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Happy New Year!

2 Jan

I hope you all had a lovely holiday season and that 2012 is treating you well so far! It’s going to be a busy and exciting year for me! Despite big plans, my 2012 intentions/resolutions are focused on making the most of the “little things” in my life, (in addition to checking off my long to-do list!) and creating more harmony between my personal and professional life.

I love the fresh feeling and opportunity to reset each new year brings and I’m spending time today writing my affirmations for 2012.  Some I’ll share, some are more personal, but they’ll all be documented so I can check-in from time to time.

I hope personal wellness is near the top of your goals for the year (without it, what do you have?!), and I look forward to sharing more tips, experiences and anything else you request!

Wishing you health, happiness and love in 2012 from Balancing Wellness (and puggle brothers Lincoln & Winston)!

holiday happiness mix

20 Dec

I’m all for Christmas/holiday music, but sometimes too much is too much. Here’s my latest yoga/mindful moving mix to help you get centered, warm and focused this holiday season.  Starts slow, builds a bit, and eases off.  Includes some recent additions and old faves.  Enjoy!

Solastalgia –  Zero 7

Desh Nayad Feat. Lital Gabai (feat. Lital Gabai) – EarthRise SoundSystem

The Girl From Ipanema – Amy Winehouse

Dancing On My Own – Robyn

 Dead And Gone – The Black Keys

 We Could Forever  - Bonobo

 We Walk – The Ting Tings

Right As Rain – Adele

Punching In A Dream – The Naked And Famous

Erase – Beats Antique

Overstand – Thievery Corporation

Teardrops – The xx

Shake It Out (Acoustic) – Florence + The Machine

Hypnotica –  Afro Celt Sound System

Breathe Me – Sia

Inütil Paisagem –  Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina

 Yasul – Gifutu-Chekku

Radio & Juliet

5 Oct

Do not ignore the airline magazines! I was reading the Delta magazine on my return flight Sunday and spotted this gem: the ballet Romeo & Juliet set entirely to music from Radiohead – Ballet Maribor’s Radio & Juliet, performing one night in Los Angeles (Saturday, 10/15/11).

I quickly snagged tickets and have been watching the youtube promo vid on repeat ever since.  I always said I would choreograph a modern ballet to Radiohead if no one did it before me, and I’m so excited to experience this! Pretty amazing!

quote of the day

13 Sep

‎”The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely & earnestly.”- Prince Gautama Siddhartha

Happy 3 Years!

8 Sep

It’s been three years since my first post on Balancing Wellness!  Most of my previous blogging adventures faded after a few months, so I’m very proud that I’m still here :)

Time sure does fly, and it’s been quite a ride!  In the three years since launching Balancing Wellness we moved from the East Coast to the West (Best) Coast and started a (canine) family, I completed certification programs in nutrition and yoga, I’ve worked as a wellness consultant for two industry-leading companies and as a yoga instructor for three local studios, and I’ve learned and grown sooo much.

There’s still so much I want to do!  I’m working on my latest goals and affirmations (another day, another post!), but really want to hear from you, the reader, about what you’re most interested in seeing on Balancing Wellness.  So have at it and let me know what you want.   And check out some old posts while you’re at it!

ps – The best way to get updates is to subscribe here and to “like” Balancing Wellness on Facebook!

Sunday Night Santosha

8 Aug

I’ve been drafting posts in my head for the past few weeks but have been too busy living to actually write them.  I won’t bore you with details, let’s just say this summer has been full of ups and downs (more ups than downs, thankfully) and I’ve been doing a lot of reflection. I’m at an amazing time in my life where big life changes and growth are all around me. It’s exciting and can be pretty scary, but this is life – what can you do but go with the flow?

After my grandfather’s funeral a couple of weeks ago, my mom and I talked about how my grandmother would do now that she’s alone. The last few years of her life have revolved around my grandfather, just as most of her adult life revolved around her family. There’s a wonderful support system around her and while I’m sure there’ll be lonely times, Mom and I both agreed that she’d be fine. She has an incredible ability to live in the present and it’s kept her young and strong. Sure she tells stories and has many fond memories of the past, but she’s completely content with who and where she is right now. It’s powerful.

