Once the holiday hoopla subsides, it’s time for the New Year’s resolutions. But before you make any, consider these tips to help you overcome some of the obstacles that prevent you from being successful.

Obstacle #1 – You Aim Too High. To counter this, take Positive Action. To do this try adopting this new behavior, whether you want to reduce your stress, save more money, exercise more or spend more time with your family, pick one thing and work on it until it becomes natural. Then move on to the next thing on your list. If you need to adjust your goal, take the positive action and make the adjustment. This is the process of adopting new positive behaviors to replace those that do not serve us so that we can get the results that we wish to create.

Obstacle #2 – You Make Excuses. To counter this, Think Positive. It is one thing to accept the fact that thought creates action. It is an entirely different thing to perceive one’s own thoughts because our thoughts move quickly and are fleeting. Our words reflect our thoughts and feelings so when we make excuses for ourselves, what we are really telling ourselves is that we did not plan ahead and are not committed to ourselves. Instead of making excuses, make a commitment to yourself. Tell yourself to be conscious of when you feel you are about to make an excuse and instead say a positive affirmation to plant the thoughts of awareness into your mind. This will bring you back to being committed to yourself and in turn you will gain confidence and a peace of mind.

Obstacle #3 – You Give Up Too Quickly. To counter this, Positive Feeling. Success won’t happen overnight and setbacks and slip-ups are likely to happen. Instead of getting down on yourself when you have a set back, turn it in to a positive by remembering how you felt when you began your plan or when you accomplished a goal on your plan. Remembering this positive feeling will trigger the positive response center within you. Feelings motivate our thoughts and when we feel good, we think good thoughts and take positive action. Set interim goals for yourself, so that you will see progress. It could take 3 weeks to 3 months to change your habits but the key is to keep trying and to keep moving forward.

So you see by thinking positive you take positive action and experience positive feelings there by reinforcing the positive behavior you are now taking on as you break those hard to break habits.

The above tips are 3 of the 5 ways of how the psychology of change can assist you in your life.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com

http://webtalkradio.net/shows/blissful-living

http://www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

Most people discover a significant disparity between what they say is important to them and what they are doing with their time. This is especially true with working professionals and entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals say they want to spend more time with their families or would like to have a balance between professional life and home life. It is this same group of people that truly struggle to find a balance between work or running their business and the personal and family time. Often, family time gets interrupted due to the demands of their work or business obligations. This lack of balance causes internal as well as external tension. This leads to an increase in stress and overwhelm which in turns leads to stress related illnesses and diseases.

If you are looking for ways to establish balance between professional life and home life, keep reading for some solutions that you can incorporate into your life immediately.

Once you begin to become mindful and understand the disparity that exists in your life, you can begin to determine what corrective action you need to take.

Try this:

• First of all be mindful of the disparity by acknowledging it but don’t let it capture your energy.
• Write it down and be specific. i.e. (I stay too late at the office each night. I will come home from work 30 minutes earlier each night so that I can spend more time with my family)
•  List the steps you will take to change the amount of your time and attention you devote to this imbalance. ( I will turn off my cell phone every night at 6pm and will not turn it back on until the morning)
• Commit to completion dates for each step and after a reasonable period of time, reevaluate and make adjustments as necessary.

It is important that you be as specific as possible when writing the disparity down that you want to correct. For each disparity list the steps you will take to change it. These things assist you with being mindful of the process and will allow you to see what works and what does not. It will aid you to eliminating what does not work and seeing what does work. It is through this process that you will be able to incorporate the solutions that work in bringing the balance in your life in your life that you seek.

When a person has the balance in their life that they seek, they operate in a more efficient and productive manner. There is less stress, more joy and more peace and a sense of well-being.

Going to a Spa soon, check out some of these treatments that are not only good for your body but for your mind as well. I have decided to focus on the treatments that follow the principles of Ayurveda.

1)  Abhyanga Massage (An Ayurvedic Spa Treatment) The traditional Abhyanga massage consist of a four-hand massage, with two people working in synchronicity. It is a heavenly massage that is rejuvenating and nurturing to the mind, body and spirit.

2)  Shirodhara- Typically administered as an add-on to a facial, massage or body treatment, shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment that consist of the slow dripping of warm oil onto the “third eye”, the spot on the forehead between and just above the eyes. It often comes at the end of the treatment and when done right it is the perfect ending, thought to clear negative energy and stress, it is incredibly hypnotically relaxing. Bonus it does double duty as a hair treatment.

3)  Sound Therapy – The sounds and vibrations of certain frequencies bring human brain waves into calming or sleep-inducing wavelengths. Although paired with another treatment, sound therapy can be administered on its own. For some people simply sitting quietly while sound reverberates through them is soothing; for others it may feel like a non-treatment.

4)  Seaweed Wrap – The iodine in seaweed helps stimulate the metabolic processes, causing the skin to sweat and release toxins. As heat opens the pores, natural antioxidants and minerals from the seaweed are absorbed. The result: baby soft skin and a slimmer, more toned look, for about a day.

