The power of Pranyama!

Hello H.I. Society! It's been a while!
How have you been and how has your summer been treating you?

With all that has been going on in life or lack there of, it's very important for us to stay connected to our BREATH! PRANA. CHI. The Life force that dances in, through and out of us.
Remembering to honor and be conscious of our breathing makes all the difference in the world!

 Take time out right now for a quick stress reliever. This Pranyama (breathing) technique can also be used to deepen your meditative state.

Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor. Place your right hand over your heart, and place your left hand over you belly , just below your navel. Rest your hands lightly. You may reverse the position of your hands if you like.

Take a slow deep breath and concentrating on feeling the breath (prana) entering and filling you as you inhale. First, feel your right hand over your heart, rising as your chest fills with breath  (prana) then feel your left hand, over your abdomen, rising as the breath (prana) fills your abdomen.

As you exhale slowly, feel your left hand sinking as the breath leaves your belly. Feel your right hand moving as the breath (prana) passes again through your chest.

Continue breathing this way for several minutes while paying attention to the rhythm of your heart beat thumping beneath your hand and see how much more relaxed you will become.

Peace, Love and Namaste 

Let the Goddess Soothe your Soul

What do you do when your soul needs soothing?
"What" if not "Who" do you turn to?

Sometimes its best to just turn IN to yourself.
Turn your awareness within.
Breathe. Meditate. Be.
While I turn into myself or practice your svadhyaya, I turn to chanting to The MOTHER GODDESS YEMAYA and Oshun as well...
 I find deep comfort in singing and letting go,
Giving it all to her and with every word sang or hummed I feel as if I'm releasing something I do not need. Releasing whatever does NOT serve me.
The Orisha Goddesses hold a special place in my very being…that which I cannot deny.
I know my ancestors have found great refuge in the arms of Yemaya, so have I.
That doesn't take away from the Most high who I worship all the day long without even thinking to.
God is my everything, my eternal father who in me is well pleased.  He also gives us the tools , guides and spiritual beings to aid us in our journey through life.

I'll share a chant to Yemaya with you so that you too can feel the enchantment as the doors of your heart open up to Grace.
Deva Premal is one of the best so I'll share her singing.
God & Goddess Bless You.
Namaste.

Yemaya Chant. Enjoy!
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlvF0qXttqA&index=3&list=RDo4jx3sukfLM

Can dreams be unconscious meditation? Hmmmmmm...

Hello Health & Image Society!

I couldn't help the feelings that I received after having a dream. 
Ain't it Funny how having a sweet dream about something, or someone you've already dismissed, disliked, etc., can give you feelings of Love and warmth all over again? 
Even when you can't remember the dream?!

Wow!
The mind is powerful.  As is the heart.  
Now it's up to us if we want to live in the Absolute or the relative.
Jesus! (That's me saying JESUS out loud :-)
Unconscious or Conscious Forgiving? or Acceptance? A kind of Surrendering or Softening of the heart.  Do dreams merely happen as a source of meditation? An aid to help us go deeper into another realm. By Golly, I think so!
Hmmmmmm….... Ponder that.

Try Doing your Yoga on and OFF of the mat today. 
Yoga is so much more than an asana practice.
That's only 1 limb folks. There's 7 more to go!

Have a blessed day and Namaste!

Spring into Svadhyaya

Happy Spring H.I. Society!

It's been 7 days and we had snow flurries last night!
This winter has been a season of much Transformation for me, probably YOU too!
 What were some of the obstacles you faced? What were your "go to" methods for creating a space of calming and healing?

I encourage you to practice svadhyaya on a daily basis! Maybe even a theme of svadhyaya for a few weeks at a time! Svadhyaya is a sanskrit word that means self- reflection, a deeper self understanding.
There are many parts to you, different personalities, characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, gifts you haven't even tapped into yet until you practice svadhyaya.

