 |
 |
||||
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Every month, we'll be giving you a few new resources to help you live a better life. January I know it seems cliche to talk about weight loss and other New Year's resolutions in January, but we are all thinking about it and trying to come up with the best plan to get back into our jeans or into our lives comfortably. Yoga does not burn calories; YOU DO! Yoga does not make our lives better; YOU DO! There are 2 types of people in this world - coasters and pushers. Ideally we would like to find ourselves resting in balance right in between the two. If we coast through yoga and through life we will always be unhappy and unsatisfied with the results. If we push too hard we will experience injury and get burned out by the time you read my February Healthy Tip. In 2012 step onto the yoga mat and discover which person you are. In 2012 step off the mat, into your life and discover the same. Are you a coaster or a pusher? Answering this question will be more helpful that you can imagine. Getting to this balance in the middle is a mindful practice. You must first of all stop and breathe - PAY ATTENTION! LISTEN! Don't react or judge. Just observe. Permanent change, the change that you are seeking, can not happen suddenly. It is a discovery process of getting to know ourselves. Yoga allows us to stop, pay attention, listen and remove the reactions and impulses to judge and make a change. We need to go through this process in order to discover the type of person we are and to ultimately create the person we are meant to be. This might be a small person with smaller thighs, toned arms and a killer stomach or it might be a person that is kinder with great relationships or it might be someone who removes stress and negativity from their life. If you truly embrace this path you might find that perfect balance in all aspects of your life. Welcome to 2012! Namaste. -Katie November/December GRATITUDE - This time of year is a time for reflection and sharing... so I will share a small bit of myself with you. As a new yogini I had a lot to learn. I am so grateful that I found yoga and gave myself permission to pursue my passion full time. Yoga training started over a year ago in Birmingham at the Center for Yoga...an amazing studio with an amazing founder and teacher, Johnny Kest. When I stepped into his trainings I learned so much more than I ever thought possible. One of the lessons was gratitude. We had to keep a daily gratitude journal for over 3 months... sometimes I had some really silly entries and other times I found gratitude in unexpected places that I would not have found without Johnny's guidance. Take some time before 2012 begins and find gratitude every day... maybe even start a journal! You will be amazed at how your life will lift... your relationships will improve and how aware you are of all around you. September/October DETOX - Detoxing may sound a little scary, but yoga teaches us to be observant and to not pass judgement. So, please keep an open mind while exploring this wonderful practice of body cleansing. Detox can come in many forms...you might even find that you do some already! Showering with natural products, deep breathing, practicing yoga, eating organic for a week...just a few simple examples. Detoxing has wonderful benefits that include more energy, cleaner organs (liver, kidneys, colon, etc), clearer skin, we can go on and on!! If you are looking for a light and amazing taste of what detoxing can do try our workshop on October 1st! Click here for complete details. I've personally done many cleanses and can't describe how amazing you feel afterwards. I felt lighter, energetic, like i could do anything! There are many cleanses offered from a 7 day cleanse that allows whole natural foods to be consumed to those that require you to fast for up to 30 days. It's best to find one that makes sense for you and your body. You can also just simply eat nothing but raw fruits & veggies and drink water for a week. Here are some helpful links for cleansing tips and info: www.everydiet.org/detoxdiet www.bodydetoxcleanse.org ALWAYS consult with a health care professional before beginning any new health care regimen. July/August  GO ORGANIC - Local grocers in the Great Lakes Bay Region are stocking more and more natural and organic products...they are lower in sodium, contain natural sweeteners, and taste better!! If you have the time plan a day trip to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's here in Michigan! It truly is a great experience...you can try foods at the amazing deli, eat lunch and shop for fresh produce, organic meat, fish, freshly prepared soups to go, frozen foods, bath and beauty products, beer, wine, pizza, pastries and bakery. These stores are amazing!!! Check out their websites for the nearest store: www.wholefoodsmarket.com and www.traderjoes.com
Farmer's markets are also a great way to get your organics! Farmer's markets are in full swing here in Michigan and many farmer's actually practice organic farming - just ask! So why is organic so important? Check out the following website for some great reasons that might just make you think next time you go to the local market or grocer. If you can't commit to a 100% organic diet then please consider the Top 10 foods that should ALWAYS be organic. May/June Have you ever wondered why you don't like tomatoes or beef or beer? It might be your genetic heritage and blood type, no joke. Blood types evolved throughout history as the world changed. Check out this book "Eating Right 4 Your Type" and discover some really interesting histories, diet tips and fascinating realities about yourself. If you don't know your blood type you can always ask your family doctor or you can order a kit from the following website. I followed this diet and LOVED the way I felt after only a few short weeks. I also stopped trying to force myself to like certain foods which I thought to be healthy. Plus...I lost a few pounds - always a nice benefit:) The following website has the book, blood typing kit and many helpful tools and tips! www.4yourtype.com April GET OUTSIDE - We have finally sprung forward after a very long, cold and snowy winter! Get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Ride a bike...take a walk...run on a trail...train for a triathlon! Just don't forget to keep up with YOGA; it will enhance your life, exercise and overall health! Check out these links for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors here in MI! www.michigan.org/Things-to-Do/Outdoors http://www.trails.com www.visitgreatlakesbay.org March Enjoy the health benefits of SPRING FEVER! www.aolhealth.com February Eat fruits & vegetables every day. www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org |
 |
 |
 |