Good Sunday morning.....
I don't want to procrastinate learning my lines for an upcoming show by blogging, so I will limit this post to just 15 minutes. :)
It's been a surprising few weeks full of self discoveries. I am experiencing what I can only describe as a deeper understanding of who I am, who I am not, who I want to be and who I do NOT or simply cannot be in this world.
The affirmation I've been teaching this month -- MY VISION IS CLEAR -- must be having its way with me and my subconscious. I feel a tremendous pull towards writing scripts and poems, acting, immersing myself in music I've never heard before (Spotify playlists by people I've never met are rocking my world on a daily basis) and working/spending time with other artists. I see it happening as I write, perform, rehearse, go to class, and feel so much less ambivalence than I used to! I feel a part of communities of artists in NYC. Different backgrounds, myriad areas of focus, varying strengths and as many points of view as there are food trucks. I am so happy for that aspect of New York City. I am so happy I call myself an artist now. I never used to be able to do that without feeling like I had to footnote it with something like "I'm not a real artist, certainly not a fine artist and, oh, I received exceptionally low scores in 3rd grade art class because I couldn't effectively sketch my own hand (true story)".
I am open to all the possibilities for a performing artist and writer. I am intending changes, breakthroughs and exciting new experiences that rock my world and let my light shine without fear.
There are a lot of different ways I GET OUT OF MY OWN WAY (another affirmation I am teaching this month) and probably the best way is by ceasing to compare myself to others and no longer expecting myself to be at a certain place (career, relationships) by a certain age. Can't begin to say how liberating it feels to be exercising some boundaries here instead of feeling like I have spaghetti arms a la Baby in "Dirty Dancing". I have a dance space. Every person has a dance space. Excellent. Plus, there's nobody saying my dance space needs to be full of accomplishments by a certain period of time except me, which is a useless thought, since things happen in there right time naturally and organically.
All of this amounts to letting go of anxiety. Negative projection into the future and replaying past events until paralysis kicks in has no place in my world anymore. I'm mellowing out, consciously, by catching worry based thinking and reigning it in through mindful attention to what's happening IN THE MOMENT. If I do find myself wandering, I do my best to imagine POSITIVE, exciting, optimistic scenarios that make me smile. The other antidote to anxiety that I am really embracing is ACTION. I keep busy doing what I love and feel passionately about, since when I am active I find it challenging to ruminate.
That's about 15 minutes. Thank you for reading and I wish you a wonderful, healthy, bright and beautiful Sunday!!
Best,
Lindsay
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Interview with Carol Shwidock, Yoga Therapist (Harmony Yoga Studio, Bedside Yoga DVD)
To find your dharma, your purpose in life, is a gift.
To be able to serve others with this gift is amazing.
~Carol Shwidock
Good morning! I had the pleasure of being introduced to Carol Shwidock, an innovative, Kripalu based Yoga Therapist, Occupational Therapist and fellow actress, after we each appeared in separate plays written by playwright Nina Mansfield. Carol is based in Stamford, CT, and is the sole teacher at a studio she founded called Harmony Yoga.
She is a lovely woman with a soothing voice and gentle, compassionate approach to life, one that was deepened after a serious life event. Carol went through the process of donating a portion of her liver to her husband, who required a second liver transplant in 2011. Carol and her husband's recovery story are amazing. Through yoga, she subsequently healed herself and played a vital role in helping her husband heal as well.
Carol was just a few weeks out of surgery when she developed BEDSIDE YOGA, a series of yoga postures done from, you guessed it, her bed. This is not a rigorous series of asanas. It is very, very gentle.
Below is my email interview with Carol. I hope you are inspired by what you read and if so, please pass it on! You're also entitled to a 10% discount on her Yoga DVDs (both BEDSIDE YOGA and her first DVD, which is called THE ESSENCE OF HARMONY YOGA) just by mentioning this article. If you know anybody who is having a difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, this may just help! I think this kind of DVD can be a great asset to anybody who is struggling to develop a workout habit or working through a mood disorder or dependency.
I was particularly drawn to Carol's story for two reasons. The first is my dear friend survived a liver transplant. She was the recipient, not the doner, but she easily could have benefitted from this kind of practice early on in her recovery. The second is because after my third surgery on my right ankle (soccer induced injuries) I modified my intenSati practice and taught it from both a chair and a yoga mat. I know what it feels like to make adjustments to your practice and honor your body exactly where it is so you can recover, heal and teach. That photo down there is me about 22 months ago when I first started moving again.
Without further ado...
Lindspiration
Interview with Carol Shwidock, Yoga Therapist (Harmony Yoga Studio, Bedside Yoga DVD)
5.15.12
1. When did you first start practicing yoga? I began about 15 years ago. I had been a runner for about 20 years and had developed some knee pain, so I stopped running and started dancing and doing yoga.
