We live in an ever-expanding universe. This macrocosm can be cultivated within your own consciousness through a number of ways. The first step is always to stop and discover your own personal state of being. Are you tired and sluggish from long hours at work? Are you uninspired from your monotonous daily routine? Are you wired from the caffeine or jittery from the sugary snacks? Are you daydreaming of being anywhere but here? Am I breathing shallow or deep? Am I slouching or sitting up tall?
When we begin to take the time to look within ourselves and allow the honest answers to arise, if we listen carefully, we will be surprised at how just slight changes can improve our lives.
The most common conversations I have with friends and acquaintances revolve around how to change one's perspective. This also happens to be one of my biggest passions and greatest challenges, which is why I study so much about this topic.
I remember during the Blackout of 2003, when the entire Northeastern powergrid went down, I remember meeting a new group of friends because we all shared this experience. During our long walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, my friend spoke about how his life was successful financially but terribly boring and routine. The frustration of his soul is what I remember most, he felt trapped but the routine nature of his life. The advice I gave him was to try simple things to change his experience of the everyday. For instance because we live in NYC where we all walk to our destinations, which is in itself a blessing for keeping our bodies in use, I suggested that he try walking a different way to the office and a different way home. Rather that walk the same way, taking the same route, seeing the same shops and people, just turning a different corner may alert you to a new discovery. Something that brings joy to you and that you never knew was right around the corner because you simply never walked that way.
I ran into this friend a year later and his life had completely changed. He looked happy and was living more proactively. He told me he started walking a different way to work and one day he ran into an old college friend who alerted him to an opening available at a design firm. He applied and was offered the new job and now loves the work he is doing. He thanked me and went on his way.
The lesson being that because we are creatures of habit, it's easy for us to become complacent, especially if life affords a certain amount of comfort.
We recreate our lives every day we wake up from sleep. No, it's not a completely blank slate, that would be too much. But the little ways we create our days begins when we wake up. Taking a minute to say I love you to yourself when you look in the bathroom mirror to walking or driving a different way to work. Try saying hello to stranger and be surprised by the extend of power you have to respond to the world around you.
May you be blessed to experience more of joys and wonders of life.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Self-Healing through Repairative Medicine
Krista Tippet on Being is a radio program broadcast by American Public Media on National Public Radio. In New York City, her program is aired on Sunday mornings from 7-8am. I know there are podcasts that I can download and listen to whenever I want but there is something special about the ritual of waking up early on a Sunday and have a hot cup of coffee and thinking about the deeper quests of understanding life and our place within the greater sphere of existence.
Tippet's program name has recently changed from "Speaking of Faith" to "Being", a curious but seemless shift in language that doesn't alter the material of the program but gives it stronger roots in the present. Today's program was about stem-cell research and the remarkable insight that Doris Taylor still doesn't understand the cell but is able to watch it renew itself. She says we could spend the next 30 years trying to figure out how they work or we could allow the cells to do what they know how to do and save lives. This program also goes into the amazing observation that the blood changes to create positive cells during meditation. The second part of the program focuses on the healing potential of the body and the positive effects of meditation on the body's stem cells.
Hearing this additional information reminds me of a remarkable experience on the Ms Westerdam during one of the meditation workshops I had given.
Eloise, a graceful passenger and former nurse, was attending the workshop to explore a practice that has been recommended to her by her doctor to lower her blood pressure. Out of the 10 participants, 4 were currently suffering from high blood pressure. Yogi Bhajan always said not to believe him on faith but to try the practice for yourself and see what it can do for you.
Eloise brought her portable blood pressure monitor and tested the four for their blood pressure before the meditation practice and then she tested everyone afterwards. Well not only did they simply feel relaxed and happy, their blood pressure had dropped significantly to healthy levels.
It was a small and informal test of the possibilities for the body to heal itself if we give it the opportunity to do so. Too often we get in the way of our own healing because we refuse to TAKE THE TIME OUT that the body needs to repair itself.
