Animal Awareness Campaign (Be Their Voice - Speak Up!)

     Hi everyone! I am doing some very important research for my persuasion campaign specifically for my Persuasion class at Concord University. I am doing an animal awareness campaign. For those of you who are reading this blog post right now, I would really love it if all animal lovers as well as non-animal lovers to complete both of these surveys that I have the links posted for at the bottom. Each opinion matters and it would really help me out a lot with my research. These questionnaires are mainly to educate people on animal awareness, spread awareness, and just sort of give me an idea on what people know about animals, animal cruelty, neglect, spaying/neutering, etc. Each questionnaire is anonymous and only takes a few minutes. After you have completed both surveys I would really love it if you could share the link on a social network that you are apart of as well. This would really help spread awareness and inform people that animal cruelty, neglect, etc. are huge problems and they need to be addressed. Opinions are great, but actually "act" on some of the problems that are happening around the world. Every little bit helps, and since animals can't speak for themselves; then we need to be their voices for them. Be a voice for another living creature - they need it.

Questionnaire #1

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xiZjVGTF-Avdifm0x_h1PciaogQ7Gi_h_pN48zb9Tfo/viewform


Questionnaire #2

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14CkbF8ywoVvCGuLqQ2FKVsFVT4sapwSySIy0J7FNwE8/viewform

P.S. If you are a huge animal lover or if you don't know much about animals or the problems going on around the world, or maybe you are just neutral about the topic and would like to possibly become more informed on animal awareness - go and "like" my page that I made specifically for my campaign... "We Are Their Voice." The picture below is the profile picture for the Facebook page. This webpage will provide articles from various news stations, inspiring pictures, quotes, and local animal stories in my home town. Enjoy!

Nothing Like a Travelin Yogini

My mother and I travelled back to Baltimore - a place that we both feel is very special and close to our hearts. It was so incredibly nostalgic being back there and we loved every single second of it. We did things that we had done before and we did things that were completely new. My mother and I always have a blast on our little mini trips that we go on. We watched an Oriole's game and they won big time. Anyway, the point of this blog is - there is nothing like doing a yoga pose in a place that you love dearly. It changes the perspective, the image, the feelings/emotions, the memory. The past memories turn into present memories. It's a wonderful feeling. Doing yoga postures in random places throughout Baltimore, Fells Point, the Inner Harbor makes me realize that my life is not what it is supposed to be right now and that's okay. The most important thing is that it will eventually be the way it's supposed to be, I will be not only grounded in myself but in a certain location that I love dearly. I will feel at home, I will shine from within and shine wherever I go.

 

"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." -Yogi Bhajan

 

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 31)

Day 31

Today I am thankful for music. I just don't know what I would do without it. Music has gotten me through some rough times. It can be so emotional, so upbeat, and sometimes it just tells the story of your life. It's amazing how people can be so moved by words and the melody of something so wonderful as music. It's amazing and people who are able to play instruments, sing, write songs... that's talent and I love it. music can be so beautiful whether there are lyrics or if it's just instrumental. No song is alike and there is a different meaning for each one. Each song and piece is personal to every person. I think that's what I like it so much. It's a wonderful thing and I will forever cherish that.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 30)

Day 30

Today I am thankful for my country and where I am able to live. Even though there are so many problems in the world.... even where we live we still have it a lot better than most people. We don't have to deal with a lot of things that people in other countries have to deal with. We are fortunate to have in a country where w can most of the time easily get hired for a job, we have right to vote, marry whomever we choose, and so many more reasons. We have security that most people don't have and that's something to be thankful for. Don't take that kind of thing for granted.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 29)

