RE-lease

I've been releasing.  At first it was unintentional.  My new work consumed the majority of my time every day for the past five months.  I dedicated a lot of energy to it.  This dedication took me away . Soon, I found myself letting go of the very things near and dear to me.  I lost priority.  I love my new work.  I don't notice the 12-16 hours days.  I like the feeling of that I am affecting change.  It is a new project for me.  I love the thrill of contributing to stories of success. Unfortunately, along the way, I realize that the more I relished in my new found joy, the more lost I became in my "new" way of life - the very reason I am working so hard in the first place

Losing the Way
When it became clear that I was releasing my day to day touch and connection with my vegan community, no longer having time to create recipes, post pictures, write, or coach others, a few things happened: First, one of my vegan idols reached out to me with an amazing, international offer.  I accepted, adding to my already overloaded basket.  The offer never materialized and was silently withdrawn, presented to someone else.  My idol had released me, seeing what I could not see - that there was no way in which I could truly dedicate any resources and that perhaps a better suited candidate is the way to go.  Second, one of my vegan mentors, with no knowledge of my vegan idol, offered me an incredible opportunity to travel within the states, yet once again I could not partake.  This time, my mentor just let me know the offer will wait for me. Once again, released.  These two things allowed me to look back into the bubble from whence I came  to look with clarity, objectivity, and truth.  I was on the outside looking in. Many had moved on and I lost touch.   I had lost the way.  However, the third occurrence put everything into a perspective.

Finding the Path
My yogic community was the one constant that embraced and supported. It was through this connection that I as able to reconnect with myself. My sisterfriend soulmate  Jen who is forever tapped into my psyche sent me a care package. In it was a mirror with a personal inscription to  reMIND me of who I am, sweet grass to cleanse my environmental BODY, and some music filled with the sounds of gongs to resound balance of SPIRIT.  What a catalyst. the reconnection  of the three key elements of Yoga proved to be.  Yoga for me is the way to my vegan path.  It is who I am.  What an epiphany.  This connection caused me to look again at my "release" with positive instead of negative to change the paradigm of "release"  and instead to see RE-lease.

Establishing Meaning
This experience caused me to examine the prefix "RE".  It means "again".  It is typically a positive prefix.  I pondered how the word "release" became associated with letting go? Perhaps RE-lease is just the opposite.  If to "lease" is to obtain for a period of time, then perhaps RE-lease is to re-establish, to obtain again. Think about it.  Many words that start with the prefix "re" mean just that:  refresh, renovate, re-do, restart, re-engineer, renew, rejuvenate, re-claim, rebound, recalculate, re-animate, regroup, etc.  Of course there are words to the contrary, however this is the  common meaning for RE.  So, I decided to go with the positive.

RE-Leasing
The joy and excitement of returning was exhilarating.  Many of my yogini sisters helped me find the way to my other love - my open, vegan life.  As I coach others and experience in their revelation, I decided to get a coach of my own, someone who can objectively hold the light while I find my way out of the dark.  Fortunately, I was able to sign up with a certified health coach.  With serependity, my new health coach is a yogi.  In just two coaching sessions, she has helped me rework my schedule, prioritize my daily workouts, and design how and when I'll practice yoga, do cardio/aerobic workouts, and  resume my strength/body building training.  I am RE-leasing "me". I have actually begun to  take my days off and work only 5 days a week.  I have shortened my work days to about 10 hours.  I have begun to write again and post pics of my fruits and veggies.

As I return, I do so as a new creature.  Nutritionally, my health coach and I decided I needed a reboot.  I am on a 5 day juice feast to rid my body of the sluggishness I obtained from eating high fat raw vegan such as avocados, nuts, seeds,and almond milk banana smoothies daily.  The detox will get me back on track to low fat raw vegan, energy and vitality - to as she puts it "to give me the energy to do the very things I wish to do".  She helped me to find my balance and for that I am grateful.  It's working.  It's day 2 of my fast.  I am writing, have completed a chakra cleanse, and went outside yesterday and ran for the first time in weeks.

What about you?

