Help Yourself

Seems like everyone I know, including myself, is going through a period of pretty major transition right now.  Mostly good things-- new jobs, relationships, houses, and opportunities.  Mixed in with some hard and tough changes-- significant and life changing loss of loved ones through death or break-ups, and the more mundane growing pains of feeling a twinge of sadness when we leave one situation for another.  There are a few things that I've found that help me deal with some of these feelings-- the "moving a mile a minute" hectic state that can accompany a new beginning, as well as the heavier overwhelming feelings that can creep in from time to time.  Especially as there is a full moon tonight and every yoga teacher I know says that feelings are heightened (and stirred up!) with a full moon, thought I might share some of my personal remedies for coping, getting grounded and staying positive and joyful.

1. YOGA

Yoga is probably the best thing I have ever done for myself not just physically ( it does help keep a body toned!) but emotionally and mentally.  It can be a great form of exercise and getting endorphins pumping is an awesome way to lighten a mood but also, the deeper practice of yoga that's taken me ten years of practice to get to-- the quieting of the mind, going inside instead of how I've operated my whole Type A life-- reacting to other people and external stimuli.

2. SAGE and PALO SANTO BARK

Burn it!  They both are meant to clear negative, old energy out.  Especially if you're moving into a new home-- sage the hell out of it!!  Any residual energy from previous people that have lived there will supposedly dissipate and go away.  The Palo Santo bark is a new thing for me introduced to me by a fantastic yoga teacher, Alex Westmore who teaches at a brand new yoga studio Five Point Yoga at the Malibu Country Mart. I bought my own at the Malibu Shaman, just next door from the yoga studio at the Malibu Country Mart.  The Palo Santo bark comes from trees found deep in the rain forest of Peru and has been used for centuries to immediately get rid of bad energy.  You know when you've spent time with someone and walk away feeling crappy b/c they were in a bad mood, negative-- that's their crappy energy all over you!  Get it off.

3. soak in a bath with EPSOM SALT

The magnesium in the epsom salt is not only good for sore muscles and aches, but has a calming effect in general and pulls toxins from the body.

4. MEDITATION

We learned Vedic Meditation about a year and a half ago and have been practicing it daily ever since.  If you live in LA, check out Green Tree Meditation.  I can honestly say it has helped me tremendously!

5. WINE

Have a glass of good wine with someone you love!  We have been loving the Rombauer Chardonnay....