The 411 on Wellness

I am a Human "Being"

I have often used this phrase with clients, family and friends, “I am a human being, NOT a human doing!” It’s cute, it’s catchy – but what does it really mean?

To me this means that we need to honor our lives in a more reverent way and allow ourselves to just BE more often. We have such pressures and so many obligations these days that it feels more like a race than a life. And I am all about having a quality life.

So how exactly do we put this into practice?

I think there are thousands of ways to put this into practice on a daily basis. It’s the big things and the little things and everything in between. It’s learning to slow down and smell the flowers, it’s learning to just say no, but thank you. It could even mean learning to say YES!

I think there is a little voice inside all of us that knows how – we simply need to start listening to it and when possible, allow ourselves to follow our inner guidance. It takes courage, and it takes patience but I guarantee it will be worth it. Being is not about doing, although it can be about taking action when that feels authentic.

Now I am not giving license here to lie around all day eating bon-bons, what I’m talking about is the genuine act of just being. This could mean being more present with your kids, being kind to yourself, being more realistic about your schedule, being mindful about your health, maybe being the observer more often. It could also mean lying on the couch watching a movie on a rainy day instead of running around “doing” all of the things on your to-do list once in a while.

I say it every year - winter is the time of year to reflect, go within, do less, and nourish ourselves. Instead we are usually rushing around buying gifts, going to holiday parties, eating rich foods and in general burning the candle at both ends.

Let this be the year you give yourself the Ultimate Gift…the gift of allowing yourself to just BE.

Ah, doesn’t that feel nice?

 

What is Time?

I absolutely love 3 day weekends! The strange thing for me is that it seems I just had that exact thought…only that was 3 months ago during Memorial Day weekend.

Wow…where does the time go? I mean seriously – this year just flew by. I know I am not the only one feeling it - I hear it from my clients, my friends and even from strangers. The internet is full of websites that are actually devoted to the subject. And if you follow the Mayan Calendar philosophy you may have read that it is now considered the “Fourth Night of the Ninth Wave” and in regards to time it means that 18 days is now comparable to what 365 days used to be!

So, what are we to do? Well I have been pondering this all summer. There were so many things on my to do list that I was sure I would have plenty of time for – only to find that here we are in the beginning of September and I did not do most of them. Ugh!

It isn’t the end of the world that I didn’t get these things done, it’s just that I know time is really a concept, and I have never really had a good grasp on it. So I made it my business to try and get a better grasp on what I could do to feel better equipped to manage my time.

After reading many articles in scientific journals, I found that scientists, physicists, philosophers, scholars and laymen have been trying to understand what time is since way before the days of Einstein. I was comforted by the knowledge that “time” did not exist until we (man) decided it did. We were the ones who transformed time into clocks and calendars.

I then realized that I could personally transform my relationship with time, which ultimately brought me a sense of peace.

Here are some of my new coping strategies regarding time:

• Change your expectations…of everything!
• Don’t view time as something tangible, embrace it as what it is - motion.
• More than ever try to just go with the flow.
• The motion of time equates to change, which is what life is all about.
• Lose the word “lack” in regards to time – there will always be more available.
• If even the most brilliant scientists can’t fully explain time, let’s not try to either.

Might I recommend just enjoying your time as much as possible. Be grateful for little gifts of “extra” time – which I plan to do right now…for Labor Day.

Wecome Summer

I love summer. I really look forward to it - even though I am way past school age when I had the summer off. The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, is one week away.

The change of seasons is always an exciting time. I can feel the energy shifting which is when I start to anticipate the good part of that season. There is also that time-in-between feeling, like right now when it’s June Gloom and I need to remind myself that soon it will be hot and sunny every day for months.

It seems that each season has something special…winter is soups and sitting by the fire, fall is Thanksgiving dinner, cool nights and windy days, spring means flowers and it feels like hope, and then there is summer!

To me summer means feeling light, happy and free. The days are longer, there is lots of sunshine and we tend to spend more time outdoors. It means getting tan (just a little), going to the beach, cooking on the barbeque - even on a weeknight. It’s a time for vacations, family and friends, and a good book. I love the fresh produce in the summer, especially a good juicy watermelon. I enjoy growing my own tomatoes and basil. I like wearing flip flops, shorts and dresses. 

What does summer mean to you? 

The few weeks prior to the actual change, I am quite reflective and focused on what’s to come. I would love it if we still had specific rituals in our lives to mark the change of seasons, like they did hundreds and even thousands of years ago. The Pagans would have bonfires and ceremonies and dances specific to the time of year. The planting and harvesting of crops were also part of those rituals. There were strong belief’s associated with the time of year, and because people lived off the land they had to know the cycles and seasons. 

