Nanci

I love Legs Up the Wall. This posture is one of the most nourishing, grounding and calming poses I can think of, and I have turned to it many times in my own life when I was feeling overwhelmed, tired, or stressed.

What is it?

Basically, Legs Up the Wall posture is exactly as it sounds! You lie on your back with your sit-bones as close to the wall as is comfortable for you. From there, you extend your legs up the wall, so that the backs of your legs are resting fully against it.

In more therapeutic variations of this posture, you may have blocks under your hips to elevate them, creating a slight inversion in your lower belly, and a strap securing your legs together so that you can fully relax and release into the pose, without having to exert effort to hold your legs up.

For the most benefit, I generally like to recommend practicing this pose for at least 10 to 15 minutes, but even just hanging out for a minute or two will suffice. Here are five health benefits of Legs Up the Wall posture.

1. It reduces edema in the legs and feet.

By reversing the effects of gravity on your legs and feet, you can really help to move any stuck or stagnant fluids that may build up there if you have low blood pressure, or spend a lot of time on your feet during your day. In this posture, you will be using gravity to your advantage.

2. It relieves tired leg muscles.

Hanging out with your legs up the wall is one of the best ways to help drain tension from the legs, feet, and even the hips if you have them elevated on blocks.

If you have a strap around your legs, and have given yourself an extended period of time to allow your body to fully relax into the posture, you will find that tired, sore legs will feel a whole lot better once you come out of your posture.

3. It gives you all the benefits of inversion, without the effort.

You most likely know how good inversions are for you at this point—they can help to reverse the effects of gravity on the whole system, help regulate blood pressure, help move stuck fluids, and even help to improve your digestion.

However, sometimes the energetic expressions of inversions like Handstand are too much. We all have times in our lives when we need something that is just fully nourishing, and that is where Legs Up the Wall comes in.

You will still be getting many of the benefits of practicing an active inversion, while also fully resting and surrendering.

4. It is super calming for the nervous system.

This posture is really intended to be a deeply relaxing pose. When you combine a longer hold of Legs Up the Wall with slow, rhythmic breathing, you will be tapping into your “rest and digest” nervous response.

In this state, your body will be actively digesting anything you have eaten, as well as working to heal and repair your body. When you do poses like Legs Up the Wall consistently for a period of time, you may notice that your body feels healthier overall, and that you are better able to find a calm state of mind.

5. It helps quiet the mind.

As mentioned in the point above, this posture may help you cultivate a quiet mind if you practice it for a period of time. By fully releasing and relaxing your body and by focusing on deep breathing, you will evoke a meditative state.

Having the body feel safe and supported is one of the tools that we as yogis use to help reach this peaceful state. As you breathe, surrender and let go, you may find yourself slipping into bliss!

Blog by Ali Washington

1. Let lunch or breakfast be your biggest meal of the day.

People always go all out on dinner and while this isn’t wrong, the logic behind choosing lunch or breakfast as your big meal makes total sense. If you eat a big meal earlier in the day your body has way more time to digest it properly while you are active and moving. Most times after dinner and dessert nobody does anything or they go to bed shortly after.

If you do eat a big dinner, try to go for a long walk or find a dance floor afterwards to help with digestion.

2. Pack your vitamins.

Freeze dried probiotics are an actual thing and are a game changer while travelling.
Or, a kombucha a day would suffice. Probiotics are essential to keep your immunity up and ensure that vitamins and minerals are absorbed properly.

A good quality multi vitamin or other vitamins that are essential for your well being are a great idea to travel with, as you may not be getting it from your food that you eat from restaurants on the road. Often times, restaurants use cheap oils or GMO filled sauces that wreak havoc on your immune system while you travel. If you keep the vitamins and minerals flowing in your system you will stay healthy and strong!

3. Go easy on the alcohol.

While booze on its own is not always the main culprit in weight gain, it is the decisions that follow alcohol consumption that usually have the worst effects. Examples: late night snacks, too sluggish to be active, unhealthy meal choices, foggy mind creates less presence with the beauty around you, ect.

BUT IT’S SO CHEAP…. Cheaper usually means a worse hang over. If you are going to drink, stick to a minimal amount or drink higher quality alcohol with soda water and lime. You get what you pay for.

Tip – Try kombucha in place of wine!

4. Stay active!

Try not to be one of those people that sit in the communal area and watch movies every day. If the sun is shining get out there and explore! From diving to hiking to biking, there are loads of activities to keep you moving.

Or if you prefer to exercise alone or are on a tight budget you can pack a light travel yoga mat and download some videos to follow. Or find some HIIT workouts or other workouts you can do in your room. Travelling with a resistant band is light and a great tool for working out. You can also travel with a tennis ball to roll out your sore muscles (works like a foam roller would).