I challenge you to SPRING forward  by taking a deeper look into your own life to recognize patterns, habits and behaviors that you act out.  Ask yourself Why? You're Not judging but simply analyzing yourself.
I suggest you to even keep a journal surrounding your svadhyaya and it's findings.
This way you can go back and read at any given time to see if you have improved in your life and in which areas, or if you have done the complete opposite or remained stagnant.

Get a nice journal that represents you! If you feel old and tattered, don't buy a journal that reflects that , but instead make or buy one that reflects how you want to feel!
We can have great awakenings through simple practices as this one.
Svadhyaya ushers an awareness that brings about action we may have not tapped into before!
It doesn't cost you anything so you can't beat that!

Send your feedback on how it worked for you; what you found out about yourself and are willing to share with others.
Send an e mail or leave comments at the bottom.
Be an encouragement to others as you gain encouragement from them.
Blessings & Namaste.

Surrendering to what is….

Hello Health & Image Society!

Many times we are faced with issues and situations that are out of our control.
We have to understand that surrendering to it doesn't mean to just give up.
It doesn't make us weak; any less of a person, or suckers…
On the contrary it strengthens us and helps us to recognize that it's ok to surrender.

I am not speaking of  Surrender in a dreadful sense of defeat, but Surrender by Releasing control of things you can not possibly control! That is surrendering to what is…

Take a few minutes and meditate on this quote from the beloved Rumi-



“How did you get here?

Close your eyes and surrender.”

“They are the chosen ones who have surrendered.”

“The hurt that we embrace becomes joy.” 


~ Rumi

     (me on the beach in San Juan P.R.- Balasana)

Good Morning H.I. Society!
Spring will be here in just 12 days! Aren't you excited!?

I hope the transition of weather, attitudes and whatever may blow your way from the winter winds settles down for you.

Have a blessed day.
Eat good, Look Good, Feel Good!

Let me leave you with this from RUMI-
Namaste.

Tap into your Tapas!!!!!

Hello Health & Image Society!

Activate your will within to get things done today! 
Today is all about Tapas!!!!! -Sanskrit for "The fire that burns within that is needed for the sanyasi to achieve the very difficult goal of enlightenment, to foster self control, one mindedness and focus, simplicity, wisdom, integrity.

I am also going back to weekly setting & observing my Yamas and Niyamas so that I can activate the fire within myself! What better than to set my goal for the day/week and stick to it?!
I have been in sort of a slump and my will power has been low this week. 
Even as a Pranic Healer this can happen to us. That's why it's important to meditate, Align and Balance your chakras.

Yama is a sanskrit word that means self restraint, self control and discipline.
Niyama is sanskrit for "restraint", "observance", "rule", "restriction".
Ever since my Yoga Training in Puerto Rico over a year ago, I would set up 1 Yama and 1 Niyama and focus on them throughout the week; which was suggested by my teacher.  
It helped me to be more organized, disciplined; aware of my behaviors and actions.
I've always done these practices before yoga, but now I was more Conscious of them and that makes a big difference!

I posted a link below so that you can read up on the Yamas and Niyamas.  There are 5 each. See how you can incorporate them into your life; ON and OFF the mat! 
Read Up on Tapas which I am pairing with Saucha and see how you can let your fire ignite today!
Be Blessed & Namaste.

http://www.yogamag.net/archives/2009/ajan09/y&n.shtml

Who's got your back?

Hello H.I. Society!

When hard times come and your back is against the wall,
Do you have your own back? Or Do you look to others to assist you?

Often times we look for other people to have our backs, however we have to learn we cannot expect anyone to do things for us that we are not willing to expect from ourselves…because even then we still get disappointed.

Know that God has your back when you seek him first.
Lay your Expectations at his feet.
Man is imperfect even though we are made in his image and likeness.
So Today choose God to have your back and make sure you have your own back too!
Believe in Yourself. Have Confidence in yourself.
Speak Positive Affirmations to yourself. Speak Life to your situations.

When your back is against the wall, make sure there's room for you to squeeze in between;  and that you're leaning on God!

Be Blessed with Health, Wealth and Knowledge!

