Now that you have established a strong practice and are available to take on new and exciting opportunities as they arise, the next important step is to make sure you are well rested. This does not mean getting 8 hours of sleep every night for the rest of your life. This simply means establishing quiet and calm space to relax and release.
Falling asleep with the television on is without a doubt dangerous to one's health. Models of gratuitous violence and consumption paired with flashes and flickers are directly replayed in our sleep to distort our dream space. To ensure that you and your dreams are protected, use the timer feature on your remote control so that the television shuts off at a designated time. Put your feet up on a pillow to aid circulation to your feet and clear lymph. Keep a hot cup of chamomile, catnip, peppermint or passionflower tea nearby.
We live in a grossly over-stimulated society of cell phones, computers, and electronic devices that offer convenience and accessibility at the cost of overstimulating our central nervous system. It is a great gift to yourself and the planet at large to turn off all electronics when you are sleeping. Put your phone on Airplane mode. Unplug your laptop. Allow your battery to fully recharge without interruption. So easily we are asked to shift our attention to where our technology connects us. Instead draw your attention inward, so that you can be rejuvenated fully with each gestation period of sleep. Send your breath and conscious prayers of awareness to the designated areas of your body that are calling out for attention and love. Understand that the Individual body is directly connected to the Universal body and therefore; by meditating on the health of your body and allowing it to rest and recover fully, you are in turn healing the body of Universal Consciousness.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day #2: Allow for new and exciting opportunities to Arise
Now that you have established a strong practice, allow for new and exciting opportunities to come to you because they will. Your life abides by the laws of magnetic attraction; it is not separate from physics. When you immerse yourself in your practice, you are surrounding yourself with a vibration that you are calling forth to return onto you.
Allow the opportunities to present themselves. Don't be so committed to being glum that you are unable to see the gems as they appear. It is up to you to reach out and establish contact with these gifts. For most of us, we have been taught to believe that we must chase after these gifts in dramatic uphill battles and rat races. Yet when we remain focused and disciplined, the gifts literally start falling right into our laps. Isn't it nice when you are gifted and you don't have to think about it, you can just graciously accept? That's the beauty of lap gifts and why they are my personal favorite- they free us up of our time and our energy, they rejuvenate us.
An example of a lap gift: Today I arrived at the gym and was heading to the pool when i decided to check out the class schedule. A vinyassa yoga class with Alyssa was starting in 5 minutes. I usually don't practice there on that night with that teacher, but timing brought me there anyways (without a yoga mat.) I decided to recognize this opportunity as a Gift. The class ended up being exactly what i needed to propel me into my flow and integrate all the education i have been acquiring over the last 4 years. I left feeling high and grounded and expanded. I was able to recognize this type of organic movement as being deeply healing for body because it is simultaneously energizing and calming. I felt stimulated to want to come back for more.
The more conscious and conscientious we become, the more equipped we are to becoming masters of our domain. We don't have to fight with opportunities, we can dance with them!
Allow the opportunities to present themselves. Don't be so committed to being glum that you are unable to see the gems as they appear. It is up to you to reach out and establish contact with these gifts. For most of us, we have been taught to believe that we must chase after these gifts in dramatic uphill battles and rat races. Yet when we remain focused and disciplined, the gifts literally start falling right into our laps. Isn't it nice when you are gifted and you don't have to think about it, you can just graciously accept? That's the beauty of lap gifts and why they are my personal favorite- they free us up of our time and our energy, they rejuvenate us.
An example of a lap gift: Today I arrived at the gym and was heading to the pool when i decided to check out the class schedule. A vinyassa yoga class with Alyssa was starting in 5 minutes. I usually don't practice there on that night with that teacher, but timing brought me there anyways (without a yoga mat.) I decided to recognize this opportunity as a Gift. The class ended up being exactly what i needed to propel me into my flow and integrate all the education i have been acquiring over the last 4 years. I left feeling high and grounded and expanded. I was able to recognize this type of organic movement as being deeply healing for body because it is simultaneously energizing and calming. I felt stimulated to want to come back for more.
