Happiness, Strength, Wellness

Great quick ABDOMINAL workout!!!

2009-12-15T22:56:00.003-05:00

Book Recommendations!!!

2009-12-13T13:19:00.005-05:00

I really do get this question all the time: "can you recommend any books to guide me along my path to health, fitness and wellness?". So I thought I should compile a short list of the books that have helped me along my own journey so far. It is by no means an exhaustive list, and I do hope to add to it and make it more complete as time goes on. Besides, I aim to grow and learn and hope to create a forum where others can add their own recommendations as well! I would love to hear what you have to say!

Here is my short list (in no particular order):

1. The Power of Now by Ekart Tolle
2. Eat Move and Be Healthy by Paul Chek
3. The Tea of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff
4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
5. Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
6. Morning Yoga workouts by Zach Kurland
7. 101 ways to workout with weights by Kerri Walsh
8. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
9. Modern Ayurvedic cookbook by Amrita Sondhi
10. Moosewood cookbook classics (I love the entire series!!!) by Molly Katzen
12. Colours of the Spirit by Janet Faubert
13. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
14. How to Practice: the way to a meaningful life by his Holiness the Dalai Lama
15. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Coincidences

2009-11-26T20:34:00.003-05:00

I'm sure many of you can relate: you cross paths with an individual more than just occasionally, a thought you had in your mind makes its way into the world and becomes reality, you keep noticing recurring images, words, numbers... Are these just coincidences, or are they in fact signs that you should be paying attention to something. A sign from above, as an indicator that you are on a good path, or that you are meant to learn something? Or is it possible that there are there NO coincidences... Coincidence is the noteworthy alignment of two or more events or circumstances without obvious causal connection. Are they worth acknowledging?

Though no scientific evidence exists to support these ideas, they do certainly resonate with me and I pay attention when these things keep happening. I'm not terribly superstitious by nature, but somehow when it comes to these coincidences or signs, I'm standing at attention- eyes wide open, ears ready to listen, ready to learn. I like to take times like these to pause and focus on my surroundings, and let myself be guided along my path.

Has anyone else felt this way: guided, directed, or pushed in a trajectory because of seemingly coincidental events/happenings?

Motivation: what is your fuel?

2009-04-01T00:04:00.004-04:00

How do you stay motivated in life, in general, in your day-to-day activities? What makes you tick? Why do you stop wanting/desiring/longing sometimes... and what does it take to get you going again? Some questions worth pondering I think... and that is what I was thinking about today.

Here is Wikepedia's take on motivation:

Motivation is the set of reasons that determines one to engage in a particular behavior. The term is generally used for human motivation but, theoretically, it can be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation. According to various theories, motivation may be rooted in the basic need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, hobby, goal, state of being, ideal, or it may be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism, morality, or avoiding mortality.

Today was a productive day, but not all are like this. Why? I think it's time to remind myself (and you if this is helpful) of the things that fuel me and get me started on a positive note!

a) Wake up with a smile! Doesn't matter what the weather is, or what kind of day is up ahead... if I start with a smile, I set the tone for the rest of my day. 'Fake it til you make it' is a saying I've heard once or twice before! I think it applies!

b) Set a few goals to achieve.. and write them down. There you have it: a list. I love lists.. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I cross off an item on a list of things to do! Goals are great, however menial they may seem... even if it means writing down something so silly as 'brush my teeth twice today'... when you cross it off, you will see you have actually accomplished something you set out to do! It works every time!

c) If you're not sure of what it was you were supposed to 'accomplish' today and can't come up with goals to write down... give your mom a call. Moms are great like that- if they don't tell you directly, they will indirectly motivate you to set yourself straight.

d) Figure out what your 'special place' is.. go to it when you need inspiration or just to get your mid off current affairs. Mine happens to be the coffee shop! My mother loves browsing through vintage clothing stores! It could be a park, or a room in your house.. a special chair even! Take time out for yourself. It is rejuvenating!

e) Remind yourself of a few things you are grateful for. Your healthy beautiful children, the wonderful people in your life, the satisfying job you just took, your wonderful loving pet, your big back yard, the most perfect cup of coffee you just had, the uncanny ability you have to pick the most appropriate card for each special occasion, your hidden talents etc etc etc!

e) Reward yourself when you have accomplished set goals. Yes this falls into the extrinsic motivation category, but it is very effective! You will be better at achieving these goals, knowing you can expect a reward or a treat once they are accomplished! MMMmmmmm can you say mint chocolate chip ice cream? What's your favorite?......

Love and Chocolate

2009-02-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day upon us, there is no escaping the sugary sweetness that surrounds this celebration. Without question, the best-selling confectionery item on this day is the dark, mysterious, melt-in-your mouth, downfall for many so-called addicts..... you know it, yes it is chocolate.

A moment on the lips... and a lifetime on the hips? Well not necessarily! So great news for those of you chocoholics who are conscious of their figure (much like myself). Go ahead, and enjoy that chocolate kiss! Indulge on this day, and think of the benefits rather than the consequences of giving into your desires! Giving into your craving is even a good idea in fact. Rather than depriving yourself entirely of something you love (therefore increasing your desire for this forbidden item)... allow yourself to have a little (yes the key is a *small* amount) up to once a day. Yes indeed.. I did say every day. Sounds crazy? Just give it a try. A small square of chocolate, not the entire chocolate bar of course... can do wonders for staving off those undeniable cravings. And.. the calorie set-back is not significant enough to cause mayhem in any way. Moderation is key however, because a whole candy bar boasts upwards of 300kcals in most cases (the size of a small meal)- word to the wise.

There are many reported benefits associated with the consumption of small amounts of chocolate (dark chocolate reigns supreme here). These include improved heart health, kidney function, brain health, immune defense, improved diabetes, lower LDL cholesterol and improved blood pressure. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids (disease-preventing compounds also found in red wine and tea) that come from extracts of the cocoa bean. Choosing dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (65% or greater) gives your body more of these healthy antioxidants. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants and flavonoids it contains.

As it may seem too good to be true... all good things are meant to be savored moderately. I will quote the Dietitians of Canada, when they recommend that “When it comes to eating, choosing a wide variety of foods from Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating is still one of the best health promoting habits.” Please enjoy yourselves in moderation!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

welcome!

2009-01-30T00:06:00.000-05:00

All things fitness, health, wellness and zen will be discussed on this forum! I would like to begin by introducing myself! I am a student of life, I love learning, taking it all in, seeing the beauty in everything we touch, breathe, and experience. I want to bring this excitement to the world, helping others in finding their inner 'light' so to speak. My journey has been one interlaced with dance, yoga, fitness, nutrition awareness, eco-consciousness, and cross-cultural curiousity. I am fascinated with it all, and really want to share what I have learned (thus far) with others, so I can in turn learn new perspectives and continue on this rich adventure we call life!