Rebooting and Removing:  Juice Feast/Fast

How are things for you?  Do you need to jump start?  I recommend:
Retreat-Yoga, spa, massage
Reboot-Watch movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead
Rework-routines, re-prioritize
Remove-toxins (mental, physical, and spiritual)

If you don't need to RE-lease, then pay it forward with gratitude, reach out to be a coach to someone else, help them find their way.  Either way, look at any negative and turn it into a positive to know that some times you have to let go in order to gain, that you have to release to find RE-lease

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana -Standing Big Toe Pose

A pose that is grounding, balance, yet REleases to look toward a new direction, allowing you to be present and grounded in the present moment, yet rejoice in the newness of each day and as my dear friend says, to "expand outward"

Be IT

As one year ends and another one begins, so many reflect over what they could have, would have or should have done.  They "resolve" to be better, bigger, brighter, or anything associated with overcoming that which they failed to accomplish previously.
It is commonly known that many do not achieve what they resolve and many fail resolution within the first weeks or months of declaring intentions.

Why?  Very simple.  A resolution is a wish without any plan to actually achieve it.  It's just something simply said.  In a previous post Affirmation, I discussed how resolution is just a part of the formula.  Instead of resolving, we must also affirm, to realize the words of our resolution to fruition.. To visualize it into reality.

To affirm successfully, you must continue pass the initial resolution stage of "say It".  You must also, believe It,  do It,  and be It.

Saying IT
Please do not think that I am minimizing the importance of resolution.  Saying it is the first, crucial step.  If we don't first say it, we can not proceed.  It is key to verbally express your intent.  Saying it incorporates reflection of where you have been, recognizes your present moment, and introduces where you plan to go.  Saying it truthfully is the next step.  If you distort any component in saying it, you are destined to break your resolve which is why many never move past this point.  The problem is that most resolutions are passive intentions.  For example, to say "I resolve to loose 30 lbs"  without truthfully acknowledging how long it initially took you to gain those pounds, the habits that placed you 30lbs  up or the real reason why you wish to loose it, will become burdensome and you may give up before you actually get started.  Perhaps you  really don't need to loose 30lbs.  Perhaps you are only trying to loose weight for an artificial event or reason, or perhaps the real root cause is your health and to loose 30lbs is a by-product.  So instead of resolving, say your intent with affirming truth "I reduce my pre-diabetes risks".

Believing IT

The reason most do not get past the Say IT stage is because they either set a superficial resolution or they don't believe it themselves.   A realistic statement that exemplifies your truth will lead to successful realization.  You say what you believe and believe in what you say.  When you believe your statement, you will exhibit it and those around you will believe it also.  As said in the past, imagine yourself not failing.  Believe in your success.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

Doing IT

Saying and believing your statement is the catalyst.  Remove the passivity of resolution - instead, do it.  Actually doing It is the action to bring it to be.  Remember

"Actions speaks louder than words" 

Put your words into place.  Prioritize the steps needed to accomplish what you desire to be.  Address each step an item at a time.  For example:  "I live cruelty free".  Begin by believing you are cruelty free in your actions and intentions.  Make a list of things you will no longer do and those which you will:  get rid of all of your animal based products,  replacing each one-by one with cruelty free items - start with your pantry, the move on to your refrigerator, then your closet. As you move through the steps,  acknowledge that you are "doing IT", say your affirmation out loud as you "do".   Remember, no artificial or stressed-filled created/generated deadlines.  Work through doing IT, one day, one step, one moment at a time.

Being IT

After you have done it, the final step is to actually Be IT.  Being it is reinforcement and the physical manifestation of the original words "said".  It is accomplishment of objective.   Successfully being IT reinforces your  belief in yourself and allows you to proudly state who you now are, for example:   "I am vegan", "I climb mountains", "I run marathons", "Today is a great day", "I help the homeless", "Absolutely nothing is out of my reach", etc.    Being IT transforms resolution into affirmation and affirmation into a positive self-fulfilling prophetic truth.   When you have become that wish you sought to be, a euphoric empowerment washes over you, giving you the ability to "say it" again, to move on to do and be the next thing.
So, whatever IT may be for you, as one year ends and a new one begins, remember to realistically wear the realization that "it" is more than resolution, "it" is affirmation. Proudly say it, believe it, do it.....BE IT.

