew in compassion for ourselves that enables us to pass it on to others.

We learned to appreciate our differences and not try to do something someone else could do better that we didn't want to do or couldn't. There were no prizes for perfect poses, or that long list of what I did that day before I got to class.

We learned to relax and look forward to resting on the floor and take that feeling out into our days that we can relax and just breathe almost anywhere.

We learned to listen to different kinds of music and hear unfamiliar words and not be uncomfortable with them.

We used drums, singing bowls, rang bells and used kids toys to make music, have fun, laugh and relax. 

We learned that our differences do not hold us back, they help us learn.

We learned about paying attention to our whole body, being present, and pausing in between things.

We laughed and supported each other through changes in health, life and any other topic that needed 2 or 3 minutes or more that day. 

OK, I guess I answered my Question.

Whatever draws You to the mat -
Whatever kind of Yoga you choose,

Thank You for making a difference in your life & World.

Have a wonderful day.  

I'll be back here again next week.

Until then you can Visit my 
Facebook Wellness Page 
for lots more ...

Ted TAlk - Judge Victoria Pratt

Showing Respect 

Dona Anderson
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Wonderful Lady.

We need more people like her everywhere.

I find the word Respect is slowly dwindling in many areas.

Wonderful to hear her story and how she works to make change and actually help others.

There are takeaways, little reminders for all of us.

Another contagious thing that's good for us.

Flowers Help reduce Stress

Stress is a commonly used word, 

 one that affects our health, daily life
& it is Everywhere

Dona Anderson

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I'm sure we've all been affected by stress from different sources and in various different ways.

Taking our Lives back

For many it is a daily occurrence with many triggers.

Add to it and if you're like me when we get multiple factors attacking us at the same time, it can be quite overwhelming.

We might have a bad day occasionally but then sometimes its a bad week, month or it can even seem like a bad year.

There are many causes and depending on how you ask the question on Google you can get responses for causes, triggers, symptoms, treatment and more.

Stress can cause both physical and emotional issues that quickly add up to a long list.

The ways to help can be both easy solutions and more intense depending on the person, age, symptoms and possibly many other factors in the mix.

While a bit of Stress is often needed to help us win the race, escape from the wild bear or immediate crisis, we have to learn how to calm down after the bear or crisis has left us and we're safe.

I know from lots of experience that stress loves to make any other issues much worse, it thinks we're the beast and holds on tight. 

We all know that we need to breathe, relax, exercise, eat right, have a hobby and lots of good thoughts. Add into that is to sleep well, have friends to talk to and whatever else you like to do.

But, do we do it.

I know it's hard to find time to do a lot of what we need to do so how can we get to feel better.

I guess we really need to make ourselves accountable for making the effort to BE better.

Maybe we can start slow to create a new habit and get help and support from others when needed.

We are all very smart and talented and we know ourselves, what works for us and what defeats us, or makes us quit our good intentions. 

If any of this sounds familiar - I'm right here in this with you. 

We all have a story and looking back on mine even though I've been proactive over the last 40 years, I could have done a lot more to help myself build up and support my health and future. 

Now my age also adds into it and things can take longer to get better, rebuild and it's sometimes Harder to ask for HELP. 

We can't change the past so the importance of our Future Life is connected to the WHY it is important. And, only each one of us can answer that most important question.

Thanks for your visit - new post next week.

Sign up to subscribe to new posts by email above,

and links to share and comment below.

Time to Relax.
I went into the Archives to find this post
Treasures of Spring to share with you.

I love to notice each of the 8 parts as they
become present in my spring time, Enjoy.


Bye for now.

You can also use the labels below to find other related posts.

Help spread Wellness to others by Sharing at the links below.
Thank You.

My Books became even more Valuable ...

Because of them, I get to share

weekly posts with You.

Dona Anderson

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Message from Simply, One Breath At a Time - DA/2008

These weekly posts are my Gifts to help you build a wellness toolbox. You can call it your recipes of good ingredients and feelings for Health & Wellness.  