Here are some great poses to help you guys strengthen your back and alleviate back pain as well!
Click on the link below and enjoy!
Peace & love!
http://life.gaiam.com/article/how-strengthen-your-back-yoga

Removing of Obstacles

Hello H.I. Society!

Tired of being Sick and Tired?

Me Too!

That's why when things aren't going the way I'd want them to, I have to keep the Faith that God is going to keep me. The Divine doesn't work on our timing, but in his own.

I have a favorite scripture: "Don't grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you faint not"- Galatians 6:9

I ponder it very often.

This morning as I prayed at my altar, I saw my small figure of Ganesh (Ganesh represents -The clearing/removing of obstacles)  it so happens that he was in front of Jesus' feet on the cross; I thought to myself- "Hmmmmmmmmmm!!! "I lay my life and expectations at the feet of Jesus and I will chant to Ganesha to remove obstacles I currently face".  I burst out into chant!

Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha!!!!!

I say to you today- Be encouraged!

Stay in the fight, don't throw in the towel!

Know that you have help and encouragement from above and beyond.

Be Blessed!

Peace, Love & Health!

Speak LIFE!

Hello H.I. Society!

I am taking a challenge that has me being very aware of the words I speak.

It has caused me to constantly speak good affirmations and greatness over my life and the life of those whom I come into contact with and those to whom I am connected.. 

I challenge you all to watch the words that you speak as well. When you put words, thoughts, and feelings into the atmosphere, they LIVE! 

Wouldn't it be best to speak Positive instead of Negative.

DON'T SAY-  "My child is bad",  "My life Sucks!", "I hate my job!"

DO SAY-  "My child will come out of his/her challenges successfully!"  "My life can and Will be BETTER!"

"My Job is Not the best, but it could be worse."

Bring your tongue into submission and even pray/meditate specifically for your mouth to speak words that Build up and Not tear down,

You will see so many doors open in your life,  just by doing this simple task.  Yes I know it's challenging not to say all of what you want sometimes, but your task here is to be MINDFUL about the words you speak. Think if they really need to be said, and if so how can you say it with Love and compassion while being firm and direct.

Here's not only food for thought but also for Action!

There is an area of research in Science called Quantum Physics. Quantum Physicists will tell you that atoms, neutrons and protons actually respond to human words. Scientists have literally watched atoms, neutrons and protons become excited and respond positively as positive words were spoken to them. They have also literally watched as atoms, neutrons and protons slowed down, becoming irresponsive and seemingly lifeless as negative words were spoken to them.

It’s time to stop using your mouth to mess up your world. It’s time to start using your mouth to create the kind of world you want to live in.

http://www.johnhamelministries.org/miracle_in_your_mouth.htm

SPEAK LIFE!

Peace, Love & Health!

Are You a Warrior?

Hello H.I. Society!
Know that Your best days start with You!
Build up your Immune system against hurt, disappointment, anger, low self esteem, foods that aren't good for you, people that aren't any good for you and whatever does NOT serve YOU!

Give yourself extra doses of LOVE, self compassion, God's Grace & Undying Mercy!
You must be spiritually equipped to fight the wars of this world!

For we wrestle not against flesh 

and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

- Ephesians 6:12

Don't stop with prayer, add Fasting, Praise, Reading & Studying your bible, Meditation and doing the work of the Lord!

We must have a Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit to be soldiers in God's army!
Are you a trooper?
Are you a Warrior?
Take your stance! On and off of the mat! Here I am in mine! Won't you join me?

Virabhadrasana II or warrior 2 pose

Tap into your 1st, 3rd and 4th Chakras

1- ROOT

3- SOLAR PLEXUS

4- HEART

Become a Better YOU today! A Stronger, more Courageous, Loving YOU!

Namaste!

Peace, Love & Health

To learn more about your Chakras, click on this link http://fractalenlightenment.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/the_meaning_of_each_chakra.gif

Are you qualified to Graduate?

Good Day H.I. Society!
The month of June is full of graduations!
Everywhere I turn there's a cap and gown!
I am especially proud of my lil sis who has graduated from High School.