The more conscious and conscientious we become, the more equipped we are to becoming masters of our domain. We don't have to fight with opportunities, we can dance with them!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day #1: Root Down- Establish a Strong Self-Practice
For many of us Discipline is a word that makes us shiver. It leaves us with memories of fear and dread when we failed to adhere to The Rules. Often times we received consequences harsher than the crimes committed, and so we continued to rebel and add to the waxy ball of frustration that hung over us. Years of such repeated unconscious responses, can leave us feeling separate from our deepest desires, as well as separate from our true identity. For the sake of this diary, Discipline means "an activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training" (Dictionary.com) With continued commitment to our discipline, we gain a sense of control and freedom that was not previously available to us. We gain understanding and mastery of our mind, body and soul. If we have done the ground work ahead of time, it is almost always easier to lighten up than it is to push harder. WIth discipline, we have greater endurance, strength and flexibility; we have the tools to achieve our highest potential; we have the capacity to be truly Autonomous.
Discipline begins when you wake in the morning and stays with you until you go to sleep; it is your daily practice. What follows is my daily Discipline. Feel free to play along and try things on for size . Also feel free to reject and question what feels off. What I am sharing is an offering.
*** Waking Up/Going to Sleep- Its important to start the day with a clear head and body. I usually spend at least 15 minutes in bed awake noodling around, getting my stretch on. I do 30 Empowerment Breaths. I place my hands on my abdomen. I inhale through the nose and exhale through pursed lips. This has a very calming effect while simultaneously energizing the body from the root up. I like to set an intention for the day. At Night, I repeat 30 Conscious breaths, and I listen to whatever it is my body and mind have to say without monitoring it or telling it what to do. i like to focus on giving appreciations until I nod.
***Morning and Evening Practice- I have my yoga mat right next to my bed facing the mirror. This leaves little room for distraction to wiggle its way between me and my goals. A recent visit to the library produced 2 wonderful dvds that each have Am and Pm work outs. ( I Highly recommend checking out your library for awesome and inspiring materials!) Each work out is 25 minutes. I have a program for gentle yoga and also one for Pilates. I also checked out a dvd on healthy knees that has a fabulous 7 minute work out. Upon completing this series of exercises, I have worked out a total of 57 min in the morning and 57 min at night. And sometimes I don't have time to do all three segments so I do what I can and that feels good too.
*** Eating-- Especially now with the onset of Winter, it feels doubly important to begin the day by putting the right ingredients into the body. Too much sugar or complex carbohydrates can make the body fatigued and ready for sleep again. Too much caffeine can make us jittery and prone to loosing our balance. I highly recommend warming up the body from the inside with a cup of water boiled and a slice of lemon. A sprinkle of cayenne can be a nice addition as can a slice of fresh ginger if one's immunity feels under attack. As always sip slowly and consciously. Breathe in the nourishment. I recommend eating a small breakfast. I prefer making a smoothie when it is warm out or having a handful of nuts and dried fruit. When I have big day ahead I like to enjoy a small bowl of cream of buckwheat (1/4 cup makes enough to serve 2!) dressed with the perfect seasonings and served with handmade milk. For lunch and dinner I like to have a bowl of soup or salad. I like to keep a piece of fruit in my purse, preferably a clementine because it is so incredibly satiating after a good work out and its skin protects you and the contents of your bag from making a mess. I am even known to carry sweet potatoes in my bag for a late afternoon snack. I make sure to drink plenty of water through out the day.
***Hygiene- Whoever said hygiene isn't important is someone not to be kissed ;-) I like to start my day with fresh breath. I like to gargle salt water and follow with a good teeth brushing. I like Weleda's natural tooth pastes that are flouride-free. But more important than the paste is the brushing technique. Make sure to brush and massage the gums where plaque builds up. Also make sure to scrape your tongue. Follow up with a good flossing, and if you find your gums are bleeding, don't fret, gargle again with salt and water. Now we are just getting started with the salt and water. If you haven't heard about the Neti Pot, its time that you have. The Neti Pot is a great way to strengthen the health of your sinuses and nasal passageways. The Neti pot is a small pot with a spout. You fill it up with warm water and add a tea spoon of salt. Leaning over the sink you pour the spout into one nostril and allow the water to run out of the opposite nostril. Repeat on the opposite side. THis may be challenging at first; but with practice it will get easier.