And so amid all the action and reflection of summer 2011, I’ve taken a cue from my kick-ass grandmother and once again found my santosha. Despite wanting some things in my life to progress faster and others to coast a bit more, I know I’m just where I need to be on my journey. There will always be ups and downs and things will never be as we planned (how boring would that be, anyway?!), so we might as well enjoy each day!

Dedicated to my grandfather, Victor Cloots (1/24/23 – 7/17/11). Go hug your loved ones!

 

relax! vacations are good for your health

2 Jul

We live in a crazy world. If you’re anything like me, you go from one thing to the next without taking much time to rest. Our technology-filled world keeps us constantly connected, so much so that we often forget to just be in the present. I sometimes feel like taking one day off will leave me feeling more stressed or behind than rested, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

My lovely little sister, Stephanie, passed along this article from Brenda Wilson on why vacations are so vital to our health and wellbeing. From lower blood pressure to improved connections with friends and family, relaxation and rest give our mind, body and spirit a welcome break.

A pic from our February trip to Puerto Rico. Ahh!

This weekend, I’m challenging myself – and you – to take some vacation. Even if it’s just a day, try to disconnect. Focus on living in the present, really being with the people (or nature or book, you get it) you have right here, right now. If you can do it, ditch your cell phone for the day (or at least put it at the bottom of your bag and only use it for emergencies).  We’re taking a stay-cation pool/BBQ day on Monday and I’m soo looking forward to laughing, swimming, eating and catching up with friends.

I hope you all have a very happy and safe 4th of July weekend and remember to relax!

Sunday Night Santosha

6 Jun

Rather than worry about all the things on my to-do list (those lists are never-ending, anyways), I consciously took time this week to take breaks, let down my guard and open up – and I’m glad I did.  Tonight’s santosha is thanks to just that: opening up to the beautiful energy of others.

- I took a hot yoga class (not my preferred style) on Wednesday at a studio I’d never been to and was pleasantly surprised with the class and the friendliness of the staff, who welcomed me with open hearts and fun conversation. I will definitely go back.

- What could’ve been a one-time business exchange on Friday turned into an hour and a half of deep discussion on spirituality, yoga, and life, and hopefully the beginning a long-term friendship.

- And today I had drinks with an old family friend in town for the half marathon, and we ended up being a group of 8 friends-of-friends (2 from Chicago, 1 from Houston, 1 from Hawaii, 1 from Riverside, and 3 of us from San Diego) and we all talked and laughed as if we had known each other for years, rather than hours.

Had I not been open, all these encounters wouldn’t have been anything special, but because I was, they were all special and I made many new friends. Pretty sweet how that works.  Have a great week!

Sunday Night Santosha

31 May

It’s not technically Sunday (although it is the end of the long weekend so I’ll allow it) and I wanted to share a little love with you.  I’ve decided to start a weekly blog sharing simple life inspirations and/or happenings I’m grateful for, and hopefully create positive, peaceful energy to start the new week.

Why “Sunday Night Santosha?” Santosha (सन्तोष) means contentment or a “peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires;” it’s one of the five niyamas, or personal observances, in yoga. (Niyama is the second of the eight limbs of yoga.)  Practicing contentment allows us to be present and grateful for each moment – one of the best ways to be truly happy.  Take a look around and for at least a moment, realize you have everything you need right now and that you are fine. It’s that simple.

Fresh flowers always make me happy!  Thanks to A for the beautiful flowers and G for the lovely vase. 

Tonight’s santosha has been inspired by good friends and simple beauty. I can only be content when I stop and take in the love and beauty that surrounds me: visits from dear friends, yummy food enjoyed over laughter and lively conversation, the amazing scenery of La Jolla, and outdoor yoga – the earth directly below us, the sun beaming down on us, and maybe a sprinkler shower (I mentioned laughter, right?). Life is good.

I hope you all took some time to recharge and be content. Happy Memorial Day! Here’s to a new week!

sensible yogi says…

10 May

I found this flow chart on the Yogis Anonymous Facebook page and wanted to share.  It’s a great reminder to let go and not stress about things we have no control over, as hard as that may be sometimes.

 

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