Day 29

Today I was thankful for the film/motion picture industry. Me being the huge cinephile that I am, I just absolutely love film. Even though people may judge Hollywood and celebrities who devote their lives to performing arts and in film, I will say that I honor celebrities and I look up to them. What they do is an art and a gift. I however do not look up to for example, the Kardashians. They are a huge waste of time and talent in that business and if you ask me they are a huge disgrace to Hollywood. The people I admire look more like Audrey Hepburn - a fashion icon, a good role model, a classy, conservative and well brought up woman. People like Ian Somerhalder who create foundations to empower and educate people and projects on the planet and creatures living on it. It's a foundation to educate people and raise awareness about positively acting toward all living things. People like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who donate to so many charities as well as giving sweet children a chance at happiness to be apart of a loving family. People like that deserve to be praised and recognized for what they do because they also give back. They have money and they use their wealth for good. not everyone in that business is a quality person, but there are a lot of them who are; and I commend them for that.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 28)

Day 28

Today I was thankful for goofy moments and being silly. Life can be so serious at times, each and every one of us needs to take the time to let go and just laugh hysterically sometimes. So take the time to just smile and laugh for no apparent reason. Be silly because life is already serious. Be silly today, you can be serious tomorrow.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 27)

Day 27

On the 27th day I was thankful for relaxation and serenity. Serenity is the highest form of peace. Everyone needs to experience a little bit of relaxation and serenity every day and sometimes more than just a little bit. Not all yoga poses are difficult, a simple little half lotus will suffice. Half lotus is a simple and relaxing pose, but it's just as beneficial as any other yoga pose. Being able to find serenity in life and most importantly within yourself is important. Let your heart be calm.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 26)

Day 26

Today I am thankful for all of the simple things in life. I am thankful for simplicity. Today my practice was about devoting yourself to the simple things in life, to try and act/think simple today. To block out any complicated thoughts or emotions that you feel need to be pushed out. The goal was to focus on easing your mind, your body and spirit. As life progresses I think we all tend to live more complicated lives. Things happen in everyday life that clutter out mind with complex things and circumstances and sometimes we just need an hour to ourselves to think simply, to not think about anything hard or difficult, to live a happy and free life - even if it is for just one hour. After all, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Don't be simple minded, but be simple in a way where it uncomplicates your life for just a moment.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 25)

Day 25

Today I am thankful for the sun. If you take the time to honor the sun you will realize that it completely transforms the world we live in. It brings us light, warmth, and happiness. It fuels the growth of plant life to make our world more beautiful. Without the sun the world simply cannot thrive on any energy and cannot transform. But because the sun does exist the world is more beautiful each and every day. As the sun rises higher in the sky during the season of summer so does our internal element of fire, our Pitta dosha. We are all made up of a unique combination of elements - earth, water, fire, and air. The element of fire that the sun provides for us keeps the inner flame in us strong. In the beginning of a yoga practice yogis do a few sun salutations to warm up... and the sun salutations are my favorite part of a practice. I love the way it makes me feel and when I'm doing it I really actually feel like I am honoring the sun during that part of my practice. Without the sun the world is a much darker place.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 24)

Day 24

Today I am thankful for productive but relaxing days... just like today. I was able to get up early this morning, fix a healthy breakfast, fix a cup of tea, smell the early morning air and just relax. I'm so thankful for days like today because it gives me time to catch up on anything with myself as well as for example, clean my car like I did today. now my car is clean and the fall semester has only just begun. I ran a couple miles, watched a few Lifetime movies, spent time with my family and I am overflowing with gratefulness. I am grateful that today was beneficial, but I was still able to recharge my batteries for the start of a new week on Monday. Be happy for days like today.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 23)

Day 23

Today I am thankful for black and white. It's a little thing, but I love black and white. It's so classic. I love the fact that vintage is still in style and you can still create art that appears to look old. It's just so raw, romantic, and there's just something about a black and white photo that make a person notice it. Black and whit is just so effortless and natural. I always tell myself that whenever I have my own home one day that whenever I decide to hang my photography it will be nothing but black and white photographs. Black and white will never go out of style - it's eternal.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 22)

Day 22

On the 22nd day I was thankful for my lungs. Without them I wouldn't be able to breathe and I am so very thankful that I have healthy lungs. They get me through my practices and through my crazy and hectic days. I've never taken them for granted and I never will. I've never smoked a cigarette or anything for that matter. I've never done anything deliberately to myself to harm my lungs in anyway. They are as healthy as can be and I pray they stay that way for a very long time because breathing feels good and I don't ever want to ever have to know what it's like to not be able to breathe comfortably.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 21)

