MINDFUL MONDAY FAMILY

FAMILY- Where do I begin!  I could write a million things here.  Building a solid family foundation is such an essential part of life.  We learn so much from our parents, cousins, sisters, etc.  Lately, I've found myself thinking of families as TRIBES.  It's a strong Family Dynamic that ties us together, like Being Woven- into who we are as individuals, as well as the roles we take within our own Tribal Council.

A bond is woven through memories, experiences and stories.  Each members life & legacy creates a beautiful part of this woven Tapistry.  It tells the tale of trials & tribulations, Ceremonies & celebrations that we've encountered along the way.  We learn from these events by bring us closer together and strengthening our bonds.  Yes, Each Tribe has its own quirks but what matters most is that you weave a pattern that is unique, vibrantly colorful & as interesting as you are.  

One thing I'd like to mention, however, is that we aren't all born into our tribe of choice! It's unfortunate when families divide on issues or so much trauma has occurred that there's a Tribal separation.  Family doesn't necessarily mean blood, your tribe may consist of your friends or in-laws, stepsisters, co-workers and neighbors.  Whatever the case may be, think of your Tribe, the one that fits you....  What does it look like? What is your role in the Tribe? What traditions or rituals will you pass down to the next generation? Maybe you want to let go of something that binds you to a past & needs to be forgotten...habits that you will NOT carry on into the next generation?  As I said before, your are creating a Woven Tapestry of Life.  All the colors, images, materials and flaws are essential in creating a beautiful story...Just remember, YOU are an integral part of this story.

So for MINDFUL MONDAY do this.....Tonight when you get home, Honor your Tribe.  Let your Family know how important they are to you.  Have a "Fireside Chat" with your Tribe either physically (Build a fire in your fireplace or fire pit) or verbally by talking about traditions that your grandfather (or any Tribal member, past or present) taught you.  If you are alone, take an Epsom salt bath,(be sure to rinse off) wrap yourself in a blanket and light a candle.  Practice a hobby like knitting or crocheting.  Maybe you just need to Say a prayer for someone in your Tribe.   But honor your FAMILY this week for MINDFUL MONDAY whether they're blood relatives or not!

Untill next time- I'll leave you with a phrase my Grandpa Fritz would always say "TAKE 'ER EASY"

MINDFUL MONDAY The power of touch

Welcome Back for another MINDFUL MONDAY!  
I've often felt that the power of touch produces one of the most soothing, nurturing and energizing effects on our mind, body and spirit.  The power of touch is so essential to our attitudes, yet how often to we think about it?

Below is a nice little article that gives reason to why the concept of Touch is so Powerful and also some techniques that we can include in our daily routines.  

"It's common sense that a hug at a stressful time, a handshake after an important meeting or just cuddling at the end of the day help us relax, leaving behind negativity and worry. Now researchers are investigating whether this feel-good energy has an impact on our well-being. 

When we experience friendly, affectionate touch, our bodies release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the love hormone. Oxytocin's effects include lowering blood pressure, decreasing the stress-related hormone cortisol and increasing pain tolerance. It is released through friendly touch, including contact between breastfeeding moms and their babies, cuddling couples and even pets and their owners.  

The Benefits of Bodywork
Studies suggest a number of ways touch can help us stay healthy. Massage, for example, has been shown to lower blood pressure, slow heart rate and even help premature babies gain weight. By increasing the amount of touch, massage harnesses the health-promoting effects of oxytocin, along with reducing anxiety and promoting a general sense of well-being. And massage after a tough workout can help prevent stiffness and soreness the next day.

Adding Touch to Your Day
Without thinking about it, some people can go hours, days or even weeks without any physical contact in their lives. Adding touch to your day is a simple way to harness its health-maximizing effects of less stress, pain management and a healthier body and mind.

Remember that touch doesn't only have to mean being touched; giving touch in healthy ways, from a hug to a handshake to a pat on the back, benefits you—and the person on the 
receiving end. And you don't have to be in a relationship to do it. Even a quick touch like a high-five (for those friends who hate to hug) can be beneficial.

• Cuddle. You don't have to talk or gaze deeply into someone's eyes, but you can cuddle with your partner, child or pet.
• Hug hello (and goodbye for that matter). Greet friends and family with a quick embrace to maximize touch in your day.
• Find Fido. Touch doesn't have to be person to person. Use your down time to groom or pet your dog or let your cat nap in your lap as you make phone calls.
• Jump in bed. Having more sex will increase your touch time, and time spent between the sheets can positively impact your relationship, too.  
• Schedule a massage. Penciling in a session with a trusted therapist will leave you relaxed and refreshed.
• Try a solo massage. Using lotion or massage oil, relieve neck, arm, leg and scalp tension using the tips of your fingers to massage in a circular motion. Self-massage tools, such as canes (to massage your back) or kneading tools can help with hard-to-reach spots or tough knots.
• Get classy. Yoga and Pilates classes offer hands-on adjustments from qualified instructors that can help strengthen your core and provide a dose of touch.
• Hold hands. Don't wait for someone to initiate it—go for it yourself! This simple gesture can bring the spark back to a long-time relationship, add some sizzle to a new one, and even show someone special (your child, parent, grandparent, sibling or best friend) that you care.
• Get a pedicure. Snag a snazzy new nail color and a serving of healthy touch
• Pat someone on the back. Congratulate friends and co-workers on their accomplishments with a celebratory pat on the back.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1818

So for MINDFUL MONDAY find time this week (and every week) to re-connect youself with the Power of Touch.  You see, touch is powerful! From reducing our blood pressure to positive feelings and emotions that come over us.  Just a few simple examples are all we need to set us on the right path.  

