Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”

Your aura is simply an extension of you.   When strong it acts as a protective shield.  When fragile or damaged it can leave you drained, unwell and feeling disconnected from yourself.

Think of your aura as your own personal body guard (in the form of a giant bubble) that simply “flicks off” anything stressful, disturbing or potentially draining that you may be sensitive too.

 Tom’s photo’s

I’m a firm believer in cleansing and nurturing the aura for the overall integrity of our health and well being.    Particularly, when many ancient cultures from around the world believe, that illness first starts with a weakness in our auric field.

Years ago I completed a crystal healing practitioner course, and discovered how relatively easy and inexpensive it was to repair and strengthen an aura, by simply wearing or even just holding certain crystals.

However if crystals are not your “thing” then I have shared with you below, a collection of aura cleansing and strengthening remedies that I have gathered and used (at some stage) over the past 20 years.

Please feel free to share your own aura strengthening remedies that you have successfully used the past, I’d love to hear them.

20 Great ways to strengthen your aura:

1: Yogic cleansing bath:

This recipe helps removes chemicals from your physical body and negativity from your aura.  Soak for 20 minutes each day and repeat for 7 days.

If you start to feel dizzy or a little weird leave bath immediately as you have successfully loosened and removed enough toxins and negativity for one day.

• 1 lb Baking soda
• 1 cup Sea salt

* Six special bath recipes for sleep, relaxation and healing:

2: Sage smudge stick:

The smoke from white sage is known by the North American Indians to be very cleansing.   I love white sage and have used it successfully for many years to remove negative vibes that I sense in my home or around me.    Sage emits negative ions which is the good stuff you find in the air just after a storm or at the ocean.

To cleanse your aura, simply light your sage smudge stick and use your hand to direct the smoke over your head, face, front/sides of your body, under your feet, around your hands and arms, and as much of your back as you can reach.

Here is what a Sage Smudge Stick looks like:

3: Let the sun feed your aura:

Lots of lovely sunshine is known to feed and expand the aura.  Spending time outside amongst nature is incredibly healthy for your body, mind and soul.

The sun fuels you with energy, optimism and loads of vitamin D whilst nature nourishes your senses and grounds you.

4:  Sea salt:

Swimming in the ocean or soaking in a salt water bath greatly helps to cleanse the aura and draw out stress.

The sun expands and feeds your aura whilst the sea carries away the negativity.

If you don’t have a bath, and not near the ocean, simply give your body a sea salt scrub before taking a shower.  Grab a handful of sea salt and rub it all over your skin before showering.  It helps remove dead skin cells, refreshes your aura and draws out toxins.

5: Cold shower:

Cold showers have the ability to clear away negativity in your auric field, remove toxins, improve circulation and draw out tension from your body.

I have personally put the cold shower theory to the test for a whole 3 months (over summer a few years ago).  The results were amazing.

My thoughts were clearer, I felt lighter, more energy and things which normally bothered me and hung around my thoughts for days - came and went with ease.  I didn’t hold onto negative stuff like I had done before.  It helped me greatly through a very difficult time in my life.

* Boost your energy now:

6: Sound medicine:

Sound is recognized by many ancient cultures as a healing tool.  The sound from Tibetan singing bowls and crystal bowls are well known for their ability to dissolve negativity and clean your energies.  Listening to their sounds before going to sleep is an easy way to support your overall well-being.

Alternately chanting the sound   “Om”  is an incredibly fast and efficient way to shift stuck, stagnant or negativity energy from your aura and physical body.

Click here for my personal recommendations on healing music.  You’ll find the Tibetan Singing bowls in the relaxation link.

7: Labradorite (crystal) :

This crystal is worth a special mention.

Labradorite has been shown by Kirilian photography to heal tears in the auric field by preventing leakage.  Holding a labradorite crystal for 20 minutes will last for about 12 hours after the stone is no longer worn.

It is dubbed the “healers” stone and is widely used as protection by body workers, teachers, childcare workers and nurses.  It’s a great crystal to wear as a bracelet.

8: Reduce your exposure to electrical stuff:

The radiation and frequencies which are emitted from electrical gadgets, I believe, can interfere with our bodies own natural rhythms, cycles and well-being.  Spending too long, at close range, to these man made frequencies can build up static in your auric field and can cause disturbances.

Make your bedroom a priority to be as electrical free as possible.  Charge all your gadgets away from your bedroom or at the very least away from your head when sleeping.

Lepidolite is a fabulous crystal to have as a protective field of energy between you and your electrical gadgets. At home I place piece near our TV, beside the beds and near the computer.   You will notice over time, the lepidolite eventually becomes paper thin as it absorbs the radiation. It’s quite amazing.

9:  Vetiver (an essential oil):

A few drops applied to your belly button at night with help you from taking on too much of other people’s junk.  Vetiver is very grounding, and particularly balancing when feeling spacey after long sessions in front of a screen.

It’s excellent essential oil for calming and grounding and one of my favourite essential oils to use at home.

Vetiver also has a special relationship with your chakras and helps to bring them into alignment.  Your chakra’s are directly connected to your aura.

10:  Black Tourmaline (crystal):

Great for deflecting radiation and is well known for transmuting negative energy from the aura.  It’s a protective stone that can also help you with negative thinking.  Its the perfect crystal to carry in your handbag.

Crystals have been used for thousands of years for healing and protection.  Smoky quartz on your desk or near the phone will protect you from other people’s stresses and negativity.  Amber is an excellent stone to help strengthen your aura. Kunzite will detach unpleasant thoughts.

I can highly recommend wearing an ametrine (amethyst and citrine) bracelet for around 3 - 6  months to heal tears and holes in your auric field that may have appeared from surgery, child birth or extreme stress.

11: Flower essences: Fringed violet and Angelsword:

Angelsword repairs and Fringed violet helps heal damaged or distressed auric fields. Take orally or dab 7 drops of each onto your solar plexus (just below your belly button) before going to bed.

Both these flower essences come from the Australian Bush Flower essence range.   If you don’t live in Australia I recommend buying the equivalent flower essences from your own country.

One overseas essence that I can recommend is the Guardian spray from Alaskan essences.  I have personally used this spray many times.  It is known to create a powerful force field of protection in your aura.

12: Be mindful of people and places that zap your energy:

Notice which places, people or situations leave you consistently feeling zapped or drained.  Limit yourself to these situations or at the very least wear a protective crystal to prevent your energy being leached.

Labrodrite would be a good crystal to start with.

* Attract more positive energy

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect on facebook or twitter

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More articles to lift your spirits:

14 fabulous ways to look after your body at work:

How to get your “om” on

The 12 instant benefits of humming daily:

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Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“Everyone of your thoughts count so don’t waste them”

In times of stress its always beneficial for our minds to communicate a different message to our bodies other than worry, panic or anxiety.  Dis-functional thinking can worsen your stress, the situation, (or even an illness) and fill your body with unnecessary tension and anxiety.

An affirmation is a handy tool for difficult times, and encourages you to respond differently to any unpleasant situation.

An affirmation can either help you move on from what has already happened or support you by affirming what you would like to happen or how you would like to feel.

An affirmation is a fabulous way to create a healthier energy around any situation that you may be facing in life.

Photo by alchemist’s daughter

The new and old workings of an affirmation:

Dr Mona Lisa Schulz    is a neuropsychiatrist and has a doctorate in behavioral neuroscience, shares that affirmations have a bio chemical, a neuro chemical and a neuro pharmacological effect on the body.   All of which re-wires the brain so it lights up differently.   The mind is then able to communicate more supportively to the body.  Mona Lisa is well known for her book The New Feminine Brain: Developing Your Intuitive Genius   and has personally used affirmations to stop her own migraines and severe back pain which she had previously suffered from for many years.

Florence Scovel Shinn 1871 - 1940  well known for her book in 1928 Your Word is Your Wand believed (way back then) that words have power and whatever man voices, he begins to attract.

“Man’s word is his wand.  Man has the power to change an unhappy situation by waiving over it the wand of his word”  writes Florence Scovel Shinn.

In her book  Your Word is Your Wand   Florence shares many affirmations that she has prescribed for her clients with great success over the years of her career.

Dr Emile Coue (1857 - 1926),  was a French pharmacist who at the beginning of last century opened a free clinic. He offered his clients an affirmation (or as he called it way back then a “conscious autosuggestion”) in conjunction with their medical treatment that they needed to repeat as prescribed.

Coue believed that dysfunctional thinking patterns could worsen an illness. The Coue method offered this specific ritual as part of his mind/body belief to support the healing process.

His clients were to repeat 20 times in the morning and 20 times in the evening the following affirmation:

“Every day in every way, I am getting better and better”

The secret to a successful affirmation:

Many of Coue’s successors discovered that an important ingredient for the success of his work was the mental repetition without effort.  For maximum efficiency the affirmation needs to be repeated calmly, without will, yet with absolute confidence and expectation of success, according to Coue.

Louise Hay believes that an affirmation should always be written and said in the present tense such as   “My income is constantly increasing”.   It’s always a great idea to have a visual reminder of your affirmation either around your home, at your work or on a sticky note attached to your coffee mug.   In case you don’t know Louise Hay totally turned her life around and survived cancer by using affirmations daily. Louise has a wonderful book which comes with a short CD that I can highly recommend called  How To Use Affirmations To Change Your Life:

16 Affirmations For Difficult Times:

So no matter what your personal situation, know that you can create a healthier energy around the situation by choosing an affirmation, writing it down and then repeating it often.

Most of the following affirmations are from Louise Hay except where mentioned.  My personal favourite at the moment (which is not listed below) is “Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”

1. “My life gets better everyday”
2. “There is a huge demand for my particular skills and abilities”
3. ” I earn good money and enjoy what I do”
4. ” The past has no power of me”
5. “  I release old hurt, resentment and anger easily”
6. ” I know that I deserve love and I accept it now”
7. ” I go with the flow, my life is easy and filled with joy”
8. ” I create a joyful, peaceful world to live in”
9.  ”I trust myself and I trust life”
10.  ”Breathing in I am calm”  “Breathing out I smile”  Thict Nhat Hanh
11. “I am safe wherever I turn”
12.  ”I am gentle kind and patient with myself”
13. “I laugh at life and choose not to be offended by anyone or anything”
14.  ”My income is constantly growing”
15. ” I make friends easily wherever I go “
16. ” I easily flow with change “

On finishing I would love to leave you with a wonderful Buddhist kindness prayer.  It is believed to help lift your worries.

“May I be free of worry, May I be well, May I feel safe and at ease, May I be at peace”

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

How To Use Affirmations To Change Your Life:

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Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Family: 

“Today I make healthy choices that support and fulfill me” Louise Hay

Food can be medicine for both your body, and your mind.  In Ayurvedic medicine Kitchari is an important one pot staple dish.  It has been considered the perfect protein in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

An excellent meal for convalescence, children, elderly and especially for when you are feeling depleted.   It’s healing and very soothing to your digestive system, and an incredibly light meal that encourages a buoyant spirit. I personally find it one of the most nourishing and strangely calming meals to eat.  There is nothing heavy, lacking, nor dulling about this one pot meal.

Photo by JonBen

 Kitchari - An ayurvedic mind/body balancing recipe:

I’m currently making this dish at least 3 times a week and hence the reason why I’m sharing it with you today.   The following recipe was given to me by my Ayurvedic practitioner as a recommendation to improve the efficiency of my digestive system.

Please feel free to adjust recipe as you choose.  Most of the time I fry a little onion, ginger and garlic in ghee, and then add to my Kitchari. You will find there are lots of variations of this dish out there on the internet.

The main ingredients are always rice, moong dhal and digestive spices.  The important thing is to prepare one with flavours that appeal to you. You may also find that the spelling changes slightly.

Ingredients for kitchari:

 

• 1 cup of split moong dhal lentils (moong is light yellow in colour - if you can’t find, use the small light red split dhal - it is also known as mung). Rinse and soak the moong dhal for at least 2 hours beforehand.
• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 4 teaspoons of turmeric  (I use a combination of both fresh and powdered turmeric)
• 1 tspn asafoetida (also known as food of the gods or hing) Buy from Indian food store or health food shop.
• 6 crushed cardamon pods
• 2 tsp salt ( I use a good organic sea salt)

Place washed rice and soaked dhal into a pot with all the above ingredients

Cover by 4cm - 5cm with water, then simmer

If you like a more soupier dhal then add more water

Simmer until the dhal has lost its shape and has a nice velvety texture

I usually cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours

Garnish with coriander

Optional variations:

Replace the above spices of turmeric and cardamon with 1 tspn of each of the following ground coriander, black pepper, garam masala, cummin powder

or

1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tspn cummin powder, 1/2 tspn fennel powder, 1/2 tspn black pepper, 1 tspn salt, fresh ginger, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, ghee.

Fry  ginger, onion and garlic in ghee and then add spices to the dhal, rice and water.

