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About: Maureen Miller

Website
http://www.livinglifemakingchoices.com
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Maureen is a yoga teacher, life/health coach and an aspiring writer. She teaches yoga and leads a yoga teacher training/develop your yoga practice program for students who want to learn more about integrating the body, mind and spirit. Maureen believes when we find balance in all areas of our lives, we live in alignment with our core values and we can live a life filled with intention and purpose.  As a yoga teacher and life/health coach, it is her intention to be with students/coaches on their journey as they investigate decisions that brought them to where they are today, examine options toward change and make choices to break through current challenges.  You can find Maureen on Facebook, Twitter and at her website: Living Life, Making Choices.
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Posts by Maureen Miller:


Be Who You Are!

by on Jan 23, 2012

If someone ‘minds’ my truth – and/or I find it difficult to deliver that truth, then I should ask myself how much it matters since I am not responding authentically.

15 ways to thrive during the holiday season

by on Dec 17, 2011

1)  Be patient. 2) Slow down. 3) Pay attention. 4) Make thoughtful choices. 5) Stay grounded by reminding yourself of what’s in your personal toolbox. (breathing, yoga, running, hiking, reading, photography,etc.) 6) Every hour take 2-minutes to be mindful and pay attention to your breath by noticing steady, rhythmic inhales and exhales. 7) Practice a [...]

The Middle of NowHere

by on Dec 12, 2011

I have something wonderful to share with you. It’s a free holiday gift from my Facebook friend Jerry Downs. Via Facebook I have met some amazing people from around the world. To mention just a few: There’s Sue Jones, from right in my hometown backyard of Boston – an amazing women who founded yogaHOPE – [...]

The Poetry of Yoga – review

by on Nov 10, 2011

William Wordsworth wrote: “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.” The Poetry of Yoga is an exceptional compilation of poems eloquently compiled and edited by Hawah, the visionary behind The Poetry of Yoga project; with poems written by HawaH; Lilias Folan, the First Lady of [...]

My top three considerations when practicing yoga on & off the mat.

by on Oct 21, 2011

1)      The Breath On the mat: Once we get the concept that yoga postures will be easier when we breathe smoothly – then we begin to find the meditative quality of the practice. This takes our practice to a level beyond the physical. Off the mat: If your breath is erratic pay attention, consider why [...]

Be at peace with your belly!

by on Oct 3, 2011

Over the years I’ve struggled with negative thoughts about my body and how I thought my stomach was too flabby. Some of that is related to my childhood/young adulthood environment when my mom would make comments to me whenever she thought I gained weight, but it is more likely related to how we are inundated [...]

A review: Yoga Heart – Lines on the Six Perfections, by Leza Lowitz

by on Sep 5, 2011

I was familiar with the essence of Leza Lowitz’s poetry because I have her book Yoga Poems: Line to Unfold by.  So, I was not surprised to find that Yoga Heart is a beautifully written book. It is also exquisitely illustrated by Akiko Tanimoto.  The ‘Six Perfections’ outline the sections of Leza’s moving, meaningful, thoughtful, [...]

What do we want for our children?

by on Aug 29, 2011

To be happy.  To give and receive love. To be well in body, mind & spirit. How to do this? Mindful Parenting. Instilling self-esteem and self-confidence. Being an excellent role model. And a whole lot ‘o love! Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development states when children are preschoolers, they try to behave in ways that [...]

Apropos bumper sticker?

by on Aug 2, 2011

Okay—it may not be funny from everyone’s perspective, but I just came off a weekend of getting caught up with the last three Harry Potter movies…and, yes, I am a Democrat (ah, that’s kind of obvious!) and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the news of the Debt Deal.

Review of Mindful Yoga, Mindful Life by Charlotte Bell

by on Aug 2, 2011

At the beginning of her book, Charlotte writes: ‘The place where the quality of our yoga practice speaks most clearly is the way we live our lives.’ In this beautiful book, Charlotte shares many personal examples, including her practice on and off the mat, as she integrates the eight limbs of yoga and the eightfold [...]

Yogis acting….. well …. non-yogic

by on Jul 15, 2011

It happens all the time – know why?  We are spiritual beings living a human existence, that’s why. I know yoga teachers who have had affairs with students. I know yoga teachers who are self-centered. I know yoga teachers who gossip. I know yoga teachers who have envious tendencies. I know yoga teachers who are [...]

Holding the space for your yoga students

by on Jul 8, 2011

Yoga adjustments and assists are just one of the many ways teachers can learn to be with a student on their journey – meeting them where they are at, guiding them in the ‘direction’ of the pose and enhancing the student’s practice in a way that they see possibilities that may not have previously existed [...]

Peace is possible!

by on Jun 10, 2011

Do you believe?  Mattie believed!  Mattie Stepanek was a poet, philosopher and peace activist.  He died a month before his 14th birthday.  So very young.  Yet, in his short life, Mattie inspired so many.  When we read his magical words, see photos of his contagious smile or hear his voice on videos of shows he [...]