What I want to ask you all out there is...
Are you treating yourself well enough to graduate from H.I. School?
Yes! From HEALTH & IMAGE School?

Let's see if you have enough credits...

1.Do you have a fitness routine that consists of 3-5 days a week?
   6 CREDITS

2. Do you pray, meditate or feed yourself spiritually?
    6 CREDITS

3. Do you read the labels on your food to make sure you're not consuming ingredients that are not     healthy for you and your family?
    6 CREDITS

4. Do you eat in moderation?
    5 CREDITS

5. Do you eat green veggies or drink them?
    5 CREDITS

6. Do you look in the mirror and like what you see?
    6 CREDITS

7. Do you give yourself compassion, Love and positive affirmations?
    6 CREDITS

8. Do you feel good when you get dressed in the morning?
    5 CREDITS

9. Are you confident?
    5 CREDITS

10. Are you consistent in all of the above?
     10 CREDITS

0-12 CREDITS- You REALLY need help toward your Health & Image
15-24 CREDITS- You are doing okay, but need to step it up!
25-35 CREDITS-You are doing good, you are ready to go to the next level!
38-50 CREDITS-You are doing almost ready to graduate!
60 CREDITS- You get your cap and gown! BUT.......
What's going to get you to graduate with your degree?

YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT in all of these and then add "AND/FOR OTHERS" to the end of the sentences numbers 1, and 7.
The point of adding others is so that you are accountable to others in your life, community and in the world for spreading Love, positive affirmations, giving compliments, hugs, and helping them to achieve their goals, higher self esteem, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and a positive image; not only on the outside, but on the inside. 

NOW, Who's ready to graduate???

Peace, Love, Health & Fashion!

Father's Day- Is it one day for you or ongoing?

Blessings H.I. SOCIETY!!!!
What did you do for Father's Day yesterday???

I know many of you ran around, making reservations, out with the kids and hubbies, attended barbecues, or even cooked a meal for your dad, husband, father of your children, brothers, uncles or the other loving men in your life.

What happens when dad is gone?
Your daddy, Your Papi, Pops, Papa, Big Daddy, Dad?
Sadly for me, my papi is no longer here in the flesh. He is gone; I  can still feel his spirit though.

When I hear birds whistle how he always used to, when i smell and feel the ocean breeze, when I pass the parks we frequented & played at with him, smell a certain cologne or see a man with a certain build riding by on his bicycle, I can connect with him.

My son & I went on the beach yesterday (one of my dad's favorite places, including mine & my son's)
I sang chants as I walked along the beach and Josh & I shouted out loud towards the beautiful sky to my Dad, saying Hi and that we missed him.
My Dad absolutely LOVED the beach, I took joy in watching some men go way out into the waves and disappear and re appear like my dad used to.  I professed my love to him as I wrote in the sand.

 I didn't want to leave, not until my heart was clear of the heaviness it felt. I put feelings of grief into a small rock, and as I threw it out into the ocean, off flew my beautiful Krobo bead bracelet right into the ocean with it! I searched for it as best as I could (without a swimsuit on) to no avail.
Yemaya had swallowed up my beautiful blue, white & yellow bracelet that actually signified her. Coincidence??? No Way!!
The colors Blue & white for the ocean which represents Yemaya and a small hint of yellow that represents Oshun.  My sister in law bought it for me just the other week!
(I am praying I find another one like it or similar at the upcoming African Fest, the weekend of July 5-7th at Commodore Barry Park)

Anyhoo, shortly after that I felt better!  Even though I was leaving without my bracelet, I knew that Yemaya had it and that it was fine she accepted it as an offering....

It's very important to still have a relationship with your loved ones when they have transitioned.   It makes you feel better and it keeps the memories alive.  I know that a part of him is still around so I nourish, love & give attention to that spirit.
He's in the very air I breathe!

FATHER'S DAY is NO longer just acknowledged once a year for me, but it's ongoing....
Peace, Love & Health!

