ASWANLIFE

Letting Go

2014-07-16T01:15:00.001-05:00

Like many women, my weight went up and down for years. But that was only after I felt stuck at one size for most of my adult life. At some point during my late 20s I was able to cross the first plateau in my journey, but it wasn't until I got married that things really started to shift.

"Peace and blessing manifest with every lesson learned." -Erykah Badu

It was the dress of course. Or perhaps the pictures. Regardless, I was not going look at that day for the rest of my life and not be completely happy with what I saw. So I ran. I lost a lot of weight and I felt beautiful on our wedding day, but I still felt uncomfortable in my body in so many ways.

Before I knew it, I had reached that point in life where my age was quickly associated with the fact that Swan and I do not have children. I do believe the ticking of the biological clock is most often the whispers of those around us, but I've learned to smile and nod in love.

Regardless, I caved to the pressure and responded as those who know me well can guess that I would. Each time I would smile and think, "I'll show you. I'll be in better shape than I was in high school before AND after children."

"Liberation through purification." - Queen Afua

This time my ego and analytical mind met at Queen Afua's work. I took a Natural Family Planning Course in 2010 and her books were recommended reading. In one of her works she shared that women should consider detoxing consistently for at least two years before they had children. And that is how I arrived at the most effective health and wellness ritual I have experienced to date.

"My Soul flies free like a willow tree." Erykah Badu

I started to detox for at least 7 days with each season, but it wasn't until last year when I finished the Organic Beauty Detox created by Akua Auset that I finally understood how to keep the weight off.

"When you loose something subconsciously and energetically, you want to find it. To release it is a conscious choice." - Akua Auset

Through my training and work as a yoga instructor, I understood how emotions can become trapped in the body. When I considered the weight that always seemed to return, it was clear to me that it was time to let some things go. For 30 days in 2013 I focused more on letting go of opinions and the need for approval, past hurts and disappointments and years of body shame. At the end, I felt lighter than I ever had in life although I had weighed less in the past.

This year I followed the same process and can honestly say this is the lightest I have ever felt in body and in Spirit.

"Bag Lady... Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go..." - Erykah Badu

So before you hit Google to research detoxing or send an email to Akua to find out more about the Organic Beauty Detox ask yourself what you need to release. If you honor the truth of what you hear, you will release the heaviest weight in that moment.

Progress Over Perfection

2014-05-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

Over the last year, I've attached to this phrase and it has become one of my most used mantras.

When you make a firm decision to grow into your best, it is hard to shed the quest for perfection. We spend years in pursuit of it although there's really no set standard for it.

So how do we know when we've arrived? In my opinion, we never arrive at perfection. The closest we come to perfection is authenticity.

Seriously. What can be more perfect than living in alignment with who you truly are? [ Tweet It! ]

The easiest place I've learned to accept progress over perfection is on the yoga mat. While some poses and postures come with ease, there are those that take nothing more than consistent practice.

In a world where we see perfect images of yoga so readily, I've decided to offer my first Instagram ~~Challenge~~ Intention: Progress Over Perfection.

Would you like to participate?

Choose a pose that requires work and dedication. Set your intention to do the work.
When you make progress you're comfortable with, feel free to share on Instagram using #PROGRESSOVERPERFECTION. Or not.
Allow the progress in your yoga practice to flow with ease into all areas of your life.

It's that simple. Keep flowing. Keep growing.

Ashiya

New Look. Same rules.

2014-04-30T06:57:00.001-05:00

New look. Same rules. New posts are coming soon.

Always,

Ashiya

{Eat to Live} Detox Truths

2013-08-19T07:31:00.000-05:00

Obviously, I'm not very good at posting my meals daily during this detox. Honestly speaking, I realized I really don't want to talk about what I'm eating because I'm thinking about what I committed to not eating. I'll call it a detox survival technique.

And I usually think about taking pictures when I'm almost done, if at all, but this week I was better with taking them. Here's a quick recap of Days 4-6. I'll share Days 7-10 later in the week.

Day 4

I was on the move for Day 4. I started with warm water with lemon as usual. For breakfast I had a green smoothie with peaches, mango, spinach, celery and coconut water.