It doesn't take a lot of time but it takes intention and discipline but the changes you can impart in simply three minutes of one's life can change the outcome of the stress we receive. Instead of destroying us, we can renew ourselves and truly reach for a greater, more fulfilling life.
Tippet's program name has recently changed from "Speaking of Faith" to "Being", a curious but seemless shift in language that doesn't alter the material of the program but gives it stronger roots in the present. Today's program was about stem-cell research and the remarkable insight that Doris Taylor still doesn't understand the cell but is able to watch it renew itself. She says we could spend the next 30 years trying to figure out how they work or we could allow the cells to do what they know how to do and save lives. This program also goes into the amazing observation that the blood changes to create positive cells during meditation. The second part of the program focuses on the healing potential of the body and the positive effects of meditation on the body's stem cells.
Hearing this additional information reminds me of a remarkable experience on the Ms Westerdam during one of the meditation workshops I had given.
 |
| photo courtesy of 30daysofhealthandwellbeing.com.au |
Eloise brought her portable blood pressure monitor and tested the four for their blood pressure before the meditation practice and then she tested everyone afterwards. Well not only did they simply feel relaxed and happy, their blood pressure had dropped significantly to healthy levels.
It was a small and informal test of the possibilities for the body to heal itself if we give it the opportunity to do so. Too often we get in the way of our own healing because we refuse to TAKE THE TIME OUT that the body needs to repair itself.
It doesn't take a lot of time but it takes intention and discipline but the changes you can impart in simply three minutes of one's life can change the outcome of the stress we receive. Instead of destroying us, we can renew ourselves and truly reach for a greater, more fulfilling life.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Depression linked to Cholesterol Levels
Finding this article has opened my eyes to a biological function that could be responsible for one of my greatest adversaries, depression and anxiety.
I am proactive with my physical health as well as my mental and spiritual health. I practice mind-body disciplines of yoga and Tai Chi and have a regular meditation practice. These do wonders for my moods and overall well-being. After a period of time on earth, one encounters many experiences that test the endurance of one's spirit. I have come to think of my occasional surprise visit by the dark cloud of depression or anxiety as a normal human condition. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago and this past week when I read the connection between cholesterol and depression that I have begun to consider this a hindrance due to biological function as well.
Part of my pro-active plan is to take a daily Fish Oil supplement to build up my cholesterol levels and monitor my mental outlook over the course of the month.
An excellent result would be overall improved mental outlook with a simple change of diet. It may have a placebo effect but even placebos work. :)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Live a Great Life
With the new Fall season upon us, many changes are sweeping through our lives like the wind.
Here's to living a Great Life, a life of passion and fulfillment through the incorporation of our many aspects. May we all reach a place of balance where our mind, our hearts, and our bodies are in harmony with the cycles and movement of life.
Here's to living a Great Life, a life of passion and fulfillment through the incorporation of our many aspects. May we all reach a place of balance where our mind, our hearts, and our bodies are in harmony with the cycles and movement of life.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Never Say “Diet”
Are you someone who thrives on the regiment of a strict diet for a short period of time only to rebound to your old eating habits? This is a common behavior that continues as long as you support the imbalance in your relationship to eating. Diet is one of those words that I hear constantly as a fitness instructor and it’s a word that always makes me cringe. This word sends shivers up my spine when I hear it because it is directly linked to a person’s self esteem and their feelings of control in their life.
Atkins vs. South Beach, the Cabbage Diet vs the Raw Diet, Vegan vs. Vegetarian. All of these diets encourage extremes in one’s eating behavior. The word “diet” emphasizes the negatives in one’s life. It’s best to throw out the word diet with the dishwater and replace it with the commitment to healthy eating.
Most people intuitively know their weaknesses when it comes to food. Craving salty or sweet are the most common preferences leading to over consumption of candy and desserts or processed snack foods like chips. Of course, if you have serious issues with obesity and its related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, you need to regulate your health with a medical professional who can construct an appropriate dietary plan tailored to your specific needs.