2. What led you to teaching? Truthfully, it was Sept 11th. Two days later I quit my job of 10 years as a home care Occupational Therapist and started my quest to find my purpose. I was burnt out on illness, especially with my husband getting sicker. I was actually in a yoga class during the Sept 11th attacks. I realized that becoming a yoga teacher (at that time, now I am a Yoga Therapist) was a natural progression for my seasoned hands, so I applied to Kripalu and was accepted to the yoga teacher training program.
3. How did you first handle the news about your husband's condition? Well, it was a long time ago and it was of course very shocking when he was diagnosed. My daughter, who is now 22, was just 6 months old. We learned that if he did not have a liver transplant within ten years he would not survive but we thought that would be a long time away. He had no symptoms except for elevated liver enzymes. Learning he had an auto-immune disease eventually led us to a naturopath who prolonged Brad's health for an additional ten years. So, the progression of the disease called Sclerosing Colangitis was a very slow one, thankfully, and about 18 years passed before he needed to get on the Liver Transplant List.
4. Was it a difficult decision to make - that you would be the one to donate a portion of your liver? No, my husband had already had one Liver Transplant and I could not watch him get that sick again. I immediately started the process to get tested to see if I was a match.
5. How did you first deal with the pain post recovery before you can start any movement again? Actually, I did not have any pain! I know that is not the normal but my body did not have pain so I never took a pain pill.
6. Wow, that's amazing. As soon as you could move, what did you do first? I can remember very well. I began moving uber gently doing yoga in my bed. That was how BEDSIDE YOGA was born. I knew I had a lot to teach others after being a patient, an Occupational Therapist and a Yoga Therapist.
7. What other forms of healing did you integrate into your practice post op? Meditation, walking, yoga, and of course eating healing foods.
8. Tell me about your husband's journey post op and how you inspired him to heal. He had a difficult post op course but once he started on the road to recovery we did meditation and yoga together. He is an amazing man and he inspires ME everyday.
9. How did your relationship with your husband change throughout this process? Were there difficult times or did you just grow in love and deeper connection? I know our relationship is rare. We have this unconditional love for each other and knowing that my liver of love is inside of him, healing and growing has made our love grow even deeper.
10. How has your spirituality helped your recovery and what do you believe with respect to the power to heal through a connection to Source or Divine energy? I totally believe there is a Higher Power and I know trusting in that Divine intervention is what connected Brad and I and has inspired us to heal.
11.Tell me more about the evolution of BEDSIDE YOGA? It is meant for folks pre-op, post-op or for anyone simply looking for a gentle Kripalu yoga practice. I wanted to film it while I was still healing, so 9 weeks post-op I shot the DVD. It has been very well received and I have sent DVDs out across the U.S., which is very exciting. To find your dharma, your purpose in life is a gift…to be able to serve other with this gift is amazing.
12. It sounds like this is definitely your dharma. You are incredibly passionate about your work. What are the benefits of doing yoga in bed? You can do yoga in bed when you are unable to make it to a chair or a mat to practice. All the props you need are in your own home. The almost 40 mins of Restorative Yoga on the DVD are very, very healing. Restorative Yoga is deep, nurturing work and brings amazing results. Give it a try and witness yourself heal from the inside out.
Check out a clip from the Bedside Yoga DVD:
To be able to serve others with this gift is amazing.
~Carol Shwidock
Good morning! I had the pleasure of being introduced to Carol Shwidock, an innovative, Kripalu based Yoga Therapist, Occupational Therapist and fellow actress, after we each appeared in separate plays written by playwright Nina Mansfield. Carol is based in Stamford, CT, and is the sole teacher at a studio she founded called Harmony Yoga.
She is a lovely woman with a soothing voice and gentle, compassionate approach to life, one that was deepened after a serious life event. Carol went through the process of donating a portion of her liver to her husband, who required a second liver transplant in 2011. Carol and her husband's recovery story are amazing. Through yoga, she subsequently healed herself and played a vital role in helping her husband heal as well.
Carol was just a few weeks out of surgery when she developed BEDSIDE YOGA, a series of yoga postures done from, you guessed it, her bed. This is not a rigorous series of asanas. It is very, very gentle.
Below is my email interview with Carol. I hope you are inspired by what you read and if so, please pass it on! You're also entitled to a 10% discount on her Yoga DVDs (both BEDSIDE YOGA and her first DVD, which is called THE ESSENCE OF HARMONY YOGA) just by mentioning this article. If you know anybody who is having a difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, this may just help! I think this kind of DVD can be a great asset to anybody who is struggling to develop a workout habit or working through a mood disorder or dependency.
I was particularly drawn to Carol's story for two reasons. The first is my dear friend survived a liver transplant. She was the recipient, not the doner, but she easily could have benefitted from this kind of practice early on in her recovery. The second is because after my third surgery on my right ankle (soccer induced injuries) I modified my intenSati practice and taught it from both a chair and a yoga mat. I know what it feels like to make adjustments to your practice and honor your body exactly where it is so you can recover, heal and teach. That photo down there is me about 22 months ago when I first started moving again.
