Lisa C Writes

My Yoga Begins With Striking A Pose - Saddle Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 10:30:00 +0000

"There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart."

When the world got quiet for this young lady what became glaringly clear to me was the dust that accumulated on my yoga mat.

As time passed I felt an aching and emptiness inside of me because I missed my practice. My body had been begging me to open up and roll out my mat - correcting the aches and pains I'd been experiencing. It was calling me to engage in a practice that had once been sacred to me - a practice that I felt at one time I couldn't live without. I was stuck. It wasn't happening, and as a result my body was stuck, stiff, and sore. I felt like I'd gone so far away from my practice that the thought of me pulling out my mat and striking a pose felt untrue. I felt like I couldn't just strike a pose and it mean I'm practicing yoga again.

Sometimes all you need is a little nudge.

In '09 when I decided to begin my yoga practice I researched and tried many different yoga styles. I've always been fascinated with the art and felt a connection to it that needed no explanation. I knew this practice would create wholeness and healing within me and wasn't just a faze I was going through.

I practiced with some amazing yoga instructors until finally finding a yoga style that fit me. I fell in love with yin yoga. The deep stretching and opening and long deep, deep breathing fell in line with everything that I needed. It's like finding your mate and knowing somehow you two have always known each other. At the time what I didn't know was how much yin yoga and my sensual meditation practice would go hand in hand.

My practice came to a halt about a year and a half ago. Since then, I'd been wanting to connect with my practice, but was holding back because I was stuck in the idea of it having to be done a certain way. I felt like I needed time to focus on the spiritual aspect of it instead of just doing it. (Time I felt I had very little of.) The idea of striking a pose and taking a picture felt superficial and less sacred to me.

That's when I heard a little whisper from within that said, "There is no right or wrong way. There is just a way."

And then...
I struck a pose. That was all I needed.

It was in that pose I eradicated my question of whether or not this is true for me and not just a picture. Of course it is. It's meaningful, sacred, spiritual, a way of going deeper and connecting. My practice is about the health of my body and connecting with it in ways that make me feel good. It's about opening to new directions, and loving me along the way. I'm okay with that.

I struck a pose...and my whole body fell into it. It was willing to go as far as it needed, as far as it needed to go to experience healing. And I allowed. That's one the things I love about yoga - the allowing.

Thanks to A Woman's Thirst challenge I dusted of my mat and struck a pose, the Saddle Pose, and it felt damn good.

And then I realized that sharing my poses with you doesn't make it less, "spiritual". It just allows us to connect with each other in this way.

There is more to come. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for me with my practice. I'm excited to see what my body wants to create.

What have you been needing to dust off and just do? What are the reasons you're holding yourself back? Won't you let go and dive in with me? This is my nudge to you.

Infusing Our Thirst During "A Woman's Thirst" - An Instagram Project

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:19:00 +0000

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed my recent involvement in #AWomansThirst project. It is a 40 day adventure of picture prompts created by the lovely Hannah Marcotti. Everyday, early in the morning, we are sent our next adventure via email. It's thrilling to receive each one because you never know what kind of adventure the prompt will take you on. That's one of the alluring things about this project, you never know what you'll have to do, where you'll have to go, and how you will have to express yourself through photos. It's a brilliant project, one that definitely keeps your creative juices flowing. Also, to know that I'm not alone, on a hunt to quench my thirst with a group of women doing the same, however that may look and feel, satisfies a deeper longing of connection for me.

We are currently on day #11 so you haven't missed much. If you have an instagram account and are looking for some creative ways to share pictures or maybe you're creative flow is fine but you just want to be a part of an amazing group of women doing something amazing for ourselves, join us. We would love to have you.

Prompted to "infuse my thirst" on day 7, we were to grab a marker and infuse our water with a word that would be our mantra, our source of light. The purpose is to think on your word every time you drink, creating a silent mediation around that word, embodying that word. I chose the word sensuous to lead my way during my day and I got my kids involved as well. After some thought they came up with their words which I decided to share with you. Some of the jars were filled with cucumber, lime, lemon, and mint and to top it off our words. Oh the yumminess!

David's word...

Victoria's word...

Gabrielle's word...

Joshua's word...

Lesson learned: what you think on you create for yourself. You are in control.

Give it a try and see how you feel. Notice what thoughts you are creating in your day. You don't have to use a mason jar. Write your word in a notebook, notepad, journal, on a coffee mug, on a sticky note, on the home screen of your phone. Write it anywhere you will be reminded to think on your word when you see it.

And then, tell me how it made you feel.

Orlando Lately - Through My Lens (Vol. 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 23:02:00 +0000

On the sixth floor of the Embassy Suites in Downtown Orlando. It was David's birthday weekend. We were alone. So much laughter and loud silence. The kind that after being married for some years you begin to appreciate. It was just us, this beautiful view, and another day and night in our love.

On the fifth floor of the Embassy Suites - the day before we switched rooms. A balcony was what we needed but this view was the best we had. This was the picture I took and sent to him saying, "This is our view. Can't wait to enjoy it with you. Hurry up and get here. Like now". He was at work, wrapping up a few deals. Hey, the deals are what pays the bills so I wasn't complaining,...just anticipating.

Very special day. I was with the Fab Four, my four younger children. Got them dressed for an impromptu photo-shoot. They're growing. I want to hold on to every stage of their beauty, growth, and life. Through my lens I see differently. I see things I don't see with my eyes alone. And then this shot. I turned my camera and there it was - the perfection of stillness of the in between. And then, #VSCOCAM happened. Yes. Perfection.

Mmmm, can you feel it? This shot says everything that needs not be said. So touchy, feely, calm, and free.

