What's gonna work???

Whew!  I made it through another week.  A long, sorta tiring, eventful week.  I am glad to be home relaxing and leisurely thinking about what quiet activity I'll enjoy this evening - NOT!  Laundry is going, I've watered the plants outside, done some weeding and added soil to some of the pots, dinner is in the oven, I've answered emails and I'm getting ready to go workout.  Sometimes it feels like there are never enough hours in the day to get it all done.  I am reminded of how much it helps to know you've got someone in your corner for support when you're feeling tapped out.

For me, I am thankful for my family and co-workers today.  I've had activities after work a couple of nights this week, and I'm happy to say my kids handled dinner and clean up afterwards and it feels good to know they can survive without me here.  Yeah, I know, you're probably laughing and wondering why I think they couldn't make it alone.  However, as a mommy who cares a lot about her family, it bothers me not to be home to cook and eat dinner with them and my husband. 

My co-workers, angels that they are, amazed me this week.  I am a paraprofessional in the autism room at an elementary school in my neighborhood and this week was challenging.  Maybe it's because spring has sprung.  Perhaps it was due to the full moon and strange weather we've had.  I'm pretty sure it's just the nature of what we do, but whatever the case may be, I'm so glad to have women in my corner who support and nurture me and the kids as we find our way through each day.  It is such a comforting feeling to know that we all come together with the same goals in mind no matter  how hard, frustrating, sad, hilarious, wonderful or strange things may be in our classroom; we want each child in our room to receive the best care, education and learning opportunities possible while providing a safe, loving environment to do it in.   

God has truly placed me in a position to witness caring, strong, willing, kind, creative, loving, dedicated people to work with and for that I thank Him.  So much goes on each day, and if I tried to write about a typical day in our room, it wouldn't be possible because each day is new and a wonder to behold.  I am blessed beyond measure to be entrusted with these precious children to work with.  I've learned so much from them, and I am thrilled for the chance to do my best to make a positive difference in their lives.  I am just so glad to be part of a team of people that truly have the kids' best interest at heart. 

So in the words of the Wonderpets....

Oh look!  Someone needs us!  Quick team!  Let's go.....

Autism team

We're on our way
To help a friend
And save the day
We're not too big
And we're not too tough
But when we work together

 We've got the right stuff

What's gonna work?  Team work!

What's gonna work?  Team work!  Go, Autism Team, yay!

 

 

 

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ~Ecclesiastes 4:9  NLT

 



 

Yoga!

Several weeks ago I purchased a Groupon for 10 yoga classes.  I have always wanted to try yoga, but honestly thought it would be boring.  I like to work out but have always been drawn to exercises that involve a lot of moving or lifting.  I wasn't really sure what to expect, especially with the first class I signed up for:  Hot Yoga 101.

Now I had heard of hot yoga before and truthfully it didn't appeal to me.  The thought of being confined into a smelly, steamy, humid room with other people breathing around me did not do much at all for me.  I decided to try it once, just so I could say I did it!  When I first pushed the door open to the room and walked in, the heat nearly knocked me to the ground! It was just so different to be in that environment.

What struck me next was how quiet it was.  Mind you, I was coming from a full day of working with elementary school kids as a paraprofessional in the Autism room.  My day does not have "down time."  I work with several kids and am constantly on the go.  I even eat lunch with the students, so I literally am with them the whole day.  I love my job, by the way, and am not complaining!  Just trying to help you understand that I was entering into a completely opposite atmosphere...

I arrived early to class to allow myself time to get used to the heat, as recommended by the person I spoke with on the phone when I registered for class. I laid out my yoga mat and placed my water beside me.  I wasn't really sure what to do, so I just lay on the mat and closed my eyes.  I began to breathe and try to relax. I heard a whooshing sound in my ears, probably due to the extreme lack of noise in the room!  As I waited for class to start, I felt a little nervous.  I'm sure it was because I was new and didn't feel  like I knew what to expect.

The heat began to really relax me.  I just embraced the feeling and tried to go with the flow.  When my instructor arrived, she was very welcoming and she greeted us and turned on some wonderful music. Once I heard that and the class got started, I really began to enjoy it.  I learned a lot in that hour!  I realized that yoga is a very challenging, invigorating, strength building exercise.  It was no joke!  I found myself in positions I never knew I could get in to.  I loved the deep breathing and feeling my muscles loosen.  This was such an escape for me.  My mind was so focused on what my body was doing.

One of the things I loved the most was the cold face towel my instructor brought to us at the end of class.  It was infused with lavender and the combination of the scent and coolness was a  perfect compliment.  For the last five minutes of class we lay completely still, relaxing and taking note of how we were feeling.  I took this time to pray and just praise God for who He is.  It was so nice to have a quiet, warm environment with no distractions to do so. 

I have taken four classes so far.  One was traditional yoga, and the other three have been hot yoga.  I love it!  I truly look forward to all that intimidated me in the beginning.  I use the time to draw closer to God and really focus on His attributes and power.  I feel stronger physically, and spiritually.  I encourage you to try a class if you ever have the opportunity to do it.  You won't regret it!

www.staffordhouseofyoga.com