Without further ado...
Lindspiration
Interview with Carol Shwidock, Yoga Therapist (Harmony Yoga Studio, Bedside Yoga DVD)
5.15.12
1. When did you first start practicing yoga? I began about 15 years ago. I had been a runner for about 20 years and had developed some knee pain, so I stopped running and started dancing and doing yoga.
2. What led you to teaching? Truthfully, it was Sept 11th. Two days later I quit my job of 10 years as a home care Occupational Therapist and started my quest to find my purpose. I was burnt out on illness, especially with my husband getting sicker. I was actually in a yoga class during the Sept 11th attacks. I realized that becoming a yoga teacher (at that time, now I am a Yoga Therapist) was a natural progression for my seasoned hands, so I applied to Kripalu and was accepted to the yoga teacher training program.
3. How did you first handle the news about your husband's condition? Well, it was a long time ago and it was of course very shocking when he was diagnosed. My daughter, who is now 22, was just 6 months old. We learned that if he did not have a liver transplant within ten years he would not survive but we thought that would be a long time away. He had no symptoms except for elevated liver enzymes. Learning he had an auto-immune disease eventually led us to a naturopath who prolonged Brad's health for an additional ten years. So, the progression of the disease called Sclerosing Colangitis was a very slow one, thankfully, and about 18 years passed before he needed to get on the Liver Transplant List.
4. Was it a difficult decision to make - that you would be the one to donate a portion of your liver? No, my husband had already had one Liver Transplant and I could not watch him get that sick again. I immediately started the process to get tested to see if I was a match.
5. How did you first deal with the pain post recovery before you can start any movement again? Actually, I did not have any pain! I know that is not the normal but my body did not have pain so I never took a pain pill.
6. Wow, that's amazing. As soon as you could move, what did you do first? I can remember very well. I began moving uber gently doing yoga in my bed. That was how BEDSIDE YOGA was born. I knew I had a lot to teach others after being a patient, an Occupational Therapist and a Yoga Therapist.
7. What other forms of healing did you integrate into your practice post op? Meditation, walking, yoga, and of course eating healing foods.
8. Tell me about your husband's journey post op and how you inspired him to heal. He had a difficult post op course but once he started on the road to recovery we did meditation and yoga together. He is an amazing man and he inspires ME everyday.
9. How did your relationship with your husband change throughout this process? Were there difficult times or did you just grow in love and deeper connection? I know our relationship is rare. We have this unconditional love for each other and knowing that my liver of love is inside of him, healing and growing has made our love grow even deeper.
10. How has your spirituality helped your recovery and what do you believe with respect to the power to heal through a connection to Source or Divine energy? I totally believe there is a Higher Power and I know trusting in that Divine intervention is what connected Brad and I and has inspired us to heal.
11.Tell me more about the evolution of BEDSIDE YOGA? It is meant for folks pre-op, post-op or for anyone simply looking for a gentle Kripalu yoga practice. I wanted to film it while I was still healing, so 9 weeks post-op I shot the DVD. It has been very well received and I have sent DVDs out across the U.S., which is very exciting. To find your dharma, your purpose in life is a gift…to be able to serve other with this gift is amazing.
12. It sounds like this is definitely your dharma. You are incredibly passionate about your work. What are the benefits of doing yoga in bed? You can do yoga in bed when you are unable to make it to a chair or a mat to practice. All the props you need are in your own home. The almost 40 mins of Restorative Yoga on the DVD are very, very healing. Restorative Yoga is deep, nurturing work and brings amazing results. Give it a try and witness yourself heal from the inside out.
Check out a clip from the Bedside Yoga DVD:
Monday, May 7, 2012
Power Inspiration
This morning I thought about the following Marianne Williamson quote:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
~Marianne Williamson
A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3 (Pg. 190-191)
Society has very warped definitions of "powerful beyond measure". Ego-maniacal, domineering and self centered POWER, the kind that reeks of self importance in the context of a hierarchy or system of one upmanship, is often glorified and promoted. Sometimes it can feel like stepping into and owning POWER means joining that club. It doesn't have to at all.
The POWER this quote speaks to is ENERGY or Source or God or Spirit or LOVE or anything GREATER than you, which is NOT YOU, but lives in you. Tapping into that POWER and living from its place does lead to feeling BRILLIANT, GORGEOUS, TALENTED and FABULOUS, a scary place if you've been accustomed to calling yourself mediocre, fat, incapable of big things, incompetent, or lost.
Signs you may be afraid of your own POWER:
-Afraid to assert yourself
-Afraid to walk away from a shitty relationship or non-relationship relationship
-Overeating
-Starving or restricting
-Other various eating disordered behavior that causes you to shrink
-Keeping your art hidden
-Keeping your opinions hidden
-Going along with crowds even if you disagree with philosophy
-Doing what your parents suggest
-Refusing to take responsibility for finances
-Shying away from any kind of spiritual practice that speaks to divine energy or Source
-Staying on a career path that is clearly not your heart's desire
-Feeling very threatened by "competition" in social settings or the workplace
-Looking to traditional definitions of Power (for women, let's say meeting the THIN IDEAL, botoxed complexions, etc.) that society upholds and then disqualifying yourself if you don't fit these norms
-Very uncomfortable with sexuality and body image
-Nervous to take on physical challenges that some still consider "masculine" like punching, kicking, push-ups, etc.
-Discomfort in a leadership or management role out of fear you come off as too dominant or controlling
-Uncomfortable saying NO to people particularly if they want something from you that you don't want to give (boundaries, boundaries, boundaries)
-Settling for a lower salary than you deserve or being afraid to ask for a raise
-Fear of solitude
Great news is, we are born ready and able to live in our POWER so we can unlearn these tendencies at any time. Yahoo.
I am SO GRATEFUL for all the people I know who SHINE without or through fear and live from a deep place of connection to Source. It inspires me to do the same a day at a time!
Best, :)
Lindsay
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Central Park Inspiration
I teach a weekly fitness class in Central Park on Saturday mornings. It's free, it starts at 10AM, it's the intenSati practice, and it's a commitment that brings me deep joy.
Today it was rainy and the ground was slick. We had a few options but as I tend to err on the side of caution with respect to working out on slippery surfaces, I opted out of teaching the usual class. Instead, I took my students on a Sati inspired walk through Central Park.
And it was wonderful!!
I gave the intenSati affirmations one at a time, inviting people to breathe and walk with the mantra. I looked for metaphors in the park and inspiration. For "I deepen my joy (JOY)" we paused to watch a pregnant woman with her husband (presumably) posing for photos with a professional photographer. Could you get more joyful than that? For "I relax into faith (FAITH)" I had my students walk and jog down various paths and then when they reached an end they turned around and came to the starting point. With faith, there is really no wrong path, no wrong way and you can always simply turn around and try a new road.
We stood beside the William Shakespeare statue during "My heart is grateful" while I started the prologue for Romeo and Juliet before realizing I didn't know beyond "In fair Verona where we lay our scene" so I stopped.
During the affirmation paired with STRENGTH which goes "I am following it" and refers to the plans we form on a daily basis to help reach our goals, we scaled a small hill. What better want to demonstrate strength than to hike an incline.
Then, in the strangest twist of faith, when we were deep into the park, I ran into none other than my boss! JUST as we were affirming "My needs are met. I help and give." I am an executive assistant so to see my helping and giving reflected back to me coincidentally was pretty astounding.
My students were smiling, happy and seeing the park and ideally, themselves, with fresh, CLEAR eyes. The beauty reflects their beauty. The energy fills them, the oxygen wakes up cells and the relaxation allows healing, stress relief --
Oh! One more part -- during "I am powerful (WILLPOWER)" we joined all the athletes who were jogging and biking in the park. We affirmed that we're athletes and part of this collective of people who are in their power. I asked "Are you afraid of your power?" and everybody answered NO.
We also paused by the flowers and admired their vibrant colors.
Photos to come (courtesy of my student, Norn)...
Peace,
Lindsay
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sunflower inspiration
I was inspired to change the template (for about the 25th time) to sunflowers because they remind me of Tuscany. If you've never been to this incredible land, I can tell you that one of the highlights are the endless fields of happy, golden flowers. Beautiful.
I also came across a song of the same name by Canadian singer/songwriter, Stacey Zegers. She has an inspirational, anti-bullying message and sings to subjects like depression, suicide and why female power runs a lot deeper than red lipstick on a pale blonde. I enjoy where Stacey takes the video at around the 2 minute mark. Check out "Sunflower" and let me know what you think:
Best,
Lindsay
I also came across a song of the same name by Canadian singer/songwriter, Stacey Zegers. She has an inspirational, anti-bullying message and sings to subjects like depression, suicide and why female power runs a lot deeper than red lipstick on a pale blonde. I enjoy where Stacey takes the video at around the 2 minute mark. Check out "Sunflower" and let me know what you think:
Best,
Lindsay
May intenSati Series
Good morning! It's a rainy one today in New York City on May 3rd. I'm craving sunshine, of course, but don't feel too bothered by the conditions.
I'm teaching a new intenSati series this month that I wrote, in all honesty, at the dentist. They say "There's no atheist in a fox hole" and for me, I'm no atheist in a dentist's chair while getting a crown. I'm never really an atheist anymore but for the sake of conversation, the disproportionately nervous anxiety I feel at the dentist often propels me into conscious contact with Source energy. So, while I was numb for a little while, I wrote the following series which feels like a beautiful expression of where I am at in my intenSati practice. I hope you enjoy practicing it with me this month at Equinox and inside Central Park!
MAY SERIES
My vision is clear (Desire)
I have a plan (Focus)
I am following it (Strength)
Yes, I am! (Commitment)
I relax into faith (Faith)
I am willing to grow (Willing)
I deepen my joy (Joy)
I trust what I know (Confidence)
I am powerful (Willpower)
I am out of my own way (Passion/Perseverance)
My heart is grateful (Gratitude)
I live for today (Enthusiasm)
My needs are met (Gratitude)
I help and give (Energy)
The more I love (Love)
The better I live (Lotus balance)
I already taught it once and loved it, I think because it feels more about flowing and giving than about getting. It's about adjusting my expectations, feeling grateful for what I have, abiding by plans I have (action steps) without getting consumed with results, and being in a place of connection to the Source energy out of which springs faith, joy and of course, love.
I am really looking forward to seeing the growth in my students and myself this month.
While walking to get coffee this morning, I saw quickly how my mind can float some ideas about my current conditions that are very disempowering. I needed to do a reality check and reframe. Without getting specific, allow me to just say it was the usual feeling of not being where I want to be with respect to career, finances, relationship, etc. The judgments seemed to just crop up and for no reason, really! I just got up after all. So, while walking home, I reminded myself of my power of choice.
I always have a choice to view my life and circumstances with a grateful heart and when I do, I relax. The affirmation above about relaxing into faith is where I will close this morning, since it's one of my favorite affirmations of the series. Instead of shocking yourself like a kid jumping into the deep end of a cold pool, I take my faith these days like someone dipping her toes in the shallow end of one that is mild to moderately heated. A little dip here of "It's all working out" and a little wade there of "The Universe is benevolent". Slowly, easing into the faith that "Discoveries come when I ask and listen" or "Not on mine but on The Universe's time table". Little thoughts which deepen my faith seem to last the longest.
Have a beautiful day!
Thank you,
Lindsay
I'm teaching a new intenSati series this month that I wrote, in all honesty, at the dentist. They say "There's no atheist in a fox hole" and for me, I'm no atheist in a dentist's chair while getting a crown. I'm never really an atheist anymore but for the sake of conversation, the disproportionately nervous anxiety I feel at the dentist often propels me into conscious contact with Source energy. So, while I was numb for a little while, I wrote the following series which feels like a beautiful expression of where I am at in my intenSati practice. I hope you enjoy practicing it with me this month at Equinox and inside Central Park!
MAY SERIES
My vision is clear (Desire)
I have a plan (Focus)
I am following it (Strength)
Yes, I am! (Commitment)
I relax into faith (Faith)
I am willing to grow (Willing)
I deepen my joy (Joy)
I trust what I know (Confidence)
I am powerful (Willpower)
I am out of my own way (Passion/Perseverance)
My heart is grateful (Gratitude)
I live for today (Enthusiasm)
My needs are met (Gratitude)
I help and give (Energy)
The more I love (Love)
The better I live (Lotus balance)
I already taught it once and loved it, I think because it feels more about flowing and giving than about getting. It's about adjusting my expectations, feeling grateful for what I have, abiding by plans I have (action steps) without getting consumed with results, and being in a place of connection to the Source energy out of which springs faith, joy and of course, love.
I am really looking forward to seeing the growth in my students and myself this month.
While walking to get coffee this morning, I saw quickly how my mind can float some ideas about my current conditions that are very disempowering. I needed to do a reality check and reframe. Without getting specific, allow me to just say it was the usual feeling of not being where I want to be with respect to career, finances, relationship, etc. The judgments seemed to just crop up and for no reason, really! I just got up after all. So, while walking home, I reminded myself of my power of choice.
I always have a choice to view my life and circumstances with a grateful heart and when I do, I relax. The affirmation above about relaxing into faith is where I will close this morning, since it's one of my favorite affirmations of the series. Instead of shocking yourself like a kid jumping into the deep end of a cold pool, I take my faith these days like someone dipping her toes in the shallow end of one that is mild to moderately heated. A little dip here of "It's all working out" and a little wade there of "The Universe is benevolent". Slowly, easing into the faith that "Discoveries come when I ask and listen" or "Not on mine but on The Universe's time table". Little thoughts which deepen my faith seem to last the longest.
Have a beautiful day!
Thank you,
Lindsay
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sugar! Let's Get Free -- A Guest Post by Holistic Health Counselor Ali Brody
I'm excited to share a guest post written by Ali Brody, a Philadelphia-based, holistic health counselor. I met Ali in a club while working on a BBC.com/Travel story about the great city's music scene. We quickly figured out we're both into health and wellness but it wasn't until we Skyped that we also discovered a shared culinary Achilles heel...sugar.
For me, sugar can be a real trigger to overeat. My overactive sweet tooth is present all the time and at more sensitive times, it can be difficult to self-discipline with a strong No. I've given it up completely for periods (the longest was a year and a half without sugar, flour or wheat!) but now I go for moderation and balance. Specifically, I allow myself one dessert a week and the rest of the time do my best to abstain completely.
Ali's post gives some great advice on how to let go of the hard sugar (high fructose corn syrup) and find more natural alternatives to eat in its place. I added a few links in case you want to learn a bit more on a few related topics like mindfulness, ways to build successful habits and one of my favorite Janet Jackson videos. :)
Enjoy and I hope Ali's post helps motivate you like it's motivating me to eat MORE of what the body deserves and LESS of what it doesn't need...
SUGAR! LET'S GET FREE
BY: Ali Brody
I am someone whose daily water ice habit (water ice is a dessert concoction of water, ice, sugar, food coloring, artificial flavor and maybe a bit of real fruit or fruit juice) taught me sugar addiction is real. My days did not feel complete without this colorful, icy sweet treat! I finally decided to give it up and I am now water ice free for almost three years.
Letting go of that food helped me become entirely free, by which I mean I have no cravings. I can decide every now and then that I want something with sugar, like a delicious hot fudge sundae, and it is a peaceful, fun decision.
Like me, you can beat this beast and be better for it. LET’S GET FREE…
I am an integrative health coach, so I’m going to approach this from 3 levels. I used to love choose your own adventure books and my approach is to give you the power to choose how far you want to go!
Find a Healthier Sugar Source
Fruit, honey, maple syrup and agave are all better options than refined white sugar. Some of my current favorite healthy sweet options are:
*Home made applesauce
*Banana, cinnamon & almond butter smoothies
*Maple sweetened vegan chocolate mousse
*Dried white peaches
*Use leftover grains to make sweet porridge. Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon, or add hemp milk and bananas.
There are so many good, healthy, sweet options. Experiment and enjoy.
Be Proactive
There are natural sugars in many vegetables. By eating sweet vegetables you can eat really healthy foods and nip the sugar craving in the bud before it even happens. Sweet potatoes, corn, carrots, acorn and butternut squash are all foods that have a lot to offer while also being sweet. Mindfully check in with yourself to gauge how any of these foods affect your cravings througout the day.
Connect with the Source
Your sugar cravings are a form of inner communication. Often these pesky cravings are in response to stress or a yearning for comfort or more fun. When you get a sugar craving, ask yourself -- Is this craving connected my feeling low? Give some attention to that feeling and see if you can figure out what it's about. Give yourself some well deserved love and self care, which may be all you're really craving.
You can do this.
All my best,
Ali
Very helpful, right? Ali is here to support you in your attempts to let go of sugar! She can be reached at Ali@HealthyGlow.org for more info about integrative health coaching sessions and a free health consultation. Check out Ali's website at www.HealthyGlow.org.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
I Was Reminded Today
I was reminded today
that I found bliss in the Tuscan hills and valleys one year ago this July
I was reminded today
that my mood is always affected by the weather
that the way to go with it
is to go WITH it
cozy sweats, fuzzy slippers
soft candle light
I was reminded today
to stand for what I desire
and dare I say deserve
next levels I've earned and am ready for
now
I was reminded today
of obstacle illusions
"barriers" outside myself
which are not barriers at all
you see
but reminders
I may be blocking myself
that flowing down a river of dreams
doesn't happen unless I jump in the boat
I was reminded today
how blessed I am
to be the daughter of self made parents
parents who were not privileged or lifted
but who gave me a good, good life
I was reminded today
I must continue to say
"No, thank you"
to certain temptations
which are distractions from myself and my dreams
I was reminded today
fewer distractions
brings greater peace
I was reminded today
my heart longs to soar and needs
music!
travel!
new questions to answer!
I was reminded today
that couples in love who I love make me feel sooo inspired I will find love, too
LOVE
I was reminded today
I need not work my body to bits
I can modify, modify, modify
I was reminded today
a firm, gentle hand is a gift
as is
a patient voice
as is
a space to dwell
I was reminded today
that the best way to deal with bullshit
yours
is to step over it and keep walking
mine
is to stop saying it
I was reminded today
a new life needs to be seen vividly
felt completely
believed wholeheartedly
first and foremost.
How else do doors fly open so fast
you fear they'll leave their hinges?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
What is the First Step?
Good morning!
Funny, as I wrote the title "What is the First Step?" I realized this could've been my higher self telling me I should look at the first of 12 steps in recovery, which is "We admitted we were powerless over (your substance here) and that our lives had become unmanageable". That's not what I wanted to blog about, however, so I'm going to let that go for now.
I wanted to give a plug and a push for taking 1 step, 1 micro mini nano step or a giant long jump leap (which is still a step) in the direction of a dream.
My parents always used to say "Hate is SUCH a strong word" and to an extent they're right, but if you HATE something and I do mean HATE it, that's information which you could apply to making a change. Your soul might be screaming because this is the only way to get your attention!! If you HATE your job, for example, and can hardly stomach doing it for another day, then ask yourself, "What is the first step?" Take a step towards liberation. In this case, I suggest:
1. Updating your resume.
2. Letting 10 people in your network know you are looking for a new job and letting them know a few ideas you have of what you'd love to do.
3. Writing a 5 line job description of your new job.
4. Attaching a dollar amount. Women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. This will change through a number of factors but one is women standing in our power and continuing to ASK for what we're worth.
