LIVING YOGICALLY: Baby You’re a Firework
Baby you’re a firework -Katy Perry
Fireworks are what I saw, goose bumps are what I felt, tears are what I tasted and sparks are what were created when I read Marie Woodford’s poem to my yoga class last week. Thank you Mrs. Woodford for your inspiration and for making sparks fly all the way from your grave. I can’t wait to share your beautiful words about love very soon with readers, but before I do, I want to investigate and understand “the sparks.â€
I began my search like I would begin any search- I googled it. Yes I typed in the phrase “How do sparks form?†in the trusty search engine and this is what I found:
The light emitted by a spark does not come from the current of electrons itself, but from the material medium fluorescing in response to collisions from the electrons…When they fall back to their original energy levels, they emit the energy as light…blah, blah, blah
Physics always confused me. I knew I learned all about sparks and energy in high school so I thought back to science class. Mmmmm yes, I remember Mr. Hottie Cherottie my science teacher. How could I forget those dimples, fluffy hair and the tight polo shirt that showed off his big muscles? If I knew where the hottie was today I sure would like to make some sparks with him now. Something I do remember from science class is that everything is energy- the sun, batteries, food, metal objects and people. We are energy. If you don’t believe me just get a balloon, rub it on your head and see what happens. Anything made of energy has the ability to create sparks.
The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of 2 chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.
-Carl Jung
Here is my own two-part scientific equation on how to create sparks in your life:
x= (all things positive)² – (all things negative)
1) Breakdown of (all things positive)²
Fill your life up with positive friends. I have the most amazing friends- Jess, Alice, Michelle, Holly, Lena, Anna and Mon. They all give off the most amazing energy. When Jess is around you can’t help but smile. The girl is always smiling. I used to think that it is because she is an orthodontist and her teeth were kinda like her business card, but now I know she is just a positive, breathtaking ray of light. Then I have the triple threat- Michelle, Alice & Holly, and when one or all of them are around, all you want to do is let loose, laugh and have a good time. I used to think that it was the wine that did it to me, but now I understand that it is their energy that is intoxicating. Lena is the whimsical, flower child of the group. Luckily I get to live with this beautiful thing and any time I am upset Lena picks me up and tells me that everything is going to be okay. Anna (aka Go Fork Yourselves Anna) has such an appetite for life you can’t help but be inspired to get off your ass and seize the day. Then there is Mon (aka Toe Jams Monica) – the powerhouse. I always joke, when she is in my yoga class, that she is freakishly strong for a little thing but I am not joking, she has such strong energy. Mon shares her powerful energy with everyone she meets. She actually has the ability to magnify you with her presence. When my batteries are low Mon acts as the jumper cables to reignite my passion for life. When Jay welcomed me to the MvM team he said I approached him, well it wasn’t out of my own doing, it was Monica who saw my abilities before I did and gave me the light I needed to shine. Thanks Mon for being the most amazing friend ever!
Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames. –Rumi
Marinate in positivity. When you are surrounded by positivity you have no other choice but to feel inspired to sparkle. It was my yoga practice that allowed me to come to this realization. Every time I enter my yoga studio my whole attitude is elevated. I see it so clearly when I teach. I can actually feel the positive heat from my students. All my classes are wonderful but there is something about my Sunday hot class at De La Sol that is so special. I think it is the wonderful group that attends that class (Renee, Judy, Jane, Jody, Christine, my dad …actually everyone). All the students are so passionate about their yoga practice they actually make 90 minutes of pure magic in that room.
Share your positivity with others. Sometimes we fear that by sharing positivity we will lose our power. Like if we compliment someone and tell them how great they are we will elevate them to a higher level and we will get left behind. This is false. I have my own scientific analogy to explain this one. Many of you who are well versed in the language of love will understand my analogy. It is like making love to your lover. When you say, “Oh baby, oh baby you are amazing!†your partner doesn’t stop what they are doing do they? NOPE they just get empowered and become an even better lover. It feels good to share your positivity.
The law of attraction says like attracts like. Positivity draws in more things that are positive. Negativity draws in more things that are negative.