*** Self-Practice- In spite of how much time i spend in my body, I can't seem to get enough. I am grateful to the 24 hour Fitness facility in Hasbrouk Heights that is equipped with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. I like to spend a few minutes in the steam room laying out in deep meditation beforehand. I like to spray my body with homemade spray of rose water and eucalyptus oils and tune into to my breathing. I like to spend at least 40 minutes in the water swimming laps without breaking. I This is my power up time! Time to Streamline and stretch every muscle in my body and receive the ultimate physical high. Time to play 1:1 with water and my breath. I then like to spend a few minutes seeing the free masseuse available to those on a tight budget: The Jet streams in the hot tub. Place desired areas of the body directly on the streams to break up anything that is lingering in the muscles and joints. Lay back and enjoy! Afterwards I make my way into the sauna and do restorative yoga until i am fully heated up and relaxed. I like to do a few rounds, preferably 4 interspersed with a cold water rinse . I follow up with a solid shower and Lady's tune-up afterwards in the locker room.
Wherever you are beginning from, acknowledge it as your starting point and know that there is room to grow and blossom. A healthy and compassionate attitude towards yourself is an important gift to give yourself. You can either be your worst enemy or your best friend. The way you treat yourself and talk to yourself will determine the most critical relationship you will have the rest of your life, in fact your relationship with yourself is the only relationship you are guaranteed to have and carry while on this planet, so why not make nice with the body and voice reflected back to you in the mirror? With more practice comes greater discipline, and with more discipline comes greater results.
Discipline begins when you wake in the morning and stays with you until you go to sleep; it is your daily practice. What follows is my daily Discipline. Feel free to play along and try things on for size . Also feel free to reject and question what feels off. What I am sharing is an offering.
*** Waking Up/Going to Sleep- Its important to start the day with a clear head and body. I usually spend at least 15 minutes in bed awake noodling around, getting my stretch on. I do 30 Empowerment Breaths. I place my hands on my abdomen. I inhale through the nose and exhale through pursed lips. This has a very calming effect while simultaneously energizing the body from the root up. I like to set an intention for the day. At Night, I repeat 30 Conscious breaths, and I listen to whatever it is my body and mind have to say without monitoring it or telling it what to do. i like to focus on giving appreciations until I nod.
***Morning and Evening Practice- I have my yoga mat right next to my bed facing the mirror. This leaves little room for distraction to wiggle its way between me and my goals. A recent visit to the library produced 2 wonderful dvds that each have Am and Pm work outs. ( I Highly recommend checking out your library for awesome and inspiring materials!) Each work out is 25 minutes. I have a program for gentle yoga and also one for Pilates. I also checked out a dvd on healthy knees that has a fabulous 7 minute work out. Upon completing this series of exercises, I have worked out a total of 57 min in the morning and 57 min at night. And sometimes I don't have time to do all three segments so I do what I can and that feels good too.
*** Eating-- Especially now with the onset of Winter, it feels doubly important to begin the day by putting the right ingredients into the body. Too much sugar or complex carbohydrates can make the body fatigued and ready for sleep again. Too much caffeine can make us jittery and prone to loosing our balance. I highly recommend warming up the body from the inside with a cup of water boiled and a slice of lemon. A sprinkle of cayenne can be a nice addition as can a slice of fresh ginger if one's immunity feels under attack. As always sip slowly and consciously. Breathe in the nourishment. I recommend eating a small breakfast. I prefer making a smoothie when it is warm out or having a handful of nuts and dried fruit. When I have big day ahead I like to enjoy a small bowl of cream of buckwheat (1/4 cup makes enough to serve 2!) dressed with the perfect seasonings and served with handmade milk. For lunch and dinner I like to have a bowl of soup or salad. I like to keep a piece of fruit in my purse, preferably a clementine because it is so incredibly satiating after a good work out and its skin protects you and the contents of your bag from making a mess. I am even known to carry sweet potatoes in my bag for a late afternoon snack. I make sure to drink plenty of water through out the day.