Happy New Year

Being Super

I apologize.  I've been away for the past two months. I've been busy....busy taking on a full time project directing a group of health and wellness representatives.  It has been hard, work, the hardest I've worked in recent years.  I love it though.  I feel as if the 12 to 16 hour workdays will be worth it, that the reward shall be realized through the positive results of those involved, to know that I am physically making a difference.  Two weeks ago, after a  particularly long, arduous yet successful task, my colleague commented that she felt as if the two of us were standing strong, each side by side with a huge "S" on our chests, capes flying in the wind....that we were incredible, that we were.... "super".

Super, Fit, and Vegan?

Jeff Sekerak,  Super, Fit, and Vegan

Wow. Super. The statement was true.  We had worked hard and tirelessly because we believed in that in which we were engaged.  As with everything in my recent life, I immediately applied the thought to my vegan path. How does the act of being super apply?  Is there such a thing as a Super Vegan?  When it comes to coaches, activism, cooking, nutrition, and education, many can think or name several super vegans.  However, when it comes to the image of a vegan super man or super woman, not too many come to mind.  That is due to the common misconception that vegans are scrawny and very thin in physique.  There are many however, who proudly promote to the contrary.  Along this journey, I've met many strong vegans who exhibit physical strength and fitness.  Once such being is my friend, Jeff Sekerak, the Superfit Vegan.  Jeff who daily runs several miles, practices yoga, completes intense workouts, and is the epitome, of fitness states there are: 

5 Proven Keys to being Super Fit for Life:

1. Eat a 100% plant based diet (with emphasis on raw fruits and greens)
2. 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted calisthenics per day
3. Fast walk, bike or run everywhere you go
4. Aspire to greatness in all you do (cultivate true friendships, stand for something)
5. Enjoy silence (turn off the television)

Jeff practices what he preaches.  He, along with his partner, Megan, are committed to:

• Humility -  https://www.facebook.com/PowerOfSimplicity?fref=ts
• Love -  http://veganplusvegan.com/
• Education -  http://superiorbodyhealth.com/blog/
• Power/Fitness -  http://www.youtube.com/user/jeffsekerak

Belief in these things are evident in the countless posts, pictures, books, and videos he generates. There is a  sweet, genuine aura about Jeff, who has now begun to spread his message internationally as he travels around the world.  He takes each of us along for the journey as he selflessly sends daily posts of positivity from where ever he has roamed that day, promoting that we all can be the best that we can be, as strong as we can be, and as super as we can be. His super-human approach to body weight exercises have transformed me into a strong, lean, vegan, machine.  Many often marvel at how I can be as slender as I am yet exhibit the strength that I have. Through Jeff's numerous videos, I have learned how to workout smart, hard and simple.  I am grateful to know this super being with a super humble soul.

su-per (soo^.per) adjective  

of the highest degree or power; first-rate; excellent

More than just physical.....

Being super is also more than just physical.  It is tapping into your personal source of power to become the best that you can be in all that you do.  Innately, we all possess the ability to excel, to utilize our power.  What is it for you?  What makes you super?  The discovery can be just as amazing as the very gift itself.  Last evening, I spoke with my aunt. The conversation reminded me that while growing up, she was always my example of superwoman.  She was strong, smart, beautiful, creative, sophisticated, independent, and successful.  As I watched her from afar, I wanted to be just like her.  I wanted to look like her, dress like her, act like her.  I wanted to be...her.  It took years to realize that as much as I wanted to be, I could not be my aunt.  I had to be...me.  The realization that a superwoman was lying dormant within me was phenomenal and awakening. Now that I have brought life to my own super being, my aunt, as I spoke with her, told me she thought that I was strong, smart, beautiful, creative, sophisticated, independent, and successful.