5. Find time to be alone or meditate.

I know that traveling may look like it’s all fun and games in the photos we post, but every backpacker knows that traveling can be stressful. Remember to ‘zen out’. Having time to yourself is needed for the mind and soul and keeps you grounded and centered within yourself.

6. Cook in your room or stay in air bnb’s or hotels with kitchens.

Depending on which country you travel to you may or may not have access to a kitchen. If you do have access to a kitchen, eat as many meals as possible made by you with fresh and local ingredients. That way you know exactly what has been put in your food and all your loving energy in your meal will be felt as well.

If you do not have access to a kitchen here are some great tips on how to cook in your room. Travel with a good knife, a small travel kettle or a small travel rice cooker. The kettle can be used to make an epic breakfast bowl with oatmeal, hemp hearts, chia seeds, dried fruit, nuts or whatever else you like. Use stevia or coconut sugar to sweeten. You can mix all your breakfast bowl ingredients in one Ziploc bag and then just add the hot water and sweetener. You can make many more things then just rice in a rice cooker. Use it to make a quinoa bowl with veggies from a local market or google other ideas of what healthy meals can be made in a small rice cooker.

You can also travel with high quality unrefined salt and organic black pepper and a few spices to add to your hotel room meals.

*Precaution – Any food you travel with should be stored in sealed containers to keep mice, rats, or bugs out of your bungalow or room.

7. Take advantage of markets.

The local markets in every country are some of my favorite places to check out. Eat and stock up on tons of fruit as snacks for travel days. Cut up carrots and other veg to carry around. Try new things you haven’t seen before, ask questions, google and research how the locals eat and what traditional meals are healthy and nourishing for your body.

8. Stay hydrated and add minerals to your drinking water.

I could go on and on about the benefits of drinking water, but I think you’ve heard it before, so drink up! Especially true if you’re spending heaps of time in the sunshine, or even just chilling in the tropical heat! A lot of the bottled water has been stripped of the good minerals our bodies need. You can purchase a small dropper vile of necessary minerals that you can add to your water while you travel or check out other options here -> http://wellgal.com/7-ways-add-essential-trace-minerals-drinking-water-health/

If you are somewhere with fresh coconuts, drink as much coconut water as you can! It is so good for you and has so many beneficial properties for you to maintain optimal health!

9. Coconut oil.

Lotion? Coconut oil. Eye make-up remover? Coconut oil. Sunburn? Coconut oil. Cooking? Coconut oil. The list goes on and on and it’s so much better for your body and the environment than most products!

10. Research where the healthy restaurants are located in each place you travel to.

Almost every city has a little organic café or a farmers market. Research where they are and try to eat where you know they use quality ingredients. Or ask for steamed veg instead of wok veg covered in cheap oil. Look for raw food restaurants!

Or when you order, try filling your plate with mostly veggies and have meat or a complex carb, such as a sweet potato or brown rice, as the side. Even better why not travel as a vegetarian or vegan for a bit and see how it goes?!

11. Ladies- use the diva cup.

Saves money and is better for you. It’s amazing!

12. Try intermittent fasting with Bullet Proof coffee or make your own high quality coffee in your room.

Research why high quality coffee matters to your health! Many places in the world do not serve very good quality coffee or sometimes you have no choice other then instant coffee… EW! I am a high quality coffee lover and will settle for no less. I travel with a stainless steal coffee press that doubles as a travel mug and my own high quality ground coffee. MEC carries awesome travel mug coffee presses!

Bullet Proof coffee is awesome! And can act as a breakfast meal replacement. I use a shaker cup instead of a blender while I travel to make my BP coffee. Intermittent fasting is when you don’t eat anything after 8pm, then you have a BP coffee for breakfast, and don’t eat lunch until about 1pm. It’s super great for your body! Learn more about intermittent fasting and Bullet Proof coffee here -> https://blog.bulletproof.com/bulletproof-fasting/

Blog by Melissa Jol, Co-Founder of Breathe in Life Health and Wellness Travel

Amit was born in Srinagar, Kashmir India to a Brahman (highest ranking of the Indian social classes) family. His grand father was a disciple of Swami Ram Ji who is from the lineage of Abninavagupta. His mother Krishna is a master in Sanskrit and father Dwarka Nath is a great follower of lord Shiva. Being born into the Kashmir Shaivism tradition and having interest in spirituality from young age, he grew up around great shaivite masters. This had a profound effect on Amit’s development and growth as a young student, leading him to start practicing meditation and yoga from young age. In the city of Pune while working as an Engineer, he was in a deep meditation and had a strong vision which led him to leave the comforts of his life and travel all over the Himalayas as a Sadhu (Holy Man), staying in various ashrams for six years on an intense spiritual journey. Through this process he connected with the deepest essence of his being and discovered his true calling as a yoga and philosophy teacher.

