It's funny how when you're a teenager, you think you know who you are. You think your parents haven't a clue as to who you are, but in actuality, you don't know who you are.
You move into your 20's and you think, 'Ok I REALLY know who I am...', and yep you guessed it, you still don't have YOU down yet. You hit mid-30's and something happens like you lose your job or lose a family member and it's at these extreme moments you start to examine your life and who you are...or at least you would hope to be examining your life. Some folks are well into their 40's and 50's and still acting like a fool-LOL.
I have to say for myself, I have always known what I liked and disliked and what I would tolerate and wouldn't tolerate, but I wasn't tapped into who I was. Yep, I was...like e'ryone else! It wasn't until my 30s that I started to ask myself "Who the heck are ya?", and really looked at myself. Of course at that time, I worked in the entertainment/music industry and although I loved being a part of the whole process of getting the music to the masses, I felt as if being a part of that process was de-humanizing my soul. Yes, it was that deep for me. I saw people back-stabbing each other to get ahead, lying just to make themselves look better and stooping to any level just to be successful. I began to feel that it was all totally 'against my grain'; I was not cut out for that.
So for me the 're-invention of myself' starting then; I began to do things that I felt in my heart and soul...things I had a passion for. One thing I was passionate about was my women's empowerment group. I created the group to bring together women in the music industry who were like-minded; women who wanted to be in the industry but not sell their souls to get ahead. I began to create and host various seminars and I can't begin to tell you how much joy it brought to me. This was my beginning of really getting to who I was.
What are you passionate about? What brings you pure joy? Are you really being all that you can be? Are you true to your Self? These are questions I also asked myself and still ask. Everyone has a purpose and sometimes the things or people we have in our lives prevent us from fulfilling that purpose. Take a look at your life...really look at it. From the job you have or career to the relationships you have in your life. Is your life a true representation of what's true to Self? Is your soul 'at peace' with what you do on a day to day basis?
Don't be afraid to re-invent yourself. And age doesn't matter...the important thing is that you just do it. You were put here on this Earth to do exactly what you are destined to do. But you have to clear out all the nonsense and clutter in order to fulfill your purpose. Don't do it now...do it RIGHT NOW!
Peace and be well!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
A resilient spirit
"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." -Stephen Covey
Think about that for a moment...pretty profound isn't it? We often limit our view of ourselves as just this physical body, with all these thoughts, feelings, emotions and that's it. We think of ourselves as just being what we see in the mirror or feel when get dressed or take a shower, etc. The truth is we are more than that and more in tuned to our spiritual self than we'd like to believe.
I have realized in that past several years, that I am more than what I see or what I even think. If you are fortunate, you become aware of your true Self or your spiritual being when you experience something negative or even positive. Having had my share of breakups over the years, there was one relationship that really rocked me to my core. I became very depressed, lost weight and literally cried myself to sleep every night. I'd wake up, cry some more, and start my day in misery. In those dark moments, you only identify with the loss you've experienced. You think that's everything...who you are, how you live, how happy you are, etc. However, I shifted my focus on my spiritual self and realized, that I could be happy and at peace just knowing who I am. Period. It wasn't because of someone or something that brought peace to my soul or happiness from deep within. It was my empowering spirit...my unshakable drive to keep moving forward that gave me happiness and peace. And that spirit is fueled by a higher power; for me that is God. For someone else it may be Jehovah, Allah, the Universe or whatever...just know that it must come from a sense of knowing there is a higher power. That my friend, is how you slowly but surely strengthen your spirit.
Our spirits are free, true and resilient. No matter what happens around us, our spirits remain the same. There honestly isn't anything that can hurt, destroy or change our spirits, without our permission. And even when you feel that your spirit is diminished or destroyed, look deeper within and you'll find that it still remains in tact. Think about it: if you are facing or have come through any difficult situations, the truth of the matter is YOU CAME THROUGH IT. You have survived it and are even stronger than before.
Be well!
Think about that for a moment...pretty profound isn't it? We often limit our view of ourselves as just this physical body, with all these thoughts, feelings, emotions and that's it. We think of ourselves as just being what we see in the mirror or feel when get dressed or take a shower, etc. The truth is we are more than that and more in tuned to our spiritual self than we'd like to believe.
I have realized in that past several years, that I am more than what I see or what I even think. If you are fortunate, you become aware of your true Self or your spiritual being when you experience something negative or even positive. Having had my share of breakups over the years, there was one relationship that really rocked me to my core. I became very depressed, lost weight and literally cried myself to sleep every night. I'd wake up, cry some more, and start my day in misery. In those dark moments, you only identify with the loss you've experienced. You think that's everything...who you are, how you live, how happy you are, etc. However, I shifted my focus on my spiritual self and realized, that I could be happy and at peace just knowing who I am. Period. It wasn't because of someone or something that brought peace to my soul or happiness from deep within. It was my empowering spirit...my unshakable drive to keep moving forward that gave me happiness and peace. And that spirit is fueled by a higher power; for me that is God. For someone else it may be Jehovah, Allah, the Universe or whatever...just know that it must come from a sense of knowing there is a higher power. That my friend, is how you slowly but surely strengthen your spirit.