Your time is valuable.

So I keep the posts short and share a variety of  information and entertainment to enjoy or help you take those precious breaths toward Relaxation, Inspiration, Imagination, Gratitude and more.

From my Heart to yours

Thank you to new and previous viewers and to my wonderful email subscribers for continuing to share these articles, wellness moments and tools in person and with Family, Friends and others at the links below. 

The posts have continued to travel far and wide throughout the world, even to places I've never heard of. (google helped to find you)

This Blog is a sampling of things we can do and use to help us build awareness and find resources we can feel comfortable using.

No rules - no drama - no right or wrong - just follow along to what feels good to you in the moment.

My best work is in the books I wrote that continue to help the lives of its readers and listeners, and this Blog wouldn't exist without that first book that started it all.

We all have unique goals/dreams in life and mine over the last 8+ years has been to share some of the many types of Wellness that help support, bring balance and happiness into our everyday lives. 

Together let's send even more everyday

Wellness and Happiness around the World
by continuing to Share at the Links below.

Thank You 💗

We all need it.

Don't miss past posts in the archives.

More More & More on my Facebook Page

A little bit of Gratitude goes along way and
this post continues to travel around the world 

What is Wellness?

3 part series starts

next week.

Visit these Pages above to find out more information - 

Meet Dona - Resources - Wellwishers - Answers 

Welcome  & Thank You to new Subscribers,
posts each Tuesday

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How do you figure What to Add in or Take out? - What's with the apple pie?

More isn't always better ...

except for something you love like apple pie & ice cream

Dona Anderson

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Not time for ice cream yet ...

Sometimes for FUN I'll give myself a word count limit for a new blog post to see what I come up with and how many words are used. 

It's interesting when I've already reached the limit and there are more thoughts and information I want to add in.

This is a really good learning experience as it makes me think about what I really want to say and how to say it. 

Then how do I make changes, what can be left out, what is really of value to the story. 

There are probably lots of situations where MORE doesn’t always make things better.

One thing I have noticed though is that sometimes one or two words placed just right can open you up to a whole different experience, space and moment.  

It can be the breakthrough, the key to opening the door and finding the real message inside! Or, it can change the whole story.

More doesn't always
make it better

When I started this post I was referring to words but it can be about other things as well. 

Whether it's filling the page with words, filling our life, toy boxes, closets, houses etc with things, or even when adding spices to a pie, more isn't always better.


Thank You for your visit.

Take care, new post next week.

Visit me on Facebook

I had to check it out
Word count - 256.

What is Relaxation? This photo helps, so... Peaceful.

Don't be like ME - I wasted years 

Get started before it's too late! 

Dona Anderson
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Finding Relaxation ...            

                                         What is relaxation?

Yoga introduced me to Guided Relaxation and Meditation.

At the end of each class we were asked lay down and be still, to breathe and relax our body.  

At first I fell asleep, when I was able to stay awake I was usually restless, replayed conversations, or was reminded of all the things I had to do.  

     Is this relaxation? 
I think I need more practice.

I guess that's why they call this the hardest Yoga pose to do. 

Real relaxation does require practice, patience and it has an intention.

But you don't have to do Yoga or lay down.

It can just be a walk, sitting in the garden, a few minutes in the morning or before bed, a lunch time break, sitting on the bus or waiting for the tea to steep. 

Any time that suits YOU.

There are many styles of Guided Relaxation and it might be like a story that asks you to follow along and notice what's happening as you slowly relax different areas of the body and deepen your breath. 

You may hear words like release, soften let go calm slow feel open allow and breathe.

They may seem like a foreign language.

Or, it may be about focusing on an object, a scent or a visualization. 

Whatever it is, it takes you on an adventure and invites you to follow along, to focus on the breath, an area of your body, a place, a thought, nature or perhaps it's as simple as a smile. 

While you follow along and breathe, you slowly start to let go of all those other thoughts and begin to clear and open the mind. You start to move into the present moment.

What you discover can be a very precious gift. 

