She’s also a self-proclaimed “yoga nut.” So of course the theme for her 50th birthday surprise is a no brainer – we’re throwing her a “yoga” party! We’re excited about this opportunity to show Leanne how much she means to us, but we’re really going to have to get our creative juices flowing! We’re going to decorate the house with yoga mats, colorful yoga towels, yoga blocks, lavender headrest pillows, and lots of flowers, which Leanne loves. Also, Leanne’s sister is (somehow) going to take photos of Leanne doing various yoga poses so that we can paste them on to a decorative poster board and give each pose a name relating to Leanne’s life. (For example, the “downward dog” pose will be re-named “downward Digger” (Leanne’s dog’s name).

We’ll start the party off with laughter yoga and then go on to a “guess that pose” game. After that, we should have worked up quite an appetite, so we’ll raid the food table. We’re preparing some of Leanne’s favorite foods and I’ll give a brief demonstration on how to prepare healthy smoothies in a juicer. Then we’ll indulge ourselves with home-made facials, using a great “recipe” that I found online.

Have any of you ever thrown a yoga party? If so, I’d love it if you could share some of your ideas with me. And for those of you who’ve never even thought of throwing a yoga party, I hope this has given you an idea …wouldn’t it be a blast?!

Tags: laughter yoga, surprise party, birthday party, oatmeal, yoga party

I recently received YogaHub’s latest newsletter about the Virtual World Yoga Conference that’s taking place from February 19 to 21. It really caught my interest so I decided to check it out in more detail.

Now, by nature I have to admit that I’m somewhat wary of signing up for workshops and “how to” sessions. The cynical part of my nature (which I’m trying to subdue) always wants to know “what’s the catch?”

But in this case, I can’t find one – the catch, that is! I can’t believe the variety of workshops being offered – there really is something for everyone! Topics range from sessions on yoga for mood management to laughter yoga to increasing your energy through nutrition to marketing your yoga business – it’s all there. And it really appeals to a “homebody” like me because I can participate by phone or internet and don’t have to worry about those painfully expensive traveling costs.

Forgive me if I sound like I’m trying to promote this teleconference, although I guess in a way I am. It’s just that I’m excited about it and want to share that excitement with everyone.

So all I have to do now is decide which sessions to hone in on – unfortunately, I can’t participate in all of them “live” or I’ll be reeling from information overload. But one of the many great things about this Conference is that, since it’s a virtual one, every event will be recorded, so as long as I’ve registered, I will be able to listen to the recordings for a limited time after the Conference – the organizers really have thought of everything!

So hopefully I’ll “see” you there – and we can share a virtual wave!

Tags: virtual conference call, VC, yoga conference, teleconference, yoga workshop

Someone once criticized our efforts at the soup kitchen, saying we were just doing it to make ourselves feel good. Well, that’s true – in a way we are doing it so that we feel good about ourselves. But if feeling good about ourselves can help others regain their self-respect and dignity, isn’t that a win-win situation?

In this time of economic turmoil, we’ve noticed that the queues are becoming longer. While our “regulars” still show up for a meal and a chat (the latter being just as important as the former), we’ve noticed that more single parents are coming with their children.

A few weeks ago, a single mother came with her three children, all under the age of nine. Just by looking at her, we could tell she’d had a very rough life lately, but she didn’t let that get her down. Her dignity, grace, and strength were amazing to see as she gathered her children around and sat down for a meal. Marian thanked us all with a quiet smile and made sure her children said “please” and “thank you.” She was obviously in need of food and clothing for herself and her children, and we were glad that we could help out on both fronts. In addition, someone had recently donated some toys, games and books to us, so we were able to pass them on to this family as well.

After the meal, a few of us sat down and chatted with Marian for a while as other volunteers played with her children. Just a few months ago, her husband had a well-paid job and they were living in a rented apartment. Then he lost his job, started drinking and gambling, and couldn’t pay the rent. Having lost his pride and ability to care for his family, he couldn’t bear to face his wife and children, so he left – and Marian hasn’t seen him since.

One of our volunteers, who owns a catering company, overheard our conversation and asked the woman to contact her about a possible job. Since that day, I’ve learned that Marian has indeed found work with the catering company and another volunteer has offered to have her and her children stay in their basement until she gets back on her feet.

It’s a relief and a comfort to know that Marian is managing to start over again and provide for herself and her children, thanks to the generosity of so many people. But many others continue to struggle, so wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all do our bit – big or small – to help out?

Tags: helping out, generosity, volunteering, soup kitchen

I was really looking forward to my session because my doctor is awesome. She is straightforward and matches my nature at the moment when I am with her. As some of you may already get a sense of, I have many interesting mentors and doctors that I keep around me. They work on different levels of energies and don’t just focus on the physical.

