What I’m Challenging Myself to Do Everyday

It’s only January 16^th and already 2014 feels like it has been around for quite some time. My word has embedded itself deep in my psyche and it’s been a pleasure and a challenge to watch it begin to manifest in my daily thoughts and actions. The conversations I’ve had with many of you regarding your words, have also been deeply enriching. I love understanding what is inspiring you toward a deeper expression of your own fullness! If you haven’t yet sent me (or talked to me) about your word please do so. Words received by January 22^nd will get you entered into a drawing to win a free spot in the upcoming Cultivating Your Personal Yoga Practice online retreat.

Last night I had the pleasure of leading the first ever Wellness Wednesday talk. Wellness Wednesdays are a series of free talks given at StudioVibe in Cary designed to help support you in bringing all apsects of your Word and wellness to life. If you missed it, read below for a recap of last night’s talk. You can also print and post the Easy Wellness Guide here.

The next talk will be January 29^th and we’ll have a lot of fun exlporing the joys of growing your own nutrients through simple, indoor gardening.

Easy Tips to Kickstart Your Wellness in Body, Mind and Spirit

Principles of Wellness

• Make it Meaningful – Let your word or intention inspire your action, it’s ok if meaningful wellness choices change from day to day.
• Easy Does It – Keep it simple! Don’t try and too much too fast, that leads to burnout, disappointment and backsliding.
• Progress Not Perfection – Wellness is an evolution. Be “ok” with where you are today while also making choices that will serve your future health on all levels.
• Daily Improvement – Each day ask, “What one, small action, action can I take today to promote my wellness?” There’s no need to make it more complicated than that!

Some Rhythms for an Easy Start to a Vibrant Day

Expand Your Horizons – Get in touch with the big picture

• Wake and rise early, preferably with the sun
• Look out the window, see the world

Clear, Hydrate and Protect

• Urinate and defecate upon arising
• Scrape your tongue, brush your teeth
• Drink 2 – 3 cups of hot water before any coffee or tea, add lemon for taste or alkalinity if desired – this will help you feel revived, aid in pooping, and cleanse your palate to help you make better food choices throughout your day
• Appy oil inside your nostrils and ears – olive, seasame, coconut, almond, whatever’s on hand – create a barrier against overstimulation, keep your breath flowing smoothly through your nose

Set the Tone

• Read something inspiring – poetry, a daily reader, the comics. Avoid the news, email and television or radio until you’ve had a chance to do the above
• Make a gratitude list – try for 3 – 5 things

Flow with Prana

• Move, Breathe and/ or meditate for at least 5 minutes – See Below!

Feed Yourself Well

• Have green energy with breakfast: a green smoothie, greens in your eggs, add sprouts to oatmeal, get creative

Start Small. Pick one thing on this list you can easily incorporate this week. (I suggest the bit about hot water 🙂 Once that feels in place, add in another the following week or the week after. Don’t try and revamp your routine all at once.

As an added bonus, I made you a video of the 5 Minutes to Fantastic movement routine. It’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed, vibrant and more at ease. I’m challening myself to do this one everyday. Join me won’t you?

Yes, the video is eight and a half minutes long, but that’s because I’m talking through it! 🙂 If you only do 5 focused breaths per pose – which I recommend – the sequence takes 5 minutes.