KICK ASS YOGA!!!

I had a string of beautiful experiences today, one flowing effortlessly into the other. As the sun went down I found myself in a yoga class in Park Slope, Brooklyn - led by Julie Brandwein. in the traditional Iyengar**method. This was my first experience with this style of yoga, and also my first formal class in years, but it will certainly not be the last. In fact I plan to sign up for her beginners series starting this weekend.

Julie is an exceptional teacher, she's very clear in her explanations of each pose- which for me is important as I tend to close my eyes as I practice. She got me twistin' stuff I didn't know could twist and boy is my body happy It feels really young (like maybe 12...no--kidding) and light.

I have two words for this class -- KICK ASS!!! 

If you're ready to welcome a new healthier body then Yogasana Center for Yoga is the place to go to sign up for Julie's class. Your body will love you for it.

**Iyengar teachings are characterized by an approach to over 200 postures and 14 breathing exercises. This methodology allows beginners to progress steadily and safely from basic to advanced as they gain more flexibility, strength and sensitivity. ----Yogasana Center brochure.

JUST ADD WATER

Health and well being is not only limited to our bodies it involves everything we are in contact with directly or not. The planet's well being is something we are all responsible for. We choose to take action each day...even when we "don't".  I'd like to share one of my personal favorite household products with you. Just add water to this super concentrated solution and it goes a very long way. I've been using biodegradable earth sensitive products for years, although when my son was born 8 years ago, all this was taken to a new level. 

SoL-U-Mel - is a biodegradable, all-natural, contains no caustic chemicals, can be mixed with water (add 1 part concentrate -pictured- to 5 parts water), with other EcoSense cleaners or used full strength.

This is virtually all I use. It's my all purpose spray (when water added) this can be ordered with a spray bottle so you can refill as often as you like. I clean my floors with it - I add it to the water in my mop bucket and I spray it directly on floors when using my Method O*MOP for in between the bucket duty, I also add a capful to my laundry and it is the ONLY product I have found to REMOVE pet odors (in particular cat spray, pee, barf etc...) effectively and easily. 

And when your child channels his or her inner Piccasso  all over your floors. "Don't Worry Be Happy",this will battle even permanent marker and...win! The good news is that it will not harm your surface in the process.

For information on these and othe Eco-Sense products please contact Denise Goodman/ Director with Melaleuca: The Wellness Company at 770-992-0088 and/or 404-312-3770.

**Happy cleaning!!!  -  Spring is almost here.

WONDERFUL WANDA

Shortly after I walked into our morning meeting and arrange myself in my seat. Guess who leans over and whispers she had a banana and a cup of tea for breakfast?...It was none other than Miss Wanda herself. I was thrilled for her and as I leaned over to tell her how proud I was of her I notice she herself was grinning -wide and proud- as a Cheshire cat. So there we sat, each listening to our lovely instructor, each grinning like two Cheshire cats. For lunch her intention was to find a tuna salad somewhere but her ego lured her towards the chicken pasta. To her credit the chicken was sauteed not fried and it was lunch time (so she still had a few hours to burn that off) not dinner time.

YOU CAN DO IT WANDA, one step at a time.

Keep up the good work girl! one meal at a time.

How was your  journey today? 

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT... AND DRINK

I was invited to participate in a Job Readiness Program recently, and have been doing so for the past two weeks, where we explore the ever changing economic circumstances, examine new job trends and various related strategies amongst other things.  It is always a great idea to broaden our knowledge especially in these uncertain times. During the course of each day I couldn't help noticing that the woman to my right,Wanda, simply could not keep her eyes open. She'd bundle herself up in her wrap and no matter how interesting the topics were the poor dear would just end up snoozin' away. Today, this was especially noticeable as she was completely oblivious to questions that were directed specifically towards her. 

Wanda and I ended up in the instructor's office after the session was over to review some key topics. Suddenly out of the blue she mentioned how exhausted she is all the time. Immediately Kathleen (the instructor) and I pointed out her poor eating habits as being the main reason for her barely there energy level. She wasn't quite sure what we meant at first then we gently reminded her that fast food was all we'd ever seen her eat during our group lunch breaks. Of course she was tired! She feeds her body with empty calories, a significant amount of fat, processed sugar, artificial colors etc... doesn't include much water in the mix and yet interestingly was not entirely sure as to why it hasn't been functioning as it should. 

Even while researching on the computer and jotting down notes Wanda continued to mention that she was in the process of searching for a physician to provide her with a weight loss routine as if that would miraculously snap her right back into optimum health. Nourishment is key we must make permanent changes to current eating habits if they are not for our highest good. Have you tuned in to your body today? Listen to it.

I'm not sure if my new friend is ready to commit to her body, mind and spirit to take necessary steps to care for herself through proper nutrition and regular exercise. As that was not the immediate resource she thought of looking into. We'll know for sure once lunch time rolls around. 

What can you do without in your diet? How many "big gulps" can you substitute for water during your day? When we take care of our bodies our bodies will take care of us. Not to mention that we will feel and look great! - a pretty good deal if you ask me.

I gave up late  dinners, now I'll blend a meal replacement shake* with a banana & some frozen fruit and call it a night. I tend to have even just that closer to 6pm rather that 8pm like I used tol. If I get a bit hungry later I allow myself a yogurt or a piece of fruit and listo! that usually does the trick. I've done so for 2 weeks and now I'm happy to report that my pants slide down a little during my yoga routine. 

*If this is something of interest to you check out www.procapslabs.com

This is what I have discovered works well for me, this particular product is less than 7o calories is additive free, very nutritious and is manufactured in an all solar facility. Can't beat that with a stick.

Oh! and it tastes good too. I prefer it mixed in w/OJ and water - of course.

 

INSIDE OUT

I'm a big fan of water. To me it's cleansing, healing, relaxing, invigorating, soothing...of course we all know it can also be the extreme opposite of all of this as well. I prefer to focus on it's benefits for now. 

Yes!... if you must know I'm still skipping the loo though not as often as when I started the increase in my water intake a few days ago and I'm still practicing my yoga regularly. Though instead of counting my daily routines I've decided take the number of hours (7 per week) into account instead. This way if I miss a day I can make up the hour during that week and not stress myself about it.

I'm am drinking a glass of water, dabbing on my eye, night and neck creams and calling it a night.

* My aunt Sella's (who will be 94 this September) face always lights up when I arrive at her doorstep with a fresh supply of her favorite moisturizers. She says they "scare" her wrinkles away - isn't that a hoot?

She's absolutely right.  One must hydrate inside and out.

**Here's to Sella the wrinkle-less grandma.

SKIP TO THE LOO

All this water talk has reminded me to boost my own intake. I'm usually quite good about it although somehow this time of year I must drink even more than I believe to be enough otherwise my... everything gets dry. What's so sexy about a dry everything? Absolutely nothin'!

So the trips to the loo* have increased noticeably these past couple of days. Hey, it beats the dry everything syndrome right? It has been my experience with increased water intake that it generally takes about 3 weeks of internal cleansing for my body to resume its regular routine. It will just level off without decreasing the fluids. The more flushing a body requires the more you will visit the L-word.  My body definitely deserves the investment. Does yours?

You can do this. If drinking water is not yet a large part of your life, it should be. It's completely natural and necessary for optimum health. Try adding 1 glass per day to your menu and simply increase it by one glass each week until you're drinking the amount recommended for you.

One way of determining how much water you should drink per day is to take your weight, divide that number in half and LISTO! you have the number of ounces of water suggested. Divide that by eight to get the number of glasses, it's a bit easier when you count by the glass. Example, if you weigh 200 lbs., half of that is 100. One hundred ounces is equivalent to 12.5 glasses of water per day.

This of course has it's variables. Please check with your doctor to get a more accurate determination for what is best for you.

Well, I'm off to you know where. 

*loo - noun Brit,. informal

  a toilet.

WATER + BODY = LIFE

Water is your body's principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make your tired.

STAYING SAFELY HYDRATED*

It's generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, it's possible to already be slightly dehydrated. Further, be aware that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either.

To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:

* Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.

* Hydrate before, during and after exercise.

* Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.

Every day you lose water through breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming water, beverages and foods that contain water.

If you drink enough fluid so that rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) or more of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.*

* www.mayoclinic.com

KIDS

For great child friendly explanations on this subject and many more log on with your child(ren) to  www. kidshealth.org