He studied the philosophy of hatha yoga, asana, pranayama and satkarmas at Gurukula kangri Vishwavidyalaya in the sacred city of Haridwar in the faculty of Oriental Studies and received his certificate in yoga. He then went to the famous Bihar School of Yoga in Munger where he received his certificate in Yogic Studies gaining a deeper understanding of satyananda yoga, karma yoga, Bakthi yoga and Jnana yoga.

Next he studied with world renowned yoga master B.K.S Iyengar at his Yoga Institute in Pune, India for more than fourteen years where he focused on body alignment, the proper use of props, correct postures and pranayams. He is  certified by Guru Ji BKS Iyengar as an official Iyengar Yoga teacher. He also studied Tantra and various scriptures at the feet of various masters to whom he bows his head with deep respect. Amit is a devoted practitioner and regularly practices the meditations as prescribed by the scriptures of Agamas and Hatha yoga.

He has been teaching his unique and deeply authentic style of yoga through out the world and in India, honoring his heritage as spreads the real meaning of Tantra.

Amit is an E–RYT 500 ( Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) recognized by the Yoga Alliance

Photo by ohsheglows.com

While this smoothie is different from my regular morning protein smoothie, it makes for a lovely afternoon snack. You could probably add some hemp hearts to this one if you wanted to boost the protein enough for a morning drink.

This smoothie combines the power of many digestion-friendly and immune-boosting foods:

// Pineapple // Digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, immune support. One cup gives you 105% of your daily Vitamin C requirements. I use frozen pineapple chunks in smoothies to save time.

// Fresh ginger // Soothes the intestinal tract and helps with digestion. Awesome for all kinds of gastrointestinal relief, such as morning sickness. Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting.

// Fresh parsley // Rich in vitamins K, C, A, folate, and antioxidants. It’s a natural diuretic which can help release water retention. Opt for flat-leaf parsley as it’s less bitter than curly parsley. Cilantro would be a nice swap here too!

// Avocado // Major anti-inflammatory benefits + heart-healthy fats. High in fibre which aids with digestion.

// Banana // Rich in B6, manganese, Vitamin C, fibre, and potassium. Interesting to note – while bananas are high in sugar, they have a low glycemic index score which means that they won’t spike blood sugar levels. It’s soothing to the digestive track and thought to regulate the bowels and enhance friendly gut bacteria.

// Lemon // Rich in vitamin C. Aids digestion and helps flush out toxins.

[Source: The World’s Healthiest Foods]

I also add some coconut water and probiotic powder for an extra boost! Feel free to add a handful of spinach or kale too.

Happy Digestion SmoothieVegan, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free This green smoothie is packed with digestion-enhancing and immune-boosting foods like pineapple, parsley, ginger, avocado, and more. It makes a great afternoon snack.

Yield
2 1/4 cups

Prep Time
10 Minutes

Cook time
0 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup frozen pineapple chunks (or fresh, if desired)
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons avocado
• 1 teaspoon packed freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon probiotic powder, optional
• lemon slice, for garnish

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on the highest speed until super smooth.

Tips: 1) Feel free to add a handful of baby spinach. 2) Fresh mint would also give this smoothie a nice digestion boost!

Read more: http://ohsheglows.com/2015/02/12/happy-digestion-smoothie/#ixzz3gRVvQDRy

Have you been looking for a way to change things? A way that actually works?

As I travel around the world, there are many tools that I share for changing things in people’s lives. I’d love to give you one of my favorite paradigms for change, that people find over and over again actually works!

How do you start creating what it is YOU would like to create in your life?

Read on for 5 Steps to Change Anything!

1. Make a Demand – As in “Hey, this is going to change and something else is going to show up!”

What if all those things you’ve judged that you cannot have are actually possible? Rather than rejecting what is possible and what other people create, what if you could allow it to inspire you? Make the demand – ‘No matter what it takes, no matter what it looks like, I will have it.’ That demand allows the universe to know you mean it and to support you.

Question: What’s it going to take for me to have that?

2. Ask a Question – Every question you ask opens up a completely different possibility and a new potential.

By making a demand and then asking a question, ‘What’s it going to take for this to show up differently?’, you open up doorways you never saw before. You stick your head in the doorway and there are all sorts of different pathways you can take!

Questions

• What’s it going to take for this to show up?
• What else is possible?
• How does it get any better than this?

3. Wave the Magic Wand – Ask to destroy and uncreate and let go of everything you’ve created or bought that doesn’t allow that to show up as soon as possible. Then run the clearing statement (your magic wand ;)) – Right, wrong, good, bad, POD and POC, all Nine, Shorts, Boys and Beyonds. Or just ‘POD and POC all that!’ (You can learn more about the clearing statement and how to use it HERE)

4. Choose and Act – Your choice determines the potentials and possibilities that will occur.

In other words, you’ve got the demand, the question, and the letting go of the limitation – and it’s the choice that actually creates a different possibility for the future. You have to choose and act! In this reality, you still have to DO as well. Please don’t limit what can show up for you by refusing to act when it’s necessary. You’ll need to DO something different to create something different.

