Author Archives: Blissful Living 4 U

blissful living, health and wellness

Live Your Dream – Part 1

Think back to when you were a little kid. Did you have a dream of becoming a nurse, doctor, successful artist, actress or engineer? As we grow up we can get distracted by ideas that other people feel are best for us but that don’t fit what our dream lives could be.

Most of us are bombarded by other people’s opinions about what we should be doing or how we should be living. But there is no “should.” Whose standards are we listening to?

My Mercedes Benz Story

When I was in high school I declared to all my friends that I’d be driving a Mercedes Benz by the time I was 30. I went to college and forgot all about my intention, let alone the fact that I’d shared it with my friends.

15 years later I re-connected with one of those high school buddies. While we were catching up on the phone she said, “So are you driving a Mercedes yet?” I was about 31 or 32 and I said, “Yes, I am; how did you know that?”

I’d completely forgotten that it had been a dream of mine. But because I’d shared my dream it was out in the Universe and returned to me with powerful energy. Here and in my next blog I’ll share a few steps to get you started living your dream.

Step 1: Make the Unconscious Conscious

Unknown-1Find out what you already know about yourself. When something’s missing in your life, deep down you know it even if it’s not completely conscious yet. Notice what you’re resisting when it comes to living your dreams. Ask yourself, “What would I tell my best friend about living my dream? What am I hiding from or afraid to do?” Ask these questions, take out your journal and write down what comes to you. This will help you understand what you already know.

Go back later and read what you wrote. This will give you an opportunity to examine what might be holding you back or discover what you’re frightened of or are excited about. You’ll gain clarity about the next action steps.

You may need to do this process a couple of times since some of the information will be hidden beneath the surface. The really beneficial insights rest at the buddhic level, meaning deep inside us.

Step 2: Set Your Intention & Confide Your Dreams to Friends

If you’ve identified your dreams and they still feel like nothing more than a fantasy, set an intention to help you move forward. As long as your dream benefits others, setting an intention will bring you into alignment with your dharma, your purpose. That’s your heart’s desire. Intention gives energy and direction to action and eliminates the other options that may be bright shiny distractions as you pursue your dream.

I strongly suggest you confide in your friends when you’ve clarified your dreams. It could be two months, 12 weeks or 21 years from now, but they will keep you accountable because you mentioned something to them that’s important to you. Everyone wants you to live your dream!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post next week. I’ll outline some additional steps I want to share with you about how to go for and LIVE your dream!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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blissful living, health and wellness, healthy eating

Mindfulness at Home

When I come home in the evening, I typically say hi to everyone, look around the house and see a lot that hasn’t been done. I start mindlessly sweeping the floor, dusting or cleaning the bathroom…

A few hours later I’ve got a sparkling house but haven’t interacted with anyone in my home.

Do you feel bombarded on a daily basis by busy work? If left unchecked, these distractions can disconnect us from our primary relationships. I want to share some insights with you about how to bring attention and mindfulness into your key relationships.

Use Dinnertime to Connect

In our busy society, many people don’t sit down with the family to talk about what happened during the day, the problems and issues that arose or how they may be feeling. Dinnertime is fragmented in many households because the kids may have already eaten or the husband comes home late.

My family saw me at home but somehow I wasn’t part of their lives. I asked myself how I could change that. I’m so used to believing that I’m being mindful, but I was surprised to realize that I was actually operating from the other end of the spectrum!

We have to choose over and over again to be fully present with our families, whether the encounter is casual or lengthy. Dinner is a great time to increase engagement because sitting around the dinner table really invites connection. Meals have been important throughout history as a primary way family, friends and associates interact and bond. When you make mealtime a mindful experience for your intimate circle, you’re able to deepen your relationships even further.

Create Connection Rituals

Experiment with assigning different family members little tasks like setting the table, Unknownlighting candles or making a salad dressing. Say a little prayer or give thanks before you eat. This will prepare the body to receive the food. To keep interruptions at bay, make unplugging from phones and smart devices a house rule.

When you’re trying to form a new habit, consistency is important. Decide on a start time for dinner and commit to it, no matter what. You may have to shift by a few minutes when you take into account that schedules can go awry, but make the effort to maintain this as a sacred time. Don’t let the commitment fade into oblivion. Once you start neglecting it, it’s easier to ditch family dinner the next time. Then you lose that mindful connection at home.

Mindful Listening

As each person around the table speaks, the others can consciously engage with their food. While someone has the floor, don’t interrupt but be mindfully present to what that person is saying and simultaneously engaged in the process of eating your meal. This will help the body fully absorb the food’s nutrients.

Regardless of whether the person speaking needs to be vulnerable or not, there’s a way to engage with those you love. Attentiveness and a lack of interruptions bring mindfulness to the group effort.

