Sunday, February 5, 2012

...better nourished

I'm kind of obsessed with juicing. I <3 veggies as it is and it's just fun to combine a bunch of flavors at once. And, bonus, it's good for you! Juicing this time of year makes me miss my garden though (one of these days I'm going to grow a winter garden with greens and such, just hasn't happened yet).
The only problem is my juicer is about 20 years old (it was just sitting in the cabinet for a long, long time). But I almost killed it yesterday by juicing too much. So I look online to see about getting a new one. There are so many choices! So, time to do some research and find out what's the best.

Btw, here is my current fav juice recipe:
lettuce
celery
broccoli stems
ginger
cucumbers
spinach
and maybe a couple carrots. Good good stuff!
Feel free to share your fave juice recipe. Also share if you have any recommendations on a good juicer to buy, I'm open to niformation.

Peace, lovelies

Friday, January 27, 2012

...me

I had a bit of an epiphany on the way home from work today. I guess I should give a little background. For years I've been reading and hearing about "vision boards". Basically cutting out words and pictures from magazines of where you want your life to go/what you want to accomplish/etc. and by having it visually there and focusing on it, it will come to be. I've been meaning to make one for a long while. Got the magazines. Got a piece of paper. Finally started cutting things out and putting them in a box (this is over the course of years that these steps have happened).  Still haven't put it together.

So, today on the way home from work it hit me. I can remember times in girl scouts and an assignment in elementary school where we had to plan our lives. We looked through the classified ads for cars, houses,  and jobs and put it all together as "what I will be when I grow up."  I remember being the only one that got a car I'd be able to pay outright for (apparently even then I was frugal, some things just don't change). In both assignments I found some sort of job as a secretary. I can't remember what the housing situation was like. I want to say it was a small cottage but that could be my current thoughts kicking in.

Suddenly I had an "ah ha" moment of, I created all of this when I was somewhere around 8-10 years old!! Even after 9 years of college, it didn't seem to change my path. I'm pretty happy where I am but I am always open to growth and following one's passion. So... definitely time to get on that vision board!!!! I know what I'm doing this weekend :)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

...feel great in the morning.

Alright, confession time.  I've been slacking. It's now Sunday and I believe the last time I meditated was Tuesday or Wednesday. And, wow, as I'm writing this I had to really think about it. It feels like it had been much longer. Back to the point, I just finished meditating this morning and I feel refreshed. Even just for 5 minutes, I really need to make sure this is something that I do every single day.

I also recently started "rebounding" or bouncing on a mini trampoline.  I see this as a form of moving meditation and becoming one with my inner child at the same time. I LOVE it! And what's even better is you accidentally get a work out in the process. I've just been bouncing for 10 minutes here and there and can feel it in my legs and butt.

My goal for this week is to start waking up a bit earlier and meditating for at least 5 minutes then rebound for 10 minutes.

What is part of your morning routine that you absolutely must do to feel "right" for the rest of the day?
<3

Thursday, January 19, 2012

...a book nerd

I recently went through my bookcases and removed dozens of books. Once upon a time I was into novels, usually reading one a week. Mysteries, romance, suspense, action, while I do still read novels, I'm guessing it's a couple a year at this point. So, cleared some shelf space for some more goodness. I got a box today from B&N, mostly bargain books. Can't wait to read them all!
Reinventing the Body, Resurecting the Soul - Deepak Chopra

The Age of Miracles - Marianne Williamson

The Millionaire in the Mirror - Gene Bedell
A Morning Cup of Yoga - Jane Goad Trechsel
and...
A Course in Miracles - The Advent of a Great Awakening (I've heard mixed things about this book, but mostly good.  Looking forward to seeing what the deal is with it)

Thursday, January 12, 2012

...inspired

There are so many good teachers out there. At the moment I'm being inspired by several. I'm currently listening to the audio book "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I'm also in the process of reading the following:
The Soulmate Secret - Arielle Ford
The Courage to be Rich - Suze Orman
Add More -Ing - Gabbrielle Bernstien
Ask and It Is Given - Esther and Jerry Hicks
Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramhansa Yogananda (at the time of this post is available FREE through Amazon for your Kindle reading devices)

Part of my passion for reading these kinds of books stems from being a Humanities and Religious Studies major. I think I'll forever be interested in what makes different cultures "tick".
It also reminds me though, just how "one" we all are. Several of these books overlap with information. Generally speaking, one wouldn't think that getting rich, finding a soul mate or seeking overall happiness would stem from the same things. However, I'm finding that they do. It all centers on your thoughts and being open and receptive.  I encourage you to look for a blog or some kind of inspirational book, and continue to learn as well. My belief is that even if I only get one beneficial tid bit, the reading is worth it. (And I can say I can't think of a single book that I only got ONE tid bit of goodness from).
Keep learning lovelies.
Peace

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

...better at meditating

While at Ananda Village I learned the Hong-sau (pronounced "hong - saw") meditation technique. I'm the kind of person that researches pretty much everything that I do before I actually do it.  So, I had definitely researched about meditation.  This included online and book study.  I had a good general idea of what to do and what the intention of mediation was but when I sat down to do it, "it" just wasn't happening. Hong-sau has allowed me to feel much more connected and successful with my mediation practice. I have meditated for at least 5 minutes (I am a beginner and sometimes that is LONG enough!) every day since I came home from the retreat.

This method seems to work for me because it gives you something to focus on before trying to clear your thoughts. That in between stage is exactly what I needed. That's not to say this technique is for everyone or that it will work for you. However, if you find yourself struggling with meditating I would highly recommend trying it out. 

Best of luck. Tons of love!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

...a brief introduction

So, I've been on this journey for a little while now. Call it finding yourself, searching for your soul, whatever. I consider it finding and creating my own happiness. Numerous people, books, blogs, places etc. have influenced me thus far and I thought I should start documenting them since more and more people have been seeking information from me. If I can help you on your own personal journey at all, I'd be happy to.

I'm not going to sit here and list everything that has gotten me here. Overtime different influences will be mentioned. Thanks for reading and welcome.

I'll start with one of my most recent experiences. I recently spent 3 days at The Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat at Ananda Village (http://www.expandinglight.org/who/about/ananda-village.asp).  Thanks to Living Social (http://www.livingsocial.com) I was able to get a really good deal on a place I had already heard about.

It's really hard to put in to words what I learn and took from The Expanding Light. But I will give you the general idea. Upon arrival you are given a brief tour.  During this tour a deer approached me. It was amazing.  After getting settled in it was time for yoga, chanting and meditation. I wasn't a fan of the meditation practice and the yoga was a bit different than what I was used to but it was a good experience. The night was finished off with a vegetarian dinner. The next several days continue on much the same way. After taking a meditation class I am now much better at focusing on settling my mind. It was really a life changing experience. Anandi is an amazing teacher and woman. She spent a lot of time with my roommate and I and answered any questions we had. The food at this retreat is beyond words. So, so delicious and good for you.

The grounds are large and you get the opportunity to walk around and just be with your thoughts and nature. As I said at the beginning of this post, it's hard to put into words and I know I'm not describing it to be that mind blowing. All I can say is if you are interested at all, do it. It was so good for my soul and heart. I've kept up my meditation practices since going and plan to continue on.