The first step to support changes to healthy eating habits is by using positive psychology to reinforce your new habits. Relate to yourself and your food with gratitude and enjoyment rather than self-loathing and resentment. I say a prayer of thanksgiving for every meal placed in front of me because there are millions across the world who are far less fortunate when it comes to meal time. The simple act of giving thanks for the food in front of you begins to change the emotional relationship to the meal you are about to consume. Remember the old adage: You are what you eat.
Bon appetit.
Atkins vs. South Beach, the Cabbage Diet vs the Raw Diet, Vegan vs. Vegetarian. All of these diets encourage extremes in one’s eating behavior. The word “diet” emphasizes the negatives in one’s life. It’s best to throw out the word diet with the dishwater and replace it with the commitment to healthy eating.
Most people intuitively know their weaknesses when it comes to food. Craving salty or sweet are the most common preferences leading to over consumption of candy and desserts or processed snack foods like chips. Of course, if you have serious issues with obesity and its related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, you need to regulate your health with a medical professional who can construct an appropriate dietary plan tailored to your specific needs.
The first step to support changes to healthy eating habits is by using positive psychology to reinforce your new habits. Relate to yourself and your food with gratitude and enjoyment rather than self-loathing and resentment. I say a prayer of thanksgiving for every meal placed in front of me because there are millions across the world who are far less fortunate when it comes to meal time. The simple act of giving thanks for the food in front of you begins to change the emotional relationship to the meal you are about to consume. Remember the old adage: You are what you eat.
Bon appetit.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Lifestylist
On July 7, I am set to sail the seas with Holland America Cruise Line as the onboard Lifestylist. I will be teaching a daily Tai Chi class on the Lido deck and offering short seminars on holistic wellness topics. The fact that this is my life, is at once bewildering and absolutely AMAZING. I am thrilled, astonished and grateful for the opportunity to travel, teach, and share the techniques I have spent my life studying to develop a calm and peaceful mind, and an open and caring heart with the passengers onboard.
They have me scheduled to board the Ms Westerdam in Capetown South Africa. Which will be docked for the remainder of the World Cup. Maybe America's team will make it to the final. What a miracle that would be! Then the ship will sail to Rotterdam to begin touring around the UK and up the Norwegian Peninsula to the Arctic Circle. Again, AMAZING! The fact that I'll be traveling the length world this summer, from the tip of Africa to the Arctic Circle is beyond my comprehension. Here's to continuing the journey and discovering the beautiful faces and places along the way.
I'd love to entitle this blog Postcards from the Edge but that's already been used and it is a deep desire of mine to express myself through my own words than through anothers'. But I may use the title for an entry at some point along the way, possibly from the Arctic Circle!
They have me scheduled to board the Ms Westerdam in Capetown South Africa. Which will be docked for the remainder of the World Cup. Maybe America's team will make it to the final. What a miracle that would be! Then the ship will sail to Rotterdam to begin touring around the UK and up the Norwegian Peninsula to the Arctic Circle. Again, AMAZING! The fact that I'll be traveling the length world this summer, from the tip of Africa to the Arctic Circle is beyond my comprehension. Here's to continuing the journey and discovering the beautiful faces and places along the way.
I'd love to entitle this blog Postcards from the Edge but that's already been used and it is a deep desire of mine to express myself through my own words than through anothers'. But I may use the title for an entry at some point along the way, possibly from the Arctic Circle!
Mind, Body, & Breath
Our Life's journey is not a small or simple matter. Our lives as humans beings, like our planet, are built on complex, interconnected systems that happen to share the same time and space.
We like it when Life presents us with simple choices. For instance: Will I have chocolate or strawberries? We don't like it when Life presents difficulties and challenges. During these periods of time, we are presented an opportunity to live to our highest potential. The ways to fulfilling this potential are many. The common things we share on the journey are the same: body, breath, and mind.
The Body is our house. The Breath is our power. The Mind is our compass.