I packed a lovely lunch that I couldn't keep cold after a change in my plans for the day. Because I was out longer than planned, I shared my lunch with a friend and opted for garlic steamed kale and brussel sprouts from Sunflower Cafe in Berry Hill, which I forgot to capture.

Lunch was more than enough for the rest of the day, so I had a desire for grapes later that evening.

Day 5

My cravings came alive on Day 5. I wanted everything. At this point I've learned the best way for me to fight these cravings is to stick to liquids until they pass.

After my warm water with lemon, I had Metu Neter, a combination of celery, Granny Smith apples, broccoli and cucumber. I found this recipe and some of my current favorites at Vegan Wasted during a detox last year.

During the day, I ate lots of water-rich fruit including watermelon and grapes. For dinner I had a green smoothie with spinach, celery, mango and blueberries. It worked. I didn't cave in to the cravings.

Day 6

After water with lemon I had a green smoothie made of spinach, celery, peaches and coconut water.

Having a green smoothie in the morning sets the tone of the day for me and as long as I have fruit, water and nuts, I'm good. I also made the same green smoothie from the previous day after dinner, which was a salad with vinegrette dressing I found online. It wasn't very good to me, so I won't share it here. Back to the lab on that one.

As a general rule, I drink water constantly throughout the day to help my body move any toxins it wants to release.

Life, Health and Prosperity,
Ashiya

{Eat To Live} Life In A Jar

2013-08-18T19:20:00.001-05:00

Variety and convenience are the main themes of this detox. I want to create meals that are both healthy and tasty, so I decided to try my hand at making salad dressings. I thought this might bring in variety by giving my vegetables and salads and it was a good move.

Vegan Green Goddess Dressing

The first dressing I tried convinced me it would not be my last. It really was as simple as making a smoothie and I had most of the ingredients on hand. I chose the Vegan Green Goddess Dressing share on Oh She Glows because of the avocado base and it did not disappoint. I did not vary the recipe this time, but I do plan to experiment with this one more.

It was good as a dressing and a dip for raw veggie and the best part of my first attempt at a "Salad in a Jar." I first saw this on Pinterest and realized the potential during this detox. The trick to keeping everything fresh is to keep the greens separate from the dressing. I plan to experiment some sprouts and beans or lentils for other lunch options.

Salad in a Jar with Green Goddess Dressing

Life, Health and Prosperity,

Ashiya

{Eat to Live} Green Smoothie Love

2013-08-18T19:18:00.004-05:00

This week I tried another tip I found on Pinterest from The Rowdy Stroudy to make my smoothies better. I'm not a fan of ice and I freeze bananas for fruit smoothies, but I had no equivalent for green smoothies.

Spinach was a good candidate because it wilts quickly and works well in most smoothies. I like to use fresh fruits and veggies in smoothies, but I love this option.

Spinach Cubes

Spinach Puree

I packed the 40oz. bowl of my food processor with spinach, added 1/4 cup of water and few seconds later I had enough for 3-4 smoothies depending on other ingredients. ,the frozen spinach gives my smoothies the texture I like as well. I love it when a little prep goes a long way.

Frozen Spinach Cubes

Life, Health and Prosperity,

Ashiya

{Eat to Live} Life Is A Matter Of Balance

2013-08-14T08:57:00.006-05:00

When I first started to give my body a break with a detox or cleanse on a regular basis, I ate the same things repeatedly. It worked well for me because I didn't have to think much about it. One of the biggest challenges with honoring a detox is the mental shift required to find satisfaction in foods I may not eat consistently. This time, I've decided to add some variety and try some of the recipes I've collected.

With that said, this seems like a perfect time to share my food explorations for those who may see a detox as punishment. In my experience, many people feel like they are going to starve during a detox. Don't get me wrong, I get hungry. But I get hungry everyday. I'm used to that. The key is to prepare so I don't fall into the habit of eating what is convenient.

I'm excited to share a few new things I tried for Day 4 so stay tuned. Here's to food that is good to us and for us!

Life, Health and Prosperity,
Ashiya

{Self-Care} Summer Detox 2013

2013-08-09T11:44:00.001-05:00

"All it takes is 10 days EACH month to naturally cleanse your body for OPTIMAL health and vitality!"

-Koya Webb

I'm late in the season, but I'm finally taking on my summer detox. I'm joining wholistic health and wellness coach Koya Webb for her monthly detox which she begins on the 10th of each month for 10 days. If you're interested in joining in this month or next, see the rules below.