I have always explained to my clients that imbalances showing up on our physical body are manifestations of imbalances within ourselves. This is why I continue to find doctors who work on the different levels of consciousness.

So my Chiropractic session was intense. I know my body loved becoming aligned again, but my mind was dealing this new structure and placement of its part and connections. I felt very uncomfortable, and my body kept wanting me to rest and slow down…yeah, right – that’s not going to happen anytime soon, with this virtual conference coming up.

Well, I did get a good night sleep but do you think I could practice my yoga fluidly this morning? I was having an incredible time during the asanas. Whose body was I in? What part is that? Where do I need to place it? Balance…what balance?

Talk about having a good laugh at myself! I know that it will take a little time for me to gain balance with my new structure. Doesn’t this sound strange? Having to get to know my body again? Doesn’t it also sound exciting because I may be able to extend myself and expand my previous boundaries. Great metaphor, don’t you think?

Tags: chiropractic, finding a balance, asana, yoga practice every day, alignment

And – all joking aside – it really is a great experience. I don’t even think twice about going through the process every night, now that it’s become part of my ritual. I’m convinced that Neti has helped alleviate my headaches, lower my high eye pressure, and enabled me to sleep better at night.

So the other day, when I was out with some friends and one of them mentioned how she’s been suffering from sinus headaches, I told her about the benefits of a Neti Pot. Sharon rewarded me with one of her “looks.” “Neti Pot? Are you going all ‘new age’ on us again?” This resulted in chortles from the rest of my friends.

Well, that exasperated me. “What does “new age” mean anyway?” I shot back. “In its day, I’m sure the New Testament was considered “new age”! And, for your information, this technique has been practiced successfully for thousands of years in the East – so much for “new age”!”

“Okay, okay, don’t get hot under the collar,” Sharon said apologetically. “Actually, I am interested in learning more about it. I’m willing to give anything a shot if it will help me get rid of these headaches.”

I admitted I was no expert on the Neti Pot but managed to explain the basic principles to her. “Okay, so where can I get one?” Sharon asked. I suggested she log in to YogaHub.com and check out the “Alternative Health” section of the “Shop at YogaHub” link, where she’d be able to buy one for less than $20.

Now, I’m not sure if Sharon really intends to buy a Neti Pot and try it out or if she was just trying to placate me at the time. But her birthday’s coming up soon so if she doesn’t buy one, I may get it for her as a birthday gift. Once she’s learned how to get past that drowning sensation, I’m sure she’ll thank me….

Tags: neti pot, shop yogahub, alternative health, headaches, how to get rid of headaches, headaches and neti pot

No, actually, this year I’m determined (just like I was last year…and the year before…and the year before that…but I digress, as usual) to follow through on my New Year’s Resolution.

So what is my New Year’s Resolution? Well, this year I’ve decided to call it my “New Year’s Revolution,” as in “a complete or marked change in something” (according to Dictionary.com).

And that “something” is going to be my health. I’m now inching towards my mid-fifties, which means I’m beginning to have aches and pains, I’m not as flexible as I used to be, and my memory…what were we talking about? Oh yes, my memory – or lack thereof. And since we’re on the topic of “inching,” lately I’ve been finding it harder and harder to get rid of those unwanted inches and pounds that are gathering around my mid-section. Oh for the days when I could look down and see my feet without my stomach getting in the way….

Last year, I started taking some baby steps towards taking care of myself. I began taking vitamins on a regular basis, learned how to use my Neti Pot (as I’ve been blogging about ad nauseum), and also started walking with my husband in the evenings – well, most evenings…no, okay, some evenings. Unfortunately, those walks didn’t last long because the weather in November and December was horrible – wet, rainy, and cold.

However, I’ve now turned over that proverbial new leaf and have started this year by signing my husband and me up with a personal trainer who also happens to be a yoga instructor. (My husband is grumbling because he doesn’t know why my revolution has to become his revolution!)

We’re starting our training next week and I’m excited about it (my husband – not so much – but he’ll humor me because he wants peace in our house).

I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going.

Tags: new year’s resolution, neti pot, vitamins, 2010, health, training, yoga instructor

Yes, you read right. Waking up to the Moon!

Well, I just did.

At first, I assumed it was the sun and thought “how odd” because I was looking towards the West. Then I made out the lines of the moon and was mesmerized by its beauty.

Absolutely stunning…gorgeous, powerful, and strong, it awakened my soul and my spirit soared forward to connect with its energies.