How ironic.  The entire time I focused upon her, she focused upon me.  We both saw and marveled at  the same thing within each other at the same time not realizing that we were looking at ourselves.  Are you missing the picture of the truth of your nature?  Are you overlooking the super entity that lies within you?  I challenge you .   It is more than just physical. When you are super, you can be a writer, baker, candlestick maker.  It doesn't matter as long as what ever it is, it is that which awakens you to fulfill your purpose.  Awaken to the being within.  Awaken to your superness, put on your cape, and allow it to flow confidently in the wind.

Yoga:  Tadasana -Mountain Pose 

Tadasana is often used in grounding.  However, this quote says it all:

"Mountain pose is an affirmation.  You can conquer anything 

with your natural boldness and resolute strength"  ~Terri Guillemets

Namaste.

ABC's and 123's

September.  In this country, it is a month that traditionally marks change - students return to school, seasons transition, and the final quarter begins signifying the end of the year is near.This month also marks a personal change – it is the anniversary of this blog and my conscious decision to eliminate all animal-based products from my life.  It has been an extraordinary two years.  If you have followed from inception, you will note the ups and downs happiness, disappointment, growth, and lack thereof… however through it all, the consistency of elated forward movement and positive energy through the power of education has carried me and holds me with strong steadfast along this path.

Easy as 123

The key to any successful transformation is simplicity.  The less complex you keep things, the easier it becomes to maintain.  As I reflect on the eve of year three, I take with me and present to you three simple things that I’ve learned up to this point:

1.       KISS yourself every day.  (I know I’ve said this many times before, but I can not express enough how important it is to Keep It Short and Simple).   If you are transitioning to veganism, whole, live foods are the ultimate fast food.  Just pick up a piece of fruit or vegetable and go.  Keep meal preparation within 5 minutes or less with 5 ingredients or less.  If you are transitioning in another area, KISSing yourself each day will facilitate your success.

2.       Never underestimate the importance of daily movement and exercise.  Movement, as simple as a brisk walk or as challenging as a two-hour workout, makes such a difference in your overall wellness.  Get up, get your blood circulating, oxygenate your system, increase your brain cells, introduce your body to a little perspiration.  The more you exert, the more overall energy and strength you will gain.

3.       Embrace calm.  Calming down and introducing breath into your day detoxifies your body and remove stress. Take the time to pray, meditate, chant or do whatever it is you do to rest, restore, renew, and re-nourish the whole self.  Express gratitude and humility each day.   Calmness changes your demeanor and your approach to life.  In the end,  everything will always be alright.

The ABC’s of it

As I reflect, I thought I’d have a little fun to measure how many new things I’ve embarked upon during this journey. The best way to categorize is to find a place amongst the alphabet for these great tidbits.  Although  previously aware of some of areas listed, I soon discovered there were more things about them that I did not know as opposed to what I did.    I figured I’d come up a few things, however, to my surprise, I have actually accumulated a wealth of information.   Let me share just few with you, a small fraction, of that which has brought new awareness:

Bitter Melon &  Cucumber

A – Affirmation (be it), Awakenings (goodwill and balance by Jen McGown) , Alkalization (ultimate cellular state; dis-ease can not live here!),  Apple (yes, one a day does keep the doctor away.  See malic acid below), Avocados (vitamin C, K, folate)

B – Body Weight Exercizes; Breathe (key to life); Bananas (best fast food ever!- fiber, vitamin c, b6, potassium, mangaese), Beets (lowers chlorestrol), Bittermelon (strengthens immune system) Bok Choy (folic acid, vitamin C, antioxidant, potassium) BAV(it's ok to go bold by John Lewis)

C – Chia seeds (a super –dooper super food); Cucumbers (who knew?-too many good things to mention); Coconut water (natural electrolyte - perfect to rehydrate or to start your day); Cleanse (detox regularly)

D – Dates (medjool - best natural sweetner! and great treat); dry brushing (surprising aid to digestion)

E – Embrace (yourself as well as others), emote, energy, eggplant (yes, you can eat it raw)