Koya offers shopping lists, food and juice recipes to support participants in their journey. One of my biggest challenges right now is maintaining variety as I continue to build healthier eating habits. This detox will be about delighting food foods that are just as good to me as they are for me.

For more on Koya and to take a look at her products that may assist in your own detox, visit her online at www.koyawebb.com

Life, Health and Prosperity,

Ashiya

{Self-Care} The Dry Brush Massage

2013-08-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

During my last detox, I discovered the benefits of dry brushing and it seems many of you enjoy it as well. I shared my experience with the Swan Wholistic community on Facebook which brought me the opportunity to find out a bit more about dry brushing from Ama Opare of Opare Integrative Health Care.

Ama is a gourmet raw vegan chef, author and public speaker as well as a committed educator and program director. Ama has supported adults and children in a variety of areas and she currently uses her experience in education to support clients of Opare Integrative Health Care, which she co-owns with her husband Dr. Nana Kwkau Opare. Dr. Opare began practicing medicine in the mid-80s and has combined his background in food, nutrition, dietetics acupuncture with medicine to create a integrative practice that serves the mind, body and spirit of their clients.

Ama Opare and Dr. Nana Kwkau Opare of Opare Integrative Health Care, Atlanta, GA.

The Opares include the dry brush massage as part of their juice fasting protocol. Ama was kind enough to share their protocol below if you are interested in adding it to your self-care routine or next detox.

"During the fast a dry brush massage is done daily before the morning shower. The body releases toxins through the skin. The brushing aids the sloughing off of dead skin sells. Use a natural bristle brush with a long handle. Do not use nylon or synthetic fiber brushes, they are too sharp and may damage the skin.

Starting at the feet brush in circular motion until skin in rosy. Follow the direction of the arrows below. Red indicates moving downward, blue moving upward. Move up the front and inside of the legs, the front of the body, and then down the inside of the arms.

Next, move up the back of the arms and then down the back of the body and the back and outside of the legs."

Opare Health Care

Courtesy of Opare Health Care, Atlanta, GA.

Connect with Opare Integrative Health at www.opare.net for more info on their juice fasting protocols available online soon. Get other health news, healing techniques, recipes and more from The Opares on Facebook and Twitter.

{Master Teachers} Know Thyself

2013-06-27T06:08:00.000-05:00

Now that I have this figured out, join me as I begin a legacy of life, health and prosperity:

www.swanwholistic.com

Life, Health and Prosperity,

Ashiya

{Master Teachers} My Swan Dad

2013-06-13T20:11:00.002-05:00

I love natural teachers. It is always easy for me to identify those people who love to share their knowledge simply because it is too good to keep to themselves. When I first met my Swan Dad, I had no idea he would become my Dad, but I knew he would be a wonderful teacher if my friendship with his sons continued. Almost 15 years later, I can't imagine my life without his wisdom.

150 MPH at the Chicagoland Motor Speedway

For some time I thought it was because of all the knowledge and the love he shared with me, but now I understand something more. As SWAN and I continue to grow in our marriage, I see more of his father in him. All of the qualities I find admirable in my Swan Dad, I see My Love express in his own way.

Father and Sons.

My husband is simultaneously one of the strongest, but most sensitive men I've ever met, much like his father. They are humble, but confident; extremely intelligent, yet unapologetically silly when needed. They have a pure heart and everything they do is motivated by the love of their family. More than anything, they have an honor and regard for women that has been a source of love, healing and comfort for me for as long as I've known them. Watching our brother become a wonderful father to a son of his own is further evidence to me of the depth of love My Swan Dad constantly gives to his children.

Me and My Swan Dad on my wedding day.

In honor of Father's Day, here are a few of his thoughts on love, life and business that remained with me and SWAN over the years. Rest assured, he'll make another appearance here as a Master Teacher. Every conversation with my Swan Dad holds a potential lesson.

My Swan Parents

"When you find someone you truly love and you know it is meant to be, marry them. Everything else will fall into place."

"When you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."

"Comfortable is dangerous."

Family vacation in Hawai'i. Yes, Hawai'i.

"People who don't like a challenge will find a way to not to like you for accepting one."