* Click here for pictures and more information on moong dhal

* Find out more about asafedita by clicking here:

* Another recipe that you may like, which includes vegetables from Frans House of Ayurveda blog

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Ghee, the healthiest butter:

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Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Family and Home:

“Dab the essential oil vetiver onto the souls of your feet before bed, to help calm and ground you”

Airborne virus and bacteria enter the body through the nose and mouth usually via the hands, but also breathing.  By dabbing your hands, nose and around the mouth with a few drops of essential oil you are creating a fabulous natural barrier to further boost your bodies natural defense system.

 Photo by calypso:

In addition (or as an alternate) you can use an oil burner as an effective way to fill the air in your home with lots of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties from the most suitable therapeutic and medicinal essential oils.  As winter is coming up in America (and many of my readers are from America)  I felt it perfect timing to share with you some fabulous information on essentials oils that I have recently been reading.

It’s worth a quick mention that I am currently drawn to clove, lemon and cinnamon essential oils - even hand made cinnamon incense.   I’m trusting my gut feelings with the oils I feel drawn too and have been enjoying infusing my home with their wonderful aromas.  So, if you are in doubt as to which oils to use, trust your gut feelings.

9 Essential Oils That Boost Your Protection From The Flu:

1 - Clove oil:
Clove inhibits the growth of oral pathogens. The health benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties.  It is useful for cough, asthma, headache and stress.

2 - Lemon oil:

Lemon oil vaporized or applied to the mouth and nose can impact meningocuss, typhoid bacilli staphylococcus aureus and stretococuss pneumoniae within three hours. The therapeutic properties of lemon oil are antimicrobial, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, tonic, anti-rheumatic.

3 - Thyme oil:

In traditional aromatic medicine thyme has been used to fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections especially in the respiratory tract. Thyme is a tonic for the nervous system and is good for physical and mental exhaustion (jetlag), relieving tension (fear of flying), anxiety and insomnia.  Thyme lifts the spirits.  The therapeutic properties of thyme oil are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, carminative, expectorant, tonic, hypertensive.

4 - Pine oil.

Pine oil is useful to relieve mental and physical fatigue.  It is cleansing and invigorating and makes an excellent vapour therapy to kill air born germs that enter via the nose and throat. It can be used for cuts, bites, muscle aches and pains.  Coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, colds and flu.  It eases breathlessness and sinusitis. The therapeutic properties of Pine Oil are restorative, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorant, expectorant.

5 - Lavender oil.

The aroma is settling, soothing and helps promote sleep.  Lavender is perfect for stress, crisis, cold’s and flu.  It is known for its spirit lifting abilities. The therapeutic properties of Lavender oil are antiseptic, analgesic, anti depressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, bactericide, decongestant, deodorant, sedative and nerve tonic.

6 - Cinnamon oil.

Cinnamon oil has great value in aromatherapy. It fights exhaustion and feelings of depression and weakness.  It has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties and is useful to fight cold’s and flu.  Therapeutic properties of cinnamon oil are analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, insecticide, tonic.  Cinnamon inhibits the growth of respiratory tract pathogens Hemophiliacs, influenza, streptococcus pneumonia.

7 - Eucalyptus oil:

Eucalyptus oil has a cooking and deodorizing effect on the body. Useful with fevers and migraine.  It helps coughs asthma, throat infections and sinusitis and catarrhal conditions.  It soothes inflammation and eases mucus clearing the head of stuffiness of colds.  The therapeutic properties are analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, expectorant, deodorant, decongestant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic.  It is useful for burns, cuts, skin infections, blisters and assists in breathing freely.

8 - Blood orange oil.

Blood orange oil has a sweet, fresh smell.  The therapeutic properties are antiseptic, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, calming and sedative.  It is a sunny and radiant oil, bringing happiness and warmth to the mind.  It helps people to relax.  It can be used to strengthen the immune system.

9 - Manuka oil.

Manuka oil is from a plant grown in New Zealand. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.  Manuka oil has shown to be effective in laboratory tests against over 30 different micro-organisms.  In particular streptococci and staphylococcal bacteria and fungi that affect the skin.  You can find out more about manuka oil by clicking here

My personal book recommendation:

In case you are interested my favourite essential oil book which I’m guessing I’ve owned for over 20 years is The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion.  It has been with me every step of the way for all my children’s bumps, bruises, aches and pains.

Give-away:

I bought a bottle of Super Traveller from my local health food store here in Australia, which combined all of the above oils into one handy bottle.  I recently took it with me on my travels.

The very detailed information sheet which accompanied this product is where I sourced all the fabulous information for this article.  Thanks Rose, for allowing me to share this information.

As an added bonus Rose has kindly offered a bottle of her Super Traveller as give-away to my readers.  Yeah!  Thanks again Rose.  All you need to do is simply leave a comment below.  Winners will be announced in the comment box below at the beginning of November.  You can find out more about the Super Traveller by clicking here.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge to boost your health:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

5 simple and cheap ways to detox the body naturally:

Boost your energy now:

Attract more positive energy today:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

This is a short post expressing my thanks and to let you know I have returned from facilitating my Women’s Rest and Rejuvenation Retreat in Ubud, Bali - and the very reason for the temporary disappearance of my weekly articles.  My intention was to write articles whilst away but that was easier said than done. I should have known better.

Honeymoon guesthouse cooking school in Ubud, Bali September 2009:

The good news is my weekly articles are now back with more passion and enthusiasm than ever before.  In fact, I have lots of blog articles currently swimming around inside my head just itching to get out and onto paper.  In particular sharing the contents of a one day workshop I attended in September with Dr. Ian Gawler on meditation.  It was awesome.

I feel totally alive when writing and wish to personally thank you for supporting my blog.  I am ever so close to reaching my first goal of 1,000 subscribers ( I think yesterday it was 994) and certainly could not have done it without you, your comments and on-going support.  I promise to continue to do my best and write articles that are thoughtful, useful, simple yet with content that is meaningful and easily incorporated into your daily life.

I feel blessed to have started my writing journey via my blog and for the extra income it gives my family, which I am trusting, will continue to grow as my blog readership grows.  Being a single mum with 3 boys the extra income comes in very, very handy. I also greatly appreciate, from the bottom of my heart,  your kind donations that are constant reminder - I might just be on the right track with my blog and its content.

My next article will be up and ready tomorrow, so enjoy. It’s called “9 Essential Oils To Boost Your Flu Protection”.

Peace, love and chocolate to you all.

Carole Fogarty

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog by shouting me a cup of delicious chai tea.  I love writing. It’s my passion.

** If you are in need of  5 days of daily massage, special ayurvedic treatments along with daily deep rest, relaxation and simple meditation practices then my next retreat in Bali is on the 4th - 9th July 2010.  My guess is that it will be booked out by Christmas, as I prefer no more than 8 participants.

Click here for details on the Rest and Rejuvenation Retreats in 2010:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

*(Update:  Weekly articles will return mid October.  Currently teaching Rejuvenation Retreat in Bali for Women)

Rejuvenate Your Habits: 

“Change one thing in your life, and it effects all your life“

Value your time, by appreciating the huge potential your next 30 seconds has.  I regularly add thirty second breaks into my day to stop, breath, soften my body and adjust my thinking.  It’s a very simple way to add lots of little healthy, relaxation practices into the day.   All you need, is the co-operation of your mind, body and breath, to enjoy, and achieve,  30 seconds of relaxation.

Photo by monkeycat:

Thirty seconds is not a demanding amount of time.  It requires minimum effort, very little concentration power and doesn’t need to be scheduled into your diary.

A thirty seconds relaxation practice is very do-able - anywhere, anytime.  The shower, the car, before you get out of bed, or especially when you are waiting in a queue. It’s a very portable and flexible relaxation habit - perfect for a super busy lifestyle.

Kick start your 30 second relaxation habit:

Simply leave post-it notes saying “It’s time for 30 seconds of  relaxation”  on as many surfaces as you want.  The steering wheel of your car, bathroom mirror, on your pillow, computer, in your diary, coffee mug, oven, on your clock - wherever you want.

Perhaps today, perhaps right now, is the perfect time for you to enjoy a thirty second relaxation practice.

5 of the best 30 second relaxation practices:

1:  Sounds of the ocean therapy:

Close your eyes, cup the palms of your hands over your ears, un-hunch your shoulders and listen to the sounds of the ocean, playing inside your head (designed especially to calm your thoughts).  Yes, it’s true, when your hands are gently cupped over your ears you can hear the ocean.

With your eyes closed, picture yourself on the beach with all the sunshine and warmth.  Feel, and enjoy the next 30 seconds of peace as you turn inwards, away from the outside world and listen to your own creative ocean therapy.

2: Smile into your organs: 

The ancient Taoists believe that a constant inner smile is the key to health, well-being and longevity.

A smile, when energetically directed towards your internal body (along with the help of your breath) can improve blood flow, release tension and free up stuck emotions.  You’d be surprised how tight and tense your organs can get.

Close your eyes, relax and smile. Feel the smile cover your entire face.  Now transfer that smile into your liver.  Use your inhale to invite your smile to penetrate deep into your liver.  Feel your liver respond by softening and letting go, as it receives the healing energy from your smile.

3: Ask for a hug:

Touch is healing so hug loud, hug well, hug often and hug longer.

Hug your children, partner, pet or close friends more often.  Heck, why not give free hugs to strangers. It is said that we need at least 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth. Wow, that’s an impressive daily quota.

So if hugging therapy seems like your thing, make hugging your new relaxation habit.

* 10 hugging tips to grab on the run:

4: Belly breathing to calm an anxious stomach:

Most of the yoga classes I go to start with belly breathing.  After a few rounds, I feel my scattered energies have been called back, my stomach begins to un-knot and soften, I have more awareness of my body and how its feeling (very important), and I most definately feel calmer.

Start by rubbing your hands together and then placing your warm palms onto your belly.  Encourage your breath to flow down into your belly area.  Feel your hands rise with each inhale and fall with each exhale.

To further deepen your belly breathing relaxation practice, breathe into the sides and back of your belly area. This will automatically invite more oxygen and blood flow into this area of your body.

Enjoy the relaxing gifts that belly breathing has to offer your body, mind and soul.

5:  Calm your mind with a mantra:

A mantra sends a clear message to your body, and is a practical no fuss way to take charge of scattered, anxious, stressed thinking. Remember your thoughts are not in charge - you are.

Repeating the mantra “Breathing in I am calm”  Breathing out I smile” for 30 seconds will encourage your muscles to relax, your thoughts to slow down and your breath to deepen.

This wonderful relaxation mantra is borrowed from the awesome Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master and his book Present Moment Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness verses for daily living.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Blessings. Carole.

Bookings now being taken for all 2010 Rejuvenation Retreats. Please click here for dates and details:

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Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Soul:

“I am progressing on my spiritual path at a pace that is just right for me” Louise Hay

As my next Womens Rejuvenation Retreat in Bali  is coming up at this end of September, I feel its perfect timing to share with you my love of Bali. Particularly Ubud and the amazing things this wonderful town has to offer your physical and spiritual health, and overall well being.

Something quite special and very magical happens to me, each and every time I visit Ubud.   I instantly feel at home.  Strange but true.  I begin to slow down, seem happier (I smile a lot more, you can’t help it in Bali, everyone smiles) and start to feel more connected, to my spiritual self, nature and life.

Photo by Sektordua:

Things that worried me beforehand no longer seem important. Stress and tension in my body starts to dissolve, and my sleeps are very deep and restful. My senses awaken as they are stimulated beyond belief with amazing smells, sounds and tastes of Bali.  I feel more, and more alive, as each day passes.  Ubud, once again has worked its magic.

The meaning of Ubud:

Ubud means medicine in the Balinese language and it is widely believed that it offers medicinal healing to its visitors. These special healing qualities are said to have been discovered in a vision, centuries ago during a global quest by a holy man from India, called Rsi Markandya.  You will often see people meditating on this site near the Champuan river, in the gorge where it is believed his vision took place.

 Marvelous Ubud:

Ubud, which is about an hour from the airport and near the centre of the island, is fast becoming the ideal place re-boot your health and well-being.  It has a very peaceful gentle feel and is surrounded by rice fields and lush tropical vegetation.

There are lots of yoga classes, meditation classes, raw cafes, organic cafes, amazing health practitioners, lots of music and art classes, fabulous Balinese healers, exotic flower baths, endless Balinese massages, not to mention the absolutely beautiful Balinese people and their daily spiritual practices.

If you don’t have lots of spare cash (like me, being a mother of 3 boys) then Bali is a fabulous destination where you can live like a queen or king on very little a day. Of course, whatever your budget there’s a price range of accommodation, food and spa treatments to match.

Whether you are taking US dollars or Australian dollars you get great value for your money.

10 Great ways to bring out your inner hippy in Ubud, Bali:

1: Eat at Bali Buddha:

If you really want to find your inner hippy and meet lots of travelers then this is the place to go.  Great menu, eat organic, vegan, raw, whatever you want.  You are welcome to spend hours lounging around playing board games, reading a book or simply enjoying the atmosphere.  It’s even got free Wi-fi.  It’s a great place to start de-toxing by eating and drinking healthfully.