Our spirits are free, true and resilient. No matter what happens around us, our spirits remain the same. There honestly isn't anything that can hurt, destroy or change our spirits, without our permission. And even when you feel that your spirit is diminished or destroyed, look deeper within and you'll find that it still remains in tact. Think about it: if you are facing or have come through any difficult situations, the truth of the matter is YOU CAME THROUGH IT. You have survived it and are even stronger than before.
Be well!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ohmmm…let the meditation begin.
Meditation probably conjures up an image of an old Buddhist monk in a temple on a mountain-top, sitting on the floor. His legs are crossed, incense it burning and he's chanting. People may see this image and think, "I can't even find a quiet place much less sit still for 5 minutes?" Alas, meditation is so much more.
Meditation is a holistic practice that transforms the mind and sharpens your awareness, to experience a state of pure of higher consciousness. This is achieved by engaging in various breathing techniques, allowing you to focus on yourself and relieve any stress.
The benefits from meditation are so vast. Meditation not only has physical benefits but physiological benefits too! Decreases respiratory rate, significantly lowers blood pressure (as much as 15-20 points), leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation, decreases the aging process, prevents, slows or controls pain of chronic diseases, reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate...and much more.
When you are stressed, there are physical things that happen to your body: adrenaline, epinephrine and noradrenalin are secreted into the blood stream, causing increased blood pressure, heart rate and body metabolism. It brings about the 'fight-or-flight' response. The funny thing about the fight-or-flight response is that we do need it for survival. However, in this day and age, there are so many situations we are placed in that activate that response and our bodies cannot tell if it's a real fight-or-flight situation. It may be that we are waiting on a long line, at the post office and there is only one teller. Immediately you become impatient and upset which triggers this response. This constant stress can lead many chronic conditions and dis-ease in the body, which diminishes quality of life on a whole.
Meditation is something that takes practice, each and every day. The more you meditate, the more you train your mind to release and return to that state of higher consciousness.
So, how do you begin to meditate? Well, it's easier than you think. Here are a few tips:
Find a quiet place. It will be very helpful to find a quiet place (especially when you are a beginner), to meditate every day. Turn the TV off, cell phone, computer...everything.
Set aside a period of time to meditate. In the beginning, I suggest starting out 5-10 minutes a day. When you get into the practice and begin to master the art of quieting the mind and becoming centered, increase the time to 20-30 minutes.
Start with the breath. Breathe deeply to begin to slow your heart rate, relax the muscles and focus your mind. Let your awareness settle on your breath. In the first few minutes just observe how you are breathing; don't try to change it. Allow yourself to naturally change your breathing.
Noises/distractions in your environment. Your attention will be drawn towards cars honking, kids playing or even birds chirping. That is perfectly fine. I listen to a CD that tells you to include all those noises and just bring your attention to your breath. With time, you will be able to naturally include all that is going on around you but keep it from interfering with your meditation.
Begin to feel your body parts. Take notice of your body. Start from the tips of your toes and scan all the way to the top of your head. Any area where you find stress, just breathe, surrender and release the tension.
So if you're ready to improve the quality of your life, incorporate meditation in your day to day. You won't regret it!
Be well!
Meditation is a holistic practice that transforms the mind and sharpens your awareness, to experience a state of pure of higher consciousness. This is achieved by engaging in various breathing techniques, allowing you to focus on yourself and relieve any stress.
The benefits from meditation are so vast. Meditation not only has physical benefits but physiological benefits too! Decreases respiratory rate, significantly lowers blood pressure (as much as 15-20 points), leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation, decreases the aging process, prevents, slows or controls pain of chronic diseases, reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate...and much more.
When you are stressed, there are physical things that happen to your body: adrenaline, epinephrine and noradrenalin are secreted into the blood stream, causing increased blood pressure, heart rate and body metabolism. It brings about the 'fight-or-flight' response. The funny thing about the fight-or-flight response is that we do need it for survival. However, in this day and age, there are so many situations we are placed in that activate that response and our bodies cannot tell if it's a real fight-or-flight situation. It may be that we are waiting on a long line, at the post office and there is only one teller. Immediately you become impatient and upset which triggers this response. This constant stress can lead many chronic conditions and dis-ease in the body, which diminishes quality of life on a whole.
Meditation is something that takes practice, each and every day. The more you meditate, the more you train your mind to release and return to that state of higher consciousness.
So, how do you begin to meditate? Well, it's easier than you think. Here are a few tips:
Find a quiet place. It will be very helpful to find a quiet place (especially when you are a beginner), to meditate every day. Turn the TV off, cell phone, computer...everything.
Set aside a period of time to meditate. In the beginning, I suggest starting out 5-10 minutes a day. When you get into the practice and begin to master the art of quieting the mind and becoming centered, increase the time to 20-30 minutes.
Start with the breath. Breathe deeply to begin to slow your heart rate, relax the muscles and focus your mind. Let your awareness settle on your breath. In the first few minutes just observe how you are breathing; don't try to change it. Allow yourself to naturally change your breathing.
