Simple Joys of the Week, Friday the 13th Edition

Um, so I just noticed that it's Friday the 13th. Crazy! I hope your day has been weirdness-free thus far, and that you're looking forward to a relaxing holiday weekend (again already? yay!).

This past week has been a total blur and I believe that's because it was the first week back to real life after what felt like an extremely long holiday season. Do you feel the same way? I'm looking forward to finding time for self-care this weekend, but first, wanted to share my simple joys of the week :) What were yours?

Hear: "Walking with a Ghost" by Tegan and Sara

Although this song is from their 2004 album, I just learned about it (a bit late, I know...) via Pandora, and I'm hooked. I've added it to my January playlist and have had so much fun hearing it come on while teaching. Yes, as you can tell these ladies are total emo hipsters, but they're pretty talented nonetheless, and I really enjoy this song. I'll have to check out the rest of their music (and maybe some of their more-recent stuff), but until then, I'll keep enjoying "Walking with a Ghost" :) Take a listen below!

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Image via TheAwl.com

See: Well-written articles & blog posts in response to the NYT article

The overarching theme of the past week or so in the yoga world? The NYT article. It has been everywhere--teachers have been talking about it, my students have been talking about it, and it's all over the yoga blogosphere.  Although I've already shared my own thoughts on the subject, I've also come across a number of really great responses written by other yogi bloggers and writers (thanks to all who have passed these along!). My favorites are listed below--check them out if you're interested in continuing the conversation:

-"The Hero's Foot & the Cedar Branches: The Gift and Reality of Injury in Yoga Practice" from Elephant Journal: A beautifully-written article that's basic premise is that "injury is an essential part of the life cycle of any active biological organism," and then expands on this idea and how it relates to yoga.
-"Six Reasons to Ignore 'The New York Times'  Yoga Article" from TheAwl.com: a very funny but also insightful response to the article
-"This Just In: Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" from Elephant Journal: this author shares some sentiments that are similar to mine, I believe...

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Taste: Thai Chicken Curry from Teaism

During Advanced Teacher Training weekends I LIVE off of this dish. Just thinking about Teacher Training makes me crave it (it's a Pavlonian response) and I just can't get enough. Typically a few of us head there together, get the dish, and then eat half on Saturday and half on Sunday--it's be best routine ever :) Haven't been to Teaism? I'm a BIG fan. I've liked everything I've ever had there, and they also have an amazing selection of teas (obviously). Great food at very reasonable prices (especially when you can eat it for two meals!). Try it.

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Smell: Green Tea Kombucha Yogi Tea

Are you surprised that it's another Yogi Tea? I know, I'm kind of obsessed. But, I was in the mood to try a new caffeinated tea this week, and thought this one looked good--and it is! The smell alone is amazing--it's kind of fruity and sweet without being overpowering. Definitely one worth picking up for all who like their green tea with a splash of fruity goodness. Plus, ever since I gave up sweets for the month, I've really been enjoying my teas after meals as a way to signify completion of eating :)

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Touch: Echo Touch Gloves

Um, yeah!?!? Crazy! See those little nodules on the fingertips of these gloves? They work with touch-screen devices! It's amazing. I received these gloves in a Christmas gift box from a friend this week (late Christmas surprises are the best!) and I think they are simply amazing. I can truly work my iPhone while wearing them! I'm sold, and only wish that I'd been the genius who invented these. Now if it would just get cold and stay that way in DC, maybe I could wear them more than once per week...

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So here's to a long weekend filled with lots of simple joys for all! I hope you have a great one :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine