Just some thought for the day ...enjoy

What a way to waste your energy........

We all get angry or annoyed, it’s a natural human reaction but how we choose to deal with this emotion is the key.  Next time you are in a situation that you feel as though you are going vomit obscene words to someone, stop. Take a breath. And probably a few more. Give yourself a minute to process whatever situation you have been presented with. Notice the changes that happen in your body during this time, your body tightens, jaw is clenched, heart beats faster, all of these are natural reactions  that your body will display. What good can come of a situation when you feel this way?  Absolutely nothing.  Emotions and feelings if we allow them can take over our very existence.  However if we take the time to acknowledge this, and know we are not are emotions, we can make life a little easier.  Once you realize and understand what’s going on inside you, it makes the outside situations much easier to deal with.  If you do this most of the time you realize that the anger you feel will dissipate, or what you feel is stemming from a totally different situation. You don't want to throw old rage on a current altercation.  Underneath anger, there is usually pain, we feel hurt so we lash out.  Most of the time we don’t look back on arguments and say I’m really happy I said those hurtful words, or I’m glad I had an all out screaming match.  Where does that ever get anyone? So why not start in the moment and be proactive rather than reactive.  Kind words get you much further than confrontational ones.  Act in a way of love, because we are all capable of that.  If you take a moment to forgive someone (even if they have not given you a reason to) it makes it easier on you.  We are all human and we all make mistakes, but if we realize this and don’t allow it to take over who we are, wouldn’t the world be much similar? I’m not saying to not get angry or annoyed- because it happens and will continue to happen through the rest of our lives.  But I am saying to look at it though a different paradigm and don’t be so reactive to what you “feel”. Because most of the time if you just give it some time that “feeling” will dissolve and you can handle the situation for what it really is.  And most of the time it’s not worth the energy.  We’ve been given a certain number of years in this lifetime , and only so much energy to use.  We have no way of knowing when that time is up- so to waste it on things that feel bad seems a bit silly , no? Besides it’s been said “The assholes and irritating obnoxious people who make our blood pressure rise and make us want to put our nails on a chalkboard are our best teachers"  So start taking some notes- the more you learn, the less room for irritation from others. =) 

Mañana

What is not working out today will work out tomorrow. =)  Smile, and laugh a bit.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

Lead with your heart..

(A good friend of mine was an inspiration for this next post, and the yoga pose I chose to write about =)  ... Enjoy) 


Lead with your heart, follow with love, and know that your world is designed by you.  You choose it, the people, the places, the events (not always consciously).  Whatever life brings your way, own it.  Choose whatever frame you want to put around it. Because truthfully speaking thats all it is- the frame that you place around the situations given to you.  But I recommend one that really brings out the beauty of the events unfolding in it.  The past holds events that might mold our thoughts, but our thoughts are what is creating our future (try saying that 10 times over).   The world is huge  tremendous, you deserve every part of it.  Know that and lead with your heart.  The world will hand it to you on a silver platter.  

Camel Pose- backbend

Yoga poses referred to as heart openers are relaxing, energizing and emotionally freeing.  Heart openers target the heart center or chakra (anahata), they allow you to feel more compassion, for yourself and others.  


In addition....
benefits of backbends:
- improves spinal flexibility
- stretches abdomen, and hip flexors 
- strengthens the abdominal and pelvic organs
- stimulates the pituitary, pineal and thyroid glands
- increases lung capacity
- alleviate stiffness from the shoulders, back and ankles

1. Kneel on the floor with your knees hip width and thighs perpendicular to the floor. Rotate your thighs inward slightly.  Use padding (blanket or towel) under your knees if there is discomfort. 

2. Rest your hands on the back of your pelvis, bases of the palms on the tops of the buttocks, fingers pointing down. Use your hands to spread the back pelvis and lengthen it down through your tail bone. 

3. Reach your hands back one at a time to grasp your heels. (Beginners: Curl your toes under and come to the balls of your feet if you cannot reach your heels, or if your compressing your lower back when the feet are flat, or use blocks on either side of your feet.)

4. Bring your hips forward so that they are over your knees.

5. Let your head come back, opening your throat.

6. Stay in this pose anywhere from 5 to 10 breaths (never compensating your breathing). To come out, bring your hands onto the front of your pelvis, at the hip points. Inhale and lift the head and torso up by pushing the hip points down, toward the floor. If your head is back, lead with your heart to come up.  Rest in Child's Pose for a few breaths.

"Back bends are rejuvenating. They give energy and courage and combat depression. They open the chest and make the spine flexible. The arms and shoulders become strong. The mind and body become alert."

B.K.S. Iyengar, "Light On Yoga"

Birds aren't the only ones who should eat seeds....

 If I say the word "hemp" what do you think of first?  Nope I'm not talking about marijuana either.  Nowadays we hear more about hemp seeds, hemp milk, hemp protein powder, what's the hype?  Actually these little seeds are quite a power house of nutrients.  Hemp is  high in protein containing all nine of the essential amino acids (great for vegetarians and vegans).   Hemp seeds contain high amounts of fiber, they contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (which our bodies can not make), they also have vitamin E, (which can help boost immune function), magnesium, and iron.  Unlike flax seed it doesn't need to be ground to eat; and they have a somewhat nutty flavor and a softer texture then sunflower seeds. They can be mixed in with nuts, or granola, used as a topping on just about anything from yogurt to oatmeal.  Try them out- get creative ;-)

Longer healthier locks?

Jojoba oil is one of my favorite products of all time, it is so versatile and can take the place of many chemically processed beauty products. Jojoba oil (pronounced ha-ho-ba) is derived from the desert shrub Simmondsia 

chinensis.  Jojoba oil has been known to promote hair 

growth, help with dandruff, as well as skin problems. It mimics  the sebum our skin naturally produces, and due to its antibacterial and fungicidal properties, jojoba oil can be used for keeping the scalp healthy. If you have a dry scalp jojoba oil can help to moisturize it acting as a substitue that protects the hair follicle. Jojoba oil is also able to get rid of left over build up from hair products by naturally cleansing the 

scalp. Using jojoba oil to massage your scalp can help improve blood circulation to the scalp.   It is an excellent hair conditioner, which can be used to get rid of dry and frizzy unruly hair, and adds a natural glow and luster to your hair. Easy though- don't use more then a dime size for frizz or you may risk overdoing it, causing a greasy look.  It's great for protecting and minimizing the damage caused by harsh chemicals and pollutants.  Jojoba oil won't leave a greasy residue on your skin that other oils will, and therefore can be used as a moisturizer ( I like to mix it in with my cream).  But wait there's even more.... it's a great makeup remover that leaves your skin feeling soft; and before sunless tanning you can apply it to your elbows, knees, soles of feet, heels and palms to prevent the streaky affect.  Amazing- yes I would say so.  You can buy it at any health food store, vitamin shop, and Trader Joe's is now selling it as well.  Summer's here- what better time for glowing, soft smooth, hair and skin?