Here is where I sat with the stillness that is of me - that is inside of me. And I didn't want to leave. That is all.

Life Lessons: Learning The Rhythms of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 21:12:00 +0000

(Picture via Pinterest)

Those moments when things are supposed to be the way it is but never is. Those moments where things seem like they are but never are.

Those moments where certainty is promised but promises uncertainty.

Those moments when you know but then again have no freaking idea.

Yea, those moments.

Life's moments that are bliss - filled that turns in to a bliss-less-ness.

Lately life has been like this for me. Can you relate? Does it seem like in one moment you know what direction you're supposed to be heading and then the next not so sure?

Does it seem to have you on a high and then, before you know it, that high becomes a low? And sometimes really, really, low.

Life is like this.

Ups and downs are the one thing that is constant and sure.

In moments like these here's what I do...

take a deep breath, inhale it all in, and breathe it all out.

I let it go.

There is no need for me to fuss over it because as I've learned, that doesn't change it.

Life has a rhythm, a flow, an ebb, and if we adhere to it all will be well. Even if it doesn't look like it, it will.

I have a saying that also helps me get through these moments. My husband and oldest children now use it.

It's simple. Nothing profound. Just something that gives me hope when I can't seem to see my way through.

It goes like this...

"Confusion always comes before clarity".

That's it.

Whenever I've lost my way, am uncertain of which direction to go next, I stop, take a deep breath, and remember those words.

It's helped me, maybe it will help you too.

Confusion serves it's purpose on your way to clarity. Clarity will come. You can be certain of that.

So, chin up. Don't let it discourage you for too long. This too shall pass.

Currently Where The Light Is - Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 14:45:00 +0000

Reading... Sex At Dawn. Taking my time, making my way through this one. Sex & Pearls, how appropriate? They do go hand and hand, wouldn't you say? The pearls made it easy to digest, I guess. Sex At Dawn - have you read it?

"How we mate, why we stray, and what it means for modern relationships.

Here's some of the things you'll read about on the inside:

Why long-term fidelity can be so difficult for so many.

Why sexual passion tends to fade even as love deepens.

Why many middle-aged men risk everything for an affair.

Why homosexuality persists in the face of standard evolutionary logic.

What the human body reveals about the prehistoric origins of modern sexuality."

I'm looking forward to it.

If you've read it please share your feelings on this work and what, if anything, did you learn from it.

Feeling... happiness. In this moment I'm grateful for the happiness that I'm experiencing because I am doing something I love - writing & enjoying my pleasures. Slowly allowing the words to pour out of my soul, observing my creation. Delighting in the new things to come with my blog and online presence. My heart feels joyful and I'm grateful.

What brings you happiness?

Smelling... sage. I bought this batch back in Atlanta. I Love the smell of Sage. I burn it throughout my house, my alters, and around me. It's a cleansing method that's been used for ages. My aunt would burn it in her apartment and not only did the smell arouse me but the ritual itself resonated with me.

Here are a few ways I use it in our home:

Whenever I'm feeling a bit frazzled, over-worked, anxious about anything I burn it and sit in front of my alter and pray or meditate or draw my tarot cards. It's method is healing and soothing to my soul.

Whenever we move in to a new space I'll burn it and walk around the home into every room performing a blessing ritual. Basically giving thanks and blessing our new space.

Do you use Sage for spiritual house cleansing or any cleansing for that matter?

Tasting... these sweet cranberries and delicious almonds and yummy ginger dressing. Honoring my body and what it wants. Making sure to stay aligned with what is best for my body. I do this by listening to what my body is hungry for in each moment. I do this by having healthy snacks around me so I won't reach for those unhealthy snacks or snacks that don't serve me. I do this by not allowing myself to become too hungry in between meals leaving me with hunger pains that causes me to eat whatever. Which is usually NOT what's best for me.

Also... the beginnings of some vegan Homemade Coconut Waffles that had my children and husband smacking their syrupy smothered lips. Blog post for this recipe coming soon. The pictures will make your mouth water.

So, when are you coming over for your homemade waffles? I always make enough to share.

Listening... to Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

"The idea of freedom. The idea of being unspoiled and having rhythms that are uninterrupted by the overdose of the intellect."

Another book that I learned about some years ago and took the time to read during my hiatus from the internet in 2012. I listen to be reminded of what's important - the soul. I listen and read to remember what is dear to me - my wild woman. I listen and read and slowly, sometimes rapidly, are being transformed.

My life needed this book, Clarrisa's wisdom, stories, and teachings. Everything all of a sudden made sense. I was not the "different" one in my family that I was always told I was. My ways were not strange and abnormal like I was taught to believe. There was nothing ever, ever, ever wrong with me.

As a child I would listen to the birds sing and learn their songs. I would listen to the breeze blow through the tree leaves and hear it's message. I felt the bees hum within me whenever they were around. I heard my name whispered all the time and when I turned around no one was there. I saw shadows of people in the corners of my eyes that as I got older embraced them as friends. These things I experienced made me special. They are a part of who I am and I no longer push them away because of shame.

Does this sound like you?

Did you grow up feeling strangely different from those you called family, or couldn't explain why you always felt out of place? Don't be ashamed. You are not alone. You have a place, it just may have not been there.

Creating... his musical beats and rhythms. Tapping into his creative flow, enjoying his pleasures. He loves making music and DJ-ing. His hours at work only allow this to happen during small windows of his free time. I can only imagine what he could do with even more time. Those days will be here soon enough. For now, he enjoys these little moments he has and I enjoy watching him flow.

