 Last weekend was the first ever Vision Board Class held @ Mission Fitness, LLC and it was even more rewarding than I had anticipated! It is humbling to be allowed into someone else's heart and help them find their way. That is an enormous amount of trust that I don't take lightly. This was no arts and crafts class, ladies and gentlemen! Well... it was, but it's also so much more! What we place our attention on we create for ourselves. This may seem like an obvious concept for some, but let me ask you, are you are satisfied with your life as is? If the answer is no, then is the concept really that obvious? Other Vision Board classes have you riffling through countless magazines, searching for pictures of the perfect "everything" - the tall, dark and handsome man, adorable children, cellulite free body, hair that never flattens, a six figure job that also allows for work/life balance, and the mini mansion...Participants are told that if they concentrate REALLY REALLY HARD they will get everything on their board!! That may even work for some people, but what I found that a better way to identify and create what you want is to do a little soul searching. It knows what it wants, so why not ask it? I took these very open 11 people through a guided meditation to identify a feeling associated with various aspects of their life - their life's service, life calling (job), family, friendship, home, ..... Time was then provided to leisurely looking through magazines with instruction to simply pull out anything that feels good. That's right...GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!! No thought necessary here.... With dimmed light, soft background music, sipping specialty tea provided by Down to Earth Coffee House, each person was given the time and space they needed to create a board of images that spoke to them in one way or another. They were taken through a second meditation and learned how to heartlink to each of the images (which will be discussed in future classes), reminding them all over again of the feeling associated with these images... What they are left with is a visual of their soul's desire. Intellect need not apply....the heart has this covered! What happened next was breathtaking - sharing on a soul level, lots of aha! moments and excitement to explore a new direction, or rekindle something already had. One of the trainers in the group even blogged of her own experience. Click here to check it out! This class and many others will be offered @ Mission Fitness, LLC. Join my monthly newsletter to receive notice of classes, events, and workshops offered. "Join Our Mailing List" icon is located on the left.
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I was so pleased with the turnout and the energy of the Beginner Chakra Class. The first time you offer something new there is always a little nervousness, but I am left with great gratitude for the participants and genuine happiness that I get to do exactly what I want with my life, which includes my career! I found that more than knowing what the chakras are, their general functions and locations, it is important to tune into your own body and your own chakras, which truly act as a barometer for your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. it was exciting to walk these fabulous people through a guided meditation designed to do just that! Every single person learned a little more about themselves and what they need at the present moment. I have said it again and again, but thank you for trusting me with your bodies and hearts. I look forward to future trainings and workshops. Sign up now for the Vision Board Class! See the home page for info on how to sign up! 
Have you ever met someone so amazing you just couldn't get enough of them? Or someone so challenging that 5 more minutes would be too much of them?! I am lucky enough to have many people like that in my life, as I'm sure you do too. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes; some are likeable, some not-so-much, but they are all here to teach us something. It occurred to me today that while we have all of these inspiring, fabulous souls in our life, time is still spent talking about or focusing on all the people that you don't like and who you wish you could avoid. That's a lot of energy. Quite frankly, it's exhausting. Then I thought, why not focus on the lessons that I have learned from some of my favorite people (teachers of sorts). In an "ode to my favorites", (which actually includes some of the most challenging people I've been fortunate to know)! I've come up with life lessons that I have learned through some of my experiences with these great souls. Here goes! I have learned that more is not better. Having another tube of lipstick, another "perfect shade of pink" lip gloss, a dress (when I own several), a bigger house, or a fancy car is NOT what I need. In fact, it's just more things I have to take care of, organize, return, pay for, etc... Exhausting...What I really love is spending time on my porch with my husband, talking about our day, taking day trips to farmer's markets and hiking on the CT Airline Trail. I love catching up with a friend during a pedicure, dinner with our closest friends, and creating the perfect gift for someone else. Now that feels good. I have learned that the glorification of busy will at best fuel fatigue, and at worst anger and resentment. Have you ever noticed the "one-up" game some people play with who is busier! Notice next time you are amongst other people how quickly people jump in to play. Be the trendsetter and commit to not playing that game. Instead, shift the conversation to talk about something joyful in your life - something fun you did, or plan to do, over the weekend, how well you are doing in some area of your life, a success or milestone of your child. See if it catches! I have learned that friendship is not always convenient, but the payoff is tenfold! It is a call at 1am to help with a heartbreak, a plane ride to visit