"If there's no one in your sphere that has better ideas than you, you are in the wrong sphere."

Happy Father's Day to our Dad, our mentor and most importantly, our friend.

Life, Heath, and Prosperity.

Ashiya (and SWAN)

{Self-Care} Accountability. Alignment. Action.

2013-06-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, I got the most random, motivating call from my best friend, Shavonna. Random motivation is nothing new to us, but the timing of this call was... divine.

At the moment the phone rang, I was actually thinking of Shavonna. When I answered the phone in disbelief, she sounded just as shocked to hear from me.

"Ashiya, I'm not sure what's going on right now. I answered a text from someone else and now you're on my phone."

I knew what was happening. Just a few days before, I made a commitment to Shavonna and myself to practice yoga everyday for 30 days to rebuild my daily practice. There are times when practicing 3-4 times during the week will keep me balanced and focused; however, I am entering a phase of life where deeper daily practice is necessary. I scheduled the time to practice and was just about to find a reason not to when the phone rang. What else was I supposed to do but roll out my yoga mat and practice?

Shavonna and I on a stop at the Grand Canyon in 2002 as we drove into the "Masters" phase of life. ATL to LA in 3 days.

Each year, Shavonna and I manage to mesh our health and wellness goals in some way. In the last two years, we both launched new businesses in health and wellness, naturally creating bigger goals personally and professionally. Without a doubt, being accountable to Shavonna over the years has been a large part of each goal I've achieved. {Thank you, Lillian!}

Vanya Francis and Shavonna Warthen of Om Point Yoga, Atlanta, GA. Accountability. Alignment. Action.

This year, it was only natural to bring Vanya Francis into our accountability circle. Not only did we all graduate from Spelman College together in 2001, but Shavonna and Vanya are co-owners of Om Point Yoga, a boutique yoga company in Atlanta, Ga. Additionally, Vanya and I act as peer coaches as we have a mutual interest in women's wellness. Because our friendship and purpose have intersected with our personal and professional goals, we solidified our accountability circle by choosing three words to keep us focused as we progress towards our goals. When we face a moment of decision, recalling these three words offer us a reminder of where we want to be.

Accountability
Accountability is a word that speaks directly to community. It is a reminder that our actions not only affect us, but those who may be helped by what we do. Being accountable to each other holds us accountable to our goals.

Alignment
We all receive opportunities to grow our businesses, but we've come to a place where we realized that every opportunity is not going to lead us where we want to be. We always make sure our decisions are in alignment with our goals and our choices support our personal and professional vision.

Action
At some point, there is nothing else to think about. The only thing to do is act. When we become clear on our goals, we become clear on our decision and our circle prompts us to act without delay.

If you set resolutions for yourself at the beginning of the year and have already abandoned them, here is your chance to renew! If there is something that you have wanted to do for years and you still want to do it, this is a call to action! Call up your circle, share your desires and choose powerful words to connect you to your purpose.

Life, Health, and Prosperity,
Ashiya

{Master Teachers} Lady M.

2013-06-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

A Swan Life is a space dedicated to the people, places and things that bring me life. Growing older has helped me to understand the real impact my family, friends and associates have had on my life and more of the lessons, love and laughter we've experienced will flow through this space.

I've been blessed with wonderful Master Teachers, but none more influential than my maternal grandmother. With love and respect I refer to her here as Lady M. because it is a title that fits her well. If you know her at all, I'm sure you would agree.

As I share old and new lessons, I will properly introduce each teacher; however, Lady M is someone who should always introduce themselves.

During a brief chat this morning, she shared with me about believing from the heart and reminded me she was my first yoga instructor.

"People just don't realize we are of one breath. One Spirit. And what we do with that Spirit is up to us. We think of ourselves or other people as "good" or "evil" Spirits... It is all up to us and what we do."

-Lady M.

Lady M captured by me during my preteen years.

And that is Lady M.

{Self-Care} The Other Lemon Water

2013-05-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

It seems more people know the benefit of adding fresh lemon to drinking water and I'm one of them. I learned things here and there over the years, but in the last few months, I've really understood how lemons can aid in the body's need to move toxins out of the body daily.