I found a time to soften and breathe,

a time to feel comfortable with who you are,  

a time to remove obstacles, release tension 

 and I found a place to notice the difference, to feel it, to be with it.   

The practice opened me up to a place where I had tried to reach before but had never quite made it.

The awareness and benefits you gain can also help you use the breath in your everyday life as a tool to support your wellness.

Whether it is for a quick busy day refresher, when you feel out of balance or in times of stress, you can focus on your breath and watch as it gently relaxes and guides you back to the present moment.

Relaxes and guides

you back to the 

present moment

Even a minute can help separate you from a stress, a worry or a busy time and place. 

You’ll be able to experience the feeling of your breath bringing you back to balance and to peaceful thoughts.  

You may even find an open space in your schedule and in your mind.

Let the breath take you where you need to go!

Do a Search for benefits of Relaxation

You may even want to start a Wellness group at work or with your friends.

Here's some resources to help to get you started.

Check out other posts using the labels below.

Links to share or comment below.

More posts below or in the archives.

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What did you spend your Golf money on?

I tried to Golf a couple of times.

Unfortunately or Fortunately, I didn't have much success...

Dona Anderson
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But in hind sight it was not to be my thing, 

so I spent the money anyway - on other things.

I enjoy seeing what others are doing in their hobbies, outings, travels so it's always fun to find out new things or places to go.

When I started Yoga I got interested in music and joined a community choir for a few years, then I started to learn drumming, energy work, started writing and on and on.

Funny how you can't just have one drum, singing bowl, Himalayan salt lamp, basket of rocks and so on. 

Now I'm playing guitar with a group of seniors and so far am lucky with only 2 guitars and 1 ukulele.

I'm not getting great at playing yet but what is great is that it's a place to go where others know your name and are glad to see you.

I guess that's what all our hobbies, outings and travels are about.

It's the getting out and spending time with others, having fun, not being lonely for a few hours, learning, helping others, being active or whatever else your activities bring you.

As we start the fall season of getting back to regular life after our summer break I hope we let our minds be our opener to possibilities rather than a limiter. 

Life has so much happiness, wonder and gifts to offer us. 

You'll be amazed at what you can find if you just

Go For It.

Update - from when I first started to write this, so Ok the guitar number went from 2 up to 3 - I guess we shouldn't visit the music shops anymore.

Is there something you're going to learn or be doing again soon?

Links below for sharing.

Thank You for your visit.

Love to hear what you do for Fun!!!!!!!

And what I don't understand is that they say Seniors don't spend money?

New posts are every Tuesday, and visit the archives for lots more.

Tired of being sick and tired

Or is it sick of being sick and tired?

Oh well it's those times when you feel like CRAP

Dona Anderson

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It seems each phase of my life offered different gifts and struggles. 

Different joys, happiness, successes and then the flip side of wondering how to make it through the years of  working, family, moving, health changes and all that entails.

Have you ever said to yourself - I'm tired of being sick and tired.

I'm sure I've said it hundreds to times to myself.

So years ago I decided I had to be more proactive, find balance and make changes in a lot of areas. Eventually it started to come together the best it could and in a way that was manageable.

I'm bad at trying something new for a few times, even liking it but soon it fades away.  It's like I remember from years ago I did walk a lot to keep me moving and every spring I'd see a group of new walkers appear with new runners etc and within a couple of weeks they'd disappear.

Photo message from Simply, One Breath At a time

So here's the deal ...

 We owe it to our self to protect and nourish our body and mind and not live in Stress and Worry.

 We owe it to our self to become aware of what our body, mind and soul is saying and how you react.

 We owe it to our self to manage our health, time, emotions and resources.

 We owe it to ourselves, those we love and who loves us to keep moving forward Celebrating Life and all that it has to offer.

Change isn't easy but when you start to see improvements it becomes easier and sometimes Fun.

Whether it's making a budget, an exercise routine, changing what you say, eat, think, read, watch on TV or whatever You do to make YOUR LIFE Better will be a huge success over time.

