They didn't get here...

I hate broken promises.  They kind of suck.  I hate them when it's a product - sure this will help me lose 10 inches off my waist, or I hate it when it's a BLOG that says the contest will be up, and then they aren't.  I blame technical difficulties, and a sick DH.  (Mostly the DH, but don't tell him that).  Anyway, they'll be up shortly.

So health today.  Moisture, good and bad.  Most people don't think about it unless they get too much or too little, but the thing is, it really is a necessity in our world of water.  Our bodies need it, the earth needs it, the air even needs it.  I finally got around to some necessities this week, and started getting my rain barrels ready for garden season, planned my garden/herb area, and called 2 stores to find my organic helpers.  Thanks to a very well studied grandmother in the area of plants, I am learning EVERYTHING (almost) that I need to plant a great organic garden with helpful and healthful food and herbs.  I'll keep you updated on who gets fried first, me or the plants, but that aside, I'm excited to have a good garden again.

See you tomorrow!

*sigh* Friday

I don't know if that's a sigh of resignation that this week was pretty much a bust for me, or if it's a sigh that yes, I made it to Friday.  If I work on the attitude outlook, it's a good sigh, I made it through illness and next week can be better, which outlook would be a lot easier if the illness had been the only mishap this week.  It's frustrating, life, sometimes.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes those frustrations are just part of the program like with my kids, but other things just feel like a kick in the pants.  Ok, enough wallowing.  I'm excited!  DH thinks he's figured out how to host the contests, so I guess they'll start tomorrow.  Yea!

First look at women's health.  I want to break this down initially at first to say that obviously a lot of health is not gender specific, herbs, massage, fitness, attitude, all unisex.  That being said, men and women are different on a very basic level as well.  We have different chemicals running our gears, different DNA altering our outcomes.  Most of the time I'm grateful to have those differences, but there's times I wish the differences weren't quite so large.

Like weight loss, my husband can decide he wants to lose weight and caught out soda for a week and go for a run once and lose 6 pounds.  I on the other hand, joined a gym last year, worked out 4 times a week, ate more greens, and gained 2 pounds.  Gotta love it.

So women's needs are to address the wonderful chemicals and lifestyles of women.  Women tend to be less muscular (lower metabolism), sleep differently (sometimes related to anxiety), and of course have PMS, prenancy, lactation, Menopause, etc, with the help of our hormones.  The key is learning how to work with our bodies.  I haven't perfected it (or even gotten that great at it) yet, but I'm working on it and I have high hopes.  Here's a list of common women natural cures.

Aloe vera - sunburns, scrapes, heartburn, and more.  Great multi-purpose herbs, and easy to grow plant!
Garlic - anit-fungal, colds, acne, bug repellent,
Cohosh - stabilizing estrogen - helps with getting regular periods (infertility), menopause, and inducing labor.
Peppermint - almost all abdominal problems, stomach, bowels, etc.
Apple cider vinegar - reduce bruising and aid in healing with compresses, baths, or rinses.
Arnica - muscles, yep, good stuff.
Witch hazel - astringent, anti-itch, vericose veins,
Valerian or Kava Kava - calming, antii-anxiety, stress relief

There's others like always, but these are ones I like to have (and usually regret when I don't) have on hand.  Pleased to be a woman. . . most of the time.  :)  See you tomorrow!

Sorry about yesterday

I had every intention of getting on, but woke up with pink eye.  Oozy and all.  So here's a quick post about some herbal remedies to help with pink eye, and I'll get to the woman's herbs later.  :)

I hate pink eye, not so much because it's that bad for me, but I've had a LOT of weird experiences with it.  I got it camping once, I got it on an anniversary trip to a remote place once (while pregnant), and I've gotten it a few other times as well.  I've only had one of my kids get it so far, (thank goodness), and my DH has gotten it a time or two.  Washing hands and sleeping, best things in the world with pink eye.  We don't have a lot of passing it around when we have it because we obey these rules.

• I've tried salt water before (stings!) and it's effective in removing the redness and inflammation pretty quickly, but doesn't help shorten it, that I've noticed. 
• I had a friend that used colloidal silver directly, use caution if you're going to try this, but it cleared up pretty well. 
• I know of a few herbs that help but there's also available in most stores Similasan which contains a lot of them and is already in a convenient drop.
• I also cannot say enough about heat.  Warm, wet compresses (you can add chamomile or black tea as well) work great!  They help to shorten the duration in my experience and frequently remove the pain and itching associated with the pink eye.