What ritual can you create to get your family on board to experience a mindful dinnertime? Let me know in the comments!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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Creating Inner Peace, Ojas-Style

This is the last of four blog posts about ojas, the Ayurvedic term for your immune system (read last week’s post HERE. Let’s take a look at practices that foster inner peace.

Silence and Self-Reflection

We can get so critical of ourselves if we feel we aren’t achieving enough or being grateful for who we are. This is something I do a lot. Instead of criticizing yourself for not living up to your own expectations, remember to reflect and go into peaceful silence.

Something as simple as relaxation actually replenishes the ojas. Take a little time for yourself during the day to find silence. That rest can help you maintain vital inner and outer beauty. It doesn’t have to take a long time; two to five minutes is plenty. Sit in silence (with your eyes closed if you can) and strengthen your ability to engage in self-reflection. You can do it in the car, radio off, or if you’re in the bathroom do a slow, deep breathing practice for a minute or two.

Appreciating yourself helps cultivate a more positive mental state, which allows you to build ojas in a naturally graceful way. Even if there are people in your life you’d rather kill, be grateful because they’re here to teach you something!

When you’re grateful for those experiences instead of being critical or beating yourself up, you’ll feel happier, for one, and that feeds the ojas, which gives a lasting sense of contentment. Whenever you’re in a grateful state you step away from the opposite.

Gratitude tends to magnetize more contentment into your life, and when you’re content that’s a phenomenal way to naturally build up ojas.

A Peaceful Pose

Unknown-2Peaceful poses reinforce healthy ojas. If you practice one peaceful yoga pose a day before you go to bed, in class during the day or during your morning ritual, you’ll build your ojas.

I like to do child’s pose – anyone familiar with yoga knows child’s pose. The more relaxed you get, the deeper you sink into the yoga mat – it feels wonderful. Another great pose is shavasana, when you lie prone for several minutes. The longer you do it the more relaxed you get. It also just feels great.

Evening Calm Down Routine

This a wind-down ritual that helps you sleep very well at night. Fill the bath with warm water and add one to three cups of Epsom salts. You can find versions made with lavender, milk and honey or eucalyptus. I recommend the lavender, and then add a tablespoon of honey, two cups of whole milk and a few drops of lavender essential oil under the running water.

You can also add other essential oils depending on what your dosha is: for vata dosha, use rose or geranium; for pitta dosha, use frankincense and for kapha, use juniper. Light a candle and sit in the bath for 20 minutes. Optionally, you could light an incense stick if you want.

I guarantee if you do this evening calm down ritual, you will sleep phenomenally well, whether you’ve just been to the gym or had a stressful day. Not only will you sleep really well, you’ll be building ojas and will smell super yummy!

What healthy rituals do you do to decompress? Share your practices in the comments below.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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Ojas – Stoking Your Digestive Fire

In this third of four blogs about our ojas (read the previous blog post HERE), I’m going to focus on a vital component of building a strong digestive fire: how and what we eat. Let’s go!

Food, Glorious Food

Unknown-1A conscious, mindful eating practice and healthy digestion helps us build our ojas. Be very selective about what you put into your bodies to keep strong during cold and flu season.

Although there are now ‘healthier’ options available at restaurants like McDonald’s or Jack in the Box, do your best to avoid food grabbed on the fly, especially fast food. Get the highest quality, organic, non-GMO food you can afford.

Become One with Your Meal

Don’t wolf it down! These days, people often don’t connect with their food. Taking the time to be mindful sets you up to receive the food properly and actually stokes the digestive fire.

Take a few minutes to be thankful for your food. As you eat your yummy meal, the digestive fire gets hotter, allowing food to be metabolized in an appropriate way. Then you won’t have pieces of undigested food sitting in your body creating ama (toxins) that then get pushed through the digestive tract.

What’s the benefit? Keeping the body in balance blocks illness from coming in. Illness only happens when we’re in an imbalanced state or not taking in proper nutrition. Healthy food is your prime energy source.

Some especially healthy foods include organic milk, almonds, sesame, honey, rice, pineapple, mango, kale and spinach. It’s not necessary to eat these foods exclusively but incorporating more of them into your diet increases the quality of your nutrition.

Good Fat

Cooking with clarified butter, known as ghee, builds ojas. You’ll get the yummy taste of butter without the unhealthy fats. Omega 3s, mono- and poly-unsaturated fats are great sources of healthy fat, and remember to use coconut oil for cooking. Olive, almond, chia and flaxseed are also excellent oils to not only build ojas, but they’re great for heart health as well. Women with a higher intake of healthy fat have firmer, smoother skin!

A Magical Recipe

Stay away from white or any processed sugars. They promote inflammation, which can lead to a whole host of diseases, and will decrease your ojas. Use stevia or agave instead, or add mango or coconut to your plate so you can have a sweet without adding something bad to your diet.

