Day 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

Day 308 Intention ~ Eat Some Greens

I will admit, I had a pretty gluttonous weekend when talking about food. I woke up this morning feeling bloated and out of balance. 

The funny (or not so funny at all) thing is, eating and drinking in this fashion this weekend made me feel lazy and I didn't even practice any yoga. The only exercise I got was walking the dog. 

That being said, I am back on track today. I went spinning, did yoga, and went back to my salad eating vegan ways. I feel so much more like myself it is incredible. 

A healthy diet is so important to maintaining one's health. Now, I am not going to preach about being vegetarian or vegan, I think people have different needs. I do think it is a good idea to try out different "diets" and see if you feel better eating one way over another. 

The real rule of thumb to follow though is everything in moderation. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 115 Intention ~ Go To Bed Early

Day 115 Intention ~ Go to bed early. 

This week has been back to hectic hours and up & down Cleveland weather. All I feel is run down. Trying to get different jobs & tasks done and then getting up at 5 a.m. one day & 6 a.m. the next just leave me tired and feeling like a cold is coming on. Going to bed later than I should doesn't help. So tonight, I am on lock down for sleep. 

Sleep is so important health-wise. It is your chance to revitalize and rest. It helps your mind clear and just plain makes the next day so much better. When we are overtired, we tend to start finding substitutes for sleep to help keep us up like sugar or too much caffeine, things that can leave us feeling jittery or crashing in an hour. We also tend to crave junk food over healthier options, so bad choices start. 

Not enough sleep also leaves us run down and our immunity systems become weaker, leaving us prone to more illness. 

So tonight, I will sleep. I went to a Max Strom workshop last fall and he discussed things that prevent people from sleeping...besides the obvious sugar/caffeine culprits, he mentioned looking at "blue" screens before bed...yup, television, computers, even smartphones. He suggested shutting them down a few hours before planning to go to sleep and see if you don't just sleep a little bit better tonight. 

He also suggested reading something inspiring and positive before bed to help keep stress away. Of course, breathing exercises and legs up the wall pose help too! 

So, that is my plan. I wish you all a happy, healthy evening & lots of restful sleep. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 35 Intention ~ Stay Strong

Day 35 Intention ~ Stay Strong

These days, we all have several things on our plates. Whether it's working 2 jobs, volunteering, taking care of kids and a household, and all of the other chores and responsibilities that are part of our everyday life. And, just as life goes, sometimes we are just busier than other times. Or, perhaps we're not actually busier, but we just seem to have less energy for all of our activities than we have had on other days. 

Just remember to stay strong, this feeling will pass. But, if for some reason it continues for days or weeks...or even longer, it's time to look at some habits. Are you working out? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you taking time for yourself for pleasure? Regardless of how busy you are, if you don't take time to go to a yoga class, the gym or take a walk, meditate, eat right and sleep enough, you will feel run down. You may even make yourself sick. Having some down time to enjoy life with your spouse or see friends or maybe just watch a movie by yourself are so important in helping us feel more balanced and less ragged to work on all of our, well...work. 

Life is best lived in a balanced way. It will be much more pleasurable for not only you, but for everyone in your life and those you come in contact with each day. 

Stay strong my friends! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 22 Intention ~ To Stay Healthy

Day 22 Intention ~ To stay healthy. 

Let's face it, winter in Cleveland can be rough. People are sick all around town and with a high of 12 degrees today, windchill of negative 15 degrees and windy snowstorms expected, my goal is to stay healthy. 

'Tis the season to eat lots of heavy, stick to your ribs type foods. Lots of carbs, lots of creamy or fried food. Not this chick! I am on my 6th day of veganism (except for one minor honey slip up) and I feel good. Lively...cold, but lively. 

Along with loads of vitamins and daily exercise, I think I may just surpass this season unscathed! Only time will tell. 

For yogis, diet is quite a debate. Many believe that veganism is the ultimate way of practicing ahimsa or non-harming. Sharon Gannon, co-founder of the Jivamukti Yoga school is a huge animal activist and outspoken on the benefits both morally and health-wise of veganism. Other yogis believe that being vegetarian with some dairy is fine...and still others believe you can eat what you like, so long as it is healthy. 

I am not here to preach. But, I can attest that in the last 6 days, I've felt cleaner and a little bit lighter than I have in quite some time. Do what is right for you. Do what makes your body feel its best and keeps you healthy. 

Til tomorrow...stay warm out there!!

Shanti,

Marcia