Yea for herbs, and after quite a few days with sleep interruptions, yea for sleep!  See you tomorrow.

Contests the end of this week!

Early preparation for those of you who want to get ready.   At the end of this week there will be 2 contests opening, one for becoming a follower of the blog, and one for ideas of what you'd like to learn about for your health.  Be creative, and have fun.

My healthy thought for the day: pressure.  I feel a lot of it right now, and most people have some of it every day.  Pressure can be invigorating, or overwhelming, intense or withering.  The main thing about pressure for me is acceptance.  I have to accept the pressure as a part of life, and I have to accept that how I deal with it is my own.  I have a fabulous book I bought a while ago, that was just a little inspiration book. 

Sometimes, we fail.  It doesn't have to defeat us, or even slow us down.  I'm trying to learn to be happy that when I'm failing, I'm still going, stumbling right along.

Tomorrow's post will be about "women's needs," so guys, you have the day off.  :)  See you then!

Pain in the head

Most of us have had our share of headaches, and one of the frustrating parts can be figuring out how to treat it.  Have you felt a headache coming on, took medicine and had it do nothing?  How about had a headache that was terrible and you tried so many things that by the time it went away you didn't know what actually worked?  Headaches are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, massage appointments or chiropractic needs outside of illness, so here's a good place to start.  Most headaches aren't illness, they're symptoms of another problem.  Before I continue, I want to state clearly: I am not a medical doctor, I am not diagnosing your illness, there are excellent doctors who will listen and help you.  Here is a checklist to help you determine what might be causing that pain in the brain.  Keep in mind that we are all different; by answering these questions for yourself, you will become more aware of what triggers, helps, or worsens the headache for you.  Knowledge is the first step.

Onset: 
Gradual or immediate?  Gradual is often associated with tension headaches, while sinus and migraine headaches tend to come on more quickly. 
Morning, evening, night?  If your headaches occur at the same time of day it could be a cluster headache or a type of migraine that reacts to something you do.  Tension headaches generally get worse at the end of the day or you wake with one if you've slept in a poor position.  Migraines can also begin in the morning, but most commonly you don't actually wake with one.
Caused by something?  Did you just eat, lean over, exert yourself, or change temperatures rapidly?  These can all indicate a specific type of headache.

Accompanying symptoms:
Migraines tend to have other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or fatigue.
Sinus headaches will frequently have other sinus issues present, scratchy throat from drainage, runny nose, congestion, and in almost all cases the headache will feel worse when you lean over forward and sometimes when you lie down (increase in pressure).
Tension headaches will frequently feel worse in some area, but the area may be hard to locate.  Tension headaches will also almost always have referral pain or cessation of pain when using trigger points.  (More on this later)

If you can determine what causes your headaches, what type of headache you have, or even just what makes them go away these can all help with your ability to overcome the headaches.

Things to try:
From your doctor - There are a large number of possible medications for headaches or migraines now, if your doctor diagnoses your specific type of headache. It might be beneficial to have medications on hand until you learn how to prevent your headaches.  Your doctor can also help you by providing some other aids if they're willing, including oxygen, muscle relaxants, or shots for inflammation.
From your chiropractor/massage therapist - Locate your trigger areas when you are having a headache and let your practitioner know where they are.  Most bodywork professionals will have tests at their disposal of some sort to help you in determining how to ease the pain.
For yourself - When a headache begins, try the following 4 tests to know how to best proceed.
1.  Lean over and stand up.  Extreme pain in the front of the face while forward - possible sinus, dizziness when standing back up - possible migraine.
2.  Locate 3 points to check for tenderness.
First draw a line from the top of your temple to the top of your ear, press along that line - if the pain worsens or lessens it's likely a tension headache and may involve jaw problems. 
Second check the base of your skull in the rear by your neck for tenderness, the sub occipital muscles back there can cause compression in your skull with the dura. 
Third carefully check under your ear and down about 1.5" towards your chest (careful not to press hard or long as you don't want to compromise blood vessels).  These side and front neck muscles (scalene and SCM) can frequently cause tension headaches as well.

Once you begin to understand the headaches you will be better able to find your own treatments and get the information to your doctor or health practitioner.

Please remember that herbs interact like medications - if you are taking blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants or other long term medications check with your doctor before using herbs.
Natural headache helps - Feverfew, White Willow bark (low dosage), relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing, etc), Ice (properly covered no more than 20min), heat to related muscles (areas where trigger pain was found), vitamin B (can also help prevent in some cases), Fennel (fresh is best), green apples, and peppermint.  Topical treatments work very well for most types of headaches.