Free Yourself!

Hello Health & Image Society!

The weather is great!
The sun is out!
The trees are calling your name.
Go rest upon them!
Take off your shoes, throw caution to the wind and run through the grass!
Be uninhibited!

Your Health & Image has to do with the way you feel on the inside and look on the outside!
What you put on the inside, reflects on the outside.  Don't eat crap, because that's how you'll feel and look.
I dare you to do something new today!
Something you've never done before that will aid in health, healing, happiness and bring a smile to your face.

*Get a fresh green juice.
*Buy a skirt and wear it, without undies even!
*Go and hug a tree! Who cares who's watching!
*Walk barefoot in the grass and allow yourself to feel the earth exchange energy with   you.
*Make a salad- but add new ingredients-Sundried cranberries, golden raisins, mushrooms, sweet peas,or pumpkin seeds.
*Take off your tie, undo 2 buttons instead of 1!


Be Free
Be Fashionable
Be Healthy
Be Whole
This is your life, you only get 1!
So YOU need to be in control!

Have an AWESOME day!!!!!!

Color yourself Happy!

Hello H.I. Society!

Spring is here!
Birds are chirping in the air!
Lots of new styles for our hair!
Beautiful colors are what we should wear!

It is a fact that the different colors have an affect on our feelings, mood and perception of others.
When we choose to wear dark colors, we tend to be more serious and people perceive us to be more serious than people who wear light and bright colors. Wearing dark colors all the time can make us feel dark and drab.

I challenge you to add some color to your wardrobe, you can always wear dark pants and a bright shirt.
You can start little by little. Start off with a bright pair of socks, or undies even!

Sometimes it's good that others can see an individual who is ALWAYS in dark colors come to work or outside with a coral or pastel colored suit.  They'd probably say "Wow, they do have joy inside", or "They're happy today!"

I will post a link to a very helpful page about psychology of color!  I Love color and prefer it daily!
It keeps my well of joy pumping and I happily share it with those who I come into contact with!

So Lighten up!
Literally!

Peace, Love, Health & Fashion!

http://www.webdesignjustforyou.com/blog/information/web-design-choices/effect-of-colors/more-on-color/

Hold ON! Change is Coming!

Hello H.I. Society, I hope everyone is doing well.

Even if you're not, know that weeping may endure for a night, but JOY is going to come in the morning! Your night may be 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or more even! Continue to hold on!

When You know where Your strength comes from, you have to tap into it.  If you don't know, then you have to find the source.

It can be God, reading your bible, doing Yoga, Listening to uplifting music, an empowering sermon, journaling, praying, meditating, chanting or just spending time with the Divine.

In Life there are times when we have to let go of things or people we don't want to. 

It can be mental, physical, or emotional.

Just know that God didn't bring you this far to leave you.

Be patient and Keep the Faith.

Your destiny is unfolding before your very eyes!

Hold On- A Change is Coming!

Ride the wave....I Know it gets tough sometimes and it knocks you under water, but you'll be back on dry land before you know it with your feet up in complete relaxation.

Aaaaahhhhh....

RESURRECT YOURSELF!!!!

Hello H.I. SOCIETY!!!!!!

It is RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!!!!!

What needs Resurrecting in your Life?
Submit and Humble yourself to the Divine!
Resurrect dead dreams in your life, dead relationships and dead situations!

You have the Power to resurrect anything. We too have power which comes from the Almighty!
Breathe Life into these things, just as The Lord has given you Breath!
Speak Life into it, just as God has given you a voice!

If you want whats the best for you, DO it!
Bring it to Fruition.
Tap into your well that runs deep. 

Don't wait for others to Lift you, what if no one ever does?

Activate the Activator within YOU!

We were made after the Image & Likeness of GOD!

How Special are we?

Doesn't that then mean that we too have resurrection Power?!?!

I know I do!

You do too!

 You may be Stressed, but take on the role and attitude of knowing You're MORE Blessed!

