Happy Worm Moon!
March 13th was the New Moon and a time to set intentions and welcome new beginnings.
Watch this video for an awareness practice and some of my intentions moving forward!! Some big announcements in the video!!
One of the announcements is that I'm working on a workshop for Compassionate Listening.
Here's a 6 minute video with a demo on what to expect in the workshops!
Want these practices regularly to develop your mindfulness and active listening practices?
Join Om in the Home Revolution, my signature membership program.
Grab the Free PDF 15 Ways to Build Self compassion here
No matter how hard you try to make the holidays special and joyful, the grief creeps up in the most mysterious ways.
Read more...
This is in no way supposed to be funny. I really am serious. Sugar is a drug and sugar is addictive.
Just read this for more information about how sugar acts in the body.
I remember as a kid eating sugar out f the sugar bowl as a kid. Instant boost!
Now, as an adult, I've realized that I'm a binge eater and also I have bad withdrawals. When my blood sugar drops, I get angry! I've seen this in my daughter as well.
So, with other addictions you cannot have any of said substance or you'll go back to dependency. I've found this to be true for me. If I have sweet treats in my house, I can't stay away from them. Holidays are the hardest because I overeat and I can't stop.
Of course abstinence is the best option, but I want to have some treats as long as I'm being intentional. I've found the best thing for me is to have rules.
That's why I've found Intermittent Fasting (IF) to be the best for me. I can have a sweet treat everyday and then not overindulge. I'm not spiking my blood sugar all day long and some days I don't even crave anything anymore. I don't usually eat before 11 am so it works well for me to have a late afternoon treat or a dessert.
On days that are special or a day that I fall off the bandwagon, I don't blame, shame, or have guilt anymore. Eating should not be linked to stress because that leads to horrible changes in the body as far as energy and hormones. This can further lead to weight gain and inflammation.
That's why my course doesn't restrict all sugar. Restrictive diets leave us feeling shame and guilt and we often just fall back to old habits. We need to reduce the cravings and enjoy sweets and carbs in moderation. Our thought patterns around food need to be positive and I include daily affirmations to reinforce this. My course will have you developing new patterns and new food choices so that it becomes a lifestyle not a diet! One of my favorite affirmations from the course is "I can make mistakes and be OK."
Read this for more on the psychology.
Want a detox course that you can do anytime you want?
It's designed to be done several times throughout the year so you can make incremental changes and build new habits. I also have a FB group to help with accountability. It's super affordable because everyone needs this course sometime!
Grab the Free PDF 15 Ways to Build Self compassion here
This week I was sent a gift that nearly brought me to tears. A simple mug that says, UNSTOPPABLE.
As a yoga and mindset coach, people often say to me things like:
"You are so calm."
"You are so strong. "
"I wish I could talk to my kids that way."
"I can't do yoga because I'm not flexible."
And the list goes on.
But, here's a little secret:
I have to work daily on my self confidence and on my mindset. You see, we all do! It's crucial to find a community and friends that will support you and push you to turn your doubts into action!
Video not available? Click here to watch!
So, when this mug arrived, I had to take a moment to realize that other people see me as Unstoppable. That's extremely flattering and I little bit intimidating because I'm not perfect.
No one is perfect though!
The friend that sent me this mug is a friend from my childhood neighborhood. But, here's the thing, we haven't talked in over 20 years! We reconnected this year over life circumstances (grief and mental health) and I'm so grateful.
This past year, I started a Facebook group for managing life's changes and sharing mindfulness and breathing activities. We all have our own journeys and we all learn from each other. Come join us!
Honestly, I think the group has been most helpful to me! It has allowed me to push through fears and doubts to create a life that I've only dreamed about! I now have a website, blog, 3 courses, and an online yoga club!!
AND, the best part is I have friends from all over the place that are there to support me and build my confidence while I support theirs!
Grab the Free PDF 15 Ways to Build Self compassion here
There's a fine line between scaring our kids and allowing them to build resiliency.
First, a story.
I took a group of kids from a nearby school on a mindful leaf hunt. At one point, I stopped to offer a silent walk. The task was given to take turns walking at a time spaced about 100 feet apart. I went first and employed a student leader to send the next. See, at this school, the kids are trusted and their leadership skills are developed.
It was a straight shot in the trail, but along a creek and surrounded with trees so there was little visibility. However, I could see the majority of the group as I looked back.
The kids were reminded to use our mindful senses of breathing, listening, and feeling the ground beneath them. I was promptly told that this is not a 'silent' walk, there are sounds all around. Well, geez, kids are amazing creatures!!
Well, as we reflected, I was taught some valuable lessons that day! Kids are not trusted enough AND we are building fear within them.
These are the things that they told me when asked about feelings that arose.
"I felt proud because I felt like an adult.""I felt scared because I'm not used to being alone.""I felt worried because other (younger) kids were left behind.""I felt happy to be walking in the woods."
Everyone's feelings were valid and we learned so much that day!
They are capable. They can do scary things.
Some things I learned this week about allowing our kids to work through fear.
1. If they are not given any opportunities to experience fear, they will not be able to experience growth.
We often shelter our children from situations that will cause them discomfort in some way. What if you gave them an age appropriate task and told them, "I trust that you can do this?"
Does this show them that you are scared? Does it show them that they are not trusted?
No, it gives them confidence.
As they go about the task, they feel capable. They feel proud. If they reach a stumble or a moment of self-doubt, they have your encouraging words, "I trust you." They start to trust themselves.
2. Processing strong emotions shows that it's ok to feel all the feels.
When a stumbling block arises or a fear arises, let's discuss that. Ask, "what did you feel as you finished your task?" Try not to judge or give your own projections. Just be a listening ear. It will amaze you at what kids come up with. End the conversation by seeing if they have a new strategy for dealing with the fear next time. Something that may help them face it head on.
Then....trust.
Your adult children will thank you!
Need some help with routines?
If you need help navigating your own fears, please hop on over to my Facebook group where we share stories of loss, fear, big changes, and big emotions.
Grab the Free PDF 15 Ways to Build Self compassion here