Jicama "Sandwich" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFVe0MSJRuk   

F – Fennel (awesome source of source of iron, calcium, magnesium, folate, fiber, vitamin C; Focus; Folate (crucial B vitamin essential to cell growth and reproduction) Food Combining; Fitness (one of the key factors to wellness that provides cohesion)

G – Greens (deep greens - perfect to eat raw!); Guava; Grapefruit; Guru (become experienced; get help; give help); Gratitude

H – Happiness & Harmony (key to well being - bring your internal sunshine out by AsanteGeorge)

I – Indian Cherry (fiber rich, potassium, vitamin C, A)  

J – Jackfruit; Jicama (pronounced "hic-ca-ma") sweet root vegetable -fiber, potassium, vitamin C); Juice Fast (nice way to cleanse detox and jump or re-start)

Kale Wrap

K – Kombucha; KISS; Kale (superfood king; 45% protein; vitamin A, K, calcium); Kundalini yoga (unites the mind, body and soul) Kalvarti (raw vegan and life coach, Jo Ann Hazelhurst)

L – Live Food; Lemons (secret wonder food-cleanses inside and out)

M – Metta (the state of lovingkindness and good will); Meditation; Malic acid (key ingredient in apples-provides energy and promotes muscle health); Mango (mm mm good)

N – Nectarine; Naturally Healing (Pele Chen-healing through holistic consumption; Newsletter (the next step I'll share)

O – Om (reminder that universe is within); Oranges (super fast food #2)

Quinoa

P – Presence; Pulp Madness (growth, my first e-book)

Q – Quinoa (pronounced "kee-wah"- a seed not a grain; considered a complete protein- contains all essential amino acids, iron, calcium)
R – Radish (copper, manganese, folate, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin C) Raw veganism; Rest; Raw & Delicious Lifestyles (raw vegan education Toni Allen)

S – Sabbe satta suku hontu (pali chant - May all beings be well); Sprouting; Starfruit (vitamin C, fiber, copper); Sunflower seeds (too many to name -here's a few: copper, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E); Sun baking; Sexy Raw Vegan (my coach Drew McCall Burke, who first believed); The Super-Fit Vegan (body weight expert, Jeff Sekerak)

T – Tumeric (powerful root spice-great for anti-inflammation); Transformation; Transition

Zucchini Sliders

U – Uncooking; Ujjayi breathing (cleansing breathe of fire); UBRaw (raw chefs Ronnie & Minh Skurow)

V – Validation

W – Wellness; whole food;  water (brain food; re-energizes; drink it for life)
X – Xigua (Chinese translation for watermelon; full of vitamin A,C)

Y – Yoga Girl goes Vegan (tangible dreams come true), Yams (yes, you can eat them raw); Yoga (my base, the trigger that started it all)

Z – Zen (learning to be present in the moment), Zucchini (protein packed, vitamin C, K, B6, Folate, Magnesium, fiber)       

Whew!  That's quite a bit.  For as much as I listed; there is much that could not fit. The information obtained in this short span of time demonstrates that you can increase your knowledge if you obtain, apply, and adapt it into your daily life.  Take a moment to reflect upon your own journey.  Marvel at how the mass of what you have learned has become integrated into your new way of doing things.  In the beginning, the goal was to execute change for 21 days - the magic number to create a new habit.  Wow! In no time, it's now a little over 21 months.  The same shall be true for you.  You'll realize that all it takes is a little education to go a long way.  As you think about your personal season of change, remember that continuous education, repetition, and building upon newly established foundations will guide your steps.  The amazing part is that each day you learn a little more and it will just seem to become easier and easier.  As easy as ABC's and 123;s.

Possessing Power

Points, objectives, tasks, initiatives, projects, destinations, alterations, changes, transitions, reformations, transformation all equal the same... goals.  Each of these represent things we would like to achieve.  Sometimes just observing it becomes overwhelming and we loose the ability to see successful implementation.  Other times, we over think our approach - the "how" or method by which we will achieve that which we desire.  It cripples us and stops us from accomplishment because we simply do not realize that we each possess the power to make it happen.

