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Shower Power

Invite the practice of mindfulness into your morning or evening shower. Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and feel the sensations of the water on all sides of the body. Alternate left/right shoulders, front body/back body. Inhale the steam and smells of soap and shampoo. Listen to the rhythmic cadence of the water for a few slow, deep breaths. Notice your shower habitat as if it’s the first time you’re seeing it. Can you find something you hadn’t noticed before? Stick out your tongue and let the shower water bathe and cleanse your palate. Pause after you shut off the water and feel the very moment the comfort of the heat turns to chill. Feel the chill. Give yourself a hug and start the day with the affirmation, “Today will be a good day. I’m grateful to be alive to experience this new day.”

Carpe Diem – Seize the day, peeps!

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Managing Anxiety

Ever notice how prevalent even the word anxiety has become since the evolution of smart phones? This connection is ‘food for thought.’ Notice and observe screen time (phones, computers, devices). Notice posture and the structure of the body.

In addition, another body system is deeply impacted. Our respiration. Find some time in the day, even first thing or last thing, to breathe deeply. In gentle yoga classes we practice deep yogic breathing at the beginning of every class, no matter the type of class, or the body parts we’re focusing on. This targeted method of deep breathing goes by many different names, but they all mean the same thing. Deep breathing using the lower belly signals the nervous system to calm down. Building this breathing practice benefits sleep patterns, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and enhances the digestive system.

Research indicates that 9 out of 10 people are chest breathers who take short, shallow breaths into their chest all day. This method of breathing tells the nervous system the body is under stress. The body reacts by releasing cortisol, increasing blood pressure. The body and immune system become strained. Next time something or someone is prompting anxiety – find your breath – it’s right under your nose!

Come learn more about deep breathing in my Gentle Yoga classes. Go to the “About, Programs, Schedule” page of this blog to find out more about classes/programs or contact me at lyn.sirota@gmail.com.

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Your Friend Frank

Guest post by Beverly McGivney


Meet FRANKinscense (Boswellia Carterii). Considered a Holy Oil, it dates back to ancient Egypt (16th century B.C.) as being used in prescriptions and recipes. When used regularly — topically and internally — it may support overall well-being and healthy immune function. Note: if you are ingesting, ensure your essential oil is 100% therapeutic grade.

Frankincense has a visual tightening effect on the skin and may benefit mature skin and slow signs of aging.  A drop can be added to daily moisturizer. Research indicates that when inhaling the pure properties in essential oils, they stimulate the olfactory receptors and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion, and state of mind. In Frank’s case, its earthly and uplifting aroma has wonderful therapeutic benefits!

The pineal gland in the brain loves Frank! This gland is considered “the seat of spiritual connection.” Frank can be used to enhance practices such as prayer and meditation. It’s grounding effect can promote feelings of relaxation and tranquility. The pineal gland also loves to be stimulated by frankincense because it aids in its production of melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone that regulates sleep patterns. Diffuse or spray Frank during bedtime as a great sleep aid. Quite Frankly, you’ll feel happy you did.

For Spray: and add equal parts of filtered water and witch hazel with 15 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil.


Read more about Beverly McGivney (YL # 1149206) here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebodhiseed1121; Instagram: @thebodhiseed1121
Beverly, the creator of the Bodhi Seed, has a passion for whole person wellness. During her personal exploration of whole person wellness body, mind and spirit, Beverly was inspired to create The Bodhi Seed. The Bodhi Seed is a platform to educate and advocate on wellness using nature’s energy while inspiring purpose and abundance! She believes in creating non-toxic living mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically!

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Dinner for Breakfast

It’s not unheard of to have breakfast for dinner. But, what about dinner for breakfast? I was recently on a lovely retreat and each day for breakfast, we had Miso Soup with various toppings. The Miso is fermented making it a great choice for the digestive system as a probiotic. And, it’s tasty and really easy to make.

Miso Soup

8 C water

3-4 scallions Chopped and save some as a topping

1/2 C grated carrots

1/4 C chopped celery

1/2-1 sheet chopped wakame or kombu sea vegetable (I just used snacking seaweed from Costo)

1/2 tub Miso (or Miso to taste-I bought Mellow Miso from Whole Foods). There are various types and some that are non-soy.

Options: Add Mushrooms Toppings: Sauteed Kale with garlic and ginger, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, tofu, tempeh, sesame seeds, use your imagination

Boil water and remove 1 1/4 C before adding scallions, carrots, celery and seaweed to partially cook (about 5 minutes). Mix miso paste with hot water. Important, turn off the heat before adding paste mixture to the pot (if you boil the miso it kills the healthy properties…also don’t boil when reheating. Just heat till warm to the palate.)

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Try Something New

Now I can hear some saying, Ew. And what’s more, I know exactly who is rolling their eyes at me!

While browsing the yogurt section at Shoprite, I came across two new brands of yogurt I hadn’t heard of and this was one of them. I’m always looking for yogurt that has less sugar than what is typically available and non-dairy. This one was a surprise! Not only non-dairy, less sugar, but Golden Milk yogurt? For those of you not familiar with golden milk, it is a drink with turmeric that is great for insomnia and inflammation. The chia is packed with protein and omega. Having it for lunch is pretty great too. Added some blueberries and gluten-free coconut granola. Voila!

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Yawning

Many of us lead stressful, hectic lives and exist in a sympathetic state. This means the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the “fight or flight” response — is more active that the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the ANS that is linked with rest, digestion, and relaxation.

While yawning seems to be associated with fatigue or boredom, it also plays a role in transitions from waking to sleeping and vice versa. Yawning increases the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and helps relax the body and reduce stress levels.

Our scientific community is looking at the importance of yawning. It’s crucial to our overall well-being. Repetitive yawning helps lower the temperature of the brain and assists in balancing inflammation and combating other harmful effects on the nervous system. Frequent yawning releases many neurologically beneficial processes.

While yawning is involuntary, you can bring about a yawn by just trying it. So… fake it till you make it!

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Finding Savasana

Savasana, or more fondly, Corpse Pose is not an easy pose to find. According to the yoga masters, the hardest pose to practice. Letting go and being in stillness is a tall order. Life gets in the way, but it doesn’t have to.

Take a few moments of your day to connect with the earth through your body. Walk barefoot and really feel the earth with mindful, slow steps. Connect through your eyes, through your nose. Watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. It’s a great start!