5. Receive Everything – For this to work, you have to be willing to receive everything that shows up, with no judgment and no exclusion. Trust the Universe.

Please know you don’t control when something shows up, or exactly what it looks like. The Universe does. The Universe is aware of INFINITE POSSIBILITIES – possibilities that go way way beyond anything you could imagine.

What energy, space and consciousness can you be to receive everything you’ve been unwilling to receive?

What could inspire you today that you haven’t even acknowledged? What change could you choose that you’ve never thought possible?

Until next time my friends,

Dain Heer

Blog from AccessConsciousness.com

Rumi was an evolutionary thinker. He had an open mind and an open heart; and shared his wisdom with the world. Some of his thoughts are truly eye opening and thought provoking. Here are 18 gems from the ocean of Rumi’s wisdom… Enjoy and peace to all. 

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” 

“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” 

 

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”  

 

“Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.” 

 

“Knock, And He’ll open the door
Vanish, And He’ll make you shine like the sun
fall, And He’ll raise you to the heavens
Become nothing, And He’ll turn you into everything.”

 

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” 

 

“My soul is from elsewhere, I’m sure of that, and I intend to end up there.” 

 

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.” 

 

 

“Be empty of worrying.
Think of who created thought!
Why do you stay in prison
When the door is so wide open?”

 

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor…

Welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” 

 

“But listen to me. For one moment
quit being sad. Hear blessings
dropping their blossoms
around you.” 

 

“Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” 

 

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” 

 

“Keep walking, though there’s no place to get to.
Don’t try to see through the distances.
That’s not for human beings. Move within,
But don’t move the way fear makes you move.” 

 

“The morning wind spreads its fresh smell. We must get up and take that in, that wind that lets us live. Breathe before it’s gone.” 

 

“Work on your strong qualities
and become resplendent like the ruby.
Practice self-denial and accept difficulty.
Always see infinite life in letting the self die.
Your stoniness will decrease; your ruby nature will grow.
The signs of self-existence will leave your body,
and ecstasy will take you over.” 

 

“Peaceful is the one who’s not concerned with having more or less.
Unbound by name and fame, he is free from sorrow from the world and mostly from himself.” 

 

“On a day
when the wind is perfect,
the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty.
Today is such a
day.” 

Blog by Naveen Kumar

Neuroscientists have made enormous breakthroughs in understanding how our brains work by monitoring them in real time with instruments like FMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners.

When people are hooked up to these machines, tasks, such as reading or doing math problems, each have corresponding areas of the brain where activity can be observed. However, when researchers got the participants to listen to music, they saw fireworks.

It turns out that while listening to music engages the brain in some pretty interesting activities,playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full-body workout.

The neuroscientists saw multiple areas of the brain light up, simultaneously processing different information in intricate, interrelated, and astonishingly rapid sequences. Playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the brain at once, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortices.

Playing music has also been found to increase the volume and activity in the brain’s corpus callosum, the bridge between the two hemispheres, allowing messages to get across the brain faster and through more diverse routes.

This may allow musicians to solve problems more effectively and creatively, in both academic and social settings. Because making music also involves crafting and understanding its emotional content and message, musicians often have higher levels of executive function, a category of interlinked tasks that includes planning, strategizing, and attention to detail and requires simultaneous analysis of both cognitive and emotional aspects.

This ability also has an impact on how our memory systems work. And, indeed, musicians exhibit enhanced memory functions, creating, storing, and retrieving memories more quickly and efficiently.

Studies have found that musicians appear to use their highly connected brains to give each memory multiple tags, such as a conceptual tag, an emotional tag, an audio tag, and a contextual tag – similar to a good Internet search engine.

How do we know that all these benefits are unique to music, as opposed to, say, sports or painting? Alternatively, could it be that people who go into music were already smarter to begin with?

Neuroscientists have explored these issues, but so far, they have found that the artistic and aesthetic aspects of learning to play a musical instrument are different than any other activity studied, including other arts.

Moreover, several randomized studies of participants, who showed the same levels of cognitive function and neural processing at the start, found that those who were exposed to a period of music learning showed enhancement in multiple brain areas, compared to the others.

This recent research about the mental benefits of playing music has advanced our understanding of mental function, revealing the inner rhythms and complex interplay that make up the incredible orchestra of our brain.

TALK ABOUT A GOOD REASON TO KEEP MUSIC STUDY IN SCHOOL!

TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Blog via David Wolfe

Did you know that essential oils have been used for thousands of years to alleviate a variety of ailments, well before the advent of pharmaceutical drugs? Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that have been extracted from natural sources such as flowers, seeds, bark and plants. Each one has its own set of special properties. You can combine them for a tailor-made solution to whatever health concerns you may have, without dangerous pharmaceutical drugs. Here are 10 essential oils that can boost your physical and emotional well-being.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is so powerful that a mere whiff of it can help you become more energetic and mentally alert. In fact, a study at the University of Cincinnati determined that inhaling this fragrant oil can improve mental accuracy by as much as 28 percent. Inhaling the oil can also help take the edge off of nausea, making it a great remedy for morning or motion sickness.
In addition, peppermint oil is one of the few essential oils that are safe to take internally, but a little goes a very long way. Stirring a few drops into some herbal tea or water is a great way to relieve indigestion.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, which can be attributed to its versatility and pleasing aroma. Lavender essential oil is naturally antiseptic and antiviral, which makes it a great candidate for rubbing onto bites, cuts, stings, bruises or skin irritations. Unlike many other essential oils, it does not need to be diluted with a carrier oil before it is used.

Despite these very important healing abilities, lavender essential oil is perhaps best known for its soothing and relaxing qualities. You can put some in a diffuser in your bedroom or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before going to sleep to create a relaxing environment. You can also add a few drops to your bath water to help melt away stress.

Tea tree

When it comes to essential oils for health, it’s hard to top tea tree oil. This oil, which is derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant, can heal a host of skin problems, such as athlete’s foot, fungal infections and insect bites. When mixed with a carrier such as Aloe vera gel or coconut oil, tea tree oil can be dabbed onto blemishes to help clear them up. You can also add a few drops of this distinctively clean-smelling oil to your regular shampoo to promote scalp health and keep dandruff at bay.

Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil is another powerful oil that can do a lot to improve your health and mood. It has the ability to fight blemishes and skin inflammation and is less irritating than tea tree oil. It can also be mixed with coconut oil to help soothe eczema or diaper rash.

In addition, chamomile can help you relax; however, it should not be taken internally. Instead, try adding a few drops to your pillowcase to promote a good night’s sleep. You can also use it in vapor therapy when you’re feeling stressed or your mood needs a lift. Who needs toxic antidepressants when you’ve got natural chamomile essential oil?

Frankincense

For most of us, frankincense is most strongly associated with Christmas carols. There is a reason frankincense was considered a valuable gift in ancient times. This essential oil promotes optimal health in a number of ways, including boosting immunity and fighting inflammation. It’s very handy for helping insect bites or small cuts heal more quickly as well. Furthermore, frankincense can lift your mood and promote relaxation, so add a few drops to your bath. After all, mental health and physical health go hand in hand.

Lemon

Lemons, with their fresh citrus taste and bright yellow color, are often associated with cheerfulness. It turns out this isn’t some type of arbitrary symbolism; lemon essential oil is actually revered for its uplifting properties. Inhaling a small amount of the oil mixed in a 1:1 ratio with a carrier oil can boost your concentration and make you feel more alert and focused. The diluted oil can also be applied to help heal acne. You can even use lemons as a safe and natural way to keep fleas away from your pets!

Oregano

Oregano essential oil is a popular alternative treatment option for colds and the flu, which is best achieved by adding a few drops of the oil to a diffuser and inhaling it. Some people add a few drops of oregano oil to water or juice to relieve a sore throat.

The oil also has antiviral and antifungal properties. Some people believe it can help digestive issues or candida infections. When diluted with sweet almond oil or another carrier oil, it’s a great way to deal with nail fungus, cold sores, or dandruff. It also contains the natural insect repellent carvacrol, so apply some to outdoor furniture; or dilute it and apply some to your skin before heading outdoors to keep insects away without using harmful artificial chemicals.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is essential when cold and flu season sets in. To clear your nasal passages and lungs, add a few drops to steaming water or sprinkle a few drops onto your handkerchief and take a few whiffs throughout the day. This is also a great way to soothe allergies.

Although eucalyptus essential oil is a great natural way to treat and even prevent the cold, it is important to avoid ingesting it. If you plan to apply it to your skin, be sure to dilute it first to avoid irritation.

Bergamot

If bergamot smells familiar to you, it’s probably because the crisp, citrus scent is often used in fragrances. However, bergamot’s healing properties are what make it a truly worthy essential oil. Its fresh scent works incredibly well in a vaporizer or as incense and can help take the edge off of anxiety and stress when inhaled. In addition, you can apply it to your skin to help treat eczema, but be sure you dilute it first to avoid burning your skin.

Rosemary

Do you have a headache or feel stressed? The scent of rosemary essential oil can help with both of these problems. Is your memory not what it used to be? Rosemary oil can help with that, too. If you’re having scalp problems, skip the drugstore and head straight to your bottle of rosemary oil. A few drops mixed into your shampoo can boost circulation to your scalp to give your hair a healthy shine and treat dandruff.