In prior posts, Chain Reaction and Affirmation, I have referenced the quote by Robert Schuler, "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?  It is a very strong statement that provokes deep thought.  Let's change it a bit.  Ponder this::  What would you do if you knew you possess the power to do anything you set your intentions to do?  WOW!  A jolt of strength and energy should be coursing through your bloodstream right now, awakening your mind.

The Power of ONE

"The Power of ONE to change a few, 

the Power of a few to change many,

the Power of many to change Nations,

always begins with....the Power of ONE." 

~ Drew McCall Burke 

Suzanne Africa Engo

Last week, I was fortunate to experience this first hand.  I watched Suzanne "Africa" Engo's documentary "I Love Africa"*  which chronicles her journey to raise Aids Awareness.  I met Africa through social media without any prior knowledge of her "power".  I immediately found her to be a bright, shining light, humorous and an inspirational raw vegan chef.  What I did not know is that this wonderful human being decided to raise awareness for this devastating dis-ease by dedicating her life to veganism, incorporating fitness, and then move with her power possession, to change the world...and she did it.  She initially started off on a run from New York to Chicago.  The success and notoriety propelled her to then run across the world, from Milan, Italy to Cameroon, Africa on behalf of her cause.  Prior to becoming a raw vegan, she weighed 250lbs. She used her power to transform herself, loosing 110lbs.  Africa then took this power, sharing and spreading it through her infectious smile and positive energy to share with one, many and thus, nations on behalf of her cause.  Her power has become international.  She demonstrates that all you need is you to start using your power. 

 "If you build it, they will come" ~Field of Dreams ©1989  

Africa's added another initiative to her "plate", encouraging Americans to eat healthy and vegan in the National Fight Against Obesity.  As a raw vegan chef, she loves to keep it simple.  Here is my take on one of her dishes:

1 sweet potato

handful of walnuts

1 tsp cold pressed coconut oil

Shred or with a noodle tool, make sweet potato noodles, sprinkle nuts and drizzle with coconut oil.  Simple, nutritious, and tasty

*for those in the United States, the documentary via this link:  I Love Africa, is avail for free viewing until the end of the year at which time it will be produced into a DVD for international distribution.   May her story inspire you.

Power to say NO

Sometimes, you don't need power to start something new or to transform the world  Sometimes, you need the complete opposite - just a little power to change an element in your surroundings for your well being. Sometimes, you need to possess the power to say "no". Many of us are people pleasers.  I am guilty.  For many years, I worried about providing the right answer, the right solution for acceptance or judgment.  So, I always said "yes" to people, situations, and things that I should not have.  It wore on me down both professionally and personally.  Everyone else was happy because I took on their projects and goals. I made it happen for them.  Yet, I was not happy.  I had not taken the time to please myself.  I had not said "yes" to me.  It was  not until I learned how not to be co-dependent, that I learned how to say "no".  Sometimes, if we remember to say "no", we will remember to say "yes" to those elements we need for our well being:  air, sun, water, freedom, tranquility, positive energy, and light, each of which empower us to be the best we can be.  Begin to say "no" to situations and things that drain and wear you down - that steal your power. Regain possession, realize there is a difference between giving and doing with selfless humility and giving away that which fuels you.  Initially, practice saying "no".  It's okay - the world will still be standing after you say it.  Look into the mirror to see how you look saying no.  As you say it, observe how your jaw bones move. "Feel" it physically.   After you say it, smile and remember that in order to achieve your goals, sometimes you have to say no in order to say "yes" to make things happen, and that you must first realize that not only do you possess the power to do so, but that YOU are the only ONE who can, and the rest of the world will follow.

Namaste. 

Yoga:   Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Pose

Highlights the power of one.  It is an alignment or standing pose in that improves balance, flexibility and anchors grounding of legs and ankles.  The possession of this one pose, is powerful enough to strengthen the core of the entire body.

Environment

I have come to the realization that your environment truly effects your wellness.  If what surrounds you is desolate, it will lend to feelings of destitution.  If you alter the picture to create a personal space of light, you will brighten that which initially began as darkness. This simple action infuses energy into any place devoid of positive aura and empowers you to reverse or reject negative vibes that threaten your success.  Changing environment can be as complex as moving to another part of the world,  seeking other employment, loosing or gaining relationships, or as simple as painting your bedroom a calming color, planting flowers outside your window, or smiling at one who frowns.