There are far more options for specific headache types, and many possible ways to reduce your chances of getting them.  As always, I'd love your comments and questions either here or in email.  God bless, be well, and see you tomorrow!

Checking in

We're more than two weeks into the new year, how are you doing? Personally, it hasn't been my greatest start, but I do believe I'm working out the kinks. I need more time reflecting, exercising, and breathing too. I think I'll start, right now. In.... Out.... tomorrow can and will be great, I have a plan, the plan is good, follow the plan, etc, etc, etc. (Edited last words for any squeamish followers :) )

My mantra for this week, with its many meetings, appointments, and needs is, don't give up or in. A friend came up to me a couple of days ago and said she drank her water, to her and all of us, "Great Job, those small steps change more than we know!" See you tomorrow.

The power of touch

I have known people who say they never like to be touched, and I've known those that can't get enough.  Personally, I run an interesting middle line.  When my husband and I were dating, it drove him crazy that I didn't like to hold hands, but I'm also a massage therapist, so...   Let's talk touch.  Touch is actually a survival need, and the need is not limited to humans.  Primates are found to have the same need.  If you have a minute check out this experiment.  It's part of a tactile experiment done in the 50's that illustrated the needs of nurturing and touch.

Soft Monkeys

So touch is important, but that's not to say that we don't all have different ways and needs to receive this.  Some people who aren't used to a lot of contact prefer the smaller things, handshakes, pat on the back, helping hands, while others like almost all contact.  I was reminded myself about touch today when my daughter was lying down for her nap, and HAD to be touching my skin.  It was a comfort and security for her, and in our particular stage, she needed that.  After getting herself comfortable and touching my neck just the right way, her eyes closed and she fell swiftly to sleep.

My challenge to all of us today, is to be a little more open to the touch need.  Reach your hand out today, or if it's comfortable, let someone else touch you.  Being receptive to touch is a capability that we can learn and that can help us to have more tools when we feel alone, afraid, or sad.   Part of why it can be hard to be receptive to touch can be a fear of rejection, past history, or low self-esteem, but by partaking in human touch, we awaken in ourselves a very real sense of our connection to each other. 

I hope you have a great Monday and I'll see you tomorrow.

Fresh, dried, capsules, oh my!

I have had people ask me frequently about the different forms of herbs.  Which is the most effective, which is most potent, which is safest, etc.  The form in which you take your herbs may vary depending on your desired outcome. 

Capsules - These are an easy form to take herbs or herb combinations, as long as you don't have problems taking pills.  The pros of this form are you know how much you are receiving, it's easy to add to your routine, and they can be kept for a while when stored properly.  Standardization (the pills will be labeled as standardized) means the pills contain a standard level of specific parts or nutrients of the herbs.  Frequently, standardized herbs are the way to go, but I know of occasional testing where standardized still didn't deliver, so I prefer to go by brand.  I also really like an expiration date, that tells me these herbs are not old.  Some companies don't provide these because they don't have to, but I prefer them.

Loose - Loose herbs can be fresh or dried, and be added directly to foods, made into teas, or made into topical treatments.  The value of fresh herbs is that they are the most complete in their herbal value, because like all plants, once picked they begin to loose nutrients.  The problems will be that they will begin to rapidly loose their medicinal value if not stored properly.  It can also be difficult to get enough of the herb to have the desired benefit.  (It's like taking vitamin C pills vs. an orange.  The pill has a large set amount equal to MANY oranges and can be stored, the orange provides additional benefits though.)  Dried herbs can only be stored for a limited time, for most herbs about a year.  Loose herbs are a great form for direct treatment of something, a daily additive to foods, or to have living in a garden or pot. 

Tinctures - Most often steeped to concentration in alcohol, but they do have some in glycerin are also available.  These provide rapid and concentrated herbs for specific ailments.  The carrier will breakdown overtime, and the tincture often does not taste good.  I do recommend these for specific treatments because it's easy to absorb and be put to use in the body.

Powders are also available, but I seldom recommend these.  Herbs breakdown very quickly in powdered form, and even more so when exposed to light.  It's difficult to use them in an effectively and timely manner in powders, especially if you do not know how fresh the powder is.

There are a great many book about specific herbal remedies, suggestions and supplements, and if you're following the advise of one of these books or consulting a herbalist, you will probably be guided to a specific form, otherwise, use your best judgement!  See you tomorrow!