***Hygiene- Whoever said hygiene isn't important is someone not to be kissed ;-) I like to start my day with fresh breath. I like to gargle salt water and follow with a good teeth brushing. I like Weleda's natural tooth pastes that are flouride-free. But more important than the paste is the brushing technique. Make sure to brush and massage the gums where plaque builds up. Also make sure to scrape your tongue. Follow up with a good flossing, and if you find your gums are bleeding, don't fret, gargle again with salt and water. Now we are just getting started with the salt and water. If you haven't heard about the Neti Pot, its time that you have. The Neti Pot is a great way to strengthen the health of your sinuses and nasal passageways. The Neti pot is a small pot with a spout. You fill it up with warm water and add a tea spoon of salt. Leaning over the sink you pour the spout into one nostril and allow the water to run out of the opposite nostril. Repeat on the opposite side. THis may be challenging at first; but with practice it will get easier.
*** Self-Practice- In spite of how much time i spend in my body, I can't seem to get enough. I am grateful to the 24 hour Fitness facility in Hasbrouk Heights that is equipped with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. I like to spend a few minutes in the steam room laying out in deep meditation beforehand. I like to spray my body with homemade spray of rose water and eucalyptus oils and tune into to my breathing. I like to spend at least 40 minutes in the water swimming laps without breaking. I This is my power up time! Time to Streamline and stretch every muscle in my body and receive the ultimate physical high. Time to play 1:1 with water and my breath. I then like to spend a few minutes seeing the free masseuse available to those on a tight budget: The Jet streams in the hot tub. Place desired areas of the body directly on the streams to break up anything that is lingering in the muscles and joints. Lay back and enjoy! Afterwards I make my way into the sauna and do restorative yoga until i am fully heated up and relaxed. I like to do a few rounds, preferably 4 interspersed with a cold water rinse . I follow up with a solid shower and Lady's tune-up afterwards in the locker room.
Wherever you are beginning from, acknowledge it as your starting point and know that there is room to grow and blossom. A healthy and compassionate attitude towards yourself is an important gift to give yourself. You can either be your worst enemy or your best friend. The way you treat yourself and talk to yourself will determine the most critical relationship you will have the rest of your life, in fact your relationship with yourself is the only relationship you are guaranteed to have and carry while on this planet, so why not make nice with the body and voice reflected back to you in the mirror? With more practice comes greater discipline, and with more discipline comes greater results.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The 30 Day Challenge
Greetings and Welcome! Thank You for visiting my Blog!
You are Invited to Join me on a 30 day journey into Wellness. Beginning Tomorrow November 1, I will candidly share my practices and process as I open myself up to my highest potential. The Evolution and Personal Revolution that I am wanting to share is dedicated to the Happiness, Health and Freedom of all Beings, and the Planet as A Whole. It is my sincere desire that in following along, you will be motivated to participate on your own journey of empowerment and self discovery. May we be so inspired, that we extend our journeys well beyond 30 days, and soar into 2012 and the years ahead with strong momentum, as to be carried with Gentle Loving Care.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011: Barefoot and Breathing
Today I woke full of pep.
The Sun was not even up.
4:50 Am....
My Spirit is Eager!
I feel as if I am hovering.
I put on my new shoes
And whisper down the attic stairs,
Barely making a creep.
And peek into my mother's suite
Where the weather man is exhibiting
a Mr. Sunshine in Sunglasses with the sign 83 Degrees.
"This is going to be the nicest day of the week, weather-wise," My Mamma says.
Mamma is a bird, who rises even earlier.
"A good day for walking" I offer.
"You got your new shoes on I see" She smiles as she corrects last minute papers
for her high school French students.
I go to the Vitamix
In a Kitchen
That is Also A Laboratory of Vitality--
Alchemy for Spirit.
I bring together Shakes-
With fresh almonds i soaked overnight,
hemp protein
strawberries
blueberries
and pear
Cardamon and Cinnamon to taste.
I sprinkle fresh hemp seeds on top
and put a slice of pear on the side of the glass.
Presentation is improving too :)
It is not even 6 am,
And I have already skinned the beds in the house
and put the linens in the washer
with an all organic homemade cleaner:
A sprinkle of Baking Soda,
A Splash of Vinegar,
A hint of powdered Borax,
A touch of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap...
I carry my laundry basket and wooden clothes pins out to the back yard.
The sun is out
The grass is filled with morning dew
I take my shoes off
and walk on the Earth
I feel the moisture between my toes
I feel heat exit my body
As It is absorbed by the coolness of the Earth
And then i understand what it really means to SURRENDER.