When I talk about sweets, know that I really had to work on it because I’m a sugar addict! Rice pudding contains the good fats I talked about and gives you the sweetness you want. Gather these ingredients:

  • ½ cup basmati rice
  • 4 cups organic milk (I prefer almond or coconut milk because I’m lactose intolerant)
  • 4-6 cardamom seeds – bruise them a little to allow the essential spice to come out
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/8th to ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder)
  • 2–4 TBS honey or organic agave syrup
  • 1 handful of pistachios or almonds. Almonds are good for all doshas.

Rinse off the raw rice. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the rice, milk, cardamom and cinnamon and bring to a boil over low heat. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Check the texture and cook until the mixture is slightly thick but easy to stir. Remove the cinnamon stick and the cardamom pods (unless you used the powders). Stir in the agave or honey and let it cool. Toss in the nuts. I also like to add raisins or goji berries.

When I was pregnant with my daughter this was the only thing I could eat in the morning that didn’t cause morning sickness and was very nurturing to both of us. Funny that now my daughter doesn’t like rice pudding!

Do you have a favorite healthy go-to snack that’s healthy and satisfying? Share in the comments below how you build healthy ojas!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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How to Strengthen Your Ojas

In a previous blog post, I defined ojas, agni and ama, the three building blocks that contribute to a healthy immune system (read it HERE). Now let’s jump in and talk about specific steps you can take to strengthen your ojas!

Worry – A Great Way to Ruin Your Day

It happens to all of us. First thing in the morning, we might find ourselves worrying about our day, compulsively checking email or Facebook or thinking about problems. This habit sets us up to not have a good day. A worried, depressed state also disrupts our ojas, particularly if it becomes a chronic habit.

Rather than hit the ground running, create a slower-paced morning ritual that allows you to connect to the part of your body and mind that’s happy to be alive. Make a choice to consider the beauty of what the day has to offer without worrying about everything else around you.

The Morning Ritual

This is what I do on a daily basis when I’m not traveling. To set the tone to handle daily life, I wake up in bed and take a couple of slow, deep breaths. I give thanks for the day and slowly get up. In the bathroom, I wash my face and go through my elimination process.

I recommend using healthy oils on your skin. Use an oil like sesame prior to getting in the shower, then reapply after you get out. It nourishes the skin and helps curtail dryness. Sesame oil is a little bit heavier and nurtures all the body tissues. Lighter oils that I suggest are almond or sunflower. For fall and winter, make coconut oil your last choice if you can’t find the others. It works just as well, but tends to have a cooling effect on the skin so it’s best suited for the warm weather months.

images-1Tea and Meditation

Once I’m up, showered and dressed, I light a candle and maybe some incense. I sit down and meditate for a few minutes and finish the ritual with a cup of tea. Somehow a lovely, steaming cup of tea anchors me to go forth confidently through my day.

Try it yourself for a week and see if you notice how the tone you set in the morning lasts throughout the day to maintain that calm.

How do you usually start your day and is it setting the tone you really want? Let me know in the comments!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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Know Your Ojas!

This is the first of four posts to investigate the topic of ojas. Let’s dive in!

What is it?

In Ayurveda, ojas is the end product of good digestion and metabolism and is believed to connect consciousness and matter. In the West it’s more commonly referred to as your immune system or your immunity.

When we talk about strengthening your ojas, we mean building your immune system. A strong ojas keeps you free from illness and disease. Ayurveda is all about balancing your mind and body to prevent illness.

Our Inner Fire

images One of the most important principals in Ayurveda is the maintenance of the health of your agni, or digestive fire. If you don’t have strong digestive fire, you can’t efficiently absorb the nutrients and elements you take in.

A strong agni helps us digest properly and also process all aspects of life including the experiences and memories we have and the impressions we pick up from our environment. Efficiently burning food also staves off excess weight.

Strong vs. Weak

Strong agni, including our day-to-day experiences in life, creates a more balanced state, which aids in the prevention of illness. Weak agni doesn’t properly absorb nutrients and creates toxic buildup, waste and residue. That buildup is called ama (toxins), which get stuck in the colon and putrefy. Yuck.

Ojas, agni and ama go hand-in-hand to create a healthy, balanced body. Strong ojas helps us experience the nectar of life – now you understand what they are and why they’re important.

Next week, I’ll give you some tips you can start using right away to strengthen your ojas, so stay tuned!

What steps do you take to keep yourself in a balanced state? Share your comments below!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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7 Foods that Unlock Your Hidden Energy Stores

In our high technological, fast pace moving society it has become quite a challenge to get enough rest, be as healthy as we would like to be and eat what is good for our bodies. It has become so easy to replenish our bodies with artificial energy enhancers that are not good for our health or our well-being. There are Starbucks coffee shops on every street corner, there are more energy drinks on the market than ever before and the fast food industry is booming.