I found that this also applies to your workplace.  What does your work environment look like?  Is it conducive to your well being?  Does it allow you to be the best you can be?  There are many things in our specific  jobs we can not change:  who we work with, the times we work, the tools we need.  However, there always is something that you can do to make your environment work for you, to embrace your productivity and to foster your creativity whether you paste a flower inside of your hardhat, post a picture of your favorite oasis on your dashboard, or wear a smiley face pin on your lapel, there is always a way to remind yourself to just "be" in your moment within your environment, doing the best that you can with positive flow.

I work from home at a desk.  My "office" is painted in a warm tone which reminds me of cinnamon spice.  I love the taste and aroma of cinnamon.  It makes me"feel" warm.  I have pictures of goals and family members, a meditation stool, and full, uncovered windows which welcome open views of trees and the sky.  I created my space to be calming to allow me to be "me".  Sometimes however, we forget these things when we set about our tasks.   As like most people, when I am working,  can not always look around my room to "see".  Sometimes I need tangibility right in front of me. So, I remind myself, each day.  I used my desk to create a mini-environment within my larger one:

My desk is strategically set with subliminal messages to massage my spirit and thoughts to remind me to be calm and free as I work.  It is divided into three areas:  inspiration, relaxation, and meditation.  I believe that you can not have one without the other.  One can not meditate if one can not relax and one can not inspire if one can not become grounded through meditation.  The combination of these three elements lead to creativity.  

 The first portion of my desk is Inspiration.  It reminds me to:

always have  
time for love                                                              maintain balance

grow new ideas remember I  possess
                                                                               the resources I need

When I reach a blockage in the flow of my work, I always look to inspiration  for empowerment.  With exhalation, I am ready to forge forward to complete the tasks at hand.

The middle section of my desk is Relaxation.  

When stressed, I take out a little rake and make waves in the sand.  This zen based activity is very soothing.  This relaxation exercise is intentionally placed in direct correlation above the keyboard.  It reminds me that nothing is more important that a relaxed spirit for you will not be productive nor rational if you are not able to approach your situation with a calm demeanor.

The anchor of my desk is Meditation.

It is the grounding basis for which I can be the best I can be.  It restores positive thought, removes doubt, and increases flow for creativity.  If I have an arduous task before me, I light a candle, take a whiff of crystal  rocks that have been soaked in citrus and flower scented oils, and pick up my mala beads to either recite a cleansing prayer or recite a mantra for restoration, healing, and power.    I often meditate before I write as I wish my words to flow with truth,  clear conscious and without malice in my heart. Sometimes, I meditate after I work, in gratitude for productivity and for the gift of the skills with which I work.

When I close my door at the end of my day, I am grateful for this space.  It is a representation of the environment in which I can find solace, peace, prosperity, happiness, one in which I can give, share, extend, provide, one in which I study, learn, and grow.  

It doesn't matter where or what your environment "is", whether it is home, work, with whom you interact or otherwise. The question is - does it encourage your progression?  Does your environment encourage you to "be" the best you can be, foster your beliefs, one that can bring a smile to your face, and a warmth to your being?  If it does not do  this, then think about incorporating a few simple things to evolve your environment to that which will bring light, incorporates things you love, create positivity, enhance your wellness and affirm your success. 

Namaste.

Guru...In Progress

Originally, this post was entitled, "Redemption and Resurrection".  It was going to describe the healing process that began after the pain of my last post.  It was going to:

reveal regurgitation, regent rescue, restful respite, resilient renewal, replenished revival, regained rejuvenation, revenue realization, respectful reflection, resplendent responsibility, resurgence. 