2) Breakdown of – (all things negative)
Don’t get attached to other people’s negativity. Don’t let energy vampires suck the positivity out of your life.
Don’t get consumed by negative thoughts. Energy vampires don’t only come in the form of people they also come in the form of thoughts. Thoughts are energy too. When we think something our bodies manifest it. When we are negative we frown and have the “I just smelled something bad stink face,†and when we are positive we smile.
When we create something, we always create it first in a thought form. If we are basically positive in attitude, expecting and envisioning pleasure, satisfaction and happiness, we will attract and create people, situations, and events which conform to our positive expectations. -Shakti Gawain
So I embraced my quest to live yogically all week long. Luckily, it was a holiday here in Canada called “Family Day” and I got to see my wonderful family for 3 dinners. I went out with my beautiful lady friends all weekend long! I got to have a one-on-one yoga session with a passionate, aspiring yoga teacher Christine. All 6 of my yoga classes did not disappoint and I was met with enthusiasm in all of them- including the one for a group of big Hamilton footie players (I heard a couple F bombs in the class but they were followed by smiles). I also ran into situations that weren’t positive but I was aware when negativity entered the room. As soon as I noticed, I reminded myself not to allow it to feed off my positive spirit and not attach or respond to my friend’s constant negativity. I hope one day he will be able to realize- if he loves life, life will love him back!
I will never stop investigating and creating sparks in my life. Whether the sparks come in the form of a crush on a teacher, beautiful poetry, uplifting articles, friends or positive thinking- I vow to set off fireworks in my life each and every day.
Peace, peace, peace
NAT
NEXT WEEK! I am officially addicted to LIVING YOGICALLY. My behavior has become mildly obsessive. Next week I wrap my head around this new obsession.
Nat, I’m sitting here in awe and in tears and smiling! You are so talented, and your words are soooo touching…. You better keep all of these posts and turn it into a novel at the end, seriously I see a publication coming out of this and an Oprah Book Club recommendation hehe! You are the person in our fantastic friendship circle represents the brilliant firecracker amongst a bunch of fireworks… gorgeous, always keeping everyone laughing, so down to earth, completely full of energy and passion, and did I mention GORGEOUS? It’s kind of ironic… Lena and I were just discussing how you’re always on the go, never stopping, zest for life coming out the wazzzu, and wondering: how does she do it? Well you answered that question yourself– it’s all about energy, and that doesn’t mean getting enough sleep or rest, it’s about the people you surround yourself with and things you spend your time doing. Positivity is key, and it makes so much sense how it can fuel you with energy. nNat I’m so proud, you’ve always had a voice and now you’re using it louder than ever… belt it out! Baby YOU’RE a firework!nLove Jess
We always say it we are soooo blessed to have the best friends ever. Not only are you all ridiculously, ridiculously good looking you are all positive, talented, fun and an inspiration. I would not be in this amazing place I am in if it wasnu2019t for each and every one of you. So blessedu2026thanks for making me cry in my cubicle at work! Thanks for being an amazing friend! Xo See ya tomorrow in Toronto baby!!! hahah if I get a book deal I am taking us all to Spain this summer. xo
hahah you know what is ironic I think you used that same saying on Saturday- the law of attraction is like attracts like…. What are you psychic 😉
I’m crying! That was such an amazing post. I always knew that if you shared your words of wisdom, you’re energy would shine through and people would read. And not only read – they would love it and want more! Jess is right. We may be the fireworks, but you’re the sparkler that is still shining long after the big explosion. You’re such an amazing person and I”m so lucky to call you my bestie. Yay friends!nnThanks so much for spreading your sunshine – I wouldn’t be here without you either.