Peace, Love & Hope!
Get Healthy, Stay Healthy, in Mind Body & Spirit 
Aren't YOU worth it?

The well within....

Hello H.I. Society!

Just know that you have an unlimited reserve of goods and sources of strength within yourself to survive.  To overcome.  To keep moving forward.

Even when it seems dry....
You will find enough wetness to quench your thirst.
Enough to keep going.
To Persevere.

God didn't bring us this far to leave us.
A new day is on the way.
Another day to dig deep and bring the water to surface...

Peace & Love <3 <3 <3

Hello LOVES!

Hello Health & Image Society!

Dropping some love  and encouragement your way and making sure that you are Loving and taking good care of yourself!  It is vital to your Health & Image!

I am always encouraging people so that they can be the best person they can be on the inside and on the outside.
Lately, I 've been coming across many women who are NOT Loving themselves first.
Unfortunately they expect others, especially men to Love them and to take care of their hearts!
How can this be when you don't nourish and take care of your own heart?

I encourage ALL, women, men and in between to LOVE yourself.
Even if you don't Love yourself-Fake it 'til you Make it.
When you Love yourself you don't let people take your heart , mind, body and soul and wring it out, trample on it, spit on it, then hand it back to you!

I am seeing too much of this and it stems from Low Self -Esteem.
When you don't believe that you are worthy or deserving of Love...
So when someone does show you some attention that seems like Love to you, even in non-desiring situations, such as with verbal or domestic abuse, you accept it because you don't even have it in your being to set standards for yourself and boundaries for the what you are willing to accept.

It's Women's month!
We are worthy!
You are Worthy!
We were created for such a grand purpose.
Just remember when looking for Love,  to let it start with YOU.
Set standards for yourself and stick to them.
Let your expectations be made known.
Make building your Self- Esteem a priority always!
and remember- Don't settle for Less! You will end up with less than you settled for!

Peace, Love, Health, Love & some more Love!

What are you Eating?

Hello Health & Image Society!

What are you eating?
Is it benefitting you?
Are you becoming healthier because of it?

I just finished having my first meal of the day a couple of hours ago.  (I'm fasting so don't spank me for not having breakfast :-)

Cream of wheat, sprinkled with 2 tablespoons of flax seeds, blue berries, raisins and Pink Lady apples. I even sprinkled some in my cup of applesauce that I had on the side.
If you don't know Flax seeds are packed with POWER!  
Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it 
owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them:

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
• Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
• Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

Flax seeds can easily be sprinkled atop salads, fruits, oatmeal, even dry cereals that you add your milk to. 

Puddings, yogurt, the list goes on. A little bit goes a long way.

  

I watched Dr. Oz afterwards and found out about some Whole Grains that are super foods that will give us more energy and have more health benefits than other things we are already eating.

-Teff- a superfood, smaller than poppy seeds, has a sweeter taste than flax. It's high in calcium and has a high vitamin C content.

-Millet- Which Dr. Oz says he makes as an option to buttery grits.

- Kamut- We can swap out instead of regular bread, pasta and snacks, plus it has anti-oxidants.  It has high energy properties and omega 3 fatty acids which is great for brain support!  

- Buckwheat- an earthy, nutty whole grain which is not even wheat. Buckwheat is related to sorrel, knotweed, and rhubarb. 

We have to be aware of whole grain impostors as well. Just because things say 7 grain, multi grain, doesn't mean that they have to even carry whole grain.  Bran is not a whole grain either! Yes! Are you as shocked as I was? Part of the grain is in there.

The best way we know we're getting whole rains is by looking for  teh 100% Whole Grain stamp. That should be the first ingredient!!!

Well H.I. Society, when we know better, we do better!

Let's Do it together!

Eat healthy, exercise, meditate, pray, maintain a spiritual connection to the Divine.

Well those are some of my ingredients to a fulfilled and purposeful life.

By the way it doesn't hurt to Look good while doing it!

Check out these hot Alexander McQueens from Fall that I MUST have!!

Peace, Love, Health & Fashion!

-