National Donut Day – WTH!

by on Jun 3, 2011

If you go for your daily Dunkin’s coffee today (not me – never, ever had a cup ‘o joe, but my hubby has Dunkin’s coffee almost daily) and they offer you a free donut – JUST SAY NO!  You can do it – I know you can. Why say no? DONUTS ARE NOT GOOD FOR [...]

Three things new yoga teachers should know about teaching yoga.

by on May 28, 2011

1.       Be Authentic Be yourself.  Reflect on what is important to you in the role of someone who is sharing yoga with others.  When we honor who we are and what we have to offer, our light shines brightly.  When we lose touch with our personal style of teaching or try to imitate others, it [...]

Living Life – a poem

by on May 20, 2011

LIVING LIFE Making choices, every day To live in alignment With what is real Making choices, every hour To exist with truth With what resonates Making choices, every minute To be in this world with integrity With what moves us Making choices, every single moment To notice the quality of our breath To be here [...]

Numbers do not define us

by on May 15, 2011

Age, weight, financial worth or Facebook ‘likes’….. they do not define us! #1 – Age: I turned 51 the other day – I don’t feel 51 – wait a minute – I’ve never been 51 so I don’t know what the heck that is that suppose to feel like!  I recall as a teenager when [...]

Common Humanity

by on May 6, 2011

Earlier this year I was inspired to celebrate family & friends’ birthdays by donating to organizations that are contributing to positive change in the world.  Simultaneously, I am reading Bill Clinton’s book – Giving.  Clinton writes:  The modern world, for all its blessings, is unequal, unstable and unsustainable.  And so the great mission of the [...]

Inversions – fun being upside down and a playlist

by on Apr 30, 2011

Inverting your body: Gives the heart a break. Stimulates the endocrine system. Calms the mind. Strengthens the core. Enhances ability to concentrate and remain focused. Can be stimulating for the nervous system. Increases body awareness. Helps with circulation. Can be cleansing and rejuvenating. Can relieve stress. Yoga Journal article with great info. A playlist with [...]

I think a lot.

by on Apr 3, 2011

About what to write about in a blog.  (And how do I get on this list? ) About yoga.  (Ahmmm, because I love yoga, personal development, spirituality, philosophy.) About life. About choices.  (Recognizing we always have a choice – so important.) Life is the sum of all your choices.  ~Albert Camus About love (Is it [...]

Just Eat Organic: Cute Anthem for a Healthy Generation.

by on Apr 1, 2011

A little ditty with Gary Hirshberg and the Stonyfield Moms. Way to be creative to get the word out about the reasons to eat organic…Gary is the CE-Yo of Stonyfield (but you may’ve already known that) and a local from my city, Concord, New Hampshire. Great guy, wonderful family.

Exploring the Chakras

by on Mar 4, 2011

There are seven major energy centers, or chakras.  We can think of them as swirling light of beautiful lotus flowers.  These seven centers are the link between our physical and energetic body.  Each one has a relationship to our physical body and an organ or gland, as well as particular parts of our consciousness. Over [...]

Busy is a state of mind

by on Feb 24, 2011

My yoga practice has taught me so much about slowing down, not being reactive and paying attention to my life.  I am currently leading a 6-week Yoga & Wellness session focusing on practicing on and off the mat.  In the weekly sessions participants reflect on core values and beliefs, consider if they want to make [...]

Forgiveness.

by on Jan 21, 2011

The other night as I lay my head on the pillow reflecting on my day, I felt a strong sensation in my body as a thought popped into my awareness. It was something I said to my daughter while we were Skyping.  It was a negative comment, a judgment about someone else.  I instantly felt [...]

Civility

by on Jan 12, 2011

What if Sarah Palin simply apologized? Something like, “While I am certainly not responsible for the reprehensible acts of violence in Tuscon, I am horrified that anything I have said or endorsed in the past could possibly be construed as inciting violence. I am deeply sorry. I pledge to use intelligence and dignity as my [...]

Creating Awareness – what you should know before traveling to Mexico

by on Jan 3, 2011

Nolan was only 22 years young when he died. Andrew was 16. Brent was 8. Hunter was 9. These four young people all died in Mexico while on vacation….. while on v a c a t i o n. Now their parents, family and friends live every single day without them, missing them so deeply. [...]

Vegan, Gluten Free Treat – You’re welcome!

by on Dec 24, 2010

Almond- Coconut Macaroon – vegan & gluten free 1 Cup ‘o sugar 3 Tablespoons -Agar-Agar  (3 large egg whites – if you are not vegan) Warning – Agar, Agar is expensive.  It can be found at your local Coop or Natural Food Store – it was near the Japanese food – it’s flakes – seaweed, [...]

Life’s Gifts – by Vyda Bielkus

by on Dec 24, 2010

From my friend, Vyda: Gifts don’t always come wrapped in pretty packages.  And this week, maybe because of the moon’s complete eclipse, life has been generous with reminding me what a gift truly is. My best friend’s flight being cancelled out of Heathrow.  Life. Being able to spend Christmas with him in London and then [...]