Thanks Mon xoxo and in the words of Celine Dion “I am everything I am because you loved me. wooooo!!!”
thank god i havent put on my make up yet! 😉 nnat. i will forever strive to be one of your fireworks! i think i have to try extra hard too, you gotta be able to see ’em allllll the way from ottawa. ncant wait to make some sparks with you this weekend….wait is that inappropriate….or? nlove love love.np.s. hey maybe jess is right, magine you got picked up for a book deal, sparks/yoga in the city! i’d so buy it! yessssss!nxoxo
Haha thanks Holly you are so missed all the way out there in Ottawa…but that doesnt matter you are here this weekend let’s celebrate xoxo hahah “sparks/yoga in the city” you may have just created the title that means you get 10% I promise!!! see you soon lovely!
Natalie!!! You have absolutely left me speechless…nnXO
aww Erikka you are just like mon always so encouraging. congrats on the new job and you really inspire me by passing on the love to all your friends. love all my friends xo
You and your brothers fan my flame every single day! Great post! keep up the great work Natalie! I love you!
This I know is so true, your Mom is so proud of you Nat and your brothers, oh and your Mom is one of my real friends who never bailed on me, I love her!!
Awww Nattie, this is so well written (seriously taking pointers for my literacy lessons) !!! You have such a strong voice and it’s awesome to see it being put to its full potential. You so eloquently described all of us. Thank-you for this beautiful gift.nBut you my lovely, are the Samantha of our Sex and the City group. So incredibly vibrant, full of life, hilarious and sexy (haha is that inappropriate). You truely never cease to amaze me as to how much energy you have and how generously you share this everyday. Whether it be through your jokes, your passion for yoga, your drive for self-improvement, your light-heartedness, your welcoming personality…need I continue…..you are an inspiration!!!! I’m so fortunate to be able to see all of this first hand daily. nLove ya to pieces xoxoxoxonLena
I love us. Yes you are blessed to see this beautiful mug of mine every morning. Love living with you. If I was a guy I would be asking you to marry me right now. xo mad love to ya sista xo
Natalie…. so, so good!! I find myself captivated by the words you write. I really enjoy reading your posts. They are so interesting and eye opening. It’s so nice to read about the strong relationships you have with all of the special people in your life. All of this positivity is infectious not just for me, but for everyone reading along and those who have the pleasure of being around you. nnKeep doing what you’re doing girl…because you do it so well :)n
thanks sab…we are going to be related soon! Just think since I am your maid of honor I will be writing a post soon about you 😉 jokes to the maid of honor thing but not to the post. xo
Awwwww! What an amazing post! You are all of those things that you describe in others all wrapped in one amazing Natty Package! I’m honored to have an honorable mention. I’ll figure out a way to mention you in a recipe very soon — maybe something spicy!!! Ten bucks says your next Sunday class is rammed with loyal readers. You are awesome!!!
1st off I still lol when i read that name goforkyourself anna. hahaha amazing. xo ya there needs to be a mexican fish taco recipe (inappropriate?) hhahahaha cant wait to make that video with cured meats
Great article Natalie, I especially like the incorporation of mathematics 😀
Thanks!
Natalie: This post really hit home with me. Years ago, I used to think that a person’s popularity was measured by how many friends they had, I thought there was something wrong with you if you did not have alot of friends…..HOW WRONG I WAS! I had a village of so-called friends. When my life became unravelled, I could not believe how many friends left me in the dust, literally. It was a hard pill to swallow, at first, but over time I realized that “less is more” when it comes to friends. The friends who did stand by me are the best, I know they truly love me and I count on them and vice versa for anything. I would rather have 5 great friends that I can trust 100% than 40 friends I am not sure about….nnThe warm and thoughtful way you write about your bf’s was simply beautiful.nnThe great advise you gave your readers about “surrounding yourself with positive people” is one of the greatest pieces of advise I was ever given. I really did it, it took alot of courage but it has been one of the best things I have ever done. You have to do it, if you want to live a happy and good life. The bottom line I always ask myself is “how can I be happy when everyone around me is miserable and a downer.” nI really enjoyed this post Nat!!
Thanks Jan your comments always add the cherry-on-top to all my posts! I love that these posts are really resonating. xoxo
Nat, please write a book … I’m going to feature it in my new store. You are so gifted!
Thank you 🙂 I can’t wait! Where do I sign? xoxo big hearts your way