Thursday, March 14, 2013

NO SUGAR * NO ALCOHOL * NOW WHAT?

                          


Last year I made a major dietary and lifestyle upgrade by ending my relationship with sugar and alcohol. It appears the "life of the party" is over...NOW WHAT?!

Actually, it was more like I was tossed into this new life by cosmic forces because my schedule does not allow me to even tempt the idea of going out on a Friday or Saturday night and I do not miss hangovers at all. I have a fabulous boyfriend that doesn't care to drink either, so why not stay home and cook? I simply prefer to eat at home because there is no sugar, no gluten, no processed foods, no alcohol, and no pressure. There is nothing more gratifying to me than eating 100% organic whole foods made with love. You cant buy that at a restaurant! 
In the beginning I found it extremely challenging  to socialize without drinking or eating out! I basically did nothing for 6 months before I learned how to balance out my social life without caving in to the pressures of the social norm. In my new life, "the life of optimal health", I enjoy cooking for my friends, inviting friends to Sculpere for classes, mani-pedi dates, walking and hiking. I have even warmed up to the occasional dinner outing once in a while. 
Interestingly I have made more friends this year and I have deepened my relationship with a friend who also doesn't care to drink. Ironically NINE of my friends are pregnant right now, so that is really working out for me!!! My idea of fun has changed. Now, I think it would be really fun to retreat to the beach or do a panchakarma (ayurvedic cleanse) for a week or two. Ahhh... doesn't that sound refreshing!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

LETTING GO


 

I was born with an innate curiosity about natural health and spirituality which lead me to yoga and the spiritual lifestyle I lead. I love ayurveda, meditation, energy work, and bodywork because I find it works well for me. Recently, as I have been working on other aspects in my life, an other type of work that is not so easy or fun has presented itself to me...Letting Go. I have been experiencing some memories from my very early childhood that I must have been repressing for over 20 years. Children are so innocent and I think that when a child experiences emotional pain for the first time, although it is a normal part of growing up, it can be damaging to their spirit. I keep wondering why this is coming up for me now? The longer I replay the memory in my mind the more I realize, I have allowed this single bad event all those years ago set the tone for certain negative thinking patterns throughout my entire life! So, with much humility and confusion I will now go where many a yogi has gone before and begin the journey of letting go.

Here are my guidelines for "letting go" and I am open to suggestions:


Step 1. You are what you think

You're beautiful * You're smart * You're creative * You're talented * You're powerful * You're hair is amazing*

You deserve the best * You can do anything * You can manifest your dreams  * You are loved *


Step 2. Accept the now

   * The past is gone * There is power in the present * Hope lives in the present *

Step 3. Let it go

*Close your eyes breathe into your belly * Squeeze the memory out of your mind like the last drop of juice in a lemon

 
This method had not been clinically proven, but some time has passed since I put this intention out into the universe and I have to say, I feel better. The memory has begun to fade and I realize that contrasting situation over 20 years ago cannot hold on to me any longer because... I have LET IT GO.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

TRANSITION TIME.

 


I just realized I am going through a huge transition!!! My awareness about this pleases me because most of the time you don't realize this is happening until its over! I am 31 years old and I feel this time in my life is a time for more growth, more change and absorption of more knowledge. My body and my mind are going through changes, even my hair, as I experiment with different approaches to diet, healing, and new looks. I can feel and envision my self as a balanced, healthy, wise and powerful woman/mother/wife/teacher/entrepreneur. I am in no rush for these desires to manifest. In some ways I suppose, I already am those things, but my curiosity about the possibilities in this life are so deep, I cant stop digging for more information and more experiences to "sculpt" me into the woman I envision. Sculpere studio is also blossoming into an amazing community of women and men seeking optimal health, connection to source energy, and self awareness.. Their energy keeps me motivated, inspired and excited for the lessons we will learn together on our journey. This realization has reminded me to trust my destiny and enjoy the ride of life.

One of my favorite quotes of all time about attachment and change!

"What was in the morning is not at mid-day; what was at mid-day is not at night, for all things are transitory (anitya). Our body which is the cause of all kinds of human effort is as transitory as the scattering clouds. All our objects of pleasure are changing. Wealth is as transitory as a wave(kallola), youth like a cotton particle blow of in a whirlwind; and opportunities like the fleeting dreams. Why should I be attached to anything when nothing is permanent and everything is changing?"

Sri Yogendra 

I would love to hear some of your stories about transition in your lives.