It has nothing to do with weakness or defeat--
Surrender is actually about strength and growth that result
when energy is allowed to be exchanged freely.
It is the feeling I have when I am barefoot on the Earth
When I can consciously feel my body giving back what it needs to give to the Earth,
I feel Surrender.
I feel the release
And than I feel elongated,
As if I have grown inside my body
I feel without strain.
I feel Beauty
I live a simple life,
I put my sheets on the clothes line
In the early morning light,
Barefoot and Breathing.
The Sun was not even up.
4:50 Am....
My Spirit is Eager!
I feel as if I am hovering.
I put on my new shoes
And whisper down the attic stairs,
Barely making a creep.
And peek into my mother's suite
Where the weather man is exhibiting
a Mr. Sunshine in Sunglasses with the sign 83 Degrees.
"This is going to be the nicest day of the week, weather-wise," My Mamma says.
Mamma is a bird, who rises even earlier.
"A good day for walking" I offer.
"You got your new shoes on I see" She smiles as she corrects last minute papers
for her high school French students.
"They Feel so good I explain."
I show her as I go through my feet with pronounced steps.
Heel >
Ball >
Toe..
It gives the impression of walking on the moon
But as far as I am concerned,
This is how we should on walk on Earth too!!
Allowing the hamstrings and lower back to open up
Giving the entire a body a Reflexogical Massage
With a Single Foot step!!!
With a Single Foot step!!!
I go to the Vitamix
In a Kitchen
That is Also A Laboratory of Vitality--
Alchemy for Spirit.
I bring together Shakes-
With fresh almonds i soaked overnight,
hemp protein
strawberries
blueberries
and pear
Cardamon and Cinnamon to taste.
I sprinkle fresh hemp seeds on top
and put a slice of pear on the side of the glass.
Presentation is improving too :)
It is not even 6 am,
And I have already skinned the beds in the house
and put the linens in the washer
with an all organic homemade cleaner:
A sprinkle of Baking Soda,
A Splash of Vinegar,
A hint of powdered Borax,
A touch of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap...
I carry my laundry basket and wooden clothes pins out to the back yard.
The sun is out
The grass is filled with morning dew
I take my shoes off
and walk on the Earth
I feel the moisture between my toes
I feel heat exit my body
As It is absorbed by the coolness of the Earth
And then i understand what it really means to SURRENDER.
It has nothing to do with weakness or defeat--
Surrender is actually about strength and growth that result
when energy is allowed to be exchanged freely.
It is the feeling I have when I am barefoot on the Earth
When I can consciously feel my body giving back what it needs to give to the Earth,
I feel Surrender.
I feel the release
And than I feel elongated,
As if I have grown inside my body
I feel without strain.
I feel Beauty
I live a simple life,
I put my sheets on the clothes line
In the early morning light,
Barefoot and Breathing.
Giving Thanks For the Kali Puja
Today I wept tears into Rose Petals
With Celebration and Reverence,
I Opened to Listen.
Traditions-
Creating Anew with Fruit
Fresh YUM
Y-OM. Shanti
Giving Thanks for The Kali Puja,
For Connecting Me to Mother Divine
To hold and feel each rose petal at my heart
And weep a soulful tear.
Thank You for taking away the heaviness
So My Soul Can Be Buoyant and Free.
Thank You Taking Me to The Heart Of Grandma Earth.
With Celebration and Reverence,
I Opened to Listen.
Traditions-
Creating Anew with Fruit
Fresh YUM
Y-OM. Shanti
Giving Thanks for The Kali Puja,
For Connecting Me to Mother Divine
To hold and feel each rose petal at my heart
And weep a soulful tear.
Thank You for taking away the heaviness
So My Soul Can Be Buoyant and Free.
Thank You Taking Me to The Heart Of Grandma Earth.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May 24, 2011: Giving
I started giving
and all i want to do
is give more
my heart opened
and bloomed
like a rose petal
i clutched in fists
hard as rocks.
The softness between each finger tip
melted my thoughts into water
Rose Water....
And then they became prayers
and all i want to do
is give more
my heart opened
and bloomed
like a rose petal
i clutched in fists
hard as rocks.
The softness between each finger tip
melted my thoughts into water
Rose Water....
And then they became prayers
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