The simple acts of breathing and thinking have profound affects on our internal and external environments. When our breaths become short and tense, our minds become agitated and emotions engage. When we do long, deep breathing, our minds become calm and quiet, basking in the silence, and allowing the wisdom of the universe to speak. A wise sage said, nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so. Our attitude determines if our experiences are positive or negative.
It takes courage to face everyday of our life. May we encourage and care for each other along the way, lighting fires of warmth and compassion for our Friends to come and sit by for awhile.
We like it when Life presents us with simple choices. For instance: Will I have chocolate or strawberries? We don't like it when Life presents difficulties and challenges. During these periods of time, we are presented an opportunity to live to our highest potential. The ways to fulfilling this potential are many. The common things we share on the journey are the same: body, breath, and mind.
The Body is our house. The Breath is our power. The Mind is our compass.
The simple acts of breathing and thinking have profound affects on our internal and external environments. When our breaths become short and tense, our minds become agitated and emotions engage. When we do long, deep breathing, our minds become calm and quiet, basking in the silence, and allowing the wisdom of the universe to speak. A wise sage said, nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so. Our attitude determines if our experiences are positive or negative.
It takes courage to face everyday of our life. May we encourage and care for each other along the way, lighting fires of warmth and compassion for our Friends to come and sit by for awhile.
Monday, May 3, 2010
White Tantric Yoga NYC
White Tantric Yoga was held in NYC on Saturday May 1st at the Landmark on the Park on Central Park West. In an intimate and beautiful sanctuary across from the Central Park, 200 people meditated together for 8 hours in the dynamic practice of White Tantric Yoga.
White Tantric Yoga is the practice of partner meditation under the watchful eye of the Mahan Tantric. Yogi Bhajan began the practice for the first time publicly in the 1970's and created a series of tantric programs for its legacy to continue. It is said that by practicing White Tantric Yoga (WTY) for one day is equal to an entire year of meditation (Web). The day was filled with 31 and 62 minute meditations that work to balance the chakras in the specific time and place that it occurs. The effects are subtle but palpable.
A group of people meditating together amplifies the effects of meditation, like fullness of a choir versus a soloist. The group energy also helps to carry your individual practice when you become tired or distracted. The practice of WTY reaches into the deep caverns of the mind and removes blockages that are rooted in the subconscious mind. Yogi Bhajan described it as a way to empty the garbage of one's mind.
It has been almost two years since the last time I took part in the practice. It was absolutely magical, powerful, and direct. Over the next 40 days, the effects of the practice will integrate into the psyche. I hope to share with you what may transpire in the coming days and weeks, as a way to document the subtle changes and shifts of this powerful, cleansing practice of WTY.
Sat nam.
White Tantric Yoga is the practice of partner meditation under the watchful eye of the Mahan Tantric. Yogi Bhajan began the practice for the first time publicly in the 1970's and created a series of tantric programs for its legacy to continue. It is said that by practicing White Tantric Yoga (WTY) for one day is equal to an entire year of meditation (Web). The day was filled with 31 and 62 minute meditations that work to balance the chakras in the specific time and place that it occurs. The effects are subtle but palpable.
A group of people meditating together amplifies the effects of meditation, like fullness of a choir versus a soloist. The group energy also helps to carry your individual practice when you become tired or distracted. The practice of WTY reaches into the deep caverns of the mind and removes blockages that are rooted in the subconscious mind. Yogi Bhajan described it as a way to empty the garbage of one's mind.
It has been almost two years since the last time I took part in the practice. It was absolutely magical, powerful, and direct. Over the next 40 days, the effects of the practice will integrate into the psyche. I hope to share with you what may transpire in the coming days and weeks, as a way to document the subtle changes and shifts of this powerful, cleansing practice of WTY.
Sat nam.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Bear your own weight
A great way to improve your fitness capacity and loose weight is to practice weight bearing exercise. A simple move is the push up. This exercise tones and strengthens the whole body: abs, shoulders, arms, chest, back, and legs. If we were to practice push ups at least 3 times a week, we would become quite aware of how much me weigh.