Start with a dosha balancing drink of banana, almond and dates or a Macao (organic raw cacao, maca, honey and soy milk)

And if you haven’t got time to stay then visit their health food store next door and buy some goodies to take back to your homestay.

Bali Buddha Cafe 

2: Papaya body wrap:

After enjoying a 60 minute Balinese massage your body is then covered in a blended fresh papaya body mask and wrapped in a blanket for 15 minutes to marinate.  Finish with a very special flower petal bath.

Papaya energetically helps you when feeling overwhelmed, improves your digestion and supports you to let go of the past.

You can find this gem of body treatment as Sedona spa in Ubud.   Alternately you may opt for the sea salt scrub to remove dead skin cells and impurities along with any negativity that may be lingering in your auric field.

Or for the ultimate of body treatments experience the duo massage where two therapists work on your body at once.  OMG!

3:  Take a yoga class or two:

Ubud is the place to be if you are into yoga, and not just every day yoga.  In fact Yoga barn  offers so many different styles of yoga  - Dao Yin Chinese yoga, Vinyasa flow, Hatha flow Japanese, yin yang yoga, restorative yoga plus some wonderful other classes such as drumming, meditation, movement meditations, kirtan and acro kids.

Alternately just on the outskirts of Ubud in Penestanan are Balinese yoga classes with Made Sumantra, or yoga pranala with Linda Mandini’s  She offers a fabulous class for those wishing to get re-acquainted with their body no matter what age and includes yoga asana’s, pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), meditation and yoga nidra (deep rest).

4: Visit a traditional Balinese healer - Balian:

Ni Wayan Nurisah comes from  family of Balinese healers and has been practicing for 14 years.  She is well versed in Chinese medicine and Balinese medicinal plants and massage. Wayan has a traditional Balinese healing centre at Jl. Jembawan near the post office and across the road from Bali Buddha. How handy is that. Wayan is also the herbal healer from Eat, Pray, Love fame.

5: Bali Bike Tour:

Start with breakfast overlooking Mountain Baturs active volcano then cycle down hill for the next 2 1/2 hours. A wonderful way to feel alive, mix with the locals, connect with your body and nature. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the sheer beauty of the lush tropical Balinese countryside and its terraced rice fields whilst being eco-friendly.

Bali Bike tour

6: Check out the noticeboard at Bali Buddha:

The noticeboard out the front of Bali Buddha cafe is the place to find accommodation, workshops, healers, music classes, batik workshop, yoga classes or whatever else you are into.  It’s one of the first places I visit to find out the latest “happenings” in Ubud.

7: Jalan, Jalan (walk, walk) through the rice fields:

When was the last time you walked through rice fields?   The only way to get to know the rice fields and locals is to walk the very narrow tiny tracks through water filled rice fields (all within walking distance of Ubud).   In fact you’ll find some great stops along the way such as an old man selling coconut water (incredibly healthy for you) or hidden massage huts amongst the rice fields. I’ve had some of the best massages in the most unlikely spots in Bali.

After all the walking, walking, grab yourself a foot massage at one of Kenko reflexology outlets.

8:   Grab a foot reflexology treatment:

Kenko reflexology have two outlets in Ubud, one across the road from the Ubud market and the other down monkey forest road.  It’s a wonderful therapeutic treatment that is perfect for tired feet that have been  jalan jalan all day long.  No oil is used just a blended power mixture and the price is super cheap.

Reflexology in case you don’t know is a wonderful therapeutic treatment that works on improving the health of your organs and internal body, simply by pressing and massaging certain parts of your foot.

9: Excite your taste buds with a cooking class:

I love, love, love Balinese food.

The Casa Luna Cooking school is fabulous cooking school run by the awesome Janet DeNeefe (an Australian who married a Balinese and has lived in Bali for around 25 years)  Her book Fragrant Rice (which I can highly recommend)  is part cook book and part her journey marrying a Balinese, having four children and living in Ubud.

Fragrant Rice: My Continuing Love Affair with Bali

Excite your taste buds with a lavish Balinese feast, along with class notes you can take home.  Explore the spiritual aspect of food in Bali and get to know the Balinese food gods.  There is a cooking class every day with some days including a market tour.

You start your class by sipping on iced chrysanthemum tea and finish with coconut green crepes or black rice pudding. I always include these cooking classes as part of my Womens Rejuvenation Retreats.

10:  Eat Pizza or have another massage or another flower bath:

Yes, you can certainly get great pizza in Ubud.  Pizza Bagus  located Jl.Raya Pengosekan, the best part is they even do home delivery. Every Saturday morning out the front you can expect a fabulous organic farmers market.  When my children are craving something other than mie goreng this is where I take them.

Alternately, grab yourself another Balinese massage in the form of a mandi lalur scrub followed by a flower bath.  Imagine, laying in a bath filled with 3 cups of tropical flowers and essential oils whilst your head is being massaged.  Divine.  There are little hundreds wonderful body treatments to choose from in Ubud with prices starting from as little at $4 US,  yes Bali can be a very inexpensive place to holiday.

Questions about Ubud:

If you have any questions about Ubud, Bali I am more than happy to help you out if I can. I always travel there with my children, and can highly recommend it as a family holiday destination.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

To see the latest books I’m reading, music I’m listening too and DVD’s I’m watching, this month, zip over to my blog, Rejuvenation Lounge.  You’ll find them on the front page. 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free:

 If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

11 rules for being human:

Easy 1 minute daily detox rituals:

10 hugging tips to grab on the run:

Teach yourself walking meditation:

Boost your energy now:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Habits:

Are you a “yes breather” or “no breather” ?

When faced with any sort of negativity or stress your breath is the first thing to change in your body.  You might hold, tighten or restrict your breath, followed by clenching your jaw,  hunching your shoulders, knotting your stomach (that’s me) or generally just tensing lots of muscles in your body - all of which limits you, and limits your ability to cope with any situation.

These are all symptoms of “no breathing”.  It is a very restrictive way to breathe, and restrictive way to live your life.  You begin accumulating negativity and stress (by not releasing it with your breath ) and become stuck in that moment.

 Photo by urbanizr’s

Yes breathing allows you to trust in the flow of your life:

“Obstacles are not opposing you, but merely & gently re-routing you”

Neale Donald Walsch

Your breath directly reflects how you flow through life, but more importantly how you flow through life’s obstacles.   “Yes breathing” strengthens you to move through life’s little challenges, whilst at the same time, helps you dissolve the stress that you have been exposed to along the way.

 ‘Yes breathing” gives you the power to trust in the flow of your life and not become trapped/stuck with what has already happened in the past. “Yes breathing” supports the health and well-being of your body, mind and soul.

“Yes breathing” is very, very simple.  It can be done anywhere, anytime and only takes a minute or two of your time.  “Yes breathing” is all about giving you a potent healing tool so can feel there is something extremely beneficial you can do in times of stress and negativity.

“Yes breathing” is a way of giving yourself permission to say “yes, I’m OK”,   “yes, I trust” or “yes, I can get through this”.   You can read the 3 simple steps of “yes breathing”  a little further down the page.

8 vital reasons why “yes breathing” is so important to you:

1. Stretches time and gives you breathing space:

Breathing in and breathing out “yes” energy,  slows your breathing down, calms your thinking  and slows down time. You are cleverly giving your self some breathing space by creating a healthy distance between you and the situation.

Holding your breath and clenching your body only brings the stress and negativity closer to you.

2. Opens up the diaphragm and oxygenates your body:

The more oxygen you fill your body with, the healthier you are.  The more oxygen in your blood stream and cells,  the more efficient your immune system and the easier it is for your body to detox.  When your diaphragm is fully expanded (by breathing into your belly) more oxygen moves through your body and your organs get a healthy and gentle massage.

3. Helps you relax so you can think clearly:

One of the main aims of  “yes” breathing” is that you are saying to yourself “Yes, it’s OK to breath deeply” and “Yes, its OK, to let go on the exhale”.  By exhaling for twice as long as you normally would,  you are greatly supporting your body and mind into releasing and relaxing.

The more relaxed you are the clearer and calmer your thinking.

4. Calms your emotions:

“Yes breathing” relaxes an overstimulate nervous system which in turn calms your thinking and emotions.  It allows you to come back to your centre and respond to the situation from a more grounded, calmer, practical place.

5: Centres you.

When your energies are scattered, your thinking is scattered and you lose all sense of control.  You have given away your power.  By practicing a few rounds of “yes breathing” you are effectively calling back your scattered energies by breathing into your belly, which strengthens your centre and allows you to digest the situation from a calm grounded place.

6: Gives you a sense of feeling safe and OK

“Yes breathing” is all about giving you a potent healing tool so can feel there is something extremely beneficial you can do in times of stress and negativity.    It’s almost like breathing  a protective bubble of energy around you. It puts you back in charge and not your worrying, stressed out mind.

7: Allows you to trust in the flow of your life.

Breathing in “yes” energy allows you to trust in the flow of your life without getting too attached to the drama of it. It allows you to rise above the situation and remind yourself that there is also a bigger picture to life.  Things happen for a reason, even if you can’t see what they are at the time.

8: Conserves your energy:

Stress, worry and upset all consume huge amounts of your precious energy.  Practicing a few rounds of “Yes breathing” stops you from wasting lots of energy unnecessarily.

“You cannot make a mistake, you can only make a decision that will be your next best step” Neale Donald Walsch

How to practice “yes” breathing:

Two important keys to “yes breathing” is to inhale fully and deeply into your belly, and secondly to spend twice as long on your exhale.  A lengthy exhale sends a clear message to your body to unclench and let go, and in doing so allows you to release any stress and fear but most importantly, come back to your centre.

1:  Breath into through your nose and then down fully into upper lungs, middle lungs, side and back of your lungs and then down into your belly.

2:  As you inhale, breathe in the feeling of  “yes”.   “Yes, I am OK”  or “Yes, I trust”

3:  Lastly, breathe out through your nose, spending twice as long on your exhale than your inhale.  As you exhale say “Yes”.   You can add onto the yes by saying “Yes, I trust” or “Yes, I trust in the flow of my life” or “Yes, I’m OK”, or anything you like that is relevant to the situation you are in.

I personally feel there is no easier and safer “first step” to deal with life’s little challenges, than by bringing your awareness back into your breath.  This will in turn, allow you to adjust your thinking and breathe your energies and focus back into your centre - the only place you need to live from.

Please let me know what you think, as I personally have found “yes breathing” a very valuable tool in my life.

 “Slow down, be kind to yourself and you will find the next step” Mudita Institute 

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

To see the latest books I’m reading, music I’m listening too and DVD’s I’m watching, this month, zip over to my blog, Rejuvenation Lounge.  You’ll find them in the right hand column. 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

100 wise tips to feel better fast:

How to focus on one thing at a time:

Easy one minute daily detox rituals:

Teach yourself walking meditation:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

Humming is the funky new well-being ritual I’m really into at the moment.  It’s a soothing form of sound medicine, infusing your body with many therapeutic benefits.  It’s also an easy and fun way to enjoy a meditation practice.  Imagine filling your head with the vibration of a calming “humm” for one, two or even 5 minutes.  It’s bliss. Bliss that you can create inside your head and body within seconds.

 Photo byChris Corwin - Tibetan singing bowl:

12 Instant benefits of humming:

I’m trusting you’ll be impressed with the following 12 well-being benefits that I have gathered along my journey with humming.Enjoy.

1:  Grounds and brings you back to your centre.  I personally find it helps settle the feeling of being restless or scattered on the inside.

2:   Promotes clarity of thinking by refreshing your mind. You can physically feel the vibration of the “hum” clear out the cob webs.

3:  Has a very relaxing and soothing effect on your neck, face, head and shoulder muscles, which helps dissolve stress. Try it, you’ll be surprised.

4:  Humming reduces the number of thoughts that fill your head. When you are humming there is no room for over thinking.

5:  Humming puts a smile on your face. Well, it certainly does for me.

6:  Humming slows down your breathing rate significantly.  Dr. Kataria’s research shows, we normally breathe 15-17 times in a minute but with humming you can bring it down to 4-6 a minute which helps to slow down your heart rate and brings down your stress level.

7:  Helps dissolve unproductive thinking.  If you are having a bout of negativity, jump straight into a few rounds of “hmmmm” and notice a shift in your thinking.

8: Calms your nervous system as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

9:  Dr. Kataria firmly believes it helps those with insomnia or restless sleep patterns, and perfect for inducing a deep sleep without dreams (the best kind of sleep) .  I recently bought Dr.Kataria’s humming meditation CD and have been practicing it whilst lying in bed (before sleep) to the sounds of an Indian instrument called a tanpura. It’s divine.

10:  “Humming creates a wonderful circuit of energy in your body re-vitalizing its cells and charging its chakra’s”  as quoted by Deva Premal, who is well known for her chanting CD’s.