5. Breaking up your day at work by going out for a walk or something, so you don't feel like you're stuck in a rut without any control. Begin to tell yourself as you get into motion "I am walking confidently in the direction of my dream job and I can feel it here now! I LOVE MY WORK!" Something like that, you know.
So this does relate to the first recovery step after all! Powerlessness is a tricky thing and one that can be terribly hard to admit. An addict is often beaten to the ground and I do mean GROUND before recognizing and accepting that without help, without 12 step help, perhaps counseling help, maybe divine help, he or she is not kicking this addiction. When a person goes through a loss, perhaps a death or illness of a loved one, it can be excruciatingly difficult to accept how powerless one is over the situation. People say time and again how simply out of control it all feels.
Which is why it makes grand sense to celebrate and seize areas where YOU DO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE! I'm surprised at how often I internalize a sense of powerlessness in situations where I really have quite a lot of it. A LOT.
People advise how to "Find the One" and "Meet your Soulmate" often by advising to clear out old relationships and ghosts of lovers past. Make space for the new and allow him or her into your heart and life. Not a flawless theory, since some people meet their true love while still in relationships, hanging onto old lovers, etc etc, but from what I've read and observed, when you do create the space for someone new by letting go of the old, you're more likely to call it in.
My trainer (who will be here in 11 minutes so I better jet) encourages me to take "penguin steps" and he's right. Just a little step can radically alter the course of your existence. :) It's true. A little here, one there, a simple conversation, one application, a chance meeting, a first date...It's exciting. Lots to come!!!!
Best, L
Funny, as I wrote the title "What is the First Step?" I realized this could've been my higher self telling me I should look at the first of 12 steps in recovery, which is "We admitted we were powerless over (your substance here) and that our lives had become unmanageable". That's not what I wanted to blog about, however, so I'm going to let that go for now.
I wanted to give a plug and a push for taking 1 step, 1 micro mini nano step or a giant long jump leap (which is still a step) in the direction of a dream.
My parents always used to say "Hate is SUCH a strong word" and to an extent they're right, but if you HATE something and I do mean HATE it, that's information which you could apply to making a change. Your soul might be screaming because this is the only way to get your attention!! If you HATE your job, for example, and can hardly stomach doing it for another day, then ask yourself, "What is the first step?" Take a step towards liberation. In this case, I suggest:
1. Updating your resume.
2. Letting 10 people in your network know you are looking for a new job and letting them know a few ideas you have of what you'd love to do.
3. Writing a 5 line job description of your new job.
4. Attaching a dollar amount. Women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. This will change through a number of factors but one is women standing in our power and continuing to ASK for what we're worth.
5. Breaking up your day at work by going out for a walk or something, so you don't feel like you're stuck in a rut without any control. Begin to tell yourself as you get into motion "I am walking confidently in the direction of my dream job and I can feel it here now! I LOVE MY WORK!" Something like that, you know.
So this does relate to the first recovery step after all! Powerlessness is a tricky thing and one that can be terribly hard to admit. An addict is often beaten to the ground and I do mean GROUND before recognizing and accepting that without help, without 12 step help, perhaps counseling help, maybe divine help, he or she is not kicking this addiction. When a person goes through a loss, perhaps a death or illness of a loved one, it can be excruciatingly difficult to accept how powerless one is over the situation. People say time and again how simply out of control it all feels.
Which is why it makes grand sense to celebrate and seize areas where YOU DO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE! I'm surprised at how often I internalize a sense of powerlessness in situations where I really have quite a lot of it. A LOT.
People advise how to "Find the One" and "Meet your Soulmate" often by advising to clear out old relationships and ghosts of lovers past. Make space for the new and allow him or her into your heart and life. Not a flawless theory, since some people meet their true love while still in relationships, hanging onto old lovers, etc etc, but from what I've read and observed, when you do create the space for someone new by letting go of the old, you're more likely to call it in.
My trainer (who will be here in 11 minutes so I better jet) encourages me to take "penguin steps" and he's right. Just a little step can radically alter the course of your existence. :) It's true. A little here, one there, a simple conversation, one application, a chance meeting, a first date...It's exciting. Lots to come!!!!
Best, L
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Building a Life on the Foundation of Love
Good morning!
We are made to give and receive love, right? Let's talk about the latter.
I thought I was a good receiver. I thought I was someone who can take in affection, help, positive praise, opportunities and that genuine sense of love you feel when you consciously connect to another human being and Source energy. But, on closer look, I definitely have room to learn how to let in a lot more.
Does this sound familiar --
Choosing relationships with people who don't really love you?
Hesitating to ask for the kind of help that can really make a difference in your career, healing and growth?
Having a tendency to disqualify positive praise in your head with a "Yeah, but..."?
Squandering opportunities because you couldn't receive them without questioning your worth?
Resisting just being still and connecting with people or Source, which is all about receiving energy and allowing connections to strengthen?
