What I learned on my cleanse

I completed a seven-day Ayurveda cleanse. What is Ayurveda, you ask? It is the sister science to yoga or in Sanskrit “the knowledge of life.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center defined it as follows:

Considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that is designed to help people live long, healthy, and well balanced lives. The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge. It has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years and has recently become popular in Western cultures. The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper drinking, diet, and lifestyle, as well as herbal remedies. (Source: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ayurveda-000348.htm)

At first I thought, “Seven days, no problem.” The third and fourth days were the most difficult and I did sneak some protein bars and dark chocolate in a few times, but overall I think I did really well. My diet consisted of kitchari, fruit, veggies, steal-cut oatmeal, tea and water. Kitchari is actually pretty good and I will incorporate it into my meals moving forward. I had some friends try it and they agreed; it reminded them of Spanish rice. You can find the recipe here.

I have never done a cleanse before and have been wanting to try it for nutritional value. I don't think I eat badly, but I know I can do better. I considered this a jump start to healthier eating and I really think I accomplished that. I'm not putting a label on anything. No vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free here. I'm just being more conscious of what I eat and if I want a treat every once in awhile, that is just fine.

Here's what I learned on my cleanse:

1. I have a bigger sweet tooth than I thought.
2. I can go seven days eating basically the same thing.
3. It wasn’t as difficult to give up dairy and bread.
4. I love fruit!
5. I now like to eat carrots/celery like I used to eat chips/crackers (and I don’t need ranch dressing).
6. Food is our fuel and we need to give our body the best!
7. Yoga really helped curb my hunger.
8. Slow down and chew food thoroughly.
9. Cravings included: peanut butter, popcorn, hamburger, chocolate, red-velvet cupcake, guacamole, Starbucks.
10. Not a big fan of green tea, but I do like soy milk in my lattes.
11. I had a weird sensation with the neti pot, but I am going to stick with it.
12. Tune in to what your body needs. Maybe it’s just a night off.
13. I still had energy to run and do yoga, just had to keep eating.
14. I turn to sweets when I get stressed, frustrated, sad – it’s the instant gratification.
15. You can do pretty much anything you set your mind too.

Goals moving forward:

1. Cut out the dairy as much as possible. I usually eat a greek yogurt/granola in the morning for breakfast. I’m going to replace that with a smoothie. Check out my first smoothie recipe below.
2. Cut back on the gluten. Something small each week, like instead of bread for a sandwich do a lettuce wrap.
3. Buy organic when I can. Start with chicken.

Hello 2013

December was a bit of a whirlwind and I'm ready to settle in to 2013. From working at lulu to spending time with friends and family, while balancing my full-time job at PlattForm, and teaching yoga classes it was a fun ride.

I was waiting to find out what 2013 would bring and what the next step would be in creating my dream job. The new VP of Client Services agreed to let me go down to 32 hours a week, so I can focus on yoga, which I am very grateful for. Next was waiting to hear from lulu on if I would be able to stay. I really believe that it is for the best that I will not be continuing my part-time position at lulu, even with going to 32 hours a week at PlattForm, it would be a lot. And I made peace with that even before I found out. That is what I love about opportunities. They are always there, waiting for us and if things don't work out how you planned, there is always another opportunity around the corner. It is okay to feel that disappointment at first, but then make a new plan and believe everything happens for a reason. I met so many fabulous people working at lulu and I will always be a part of that community. Who knows another opportunity may present itself down the road with lulu at just the right time.

I am really excited to start 2013 knowing that I will have even more time to focus on yoga. Friday is going to be my yoga day to study, read, meditate, practice and plan classes.

What else do I have in store for 2013? Well, you know it's all about balance and yoga is my passion, however so is traveling and my niece, who hasn't even been born yet! It's going to be one fabulous year. Here is what I have on the itinerary:

• Staycation to see all the sites of KC (ideas welcome!)
• Running my first half marathon in April
• Meeting my niece in May
• Vancouver, Canada adventure in June
• Annual birthday trip to San Diego and meeting Shari's newest addition
• Second half marathon in Chicago in September
• My mom's marriage

Living in the moment

I am beginning to live more and more in the moments of each day and not worry about what is to come. I also believe that everything truly does happen for a reason. I would not be where I am today without going through everything I have gone through. And I love where I am. I came across this quote recently by Jack Kerouac “Be in love with your life. Every detail of it.” Those are some big words, but if you think about it why wouldn't you want to be? Every detail of our lives teach us something and help us grow.