11: Improves sinusitis. The vibration helps shifts and clears pathways and blockages

12: Lowers blood pressure as proven by Dr. Kataria. 5 minutes of humming can reduce your blood pressure between 10 - 20 mmHg

How to practice a simple humming mediation:

1 - Find a quiet place, close your eyes, straighten your spine and neck, drop your shoulders - and relax. Gently touch your lips together so your hum can travel easily into your head, face and neck muscles. Relax your jaw.  Play some soft background music to enhance your experience.

2 - Take a deep slow breath in, and then create a “mmm” sound on your exhale, without opening your lips.  Continue to hum for the length of your exhale. You can make it musical but traditionally it’s more of a tone than a tune.

3 - Re-new breathe then continue.  It’s that simple.

Start with 1 minute and increase over time to 15 minutes.  One key point which is shared by many yogic and Tibetan wisdoms is the importance of sitting still for a few minutes after your humming meditation.

How to practice a humming bee meditation:

Yogic breathing techniques have a wonderful variation on the above which I guarantee, will deepen your experience with the simple hum.  In fact, I’m warning you right now many participants at my Womens Rejuvenation Retreats fall in love with this fun, easy style of meditation.

1 - Start by getting comfortable and relax your breathing.  Close your ears with your thumbs and gently rest your fingers over your closed eyes.

2 - Adjust the pressure of your fingers to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

3 - Gently and deeply inhale, then make a “mmmm” sound for the length of your exhale. Repeat when it naturally feels OK to inhale again.

Covering your ears greatly intensifies and magnifies the sensation of the hum flowing through your head and body.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

To see the latest books I’m reading, music I’m listening too and DVD’s I’m watching, this month, zip over to my blog, Rejuvenation Lounge.  You’ll find them on the front page. 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

Additional notes:

I recently bought Dr.Kataria’s humming meditation CD which I personally love.  He uses the Indian instrument tanpura as background music, which is said to enhance your experience.  The first part of his CD is an explanation on the benefits of humming and the second part of the CD is just the sound of the tanpura being played.

More articles:

10 Awesome Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

Teach yourself walking meditation:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

Boost your energy now:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Body:

“Stop. Take a deep breath and feel your life” Cheryl Richardson

Are you tense and all knotted up?   Then, this article has been written just for you. Starting now, and for the next 3 minutes, as you slowly read through my written words, you will automatically be softening, relaxing and un-knotting your body - bit by bit, by bit.

Following is a lovely relaxation ritual that I personally enjoy most days.  You can do it anywhere, anytime and it’s perfect even if you don’t feel stressed, as  I guarantee you’ll always find some hidden tight, tense bits somewhere in your body.

Your 3 minute relaxation ritual:

Read  each of the following steps with your full awareness, slowly and thoughtfully.  Pause ever so slightly after each one, as you allow your body time to respond, let go, soften and relax.

As you direct your energy, breath and attention towards certain areas of your body you are greatly supporting the release of trapped stuck stressed energy.  Linger longer on any body bits that you feel are more knotted than others.  Above all, enjoy, as your body deserves this extra special attention and opportunity to relax.

 

1. Cheek muscles soften.  My cheek muscles are now softening
2. Forehead soften. My forehead is now softening
3. Tongue soften. My tongue is now softening
4. Eyes soften. My eyes are now softening
5. Lips soften.  My lips are now softening
6. Ears soften.  My ears are now softening
7. Jaw soften.  My jaw is now softening
8. Thoughts soften.  My thoughts are now softening.
9. Head soften.  My head is now softening
10. Neck soften.  My neck is now softening
11. Shoulders soften.  My shoulders are now effortlessly softening
12. Here’s a great opportunity for me to remind you to read extra slowly so your body is receiving maximum benefit
13. Fingers soften.  My fingers are now softening
14. Hands soften.  My hands are now softening
15. Wrists soften.  My wrists are now softening
16. Elbow soften.  My  elbow is now softening
17. Arms soften. My arms are now softening
18. Shoulders soften.  My shoulders are now softening
19. Collar bones soften.  My collar bones are now softening
20. Chest and ribs soften.  My chest and ribs are now softening
21. Stomach soften.  My stomach is now softening. This one is worth repeating
22. Hips soften.  My hips are now softening
23. Buttocks soften.  My buttocks are now softening.  This one is also worth repeating
24. Legs soften.  My legs are now softening
25. Knees soften.  My knees are now softening
26. Ankles soften.  My ankles are now softening
27. Feet soften.  My feet are now softening
28. Toes soften.  My toes are now softening
29. Body soften.  My body is now softening
30. I am soft and relaxed, enjoying the present moment.
31. Breathe in I am calm.  Breathing out I smile.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are very welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free:

More articles:

Attract more positive energy:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

14 funky ways to calm your nerves consistently:

10 meditation tips to grab on the run:

The yoga of eating: 

100 wise tips to feel better fast. 

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Soul:

I was lying in bed this morning when the thought, “you need to listen more” popped into my head.  For some reason this didn’t seem like an ordinary, everyday thought.  It had the feeling of being important, and quite special.  So, I allowed this thought to linger longer, giving it the opportunity to reveal itself.  The end result, after 5 minutes, was a list of not so obvious ways that I could be listening to my life.

Photo by Carolyn Coles:

I now plan to shift my listening focus to the more subtle sounds/messages that are happening in, and around me.   The majority of my listening attention will no longer be going to those sounds that yell, scream and demand my attention.

My first priority will be to truly listen to my children more closely, followed by listening to my body and my breath as much as I can.

Experience your life differently:

I do hope the list of suggestions below inspires you (even if its only for one day) to listen to things that you might not normally pay attention too.  Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.  Enjoy.

20 Inspiring Ways To Listen Differently To Your Life:

1: Listen to your life with your eyes closed

2: Listen to your words before you speak them

3: Listen to what you want - more of - in life

4: Listen to the sound of your breath, then relax it

5: Listen to your intuition. It’s always trying to grab your attention

6:  Listen to what your body needs, right now. Put your thumbs in your ears, cover your eyes with your fingers and then listen

7: Listen thankfully to the sounds of nature

8: Listen for the wisdom in your problems

9: Listen more, talk less

10: Listen to your thoughts in slow motion. Are they bringing you closer to your dreams or taking you further away?

11:  Listen to your life without the sound of technology and machines (no phone, TV, ipod etc)

12: Listen to silence

13:  Listen to your favourite music

14: Listen, really listen to your children, family and friends

15: Listen to how many sounds are actually happening around you right now

16: Listen to the calming sounds of the ocean by cupping your hands over your ears and turning your awareness inwards

17:  Listen to the sound of your favourite food cooking

18:  Listen to your heart - What is it saying?

19: Listen to the sound of your feet when walking

20:  Listen to the appreciation of your body after eating something healthy

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole. Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

Subscribe To My Articles By Email - It’s free:

More articles:

Teach yourself walking meditation:

11 rules for being human:

10 Confucius quotes to grab on the run

10 hugging tips to grab on the run:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Body:

Everyone is talking about going green and being energy efficient with all things electrical in their homes, but what about you.  Are you being energy efficient with your own energy?  Do you conserve your energy wisely or do you carelessly (or unknowingly) give it away to draining people, places, foods, situations, habits or negative thinking?

 Photo by Hiromy:

Care for your  energy wisely:

This article is close to my heart.

It is through the many courses, workshops and books I studied over the past 20 years that I have deepened my appreciation, of my own precious life force energy.  I now make it a priority and part of everyday living to value my precious energy. I do my best to refuel it with care and spend it wisely.

Below are 10 situations which I am continuously doing my best to reduce, if not eliminate, from my life.  Yes, I still make mistakes but the simple habit of caring for my energy enables me to have more energy for the things that really matter to me in life.

I truly believe that once you start tuning into how you feel after any given situation or thought,  you’ll quickly discover where you are wasting your energy unnecessarily.

Avoid these top 10 energy stealers:

1: Tense breathing:

“The True Man breathes with his heels; the mass of men breathe with their throats” By Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu

Tight, shallow, restricted breathing speeds up the use of energy. It overstimulates your nervous system, holds in tension and restricts a  healthy flow of oxygen to your organs and brain.  Soften your belly, smile and relax and lengthen your breath.

* 10 breathing rejuvenation ips to grab on the run:

2: Gossip - Other peoples business:

As Byron Katie says: ‘There are 3 types of  businesses, your business, other peoples business and gods business”

Don’t waste your precious energy (and time) on other people’s business. Listening too and/or reading gossip is equally toxic as spreading it. It adds absolutely no value to your life, at all.   It consumes your precious time, attention and can be extremely emotionally painful - again a huge energy drain.  Gossip is simply a waste of time and energy.

I remember Louise Hay sharing in one of her books, that whenever someone tries to invade her boundaries with gossip she simply replies, “Thank you but I choose not to hear this right now” and removes herself.

3: Worry:

“The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work” R. Frost

Being proactive in catching yourself out when worrying, is a good place to start. Whilst I still worry (particularly as a mother), I know I am making progress.

My worry busting habit is to simply switch my focus onto my breath,  un-hunch my shoulders,  smile and repeat an affirmation.   “My life is simple and easy” 

* The antamony of an affirmation:

4: Holding in stress:

A tight, tense body holds in stress - it has hunched shoulders, is frowning, clenched jaw, pursed lips, tight stomach and clenched buttocks, just to name a few.

Send commands to your body parts now.  Cheeks soften.  Tongue soften. Forehead soften. Neck soften.  Jaw soften.  Eyes soften.  Keep repeating until your body part responds by softening.

* 12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing.

5: People and places:

There may be certain people that you are simply not energetically compatible with.  You know who they are. They leave you drained and exhausted every time.  You feel the friendship is one - sided, and mostly all about them.  As difficult as it may be, you may need to strengthen your boundaries and get very clear when, and how you let them into your lives - if at all.

The same applies to certain places.  For me it’s shopping centres. I’m find them incredibly draining.

6: Not accepting what is:

 “Don’t overtax yourself, it leads to loss of spirit” Lao Tzu

Resisting the present moment wastes time and energy, whether its a traffic jam, the phone ringing or an unexpected bill - it’s happened, and you can’t change it.

Put some breathing space between you and the problem by taking a few deep, calming breathes.  This also helps you see the bigger picture of things.

7: Your stuff - Life was not meant to be spent buying & looking after stuff.

Your stuff demands your time, attention and energy.  The less stuff you have to store, clean, insure, repair,  look after and worry about, the more energy you have to do what you love doing.  Excess stuff in the form of clutter is the most energy draining of all your things.

* Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

* 4 effective and fun clutter busting games:

8: Technology, TV and media:

Your distractions are not in charge. You are.

Distractions steel your precious energy and time.  TV, newspapers and the media, at times, can act like a poison in your life.  Any one of them can stress you out, exhaust you (you forget to go to bed), frustrate you, annoy you, upset you or change your mood in an instant. Use technology when needed but don’t caught up in its distractions.

9: Toxins:

Reducing the amount of chemicals and toxins used in your home, on your body and in your food will greatly help your body work more efficiently, and prevent energy being wasted on the elimination and detoxification process. Toxic chemicals can be either inhaled, ingested or absorbed through your skin.

* Happiness is going a little bit greener everyday:

* Detox your kitchen bench - 6 simple things you can do now:

10:  Rushing:

“How many times have we made a mistake that effected the rest of our life, simply because we made it, when we were moving too fast, at the effect of our stress, anger or fear” Marianne Williamson

Rushing simply wastes bucket loads of energy unnecessarily. When you rush you tend to make mistakes,  forget things, skip meals, overstimulate your nervous system, become prone to distractions and ultimately become unproductive. Rushing scatters your energy.

* 15 clever ways to slow yourself down when feeling rushed: 

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are very welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free:

More articles:

14 funky ways to calm your nerves consistently:

10 meditation tips to grab on the run:

The yoga of eating: 

Attract more positive energy now:

Rest and unwind with a yoga eye pillow:

* 100 wise tips to feel better fast. 

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Home:

Clutter represents a build up of too much yin (stagnant/stale/dead) energy in your home, which in turn can lead to confusion, a depletion of energy or procrastination.  The interesting part is you don’t even need to see the clutter to be effected by it.

I know from my own personal experience, there is no easier way to change any problem or situation in life than by having a serious clutter clearing session.  It simply shifts energy - and then your life moves forward.

Photo by triplezero

Clear Your Thoughts by Clearing Your Clutter:

Last week I had the urge to empty my head.  My thinking had become a little foggy, fragmented and scattered.  So for the past 3 days I have been on a major clutter busting frenzy, and I mean a whole 3 full days. No corner was left untouched.

Whilst my home is not big, and there is certainly not much excess stuff - I was surprised at the amount of clutter I did find.

I clear clutter regularly, yet, surprise, surprise more clutter had appeared since the beginning of this year.  That’s life with three boys.