What do you enjoy doing / creating but don't have the time that you would like to do it?

Wondering... what is she thinking, feeling, sensing, seeing. So intriguing, always leaves me wondering of her wonder. Who is she? Why did she choose me in my dream the day before David brought her home. In my dream she brought a spirit of play as she does to our lives everyday. She is a mystery unfolding, waiting to be re-discovered once again.

Do you have an animal(s)? Have you ever felt the kind of connection I'm speaking about?

Pondering... these delicious curves, naked skin, soft places, resting places, white linens, magic happening. Slowly drifting like these butterflies flying high. Body deliciously heavy with memories, feeling the comfort of home, on this bed, in this space. A touch of light frolicking, dancing where I once laid my head. Can you see it? Loose locs, waiting to be released from their nightly wrap, desiring and deserving freedom.

My mind slips in and out of worlds. The one inside my camera and the other on the other side. Holding it steady, hearing my breath as I inhale and exhale just before I snap.

Currently where the light is.

Where is your light, currently?

Blogger {Love} on Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:54:00 +0000

Are you a blog reader, like me? Do you find yourself getting lost in the world of a blogger and not minding it at all? Do you feel like you know them and in some way have become a part of their lives?

I do. All the time. Today I share some of my favorites with you.

I've been blogging for the past eight years. Since then I've met some amazing women and men. I love what I do. I love blogging, sharing my life, my perspective on things, and the things I love. I love to read other's blogs who do the same. I learn so much from them and about them that I feel like I know them. I feel like we are good friends. Do you know what I mean?

When I follow a blogger's life through their blog and stories I become a part of their lives. Sometimes they know it and sometimes not. But the joy that I get doesn't come from them having to know. Many of these men and women I've never met in person but I feel like we have, and I hope to meet them some day.

Just a few months ago I decided to create a Pinterest board in honor these wonderful bloggers. I wanted a place to share their work, their stories, and who they are. I wanted a place to show my appreciation by sharing them with you. I wanted a place that I could go to for some quick inspiration, heartfelt stories, laughs and cries. My hope is that you'll feel the same way too. As you read their stories and blogs I hope you find as much joy in them as I do. I hope you'll connect with them as well. Let me know if you do. Let me know if at least one of them resonates with you. Maybe you're already following one, two, or few. Either way let me know.

The board is called, Blogger {Love} ~ Supporting my fellow bloggers, writers, poets. Post's and articles written that move me, fill me up, open me up, liberate me. I hope you enjoy them too.

I hope that you'll take some time to read their blogs and see why I appreciate them so much.

Our Jamaica 2014 Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 22:41:00 +0000

It's been a few weeks since we've been back from our trip to Jamaica. I can still hear the ocean and smell the sand. I can still feel the vibes of our entire weekend. And certainly haven't forgotten about all that delicious food we had!

Below are some pictures from Friday nights beach barbecue. It was a beautiful evening, thanks to Half Moon Resort chefs and entertainment.
The food was so good I wish I could have taken some home to eat the next day. There was so much to choose from and enjoy.

The weather was perfect. The music was just right. The people, the great conversations over dinner and after, the fact that we were getting ready to celebrate the union of our close friends, made the evening extra special. I was in heaven and so was David. It was an experience we will never forget and we wouldn't want to.

After dinner everyone gathered around to watch a hermit crab race.

David, his smile, and the full moon peeking through - beautiful.

What a perfect night. We celebrated in Jamaica under the full moon on Friday the 13th. She was a beautiful site to see.

We ended the night partying and having so much fun at Pier 1 nightclub in Montego Bay.

A Little Rant About The Librarian Who Challenged Me To Do Better + Pics Galore of My Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:30:00 +0000

Everyday I wake up I want my children to see me do a better job than the day before. I want them to look at me and be proud to be my child.

The other day my son said to me, “Mom, I’m proud of the way you handled the lady at the library. I thought you were going to get upset with her like you did the last two times, but you didn’t.” He noticed.

Our children notice things we don’t think they do. They pay more attention than we may realize. And our children are like sponges, soaking up everything we say, and do. When he said that to me I was proud of my choice to respond to the librarian in a different way. I purposefully went in there determined to create a better situation and environment for myself and my children. It’s been an uphill battle concerning our library cards. From being incorrectly charged over a hundred dollars, to suspending my children’s cards because they couldn’t get passed my security gate at home to make a delivery so we got blamed for having an incorrect address, to the unnecessary attitudes shrugged our way. We’re good now. Things are going to be better because I made a decision that they will be. As much as they like going to the library it has to be a pleasant experience every time.

This is just an example of doing better so that my children can see that there is another way to dealing with things.

After the library I grabbed my camera and took these photos of four of my babies. They make me better. They make me feel like I matter and that the things I do in life matter too. Our children should make us feel this way, wouldn't you say?

Tips On Maneuvering Your Way Through Writer's Rut

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:59:00 +0000

In Jamaica I had time to think. I had time to think on things that had been weighing on me for a while. One of those things was my writing. I needed to clear my head in order to write. I needed to find out where my writing voice had gone. It seemed to have disappeared over the last few weeks. Vacationing allows me the space to clear my head and find the answers I've been looking for. So, I sat down at my computer desk to write and this is what came to me.

Stories that are left untold / unwritten stay within you and turn into a form of something else. My stories that are left untold usually come out in the form of pictures, facial expressions, energy surging through my body. Energy that is felt by others who sometimes cannot explain what they are feeling. Stories left untold as my writing slips away from me stay within me and come out at different times, in different ways whenever they are ready.

I know this sounds like a bit of a ramble but it’s a story coming out in the form of rambling words. I’d rather write them and release them even if they are not as clear as I would want them to be.