If your goal is maintaining your weight, push ups are a prime practice. The moment we try to hold ourselves up is the moment gravity reveals itself.
Beginning the practice of push ups is exhilarating. Begin with 3 sets of 5-10 of the best push ups you can perform. Be sure to contract your abs and lengthen your neck. Use your legs to help you. Build up and relish the power you feel as you complete the third set.
Try Building up your perfect form reps and different stances. The most important thing to focus on is FORM. You'll get better results by focusing on QUALITY of movement than on quantity.
Level One: Pushups with knees on the floor. Make sure you care creating a nice diagonal line with your torso. Contract your abs, lengthen your neck, and go for it.
Level Two: Push ups with legs extended, feet wide. The wide stance helps to spread out the weight. Keep a nice diagonal line in the body. Do not allow the back to buckle! Contract your abs, lengthen your neck and brace your legs. Go!
Level Three: Pushups with legs extended, feet together. This is the most advanced. It's vital to use your legs to maintain your diagonal line. Do not allow the lower back to buckle.
If your goal is maintaining your weight, push ups are a prime practice. The moment we try to hold ourselves up is the moment gravity reveals itself.
Beginning the practice of push ups is exhilarating. Begin with 3 sets of 5-10 of the best push ups you can perform. Be sure to contract your abs and lengthen your neck. Use your legs to help you. Build up and relish the power you feel as you complete the third set.
Try Building up your perfect form reps and different stances. The most important thing to focus on is FORM. You'll get better results by focusing on QUALITY of movement than on quantity.
Level One: Pushups with knees on the floor. Make sure you care creating a nice diagonal line with your torso. Contract your abs, lengthen your neck, and go for it.
Level Two: Push ups with legs extended, feet wide. The wide stance helps to spread out the weight. Keep a nice diagonal line in the body. Do not allow the back to buckle! Contract your abs, lengthen your neck and brace your legs. Go!
Level Three: Pushups with legs extended, feet together. This is the most advanced. It's vital to use your legs to maintain your diagonal line. Do not allow the lower back to buckle.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Sculptworks @ YogaWorks Soho
What an amazing class I took this morning at YogaWorks Soho. SculptWorks is their signature resistance class and Laurel kicked everyone's booty! She was terrific. The class was fast paced without much rest or stretching between exercises which really amp'd the cardio output. The studio is well equipped with props. I loved the glide disks. I was wiped out and know how the folks who come to my core strength classes feel! HA HA! I highly recommended this class for tone and shaping up.
Hadn't been to this location before and it is GORGEOUS! Dry Sauna in the locker room. Lavender scented throughout with beautiful bamboo flooring and river stone decor. It's membership only or you may take one open class there a month. Check it out!
Be well. Breathe fully. Enjoy life.
Hadn't been to this location before and it is GORGEOUS! Dry Sauna in the locker room. Lavender scented throughout with beautiful bamboo flooring and river stone decor. It's membership only or you may take one open class there a month. Check it out!
Be well. Breathe fully. Enjoy life.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Spring is just around the corner...
21 days until the first day of Spring and even with the residual snow from this week's storm, the air is a bit sweeter. Today's high is around 40 degrees and calling people to enjoy the outdoors again. Get outside on the nicer days of the winter to enjoy a brisk walk around a park or your neighborhood.
Or simply take 5 minutes to stand outside and breath slowly and consciously for 5 minutes. The fresh air will surely energize you to complete your most mundane chores, like laundry!
Be Well. Breathe fully. Enjoy Life.
Or simply take 5 minutes to stand outside and breath slowly and consciously for 5 minutes. The fresh air will surely energize you to complete your most mundane chores, like laundry!
Be Well. Breathe fully. Enjoy Life.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Erin the Kulie.