I emptied every cupboard, even if it had no clutter.  I’m a firm believer that uplifting and refreshing an empty space (by wiping out and infusing it with essential oils or incense) removes any stagnant energy that may have accumulated plus it makes your home feel lighter.

I am now officially back in love with all my draws, cupboards, rooms and hidden spaces  - and the foggy thinking has lifted.

Clearing Clutter Moves Your Life Forward:

To inspire you find your clutter clearing groove I’ve shared a few games below which I have used over the years.  It’s all a matter of finding an approach that works for you. My personal favourite is to pretend I’m about to move overseas.

Enjoy.

1: Pretend You Are Moving - Overseas:

Act as if something great is about to happen in your life. You’re moving overseas, interstate, moving home or about to live on a boat.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while now will know that at the beginning of last year I assumed the position that I was about to move overseas.  Yeah! After 2 months my home and life had never been so up to-date and organized.  It’s also worth mentioning that many great things started happening not long after.

You are welcome to read my guest post over at unclutter from July 2008.

2: Pick a Number between 1 and 10:

This is a great little game I learnt from space clearing expert Karen Kingston.   I’ve recommend her book Clear Your Clutter many times on this blog.

Simply choose a number between 1 - 10, write the number on a piece of paper, leave it somewhere obvious, and that’s the number of things you must clear from your home each day.

Trust me, this is actually quite a fun clutter game.

3: Start a daily 30 second clutter clearing habit:

Lack of time can no longer be your excuse for not clearing your clutter.   Anyone can spare 30 seconds to throw out at least one (and hopefully more) unwanted, unloved things from your home.

30 seconds requires virtually no energy, effort or thinking power.   This game is also perfect if you are feeling in total overwhelm at the very thought of clearing out your clutter.

To grow your 30 second clutter clearing muscle simply start with something easy like your clothes or a kitchen draw.  You then have 30 seconds to find one or two things that you no longer need.

To further boost your enthusiasm, here’s a fabulous super short video called  Weed out useless utensils by Peter Walsh

4:  Buy one thing then, throw two things out:

This game is easy and the rules very obvious.

If you buy one thing for your kitchen then make sure you throw out two things (from your kitchen) that you no longer need, that are broken, have missing lids, have expired etc.

If you buy a new pillow go through your linen closet and throw out two unwanted towels, sheets, pillow slips etc.

This is a great way to stop the build up of clutter with minimum of fuss.

* The emotional cost of clutter

* Simple solutions when you can’t shift your clutter

* Detox your home and feel brand new

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

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Top 8 must know, Feng Shui success secrets:

Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Attract more positive energy now:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Body:

When you are disconnected from your body, you care more about emails, messages, the tv, media, gossip magazines and other people’s business than you do about your own physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Now - is always the perfect time to give your body the extra loving attention it deserves (and needs) on a regular basis.

  Photo by maddest hatter’s

Nurture it, detox it, care for it, rest it, hydrate it, pamper it, feed it wisely, colour it up, treat it to organics and exercise it.  Give your body everything its deserves, plus more, and notice the change in your energy and stress levels - not to mention your overall well-being. Your skin will glow, your eyes will twinkle and your face will smile like never before.

Simply remembering you have a body, more often, and tuning in to its messages (thirsty, hungry, pain, tired, fresh air etc.) is a great start.   Following are some simple suggestions which I’m trusting will inspire you (and myself) to look after our bodies just that little bit more.

Give Your Body The Quality Attention It Deserves:

1. Balance your female, male sides:

One of the keys to wholeness is balancing your female and male sides.  You achieve a harmonious flow between “energy in” and ” energy out”.

When your female and male sides are balanced you know when to ask for support, walk away, say no, take action or rest.   When your  two sides are balanced you can successfully achieve, without burnout or exhaustion. You have strong boundaries and know when you need to stop and receive. You feel grounded, centred and don’t waste your energies unnecessarily.

If you are not sure which of your sides is dominating, simply close your eyes, scan the left side (feminine) of your body, then your right side (masculine).  Observe which side has more tension, tightness or pain.

I, personally have found that when I take the time to stop and listen (to my body), it becomes fairly obvious which side is dominating. I know by simply having this awareness, I can begin to balance my thoughts and life, and then grab myself a massage or acupuncture treatment.

* 7 deadly sins of work/life balance

* 12 Great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

2: Go barefoot:

Going barefoot is healthy.  It’s grounding (that’s the point) and gives your feet some much deserved freedom.  Walking barefoot is a fabulous therapeutic exercise for your toes and feet.   The simple act of taking off your shoes, after a busy day, triggers a relaxation response.

If my yoga teacher were here she would be saying - spread your toes, feel the ball of your little and big toes firmly touch the ground. Feel the weight of your body evenly spread across your feet. You’d be surprised how often you have more weight on one foot, than the other.

Did you know there are over 60 barefoot parks that can be found in Germany and Austria.  You may even feel inclined to visit the society for barefoot living:

3.  Get your blood tested:

I recently had my bloods tested for vitamin and mineral levels. I found, to my surprise ( I eat very well), that my calcium and iron levels were particularly low.  Whilst I still felt great, long term deficiencies would eventually leave to more serious complications. Don’t wait until something goes wrong, you might not be absorbing the nutrients from your foods that you think you are, like me.

4. Give your body a louder voice:

Place your left thumb over left ear (as if you are wanting to block off the sound), place your right thumb over your right ear and cover your eyes with your fingers.  Turn your awareness inwards, and slow your breathing down.

Allow your body’s voice rise to the surface of your thoughts.

What can you notice, see or hear, when you pay attention to your inner body?

5. Give your body silence and stillness:

“When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself.  When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world”  Eckhart Tolle

Restlessness is a modern disease. Stillness and silence are a lost art. Why not try sitting still for 5 minutes without reading, eating, watching, or getting carried away with your thoughts.  Just be, and notice the restlessness inside.

Following are a couple of articles on relaxation yoga, giving you a few options to experience 5 minutes of stillness each day.

* Shake off your afternoon slump

* The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue

* 5 of the best 30 second relaxation habits:

6.  Detox gently by drinking warm water:

My Ayurvedic practitioner shared with me that sipping warm water has a hormone balancing effect, strips your body of ama (toxins) and improves your digestion.  How magical is that.  For many years now I’ve drunk warm water instead of cool water.

* 3 easy one minute daily detox rituals

* 5 cheap ways to detox your body naturally

7.  Start your morning gently:

I’m a firm believer in how I start my morning sets the tone for my day ahead.  If I start rushed, my day is rushed.

Moving from a deep sleep (yin state ) to being fully alert ( yang state ), all in the space of a few seconds is not what nature intended. After all the sun doesn’t “rush” itself up each morning.

Create the space so you can gently transition, from your sleep to your awake state.

Two or three minutes spent belly breathing (whilst still lying in bed) is a very satisfying way to welcome your body into a new day.

Get up half an hour early ( if you need too) and enjoy a gentle early morning routine. I guarantee you will definitely notice a difference to the quality and flow of your day ahead.

8:  Lift the weight off your shoulders:

If a thought, situation or person is weighing heavy on your mind, then it will be weighing heavy also on your body.  Emotional baggage can be an incredible drain and burden on your body.

I,  personally have found removing clutter (lots and lots of it) incredibly healing for shifting life’s problems.  It always, always, without fail, brings a lightness, which in turn brings clarity to a situation. Clearing clutter, without a doubt, bring a feeling a relief and lightness to your body.

Start with the room or cupboard you are avoiding the most.

And, if you really can’t clear the clutter, then re-arrange your furniture and shift the energy around you.  A static environment around you, keeps you stuck in life.

* The emotional cost of clutter:

* 16 useful affirmations in difficult times:

* Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life

9. Use a body brush and help your skin breathe:

Your skin is the largest eliminating organ of your body. Make sure the toxins are being efficiently removed by dry body brushing your skin each day before you hop into the shower.

It stimulates blood flow, removes dead skin cells and lets your skin breathe happily. It’s important to use a good quality natural fibre hand mitt or brush.

* Brush your troubles away:

10. Carry healthy snacks:

Avoid skipping meals or buying junk food on the go. Carry a little bag of almonds, cashews, dried figs or dates.  And, if you  have the time treat yourself to some home made bliss balls, they are packed full of nutrients, and require no cooking.

* Snack happy with bliss balls

* Combat afternoon fatigue with a fruit and nut energy drink

11. Remember to breathe - often:

Breathing mindfully reminds your mind, that you actually have a body.  Breathe to calm, soften, unwind and relax your stressed body parts.  Breathe to improve your mind body connection.  Breathe to improve your focus and concentration.

Inhale deeply to oxygenated, and exhale deeply to detoxify.

Did you know that 70% of waste is eliminated from your body via your lungs.  Breathing into your belly is one of the healthiest habits you can practice.

* 12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

12. Smile into your organs:

The energy behind a smile is healing and carries a high vibration.  I experienced many years the benefits of smiling into your organs from a Qi Gong practitioner in Melbourne. It was one of the most memorable 3 month courses I have ever done.

Smiling into your kidneys helps dissolve fear. Smiling into your liver helps dissolve anger.  Smiling into your lungs helps dissolve sadness.

Spend a few minutes smiling on your face.  Breathe into your smile and then send that smiling energy into your kidneys.  Keep breathing and smiling deep into your kidneys until you feel they are filled with smiling energy.

Now send smiling energy to your liver, heart, lungs etc.  Sometimes you will feel a little resistence with some organs, be patient and keep breathing and smiling.

The smiling mediation spreads a nourishing and uplifting energy to your inner core. It keeps your body healthy. Great to do, anytime of the day, if you are feeling rushed, stressed and frantic.

13: Eat sitting down:

The purpose of eating is to eat.  Support your digestion system and ensure you are getting maximum nourishment from your food by eating sitting down, in a peaceful and quiet environment.

Spend a few minutes making sure you have fully arrived at your meal so you can enjoy and appreciate fully, its taste, flavours, texture, smell and appearance.

* The yoga of eating:

14: Chew your food

Digestion begins in the mouth.  The more you chew the more oxygen is sent to the brain. Chewing relaxes your lower stomach muscles and triggers the rest of the digestive process. The macrobiotic lifestyle recommend chewing your food until it becomes liquid before swallowing.  Now, that’s going to take more than 10 chews per mouthful.

15. Make a regular date with your body:

Make sure you put yourself first on your daily “to do” list.  Here’s a great time formula to get you started.  1/2 an hour a day, 1/2 a day a week and 1 day a month.

Schedule a meditation, walk, jog, yoga session, organic cacao (chocolate) facial, rejuvenation retreat, massage, body treatment, pedicure, hand yoga, manicure, chakra balancing or spa visit.

* You deserve a daily self massage

* Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow

16. Stay hydrated. Sip water every 15 minutes:

Your body is predominately water and research shows that a mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking.  Water is very clever as it hydrates your organs, improves concentration and detoxes your body - all at the same time.

If you are like me, and find drinking two litres of water a day somewhat boring then try sipping hot water or squeeze some lime or lemon juice into it or eat your water by having more fruit.

* 10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated

17. Move and stretch your body:

Your body is designed to move.

Squat,  twist, unhunch your shoulders, go to yoga, learn the tango, do wall push up’s next to your computer, try some face yoga, hand yoga, foot therapy or better still take a 20 minute power walk to release some of the tension from your body.

Whatever you do, move it.

* 14 fabulous ways to look after your body at work

* Walking meditation

18. Feed your body wisely - Avoid anger foods:

Deep fried, highly processed foods burdened your liver. In Chinese Medicine the liver relates to the emotion of anger. Keep your body and emotions happy by eliminating deep fried food and fatty food from your diet. A burdened liver makes for one grumpy person.

* A mind body balancing one pot meal:

19. Start tongue scraping:

Each morning after oil pulling,  I scrape my tongue around 7 or 8 times with a metal tongue scraper.  The benefits of tongue scraping are awesome. It removes toxins, stops you swallowing the bacteria that has gathered on your tongue over night, enhances your sense of taste, improves your digestion and gently stimulates your organs.

Trust me, you will be shocked when you see the amount of  “sludge” that comes off your tongue first thing in the morning.

20. Embrace a chemical free life:

Going chemical free is a work in progress.  I’ve been on this journey for around 20 years now and still finding toxic things in my home.

Toxins can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through your skin, all of which burden your organs. Why not begin with your kitchen and stop ingesting chemicals by how you cook, clean and store your food.  For starters, switch your plastic containers for glass or bamboo, switch aluminum pots for stainless steel ones, buy natural dishwashing liquid, throw out plastic chopping boards and replace with bamboo or wooden.

For over 20 instant easy ideas read:

* Happiness Is Going a Little Bit Greener Everyday

* Detox your Kitchen Bench: Six Simple Things you can do Now:

21. Think kindly, talk kindly:

Do you talk kindly or cruelly to your body.  Now is the time to be mindful of the way you chat to your body. Every time you catch yourself saying something negative simply switch to a kind mantra.