your best friend and her precious newborn, dinner parties to practice the perfect lasagna - over and over again -to perfect it for an upcoming dinner with your in-laws. It's driving 6 hours to the boondocks of NY to give a real live hug and much needed homemade cookies to your baby sister, so she feels adored, even when she is unsure of herself. And in return...I get endless laughter, faithful honesty, coffee dates to catch up on the latest, "I love you" texts for no reason at all, frosties when my wisdom teeth are removed, road trips, support (even when my idea may be crazy!), and most of all, unconditional love. I'm talking about letting my crazy fully hang out and they are still there. Doesn't get much better than that... I have learned that forgiveness does not mean excusing poor behavior and it doesn't mean that I have to spend time with them. Sometimes that best thing to do is detach with love, preserving your own self, feelings, and integrity. I can allow these people the freedom to live the life they choose and while still keeping my life intact. I have learned not to devalue myself, because if I do, others will too. Having respect for myself means setting the tone for how others will treat me. It's hard to be respected if my actions don't reflect self respect. This will look differently for everyone, but I know since finding it that I will never give that up. BONUS LESSON! I know I said 5, but I can't help myself! Living an authentic life allows others to show their authentic self. It's true. Being your true self, completely unfiltered, is freeing...who cares if a coworker thinks you are weird or that your clothes are funny. So what if your neighbor thinks you should plant more flowers, that your mother thinks you need to make more homemade meals. What do YOU want to do? Forget about the have-to's and about what everyone else wants. BE THAT! Try it on - like a new outfit. It may feel awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Better yet, it's truly contagious. Other people will start trying it out. Read more on how to be yourself (which also talks about the mind-body connect) by clicking here . What life lessons have you learned? Who were your teachers? A thank you to them is always wonderful, but even better is replicating their lesson. Strive to live your life in reflection of the valuable lessons you have learned, from the many teachers along the way. It's the purest way to be a teacher to someone else. How will you give back today?
Mental stress causes physical distress. So, what does that look like? Well, first let me point out the obvious (what most of you are thinking right now), and that is that stress is part of life. Everyone experiences stress...and is not all bad. There is lots of good stress in life - getting a new job, a wedding, new love! The "problem" begins when there is no reprieve from the not-so-good stress. That buildup can cause something referred to as distress. Most people have symptoms of distress everyday, but they become so use to them that they are categorized as "normal". Distress can lead to physical upset. Some of these physical symptoms include:
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Energy Practitioner, and Spiritual Counselor, the obvious answer to me is, book an appointment, let me help you!! However, there are some other things you can do for yourself, such as: 1. Be honest with yourself. I mean it. Be really honest with yourself. Make a list of your "have to's" -- including all the social obligations and those in your life you say you just must interact with....No one but you will see this list, so don't hold back! a.) This is the fun part...highlight anything that doesn't make you feel good. What do you have an adverse reaction to? b.) Out of what you highlighted, what can you truly say "no" to? Some of these "have to's" will be no-brainers. Those are easy to cross off the list. Others will require more thought...Anything you initially feel can be knocked off your list, cross it off!! (How good does that feel?) c.) Okay, now to the rest of your list. Some of what you really don't want to do may be necessity. For instance, you really do have to pick your kids up from daycare. Though I am not big on needing the approval from others, there are those (including law enforcement) that will frown on neglecting the kids...with that being said, what are the other things on your list? How many of these "have to's" are attached to what other people might think of you if you don't do them? d.) If you find yourself unable to cross things off your list because you are afraid of what you will look like or what other people will think of you, now is a good time to spend a little bit thinking about what that means to you. I've come up with some very simple reflection questions. Here goes: What would it say if I didn't do this? = the answer here may just lead you to a belief systems that may or may not serve you anymore. We do things all the time because we were conditioned at some point to do them, only to figure out later that we never liked it and it's not really necessary! Does this feed my soul? = We need to do things every day that uplift us, are in alignment with who WE saw we are and what we stand for. So, simply ask, is that task in alignment with who I say I am? In other words, does it feed my soul? If the answer is yes, then what a great thing! If the answer is no, you can ask, "Then why do I do this?" You will probably be brought right back to your list and having to determine if it is truly necessary or not. 2. Be Silly! I mean it, be really silly! Have you laughed today? Well, you should. You should laugh every day. Don't miss the opportunity to find humor in every day living. It's fun, it's easy, it's free, and it's an immediate stress buster. 