The Holiday Season with our FOO (family of origin)

by on Dec 19, 2010

“It is my intention to: Be Authentic and Peaceful with All of My Relatives” from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book: The Power of Intention This is a powerful intention any time of the year, but particularly during the holidays.   In his book, Dr. Dyer writes ‘you get treated the way you teach others to treat you’ [...]

rest, be active, eat well, cleanse

by on Oct 30, 2010

Take rest where you can find it!  The sweet little girl resting in the pedal box – is my granddaughter, Sage, napping during Spiritual Rez‘s set at LEAF. Early this year I completed a 6-month Health Coaching Program with B1 Community.  We touched upon so many aspects of living a healthy life – and today [...]

Spotlight Bullying.

by on Oct 23, 2010

Watch the President’s message on bullying. It doesn’t matter if you are a supporter of President Obama or not, watch and listen and notice his sincerity.  I am still an Obama fan because I feel he is a person who really gives a damn about the American people. I am not naive about the challenges [...]

Ahimsa – nonviolence, being kind.

by on Oct 20, 2010

Ahimsa is about being kind – to yourself and others.  I like to think about the way I want to be with others and not how I don’t want to be.  So, though the Sanskrit word Ahimsa is sometimes translated to nonviolence, I think about it as being kind.  When we are being kind – [...]

Authenticity?

by on Oct 9, 2010

Living authentically – what does that mean? To begin I want to state up front that I know we all could go on and on and on about the question of what authenticity means. So, here, I’m setting an intention to keep it simple and explore just one way we can begin to discover our [...]

Beautiful Native American Prayer.

by on Oct 3, 2010

Ojibway Prayer Grandfather, Look at our brokenness, We know that in all creation only the human family has strayed from the sacred way; We know that we are the ones who are divided And we are the ones who must come back together To walk in the sacred way Grandfather, Sacred One Teach us love, [...]

Waiting for Superman.

by on Sep 23, 2010

A must-see documentary about the state of education in the United States. I haven’t seen it yet—just the promos—but wanted to get the word out to everyone…coming soon! Waiting for Superman!

I am well adjusted!

by on Aug 25, 2010

My first Chiropractic adjustment/experience! I have been practicing yoga for approximately 12 years and have never truly enjoyed Shoulderstand.  During recent years I would say to myself and others – I have neck ‘issues’.  I really wanted to be cautious with any postures that might strain my neck or shoulders. Initially I thought I was [...]

G’damn effin Heat: a Lesson in Acceptance.

by on Jul 14, 2010

It has been very hot and humid in the Northeast—for so many days I have lost count. Ayurvedic medicine tells me I am a Pitta.  Fiery.  Not compatible with summer heat.  I, obviously, knew that before I read it. At 3:30 this morning, I retreated to the living room on the first floor of the [...]

Sue Jones is my friend.

by on Jul 5, 2010

Facebook says so and therefore it must be true! I first communicated with Sue Jones when I asked her to come and teach a workshop at my yoga studio in Concord, NH. Sue founded yogaHOPE, an organization in Massachusetts that is dedicated to establishing rehabilitative yoga programs in residential facilities for underserved women in substance [...]

Matthew Sanford – journey to his life’s purpose

by on Jun 20, 2010

A friend recently sent me a link about Matthew Sanford.  Matthew’s story is an inspirational, uplifting story of one man’s journey toward living his life’s purpose. When Matthew was 13 years old he was traveling with his family (parents and two siblings) when they were in a car accident that paralyzed Matthew and took the [...]

Acupuncture: Savasana, with Needles!

by on Jun 11, 2010

As a yoga teacher and a huge proponent of non-traditional medicine… …naturally I heard of Acupuncture, but I was not a participant in the service until recently.  Khara Lucius is one of my yoga students, and a Naturopathic Doctor who practices Acupuncture. When I first arrived at Khara’s office, we sat down and discussed how [...]

No gluten, no sugar, no dairy….no freakin’ way.

by on Jun 5, 2010

…Or so I thought. She pricked my finger and said the results would be back in about a week—results that would forever change what I eat and how I think about food. About year ago I went to a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) because I was having digestive issues. Since then, because I tend to over-share [...]

Making Angels, Banana Pancakes and on and on and on and on

by on Jun 2, 2010

A few wicked good (yeah, I’m from the Northeast) reasons to love Jack Johnson and download his new CD! Jack Johnson lives life making choices that are aligned with three important core values: 1)  Balancing career and family – Jack only tours when his kids are on vacation so he does not have to be [...]

What is the foundation of love?

by on May 31, 2010

It’s in the imperfections of life where we grow the most. When I turned 40, I began to re-examine what was important in my life and where, or how I wanted to spend my time. It’s probably no coincidence that I started practicing yoga around the same time. Now that I am 50 (I celebrated [...]


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