Online courses - 4 changes

I signed up for some on line classes. The first one is designing crochet softies. I may not be using the course materials for stuffed items but figure it will help with my hat business.

The second course I took was on product photography. Again I felt this will help with my little Etsy business. I especially need help since I broke my lens on my Canon Rebel SLR and have to rely on old little digital cameras at this time. Also, this time of year there are less days with good natural lighting so I must make the best of it.

Third  - online dance class. I am sad to say I won't be coming to the January -March classes as I can not afford the fees at this time. I will have to practice at home.

Fourth - I found a free online yoga site. I must re-introduce yoga practice into my life for fitness and general health.

That's a good, optimistic start to the new year isn't it?

My Lesson for the Week

In yoga philosophy we are to practise "ahimsa" which means nonviolence. Not only physically but in regard to the body, speech and mind. Usually I don't have an issue with this, but earlier this week I had an eye exam where my Optometrist put some drops in my eyes. The drops were painful and I was surprised that my first reaction was anger. I wanted to punch him in the head. Really! I even told him that I no longer liked him and he replied that he would not take that personally.

After my exam was over with the Optometrist I was sent to a technician who was to take a photo of my eyes. This was after the pupil enlarging drops which made me very light sensitive. Kaboom!  A large flash of light in my right eye and instantly I wanted to curse and punch her in the head. Kaboom! Flash of light in my left eye and same reaction. I never noticed before, probably because I'm not frequently in these situations, that when someone else hurts me, how I react. I was a bit surprised with how quickly this emotion came up and what I wanted to do to that person. I can understand how a person can be 'driven' to react when they or a loved one is hurt or being hurt.

So not only do I need to practice nonharming in my own mind, but I will also need to practice refraining from harmful thoughts about others. Thankfully, I don't think I'll have to be in too many situations where others inflict pain on me and for that I am grateful.

Have you had a similar situation? What was your first reaction?

The Wind Down

As our yoga studio prepares to shut it's doors in two weeks, each visit seems to present something new. Piece by piece the studio is coming apart. Last night there was no more internet or computer so no more scanner to sign in, and we had no candles for our night class - correction - we had ONE candle which was placed on the floor in the middle of the room.

As a customer, I didn't think it would affect me, but the studio isn't like other businesses. We become comfortable and familiar with the other people that attend the same classes and they seem to be going through different emotions as well.

I'm curious, have you ever been through something like this?