I have written this article to assist you with finding alternative, natural food sources that will release and unlock the hidden energy within you, naturally. These foods will not only sustain your energy throughout the day but are very beneficial and nutritive for your body and mind as well.

If you are ready to free yourself from the grips of the artificial ways that you use to increase your energy; if you are ready to naturally unlock your hidden energy stores that allow you to have sustained energy all day or if you are ready to free yourself from experiencing the crash and burn syndrome that you get when you use sugar, caffeine and other substances to boost your energy, then this article is for you.

Enjoy!

Our ancestors recognized the natural healing power of foods and utilized them in all sorts of ways to treat and cure ailments. Over the past few centuries more information has become available regarding the use of foods, herbs and spices in healing and maintaining wellness. In fact, research has begun to confirm the therapeutic benefits of foods, herbs and spices through the use of scientific exploration and documentation. Within this research it has been proven that some foods, herbs and spices have been found to work better than drugs and without the adverse side effects.

Experts now agree that eating a diet rich in natural, health-giving foods can help us ward off common complaints, such as colds, coughs and infections, as well as to protect us against chronic degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease and arthritis. It is really possible to eat your way to good health and improve the way you look and feel. It is believed in Ayurveda that the food a person eats should be the most organic, freshest and purest food as possible. It is the “prana” within the food that is ingested that is utilized in keeping the digestive system and body in balance allowing nutrients to be properly absorbed and energy to be properly released.

In Ayurveda choosing what to eat depends on many factors such as what your dosha (body type) is, the season of the year, the location you are in, the blend of taste and ingredients of the food that your are eating, however, an important secret that is well known but often overlooked is that eating the freshest and most organic food possible is the first secret in unlocking the natural hidden energy that lies within you. Another secret to unlocking hidden energy stores is the blending of herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add taste and aroma to food while boosting the nutrient content in the meal and aiding in the digestive process of the meal.

The reason I mention Ayurveda is that digestion plays a very important part in the health of the individual; the food we eat affects us differently depending upon our dosha and the key to knowing what is right, healthy and energizing to your body is knowing your dosha and how the food you eat will affect it. All of the food we eat contains some sort of energy, which affects us in each in many different ways. It is this energy within the food we ingest that can be either harmful to the body or beneficial to the body by allowing the body to operate at an optimal level with sustained energy. The foods mentioned in this report are good for all individuals no matter what dosha type they may be.

Energy Unlocking Food #1 ~Lemon

The lemon contains a wealth of health enhancing properties and is one of the most versatile of all fruits.

Like other citrus fruits, lemons are powerhouses of antioxidants. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system, assist in the healing of wounds and strengthen the walls of blood capillaries. The high level of vitamin C in lemons also means that they are good for healthy skin and gums. They are a good source of flavonoids, such as quecetin, which boost the effects of vitamin C and are particularly important for the health of blood vessels and to prevent varicose veins.

As lemons are a natural stimulant, an additional benefit from naturally energizing the body is that lemons can also be used for detoxification purposes. Despite the sourness of lemon juice, it is a popular drink when diluted in water. Another benefit of lemon is that during a brief Detox fast, it can assist with calming the appetite and freshening the breath. Being one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C helps to make it a perfect solution that kills post exercise dry throat and mouth. Drinking fresh squeezed lemon juice with warm water and drinking it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning will jump start your metabolism and unlock the hidden energy stores that lie within you naturally. Skip the caffeine and give lemons a try.

Energy Unlocking Food #2 ~Banana

Bananas are the ultimate fast food and they provide a potent mix of vitamins, mineralsimagesb and carbohydrates. Bananas are rich in healthy carbohydrates and are the ideal food to eat when you crave comfort foods, as they feel enjoyable, self-indulgent and they are filled with nutrients that soothe and lift your mood and allow the energy within the body to be naturally released.

Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins, which the body needs to produce energy. These include vitamin B5, which aids the formation of the immune system’s killer cells and vitamin B6, which improves the body’s ability to clear away waste matter and reduces fatigue. Bananas are high in potassium, which regulates electrical activity of the heart, body fluids and nerve function. This fruit is so powerful it also maintains healthy muscle function, lowers blood pressure and protects against heart disease by maintaining fluid balance and preventing plaque from sticking to arterial walls.

Ripe bananas contain the ideal carbohydrate combination to replace muscle glycogen before or during exercise, making them a valuable food for athletes. Glucose, the most easily digested sugar, is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream for instant energy, while the fructose in bananas is absorbed more slowly, providing a steady supply of fuel over time. In Ayurveda bananas are considered a Sattvic food and extremely beneficial for people of a Vata Dosha.