5)  Reiki – Reiki masters channel what they call “universal healing energy” into your body, clearing up negative energy, stress and in some cases physical ailments. If you are open to energy healing, it can be amazing on its own or take a great massage to a whole new level.

6)  Chakra Balancing – Ayurveda points to seven chakras on a person that are junctions between the mind and the body and link our physical, energetic, emotional, mental, social and spiritual selves. To bring the chakras into balance, massage therapist use a mix of techniques, including reflexology, energy work, and the use of stones or crystals placed along the chakras. Usually moving from bottom to top, the therapist works with one chakra at a time, explaining the chakra to you and giving you a chakra related color to focus on while the therapist works on a particular area

Most people discover a significant disparity between what they say is important to them and what they are doing with their time. This is especially true with working professionals and entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals say they want to spend more time with their families or would like to have a balance between professional life and home life. It is this same group of people that truly struggle to find a balance between work or running their business and the personal and family time. Often, family time gets interupted due to the demands of  their work or business obligations. This lack of balance causes internal as well as external tension. This leads to an increase in stress and overwhelm which in turns leads to stress related illnesses and diseases.

If you are looking for ways to establish balance between professional life and home life, keep reading for some solutions that you can incorporate into your life immediately.

Once you begin to become mindful and understand the disparity that exist in your life, you can begin to determine what corrective action you need to take.

Try this:

• First of all be mindul of the disparity by acknowledging it but dont let it capture your energy.
• Write it down and be specific. ie (I stay to late at the office each night. I will come home from work 30 minutes earlier each night so that I can spend more time with my family)
•  List the steps you will take to change the amount of your time and attention you devote to this imbalance. ( I will turn off my cell phone every night at 6pm and will not turn it back on until the morning)
• Commit to completion dates for each step and after a reasonable period of time, reevaluate and make adjustments as necessary.

It is important that you be as specific as possible when writing the disparity down that you want to correct. For each disparity list the steps you will take to change it. These things assist you with being mindful of the process and will allow you to see what works and what does not. It will aid you to eliminating what does not work and seeing what does work. It is through this process that you will be able to incorporate the solutions that work in bringing the balance in your life in your life that you seek.

When a person has the balance in their life that they seek, they operate in a more efficient and productive manner. There is less stress, more joy and more peace and a sense of well-being.

Wishing you health and wellness!

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://webtalkradio.net/shows/blissful-living

Stay tuned for my 2 new meditation CDs:

“Practicing Patience and Compassion” and “Grounding Yourself.”

You will be able to purchase these CDs from the website very soon, so stayed tuned.

www.healthhealingwellness.com

The secret of achieving harmony in life’s pursuits is a wellness healing modality that is practiced in India, called Ayurveda. It is a form of natural healing that rejuvenates the body, mind and soul through various forms of physical movement, controlled breathing, meditation and herbal treatments.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality. In Sanskrit “Ayu” means “life” as a combination of the mind, body and soul. The word “Veda” translates from Sanskrit to the concept of “knowledge.” It provides a sense of wellness by balancing the body with knowledge to remediate the causes of illness. It is an art of herbal healing that includes medicinal and massage therapies.

One treatment in Ayurveda involves pouring warm medicated oil in an even stream to the third eye or forehead to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.

Pure meditation is another Ayurvedic path to wellness and tranquility. There are several techniques of meditation but they all have one thing in common: focusing on quieting the busy mind. The concept is not to remove stimulation but rather to direct concentration to one healing element; one sound, one word, one image or one’s breath.

Yoga is system of exercises for physical and mental well-being. It combines stylized poses with deep breathing and meditation. It was developed 5,000 years ago and is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “to join together.” The ultimate aim of yoga is to unite the human soul with the universal spirit.

In yoga there are seven chakras, which translate into “wheels of light.” These chakras are arranged vertically from the base of the spine to the top of the head and are thought of as spinning vortexes of energy. Each chakra is associated with the physical part of your body, your emotions, your body’s organs, different colors, one of the five senses, the earth’s elements and particular types of food.

This is just a brief explanation of ways that Ayurveda can bring health and wellness into your life.

For more information contact us at: www.healthhealingwellness.com

or

phone us at: 209-640-3154

Namaste,

Massages, body wraps, floral baths and herbs have their place on a typical Indian spa menu- yet many Ayurveda and holistic therapies may be less familiar to visitors to an Ayurveda health center. Here is a primer on some of the more traditional treatments that await spa adventurers in America and India.

Abhyanga: In this 60-minute or 90 minute full body massage, traditionally performed by two therapist, guests are anointed with body-specific herbal oils, then relaxed with rhythmic, push-pull massage movements.

Njavarakizhi: A treatment for sports injuries, joint pain and certain skin disorders, this massage is done with small linen bags filled with cooked Njavara rice, which stimulates circulation and detoxification. This procedure is highly rejuvenating and nourishing and prepares the body to tackle stress.

Pizhichil: In this combination of two classic Ayurveda treatments, lukewarm herbal oil is applied all over the body with fresh linens, while trained masseurs work together in a rhythmic pattern for one to two hours. This is considered to be a natural way to purify the body and build up immunity.