Essential oils are a great way to improve your health naturally. Even though these oils are natural and generally safe to use, be sure to check for contraindications before using them, particularly if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. You don’t have to resort to over-the-counter medications that have dangerous and unknown side effects at the first signs of illness. Save yourself the toil with these essential oils.

Sources include: FoxNews.com, HuffingtonPost.ca, WellnessToday.com, HuffingtonPost.ca

We have been put through the paces, initiated into the unknown, forced to trust (May’s theme) and are now facing our own resistance to change and evolution. This month we will get to experience that resistance is futile and stems only from our own fears of the unknown and our attachment to what we know. It is time to adapt to what is actually happening and to where the energy wants to flow.

You do not have to like some of the things that are happening, you just have to stop resisting them. Resistance requires a lot of energy that can be better spent elsewhere. This is a choice. If you really embraced the lessons around trust last month, you should find yourself in a place of greater acceptance and flexibility. Resistance is fear based and usually accompanied by negative emotions such as anger, martyrdom, judgment, resentment and blame. It can cause depression and anxiety negating inspiration, enthusiasm and your zest for life.

Adaptability is the ability to take a current situation or circumstance that is either unfamiliar or somehow unacceptable, and instead of resisting or blocking it, accepting and allowing it through your own choice. Instead of putting all of your energy into resistance and judgment, choose instead to put it into being resourceful and proactive in any situation. Many of you have had to deal with unexpected situations that have thrown you off your balance and known ways of living your life. Some of you have already needed to adapt to changes not of your choosing. Choice is the key, as it will keep you out of martyrdom and resistance.

When you can be proactive with your choice to accept and be flexible, the universe opens more possibilities for you. Instead of focusing on the door that is closing, look around you at all the ones that are opening. The more flexible and accepting you can be, the more resourceful you will be with an easier time adjusting and adapting to current situations. We have a lot of movement this month and those of you who are attached to controlling how things go, will definitely have to let go of that control. The trust theme of May follows us into this month and will be around as a reminder to turn what you do not understand over to spirit rather than to be overly obsessive.

We are in an accelerated time of evolution and transformation. We are adjusting to a new paradigm and although it may not seem like it based on all the negative happenings in the world, we are actually moving forward in the larger picture. How you navigate this month will determine how well you can migrate into the new paradigm without excruciating growing pains. So drop your resistance and adapt to what is now, what is new, what is gone, and what is coming. If you focus on your choice to be resourceful instead of fearful, you will rekindle your enthusiasm and inspiration for what could be instead of feeding the fear, which is an illusion anyway.

Adaptability supports seeing opportunity in every challenge. If you feel beaten down by recent events, get back up, shake yourself off, and choose to continue to move forward. If things do not happen the way you planned or if your plans get changed, be flexible, resilient and accepting. Instead of stewing about how it did not work out, adjust and adapt to something new. It is a great month for stepping into anything new; a new routine, a new relationship, a new project, or a new look. Make sure you are choosing it proactively as you adapt to new energies and resourceful ways of moving forward.

We are not going back. Evolution only goes in one direction. The increase in energy and complexity is here to stay. So you can adapt or you can suffer. Your choice.

How the month shows up

YOU PERSONALLY

This is a great month to honor personal change. Whatever has been internalized over the past few months has a possibility for outward manifestation this month. For example, if you have been working on better health, your health could outwardly improve this month. If you have been dreaming about starting a new area of study or a new project, you could have both the resources and the support for actually getting started.

The growing pains of your recent personal growth will also subside as you begin to show up in the world, well adapted to the transformation. Expect sudden changes to continue and be prepared to be flexible, accepting and resourceful. As you continue to trust, make sure you are also doing practices that keep your energy positive and your frequency as high as possible. Beware of matching others who are struggling and remember that you cannot take away someone else’s pain or do their growth for them. Be the light and be the example. Focus on the fun and the magic of life as you adapt to what is here and coming.

Most of all be inspired by what’s new instead of regretting the past. It is time to put your creativity and inspiration first and to calendar time for yourself doing what you love to do. Others will adapt.

RELATIONSHIPS

The most important relationship this month is the relationship with yourself. It is a great month to reflect on who you are, what you need, what you desire, what you have been putting up with, what needs to change, and how and where you need to adapt in order to live more fully and authentically. Once you make your choices and set your intentions, then others will need to adapt to them. This is the hard part as there may be relationships that are unable or unwilling to adapt to your choices. Beware of overly compromising based on the fear of loss. Stay true to yourself no matter what the consequence. This month there is good support for being authentic and for moving forward in a new way.

