Simple Joys of the Week, January 25th Edition

Image via hamptonroads.com. Photographer: Scott Andrews Pool from the Associated Press.

"Do something every day that is loving toward your body and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sensations of your body." -Golda Poretsky

Welcome to SJOTW, everyone! I hope your week was chock full o' fabulous sensory pleasures. My week felt even more full of simple joys than usual, and I honestly credit my new, intense focus on relaxing for this shift in perspective. Yay! 

So, lets jump right in: what were your favorite sensations or moments from the past seven days? Mine are below...

HEAR: President Obama's Inaugural Address 
Sadly, we didn't go down to the Mall to hear it (I had to teach in the afternoon), but as we watched it live, I was overcome with a feeling of deep gratitude for this leader and for all of the freedoms that we have in our country. My favorite part--the part that made me cheer out loud--was when he said the following:  For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts.  Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Yes!!!!! 

SEE: My first snow of the season
Depending on where you live, many of you are probably already super sick of the snow this season, but I've been waiting for it all winter, so was very excited when I woke up to as little dusing yesterday morning. Sure, I'd like a *bit* more, but it sounds like we're going to get it tonight, so I'll stop my whining ;) There's just something special about snow to a girl who grew up in GA...ya know!?

TASTE: EatBar-An American Gastropub
Although we've been wanting to try this place for months, Ben and I had never found the time to go. Last weekend, after much anticipation, we finally went--and it lived up to the hype! Due to my new dietary needs (my month-long Gluten-Free experiment), there wasn't much on the menu that I could eat, but the "Crispy Sweet Potatoes" were one of the most amazing things I've ever had. If you live in Northern VA, go there and try them. Now.

SMELL: Fresh air + the outdoors on a sunny, breezy day...
As I mentioned on Monday, Ben and I got a chance to go on a long walk in Arlington Cemetery last weekend (before the snow, when it really felt like spring, which I know is very confusing!). It was a gorgeous, breezy day, the sun was out, the air smelled fresh, and I was truly able to let go. It felt like SUCH a treat, and I'm still looking back on it fondly. I'm also looking forward to continuing my lessons on learning how to relax this weekend ;) 

TOUCH: Massage
I feel super lucky because I was able to indulge in both a massage AND a pedicure yesterday. Can you believe it!? What a great day! It felt so amazing to be taking care of myself and my body--especially because my massage therapist is really working with me to open up the muscles that might be causing my lower back/hip pain. It felt both therapeutic AND medically necessary, which was perfect. 

So much gratitude for the simple things this week! What made you smile, laugh, or sigh with joy? I hope you can find some time to pause and reflect before delving into the weekend...

Stay warm out there!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine