Small Considerations: March 2014

What's in a name?

According to my Apple dictionary, admittedly not a definitive source, a ‘consideration’ is a thought, reflection, meditation, concern, rumination etc. I would like this blog to do those things. I’m hoping I can keep the posts positive because, as someone once reminded me, it is important to practise the habits of mind that you value and want to foster. For me those are: positivity, curiosity, openness and self-reflection (hence, a blog is a good forum).

Also, I’m calling them 'small' because I would like to try to get into the habit of blogging briefly but often. That way I can reflect on everyday occurrences and make this form of writing and thinking a habit, hopefully.

Monday, 24 March 2014

Yoga over TV

I tried something new tonight, which will hopefully become a healthy habit. Instead of collapsing in front of the TV for veg. time after work, I did yoga. The idea came to me because I've had a headache all day and I didn't think the brightness or sounds of the TV would help. I thought I'd see if doing an hour of yoga was as relaxing as slouching in front of a show for an hour. Having just finished, I can say I feel at least as relaxed.
So I'm feeling grateful for my yoga mat and app now. I will try to maintain this calm, quiet feeling as long as I can tonight as well as remembering it future nights when I want something mindless to do.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Bemusing birthday

It’s my birthday this week. I’m excited to go out for a fancy dinner with friends; I’m wondering what my husband’s got me; and I’m dreading having Happy Birthday sung to me at work. Last year I started this job on my birthday so no one knew. This year it’ll be my one year anniversary and my birthday, both causes for cake and celebration around the office. This fills me with dread and embarrassment. I can’t really figure out why. I don’t mind being the centre of attention when I’m teaching a class of students. I think enough people know I’m gluten free to get a cake I can actually eat. Maybe I don’t feel like I deserve it. I know I work hard, but perhaps there’s leftover dread of being noticed from my previous, anxiety-inducing, dysfunctional school. So I’m trying to remind myself that if/when cake appears, it’s because people care about me, which is nice (and because they like cake).