#KNOWTHISFIX

Hello, last week of January! Last year this time, I was a few weeks into my "Yoga Every Day This Year" challenge (which I did!). How funny that as soon as the new year hit and I'd completed the challenge, I'm all "yoga? Meh. Maybe." Even though I love it and feel all the benefits, I've done it just a few times this year. I'm apparently enjoying the freedom from a task more than the benefits! Ha. The joys of psychology. But I'm actually going to pull the positive out of that: I'm pretty powerful when I have a clear challenge I'm determined to take on. Even if the closing thought is "been there, done that, next". 

I guess that's why it's really more about the core desired feelings and  than the actual goals. So that even if you're tired and motivation might be lacking at the moment, the will to keep going is still there. In that case, I have some re-evaluating to do. Because I still want yoga. And other things. Never too late, though.

Any daily something you're attempting or have going this year? Or always? And your key to motivation? I'm looking for ideas. 

In the meantime, drawing some motivation and inspiration from the links below. 

This past week I've been:

Awed by...

The universe. Nothing like being able to see five planets aligned with the naked eye to help put things in perspective. Going to make a viewing part of my wake-up routine this week.

Inspired by...

Artist, activist, developer Theaster Gates who's reimagining vacant space on the South and West sides of Chicago: "You have to be ready with poetry and pragmatism. And you have to be ready to see the world you want to see, commit to the change and be bold about it." Here's his full interview in the Chicago Tribune.

Daydreaming about...

A Wander Year. A really cool, recently launched opportunity to take your life abroad and live in four different countries on four different continents over a year starting August 2016. For a start-up fee and then monthly "rent", the program arranges all logistics and even helps arrange remote work options. Now taking applications! Apply here.

Thankful for...

The Gifts of Hibernation. As someone who tends to get the winter blues, I'm taking this cue from writer Andreana E. Lefton: "I am learning to see hibernation as a time to retreat from the world, yes. It is also a time for my own unspoken philosophy to come into clearer focus. In this way, hibernation is a time of approach. I am approaching the truth in me, a movement that requires both patience and trust."

Reminded that...

Nikita's #myKSS reflection rings true: "I know myself better now than I did last year or the year before or even 10 years before that. I’ve dealt with situations that I previously thought would have broken me and I’m still here. It’s at the zenith of highs and at the nadir of lows that I’ve had those “aha” moments in discovering me and, despite whatever circumstance, they’re amazing."

Watching...

Serena Williams kick butt at the Australian Open. Love watching her play. And win.

Listening to...

Watch Apple Day on Viméo - vimeo.com/140312603 YouTube - youtu.be/XzZYiC3_HbE Joon Moon’s story started in 2014 in Montmartre, Paris, in the studio of the excessively discreet Julien Decoret, born of the desire to continue after touring with Nouvelle Vague, Florent Marchet etc. … and start his own project. With all the creative decisions already made for keyboards, vocals and drums, Julien joined up with his pals Raphael Chassin and Sébastien Trouvé for both the studio recording and stage show that they had already collectively imagined. In early 2015, thanks to chance encounters and other musically-minded friends like Marc Collin and Hugh Coltman, Julien Decoret met another artist with an impressive live show (and someone just as reserved as he is) - Krystle Warren, born in Kansas City and recently arrived in France. The four had mutual friends, and after a few try-outs in the studio and a misunderstanding about a certain Alice / Juliette Lewis (a story that makes them all laugh even today) a real synergy came to pass, with Joon Moon the result - both in the studio and on stage. Their first e.p. “Chess”, released late 2015, showcases a mix of precise and impressive pop and soul arrangements, hinting that the album due in 2016 will be an exciting discovery, joyfully crashing through numerous musical barriers. A word of warning though - the siren-like voice of Krystle Warren may have you addicted to Joon Moon before you know it! “Apple Day”, “Chess” and “Help Me” are the first taste of a debut album undoubtedly full of surprises. "Warren's voice is an extraordinary instrument, murmuring with tenderness at times, growling with intensity at others. It vividly recalls Nina Simone in its depth and smokiness, as well as John Martyn and (Jeff) Buckley in terms of virtuosic variety." - The Guardian Follow Joon Moon FB - www.facebook.com/JoonMoonMusic Twitter - twitter.com/JoonMoonMusic SoundCloud - @joonmoonmusic Artwork by h5.fr/