Being in a place like this can be frustrating for a writer. But I’ve learned to go with the flow of wherever my writing is at the moment. Whenever I find myself stuck in a writing rut I don’t give up. (Non-intentional rhyming happens randomly to me. It’s like a gift given to me at the moment. Something as simple as a rhyme to put a smile on my face about my writing.) Now where was I? A writing rut doesn’t slow me down or defeat me any longer. Here’s my reasons why.

It gives me time to pause in between writing. Whatever it is I’m writing at the moment and focused on may need me to pause. Pausing gives me time to breathe, evaluate, asses, and see if this is the direction I still desire to go. Writing is a process. Sometimes that process is fast, or slow, or non-existent. Whatever it is we must accept it.

I get to do something else. Early I mentioned stories left untold / unwritten stay within you and turn into a form of something else. The something else is another expression of my stories being told. Photography has become a love. I enjoy playing with my camera now as much as I enjoy writing. It gives me the same pleasure, yet different.

I get to play around with words that don’t necessarily make sense at the moment. How cool is that? These are words that I may not choose during my regular writing flow. These are words that just happen to appear when I sit down and allow the rambling to come out. Rambling words are playful, lite, happy, and free. Rambling words allow the kid in me to have fun with my craft and not take it too seriously.

If you are a writer and this is what you love to do then writing should bring you joy. It should not bring you pain. Whenever you feel your writing has gotten to the place of pain then you’ll know it’s time to get up and walk away. Consider what other forms your stories are wanting to be told. Be easy on yourself. Remember that your writing is a process and has it’s own flow. There will be times of rapid flow and times of very slow trickles. Accept them both.

What are some ways you maneuver through writers rut?

Stung By A Jellyfish in Jamaica

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 04:14:00 +0000

On day three in Jamaica, enjoying a swim with David in the warm and gentle waters, a jellyfish decides I’m the snack of the day. Yes, I got stung by a jellyfish for the first time ever in my life. OUCH!

We were swimming alone, it was beautiful. The sun was settling in for evening but it was still light outside. The water was warm but not as cozy as we would have liked. The amount of seaweed and little stones that were in the water was annoying to say the least. This was one of the reasons David carried me the entire time we were in the water. We bathed, laughed, played like kids, had an intimate conversation right in the middle of the beach. We weren’t too far from the shore but enough to where the water covered his chest. I loved being in his arms. I loved the conversation we were having as well. It’s something about vacations and the many love lessons you can learn while away.

When it was time to go David picked me up further on his hips and began walking to the shore, that’s when I saw something come up to the surface of the water and go back down. It had a mushroom-like head. I told him I thought I saw something but wasn’t sure. It could have been my imagination but it might not have been. Looking back on it now I did see something but it might not have been a jellyfish. David kept walking and when he reached to a place where he couldn’t hold me up any longer he put me down. My right foot touched down first, that’s when I felt the rocks under my foot and something else, like seaweed brush up against my leg. I brushed it away with my right hand, saying, this seaweed is everywhere. As I started walking towards the sand my upper right leg began to burn. I said my leg is burning and it feels like it’s on fire. I looked down and didn’t see anything but it was still burning. I sat down on the beach chair looking all around my leg for little splinters because that’s what it felt like. It felt like a million little splinters got stuck in my leg all at once. Still I didn’t see anything. David was trying to get me to relax because he didn’t think it was anything serious. Deep down I think he didn’t want it to be so he did his best to try and keep me calm. That’s when a million tiny red bumps, in several neat rows, flared up on my thigh which was enough for him to say, “okay, let’s go get help”.

Luckily for me an attendant was nearby and as soon as he saw the bumps started smiling and said, “oh, that’s a jellyfish sting, mon. Ev'ry ting is going to be alright”. It was funny to him and set David at ease, but my leg was on fire at this point and I wanted relief. The attendant said this kind of thing happens all the time in Jamaica and not to worry. He put some fresh water from a hose on the area and gave me some cream to rub on it. Within the hour I was much better. I only experienced an on again off again tingling feeling in the area. After googling jellyfish stings and looking through the many pictures I couldn’t find one that resembled the way it looked on my skin. Some of those pictures are horrific with flesh-eaten, huge holes appearing on the skin. Mine looked like the jellyfish slowly placed each tentacle in a strategic, loving, manner. And literally, within the hour it was gone as if it never happened.

I’m not sure what kind of ointment that was but it worked and I didn’t have to do what the locals said I could do which was, pee on it. Since I got stung so high up on my thigh, that would leave only one option, David peeing on me and that wasn’t an option at all. LOL.

When we got home and shared the story with our children we did a google search together to find out the symbolic meaning of jellyfish. Our discovery was amazing. It spoke to where I was in my life at the time and it went along with the conversation David and I were having at the time I got stung. Coincidence?, I don’t believe in that. A message?, a sign?, yes, I’m more likely to believe. And, I accepted it. I felt like that jellyfish showed up in my life, at that time, and stung me like it was supposed to.

If you’re interested (who wouldn’t be?) you can read the symbolic meaning here. It’s very interesting. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Also, if you’ve ever gotten stung by a jellyfish, do share your story. I would love to hear that as well.

Our Jamaica 2014 - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 21:31:00 +0000

Have you ever visited a place and feel like you belonged there? You have a sense of belonging, and feeling like "home" is all around you. This is how I felt when we step outside of the airport after landing in Jamaica last week Friday.