As my quest to drink a sufficient amount of water daily continues, I've tried all kinds of things only to remember it is always best to keep it simple. Having a glass of lemon water in the morning has become second nature but I still needed to manage the rest of the day. I decided to join the "fruit infusion" gang to bring to some flavor to my water.

Its the little things we do that bridge us to our goals.

After a few interesting combinations, I finally went back to where it all started for me : Cucumber. I first had water with cucumber over five years ago while traveling. I made four trips to that water cooler in one hour, which I attributed to the hot summer day. When SWAN and I started to drink a gallon in less than 24 hours, I knew it was giving me something my body needed. So why fight it?

Cucumber is known to benefit the skin and I have noticed a difference in both my skin and SWAN's; however, I'm most excited that its helped me to drastically increase my water intake. The beverage dispenser I used was the largest, most convenient container I had and it added a level of ease that is working for me. Simplicity wins again.

Life, Health, and Prosperity.

Ashiya.

{Self-Care} Water to Wine

2013-05-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

Water. Why is one of the most simple yet beneficial things we can do to improve our health also one of the most challenging? We can't deny how much we need it or how much better we feel and look when we are properly hydrated. During one of my many strategy sessions to "do better" with my water intake, I randomly thought:

"Why can't I drink water like wine?!"

Seriously. I can put a sizable dent in a bottle of wine in a few hours if I wanted to, but a bottle of water will stare at me all day. I know I'm not the only one, so I took a closer look at my ritual of "having a glass of wine" to develop some consistency in my relationship with water.

The Occasion

At one point, I couldn't imagine honoring a special occasion without a glass of something. My birthday. Holidays. Your birthday. Graduation. A rough day. Friday... When I consider how much more I get from a glass of water, I realized it is life that I celebrate with each glass. So at night, I place a glass of water beside my bed with the intent of celebrating another day of life in the morning.

The Selection

I'm not a wine expert, but I know what I like. When I was younger, I was really open to exploring wine and could usually finish a glass even if I didn't care for it. I would just add it to my "do not buy" list. Water may not seem to have much variety, but I was really only limited by my creativity. While I do prefer alkaline water when I feel I need some balance, but I enjoy spring water most. When I want to flavor my water or bring more life to it, I add fruits, vegetables or mint. The possibilities are endless and if I don't like something I mix up, I have practice finishing it anyway.

The Glass

At home, its all about the glass. What's better than a wine from a beautiful glass specified for my selection? Why shouldn't I drink my water from a beautiful glass as well? If I have a glass for red wine and a different one for white, why shouldn't I have different glasses for my mood or for convenience? Having different glasses and water bottles around for different parts of my day has been most effective in building a better habit. Each glass represents a different part of my day and drinking from it has become a way of honoring that moment.

More than anything, the time I took to laugh at myself raised my consciousness on a daily basis. Instead of being frustrated at the end of the day, I found ways to continuously remind myself of my needs, which I meet on a more consistent basis now.

And with that, I raise a glass of water to life, health and prosperity! Cheers!

Ashiya

{ Self Care } Spring Cleaning

2013-03-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

When I causally mentioned I was finishing up my spring detox to someone I love dearly, they responded with,

"I didn't think you were the one to go on those crazy diets!"

Clearly, they know me well enough to know that I am not one to "diet" anymore. What they did not realize is millions of people welcome spring each year by engaging in cleansing rituals as a way of reviving themselves spiritually, relieving their emotions and renewing their physical body. In the same way we clean deepest corners of our homes and cars, a spring detox or cleanse can do the same for our bodies.

At a casual glance, The Organic Beauty Detox might create an air of vanity based on the name. The fact that The Organic Beauty Detox was created and is offered by a well established celebrity make-up artist and beauty advisor might solidify that thought with a quick view. One real conversation with Akua Auset will reveal a view of beauty that is definitely more than skin deep. When Akua speaks about clear skin and reduced cellulite, vanity is of no concern. She has used her talent to transform clients with foundation, concealers and brushes to helping them transform from within through The Healing Beauty Arts. According to Akua,

"Beauty is the currency that comes from being well."

Today is Day 27 of 30 of my Organic Beauty Detox. It has been one of the most revealing experiences of my life. As we move further into spring, I'll share some of the lessons I learned, a few personal revelations and some new recipes that became fast favorites.