Day 21

On the 21st day I was thankful for balance. Balance is a wonderful thing to achieve whether it's dealing with your body, mind, and even in your life, but it doesn't come easily. I know from my own experience that you have to practice to accomplish an efficient balance in your life. I practice balance every single day whether it's in my yoga practices, my education, diet, health, anything, but if you find your balance from within yourself then your whole universe is centered and grounded. That's the most wonderful feeling someone can manifest.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 20)

Day 20

On day 20 I was thankful for all of the special people in my life. And there are only about a handful of them that I actually get to see on a regular daily basis; due to distance that is. Although, each and every one of them - those wonderful people that I cherish so deeply are the one's that get me through the days. You as a person have to help yourself get through each and every day even when it could possibly be the most difficult day of your life, and at the end of each day "you" truly are the only person who knows what's best for you, but if you don't have the encouragement of loved ones around you then life certainly isn't worth living for. If you ask me, life is just dull. It's the laughter, memories, secrets, and even tears that make you have a fulfilled day/life. People who have people are good people. So find your people and hang on to them - forever. Be thankful for the people in your life and be thankful for people who aren't even in your lives yet. Even if they make you angry or sad, because at the end of the day you will always want them there by your side; whether you like to admit it or not.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 19)

Day 19

Today I am thankful for seasons. Now I'm sure we all have our favorite season because I know I do and of course I complain a lot about summer now, but each and every season has a purpose. Just think of it this way - change is good. Sure, temperatures drop... sometimes uncomfortably and they even rise... sometimes uncomfortably. Although, the transition through each season is beautiful in its own unique way. I don't care for summer anymore, but I always try to find little things that I do like about it. For example, I love to eat corn on the cob in the summer. Whenever I think of summer I think of iced tea... free time that I have to just focus on myself, reading, traveling, learning new things. All anyone has to do is find the little things that are offered in life and be thankful for them. Take advantage of the gifts that life gives you. The circle of life and the constant changing of the seasons could also be a metaphor to each and every one of our lives. Our lives are constantly changing sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. Hot weather wont last and neither with the chill of winter... much like experiences in our life. So be thankful for change because we could all use it at times even when we think we don't need it.

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

 Camel Pose

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 18)

Day 18

Today I am thankful for technology. I absolutely love my phone and I don't know what I would do without it. I'm not one of these people who is constantly texting people, but I am a person who loves Instagram and I am constantly looking up things on the Internet and checking my emails. My iPhone is so handy and always keeps me in the loop with life. During the school year it helps me stay right on track with my schedule, helps me keep in contact with my professors, and much more. Plus, my cell phone is always there when I need it in an emergency. I know we live in a time where we seem spoiled or reliant on technology, but it really makes each and every one of our lives that much easier. I mean think if we didn't have the Internet... and trying to finish a 15 page English paper. That just sounds awful... and simply impossible now these days. So, the next time your computer is being a little slow on you or your phone is freezing up for just a second... be thankful that you even live in a time where technology like this exists, because your life would be very difficult without it.

Dancer Pose

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 17)

Day 17

Today I am thankful for having someone in my life who is so passionate about food. I'm thankful that I am able to grow up learning so many different and interesting techniques and facts about food. For one, I love to eat, and knowing how to make food and make it taste delicious and look beautiful... well that's a talent. My mother is one of the most talented people I know, especially when it comes to food. She attended Baltimore International Culinary College in the past, has been the pastry chef at many Italiano Ristorante's in Maryland, and now owns her own business - The Appetit' Boutique and is a professional pastry chef. I know my post yesterday was in honor of her and her birthday, but I just can't help it... today is about her too, because I am thankful for her talent in the culinary arts and I am thankful that she is so passionate to teach me all that she knows. I think that I get my passion about food from her, obviously I had to have because when I'm off traveling around the world all I want to do is try new foods, take pictures of them, and then tell everyone why that food item was amazing or just simply okay. Like I said, food is art and I think if someone has the talent to make it taste delicious and look like a work of art - then it should be appreciated.