"With a little thought, you'll find countless ways to touch the lives of others through this meaningful form of connection."

ENJOY!

Sources
National Institutes of Health. "The Power of Love," accessed April 4, 2013. newsinhealth.nih.gov

National Institutes of Health. "Massage Therapy," accessed on April 4, 2013. newsinhealth.nih.gov
University of Virginia. "High-quality marriages help to calm nerves," accessed on April 4, 2013. www.eurekalert.org
Baker, Kathy. "Study shows frequent massage sessions boost biological benefits," accessed on April 4, 2013. news.emory.edu
Keltner, Dacher. "Hands on Research: The Science of Touch," accessed on April 4, 2013. greatergood.berkeley.edu

National Institutes of Health. "Massage Therapy," accessed on April 4, 2013. nccam.nih.gov

Weerapong P, Hume PA, Kolt GS. "The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention," accessed on April 4, 2013. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Uvnas-Moberg K, Petersson M. "Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing ," accessed on April 4, 2013. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Field, Tiffany. "Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review," accessed on April 4, 2013. www.sciencedirect.com

MINDFUL MONDAY Feelings

If you don't know how you feel, you can't heal.  Those words ring so true to me, like bells of the soul.  



Our feelings are a natural compass, to guide us through life.  Our feelings emerge to bring awareness.  Whether we are celebrating, sympathizing or feeling scorned...it's important to take a moment, be IN the moment & to feel what we are feeling.  In order to understand how we can Feel Better, we must first take stock.  By being aware of our feelings, we are being mindful.  

We need to recognize the importance of our feelings in order to be authentic with ourselves.  I know at times it is hard to understand our feelings, but sometimes just by sitting with it, you can start to bring them to the surface.  By bringing things to the surface, you are given an opportunity to alleviate the pain, suffering, guilt, (fill in the blank) that binds us to trauma.  Let the feelings rise above you, bring them out in full glory.  Once they've reached the surface & have been exposed, they no longer reside in you.  When you start to feel better, you can once again take flight.  Your foundation is stabilizing, spirits are lightening & your eyes sparkle once again.  

There is no short cut here.  I wish I could say that this process is easy....but what's easy is burying your feelings, and that's a dead end road.

So for MINDFUL MONDAY, focus on your feelings!  Don't take the easy way out...it's your life & you're worth it!  If you do feel great already, then share it!  Help others through support, guidance, mentoring, or just listening.  

Martin Luther King Jr

Today Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's life and legacy.  His words of wisdom transcend time and have inspired me to share with you today.  There are so many inspiring quotes, its hard to narrow them down.  I hope you enjoy.

 

Tonight's WOLF MOON

Did you know that each Full Moon of every month has a name?  Well tonight's Full Moon is referred to as the WOLF MOON. 

Naming the Full Moons cycle dates back to Native American tribes.  The tribes kept track of the season by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon.  According to the Farmers Almanac, "Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages.  Thus, the name for January's Full Moon as the WOLF MOON.  Sometimes it is referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon after Yule" depending on the Tribe. 
www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names

So tonight, when you look up at the beautiful, glowing full moon in all its wonder.  Pause for a moment to reflect.....and then know that in the faint distance, somewhere, I'm howling!!  Haa!  Yes, I actually do howl at the moon and now I have more reason to honor tonight's WOLF MOON.  (I wonder if teen wolf is on TV tonight too, lol) 

So enjoy the night's sky!!  I'll leave you with a quote from Katrina Mayer

"No matter what our differences are,

we all look at the same moon."

 

MINDFUL MONDAY Friendship

MINDFUL MONDAY is here to start your week off right....with Friendship.

"Of all things that wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship" ~Epicurus

Friends are such an essential element in providing fulfillment in our lives.  Where would we be without Them? Friends are often in our thoughts, they are a resource for fun times & guard our deepest hopes, dreams and secretes carefully.  True friendships cost nothing & the rewards are priceless.

My yoga instructor once told me a wonderful story.  In 2012, She went with a volunteer group to provide necessities after the devastating earthquake that hit Hatit in 2010.  She mentioned how these towns & communities were in shambles, even after 2 years.  These people had nothing..literally.  Most of the children in this village didn't even have shoes, who knew if they had lost their parents, or if they even had much for food. But as she observed the present circumstances, she was STRUCK by something.  There was joy amongst the devastation.  These kids were happy, they had smiles on their faces & the were laughing.....why? Well as you can guess from the title...they had friends.  These kids were all going through this traumatic experience together.  They were creating bonds and finding the small pleasures in life.  It is our friends that help to lighten our moods and make us feel full of life, even when difficult situations present themselves to us.  

So for MINDFUL MONDAY reach out to your friends and tell them THANK YOU for their friendship and recognize that this is one of life's most valuable gifts.

The Time Is NOW

Wow! Where has the year gone? I can't believe it's been almost 5 months since I've written and Here we are again-- The Time Is Now.

NEW YEARS DAY 2014.  This year, the 1st of January is marked with a New Moon, making it a rare occurrence and one that's significant to our year ahead.  New Moons are all about fresh starts and new beginnings.

This means we get to wipe the slate clean, press reset.  Keep what works....and be sure to discard what doesn't work.  I like to envision this process as a shedding of my skin, emerging new and leaving behind the old me.  

Take time today to think of this process as a means to a fresh start.  You have a blank canvas....what picture would you paint? What does your new life/year look like? Are there things that you need let go of or leave out? How are you feeling?  Use today to just "check in" a assess the present moment and your surroundings.  

Remember that TODAY a true transformation is taking place.  Evolve into a new you! HAPPY 2014, make it Epic!!