Energy Unlocking Food #3 ~ Asparagus

imagesAsparagus has been renowned since ancient times both as an aphrodisiac and medicinally for its healing properties. High in nutrients, low in calories, and rich in flavor, asparagus has a wealth of health enhancing benefits one of which happens to be energetically beneficial to the body.

Asparagus act as a natural diuretic encouraging the body to flush out toxins via the internal filtering system of the kidneys. With its active compound, asparagin stimulating the kidneys, bladder and liver, asparagus is a powerful detoxifier. Its cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for easing acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. The benefit of this natural detoxifier is that when toxins are removed from the body, the body is able to operate more effectively and at an optimal level. There is no stagnation in the processes of the body thus the nutrients ingested are able to be metabolized and utilized to their maximum level basically keeping the fire within the body burning efficiently and providing the body with the energy it needs.

Eating asparagus is said to give a natural high. The spears taste delicious and supply numerous minerals and vitamins such as many of the B-vitamins that play a central role in supporting brain function and the nervous system. If a person is running short on a supply of B-vitamins they can feel tired, depressed, anxious or constantly on edge. Eating asparagus can combat that feeling by keeping energy levels high and supporting mental and emotional health. Asparagus are beneficial for all three doshas in Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Energy Unlocking Food #4 ~ White Potato

The potato is the world’s number one vegetable crop and is immensely versatile. This staple food is packed with vitamins and many other health-giving nutrients. Potatoes are one of the cheapest and most readily available sources of vitamin-C, a nutrient that is vital for keeping the immune system healthy and keeping energy stores readily available for future usage. New potatoes are richer in vitamin C than older ones. Most of the fiber that aids digestion and lowers cholesterol is found in the skin. Full of potassium, potatoes can help control high blood pressure.

When it comes to getting fit and looking for a source of energy, don’t overlook the value of eating potatoes. They are rich in vitamin B6, which is essential to releasing the body’s glycogen stores (energy stores). Potatoes are pack with complex carbohydrates, the best form of energy food. Complex carbohydrates play two roles that are essential to fitness, first they provide slow burning fuel that gives you enough energy to complete your workout or game without burning out halfway through and secondly potatoes help the body to maintain the muscle that the body has built. White Potatoes are great for all three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Energy Unlocking Food #5 ~ Broccoli

Broccoli is a powerhouse of the antioxidant vitamin C, which is crucial for immune response. It is full of fiber, which is vital for a healthy digestive system and has detoxifying properties to help cleanse the liver. A healthy digestive system and a clean liver are keys to the body being able to tap into the energy that it needs when it needs it. Broccoli is rich in iron, calcium and magnesium. It contains a number of chemical compounds including indoles, carotenoids and the vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene known to inhibit the activation of cancer cells.

As well as aiding the body’s detoxification processes, broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, which strengthens cells to resist damage and fights the development of tumors. It has been found to improve digestion by fighting the tough bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which eats away at the stomach lining and can create ulcers.

Packed with nutrients, broccoli is a brilliant energy reviver. It is also rich in zinc that enhances mental alertness, vitamin B5 that helps the body to metabolize fats into energy and folic acid that encourages the production of serotonin, a mood-lifting chemical in the brain. Broccoli is excellent for the Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Energy Unlocking Food #6 ~ Lentils

The lentil is one the most oldest and staple foods in many countries. It is rich in antioxidants and is one of the most nutritious and digestible foods that exist. Whether red, green or brown, lentils are a good source of protein that we need to keep our skin, hair, teeth and nails strong and healthy. They contain high levels of B-vitamins particularly B3 and B12 that help with everything from poor memory to lack of energy to arthritis.

Lentils are loaded with fiber that promotes a healthy digestive system and can help to regulate colon function as well as boosting heart health and the circulatory system. Lentils are excellent for stabilizing blood sugar levels which makes them a terrific food source for people suffering from diabetes.

Providing the perfect combination of nutrients to starve off hunger pangs and spark energy, lentils are a great snack to have prior to exercising or playing sports. Lentils are rich in complex carbohydrates which the body turns into to glucose providing a steady source of energy to maintain stamina. In fact one study found that eating lentils three hours before exercising could help to increase endurance significantly over other carbohydrates. Lentils contain very little fat.

Lentils are full of folic acid, an energy boosting vitamin that plays a key role in the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of happiness. Lentils are especially good for people of the Vata and Pitta dosha.

Energy Unlocking Food # 7 ~ Almond

Almonds contain healthy oils and other vitality enhancing nutrients. Nibbling on almonds provides nutrients and energy for people who workout with less risk of piling on unwanted pounds.

Almonds are the top source of the cancer preventing antioxidant vitamin E. They contain monounsaturated fats and plant sterols, which help to reduce the risk of heart disease and the phytochemical quercetin and kaempferol, which helps to protect against cancer. Almonds are a good source of protein, needed for healthy growth and the repair of cells, making these nuts great for vegetarians.

Almonds contain more fiber than any other nut, which makes them excellent for promoting healthy digestion through the efficient elimination of waste material. They are full of calcium, zinc, magnesium and potassium. While zinc strengthens immunity and improves wound healing, magnesium increases energy and potassium reduces blood pressure, protecting against heart disease.

Almonds are a great snack for people that are dieting. In a Harvard study people who ate almonds lost 50 percent more weight than the people that did not eat almonds. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats that help you to feel full longer, keep blood sugar levels steady and prevent hunger pangs. A dozen almonds contain 90 calories along with a burst of protein and nutrients that combine to increase energy levels which make them an excellent snack for athletes and people that need sustained energy. Almonds are an excellent snack for all three dosha types in Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

As you can see there are many foods that you can eat that are good for both your mind and body. They are filled with many nutrients that allow your body to stay healthy and well and operate with maximum efficiency. By incorporating the above foods into your diet you can unlock the hidden energy that lies within you naturally and begin your journey to freeing yourself from ingesting substances that may increase your energy in the short term but do damage to your body in the long term.

Ready to learn what your dosha (body type) is and take it a step further to learn what foods to eat that are most beneficial for maximizing the energy within you? It is easy to get started.

Connect with me at: info@healthhealingwellness.com to learn more about you!

I hope that you have found the information useful and will incorporate the energy releasing foods into your everyday diet. It has been my pleasure to share this information with you and may your holistic health and wellness journey begin.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

 

 

 

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About Ayurveda

I am always getting asked about Ayurveda and what the Doshas are and why it is important to know this information, so I decided to write an article explaining the Doshas and how this information can assist you.

Ayurveda assists the body in journeying back to optimal health by balancing the five elements in the body and mind through the use of herbs, diet, colors, aromas, lifestyle changes, yoga, and meditation along with other five sense therapies. The rejuvenative and cleansing therapies (Panchakarma) help nourish our bodies while calming our minds from the stresses of modern daily life.

imagesYour inner nature is called your constitution or prakruti, and is an individual blend of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Your unique balance of these three energies was determined at the moment of conception and is with you the rest of your life. It determines what is in harmony with your nature and what will cause you to become out of balance, sick, and diseased. Knowledge of your constitution is essential to developing optimal health. Your constitution determines how you react to various foods, colors, aromas, and general life habits.

Recently, Ayurveda has had a profound impact upon the world of health care. Popular books by Deepak Chopra, M.D., and others have called attention to the potential of this ancient healing system. Along with the potential to heal chronic diseases, Ayurveda promises to improve health and increase longevity.

Ayurveda is considered the healing side of Yoga. Likewise, Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda. Both Ayurveda and Yoga strive to help a person re-connect to their true nature through direct experience. Together, they encompass a complete approach to the well being of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

About the Doshas

Your constitution or Prakruti is the fundamental and unique balance of three basic energies called doshas. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The balance in each individual is different; hence, each individual has his or her own special set of challenges and gifts. For this reason no two programs are identical, and each person’s path toward optimal health is unique.

Vata

The Vata dosha is said to be made up of the air and ether elements. This means that it has qualities that are similar to these elements. Vata is very much like the wind – it is light, cool, dry and mobile. In the body those people with a Vata nature experience more of these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin, and their skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. When out of balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in their immune and nervous systems.

These qualities are also reflected in the personality. Those with a Vata nature tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. Yet when out of balance, they may also become easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or making decisions, and have trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions like worry, fear and anxiety.

In order to bring balance to Vata, programs are designed that emphasize the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (nourishment), moistness and stability. In the diet this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains such as rice and cooked vegetables as well as the intake of warm milk with spices. Pungent herbs like ginger that increase internal heat and nourishing herbs like ashwagandha bring balance to Vata.

Pitta

The Pitta dosha is said to be made up of the fire and water elements. Fire is moredoha images predominant, and those people with a predominant Pitta nature have many of the qualities of fire within them. Pitta tends to be hot, sharp and penetrating. It is also somewhat volatile and oily. The oily nature of Pitta is related to the secondary component of water. People with a Pitta nature reflect these qualities. They tend to feel warm, have somewhat oily skin, penetrating eyes, and sharp features. They tend to have moderate weight and good musculature. When out of balance, they tend toward diarrhea, infections, skin rashes, and weakness in the liver, spleen, and blood.