3. Get some sleep! It is really necessary to stay up to catch up on your "shows"? Your body needs and reprieve and sleep is just the thing to bring that! 4. Incorporate self care into your daily life. That's right, being nice to yourself should not be considered a treat. I hear that more and more...When did we begin thinking and acting as if everyone and everything around us deserved more attention and love than us?? Worse yet is the feeling of guilt that some have associated with doing nice things for yourself. Some things you can try: Meditate. Yes, you read that correctly. Yes, you are capable of sitting with stillness for 3 minutes. Trust me, you may even start to like it :) Take a walk, even if only around the block. Carving out 15 minutes is doable, even for a working person, with kids, a dog, and deadlines. Make a monthly date night with friends - or your partner for that matter. (Preferably a weekly date night, but we can start small.) Laughter is the best stress buster and best done in the company of your besties! (I don't care how old you are, there is healing power in being silly with your best friends!) Schedule a massage, an Energy Healing Session, or a Spiritual Counseling Session-- Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue, or Therapeutic. Whatever your preference, massage and energy work will certainly help to quiet your mind and for at least the time you are on the table, you are certainly not focused on what you "have to" do. It's your time. It's your reprieve. You may be surprised at what your body is trying to tell you. Need to know more about Spiritual Counseling, Click here: Spiritual Counseling. 5. Take a class. Paint class, exercise class, whatever! What's your style, your passion, or what have you always wanted to try? Do it! Not sure where to start? Check out the Connecticut Small Business Networking Group. There are direct links to various professionals from all different business wanting to connect and teach you! I'd love to hear from you -- what stresses you out, what have you done to combat stress? Check out what I offer and schedule your own appointment, or contact me for a free consultation. I love helping people get back on track.
Ever wonder what you can do during the day to make your body just a little happier? The answer is simple...stretch. Take 2-5 minute breaks (even taking one break is better than no breaks) to do some simple stretches at your desk. Think of it...your body when at a desk all day long is adapting to the desk and the task at hand - constricting muscles, typically overusing other muscles (resulting in that sometimes tight and/or burning sensation in the upper trapezius and neck), and weakness in others.
Give your body the space it needs to breath and recirculate. Click on the link to view some super easy, manageable stretches you can do right at your desk! What are you doing for yourself? How are you nurturing yourself? these seem like such easy questions, but I'm finding that people have a difficult time answering them. If I asked, "What do you do for others? How do you elevate your children? What do you contribute to work?" I would have countless answers! How easy it is to lose sight of our own needs and what we ourselves need to feel nurtured. A great question for ourselves each day is, "What am I doing to elevate myself today?" Try not to immediately discount yourself by thinking if all the other responsibilities you have and what others need. Try to stay focused on yourself, if only for a few minutes... Massage, energy work, and spiritual counseling work to provide you with space to love and care for yourself. It is a reset button of sorts, calming your mind, your body, and redirects you to your true path before the world and all those responsibilities got in the way. What do you need today? Be kind to yourself.  I had the most fun last Friday giving massages at a customer's home! She had a jewelry party and wanted it to be "extra special", so asked that I set up shop and give mini massages to her guests. It was a blast!! $10 for 10 minutes and 2 hours later there were 15+ very happy ladies! What a fun way to meet new clients
That's right, folks! All mothers who receive a massage will get a free box of Munson ' s Chocolates now until mother's day! What better way to show love and appreciation than through yummy food and rekaxation! Gift certificates are also available. See you in the office!
What a perfect day for a hot stone massage. You may think I'm crazy, but I love the rain! It's a perfect backdrop for massage...natural sound with the warmth of a heated bed, hot stones, and a a deep or gentle massage. I have some very lucky clients today!
A wonderful man I met through the Conneticut Parkinson's Support Group and working as a massage therapist and energy practioner wrote a book of poems that has touched me deeply. Each poem is a direct reflection - almost a journal - of his experiences since diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. This book is what I imagine to be the most accurate depiction of what it is like to live with this disease. Each passage I read bring me to an even closer understanding of what many of my clients experience on a daily basis. I have always admired the mindfulness practices of the clients I have who live with Parkinson's Disease. We hear all this talk of "living in the moment" and "be where you are"....but I think that until we are truly not able to move from a chair, or are "frozen" in a position for mintues to hours, or are frustrated by muscular weakeness, prohibiting us from doing the dishes, folding laundry, or even driving, can we truly understand what living in the moment is. What a beautiful example of human strength, fortitude, determination and mindfulness. I am constantly learning and so proud to be in a position to provide some kind of relief and compassion to this very special group of people. Thank you for this opportunity... I encourage you all to read this book. All proceeds are donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.  |
"Taking care of yourself is the name of the game, because you're going to live long enough to wish you had." Archives
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