Shirodhara: Popular in many Western spas, this treatment for headaches, insomnia and tension involves pouring lukewarm herbal oils in a slow, steady stream on the forehead, while a gentle head massage helps to revitalize the body and mind.

Intuition is not a “voice from the heavens,” it is more likely to manifest itself as a feeling, a loose thought, or a mental picture. It is the subconscious part of ourselves that is signaling that it knows something the conscious self does not. Everyone has some level of intuition, but if you fail to use your intuitive skills, they atrophy and weaken. You must be willing to start paying attention to your hunches and respecting them for the value they contain. Become aware of the feelings associated with intuition and learn to trust those feelings. They never steer you wrong.

This is an article by Alexis L. who works for Acacia. I think it is very infomative and you will enjoy it.

I’ve worked for Acacia for 4 years. I’ve been on DVD production shoots and done many Acacia programs personally. So yoga isn’t new to me. I’ve done it, yes, but am far from good at it nor am I a regular practitioner. Then I got a coupon for 5 sessions of “hot yoga” (official name: Bikram) near my apartment. The website was absolutely glowing with the benefits of this trendy—albeit intimidating—form of exercise: restored balance, detoxification, alleviated pain, increased strength and lung capacity, massaging of internal organs (um, ok?!), inner peace (sounds good!), weight loss (yes, please!), and on and on.  I wanted to share with you the low-down on Bikram from a total newbie.

At the core, Bikram yoga is a series of 26 poses performed over 90 minutes in a room heated to 105 degrees. You heard right, 105 degrees. I’m not a fan of heat and humidity, at all. I’m never sad to see winter come. BUT I do love a good sweat when I’m working out. After 45 minutes in spin class if my face isn’t dripping onto the handlebars, I’ve done something wrong. And who can argue the benefits of yoga in general, right? So let’s do it, I say!

My experience so far has been pretty good—good enough that I will continue going but not so great that I am oblivious to the challenges people have in that 105 degree room. The warnings of nausea and light-headedness are no joke so if you are prone to those feelings, take extra care. If you feel “off” at any point in the class, take a knee and breathe it out. Don’t let your mind panic and take over. You can get through it! In my (yes, limited) experience, there is always someone in need of a break so don’t be worried about standing out in a room full of experts.

Next warning: you will be s w e a t y. But so is everyone else! You just have to resign yourself to the dripping and soaking. Some poses are easier than others, of course; there were only a couple that I could barely attempt. The best part though (at least in my studio) is that everyone is struggling with one pose or another. There’s so much wobbling and slipping in the room that I never felt like I didn’t belong. Beginners unite! The room does have a bit of funky smell when you arrive but you grow accustomed to and it’s not a bother (really!). The heat seeps into your muscles and you can get deeper into each stretch. After 90 minutes there is definitely a “body buzz” yoga high left behind. It’s like coming from a massage that expended 500+ calories! I fully recommend Bikram for the yoga fans out there and anyone, like me, who wants a good sweat…combined with a bit of inner peace.

My tips for a beginner:

1. Fill your water bottle with ice or freeze it for several hours before class. After 90 minutes, warm water isn’t all that satisfying!

2. There is no talking in the studio before, during, or after class. You will be shushed!

3. Bring very little (especially valuables) with you. You can’t take anything into the studio besides a yoga mat, (big) towel, and water bottle – but make sure you have those 3 necessities!

4. Toweling off during a pose is frowned upon since it can be distracting to those around you.

5. The teacher should prompt you for water breaks…and may reprimand you if you take one during a pose!

6. The instructor does not practice with the class. He/she stands at the front of the room giving oral instruction on poses. The instruction comes fast and furious so pick a neighbor who looks like they know what they’re doing…and soon, so will you!

7. Bikram asks that you focus on yourself in the mirror during class. This ensures you’re doing the poses correctly but also provides a stable focal point for balance and concentration. Depending on the studio, they may prefer first-timers be in the back row (so you can watch the people in front of you) but either way, make sure you have a clear-ish shot of yourself in the mirror.

8. It’s recommended that a beginner does his/her first 2 sessions on 2 consecutive days. It reduces soreness and helps you reap the most reward.

9. It’s definitely a challenge to hold onto your feet, elbows, or hands when you’re so sweaty and slippery, but there’s no shame in falling out of a pose and coming back into it!

10. If you want to enjoy the shavasana (meditation/quiet time) at the end of class, make sure you don’t sit by the door. If you do, there will be lots of feet trampling around your peaceful mind!

Have you tried Bikram? What did you think?

Come join us for a Sunrise Urban Yoga Session. This upbeat yoga class will begin on July 30th, 2011 from 7am to 8am and is a 3 week class. This class will get your body energized, your mind awakened and your spirit flowing. This class is unlike any other yoga class. It is upbeat but very relaxing bring attention to the mind, body and spirit.

This class is for beginners as well as more advanced students.

For more information or to register for the class go to: www.healthhealingwellness.com

You may also phone us at: 209-640-3154.