My favourite at the moment is “Every cell in my body is loved and healthly” or you may prefer one from Louise Hay “I am my own best friend”

* Cancel, clear, delete negative thoughts:

22: Calm Your Nerves Bath Recipe:

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) sedates your nervous system.  It relaxes your muscles, releases toxins and is probably best known for reducing swelling. Magnesium is a mineral your nervous system and adrenals need in order to relax.

1 cup of Epsom salts (dissolve into hot bath water)

Tea light candle (create the mood)

* 6 special bath recipes for sleep, relaxation and healing

* An awesome shake that soothes your nerves

23: Improve your skins appearance:

Inflammation in the skin is more likely if you have acidic blood.  Improve your blood alkalinity and detoxification by simply taking liquid chlorophyll each day.  Click here and watch a great short video by Ananda who is a Naturopath and passionate about 100% natural skin care.  She’ll explain why she uses chlorophyll to look after her skin.

24:  Go outside: 

Nature never lets you down.  Nature has a very natural ability to ground and centre you. It is extremely healing, as it nourishes you with life force energy whilst calming you down, all at the same time.  Breathe in its energy up through your feet and notice the feeling that follows.

Try walking in nature, standing in nature or simply looking at nature (sky, tree, clouds).    Living in a busy concrete city jungle, encourages you to live in your head and split your energies off into many directions. Your body needs a regular dose of nature.

Let your feet touch the ground, grass or sand each day.  Let  your nose and lungs fill with fresh air each day.  Let your skin feel the sun and breeze.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole. Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

Subscribe To My Articles By Email - It’s free:

 If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

Detox your home and feel brand new:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

11 rules for being human:

Boost your energy now:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

Your nose is exceptionally clever. Simply by practising a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) for a few minutes each day, you can help restore any imbalances in your brain.  You can improve sleep, encourage a calmer emotional state, boost your thinking power and soothe your nervous system.   How impressive is that!Another interesting fact about your nostrils, is that you don’t breathe through them equally all the time.  Right now, you will be favouring either your left nostril or your right nostril. 

Left nostril for calming - Right nostril for energy:

Your nose is directly linked to your brain and nervous system. The Indian yogis believe that many diseases can be linked to disturbed nasal breathing which, I’m guessing, is why they perfected pranayama breathing thousands of year ago.

Breathing in, only through your left nostril, will access the right “feeling” hemisphere of your brain, and breathing in, only through your right nostril, will access the left “thinking” hemisphere of your brain.  Consciously alternating your breath between either nostril will  allow you to activate and access your whole brain.  Now, I’m sure that’s a very handy piece of information to know.

Yogic breathing, the perfect relaxation tool:

Alternate nostril breathing is something I first learnt about through yoga, many years ago, and then from Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the simplest and most user friendly relaxation techniques that I share at my Womens Rejuvenation Retreats.  It helps greatly to calm a restless mind.

I encourage you to start today with an easy purifying breath practice - I’ve shared the steps with you below.

You might also like to read more about alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) by starting with a great book called  The Little Book of Yoga Breathing: Pranayama Made Easy.

12 Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing:

1: Revitalizes you:

A few rounds of alternate nostril breathing is a quick pick me up if you are feeling flat, tired or even stressed. It provides your body with a much needed dose of extra energy.

2: Improves brain function:

When you mind is dull - concentration and clarity is poor.  Alternate nostril breathing brings equal amounts of oxygen to both sides of the brain for improved brain function.  Five minutes of alternate nostril breathing before an exam or interview is a great way to access your whole brain for improved performance.

3: Cleanses your lungs:

A daily five minute practice morning and night of alternate nostril breathing is great way to remove stale air and impurities from the bottom of your lungs.

It wasn’t until I started reading the The Tao of Natural Breathing by Dennis Lewis that I discovered something I did not know. 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs.

4: Calms an agitated mind:

I’m prone to worrying.  A few minutes of focused alternate nostril breathing is helpful (for me) in calming my  “over thinking” mind.   The ancient yogis believe that if you can regulate your breath, then you can control your mind.

5: Merges the left “thinking” brain and right “feeling brain:

Alternate nostril breathing optimizes both sides of your brain so you can access your whole brain, and all the benefits that go with it.

The flip side of course is, single nostril breathing can be used to activate, just the left”thinking” or just right “feeling” side of your brain for specific situations.

Try it out next time you need to drive your car.  Cover your left nostril with your thumb and breathe only through your right nostril for one minute.  This should keep you more alert when driving.

6: Encourage a calmer emotional state:

In times of emotional distress and upset, a few rounds of mindful nostril breathing will soften the intensity of over reactive emotional states.  The longer you practice, the more stable your thinking, and the calmer your emotions will become.

7: Improves sleep:

If you can’t sleep at night lay on your right hand side, gently close your right nostril and breath through your left nostril.  This will allow you to access the right hemisphere of your brain which is calming.

8: Great preparation for meditation:

Alternate nostril breathing is a simple little trick that can be practiced for a few minutes before you begin your meditation practice.  It’s a very easy way to help you find your meditation groove.

9: Soothes your nervous system:  

By focusing on your breath and deepening it, your brain will register this message and trigger the parasympathetic nervous system.  You have effectively switched your nervous system from a stressed response, into a relaxation response.Single left nostril breathing (by closing your right nostril) will direct the flow of oxygen and energy to the right hemisphere of your brain, allowing once again, for the parasympathetic nervous system to be switched on.  Gosh, your breath and nose is very clever.

10: Regulates  the cooling and warming cycles of the body:

Left nostril is feminine, nurturing, calm and cooling.  Right nostril is masculine, heat, competitive and force.  Favouring one nostril more than the other can effect the heat or coolness of your body.

11: Clears and boosts your energy channels:  

Slightly forced alternate nostril breathing improves and directs the flow of energy throughout your body - preventing sluggishness.  It oxygenates your blood and allows the energy (prana) in your body to be strong and flowing.

12: Enhances rest and relaxation:

A restless mind cannot relax.  Alternate nostril breathing melts away an imbalances between the right and left hemisphere of your brain and calms your thinking.  This is perfect for helping you access rest and relaxation far more efficiently.

An Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise - Purifying Breath:

Step one:  Use right thumb to close off right nostril.

Step two: Inhale slowly through left nostril

Step three:  Pause for a second

Step four: Now close left nostril with ring finger and release thumb off right nostril

Step five:  Exhale through your right nostril

Step six: Now, inhale through right nostril

Step seven: Pause

Step eight:  Use thumb to close of right nostril

Step nine:   Breathe out through left nostril

Step ten:  This is one round. Start slowly with 1 or 2 rounds and gradually increase.Never force.Sit quietly for a few moments after you have finished.

There are many, many different techniques of pranayama such as inhaling for 4, holding for 4 and exhaling for 4.

Caution:

Do not hold your breath if you have high blood pressure.  More advanced methods of pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) need to be practiced with an experienced practitioner.  practicing on an empty stomach is preferred.

 * 15 clever things to know about your breathing:

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or catch up with me on facebook.

Subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free - Yeah! 

If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

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100 wise tips to feel better fast:

Attract more positive energy:

Boost your energy now:

Shake off your afternoon slump:

11 rules for being human:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Body:

A complaining body, sluggish thinking, sore eyes, stiff back, rounded shoulders, clenched jaw, drooping head, collasped chest, frowning face and tight neck are all signs that your body is suffering from lack of movement, fatigue, heavy thinking and/or stress.

Shift those energies and feelings by trying some face yoga, relaxation moves, foot reflexogogy, deep breathing, some stretching, squatting or even a little tai chi without having to leave your desk.  Enjoy.

 Photo by Myyogaonline:

1.  Stick out your tongue:

This is a great 30 second yoga tune up called simhasana or lion pose.  It’s fabulous for releasing tension in your face muscles, neck and jaw, as well as improving blood flow to your face.  No promises, but it may even help with wrinkles.

Sit up straight, place your hands on your knees and spread your fingers extra wide.  Now open your mouth wide, stick out your tonuge, further, even further, and let out a huge roar or sigh.  Completely empty your lungs of air.

Feels great doesn’t it.  Watch out Gene Simmons.

2.  Relax your jaw muscles:

Keeping your lips soft (not pursed) and slightly apart, will help greatly, relax and release tension around your jaw, cheek muscles and lips.

I often catch myself clenching my jaw and teeth (from excess thinking) and have found by simply opening my mouth (ever so slightly - you can hardly tell) it helps unlock my jaw, and relax my jaw muscles. You can even turn up the corners of your lips, into a half smile, to encourage the muscles to relax and soften even more.

3.  Squat because it’s good for you:

A simple squatting pose will lengthen your spin and help relieve any strain in your back.  It’s also great for strengthening and improving the flexibility in your hips, thighs, knees and ankles.  After all, squatting is what nature intended us to do, and  not to sit in a chair all day long.

Here’s a 2 minute yoga squat pose video to watch.

4. Lift your chest and spread your collar bones:

Rounded shoulders, collapsed chest and drooping head can create all sorts of problems in your body, not too mention restricting blood flow to your brain.  A slumped sitting position can also trigger a depressed feeling.

As my yoga teacher would say your shoulders should be sitting over your hips and head sitting over shoulders.  Re-arrange your posture, lift your chin slightly up, relax the shoulders, lengthen your spine and raise your chest.

Exercise your lungs by inhaling and exhaling extra deeply, in slow motion.   Filling your lungs, upper chest and collar bone area with extra air, will help open up and expand your lungs, release tension from your shoulders, open your heart and encourage you to sit healthier.

5. Face yoga:

Stress and tension held in your face, restricts blood flow and nutrients getting to your face.  Tension starting in your face can and will eventually spread down into your neck and shoulders.  So, please don’t underestimate the importance of exercising your facial muscles.

Face scrunch: Inhale through your nose, clench your fists and squeeze all your facial muscles tightly.  Now exhale and release your hands and let all then facial tension go with a releasing sigh.

Pinch your cheeks:  Improve the circulation to your face by pinching and pulling your cheek muscles.

Cheek puff: Fill one of your cheeks with air and then transfer the air from one cheek to the other.

You might also be interested in this great short video on cheek push ups.

6. Body twist:

I love body twists. They squeeze your organs helping them release toxicity, whilst massaging the muscles up and down the spine at the same time.  Sometimes I just can’t quite believe how stiff my spine can get and a body twist can certainly loosen it up.

1. Sit in your chair (shoes off)
2. Cross your right leg over your left knee (as in the picture above)
3. Take your left hand over your right knee and twist to the right
4. Breathe into your spine and gentler move into a deeper twist with your exhale
5. Repeat for 4 or 5 breathes
6. Now switch to the other side. Left leg over right knee. Right hand over left leg.
7. If your right legs on top, you are twisting to the right
8. If your left leg is on top, you are twisting to the left

* Great 1 minute video for a spinal twist in a chair.

7. Wall push up’s:

This is a simple idea that I picked up from Jennifer Jefferies at one of her workshops.   Give your upper body muscles some exercise by taking a five minute “body break” from the key board. Stand about arms length away from the wall and press your hands against the wall - at shoulder width.  Now off you go. Twenty wall push ups, one, two, three.

You may also want to check out Jennifer’s  Move Your Body Mouse Pad

8.  Relieve shoulder tension with finger dancing:

Dance your fingers happily up and down along the top of your shoulders. It’s a bit like playing the piano as your fingers pitter patter along any tension held in your shoulder muscles and up along the sides of your neck. This will increase blood flow and bring awareness into your shoulder area giving you the opportunity to drop your shoulders and spread and relax your shoulder blades.

9.  Give your feet marbles:

This little trick is like a mini reflexology session. Take off your shoes and place a golf, ping pong or smallish ball under the arch of your foot. Now roll the ball around, as it massages the bottom of your foot.

There are pressure points in your feet which relate to specific organs in your body so in effect your whole body is getting a work out. For a deeper massage you can stand.

Alternately fill a small box with marbles. Roll your bare feet over the marbles -  enjoy the bliss that follows. A couple of drops of the essential oil peppermint sprinkled over the marbles is very soothing for your feet.

10. Grab a can of food:

Another great suggestion from Jennifer Jefferies.

Take a two minute body break by grabbing a can of unopened tinned food. Grab the can with your left hand, now keep the elbow and top of your arm close to the side of your body - whilst pulling the can up towards your shoulder and then dropping back down towards the ground again. Repeat as often as you like, then switch sides.

11.  Inhale to oxygenate - Exhale to detox and eliminate:

Breathing is not just for your lungs, its for your whole body.  Rapid thinking and rapid breathing can stress and overstimulate your body. Calm and deepen your breathing, and your mind and body will follow - guaranteed.  It’s always a good idea to check the depth of your inhale and make sure it reaches all the way down to your belly. Don’t squeeze your belly as this will restrict your oxygen intake.  Keep your belly soft and open.

Spending longer on your exhale will remove old, stuck or stagnant carbon dioxide from the very bottom of your lungs, along with toxic bi-products the body has produced. Belly breathing is one of the healthiest and most rejuvenating breathing habits you can cultivate.