There also may be relationships that evolve with you as well as new ones that drop in suddenly and feel like you have known them your whole life. In times of great change there is often a shake up and an acceleration of people connecting for agreements, karma and exchange. Don’t resist. Be accepting but proactive at the same time. People you have not seen or spoken with for many years may cycle back around into your field either for a completion of something karmic or a renewal of your connection from a new platform. So if you suddenly start thinking of someone from your past, reach out to them. It may be important.

HEALTH AND THE PHYSICAL BODY

It’s a good month for health as long as you keep things moving. It will be helpful to change it up a bit and to try new approaches to supporting your health and well- being. You will also get a lot of mileage out of taking some quality time for yourself to nurture not only your physical body but also your spiritual foundation. Whatever you do this month to support your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being will bring you great results and have far reaching effects. Focus and discipline will help you adapt to new routines and helpful practices. Good health and well-being is not automatic. You do need to put some energy and effort into it and to trust that if you do, you will see results.

Resistance and fear can affect the body. Resistance in the body feels weighty and burdensome. Fear will trigger anxiety and depression. So if you feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious, depressed, lethargic, uninspired, resentful or angry, you are in resistance fueled by our fears. Drop the resistance, come into acceptance, and you will feel better and adapt more easily.

The other possibility this month for the physical body is to experience its ability for accelerated healing, miracles and performance. The body is capable of much more than we believe possible or that we credit it for. Try some “what if” questions this month related to your physical capabilities, health, energy levels and healing ability and see what happens. Remember to keep adapting to new situations physically as well as emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

ENVIRONMENT

The environment is perhaps our greatest teacher for adapting to change. There is nothing like an environmental crisis to bring people together in an exercise of resourcefulness and adaptability. Weather continues to be extreme and unpredictable fueling crisis situations. Adapt your plans and schedule according to what the weather and environment may be dictating. You cannot change the weather but you do have a choice to adapt.

Adapt your personal immediate environment to any personal change you are experiencing or implementing especially if it will support a new dream. For example, you may redecorate or reorganize a room to support a new hobby or project important to you. You should feel a lot of energy and enthusiasm for these kinds of upgrades and changes.

In the greater environment, we can expect more wind, solar flares and dramatic events such as rock slides, earth quakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and storms.

BUSINESS/PARTNERSHIPS/PROJECTS

Expect changes, handle crisis creatively and adapt where and what you need to. This is an excellent month to regroup, restructure, reinvent and reorganize. You will have the inspiration as well as the energy to think proactively, hopefully somewhat out of the box, and to adapt to new goals and desires as needed. Be open to new suggestions and unexpected opportunities.

If you are hitting a wall with a project or work situation let it rest for a while and then approach it from a different angle where it can be adapted to a new opportunity. You may also be able to see it more objectively as an old energy that needs to be let go. If you need to let something go, you can trust that another door will open that is better aligned and adapted to where you need to be at this time.

Restructuring may include schedules, finances, support people, the work itself and may also include taking a risk with trying something new. You will definitely be inspired to reorganize your space, throw away old outdated files, upgrade equipment and relationships where you need to and restart old tired projects with new energy.

DATES AND TIME FRAMES

June 1-7: A good time frame to look at anywhere you may have resistance to change. It is also a good time to observe where you may be reacting negatively to where the energy wants to go. Stop, regroup, accept, and intend to be adaptable with ease and grace. You may be faced with some opportunities that can feel overwhelming but chances are they are the right thing for you at this time. Take a deep breath, ask spirit for help and clarity and go for the risk. You have lots of support.

If you have any resistance, make a conscious effort to allay your fears through trust. Fear is never justified and no decision should be made from a place of fear. If you are faced with decisions, make them from a place of adventure, enthusiasm and inspiration knowing you always have the support of your allies.

June 4: New Moon is Saturday June 4, at 9:02 PM MDT. This is a marker of choice. Look at all the choices you have, have made or are in the process of making and observe how and what you are choosing. Are you choosing from fear or are you choosing from a place of courage, confidence and certainty? Are your choices for you or are they compromised towards someone else? Are your choices made from a place of reaction or are you being proactive with your own desires and goals?

This new moon is an internal time to process personal issues so if you are around a lot of others make sure you take some individual time to honor the new moon and what it can support you with.

June 8-15: Are you suffering? If so, you are not adapting very well. Embrace the fact that this new paradigm, this new energy with all of its complexity and pressure is here to stay. Practice acceptance during this time and find humor in your own process. This is a time when people from the past may surface. If you have karma to complete, or someone that wants to reconnect, this would be a good time to do it.

This is also a great time to do some restructuring of your schedule, goals, relationships, environment or work. Take a risk, try something new and don’t be afraid to eliminate what no longer works in your life. Focus on the doors that are likely to open instead of what is closing.