These qualities are also reflected in their personalities. Pitta people tend to be highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, energetic, and clear communicators, who get right to the point. They like to solve problems, and, when under stress, they dig in their heels. However, they can also become overly intense and speak with a sharp tongue. They make great friends but feared enemies. Emotionally, they are challenged by the heated emotions of anger, resentment, and jealousy.

In order to bring balance to Pitta, programs are designed to emphasize the opposing qualities of coolness, heaviness (nourishing) and dryness. Cool spices like fennel are recommended in the diet along with foods such as raw vegetables, cooked rice, and wheat as well as most beans. Sweet herbs like Shatavari are used to nourish the body, while bitters like dandelion root temper the fire.

Kapha

Within the Kapha dosha there is a predominance of the water and earth elements. Like these elements Kapha tends to be cool, moist, stable, and heavy. In the body these qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones; lustrous, supple skin; low metabolism; and large, stocky frames. In addition, those with a Kapha nature tend to feel cool. When out of balance, Kapha individuals are prone to gaining weight and tend to have weaknesses in their lungs and sinuses, where there is an accumulation of mucous. Those of Kapha nature are also most prone to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The elements of water and earth are also manifested in the personality. The heavy, stable nature of Kapha is reflected in a steady personality that is not prone to quick fluctuations. Those with a Kapha nature handle stress very well, often not even noticing that it exists. They don’t like change, are generally conservative, and would prefer to keep things just the way they are. Those with a Kapha nature are also comfort seekers. This relates to the soft, watery nature of Kapha. Too much comfort, however, can lead to a lack of motivation and a feeling of becoming stuck. When Kapha is out of balance, the heavy emotions of depression and lethargy result.

In order to bring balance to a Kapha nature, the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness, and warmth are recommended. Grains such as quinoa and amaranth are recommended as well as hot spices like cayenne pepper. Lots of vegetables and very little nuts or dairy are prescribed. Cleansing herbs like guggul and pungents like clove bring balance to Kapha. For more information on how Ayurveda can help you contact me at:

                                    info@healthhealingwellness.com

Wishing you much health, healing and wellness!

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
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ayurveda, healthy living, stress reduction

5 Stress Relievers to help you feel FABULOUS

As we began to settle into the New Year, I want to offer you some tips so that you can enjoy this year without feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We all have a lot to do nowadays and sometimes when we add just one additional thing on our already very full to do list, we can become extremely stressed and overwhelmed. Well rest assured that Rochel Marie Lawson, The Queen of Feeling Fabulous AKA The Wellness Architect is here to guide you so that you can feel fabulous in all areas of your life.

images stressThere are many events in life that can cause stress. The more involved you become in your life the more opportunities present themselves that can simply push you over the edge. For example having to work longer hours at work, being in school and facing the pressure of taking mid-terms or final exams, worrying about the economy and whether or not your financial situation is stable, or maybe dealing with the challenges of raising children in our fast pace society, whatever it is it may be just enough to set you up for a stressful episode.

Here are 5 GREAT ways to relieve stress so that you can feel fabulous:

  • Breathing exercises – Deep breathing is an easy stress reliever that has numerous benefits for the body, including oxygenating the blood, which wakes up your brain, relaxes your muscles and quiets the mind. Breathing exercises are especially helpful because you can do them anywhere at anytime and they work so quickly that you now have the tool to de-stress in an instant.
  • Meditation – Meditation builds on deep breathing and takes it a step further. WhenUnknown you meditate, your brain enters an area of functioning that is similar to sleep, but carries some added benefits you cannot achieve in any other state, including the release of certain hormones that promote health. Also the mental focus on nothingness keeps your mind from working overtime and increasing your stress level.
  • Guided Imagery – It takes slightly more time to practice guided imagery, but this is a great way to leave your stress behind for a while and relax your body. Some find it easier to practice this than meditation, as lots of us find it more doable to focus on something rather than on nothing. You can play natural sounds in the background as you practice, to promote a more immersive experience.
  • Visualizations – Building on guided imagery, you can also imagine yourself achieving goals like becoming healthier and more relaxed, doing well at task and handling conflict in better ways. Also, visualize yourself doing well on tasks you are trying to master, this actually functions like physical practice, so you can improve your performance through visualizations as well.
  • Self Hypnosis – Self Hypnosis incorporates some of the features of guided imagery and visualizations, with the added benefit of enable you to communicate directly with your subconscious mind to enhance your abilities, more easily give up bad habits, feel less pain, more effectively develop healthier habits and even find answers to questions that may not be clear to your waking mind. It takes some practice and training, but it is well worth it.