* Clever things to know about your breathing:

12.  Eye yoga:

Years ago I found a great series of eye exercises from Deepak Chopra which I’m sure you will love, and happy to share with you now.

Look straight up into the ceiling with your eyes (not your head), then move them to the right looking as far as your eyes can reach then move your eyes down, as far as they will go, then across to the left.

First start in clockwise direction then repeat in an anti clockwise direction. I personally feel this is an interesting exercise to do as you soon realize how little movement your eyes are often given when sitting in front of your computer or at your desk.

13.  Improve your thinking, hydrate your brain:

Drink water.  The brain is the first place in the body to become dehydrated.  Drinking water regularly not only hydrates your organs, it detoxifies your body and improves your concentration. Dehydration clouds your thinking. At least two litres of water per day is the recommended dose. If you find it difficult t drink 2 litres a day then try eating your water with fruit.

* 10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated

14.  Snack happy:

Keep your body happy by snacking on foods that fuel your body with all the good stuff it deserves.   A small handful of raw almonds offer protein and a good dose of the stress relieving mineral of magnesium. I often have raw natural almonds, dried figs and dates as a snack on the go.  Alternately try your hand at making your own bliss balls.  Yum.

* Snack happy bliss balls

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Womens Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

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Rejuvenate Your Body:

Every so often the internet buzzes with a new “cure all”, right now oil pulling is the thing. So what is it? And should you be doing it?

Oil pulling comes from Ayurveda where rinsing the mouth with oil is recommended for keeping teeth and gums healthy.

 Photo by soylentgreen’s 23

Why You Might Want To Try It:

If you want white healthy teeth forget harsh oral bleach and get yourself some sesame oil (not the toasted type, just plain cold pressed oil and organic if possible). By using the sesame oil as a mouthwash you can improve the health of your gums and teeth and help detox the upper part of your digestive system.

Earth Clinic gives details on the benefits of oil pulling and recommends using sesame or sunflower oil for detox benefits. Since Ayurveda favours sesame oil for oral health and as an antidote to the drying effects that ageing has on the body, that’s what I use and recommend.

How to Try Oil Pullling For Yourself:

First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, take a small measuring cup and measure about 15ml of sesame oil. Pour the oil into your mouth, like you would a mouth wash, and begin moving it around, drawing it repeatedly between your teeth and making a chewing action with your teeth and jaws.

Keep actively working the oil around your mouth for a minimum of 5-10 minutes. Longer is better if you can. After 10-15 minutes the oil will become thin and white as it emulsifies with your saliva.

Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water and clean your teeth using a small amount of natural toothpaste. If you want to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper you will thoroughly remove toxins from its surface and stimulate your digestive system too.

If morning times are busy for you, you could practice oil pulling while showering, or doing other morning activities, so it doesn’t add minutes to your routine.

Bed Time Brush Up:

Ayurveda recommends massaging the gums with sesame oil before going to bed to prevent or help receding gums. For a quick night time boost to your oral health, you could pour a little oil onto the bristles of an electric toothbrush and then massage around your gums and over the surface of your teeth. For maximum benefit don’t rinse afterwards, just leave the oil residue in your mouth to work while you rest. It’s not unpleasant and makes your mouth feel very clean.

Sesame oil works as a great natural lip salve too, dip your finger into a small amount and rub it gently into your lips morning and night to protect them from chapping.

While the oil’s out why not spend a couple more minutes really looking after yourself?

Sesame Oil De-stress Routine:

To ease anxiety and improve sleep pour a little oil into the palm of your hand and massage into your forehead and temples. Rubbing warm sesame oil into the area between your eyebrows in slow gentle circles is particularly good for calming your mind and improving the quality of sleep.

Finally use a little more oil and massage it into your feet. Work up and down the instep to release tension from your spine, and across the soles of your feet to relax tension and help you feel grounded as you settle down to rest.

If you’re worried about getting oil on your bed linen you could sleep with cotton socks on which will also help keep your feet warm and draw tension from your head down into your lower body.

Note from Carole: I’ve just started oil pulling this week, I was originally going to use coconut oil as its made a huge difference to my face but I decided to go sesame oil after reading Ananga’s article and reading more information over at Earth Clinic.  Let me know what you think.

This is a guest post written by the gorgeous, Ananga Sivyar from Living By Design: Ananga is Anti-stress campaigner, maker of music for meditation, writer and calm coach. I can highly recommend Ananga music, she even has some free downloads over at her site.

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Rejuvenate Your Body:

Stress is contagious and secondhand stress is everywhere. You’ll find it on the TV, in the media, at work, driving in your car, on the other end of the phone, with friends or even at home.

Being in close vicinity, or even on the receiving end of friends, family, work colleagues or others, that are constantly stressed out, will eventually, (if you are not careful) trigger stress in you. Often it can happen in a split second, particularly if you are tired or run down.

Photo by BrittneBush:

Whilst you can’t avoid secondhand stress altogether, you can certainly protect yourself by remembering a few simple tricks to keep the shock waves of stress at a very healthy distance.

Protect Yourself From Second Hand Stress:

1: Breathe change into any situation:

Number one rule, stop holding your breath when confronted with stress. Remember to breathe.

A great tip I learnt many years ago was to spend longer on my exhales when in a stressful situation. A longer exhale (particularly from your belly) sedates your nervous system, relaxes your stomach and calms your thinking.  I know when my stomach is tight, my body is anxious. Keeping my stomach soft helps greatly at keeping second stress from agitating me.

If confronted face to face with stress, picture in your minds eye the other persons stress flowing away from you, with each one of your exhales.   You can still listen compassionately (if you choose) but energetically you are exhaling the second hand stress away.

2: Ground and centre yourself:

Breathing into your feet for a few minutes, can help ground you, when exposed to second hand stress.  When grounded you are less likely to be thrown off balance (with someone else’s stress), as you feel calmer and more centred on the inside.

Think of your feet more often, walk barefoot or massage your toes and feet, all help ground your energies.  Remembering to eat and drink water often also greatly helps ground your energies.  Fruit is very cleansing but not very grounding so eat something a little more solid.

3: Practice a daily restful habit:

The more grounded and centred you are the less likely external situations will influence you.  Ridding your body regularly of stress and tension through either meditation, yoga nidra or being in nature helps strengthen your inner core.

My personal favourite form of deep, deep rest at the moment is yoga nidra (conscious sleeping). Yoga nidra is a very healing state for the body to rest in.   It allows you to unburden totally and is considered deeper than sleep. It sooths your nervous system and balances your endrocrine system.  Grab yourself a yoga nidra CD and practice regularly.  The calmer and stronger your inner core the more resistance you’ll have to second hand stress.

4: Trust your instincts:

Trust your first “gut instincts” when confronted with second hand stress. If you are getting the urge to walk away, then trust that urge and walk away gracefully.  If your instincts tell you, this person needs your support then be there for them whilst being mindful of breathing at the same time.

Don’t let other people’s voices, opinions and stresses drown out your own gut instincts.

5: Remove the second hand stress:

If you are open, then please try some vibrational medicines. Bach’s Rescue Remedy and  Australian Bush Flower Essences have an Emergency Essence, both are great at clearing the stress.   Passionflower (herbal medicine) my favourite herbal sedative is great for calming your nervous system.

A space clearing mist is fabulous for cleansing any stress or tension from the amtosphere of a room, office or car.

Three potent herbal sedatives:

On finishing, I’d just like to add that if you are run down and exhausted ,you are more likely to become a victim of second hand stress. Making your health and wellbeing a priority goes a long way in protecting you.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

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Book Review:

“In our changing world meditation teaches our children to use their minds without external stimulation” Amy Hamilton

A few years back I was keen to introduce meditation to my two younger boys.  Not knowing where to start, I began researching and found a wonderful expert, author and teacher by the name of Amy Hamilton.

I borrowed a copy of Amy’s book from our local library and loved it.  The book is called Indigo Dreaming and includes 49 wonderful meditations especially for children.

 Photo by Eddi 07

“When you calm your body & your emotions, you restore yourself, and restore peace to the world around you.”  Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

Each night as part of my boys bedtime routine I would read a different meditation.  I kept it short and sweet, no more than around 5 minutes, although some nights my boys asked for more. At the time my boys were 8 and 10.

A guided meditation has so many wonderful benefits.  It activates their imagination, teaches them relaxation skills, better equips them for stress, engages all their senses, gives them a positive experience and encourages a better nights sleep.

I followed Amy’s advice and allowed my boys to participate in the meditation (rather than trying to keep them quiet).  Jack my youngest would always like to comment and modify the mediation as he went along.  If he preferred doing something different such as imagining himself lying down rather than sitting, then I let him. Keeping it flexible I think was an important key.  Most of the time his eyes were closed.

When I interviewed Amy here is what she had to share about introducing meditation to children. I hope you find her advice as helpful, and as practical, as I did. Enjoy.

Amy’s Guidelines For Introducing Meditation To Children:

Be patient and don’t set your expectations too high (thinking that you will have your children sitting or lying perfectly still) like any new skill, meditation takes practice.

1. Don’t expect too much at the start
2. Be relaxed and calm yourself
3. Keep your language and instructions simple
4. Let them participate voluntarily
5. Make it fun and enjoyable
6. Explain to your children how good it is for them-they love hearing that it improves memory, helps them to concentrate etc
7. I always tell children it is like exercising their brain

Meditations for Children

Cater for all learning styles in each meditation:

Some children are visual learners. This means they will relate better to the meditation if there is a good description of what the pyramid looks like in their minds eye.

Some children are kinesthetic learners which means they would need to know what it feels like inside the pyramid.

Some children are auditory learners which means they respond well to words and sounds. A guided meditation is perfect for them.

All of  Amy’s 49 guided meditations cater perfectly for all learning styles. This makes it very easy for the meditation to speak to your child in their special way of learning.

Appeal to your children’s imagination:

An important ingredient, I believe, is to choose only those meditations which you know will capture your child’s imagination. What works for one child may not work for another.

I personally found my youngest son kept coming back to the same 3 or 4 meditations each night from Amy’s books, despite the fact there were 49 different meditations to choose from.

Make it fun and short:

Following is a brief version of the magic pyramid, a wonderful meditation from Amy’s book.  It’s my youngest sons favourite. It usually takes anywhere between 3 - 5 minutes which seems to be the perfect amount of time.

You imagine yourself sitting inside a pyramid. The air inside is warm you feel very calm and relaxed and there is no sound. You breathe in and out and feel the quiet in your body. Feel the quiet spread with each breathe until it fills the whole pyramid. It is serene and still. You say in your mind I am quiet ……. I am quiet………I am quiet.

Some of the meditations titles in Amy’s book Indigo Dreaming:

Sleeping cloak  -  Affirmation box - Bubble bath - Circle of light - Clouds - Crystal bed - Snow city - Shining star - Super hero - Tree house - Secret cave - Wizards Potion.

I have no hesitation in personally recommending  Amy Hamilton’s Indigo Dreaming book or CD if you are interested in introducing meditation to your children.

If you would like to become a  childrens meditation facilitator then Amy has recommend Sarah Wood Vallely from America.  There is a link given below in more resources.  I’m even thinking about doing myself as its offered as a tele-course, making it very accessible no matter what part of the world you are from.

More resources:

Indigo Dreaming: A Book of Meditations for Children buy from Amazon

Indigo Dreaming: Meditations for Children audio CD buy from Amazon

Indigo Kidz’s: Amy Hamiltons web site

Sarah Wood Vallely  Children’s Meditation Facilitator training

The fanastic five: Core meditation techniques for parents by Sarah Wood Vallely

A selection of articles about meditation and children:

Last months book review:

Walking meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

My inspirational reading list.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

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 Rejuvenation Tips To Grab On The Run:

Follow My Rejuvenation Tips On Twitter:

My monthly rejuvenation tips are intended to be a quick reminder (at a glance) for you stop, slow down, fuel your body, eat for energy, calm your breathing, soothe your nervous system, relax your shoulders, lose the frown, have a big stretch, spend some time alone, empty your head or grab a good dose of inspiration.

All tips come from my twitter account, so they are short, sweet and straight to the point.  The awesome tips are wisdoms I have learnt over the past 20 years from Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine along with yoga and meditation. Enjoy.

 Photo by carf’s

100 Rejuvenation Tips To Restore Your Well-Being: 

1: Be kinder to your intuition: Don’t let other people’s opinions and judgments drown out your own voice. Give your intuition a louder voice. Stay true to you.

2: De-stress: Place both hands on your heart. Breath in and out from your heart for 10 seconds. This will allow you to disconnect from any drama and come back to your center. 

3: My personal top 5 health tips: Breath into your belly, drink plenty of water, move, eat for energy and meditate. 