It is important that as you adapt to whatever the current situation is, you do it with acceptance, inspiration and enthusiasm. Make sure you have practices that keep your frequency as high as possible and stay away from the negativity of others. You will find there is a lot of projection being thrown around as others may be having a difficult time adapting. Don’t take it personally. It is not your problem.

June 16-22: This is a powerful time, the most powerful of the month. Take advantage of it by being proactive with adapting and proactive with your intentions. Embrace any challenge as an opportunity for change and improvement. We are likely to see some dramatic world events, weather phenomena and interesting crises during this time. All of it points to change and transformation.

This is also the time frame where sudden events and unexpected situations can occur, giving you an opportunity to be flexible and accepting. Use the energy to fuel something you desire instead of running from it out of fear. As the solstice and full moon approach, get focused and organized about some way you will harness the tremendous force and energy of this time.

June 20: Full Moon and Summer Solstice. Once every 30+ years, the Summer Solstice and Full moon fall on the same day. This is a rare and powerful event and should be well honored. The Full Moon is at 5:02 AM MDT (Mountain Daylight Time) and brightest the night of the 19th. The Summer Solstice is at 4:34 PM MDT (Mountain Daylight Time).

Take advantage of this powerful energy and celebrate something in your life that you have accomplished. It could be a completion, a decision, a project, a commitment, a new beginning or the achievement of some goal. This is also a social time for gatherings, community events and cooperative participation. Make sure that during this time you stay focused on the positive, on the doors that are opening, and on the potential, instead of dwelling on any fear, resistance, judgment or negativity. What you put your energy and focus on will grow in this fertile time so make sure it is what you want. Allow yourself to be supported by your community and your friends and be willing to receive all that is positive that is available to you.

June 23-31: There are some wonderful aspects during this time that will reward you for your efforts and any energy you have put into your health, your relationships, your business and your creative projects. If you are suffering from lethargy or depression, get something moving. There is lots of support during this time for completions and beginnings. You will need to be mature in how you choose which is which. Sometimes there is a completion before a beginning around the same situation especially if there is karma involved.

If you are on the right track you should feel different, trusting, relaxed about the future, inspired by your life and excited by the opportunities that you have or will be creating for yourself. This is an expansive time. Adapt into it or suffer the consequences of resistance, small thinking and negative emotions.

Have a great month and be sure to have some fun!

Lena

Blog by thepowerpath.com

Caitlin Varrin is full of spunk and spreads her positivity, laughter, and great sense of humor where ever she goes. She is a devoted teacher who shows her love and true colors not only in the classroom but to all she comes in contact with. Through the influence of music, art, dance, and fellow instructors, Caitlin finds her voice and we are proud to have her teaching alongside her dear friend, Graham Parsons, on our Smitten with Life Yoga Retreat this Nov.13-23 in Nicaragua in partnership with Yogalife Studios!

Learn more here about Caitlin, and her path and perception as a teacher:

-How did you find yoga?

I was ready for “brand new” in my life so I decided to apply for a position at lululemon, a store I had never stepped foot in that boasted this lifestyle I was unfamiliar with. Best decision of my life. My first class was at Lion’s Breath Yoga and I was hooked from the start. As someone who was experiencing nearly daily panic attacks and a sense of zero control on things, it was amazing to learn that everything I ever wanted or needed was actually right in me. Soon I was able to come to that inward place of quiet and control and I’ve really never looked back. When it is needed, I will panic or experience the rollercoaster, and that’s ok too (another lovely teaching of this essential part of my life).

-What is yoga?

I like to think that yoga exists in many forms. Essentially, anything that you mindfully spend your attention on, accompanied by breath, is a form of the practice. I always gently correct friends that say “oh I can’t do yoga” because it is important for them to know that when they read, ride their bike, sing, dance, write, take a bath, cook, clean, whatever… they are indeed practicing yoga! Yoga is many things – a creative way to care for yourself, a teacher that wakes you up and lets you feel, your support system, your ocean, your family.

Oh, and stretching feels nice too.

-What to you is the most essential quality in a teacher?

Unwavering kindness and humility: the same qualities as being a sweet human.

-As a teacher, what is the core of your message?

Fall as deep in love with yourself as you possibly can and then radiate that out to everyone and everything. Understand why things are happening but don’t get too bogged by it. Listen. Watch.

I generally allow the experiences of my personal life guide how and why I’m teaching so my direct themes may be quite varied. At the heart of it all though, LOVE.

-What are the biggest challenges yoga has brought you?

Teaching and re-teaching myself that I am worthy of all of this. Feeling secure in this role amongst so many amazing teachers and letting myself understand that I am one too. We are all worthy of whatever we are achieving! Sometimes it’s just hard to see it clearly.

-What is your favorite place on earth?

On a dance floor with my friends. Preferably in San Francisco but I’m not picky.

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