Massage and Fitness

I was privileged to write an article about massage and weight loss, and I thought some of you might like to read it.  I'd love comments as always!

Exercise and weight loss goals can be improved through massage.  Massage is generally touted for its relaxation and enjoyment properties, but it has great benefits for fitness and weight loss as well.  Our bodies naturally gain or lose weight based on conditions that we set within, and to a small degree by our outside environment.  The efficacy of this process can be affected by nutrition, hormones, exertion, and disease, and will be reflected in the ease of changing it.  When trying to achieve a higher fitness level, or weight loss, you are working to raise metabolism and overcome the body’s tendency to store calories.  Strengthening and improving muscle function is a process that involves creating small tears and repairs to muscle tissue.  Massage benefits this process through circulating oxygenated blood for the repairs, removing the byproducts from the injury, and maintaining full range of motion with less soreness.

Understanding how massage can help with weight loss and athletic fitness requires a basic understanding of what massage does.  Massage is the manual manipulation of soft and connective tissues.  A therapist uses techniques ranging from pressure points, broad circulation strokes and deep fiber mending strokes.  Overall, massage improves circulation, decreases blood pressure, aids detoxification from tissues, relieves pain, and can improve immune function.  Massage, like exercise, can expand joint range of motion, improve mood, and help the body to reduce stress hormones or chemical byproducts.  Weight loss resulting from massage can be linked to many of the specific effects of massage.  The circulation and removal of byproducts, such as, lactic acid for example, helps in muscle recovery and strengthening.  Improved range of motion, elevated mood and pain reduction can help you to be more active, increase endorphins and lower the body’s sympathetic response that leads to creation of fat cells.  Massages that are advertised to immediately reduce weight usually remove only water weight, and will not be a long-term solution. 

It’s important to understand that weight loss and improved fitness are goals that will take time, effort, and persistence.  When you’re working to improve what you are, any assistance, whether it be fitness programs, nutritional changes, or massage, enhance your abilities to succeed.  Aided by these changes, and above all else, your attitude will determine your success.   

Humor and embarrassment

Totally fluff post today. Laugh, have fun, even if at my expense today. Laughing increases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, burns calories, improves mood, and if you laugh out loud, may do all of those for others that hear you. This post is about laughter, and AN ANNOUNCEMENT... 2 upcoming sweepstakes!! Be on the lookout to enter.

Back to fun, I'm including some funny links, all about technology, I've seen recently, and then I'm going to tell you an embarrassing and funny story from my life. Up front I just want you to know, I no longer have the shirt.

Blackberry's not working
It Will Never Work
Country Tech Support

No more tech support, now the confusion of airplanes and embarrassment. I was traveling as a teenager with my mom. I'd been on airplanes often and never had any problems, so we sat in different rows. As the plane took off, I, without warning, vomited all over my shirt. The luggage was in the row with my mother and I didn't want to get up and walk down the isle, so I rang the stewardess button and asked her to get my mother from a couple of rows back. The poor gentleman next to me, sat there, still reading his paper, until my mom came up with the bag. She asked if he would trade her seats for a while, and helped me change. After changing, I still felt queasy, so I took out the airlines "bag". My mother suggested I visit the restroom. (Why is it that I didn't think of that? Apparently the stomach problems made my brain also stop working.) So I went to the bathroom and my lack of brain became a bigger problem. I entered the restroom and they had "bags" available in there as well. Now I was confused, do I throw up in the toilet? Or are they concerned about lingering smells? Do I throw up in the bag? If I throw up in the bag, do I leave it in the trash? If I do leave it in the trash, wouldn't that cause a bigger smell problem than the toilet? Why would they put a sick person through all this? Anyway, I finished my business and went back to my seat, where, not surprisingly, the gentleman had decided that my mother could just have his seat, and we finished the flight. To all stewardesses and stewards everywhere, I apologize for the "bags" but just so you know, it would be easier if there were signs. (Please vomit here.) 

Thanks! See you tomorrow.

To balm or not to balm...

Health is partly in how you feel, so why is it that some things that feel healthy really aren't?  Let's take lip balm for instance.  Great product, when done right.  It helps chapped lips to recover from the elements they are exposed to like wind, sun and cold.  However, when you add ingredients like preservatives, salts, petroleum products and even menthol, you may end up drying the lips further.  Many of the ingredients that feel so thick and smooth while being applied, are really the same ingredients that will later cause problems.  Lesson learned? - Like all good things, be informed, and read those labels!  Our lips, skin, and hair like the soothing things of nature, but not in a shiny chemical package.

