Simple Joys of the Week, March 14th Edition

You know that feeling when you wake up and you have no idea what day it is? When you can't figure out what state of mind you should be in right when you wake up--am I "off" today? Am I rushing to go somewhere? Do I need to get moving? That happened to me this morning. And a bunch of other mornings this week...

I've been experiencing this morning cluelessness a lot lately. I'm not sure what's causing it--time change, exhaustion, deep sleep, busy non-traditional schedule, etc?--but whatever it is, it's a strange sensation when your days no longer feel separate. 

Thus, having regular columns like this one provide a nice anchor. SJOTW reminds me to look back at all that has happened in the past 7 days--even if they do all mush together in my mind--and reflect on the wonderful experiences and small pleasures that have been a part of my life recently. 

No matter where you are mentally, emotionally, and/or energetically, I hope that you'll take some time to look back today, as well. What simple joys have you experienced over the past week or so? Mine are below...

HEAR: "If I Should Fall Behind" by Margo Timmins [Bruce Springsteen cover]
Want to be moved beyond belief?  Then listen to this cover song by Margo Timmins, lead singer of the band Cowboy Junkies (I don't know their music, but her voice is HEAVENLY!). This song was posted to my FB page by Yoga Living, and I'm so glad to have received the recommendation, as I love the original song by Bruce, but this version takes it to a totally different place. I may or may not have listened to it about 15 times this week :) I couldn't find it on iTunes, so have been listening to it via YouTube...you can listen below!

SEE: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
I started this book late last week, and of course, as everyone promised, it's great so far. Reading it has been an interesting experience, because I had NO idea what it was about when I started it. Usually I read a summary before purchasing or starting a book, but this time I didn't, so I've been truly shocked by everything that has happened thus far. And then I realized how rare it is that we experience a book, movie, or show, without the slightest inkling what it's about. It totally changes the process! Try it...

TASTE: Delicious margaritas, healthy treats made by a student, and Salty Oat Cookies! 
I've enjoyed a lot of yummy tastes this past week, so I couldn't pick just one. Last weekend I had an incredible margarita at Guapo's here on the Cape (their "Skinny Margarita" is made without syrup or sweet + sour and instead, with lime and agave!), and since I hadn't had a margarita in, oh, a year or so (?), it was quite the treat. Then on Sunday a student brought me these DELICIOUS, healthy homemade treats (don't even know what to call them?)--which I enjoyed almost every day this week--and then on Wednesday I finally picked up some Cape Cod's own Salty Oat Cookies, and they've been an incredible simple pleasure, too! Tasty week, if I do say so myself...

SMELL: Badger Yoga  + Meditation Balm
At two of the studios where I teach and practice, the teachers use this balm as a part of their savasana assists. I had used it before (and even given it as gifts?), but never in a savasana setting--and wow, is it incredible. There's just something about the scent that makes me so relaxed, so happy, so blissed out (no other word for it!), and I've become a big fan. I heart savasana assists.

TOUCH: Vitamin D + sunshine + warm air, oh my! 
Earlier this week, we had a few spring-like days here on the Cape. Sure, it went back to 15 degrees and snow by Thursday (fun!), but it was incredible while it lasted. I spent as much time outside as possible during these days of sunshine and warmth, and on Sunday literally spent about an hour just lying on the grass in the front yard and soaking up the Vitamin D. Ben was lying next to me, Sayde was running around digging like a maniac, and all felt right in the world. Oh, sunshine and warmth, I've missed you. 

I hope that you, too, had a week full o' simple pleasures, and that your days were a bit less mushed together than mine ;) 

Here's to a relaxing, fun, sunshine-filled weekend for all! Oh, and happy Pi day, fellow nerdlings!