Yoga

It's been a minute since my last photo/update so I'm going to take this opportunity on Christmas to give you a peek into my world since my last posts.

Over the past four months, lots happened. I moved, the new job became hectic, personal life shifted immensely, and for all those reasons, my eating and workouts suffered. I was going to pilates maybe twice a week but mostly didn't want to get out of bed to go. I was still doing yoga but not as much as I was when I first moved here. At the beginning of December, my friends agreed to go to yoga with me, which meant accountability. I also figured out I could go to more classes than just the one studio I had been attending for the one class so that meant I had more options! For a few weeks, I've been going consistently! I have to say I have figured out more about myself and my body through yoga than ever before.

I have strong feelings about being a white woman who practices yoga and what that appears as and could be read as but for me, it's deeper than being cool or hip. It's about the connection to my body, the connection to a greater being, the connection to my breath which I often forget. I find myself holding breath throughout the day but through my practice, I have figured out how to breathe.

When I first moved here, my eating and body suffered greatly. As any person would, I was trying to find my footing. Now that I have a "routine", my community, and have a commitment to eat like I normally would, I am finding myself more centered and balanced.

I decided to take a picture today while doing laundry to show how far I've come in my practice. My body responds in a different way than it has to pilates or barre. It has become longer and leaner and slowly I'm seeing different muscles. One of my teachers pointed out my strong neck. Cool...LOL. But in all seriousness, my body (and soul, really) have taken to this new practice and I feel more me than I have ever.

This move has changed my life in so many (unexpected) ways and for that I'm grateful.

In a month, I'll have hit my four year Paleo anniversary and what a wild four years it has been! I'm so thankful for the ups, the downs, the tears, the laughter, the strife, the changes, but most of all, I'm so happy to be where I am. I am so grateful.

Today's practice was about the root chakra and how to lead from a place of gratitude. Therefore, today I am thinking about the people I am thankful for, the body that I am grateful hasn't crapped out on me, and the ability to move at my own pace.

Happy Holidays all.

Balance

Good morning friends and readers!

This past weekend I celebrated my 31st birthday! And during the process, I thought a lot about balance and lifestyle. I believe it's important to maintain balance especially during times of celebration! I indulged this weekend but I balanced it out with some Pilates--focusing more on stretching than anything and getting a massage. Balance is key to a healthy life. I can drink hard cider, eat gluten free tiramisu, gluten free pizza, and whatever else my heart desires as long as I know my limit and can regulate my activity to balance it out. I find what works for me.

This post is to serve as a reminder that you all should strive for balance. Whatever that balance looks like for YOU. No one can or should dictate that for you. Look at your life. Where are you missing balance? How can you achieve balance? Take an inventory and try to change one thing a day to help you achieve a balanced lifestyle!

Meditation

Yesterday I decided that I would diffuse some oils, listen to a peaceful Spotify station and meditate. For those of you who know me, or don't, this is somewhat challenging for me. While meditating I remembered going to a meditation class sometime within 2004-2006 (yes large span) and I remembered being very uncomfortable, fidgety, and unable to turn my brain off. It made me so uncomfortable that I was being vulnerable in a room full of people I didn't know.

Well last night, I meditated for 13 uninterrupted minutes....I tried for 15 but heard someone at my door so stopped at minute 9 and restarted the timer for 10 minutes. It was my first time intentionally clearing my head and pushing every thought out. I did use that time to focus on quiet, clear, breathing, and the universe.

I asked during my meditative state for my journey to become clear. There are so many things I want to do and I get so caught up in the could be and excitement of all the new things. I just need to figure out my path, whatever that may be.

There are major health benefits to meditation. My goal is to meditate for 15 minutes 3-4 days a week working up to every day.

I challenge you today, to take 5 minutes in stillness and just listen; to your body, your desires, your heart. Take 5 minutes of quiet to hear what you've been missing.