If you feel a beauty detox might be right for you, but you're not sure where to start, connect with Akua at www.organicbeautydetox.com. She offers education and support throughout the process that I found invaluable.

Before I get into some of the reasons why I chose to do a detox, here's Akua with the Top 25 reasons to do a Beauty Detox.

Life, Health and Prosperity!

Ashiya

akua-auset.com | Author & Celebrity Makeup Artist-turned-Holistic Beauty Advisor Akua Auset has worked intimately in TV & film with the planet’s most famous and talented people specializing in what she terms, “the healing beauty arts.” A trained medicine woman she is the creator of The Organic Beauty Detox™ and author of SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES: Workin’ Your Power & Magic.

{Self-Care} Self-Care Rules

2013-03-18T12:22:00.001-05:00

Detoxing with Akua Auset, avocados, green tea and curls. I've got my self-care planned and scheduled for the week.

Do you?

Check out my post on Natural in Nashville to find out what I'm up to.

Life, Health, and Prosperity!
Ashiya

{Self-Care} Black Girls Run! : Preserve the Sexy 2013

2013-01-09T14:13:00.002-06:00

Any time you make a bold statement, you are sure to meet opposition. There are those that see Black Girls Run! as an exclusive organization not meant for the masses. From my view, BGR! Founders Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks have coordinated the voices of thousands of black women who know running for better health and wellness is a topic above race. Considering the rate at which obesity, heart disease, and diabetes affect black women, Black Girls Run! is not just a statement of personal truth, but a call to action for self-care.

Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, Founders of Black Girls Run! in Nashville for #PTST13

When Toni and Ashley began Black Girls Run!, their goal was to connect with other black women who enjoyed running as much as they did. In a world that told them black women did not run for sport or health, they continued to meet black women who were running and running often. When the duo first launched BGR! three years ago, they started with 30 running groups across the country. Today, they have 60 running groups with over 52,000 members proving black girls DO run.

Preserve The Sexy Tour Participation Packet

While many runners just lace up, hit the pavement and become a strong runner through trial and error, Black Girls Run! created the Walk Before You Run program to introduce interval running to beginners from a community perspective. Each running group will have a Walk Before You Run coordinator to help new runners prepare and adjust as they build a running practice. The program is being introduced around the country through the Preserve the Sexy Tour 2013, which kicked off in Nashville on January 06.

The tour stop in Nashville covered everything from nutrition and gear to hair maintenance for runners. As a coach for beginners, Carol Rolfes of FleetFeet Sports Nashville shared the basics of running for beginners including specific health benefits and proper fit for undergarments. Sara Fisher of REI Brentwood explained the best way to dress for a run to prevent injury and how to care for your running gear to increase longevity. For those in Nashville, reach out to Carol and Sara when you're ready to add to your running gear. Their experience and willingness to help will make them an invaluable resource over time.

BGR! Founders and HQ

Ashley, Ashiya and Toni.

Keneesha Martin, founder of The Mahogany Suite, provided a foundation for healthy, beautiful hair during and after workouts, reminding us that healthy hair begins with what we put in our body, not on our hair. Savitri Matthews of the American Diabetes Association shared nutrition and wellness tips to support new runners in making better food choices that will provide the long term benefits. The founders and staff of BGR! created an event that addressed every need of a new runner and have rallied their running ambassadors to inspire anyone that wants to run, regardless of color.

Black Girls Run! has gained its share of celebrity supporters including Q Parker, who attended the Nashville event. While we all know and love him from the R+B group 112, when asked why he wanted to be involved with Black Girls Run!, without hesitation Q responded "I know how important you all are to our culture. I want you around." Q shared his own journey to health and wellness and served as a perfect reflection of the mission of Black Girls Run!.

Ashley Hicks, Q Parker and Toni Carey

There is a growing desire for holistic healing and wellness and the Black Girls Run! movement is answering the call for thousands of women who want more healthy movement in their lives. The Preserve the Sexy Tour 2013 is just getting started, so you may still have time to get a ticket in your city. If you made a New Year's resolution to become more active, follow up with a NEW YOU commitment and check out the BGR! Preserve the Sexy Tour 2013 or a running group in your area. If there's not a group in your area or you've never run before, don't be discouraged! Start a group and remember : you have to walk before you run.

Here's to a healthy new you in 2013!