Next, water.  Learn to like it, add lemons, honey, limes, orange, cucumber, whatever!  But, make sure you know what's already been added, too.  Most water supplies have levels of chemicals or contamination that the municipalities deem at safe levels, but safe can be relative.  Don't stop drinking your water, but learn what you can about where it comes from and what it goes through.  I have 3 preferred methods myself for water: 1 - I get bulk water from a local supplier who uses a 3 step UV and osmosis recycle system.  I also get a lower price by purchasing a punch card.  2 - I love my GE system for under my sink, it's complete, small and easy to install.  3 - I also have a filtration system in my fridge, works fine for most of the time.  I do purchase bottled water for some occasions, but I also know what it takes to produce those, so we have quite a few reusable bottles in our home for everyone.

Immune boosters - I will cover more about this in a while when we talk about people's experiences with major illness.  That being said, it's flu season.  What do you know about what's on your shelves?  Just a quickie for me... vitamin D (almost no one gets enough), vitamin C, spirulina, and Oscillococcinum
Side note: Eucalyptus essential oil and hazelnut carrier oil are on sale at Mountain Rose Herbs this month.

Fitness Goals

I promised it would be forthcoming, and here it is. Suggestions for your fitness goals. First I'd like to begin by raving about help. GET HELP! (hehe) Workout with a friend, having someone you're accountable to, or use an online program. There are a BUNCH of online things that are starting right now and reward you for doing well. YES, bonus! Here are some that I've tried before and are available now.

Self with Jillian
Body By Glamour
Special K

If that isn't your route, know that success in fitness goals will always get easier with time.  There is no best time to work out in my experience.  The experts tell people not at night because they don't sleep as well, but in my years of helping people, some people do experience the extended adrenaline of moderate workouts or endorphins interrupting sleep, but others who work out at lower intensity just after work do exceptionally well.  I have worked with athletes who just have to discover what works for them, and I, along with any other non-athletic types, have the same objective.  To find what works with your own body and family schedule, though, will require inital flexibility. 

Finding where should be easier, some can only be motivated in a gym, others prefer the privacy, or cost of doing it from home.  I've had a number of successful experiences with both.  Here's a video that my DH and I just started with.  It's pretty awesome for the different levels and required time, but DH adds that Jillian doesn't know when to stop talking. 


Keep in mind that the best fitness goals incorporate the triangle of fitness, stretching, strength and cardio.  Cardio should be 5 times a week with a raised heartrate, great calculator here.   Strength is at least 3 days a week of targeted strength workouts.  Stretching, I believe, should be incorporated into every single day.  I will post later a wide range of stretches for various health purposes. 

So, to sum up, do it, find what works, tell or work out with a friend, and vary your workouts.  Simple enough, just have to find the time and motivation.  More on that later.  :)

First Herbal Post

Sorry that it's been 2 days, I've had my darling 3 year old with a fever that's been going to over 105 for the past 3 days. This brings me to my first post about herbs and natural remedies that I have learned. This is in no way a complete list and if you'd like more information or ideas, let me know. Keep in mind that cold symptoms (or strep and UTI symptoms which is what my daughter has) have a purpose. The fever is the body's way of creating a hostile environment for the virus or bacteria, the congestion and swelling, is to protect the body and bring needed nutrients and immune fighters to the area. That being said, here are some ideas that I have personally tried with success and recommend.

Garlic, echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc are common cold fighters. They all can help to varying degrees for different things. Ginger, cayenne and honey work well to help with conditions of the throat or digestive tract.

For herbal tea treatments (not black tea, just steeped herbs) I highly recommend elderberry and marshmallow root. They taste good together and help aid the body in immune restoration. Turmeric and elderberry can also be taken in pill forms, but I don't recommend the root in pill form, I haven't had as many good experiences with it like that. I love marshmallow root and try to have it on hand at all times if possible. White willow bark is an excellent anti-inflammatory if that is more of the issue. Calendula and Yarrow root can also be great, but watch for sensitivities with these.  I use calendula cream for many things including burns, bites, and rashes.

Marshmallow Root

Mountain Rose Herbs Marshmallow Info




For aromatherapy, I recommend tea tree (a natural antiseptic), peppermint (dilator), eucalyptus, and spruce (pain relief).

Keep in mind this is not a complete list, just things that I use regularly for myself or my clients. As always, to aid your body's natural health, sleep 7-9 hours each night, get plenty of water (learn how you like it), and take in wholesome foods. See you tomorrow!