David and I have never been to Jamaica together or alone. It's surprising because we've always had a heavy Jamaican influence over our lives since we were young. We grew up around so many Jamaicans when we lived in Brooklyn, NY. We've been influenced by the music, food, and culture all of our lives but have never visited until now. You can only imagine the delight we experienced. It was the best.

I have a lot of pictures from our trip to share. I won't be able to do it all at once so here is part one - our flight to Jamaica and check-in at the Half Moon Resort in Rose Hall Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Lunch Dates Are For Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:45:00 +0000

There is nothing like a date with your Love in the middle of the day, out of the way, no kids, no hustle and bustle, no phone calls (well, maybe one or two for David), no one else but us.

Date nights and lunch dates are a part of the dna and culture of our relationship. I'd say we've been dating since we met and the dates just get better and better. I feel like a school girl when I'm out with him. We're usually holding hands, cuddling up on each other, and I couldn't count the number of times I blush during our conversations. It always feels like we just met or are newlyweds. I wouldn't want to imagine it any other way.

Below are a few pics from one of our recent rendezvous.
Oh, and there's a pic with a question at the end from us to you.

So, when is your next date?

xo,

The 26th Affair

Currently Where The Light Is

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 23:24:00 +0000

Currently ~

Getting myself ready for a friends wedding on Saturday.

Hustling to get everything at home situated.

Adapting easily to the changes taking place in my life.

Feeling courageous about it.

Writing and not making much sense but writing anyway.

Trusting the process.

Welcoming new beginnings.

Pushing my way through doors that I thought were once closed to me.

Giving myself permission.

Owning my own greatness.

Being unapologetic about it.

Flirting with life.

Following my pleasures.

Where is your light, currently?

I Call It Sweetie & Some Things I Learned On My Raw Food Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 00:15:00 +0000

I'm a juicing, smoothie, blending, mixing, concocting, brewing, creating, wild woman, and I love it. Ever since deciding to do the 21 Day Fully Raw Challenge five weeks ago I can't, and won't stop. My Vitamix won't make me. LOL.

My diet is mainly raw now. I do a juice or smoothie, or fruit for breakfast. A raw or cooked vegetarian meal for lunch. And a huge salad or a huge bowl of fruit for dinner. Throughout the day I munch on nuts, vegan dehydrated chips, raisins, or fruit whenever I get hungry. It helps to have these kind of healthy food choices around me.

Physically I feel much better than I did a few weeks ago. I have more energy, I've released some pounds, I experience less bloating and indigestion. I also notice that the amount of food I eat at one time has decreased drastically. I use to eat so much food in one sitting and now the thought of it makes me feel ill. This was the best decision I made for myself. Since the challenge ended it has not been difficult to maintain this healthy, raw lifestyle. I decided halfway through the challenge that I was going to continue long after my challenge because of how I was feeling and the results I was getting. I prefer this and so does my body. I'll continue to write and make videos sharing all that I've learned and am still learning about eating raw.

If you're thinking about doing the challenge and need support, let me know. During the challenge I held a support conference call for the ladies who joined me. It was great. Twice a week for three weeks we got together to share our challenges, accomplishments, tips, and recipes. It helped me to get through the tough times which I experienced often. It was great to share and lean on women who decided to brave these waters with me.

Again, if you're thinking about doing a challenge like this one and need support send me an email and let's connect.

lisa@lisarcharles.com

On the morning I cooked my family the Vegan French Toast (that I couldn't eat it because I was still on the challenge) I prepared one of my favorite smoothies. I call this one, "Sweetie".

The recipe is below if you want to give it a try. Enjoy!

Slicing some pink lady apples.

Strawberries and apples.

Yum!

This is one of the easiest smoothies to make and it taste so good.

Here are the ingredients:

1 Cup sliced strawberries (I leave on the stems because of it's nutritional value)
2 Large Pink Lady Apples
A handful of Spinach (Not shown)
2 Dates (Not shown)
1 1/2 - 2 Cups of water

That's it!
Of course you can modify the amounts according to how much you want.

What's your favorite smoothie to make? Share in the comments, I'd love to give it a try.

xo,

The Wanderlust - The Beach - And The Camino

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:22:00 +0000

Back in February David and I took a trip to Jackson Beach Florida. We had so much fun. I was happy to get away and spend time with him. He was going for business and I for pleasure. We both satisfied what we were there for. It had been awhile since an opportunity of this kind presented itself. When it came up we were both ready and eager to go.

We spent two nights and three days and our hotel was five minutes away from the beach. It was perfect. We didn't get to do much site seeing but we weren't there for that. He was there for business, I was there for pleasure and we used that time to marry both.

A friend recommended the book in the picture below. He said I needed to read it and when I was done I'd know why. I read it in the two days while I was there. Between my hotel room and time spent at the beach I finished reading the entire thing and knew exactly why I needed to read it.

The Camino - A Journey of the Spirit is a true story about a woman's spiritual journey that takes her on one of history's most difficult pilgrimages, by foot, for thirty days, in Spain, along the Santiago de Compostela Camino. The things she learned about herself, people, the way she dealt with people in difficult situations, changed her life. I watched her grow into a different women than when she began. This pilgrimage is not for the weak at heart. Many go into it thinking one thing and realize quickly it was not what they thought. Many people don't finish and some have lost their lives. I watched her use tools alongside the road to give her strength when she didn't think she could go any further. She got lost. She found her way. She cried, she smiled, she met and lost friends. She pressed on, and on, not for anyone else but for herself. She did this for herself.

There is something about traveling away from your daily routine that allows you to reconnect and rediscover that which is inside of you. Sometimes it's exactly what we need in order to refocus, plan, and simply reset.

This was a great read and was perfect for my trip.