{Master Teachers} What Is A Master Teacher?

2013-01-04T16:37:00.000-06:00

"Recognize that the other person is you." -Yogi Bhajan

{Model & Photo Credit: Suzanne Daniels, Beauty Designs Makeup Artistry, Atlanta, GA}

In my experience, the key to understanding Master Teachers resides in my desire to be authentic. Through my efforts to develop and express my true self, I realized the way I handle daily interactions with family, friends and business associates is the truest statement of my character.

The evidence of my personal development is not only in the words I choose and the actions I take, but also in understanding that the people in my life mirror my own truth. The lessons I need to develop my highest potential are hidden in my interactions with the people in my life. If I am inspired or annoyed, my perception of those in my circle is rooted in my own need to grow and live authentically. While it is a difficult concept to grasp at times, allowing others to be who they are gives me the opportunity to see myself in their light and make the necessary changes for my own growth.

A Swan Life {Master Teachers} is a collection of interviews and experiences that honor the people, places, and experiences that inspire me to be a Master Student and Teacher. I hope they inspire you are well.

A special thanks to my Spelman Sister, Suzanne Daniels, for the use of her image. To see more of Suzanne's makeup artistry connect with Beauty Designs Makeup Artistry on Facebook and Twitter.

Originally posted 12.17.2011

{YogaSkills} What is Kemetic Yoga + Why Should We Do It

2013-01-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

SHU

"Kemet refers to the original name of ancient Egypt, which is northeast Africa and is the birthplace of most of what we call civilization, i.e. agriculture, science, law, medicine, etc. Kemetic "Yoga" science and philosophy was the foundation of their religious/spiritual understanding of the nature of reality.

The perspective from which they viewed the world was a Yogic one. Understanding that there is an underlying order to everything in the universe, that one must live life in accordance with that all-encompassing order (MAAT) and incorporate daily internal practices of breathing, movement and meditation in order to become transformed for self-realization and self-actualization is Kemetic Yoga. In ancient Kemet, the specific state of the art movements and meditation that were practiced were unique to their civilization. Some of these are clearly pictured on the walls of the temples, in their religious/spiritual art, in their literature, etc.

Some of their techniques are identical to those found in India and many are quite different and unique. In ancient Kemet, yoga was used as a means of training one's body and mind to remain in MAAT so that their behavior, thought and actions could be more easily directed and controlled. If one was not living in harmony with MAAT (truth, justice, order, reciprocity), then one was not truly living. Kemetic Yoga provides you with the internal ability to live in harmony with MAAT and thus to achieve your purpose in life."

- Yirser Ra Hotep

Kemetic Yoga Master Teacher
www.yogaskills.com

{Know Thyself} If The Creator Is Everywhere Then Where Are We?

2013-01-02T02:22:00.001-06:00

"This view of God as separate from ourselves is contradictory to the belief that most believers hold that God is omnipresent. If The Creator is everywhere, then where are we? Are we not in the presence of God? Is not the omnipresent God inside of us and all around us and in all things at once? From this perspective, meditation thus ceases to be a method of becoming connected to God, but is a method of becoming aware of a state of being that already exists."

-Yirser Ra Hotep

www.yogaskills.com

{Know Thyself} You Are Perfect

2013-01-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

"In this moment, you are perfect. It is your perception that is imperfect."

-Akua Auset

Holistic Beauty Advisor
www.akua-auset.com

http://lovevintagecraft.com/cream-romantic-handheld-mirror

On one level, it is understood that we are all perfect. While our actions and words may not always reflect it, we are indeed perfect. When we contradict our true nature, perhaps it is because we chase perfection instead of authenticity. Honoring our innate gifts and sharing them in our world aligns us with our purpose and the perfection that created us.

As the New Year approaches and we make new plans, it is certain our minds will drift to the goals that have made our list more than once. If a goal was set, but not achieved, we have to ask ourselves if it is something we really want. If the goal is authentic, the work begins now. The past is of no consequence. Who we want to be is happening now. If it us to us to honor our gift and follow it to our highest potential.

As we settle into the energy of new beginnings, we have to ask ourselves if we will resolve to make a change or revolt against the things that no longer serve us. By releasing those things that are outside of our authentic self, we make room for our goals to manifest. And that is perfection.

Originally posted 12.31.2011