Going to waste... and smiles

I like the reflection, it's bringing some interesting things to mind.  It's funny that sometimes we do something just so it doesn't "go to waste".  It's important to make sure that when we don't want something to go to waste that the alternative isn't wasteful either.  Eating something, buying something, or doing something we don't really want can be a tremendous waste.  Our time, energy and health are precious commodities.  Let me give you a couple of examples.
My kids don't eat all of their dessert, but it's the homemade pie that we made, so I finish it off.  Is that really saving food?
Or, I've seen great deals on small bottles of concentrated detergent.  I have 2 detergents that my family use regularly, one organic, the other regular, but if I buy one of the small concentrated bottles am I saving money or the planet?  A small plastic bottle that won't biodegrade and minimal detergent until I have to drive to the store again. 
Or, if I spend the extra few minutes to finish a game or book and not have to save it or carry it around longer and I miss tucking my kids in, what was wasted?

In some cases it's worth it to save waste, in some it depends on my personal circumstance, and in others, it's just about changing my views. 

For those of you wondering I've included a link to our favorite organic detergent.


So what do you think?  How can we avoid waste and still prioritize what's most important?  Let me know your thoughts!

Remember to smile, it releases endorphins, uses more muscles, and improves all those who see it. Happy day!

This was fun, want to appear as a Covergirl? Check this out.

A begrudging thought

I should have warned you about this yesterday, it's a great side effect of conscious breathing, but can also require personal will.  I did my conscious breathing last night before bed, which I recommend as a great reflective time. 
As a side note, I also recommend having a notebook beside your bed each night to write down ideas, thoughts and things you remember in the evening.  It helps you to obtain better sleep because you can write them down and then let them go. 
Anyway, while breathing I was thinking about what to discuss on my blog and how to illicit ideas from others.  If you've read my profile on here, or if you know me, you know that I love hearing other people's stories.  I love learning what they know, and I love to listen to them.  I wanted my blog to help me to learn more about health and well-being for myself, share what I learn and know, and learn from the readers.  This was a great reflection until I awoke with a start at 4am this morning, unable to go back to sleep, because I realized that I was not helping my kids to be as healthy as they should.  I know parents sometimes overlook the behaviors and attributes of their children out of love, but sometimes I know that we also need to look at those things.
My new appointed task for today, and hopefully in the coming weeks to be carried out, is to find ways to help my kids be healthier.  I want them to make better food choices, not just because I set the example or because some are available, but because I make it easy and important for them. 
I welcome, even beg for, your ideas. 
See you tomorrow.

First Monday 2011

The real week is beginning.  This is when resolutions, and constitutions meet.  A new year of believing that I can be healthier, happier and better.  I worked out last night, AND I started a new book today. CHECK!  I heard from a friend that she prefers a word for the year as opposed to an actual resolution.  It becomes like an affirmation or mantra and helps you to focus your goals and activities accordingly.  Sounds great to me. 

Health tip for the year number one - Breathing.  Yoga stresses it's importance so if you practice yoga it's a part of what you do.  For the rest of us, (or even those yogi's that haven't mastered it) breathing is an integral part of health.  When doing massages for people who are rebuilding strength, we do some intensive work together.  It makes great progress, but I remind them, if you feel like you need to hold your breath, it's too much.  Sometimes stress, emotions, or illness changes our breathing, but it's one of our greatest resources that's always around.  Conscious breathing can help lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones, and even reengage your metabolism helping your energy levels. 

This week start a habit of breathing deeply for 5-10 minutes.  Let me know where your mind goes, it's a most fascinating journey.  See you tomorrow, and keep emails and comments getting started!

Happy New Year 2011

Read my two December posts if you haven't, and let me know what you think!  I'd love to hear what YOU are working on, and I'd love your input and ideas for 2011.  This year is will likely see people while recovering from the economic stress by seeking personal growth.  In a state of recovery people will be refocusing on home, health, and those things that will help them prepare for what's next.  Along those lines, I have decided on my resolution. 

I resolve to seek and overcome fear.  In this past year I have felt overwhelmed, lost, and alone at times, in the coming year I will actually seek for gratitude, hope and ideas when having those feelings.  I will seek to learn more, do more, and experience more.  I will reach out to others and overcome my own feelings of fear.  I will appoint time to read something new, meet someone and learn about them, and make a time each month to reflect on every blessing in my life. 

Check this song out, it's kind of a fun thinking about what we "should" be doing and what we can be doing. 

So everyone, here's to what we CAN be doing!  Let's make the most of this year!  Yea, 2011!