Now don't get me wrong, I do have my schedule, lists and goals, however I also know that each moment is a blessing and one I will never get back. It's also about being flexible like today for example. I took the day off work and I was doing some yoga teacher studying at Starbucks when a friend texts me about going to a yoga class. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, so I suggested a regular class I go to with one of my favorite teachers. Instead we decided to try a studio I had only been to a couple times with a teacher I had never been to before. It turned out to be just what I needed! Very relaxing, yet still a bit challenging with savasana bliss. Okay that example may only make sense to a few of you, but I hope you get my point. :) It reminds me of an intention from lululemon's manifesto “Do one thing a day that scares you.”

As most of you know I am taking the next step in my life as it pertains to my career. I've been at my current job for nine years (just had my anniversary November 24) and even though it will be very difficult to leave, I know it is time. The question is do I continue with marketing, however not at an ad agency, or do I take a different road with a more yoga-centered focus. Both I enjoy and both I could see myself doing full-time. I have also had opportunities come up with both and I know that yoga will always be a part of my life if I'm teaching one class a week or ten. The next couple months will tell the tale and whatever decision I make, it will be the right one right now.

Love2Yoga

Yoga – to unite, to join

For me yoga unites the mind, body and spirit. I have been practicing yoga for about five years and within the last year have really tried to embody the yoga spirit. I started yoga teacher training in June and have taken classes and workshops from many studios around KC. I always feel better after doing yoga and now with my yoga knowledge, I am focusing on living it and not just when I am in class.

I started teaching two classes a week at PlattForm and received a great response. I love taking a break from the day and sharing what I love. Especially with new people who have never taken a yoga class. I also think it is awesome that usually out of the 6-7 people who are in class 2-3 are guys!

Just this past week, I also started teaching at Aspen Athletic Club. I'm teaching a Thursday evening and Saturday morning class. The first class didn't go so well, no one showed up. I was disappointed, however I had to remember that it wasn't me, as I hadn't even taught here yet. Being in advertising, I had to think we could have promoted it a little better. :) The second class I had three show up. I was so excited! I think it went great and it sounds like they will be back and I told them about the other class I was teaching too.

I am about two thirds of the way done with my yoga teacher training coursework. Just a few more readings, quizzes, videos and books to get through. The biggest part is going to be teaching 80 classes! Yes, 80! So, those of you around KC, let's get something on the calendar. I look forward to sharing with you all!

Namaste

I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One.

East Coast Travels

Mom and I are taking our annual trip and she has always wanted to visit Boston. We're taking a little jaunt to Pittsburgh to visit friends for the weekend before heading back. After a very, early morning and one almost lost luggage, we made it to the bed and breakfast, La Capella, that we are staying at in the North End.

Before checking in we walked around to get our bearings and quickly learned that if we wanted pasta and wine, we were in the right place. There is an Italian restaurant on every corner and a few in between. I also found a yoga studio right down the block! Of course, I have to check out a class. It was a beautiful day, and we made our way to Quincy Market and saw a street performer juggling knifes while balancing on a 12 foot pole! 

 

Tuesday morning I thought I might wake up for the 6:30 am yoga class, but instead decided to sleep. Rain was in the forecast for the day, so we wanted to try and get the Freedom Trail walking tour in early. Good thing we did as soon as it was over the rain came. What I do remember from the tour is being at the site of the Boston Massacre and the cemetery where Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams are buried. The Old Corner Bookstore is now a Chipotle, which was kind of disappointing. We made our way to the aquarium for the afternoon, since it was rainy and then to the Boston Public Library. A good day all in all and I did get my yoga in at the 6:00 pm class.

Wednesday morning, we were off to Harvard. The students were back and we walked the campus and went to the art museum. That afternoon we took the second half of the Freedom Trail walking tour and learned more about Paul Revere. The highlight of the day was the USS Constitution. A beautiful ship, also known as “Old Ironsides.” We had a relaxing ferry shuttle ride as we made our way back from a long day of being tourists. We were tired and ready to call it a night.