Noises/distractions in your environment. Your attention will be drawn towards cars honking, kids playing or even birds chirping. That is perfectly fine. I listen to a CD that tells you to include all those noises and just bring your attention to your breath. With time, you will be able to naturally include all that is going on around you but keep it from interfering with your meditation.
Begin to feel your body parts. Take notice of your body. Start from the tips of your toes and scan all the way to the top of your head. Any area where you find stress, just breathe, surrender and release the tension.
So if you're ready to improve the quality of your life, incorporate meditation in your day to day. You won't regret it!
Be well!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The healing power of acupuncture
When people hear the word 'acupuncture', their first thought is "I don't want needles stuck in me." Then it's 'Will it hurt?' or 'Is it safe?', which are all good questions. I don't have a fear of needles but many people do. I would think that fear stems from childhood, as I think of images of children in a doctor's office, getting their shots and bawling once the doctor sticks the needle in their tiny arm. And that fear is certainly not unfounded...sometimes those doctors literally jam that needle in your arm, resulting in soreness for a few days. Not a good experience to have, with something that is suppose to be good for you-smile.
With acupuncture though, the needles are so thin and so small, you do not feel it. And if you are really afraid of needles, there are a few things the acupuncturist can do for you. For me, I usually do not have time for a full 30 minute or 60 minute session, so I go for the EAR SEEDS. The ear seeds are these really small gold-like balls, that are placed on various acu-pressure points, within the ear. I use the ear seeds to help me with my chronic sinus condition and now my acid reflux. Can I tell you that the relief is INSTANT!! Those small seeds or beads are so healing and powerful. Basically, the acupuncturist will ask you a few questions to find out what exactly is ailing you and they will pinpoint along your ear, those acu-pressure points to balance the flow of energy in a particular area or for your body. Acupuncture points are chosen based on your imbalances and gets the natural flow of energy, going smoothly.
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years and is known to re-establish the energetic balance of your body, mind and spirit. It is very safe and the needles used are FDA approved medical devices. They are sterile and used only once, then discarded after use. The ear seeds that I normally use are sterile as well and I discard of them after a few days.
This healing method is very beneficial to those who would rather not use conventional medicine to heal or relieve various ailments or conditions. I'm one of those people who would rather not fill yet another antibiotic prescription for my sinuses or a prescription for my acid reflux. I strongly believe that the human body can naturally heal itself, and does, with the proper diet, regular exercise and mostly importantly, the relief of stress on your mind and with your emotions.
Acupuncture can heal treat a host of conditions: headaches, migraines, stress, anxiety/depression, fatigue, weight loss/weight gain, smoking, insomnia, back pain, arthritis/joint pain...and the list goes on.
If you are tired of medications for your ailments/chronic conditions and all the side effects it produces, try acupuncture. Make sure the acupuncturist is licensed! I usually see my very good friend Yolanda Vasquez (yolandav1111@yahoo.com) and she is amazing! Email her if you are interested in getting acupuncture.
Acupuncture works for me like you won't believe. I am sitting here now pain-free and loving it!
Be well!
With acupuncture though, the needles are so thin and so small, you do not feel it. And if you are really afraid of needles, there are a few things the acupuncturist can do for you. For me, I usually do not have time for a full 30 minute or 60 minute session, so I go for the EAR SEEDS. The ear seeds are these really small gold-like balls, that are placed on various acu-pressure points, within the ear. I use the ear seeds to help me with my chronic sinus condition and now my acid reflux. Can I tell you that the relief is INSTANT!! Those small seeds or beads are so healing and powerful. Basically, the acupuncturist will ask you a few questions to find out what exactly is ailing you and they will pinpoint along your ear, those acu-pressure points to balance the flow of energy in a particular area or for your body. Acupuncture points are chosen based on your imbalances and gets the natural flow of energy, going smoothly.
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years and is known to re-establish the energetic balance of your body, mind and spirit. It is very safe and the needles used are FDA approved medical devices. They are sterile and used only once, then discarded after use. The ear seeds that I normally use are sterile as well and I discard of them after a few days.
This healing method is very beneficial to those who would rather not use conventional medicine to heal or relieve various ailments or conditions. I'm one of those people who would rather not fill yet another antibiotic prescription for my sinuses or a prescription for my acid reflux. I strongly believe that the human body can naturally heal itself, and does, with the proper diet, regular exercise and mostly importantly, the relief of stress on your mind and with your emotions.
Acupuncture can heal treat a host of conditions: headaches, migraines, stress, anxiety/depression, fatigue, weight loss/weight gain, smoking, insomnia, back pain, arthritis/joint pain...and the list goes on.
If you are tired of medications for your ailments/chronic conditions and all the side effects it produces, try acupuncture. Make sure the acupuncturist is licensed! I usually see my very good friend Yolanda Vasquez (yolandav1111@yahoo.com) and she is amazing! Email her if you are interested in getting acupuncture.
Acupuncture works for me like you won't believe. I am sitting here now pain-free and loving it!
Be well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