The beach was lovely. It was just what I expected - peaceful, serene, welcoming, loud, moist, familiar, soothing, patient, firm, gently, vast, deep, plentiful. It was cold and windy, getting in or dipping my feet in was out of the question. I simply enjoyed being there, being in the same space as the ocean. Being in the same space as Mother Ocean. I was home.

This was the beginning of my travels this year. A couple of months later I was in Atlanta, and a few weeks from now (and later this year) I'll be traveling again. Like I said earlier, traveling allows you to reconnect with that which is most important, yourself. It should be done often. It should be on the top of our "what we value list". I also believe that traveling doesn't necessarily have to take you out of town. You could book a room at a hotel and spend a couple of days away right at home. You don't have to go far to find that space and time you need. If you've been putting it off and you know you don't need to any longer, stop, book that room, or that flight right now. You'll thank me later. This I know for sure.

Here are some ways I've been able to create space in order to get away.

~ Add it to my value list. My time is valuable. I make it a priority. If I value my time away then I'll do whatever it takes to get.

~ Make sure others value your time away as well. The people around you have to see you valuing your time. Make sure you are leading them by example. Show them that you care so that they will care too.

~ Schedule it. Schedule your time away and stick to it. Put it on your calender like you would anything other special occasion. Once a month, twice a month, every other month - whatever floats your boat. Once it's on paper you'll plan for it.

I hope these tips help and I'll soon be hearing where your wanderlust has taken you.

Where have you traveled to this year? Are you planning on traveling soon, if so, where? I would love to hear about your travels and traveling experiences.

Share with me.

The Beautiful Disruption by GG Renee Hill - A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Fri, 30 May 2014 23:14:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of reading, The Beautiful Disruption by GG Renee and was asked to write about it. I was so moved by her story, and the familiarity of it shook me deeply. I was happy to write something for her and wanted to share it with you.

This is what I said:

I saw myself in the pages of this book. Each page I turned I recognized me. I connected with GG's story, with her experiences, with her courage. I cried at a few places and other's I had to stop reading because the feelings were too strong. Memories of my own experiences came back to me. These moments gave me an opportunity to sit with and face those experiences again, with courage.

GG Renee writes with passion, conviction, and courage in sharing her intimate story with us. Her book will help you navigate your way through challenging experiences that you think you cannot overcome. In "The Beautiful Disruption" she let's us know that we can.

My own childhood experiences dealing with a mom who didn't know how to connect with me intimately, who was heavily influenced by others around her, left me feeling alone and unwanted. As a girl child trying to navigate her way through this thing called life, not having a mother who showed her how, I understand the struggles that GG Renee speaks about. I didn't think I had the courage and the tools to become a whole and complete woman.

It hasn't been an easy journey. I've had to figure out things on my own, just like she describes in her book. There are times when she wanted to pick up the phone and simply speak to her mommy but couldn't because her mothers struggles always got in the way. When life gets so heavy I still want to pick up my phone and make a call to my mom. I wish we could have a heart to heart intimate conversation about life, love, family, children, sex, husbands. This is sometimes difficult to accept but over the years it has gotten easier to deal with.

From young I've learned to use my experiences for my good. Instead of dwelling on what I didn't have I focused on what I wanted to have. I focused on the woman I wanted to be. I pulled from outside resources such as my friends moms and women such as Maya Angelou. I knew that there was another way and I was determined to have it. I wanted to learn how to be a mother to my daughters that I would be proud of. Like GG Renee, I found the courage to rewrite my future through embracing my past.

GG Renee's book is a must read. Her story will inspire you, open you up, and help you to find beauty in your struggles.

When you come across a beautiful soul, one that is kindred spirit, you automatically know. Thanks to instagram, once again, for helping me to meet this amazing woman. Our connection was so real, so heartfelt, right from the start. I love the work that GG Renee is doing in helping women to embrace the beauty of who they are. I was featured as one of her Soulful Beauties and was completely honored to share who I am with her audience.

She's doing wonderful things for herself, you, and me. She just recently launched a new baby called, Blog and Bloom // Creative Coaching For Soulful Bloggers. If you ever wanted to start a blog but have no clue as to how, or fear would get in your way of moving forward, take a look at what she's offering. It may be the help you need.

I'm always up for delving into good reads. Right now I have my hands full of books to read. Some of them, like I mentioned to you before, are by friends that I've met online. I can't tell you how good I feel knowing that I'm reading something from someone I've admired and have had some kind of personal interaction with. It's the best feeling in the world to be able to support them on their journey.

If you have any book suggestions for me please send them my way. My list is long but I'll eventually get to read each and every one of them. That's a promise I made to myself.

What's been on your nightstand lately?

By the way, have a wonderful weekend!

Fabulous Finds Friday #24 - Maya Angelou - Love Liberates (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Thu, 29 May 2014 17:55:00 +0000

"Love liberates. It does not bind."
Maya Angelou

Oh, my, my. This piece is one of the most beautiful gifts this incredible woman has blessed us with.
Please listen as I did. Feel moved as I did. Compelled to liberate with Love.

Because of her I call myself a poet, a writer.

Fabulous Finds Friday

xo,

The Sunday check-in*

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Mon, 26 May 2014 15:12:00 +0000

(My 14 year old son, holding a flower he brought to me. It's the little things.)

Reading...Meditation Secrets for Women: Discovering Your Passion, Pleasure, and Inner Peace by Camille Maurine & Lorin Roche. The joys of having an amazon wishlist that my awesome husband has access to. Thanks to him I’m reading this delicious read.