I took a wonderful Vinyasa class at Kula Yoga Project. Erin's 65 minute class at noon led us through an accension of asana that culminated in the release of anxiety and fear as well as induced deep relaxation and calm. Her thoughtful instructions guided our bodies in movement and metaphor throughout the practice. She gave us a practice that was both quiet and challenging. It reminded me and gave me a chance to cultivate calm and quiet while in the midst of challenge. This is what I love about yoga. Thank you Erin! Namaste.
Check out Kula Yoga Project for a smart and sweaty asana practice. www.kulayoga.com
Check out Kula Yoga Project for a smart and sweaty asana practice. www.kulayoga.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Weak wrists anyone??
This has been a busy month for me. I've been subbing for colleagues around the city in a variety of exercise disciplines. There is something I have noticed from my interaction with all the participants, regardless of age, gender, or weight, they all have weak wrists.
Often in my classes I incorporate weight-bearing exercises to target the entire body to work together. In all exercises, whether its plank, side plank, or even cat/cow postures, the participants are struggling with their wrists.
Weak wrists are a sign of long hours in spent in the office and not enough weight bearing activity.
Spending as little as one minute a day in downward dog will improve wrist strength. Give it try over a week and see if it makes a difference in your wrists, as well as improve your overall well being.
Often in my classes I incorporate weight-bearing exercises to target the entire body to work together. In all exercises, whether its plank, side plank, or even cat/cow postures, the participants are struggling with their wrists.
Weak wrists are a sign of long hours in spent in the office and not enough weight bearing activity.
Spending as little as one minute a day in downward dog will improve wrist strength. Give it try over a week and see if it makes a difference in your wrists, as well as improve your overall well being.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New Year, New You!
Happy New Year!
2010 has kicked off and new fitness students are coming to classes en masse. I see this every year, a re-commitment to their health and well-being brings them back to the gym. The renewed energy that comes with the new year is a fantastic time to refresh your fitness routine.
As an instructor I always want to introduce a fitness routine to new participants in a fun and accessible manner. When my classes are filled with new faces I always go back to basics. Starting simple is the best way to introduce new habits into one's life. Rather than overwhelm new participants by giving 10 different exercises, I start with a circuit of 3-5 exercises to lay the foundations for the fitness routine. Exercises that focus on the major muscle groups and include balance and coordination to work out the brain as well.
I also like to play upbeat, moderate tempo music to assist in keeping a moderate pace for new students while offering the 'regulars' the chance to assess how far they've come. I love it when they are surprised by their gain in strength when they remember how hard an exercise was when they first began. they sense of pride and accomplishment is truly rewarding as an instructor.
2010 brings new opportunities for us to strengthen of the body, mind, and spirit. So Keep up! Keep on workin' out to your favorite tunes in the new year to unleash the renewed YOU!
You Can Energize Your Life!
Cheryl (Bhagwati)
2010 has kicked off and new fitness students are coming to classes en masse. I see this every year, a re-commitment to their health and well-being brings them back to the gym. The renewed energy that comes with the new year is a fantastic time to refresh your fitness routine.
As an instructor I always want to introduce a fitness routine to new participants in a fun and accessible manner. When my classes are filled with new faces I always go back to basics. Starting simple is the best way to introduce new habits into one's life. Rather than overwhelm new participants by giving 10 different exercises, I start with a circuit of 3-5 exercises to lay the foundations for the fitness routine. Exercises that focus on the major muscle groups and include balance and coordination to work out the brain as well.
I also like to play upbeat, moderate tempo music to assist in keeping a moderate pace for new students while offering the 'regulars' the chance to assess how far they've come. I love it when they are surprised by their gain in strength when they remember how hard an exercise was when they first began. they sense of pride and accomplishment is truly rewarding as an instructor.
2010 brings new opportunities for us to strengthen of the body, mind, and spirit. So Keep up! Keep on workin' out to your favorite tunes in the new year to unleash the renewed YOU!
You Can Energize Your Life!
Cheryl (Bhagwati)
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