That energy has since filled me with such strength that it brought out a totally different Yoga session this morning, a different state of being. My adventure of flowing with Blue Moon energy is fascinating to me.

They say that every 20 years, the Blue Moon will land on December 31, so the next this happens will be in 2028. I wonder what I will be experiencing then? Nirvana?

This has been such an incredible year. I say this because so many have focused only on the negative. Yes, I have been affected by the economy and the tumultuous energies that it brings, but we are here – healthy, happy, and cherishing every moment with loved ones. This year has given us the time to reflect on what is truly important in our lives.

I can only wish for more blessings for all in 2010!

Tags: blue moon, energies, blessing, new year, nirvana

So I guess it’s time to reflect on everything that has happened this year – good and bad. Okay, maybe I’ll just gloss over the bad bits and focus on the good ones.

And there were many of those. Blessings include continued good health and happiness for Mumsie, my husband and me – as well as for our extended family and loved ones.

So what else am I thankful for this year? Well…

In this uncertain time of economic turmoil, both my husband and I remain employed and continue to enjoy our work. This year, we also found time to celebrate a special anniversary by taking a cruise to various European destinations…emotionally, I’m still in Venice!

But back to the home front! At 92, Mumsie remains healthy in mind, body and spirit. She faces her admittedly increasing challenges with an amazing attitude and dignity that are an example to everyone, and her positive energy and warmth encompass everyone lucky enough to be around her.

And then there are my wonderfully wacky extended family and friends, who have stood by me, put up with me (well, why not – I put up with them, after all!) and shared a laugh or a tear.

And that’s just the start of it. I could go on (and on and on) but – for once – I’ve decided to rein in my verbose tendencies and keep it short and sweet (okay, for me, this is short and sweet)!

So as the year draws to a close, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on our lives. As we start another year, let’s make a determined effort not to moan about what we don’t have but to instead be grateful for all the blessings that we do have.

Happy New Year, everyone! And may it be filled with joy, laughter, and even the occasional challenges – because, without those, we might not be able to fully appreciate how truly blessed we are.

Tags: new year of 2010, end of 2009, happiness, blessings, reflection

Time is flying by so quickly…gifts? What gifts?

I thought I was better prepared this year but, that being said, I have not even had a moment to pack a thing, ship out a thing. I just got enough packaged for midnight and that was it. We celebrate at midnight.

Thank goodness I have taught my son to only open a couple of presents, saving the rest for the days to come – that way he can appreciate what he has been gifted with and enjoy and realize who each gift is from.

My gift to myself is spending precious time with my family and friends. I miss this very much with the schedule I have been keeping. Running a company that is focused on creating awareness and consciousness continues to remind me how important my loved ones are to me as I continue on my journey. Whether they know it or not, in my silence I learn so much from each of them and am so grateful for the love they share with me. That is one of the most precious gifts for me.

Sleeping in, lying beside my son as he gazes up into my eyes with a joyful smile across his face that leads into giggles and laughter. How could I ask for more of a gift in this life’s journey?

Merry Christmas everyone. May we all continue to find love, peace, compassion, joy – and a whole lot of fun in the years to come!

Tags: christmas, x-mas, merry christmas, christmas gift, christmas presents, happy holiday, christmas with family

Why can’t I wish people a “Merry Christmas?” I realize that it’s not considered politically correct to use that phrase because it’s a Christian one and not everyone is a Christian. So, whenever someone wishes me “Happy Holidays,” I thank them and respond in kind, respecting the fact that they are probably not Christians. However, whenever I wish people “Merry Christmas,” the same respect does not always seem to be reciprocated.

But Christmas has its foundation in Christianity. According to Wikipedia.com the word “Christmas” is derived from “Christ’s Mass,” “an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.” So, just as people of other denominations have their holy days and holidays, such as Hanukkah, Ramadam, and Diwali, we Christians consider Christmas a holy time. And, in case anyone’s wondering about the “merry” part of the wish, the traditional definition of the word “merry” is “peaceful” or “blessed.”

I understand that most people in the world now celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday. However, Christians celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, so shouldn’t our rights be respected as well? If, in today’s world, we want to emphasize the need to be considerate of everyone’s feelings and beliefs, shouldn’t that consideration extend to Christians as well?

While I fully respect every individual’s right to practice their own religious beliefs – or not practice anything at all if it suits them – I hope that, in turn, people will respect my right to practice my Christian beliefs.

So my sincere wish to each and every one of you is a wonderful Christmas, however you choose to express it. And may it be a joyful and enriching time spent with the people who mean the most to you.

Tags: christmas, x-mas, holidays, Hanukkah, Ramadam, and Diwali, Jesus