Feeling...my own, because this day belongs to me. Deeply connecting to myself, discovering more to my womaness, discovering more of what makes me whole. "For her womaness is a blessing about her, and you are tender to put your hands upon her and kiss, not with lust, but with the joy of one returning to a lost one." ~ Richard Llewellyn

Smelling...the yummy pot of Lentil Peas Soup (recipe coming soon) I just finished cooking because while I was laying in my bed meditating this morning that same smell flooded my nose. I knew it was time to get up and cook that peas. Love that my children awoke to those aromas. I hope they felt the same good feelings inside of them as I did.

Tasting...a bowl of grapes that was the start of my breakfast.

Listening...to my voice within. Allowing her to be my guide today. Completely surrendering to what she wants me to do today at every given moment. This is why I’m writing this blog post right now. *I give thanks to the email I read from Susannah literally just an hour ago that inspired this post. I call these moments, “whispers from the web.”

Creating...in ways that are appropriate to me. Yesterday I drew the Oracle Goddess card, IX Chel, who is the Goddess of creativity. How on time is this? Goddess IX Chel beckons us to express creativity, allow our creative energy to flow, be daring about it, and let nothing stand in our way. Wholeness is nurtured when we open to our creativity and live it. I'm going to live it.

Wanting...to finish an article I promised to give to a fellow blogger friend. When I started this article I didn’t give it my undivided attention. I didn’t give it my all. My editor (Husband) read it and said, “uh-uh. Back to the drawing board.” My heart was broken up about it. I later realized that I was writing with "other people" in mind. I wasn’t writing from my heart and a distraction like this always gets in the way. Since then, I wrote the first draft and I’m pleased. I will see what he says and then take the next time. I will get it done.

Pondering...this space that I’m in. What picture to put with this post? What juice am I going to make when I’m done writing? What writing assignment will I work on next? What time will I take my children to the park today if today’s the day? How my husband is feeling at work today? How much more of my book will I read today? Should I wash another load of laundry today? Should I shampoo my nine year olds locs today, or tomorrow? How in the midst of all these “to-do’s” can I nourish me, can I deeply connect with me? How will I take the time, to sit, and just be, with me?

I’ll leave you with a quote to ponder from the book I’m reading. As a woman, maybe these things are important to you and you haven't been able to take time for yourself as you need. Maybe you've been trying to figure out how. Keep trying, the answers will come. It's a must that we do this, often.

“Just to take time for ourselves, apart from the many relationships we have, can seem almost forbidden. Our lives are so full and complex, with so much to attend to, that the thought of having time to “just be” seems indulgent and impractical. As women, caretakers of the world, we submit our instincts to the needs we read in others. We lose touch with our nature. We must “re-main” each other, we must remember, again and again, to choose ourselves.”

I'd love to hear your "Sunday check-in". You can leave it in the comments or write a blog post and leave the link in the comments.

xo,

Day 2 After Going Fully Raw For 21 Days - I Feel Amazing! (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:21:00 +0000

I made it!! In this video it's day 2 off of the 21 day fully raw challenge and listen closely on what to look out for and what you may experience.

This has been one of the best things I could have done for myself. Whoo hoo!! Can you tell that I'm excited?

By the way, the word that I was trying to pronounce is, Falafel. My husband is always teasing me about how I jack up that word. Hey, what can I say, I try.

Click here.

First Time Making Vegan French Toast - Slammed It!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Thu, 22 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Saturday night I sat at my computer browsing for vegan recipes which lead me to watching one of my friends on youtube. I found the recipe that I was going to try Sunday morning! Vegan French Toast. It looked so yummy and so easy, I had to give it a try. It was perfect because I had some really, really ripe bananas that no one wants to eat but are still good for making smoothies and now, french toast. Brilliant!

Thank you Aly, for making this dish look incredibly easy and delicious. I love your youtube channel and blog. (P.S, I've known Aly since the beginning of my online adventures. We met blogs back in 06'. I love the blogosphere for things like this.)

I'll share the pictures first and then the recipe at the end. Enjoy!

Really, really ripe bananas are good to use in this recipe. Before you say, eww, bananas are best eaten speckled. These are best in smoothies as well.

Coconut milk. Two cans worked for the amount I needed.

Bananas in the Vitamix, oh yeah.

Coconut milk added, just enough to cover the bananas.

Mmmmm.

Bananas and coconut milk blended together.

Batter into the bowl.

Coconut oil I got in my Klout package. First time trying this brand. I really liked how it didn't burn fast in my pot.

I started with a plain batch at first. Meaning, no cinnamon, or nutmeg added to the batter.

Fully covered slice of toast. I used whole wheat bread. Next time I'll switch it up and try another brand, just to see what I like.

First slice slowly added to my already hot pot with a few drizzles of coconut oil.

Batter with cinnamon and nutmeg added to it.

It smelled so good. We could smell the bananas and coconut milk.

Finished product. It was a winner. Kid and Husband approved.

Sunday was my last day of the 21 day fully raw challenge so I couldn't even eat the french toast. LOL. I will next time though.

I made enough batter to make 22 slices of french toast with the amount of ingredients I used. Recipe below.

Ingredients -

6 really ripe bananas
2 cans coconut milk
Bread of your choice
Coconut oil for frying. You can use whatever oil you like.
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Whatever other spices you like

Blend bananas and coconut milk.
Pour into large mixing bowl.
Add spices.
Heat oil in frying pan.
Dip bread into batter.
Slowly lay battered covered bread onto oil in frying pan.
Fry until golden brown, then flip.
Remove when firm on both sides.

Simple. I will definitely be cooking this again.

If you give it a try let me know.