There is a Starbucks right around the corner, so I decided to take a stroll and get a cup of joe and noticed the waterfront wasn't too far. A nice, peaceful morning sitting by the water with a hazelnut, white mocha is a perfect way to start the day. We decided to test our luck at whale watching on our last day in Boston. Unfortunately the whales were not on our side and the rockin' of the ship got to me a little. We made our way back to the North End “Little Italy” and ate at a great, family-owned Italian restaurant, Giacomo's. Then a last walk around the neighborhood and a drink at the oldest tavern in America, Bell in Hand, and we decided to turn in for the night. We had an early morning train ride to Pittsburgh to see the Fath family.

The 12-hour train ride, with an one-hour stop in Philadelphia was pretty uneventful. We saw some nice country side and once I figured out how to open the door to get to the snack car it was all good. The Faths, Dave and Barb, took in the weary travelers with open arms. We drove through the town Dave grew up in, Jeanette, and ate at a very good Italian restaurant, DeNunzio. (I think Italian was the theme of this trip.)

Dave and Barb live in a cabin in the woods by Somerset, PA. It was a peaceful retreat after being in the big city. We woke up to the rain and had a lazy Saturday morning. Their daughter Laura, came out from Pittsburgh. Laura and I are friends from childhood and I have many great memories of staying at the Faths for slumber parties. Dave would put on his oldies records and we would dance the night away in the basement. Also, we didn't have a lot of sweets around the house growing up, and I knew Barb would always have some goodies to snack on. Things haven't changed that much.

We got out for a bit Saturday and went to a cute, little winery, Glades Pike Winery, for some tasting and then to, Moo Echo Diary, an Amish store for some ice cream and whoopie pies. I don't think I stopped eating all day. After going out with some of Laura's friends that night, we ended up back at the cabin and played cards until 2:00 am! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Mom and I had a lot of fun!

"Did you see that bear?!"

Sunday Laura and I went for about a 5-mile run (walk) around Somerset, then some lunch, and then we all went for about a 4-mile hike in the woods around the cabin. After being in the city, it felt good to be outside with the trees and critters. We saw some tracks and thought we might run into a bear. Luckily, we didn't, but we did get an awesome pic. We made it to the warming hut, a little cabin in the cross roads of some trails, to get warm before the trek home. Dave started a fire when we got back, we roasted some hot dogs and made some s'mores. Nothing like a campfire in the woods on a rainy day! It was a great day until the Steelers lost, Dave's all-time favorite team. 

That night we went into to Pittsburgh with Laura to stay with her so she could take us to the airport in the morning. Pittsburgh is known as the city of bridges and she lives right downtown. It was a wonderful trip, however I was ready to get home and get tucked in to my own bed.

Life is a journey, not a destination

Note: I wrote this on the plane from KC to San Diego on August 8 (my 32nd birthday).

 

What a year! I'm on my way to San Diego where I started this year. I've really come full circle and I'm looking at this as a fresh start. You hear that the 30's are when you find yourself. I hit 30, then 31 and didn't know what the hell I was doing. Now, I am excited and ready as I know I am the only one that controls my happiness. 

I was looking back through photos of all I've done this past year. The friends, the places, the random, crazy times. I've met new friends, reconnected with old and kept those close who have always been there for me. It was a year of highs and lows and one that I'm glad I went through and glad it is over.

I love a quotes and I've started collecting ones that really hit home for me. I realized that lot of people are going through the same emotions, fears and the more you talk about it the more connected you feel.

One quote I came across was “Go at least once a year to a place you have never been.”

I had to think about this one as once a year doesn't seem enough to me. Maybe that is because I've always loved to travel and try new things. So, I started to make a list of what I've done this year:

• Toured Sonoma wine country with my beautiful Aunt Marsha. Also, tried ceviche.
• Visited the John Deere headquarters in Iowa, where my brother and sister-in-law now work.
• New York City, even though I had been before, first time with some great friends from high school.
• Second tattoo, so I've been there before, but this one had a whole lot more meaning and I wasn't 19.
• Hawaii, where I knew no one in the group I was meeting there. Trip of a lifetime!
• NCAA tournament basketball game in Omaha with my KU friends Becky and Juliana. KU wins in the last minute!
• New car in 10 years – an Escape, think about it. :)
• Ran my first 5k with two fabulous friends Jennie and Audrey. Now I'm training for my first half marathon!
• Weston, MO for the lovely wineries and scenery with fantastic friends Danny, Becky, Lorena and Ann.
• Started my 200-hour registered yoga teacher training.
• First cousin's road trip to Branson and Eureka Springs with the wonderful Amy Arensdorf. And, went zip lining with my awesome Aunt Jana for her 50th birthday.
• And to top it off I'm taking my first surfing lessons Friday!