Are you letting in love?
I was reminded last night by my acting teacher that if you want to learn to receive more love then begin by giving more love to yourself. Oh yeah, I am deeply loving myself by taking a weekly acting class again with Tom Todoroff. I thought about discipline as love and how my intenSati teacher and mentor, Patricia Moreno, taught a series built around the idea that discipline is not punishment, it's love. So, for me, LOVE definitely means bringing in more discipline, particularly with how I rehearse, prepare and take care of my body.
Where do you need to be more disciplined in your life?
I'm not a life coach and don't want to be, but I LOVE asking these little questions to help activate your thinking and if you take my intenSati classes, I hope this material supports your practice. Consider answering them. It can lead to deeper awareness.
I read a beautiful poem by Christian Wiman yesterday and want to share it. If you're not into 'the whole God thing' I suggesting subbing in LOVE where God is written:
Every Riven Thing
God goes, belonging to every riven thing he's made
sing his being simply by being
the thing it is:
stone and tree and sky,
man who sees and sings and wonders why
God goes. Belonging, to every riven thing he's made,
means a storm of peace.
Think of the atoms inside the stone.
Think of the man who sits alone
trying to will himself into the stillness where
God goes belonging. To every riven thing he's made
there is given one shade
shaped exactly to the thing itself:
under the tree a darker tree;
under the man the only man to see
God goes belonging to every riven thing. He's made
the things that bring him near,
made the mind that makes him go.
A part of what man knows,
apart from what man knows,
God goes belonging to every riven thing he's made.
I know now that by saying Yes to greater self love, No to people or habits that don't love me back and Yes to those who do, I am building a life on the foundation of love. Like a house with a strong foundation, with all that self love I will never shake, tatter or shatter under pressure. (Ok, "never" is a strong word but it will be few and far between!) I will withstand what life throws at me because of a sturdy foundation I BUILT. For a long time I was trying to build my life on the strength of success or the right relationship, but now I see it's as simple as deep self love and self care, from which stem peace, core strength and the ability to genuinely love and care for others.
Build your life on the foundation of love. That's all I'm sayin.
:0) Have a great day.
Lindsay
We are made to give and receive love, right? Let's talk about the latter.
I thought I was a good receiver. I thought I was someone who can take in affection, help, positive praise, opportunities and that genuine sense of love you feel when you consciously connect to another human being and Source energy. But, on closer look, I definitely have room to learn how to let in a lot more.
Does this sound familiar --
Choosing relationships with people who don't really love you?
Hesitating to ask for the kind of help that can really make a difference in your career, healing and growth?
Having a tendency to disqualify positive praise in your head with a "Yeah, but..."?
Squandering opportunities because you couldn't receive them without questioning your worth?
Resisting just being still and connecting with people or Source, which is all about receiving energy and allowing connections to strengthen?
Are you letting in love?
I was reminded last night by my acting teacher that if you want to learn to receive more love then begin by giving more love to yourself. Oh yeah, I am deeply loving myself by taking a weekly acting class again with Tom Todoroff. I thought about discipline as love and how my intenSati teacher and mentor, Patricia Moreno, taught a series built around the idea that discipline is not punishment, it's love. So, for me, LOVE definitely means bringing in more discipline, particularly with how I rehearse, prepare and take care of my body.
Where do you need to be more disciplined in your life?
I'm not a life coach and don't want to be, but I LOVE asking these little questions to help activate your thinking and if you take my intenSati classes, I hope this material supports your practice. Consider answering them. It can lead to deeper awareness.
I read a beautiful poem by Christian Wiman yesterday and want to share it. If you're not into 'the whole God thing' I suggesting subbing in LOVE where God is written:
Every Riven Thing
God goes, belonging to every riven thing he's made
sing his being simply by being
the thing it is:
stone and tree and sky,
man who sees and sings and wonders why
God goes. Belonging, to every riven thing he's made,
means a storm of peace.
Think of the atoms inside the stone.
Think of the man who sits alone
trying to will himself into the stillness where
God goes belonging. To every riven thing he's made
there is given one shade
shaped exactly to the thing itself:
under the tree a darker tree;
under the man the only man to see
God goes belonging to every riven thing. He's made
the things that bring him near,
made the mind that makes him go.
A part of what man knows,
apart from what man knows,
God goes belonging to every riven thing he's made.
I know now that by saying Yes to greater self love, No to people or habits that don't love me back and Yes to those who do, I am building a life on the foundation of love. Like a house with a strong foundation, with all that self love I will never shake, tatter or shatter under pressure. (Ok, "never" is a strong word but it will be few and far between!) I will withstand what life throws at me because of a sturdy foundation I BUILT. For a long time I was trying to build my life on the strength of success or the right relationship, but now I see it's as simple as deep self love and self care, from which stem peace, core strength and the ability to genuinely love and care for others.
Build your life on the foundation of love. That's all I'm sayin.
:0) Have a great day.
Lindsay
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