I've Been Perked by Klout - Moms Make A World of Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sun, 18 May 2014 17:42:00 +0000

Last week Saturday my son went to the mailbox for me and came back with this. Just in time for Mother's Day I received this huge box of goodies from Klout in honor of mothers, families, and communities around the world. "Fair Trade USA, Moms Make A World of Difference" is making a difference in the lives of many.

With every purchase you make of any fair trade certified product you are helping communities living in poverty take care of their families. Visit, www.befair.orghttp://www.befair.org/ to find out about Fair Trade Moms and how you can contribute.

Here are some examples of how Fair Trade helps invest in the lives of others.

Fair Trade is helping moms in Rwanda buy their kids shoes so that they can attend school.
It's giving expectant mothers in Ecuador safe working conditions and maternity leave.
It's empowering women in Peru to earn a fair share for their work so that they can buy nutritious food for their families.

"Fair Trade is a powerful model to fight poverty in farming communities. The idea is that you purchase the Fair Trade product and the farmer receives a fair share for his or her hard work. This model allows farmers to keep their kids in school, bring medical care and clean water to their communities, and improve the quality of their products. The choice is a small one, but collectively, our small purchasing decisions have a large impact on families and communities."

Dig in, and support where you can. I'm sure you'll find a product or two that's just for you.

#BeFair

#FairTradeFaves

This is by far the best Klout perk I've received.

I love supporting whenever and wherever I can. It's an importance that I instill in my children. My hope is that they'll continue with the desire to give back, to help, to be a part of changing someones life for the better.

*Disclosure - I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Day 13 of My 21 Day Fully Raw Challenge (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Fri, 16 May 2014 00:05:00 +0000

It's coming down to the end of my 21 day fully raw challenge, and on this day of the challenge I felt incredibly amazing.

Check it out as I share what's next for me.

I hope that my journey to health has been an encouraging one to you. I hope that you have been inspired to begin something that you've been putting off.

It takes one step forward, just one step. Begin where your feet are.

Click play.

Mother's Day Goodies + A List of What I Know For Sure

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Wed, 14 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000

~ A basket full of goodies which held a few of my favorite, favorite things.
~ Cards created by two of the baddest stick drawing little people I know.
~ Time reflecting on what I mean to my family.
~ Knowing that celebrating me is not just a one day affair.
~ Appreciating that the word Mother is a verb.

~ To some, I'm no longer Mommy, I'm Mom. Not sure how I feel about that but for now, it's fine.

~ Seeing the fruit from planting all those mama seeds.

~ Grateful that they chose me

~ The joy that's in my heart from knowing that they know...they are enough.

Her. And, this face. xx

Can't wait to wear this Caftan on the beach. Love the color.

Icing sure knows how to top the cake.

Recognizing ME In My Patterns - Our Word Writing Prompt

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:39:00 +0000

I am waiting for my mother to wrap her warm, sensual, loving, arms around me so tight that I could hardly breathe.

I am waiting for silence, stillness, pulse, open, warmth, rays, wet, peace, freedom, fear, waiting, shame, me.

I am waiting to have my shit together before I speak on it. Spit the fire of blood, that pulse, that beat, that rhythm, that is me.

I am waiting for love. courage. someone to say that I can. someone to lay it out for me, my plan. No, their plan. Not mine. Never will be.

I am waiting in no-land. in-between. in a hole.

I am waiting along with others who are afraid.

I am waiting with hope in my heart for a clear path. Please show me the way.

I am waiting under the shadows, under-neath my-self. Thump.

I am waiting no more. No more am I waiting. No more am I waiting.

Done.

~~~~~~~~~

After writing my way through this prompt the next prompt lead me to knowing this...

It began by me writing, "Most of the time..."

Most of the time I think I got it. The "it" being, my path and seeing it clearly which makes me not afraid to keep stepping. But, what happens when the path is not so clear and I can't see the next step in front of me? What happens in that moment?

Most of the time, I can name my course, with courage, with a smile, clarity.

It's when I'm not clear, the frown takes over.

Most of the time, I don't even remember where I am. The place becomes clouded, blind, fogged, musky, stifling.

Most of the time, I think I'm the shits. It's when I feel lost that I don't.

Most of the time, I can't even believe this is me. And it's in my beliefs that I AM.

Most of the time, I feel free. I do. I really feel free.

Most of the time, I know exactly what I want to do and do it. Most of the time.

Most of the time, I don't hide from myself. Nor anyone else. Most of the time.

Most of the time, I prefer to think rationally, instead of intuitively. Hmmm. Intuitive thinking takes to much time. Lies! Intuitive thinking is where my strength lies. Truth!

~~~~~~~~~

From today's, Our Word - The Collective Guide To Intuitive Writing, writing prompt: Repetition & Pattern.

Lesson revealed: Sometimes you have to take that next step not seeing clearly what that next step is but doing it anyway.

You have to trust that the path is already laid out for you. Just take the step. Just take the step.

I'm so grateful for the women who are a part of Our Word. Their writing has liberated me these past few weeks. These writing prompts has brought our the muse in me even more than I knew was there.
We are in our 5th week. Last week of this amazing course. If you're interested in joining the next session, take a look at the link above.

xo,

Day 8 of My 21 Day Fully Raw Food Challenge (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R Charles) — Sun, 11 May 2014 17:47:00 +0000

Here's another vlog update on my challenge. So far, so good. The day I did this video I had had a rough morning. All the details about it in the video.

To everyone who has been sending me love and encouragement during this challenge, thank you so much. I'm feeling it and it's definitely helping me to keep going.

Before I forget, remember to hit the subscribe button to receive updates on when I post videos. Thank you! xo