Okay, so maybe I went a little overboard, but I was going through some stuff and really if you think about it, I'm sure you do more than one new thing a year. And if not, hopefully this will inspire you.

 

I think it is fitting that this year started and ended in San Diego as California is like my second home state. I have precious memories of traveling here to see my aunt, uncle and cousins and now that one of my best friends lives here, it is just another reason to come and visit this great state. Who knows maybe one day I'll be living here, teaching yoga and spending my time on the beach.

Those friends I mentioned earlier who have always been there, well I just have to call them out as I would not have gotten through this year without them. Shari and Raegan, you've been my best friends since college and I know we'll always be there for each other. Erin, you keep it real and push me to be the best me. My mentors, Joy and Tracy, you have taught me so much. And my Mom for all your love and support no matter what. 

Thanks to all my amazing friends and family. I'm one lucky girl!

Sometimes others can put into words what you are feeling at that exact moment and you just have to believe there is something out there helping guide you through. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this past year. If you like them too then “like” My Attitude-My Life-My Rules on Facebook.

The title of this post is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Cheers to the weekend

I can honestly say this weekend lived up to my expectations. Sometimes I put too many expectations on events and plans and I am trying not to do that and live more in the moment. This weekend just came together beautifully. It included a lot of my favorite things and people.

Let's start with Friday. My company has Flex Fridays during the summer months, where half the company alternates between leaving at 12:30. This happened to be my Flex Friday and what better to do on a hot, sunny afternoon - go to the pool! One of my best friends, Erin, and I met up and got caught up on life, work and weekend plans. Love talking with this girl, she keeps it real and has helped me through some tough times. I was also able to get some study time in and finish the first book in my yoga certification (I'll write more about how this is going in a later post).

Saturday was a day my friend, Becky, and I had started planning a year ago. With our schedules, sometimes it it hard to get together. Becky and I became fast friends in high school and have enjoyed many fun times together. Weston, Missouri was our destination for the day, however I wanted to start with some yoga. I hit the gym for a nice, detoxifying yoga class. Basically, I was sweating my ass off.

Me and Becky

After picking up two friends I met at work, Danny and Lorena (who are both fabulous), and Lorena's friend, Ann, we were off. Weston is a quaint town about an hour north of Kansas City. We went mainly for the wine. Riverwood Winery was our first destination, which was about 10 miles outside of Weston. The owners took an old elementary school building and turned it into a winery. It was the perfect place to start the day. The Peach Bellini slushies were amazing and on a hot day, definitely our drink of choice. We sat outside on the patio where they had a huge backyard. Took some awesome photos, drank, ate and relaxed.

We headed back to Weston where we did some tasting at Pirtle Winery, which was an old church. I had been told to get the Blueberry Effervescent wine, however they were all out. Oh well, just an excuse to go back (not that I really needed one). I have to add this quote of the day from Lorena "This is not meeting my meades." Okay, I guess you had to be there, but it still makes me laugh when I think about it. We decided to check out downtown Weston before sitting down for more wine. We again took some awesome photos, ate ice cream and did a little shopping. For dinner it was O'Malley's for some pub fare. They also had live music, the Rumblejetts, a rockabilly band. So much fun! They had just gotten back from a month-long tour in Europe.

Wine Club - Becky, Danny, Me, Lorena, Ann

Sunday plans included a Holistic Health Career Fair at the place I'm getting my yoga certification, KC Fitness Link. I met Darryl, the owner, and it was more of a question and answer format and Darryl told us about his background. We went through the different training programs they offer – Nutrition, Yoga, Massage and Personal Training. It was very informal and I was able to ask a lot of questions. I was really glad I went since I'm doing the online program. I was even more excited about this path I'm on and would love to continue on to the Yoga Therapist training which is a 1,000-hour program. The training I'm doing is 200 hours. I also would like to take a Thai yoga massage class.

I ended the weekend with a massage from Mary, who has become my friend. During the one-hour session, the first half is usually us getting caught up on life and then I fall into relaxation and she gets out all my knots out. She is wonderful! I get a massage once a month from her and wish I could go more.

After a weekend like this, I can only say I am one lucky girl. I have great friends and lots to be thankful for. Remember to take in each moment and have fun!