 

"In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport." -Julia Child

 

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." -Julia Child

 

"Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." -Julia Child

 

"A party without cake is just a meeting." -Julia Child

 

"People who love to eat are always the best people." -Julia Child

 

 

 

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 16)

Day 16

Today I am thankful for my wonderful and magnificent mother. Today is her birthday so first off I want to wish her a cheerful and unforgettable birthday. From the very time I took my first breath she is the person who has been here for me, caring for me and loving me unconditionally. She truly is a gem and a one of kind human being. Words can't describe how important she is to me in my life, but I guess this blog post and the rest of the day will have to do for right now. She is a person who has eternal optimism and has always taught me to be a kind person. She teaches me to work hard for what I want in life. She has taught me too many things to count and if I listed them... well that's not possible because this post would be forever long. She is an admirable person in every way possible. We are so similar and then we are so different... but mostly similar. We get along so well and she is pretty much my best friend... always will be. She has a huge heart and is so bubbly and fun constantly... even when I'm not in the mood to be bubbly. Her cooking is perfection, her heart is pure, and her love for animals is absolutely selfless. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful mother. I WILL love her forever and always. Have a wonderful birthday Mommy!

 <3

"All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother." -Abraham Lincoln

Conjoined Tree Pose with my Mommy.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 15)

Day 15

 

Today I am thankful for culture and all of the unique and wonderful things that places have to offer. I'm thankful for all of the traveling I have been able to do and I am thankful for all of the traveling yet to come. Traveling makes me just feel so alive and the experiences are just exhilarating. I'm thankful for the emotions that just spill out of me when I'm in a new place. I learn so many things, my eyes are opened to new ideas, I try new foods, I meet new people, and it has given me perspective. The world can be a scary place, but 99 percent of it in my opinion is beyond beautiful and I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to explore it. I know that all of the traveling I invest my time into will transform me into the person I want to be in the future because I can already see that happening now. Travel has helped me understand myself and where I may even want to live someday. Travel has guided me in the direction where I am supposed to be in life and has shown me that there are people in this world that I can relate to. Travel gives me adventure and the need for adventure is hard-wired...traveling lets a person tap into that. And as far as I'm concerned I will continue to travel until I am no longer able to, because that's when I feel most alive; and who doesn't want to feel alive?

 

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." -Susan Sontag

 

I want to make memories all over the world.

 

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

 

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." -James Michener

 

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

"If you're 22, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel - as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them - wherever you go." -Anthony Bourdain

 

Go find yourself.





Bird of Paradise

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 14)

Today is the 14th day into my 31 days of yoga challenge and I am thankful for one thing well five to be exact... my five senses. I am thankful that I was gifted with all five senses and especially my sight. I thank God every day that I am able to see because the world can be such a beautiful place and even though their are some things in life that just break your heart or things that you don't want to see I'm still grateful that I can. There's always something in life that is beautiful if you look hard enough at times. Me being a photographer and an absolute photo junkie, I am thankful that I am able to see through my lens and take beautiful pictures. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to see art and beautiful memories that the world has to offer. I know some people in life aren't fortunate enough to be able to see and that makes me even more thankful. Our eyes are so important and many people don't even realize how important they are. Our eyes allow each and every one of us to be able to read, learn, work, and even play. Our eyes allow us to see beautiful people in the world and allow us to make connections with one another. Sometimes our eyes talk more to one another more than if we were to even say just one word. A person's eyes are the pathway to their soul in my opinion. If you stare into them long enough you can almost feel what they are feeling. That was one of the exercises in my yoga three-week immersion. We would each grab a partner, stand face to face, and stare into each others eyes. It's a very personal exercise, but you'd be surprised how connected you feel to that person in such a short amount of time.

 

No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side of things.

 

The most beautiful eyes are loving eyes.