The above 5 tips should get you well on your way to relieving the stress and overwhelm in your life. Stay tuned for next week’s article that will include 5 more GREAT tips that you can use to keep your stress at bay. Between the two articles you will have 10 GREAT tips that will help you to reduce or eliminate stress and overwhelm out of your life immediately so that you can enjoy this year with ease and less stress.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

 

 

 

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
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www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy living

5 Steps to Wellness

Step 1 – Eat Wholesome Food – The Sattvic Way

An important concept in Ayurveda is how you eat. Eating is considered a major therapeutic tool and one of the most important things that you can do to help yourself from an Ayurvedic perspective.

A healthy diet not only boosts overall wellness but also helps prevent disease. In Ayurveda, the goal is to have healthy digestion and elimination and to be free of sickness and disease. It is believed that one way to achieve this is to have what we call in Ayurveda, a Sattvic diet. A Sattvic diet is a diet that promotes a clear and peaceful mind.

It consists of fresh foods and avoids fiery and / or spoiled foods. Sattvic foods are fresh and light. And it is important to note that fresh and pure foods are free of additives, preservatives and pesticides. As things that are similar in nature increase one another, the foods that make up the sattvic diet are themselves peaceful (non-stimulating) and clear (free from impurities). Sattvic foods are properly prepared according to traditional methods, which mean no “microwave cooking.”

It is believed in Ayurveda that a range of illnesses, including heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers, are caused by chronic inflammation in the body which can be caused by eating foods that are not Sattvic.

It is a known fact that, while genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors like stress and lack of exercise promote inflammation, poor diet and digestion; the main contributor is the consumption of unhealthy food. For instance berries, oranges, tomatoes, kale and spinach contain disease fighting antioxidants. Slow to digest whole grain carbohydrates like oats, whole wheat, barley and quinoa are ideal foods because they provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as fiber which aids in the elimination process. These are examples of foods that are naturally beneficial to the body. So don’t shy away from these foods, eat up and allow your body to enjoy the benefits that these foods naturally provide.

CocoStep 2 – Choose the Right Beverages

Hydration is the most vital thing that we can do for our bodies. All of our cells need to be properly hydrated in order to function properly. Although water is best, it is possible to have flavorful drinks that are natural beverages largely water based and free of artificial sweeteners. One drink that comes to mind is coconut water. Coconut water is a natural source of hydration that is high in potassium and is naturally sweetened. This natural source of hydration can be drank alone or added to other fruits to make a nice, healthy smoothie. Soda is an absolute no-no. It can deplete the body of electrolytes due to the diuretic effect that it has on the kidneys.

Green teas and herbal teas are another good source for natural hydration, however it should be noted that some green teas contain caffeine and may have a diuretic effect as well. As for a dairy nice healthy choice to try would by unsweetened almond milk. Although almond milk is not as nutrient rich as regular cow’s milk, almonds are very nutritive and thus makes almond milk an excellent choice for a low calorie, non-dairy alternative.

Step 3 – Boost Health with Essential Nutrients

Even if the majority of the foods you are eating are unprocessed or certified organic, you probably could use a little assistance in getting what you need. Supplements and medicinal plant ingredients can help bridge the gap. Some important supplements to take a look at are Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health, Vitamin D to improve bone strength, mood, endocrine and cognitive function and magnesium to support the nervous system and promote muscle relaxation.

Step 4 –Work Out for Big Payoffs

No health and wellness regime is complete without some form of exercise. A good workout, whether it is a Bikram Yoga session, a power walk through the park, an uphill bike ride, an elliptical session or a good jog, can improve mood, strengthen the heart and lungs, reduce stress, and promote weight loss to name a few perks.

It is important to exercise at least 45 minutes, three times a week. For a balanced routine, include 20 minutes of resistance training twice a week, such as squats, core work such as Pilates to build muscle, maintain bone density and promote good posture. Reap additional benefits by exercising outdoors which helps to improve energy and bring clarity to your mind.

Step 5 – Calm the Mind with Meditation

Spiritual health is just as important as diet and exercise. Meditation in particular can lower stress and help regulate emotions. It is the best thing to calm the mind, nerves and emotions. Meditation relates to the spiritual aspect of life. According to Ayurveda the soul is the source of life and health. We must live according to the purpose of our soul in order to have peace and well-being. Disease generally indicates that we have lost contact with our soul and its creative force. To counteract this and to restore balance to our minds, meditation should be incorporated into your daily life. It has been proven to restore brain synapses and increase vitality.

There are many types of meditations to explore such as: seated meditation, mindful meditation, walking meditation, breath meditation and moving meditations (like yoga and tai chi). Both types are terrific for active people in search of stress relief and offer the opportunity to practice alone or in a group setting.

By incorporating the 5 Steps of Wellness into your daily life you will experience improvements in your overall health and wellness.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect
www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

For a free chat with The Queen of Feeling Fabulous AKA The Wellness Architect contact me at: info@healthhealingwellness.com

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