I think of it as an investment for the future, 

and  

Don't forget some laughing and smiling time.

Live Gently.

Thank you for helping me pass on my Dream by following and then sharing to help others. 

More on Facebook, Dona Anderson, Roots to Breath

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Links for sharing below.

The Last Heart Attack -- CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta full Documentary

Yes, I'm still weird ...

But Honestly, I'm thinking about Valentine's in a different way this year.

Dona Anderson

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Here's some information to help us protect our Heart, our Sweetheart and those we Love!

Let's work to prevent Heart disease which is still the number 1 killer of our loved ones each year. 

Information is power and helps us to ask the questions we need to.  Many later illnesses start years before.

Changes to our food and lifestyle if we need to may be 
the Valentine's Gift  we need.

I can't offer you chocolate but,

here's the link to last years love song.

Make changes that are meaningful to YOU.

Find new treasures & Gifts.

I hope you'll share with those you love at the links below!

♡♡♡

For more Heart Health - Visit the 8 posts for February 2015 in the archives. 

Easy Techniques to help you reduce Stress

Are you Losing Energy in the Wrong Places?

Dona Anderson

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Reducing the Stresses of Life

Let go and Relax 

I LOVE it when someone Thanks me for what I do.

Often at shows I go to visitors will stop for a chat and Thank me for what I am doing to help others.

Over the years I've chatted with many people from different parts of the world and they tell me their Wellness story or one about someone they know.  It is really a privilege to have them share their stories with me.  

Recently, one man kept coming back to my table and reading from Simply, One Breath At a Time and the One Rose Cards. He said he wanted to hear my relaxations at his Yoga class so he bought a book to share with his teacher.

A few minutes to Breathe in Relaxation is really needed in these busy and hectic times.

A few minutes to clear the mind lets us escape from our thoughts and problems.

I remember my parents used to tell us when we were kids and upset to sit down, close our eyes and count to 10. That was good advice back then and still is.

Negative Stress affects our daily lives, activities, relationships and health in many ways. See this earlier post - it will really surprise you.  Or will it?

My Wellness Resources connect you to Awareness and Healthy easy ways to reduce Stress that help Nourish & Nurture the mind, body & soul.  

Even a few minutes can connect you with words to linger on, visualizations to experience & explore, and create feelings of Balance, Renewal, Gratitude, Compassion and the power of Presence.

Here's what you'll discover

Techniques to soothe, soften and open your whole Body.

Techniques to connect and bring awareness to your Breath and Body.

-to help you Relax, Rest and relieve Stress.

-to relax and quiet the Mind.

-to connect you with your inner self.

-to bring awareness to how you feel and what you see.

It's so Easy to do

Find out how focusing on a smile, a breath, a word or positive thought invites you to move towards Wellness in how you Feel, Think and Communicate. 

If you like easy steps to follow that you can even change and make your own, these unique Meditations will get you started and become Gifts for a Lifetime.

Are you Ready?

Stress Reducers you'll Love

Is your Dream to feel Better?

Lots more posts in the archives and check out the labels at the bottom of the posts to help.

Visit me on Facebook for lots more

Time for A NEW YOU

Life gets Better the more we Grow

Dona Anderson
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I've shared many posts about how Yoga started me on a totally new path in life full of new experiences and personal challenges.  

Awareness and intention have repeatedly been my companion throughout this journey. 

We each can stay in stress and keep choosing the same battles, or we can start to find ways to move in a different direction. 

Both can be challenging but the second one holds the gifts that will improve our Future.

Simple little changes can have huge results.

As Spring begins and we get outdoors to breathe in the fresh air, 

maybe it's time to make a fresh new plan for YOU. 

Invest in You ...

Excerpt from Simply, One Breath At a Time - Dona Anderson

Enjoy the Springtime Blossoms!  

Don't miss the Meditation to Celebrate the Gifts of Spring coming in April.

Simply, is available in paper copy & eBook

Invest in YOU & Keep Blossoming