Hello My Dear Darling Friends!

I have finally started a morning routine that I have stuck with for the past 3 days.  I wake up, let my 2 cats and the dog out, feed the two cats and the dog and then I do me…  I light a stick of incense, set my timer for 20 minutes and sit still and meditate.  In the past, it was a struggle for me to sit still for 10 or even 5 minutes, but I read that you get more benefits from meditation by sitting for 20 or even 30 minutes.  It’s worth a shot, isn’t it?  Yesterday, my meditation session honestly felt like time-out and that is not necessarily a bad thing.  I did notice items in our room that are a little out of place and causing light clutter then I took a deep breath to recenter.  Today I was able to spend more time focusing on my breath.

I also decided to commit to a more consistent yoga practice.  Today is Day 5 of 30 Days of yoga with Adriene.

Eventually I want to start running because I have some lofty running goals, but until I start, I am going to spend some time getting my mind right.

Workout of the Day: BARRE, BELLY, and STANDING ABS!

This was a fun sculpting barre workout that didn’t even require a barre:

Belly Dance Cardio Workout:  I really enjoyed this workout and felt like we fit in a lot of moves in a short amount of time.  My workouts have been more dance-centric because I want to stay engaged and have fun with it.

High Intensity Ab Workout:  I chose to do the low-impact version because we live on the second floor of our home, but next time I will do the high intensity version.  I still got a GREAT workout!

---

Word of the Day:

wanderjahr- noun

1. German. a year or period of travel, especially following one’s schooling and before practicing a profession.
2. (formerly) a year in which an apprentice traveled and improved his skills before settling down to practice his trade.

This wanderjahr word is exciting to me because that is exactly what I want to do once I complete my degree.  The journey to attaining my university degree has been a long road and I still have a little ways to go, but I am not giving up until I am done and once I reach that point I will continue to learn.

Speaking of school and learning, today I have my fall quarter evaluation with my professor.  Fall was a rough quarter for me, but I am so happy that I got through it and it is coming to a close by the evening.  I have high hopes for winter quarter.

Thanks for joining me for another Workout and Word of the Day.  I know that today’s workout was very easy and gentle, but don’t worry, we shall step it up a notch soon!!!

Love, Joy , and Blessings Always,

❤ Alana xoxoxo