More Than a Happy Belly

One way to my heart is through my belly.  Each meal serves as a source of life giving energy.  Mental clarity and weight control are a few other benefits of a wholesome breakfast.  I have been mixing it up in the kitchen and hope you’ll find my new favs mouthwatering or inspiring.  More recipe ideas can be found on my Pinterest Yummy board.

• Pumpkin Quinoa Breakfast – Super easy, nutrient rich, full of flavor and you can make it the night before.
• Eggs & Sauteed Veggies – Mix and match these veggies: peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, bok choy, green onions, chard, chives and avocado.  You can even toss in a lil sweet potato.
• Breakfast Burritos – Add a sprinkle of cumin and red pepper flakes to your scrambled eggs and or veggies then throw in a tortilla.  The spice kicks it up a notch without the need for extra salt or cheese.  The veggies can be leftover, cooked or raw.  You can even buy them cut at the store fresh or frozen.
• Quinoa Flakes – I like to add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per serving for a little extra flavor.  Fresh mint leaves also add to this belly warming breakfast.    

Breakfast does more than make my belly happy.  It begins my day with love and intention.  When I take the time to prepare and eat a meal in the morning, I honor my need for nourishment and ground myself in peace.  May you savor your next breakfast in the company of family, friends or in your own quiet meditation.

A Letter to Your Spirit

Unconditionally... that's the love that is embracing every inch of you.  It will warm you; if you let it.

You are never alone.  Emotions may be tough; soften within.  Like a fish glides in the changing water allow yourself to flow with the changing current of emotions.  Be fluid in your thoughts, needs and actions.

Life will be better than you ever imagined.  

You are a beautiful gift that has yet to be fully opened.  The grace you are bestowed with goes far beyond the ages and deeper than your heart.  Your true beauty comes from what lives inside.

Think abundance... You have all that you need.  Say that, "I have all that I need."

Shine brightly my friend.  Allow others to see and be guided by your light.  It's there and it's brilliant.  Begin to share with your smile, then your words.  Your inner fire, a beacon for happiness never dulls.

Things I Learned From... The Village Retirement Center Yogis

Love may end but it can always begin again.

Genuine care is felt by ways of words, hugs and the simple act of asking.

Learning never stops.

One can age with grace and humor.

Community embraces and welcomes all.

Hope in the future has no expiration.

Through the Eyes of a Child... Boat Pose

"Lift your heart." I say to Olivia while we're in Boat Pose.

She responds, "I'm going in the water."  After we capsized and regained our composure, we captured the shot to the right with our hearts lifted.

This story reminds me...

• Have fun.
• Don't take things so seriously.
• Size doesn't matter.  

May you float with the current of today and enjoy the view.

Celebrate the Color in Each Other

The convergence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers is the main attraction at one of my morning spots.  Before the sun made its debut for the day, it lit the sky with vibrant colors of orange, teal, yellow and blue.  Having pondered the decorative canopy throughout this fall, I was easily absorbed in the delight of color once again.  

To focus on one hue would not cast the same alluring image.  The beauty came to life in the play of colors.  I was reminded of my thoughts from years ago... Sometimes we need to step back and see the beauty of the forest instead of critiquing each tree.  

The reflection was not only about trees but each other and society.  Every day presents opportunities to focus on the ignorant, unintentional or annoying words or actions of others.  Lately, I have found myself in situations that I become unaware of the gifts each individual brings and focus on the "ick" instead.  This has cast a shadow on my ability to recognize the unique charm of each person and lowered my enjoyment and peace in life.  

Although it seemed the sun pulled me away from my morning intentions, the color meditation brought me back... I strive to see others as a colorful illustration of the divine.

I invite you to join me as I refocus.  Let's celebrate the color in each other.  

The Day After

What has surprised me in today's conversations was the "day after" theme.  September 11 has left an imprint in our lives as do all tragedies, heartbreaks or major life challenges.  Until today, I had not thought about the "day after" these momentous occasions.  What do we do to pick up the pieces?  How do we find peace despite the chaos?  Where do we go?  How do we move forward?  The questions and what ifs are endless.

My practice prepares me for the "day after."  As a holistic yoga practitioner, my practice is not just of asana or physical poses but that of breath, meditation and ritual.  My yoga practice seeks to establish balance of mind, body & spirit as well as the emotional, chemical and structural elements of my being.

It is on my mat that I seek refuge and find quiet.  My yoga practice connects me to myself, the community and the Divine.  On my mat I am fearless, strong, empowered with choice, brave and courageous.  My practice helps me remember that off my mat I am all of those things.  My practice is in the everyday activities on and off that magic carpet.  So the "day after" I remain fearless, strong, empowered with choice, brave and courageous.

My business' tagline is, "To illuminate your path for life's adventure."  My intention is to teach you tips and tricks to enable you to practice on and off the mat today and the "day after".  May you find inspiration in my written and spoken words.  May you be supported by your practice.  May this day by a reminder to be present... after all it is a gift.

Gift of Love in All Relationships

My Sister Allison & I

Today would be my sixth wedding anniversary.  Not being good with remembering this date, I forgot all about it until a colleague brought up the Renaissance Festival.  Ah yes... an anniversary celebration included a trip to the festival.  Since Monday, I've been plagued with the approaching "holiday".

Throughout the entire week I struggled with anxious feelings.  Not knowing why... perhaps not stopping long enough to recognize what it was... I did my stress relieving things.  Salt baths, yoga, meditation, hikes and cooking helped me feel good but didn't relieve the underlying anxiety.  It was in conversation with friends I began to notice a pattern.  When I admitted the day was approaching and came clean with my feelings of anger, the anxiety lifted.

My Father & I

My divorce was two years in the making.  The first a year of non-traditional marriage and although the divorce was amicable, the second year included resolution of other legal obligations.  In the dissolution of my marriage, I single-handedly bared the weight of five years worth of legal and financial troubles.  My anger had been building.  In the end over $7000 spent with 2 lawyers and banker telling me they hadn't seen a case like mine before.  The day, once a celebration of two friends joining in marriage, has become a reminder of the anger I have for the lack of respect from my once best friend.

So this day has arrived.  I laid in bed reflecting... meditating.  I had been challenged to find a way to acknowledge this day.  The choice is mine.  Not only did Ron and I join in marriage but my friends and family gathered to celebrate love.  That beautiful undying and mysterious feeling does not haunt this day but blesses it.  My morning intention becomes obvious... My anger dissolves and I bathe in Loving Kindness.

My Cousin & I

The best parts of my wedding day were the kisses and hugs from all who gathered.  Today, I celebrate the gift of love in all relationships.  I honor the friends and family that have wiped my tears, embraced me in their arms and supported my growth.  Each has given me smiles and reminded me of my light.  This day I see the love in all of my relationships and I give thanks.

Perhaps you are wondering... How can I share gratitude with those I love?  How can I honor my relationships?  Let's all try.  Please join me today in celebrating the Gift of Love in All Relationships.