Alas, this post was not to be for as these words swirled around in my head, I struggled with "how" to hasten healing hurt, harbor hope and hone happiness. Despite receiving honest refreshment from friends I still could not formulate the writing.  As I neared 30 days with thoughts held captive, floating around in my head,  another friend, gave me the most wonderful gift of all which helped me realize and remove my blockage.  She gave me these simple words:

"It is so easy to get caught up in raw gurus or individuals who may lead many in the raw industry because for the most part they are just incredible.  But when they fail, we get so very disappointed and even disillusioned with the movement.  Follow no one but yourself as you embark this awesome journey but glean from, listen to and enjoy all.  

Learn for yourself, be your own guru and enlighten your whole experience."

Eureka!  It was just the spark to re-ignite my flow.  All month, I had received yet not realized how the gifts that carried me through were linked and that each that help awaken the guru budding within me:

Jen - sight 

Ronnie - humility and selflessness 

Jason - support

Toni - mission and affirmation 

 Equipped with these new gifts, I moved to research, revive, and re-establish who and what I am to discover my own inner guru.  It is my responsibility to remain human and humble; to learn and to embrace. While it is important to learn from teachers, leaders, idols etc, it is our responsibility to continuously build upon our own foundations  to evolve, to establish and respect the guru that lies within us.  Education is key.  We all possess the gift of knowledge and the ability to learn; the gift to teach and the ability to share;  the gift of realization of as- is and the ability to expand beyond with the gift of of intuition and wisdom. It is important to remain to embrace humility  throughout the process for we will never know all or be all. That is not the objective of the guru.  A true guru does not ask to be such.  The meaning of the word guru is teacher, power, being, presence, counselor, and adviser.  It is a position of pure love.

Becoming a Guru

How does one become such? The answer came to me as I thought about Stacey True. Stacey has started a social media page, Confessions of A Fat Vegan  She is just beginning. She is, as she puts it, "on a mission to be completely plant-based and fit".  There is much she admits she does not know. She admits she does not know what she does not know but she is willing to learn. She is willing to publicly display her transformation and addresses questions before being asked - as she states "Yes, vegans are fat too" . I love her candor and observing as she learns, shares, and evolves. It is beautiful to witness, for example, the honesty and proud posting of a midnight snack of strawberries instead of previous choices.  I don't know if Stacey realizes it yet, but I see she is well on her way.  She is becoming a guru. With grace and brutal honesty, she is already teaching that what she has learned in six short weeks.

This past month, I also reflected upon my newly forged friendship with Dina Stewart.  Last year, she decided to follow her passion and started a year long dedication to practicing yoga every day which led to her recent certification as a yoga instructor. When she set out, she did not design herself to be  guru, yet that is exactly what she is becoming.  She has started a blog,  Love Your Life Yoga in which as she describes that "Yoga helped me to save my life, my body and my spirit."  The awakening goddess in her is now reciprocating that which was gifted,  "I am teaching yoga to share this gift with as many people as I possibly can.We pray, laugh, cry and become real on our mats."  It is soothing to feel the love, passion, and desire to give.

A picture from Dina's page..guru in progress.

Finding your inner guru

I applaud these individuals and their willingness to share, yet remain present in their moments. It inspires me to rouse the goddess within.   How about you?  What motivates the awakening of  your inner guru?  Are you still leaning or holding on to your teachers? Are you ready to let go just a little? A great teacher does not provide for one, they provide for many. Let them go. Allow them to use their gifts to help the next  student coming. It is now your turn.  Time to grow.  Time to become the example your teacher set forth for you. You now know what you know.  Use it, expand it, share it, move it, multiply it. It is okay not to be a guru on Day 1, it's okay to be afraid.  It's okay to ease into it and feel the strength it provides. Embrace it, do it, be it.  Your greatness awaits.

Yoga: Urhva Dhanurasana - Wheel Pose

Urhva Dhanurasana or Chakra Asana is the wheel pose. It is a form of a backbend which revitalizes the nervous system, improves breathing, and provides an energy boost.   It also opens the 4th chakra , Anahata - the heart center.  As you work and begin to release your inner guru, remember to do so with an open heart for all actions must come from your 
heart with lovingkindness. 

It is only then that  you will be able to embrace, emit, and evolve.  

Sat nam.