4: Yoga detox tea:   1/4 tsp coriander seeds, 1/4 tsp of cummin seeds and 1/4tsp of fennel seeds. Mix with 1.5 litres of hot water.  Sip throughout the day. (Note: This recipe was given to me by my Ayurvedic practitioner. I make this tea in my thermos each morning, so I can carry it everywhere with me)

5: Focus on relaxing all  parts of your head:  It will trigger the rest of your body to follow.  Soften and relax your forehead, eyeballs, teeth, cheek muscles, tongue and jaw.  Read: The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue

6: Cancel a complaining thought: Each time you catch yourself complaining, spend thirty seconds focusing on the opposite and increase your ratio between helpful and unhelpful thoughts.

7: Sleep Better: Let your bedroom breathe. Simplify with less busyness, less furniture, less storage, less ornaments & less nick knacks

8: Slow yourself down:  Start listening to your thoughts in slow motion.

9: Stop wasting energy on other people’s business:  Remember Byron Katie’s rule - There are 3 types of business. Your business, other peoples business and god’s business. Stick to your own business.

10: Sip hot water:  It removes toxins, has a hormone balancing effect and warms your digestive organs.

11: Tension buster: Take a deep breath in, open your mouth, stick out your tongue, now ‘let it all go” by saying aaaah! Feel the release from your jaw, neck and face muscles.

12: Be Kinder To You: Think kinder thoughts about yourself. Eat foods that are kinder to your body and allow yourself to rest.

13:  Take a chill pill: Close and soften your eyes, relax your tongue, unlock your jaw, now cup your hands over your ears, and listen to the sounds of the ocean playing inside your head.

14:  Sedate your nerves with music: Dr. Emoto shares, that by listening to the Blue Danube, it will nourish your central nervous system:  Read more about it here: http://tinyurl.com/5uz4gf  

15:  Soak your tension away: Treat yourself to a healing bath: I cup of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) added to your bath water will relax your nervous system, draw out toxins, relax muscles and even reduce swelling. 

16:  Un-hunch shoulders: Hunched shoulders block the flow of blood to your brain, hold in stress and can restrict your breathing. Un-hunch your shoulders and feel your neck and spine lengthen.

17: Stop holding stress in your face: Are you frowning, squinting, clenching teeth or have a tense jaw?  Then smile, and let all that worry, stress and tension go.

18: Headache buster: Hold this finger yoga posture for 3 - 6 minutes. Join the tips of your thumb, index and middle finger. Fold your ring finger into the base of your thumb. Extend your little finger. Relax hands on top of your knees.

19: De-stress your eyes: Try some Chinese acupressure.  Place your thumb and first finger, either side of the top of your nose, where your eye brows start. Close your eyes and hold firm pressure for a few minutes.

20: Calm yourself before bed: Dab the essential oil “vetiver’ onto the souls of your feet. Vetiver has a grounding and soothing effect on your nervous system.

21:  Eat your water: Fruit is 90% water.  Grapes and oranges can be as high as 98%  water content.

22: Natures sports drink: Watermelon, cucumber, honeydew and cantaloupe are an excellent sources of water, sugar and electrolytes.  Alternately here’s a  homemade organic sports drink recipe from Dr Nicole Sundene

23: Add a slice of lemon:  In case you get bored with the taste of water add a slice of lemon or lime. Studies have shown that children drink 45% more water when flavoured.

24:  Is your stuff draining your energy? Your stuff can be a burden, suck your time, money, energy and consume your focus (more than you think). Less is best.

25: Check in with your body:   If you are too busy living “in your head” you can easily forget about the basic needs of your body.  Stop, breath and ask your body if its thirty, hungry, needs a stretch or walk.

26: Dehydration facts: A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking. Lack of water is the number one reason for day time fatigue.   

27: The power of water:  Water is essential for carrying waste material out of the body. It’s involved in nearly every bodily process including digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion.  It’s vital in transporting nutrients throughout the body.

28: Boost the Qi in your home: Cleanse arguments, sickness and stagnant energy with a sage smudge stick. (Note: I have personally used white sage now successfully for over 20 years)

29:   Suffering from overeating. Kneel in-between your heels with hands on your lap for 10 minutes. This yoga pose is called virasana. Use a blanket to sit on or for your knees, if you need too. 

30: Carry a water bottle: One of the simplest ways to keep a fresh supply of water flowing throughout your muscles, blood, brain and bones is to carry a water bottle everywhere with you.

31:  A Simple Meditation:  Breath in through your nose and tell your mind to stay focused on your breath.

32:   Is your back aching? Try  a yoga pose called, legs-up-wall, for 10 minutes. Its also great if you have been standing for too long: http://tinyurl.com/5b8rma

33: Lose the frown:  All it takes is less than 30 seconds to turn a frown into a smile.

34:  Touch is healing:  Ayurvedic medicine believes a daily self massage offers many well-being benefits to your body and mind.  Read more: You deserve a daily self massage.

35:  Start with an easy meditation style:  Try the very enjoyable walking meditation.

36:  Tests have shown that meditation can be more effective than a nap in improving performance and concentration.

37: Strengthen Your Focus: A daily meditation break, sharpens your concentration powers. Focus on your breath, a word or mantra for 5 minutes and notice the difference.

38: Remember to breath: On an average we have 26,000 breaths a day. How many are you aware of ?

39:  “Time a stick of incense. Once you know how long it takes to burn, you can use it to determine the lengths of your meditation sessions” Helen Tworkov

40:  Chinese acupressure tip for constipation:  Massage your index finger from its tip right down to the base. If you have diarrhea then massage from its base up to the tip: (Note:You are stimulating the meridans by using your fingers. A positive effect should be felt after several minutes)

41: Try the Bon Jovi Yoga chant: Sanskrit chants are awesome but this one is so full of joy and fun http://tinyurl…

42: Have your feet touched grass today? Many people feeling scattered have not touched any grass, earth or sand in days with their feet - only concrete and floors.

43. Strengthen your immune system: Laughter really is the best medicine. Visit the Mumbai yoga laughter club just for a minute. http://tinyurl.com/3a9bkq

44. Flick off other peoples stresses: Carry a piece of the crystal smoky quartz in your pocket or handbag. It will help absorb negativity.

45. Hand Yoga for Patience: Place the tip of the middle finger onto the tip of the thumb. It creates a flow of energy which promotes patience.

46. Eating water is better than drinking it: Water content of most fruit and vegetables is over 90%. Grapes and oranges can be as high as 98%

47. Stress Relief: It’s proven scientifically, playing the Blue Danube will nourish your central nervous system:http://tinyurl…

48. Conscious Breathing: Breathing in “I am calm”, breathing out “I soften” Repeat to the rhythm of your breath.

49. Instant Chilling Out: Inhale for 3-5 seconds then exhale for 3-5 seconds through your nose. Drop your shoulders then open your heart. Allow.

50. Enter your day consciously while still lying in bed and set the tone for your day.  Try some wake up yoga in bed:http://tinyurl.com/5z6m9s

51: Reduce caffeine intake: Swap one cup of tea or coffee a day for a delicious mug of miso soup. It is highly nutritious and can be made in an instant.

52:  “Life is like a mirror, you get the best results when you smile at it” Unknown

53: Strengthen your boundaries: Love yourself enough to say no to others’ demands on your time and energy. Stop, step back & reassess the situation.

54: Appreciate your hands: Your hands are a mirror for your body. Massage your fingers, joints, palms and back of hand for 5 minutes and your organs and body will benefit.

55: It’s time to turn your back to the world: Rest your heart, dissolve your worries and calm your nervous system with this simple yoga pose. http://tinyurl.com/6gcegc

56: Deep breathers tend to live longer: They are generally healthier and more relaxed. Take three deep, gentle slow breaths right now. Never force.

57: Breath is the movement of thought: Relaxed breathing equals calm thoughts.  Short quick breathing equals busy thoughts. 

58: Four great reasons to eat kiwi fruit: More potassium than a banana, 240% of daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, potent source of Vitamin E and low in fat

59: There are 11 different kinds of breathing: Noisy/quiet, fast/slow, regular/irregular, jerky/smooth, deep/shallow, mouth/nose, forced/effortless, high/middle/low etc.

60. Be kinder to yourself:  Think kinder thoughts about yourself.  Eat foods that are kinder to your body.  Allow yourself to rest.  

61. Invite serenity: Make a fist with your hands, wrap fingers over thumbs. The tighter you squeeze your thumbs the deeper & calmer your breath will be and the quieter your mind will become.

62. ” Smile, breathe and go slowly” by Thich Nhat Hanh

63. Breathing wisdom: Don’t pull your stomach in when you inhale as it reduces your oxygen intake. Your abdomen should expand and soften with each inhale.

64. “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it” Confucius

65. Is the way you are breathing making you sick or stealing your energy? Take a free breathing test now: 

66. Quality belly breathing: Gently place hands on your belly. You should be able to feel it soften, rise and expand with each inhale.

67.  Improve your sleep: Clear the clutter from under your bed, remove all electrical gadgets, computers, exercise equipment and work papers.

68. Inspirational quote: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” Confucius

69. Smile into your organs. It’s very healing to smile into your heart, then smile into your liver, kidneys and lungs.

70. Dissolve anger:  Breathe into your liver and feel the anger dissolve anger with each exhale.

71:  Adjust the speed of your day:  Take some time out and notice if you are rushing. Go for a walk or use your breath to slow yourself down.

72: Do nothing for 30 seconds. Put some space between you and your hectic schedule

73: Tranquilize yourself:  Slow your breathing down.  Breathing deeply into your belly, through your nose will calm your nervous system.  Your breath is a great tool for relaxation:

74: Zen eating: Enjoy the benefits of eating sitting down in a quiet space.. Walk away from your computer, turn off the TV and don’t read or talk.  Feel the difference.

75:  Stop regularly and notice the bigger picture of life. Pause, breath, feel your body and observe what you see, hear, touch, taste and smell around you.

76: Reward your body: Five minutes in a relaxing and very easy yoga pose will reduce fatigue, tension and lower blood pressure: http://tinyurl.com/54v6t3   All you need is a floor, blanket and an eye bag

77:  Calm yourself down: Close your eyes. The eyes are linked to your nervous system. By softening your eyes you can trigger the relaxation of your entire body.

78: Push away negativity and stress: Spend longer on your exhales and give yourself some much needed space.

79: Swap the butter on your toast for tahini, avocado or nut paste. I mix my tahini with local bush honey. Tahini is sesame seed paste packed with lots of good stuff

80:  Are you stressed? Check your face. Are you frowning, squinting, clenching teeth, jaw or pursing lips? Smile, breath and relax your face muscles.

81: Start 3 green habits today: Switch your plastic coat hangers to bamboo, switch plastic storage containers for glass and  switch plastic pegs for wooden.

82: Push away the flu: Repeat the mantra: “Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”.  Feed your body with healthy thoughts not fear.

83:  Have you been way too serious lately? Go ahead, be spontaneous? Start skipping, eat ice cream for breakfast or hug the next person you see. 

84: Notice your full breath cycle:  Experience the slight pause at the end of each exhale and before your next inhale begins.

85: Be kinder to your sleep. Your bedroom is not a multi purpose room. Calm, relax and de-stress its energy  http://tinyurl.com/5t9qlq

86:  Be kinder to your nervous system: Calm your nervous system regular by allowing 2 minute “priority you” time every hour.  Stop, breath and rest.

87:  Be kinder to your eyes: Don’t stare for hours at a screen. Give your eyes healthy doses of natural light, sunshine and movement(other than staring). Also treat your eyes to deep rest with a yoga eye pillow.

88: Stop holding your breath: It reduces oxygen flow to your body and tightens your chest, face, jaw and throat. Remember to breath.

89: Invite more pleasure: Treat yourself to a chocolate facial.  Organic cacao powder is extremely high in magnesium which an excellent stress protector.

90:  Protect yourself from other people’s stresses:  Pop a piece of smoky quartz or black tourmaline in your bra: http://tinyurl.com/5be5gt

91: Hug therapy: 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, 12 hugs a day for growth:

92: Toe hugs are “in”. Whilst at your computer, grab your foot & place your fingers in between your toes. Now hug, stretch and wiggle your toes and foot.

93:  Get unstuck: Always keep a copy of your favorite inspirational book close by. Open randomly and read a few paragraphs to bring relief to your current situation

94: Hug wisdom: Hugs lasting over 20 seconds create more trust.

95: Slow yourself down: Focus your mind on just one thing/object for the next 30 seconds. A calm mind can focus, a rushed mind cannot. 

96: Avoid toxic people:  Do your best to limit yourself to people who love drama and gossip, particularly when you are feeling fragile and exhausted.

97: Lift your worries with a Buddhist kindness prayer:   “May I be free of worry, May I be well, May I feel safe and at ease, May I be at peace”

98: Linger longer in a hug. A hug fuels your heart with all the good stuff and nourishes your sense of touch. Feel the healing power of a hug.

99: Buy a tongue scraper:  Scrape tongue 6 times first thing in the morning  to remove the toxins and bacteria that has formed on your tongue overnight.

100: “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.”  Confucius

Thanks for reading my post.  Carole

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

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