The Summer Solstice begins at 1:16 PM EDT on June 21^st. You might find a ceremony to attend locally…or not. Either way, please join me in saying a prayer of thanks for all of the gifts that summer brings!

The Lost Art of Conversation

 

Today one of my clients said, “I tell people that coming to see you is like hanging out with a friend.” I was so happy and honored to hear that…I really take that as a compliment!

I knew what he meant when he said that to me…because during our time together we talk, I mean really talk. Even though he comes in to see me to maintain his health and deal with the issues that are bothering him, we have fabulous banter back and forth – we have a conversation.

I have suspected for many years that being heard and understood is probably half the reason people feel so much better when they come to see me. Yes, I deal with their ailments and treat their problems…but I also listen and am fully present and engaged.

Where does that happen anymore? Mostly we are too busy to sit down and talk. Conversation seems to be a dying art, and what a shame that is. To replace talking we have texts, emails, voicemails and all of the new forms of communication. But for me – there is nothing like an old fashioned face to face session spent talking.

Many days when I am pondering what I am grateful for, I think of all of the wonderful people who come in to see me. I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do on a daily basis. I get to connect and share in so many lives; it’s really a fantastic feeling.

I can remember lots of times throughout my life when I’ve been with someone special and have taken away a great little tidbit from a conversation, or heard a funny story that made us laugh together…and those are fond memories indeed.

So next time you have an opportunity to sit and talk with a friend, a loved one or even someone new…savor it – you never really know what gifts that conversation may hold.

Now is the Time

It’s the first day of spring 2011.

I love the feeling of potential spring provides for me.

It just seems the older I get the less I am able to capture the same feelings I used to have. In fact…there are so many things in my world that will just never be the same.

I think I have high expectations. I expect my body to maintain itself and my life to be good. I expect the world to be a beautiful place that has unlimited possibilities. I expect the remedies I recommend to heal perfectly.I guess I expect some kind of perfection. Hmmm – there is no such thing right?

The earthquake in Japan and the devastation the tsunami brought is a serious reminder to me that itis dangerous to have too many expectations. Instead – living a life of acceptance brings more peace.

On a smaller more personal level, I am trying to see last week's events as a lesson to live more in the present moment and have more acceptance in the process. There are so many things we can’t control big and small: time passing, natural disasters, our bodies aging, our children growing up in a world that is not the world we remember as kids, never feeling “caught up”, GMO’s, countries at war, not knowing how to properly use our new cell phones, fashion changes, economic uncertainty…and so on.

So today, I say just live. Live life as if this could be the last moments - with gusto
and joy. Try not to sweat the small stuff. Give of yourself in whatever ways you can – it feels good. Every once in a while step outside of your comfort zone and don’t put things off…, now is the time, not later.

If we can become more conscious, our lives will feel richer and then when we are faced with life’s trials and tribulations – we can walk through them with more grace and a deeper degree of calm. We can also live a life that makes sense during both the good times and the bad.

This spring, I have a new plan…and a new sense of purpose. I want to make my moments count so that when “stuff” does come up, I feel empowered, clear and truly ok!

 

WHAT IS HEALTH ANYWAY?”

The other day a brand new patient said to me, “I feel like I’m in prison”. She was referring to the pain she was experiencing on a daily basis.

Unfortunately I hear this all the time. I also hear people tell me that they feel flat, joyless, that they are not able to function well – they feel unable to be a good parent, friend, spouse or employee.  They often tell me they can’t do everyday things, maybe can’t leave the house, and certainly aren’t able to travel. Ugh! These people would give so much to have their health.

Of course my role in their lives is to get them back to health. But what is health…really?

Is it a lack of symptoms?

Is it not having any bad feelings?

Is it having energy?

Is it looking good?

Feeling good?

Well it’s certainly all of the above - and more. Most of all though…I think HEALTH is FREEDOM. I say that because the people who come to see me with their various symptoms and issues ultimately have one thing in common: their life is LIMITED. And what they really want is to get their life back, to be free of the limitation that is binding them.

So what I recommend from this point on…is to commit to doing what it takes to be healthy! Decide to stay on the path of health and wellness, even if you veer off that path occasionally, remember it’s a process...you can get right back on track.

It’s also vitally important to appreciate the health you do have, because if you are free from pain, free from fear, free from limitation – then you are truly rich.

I think we all want to be healthy but even more – we crave freedom. After all, it is our birthright.

The Magic Process

Looking for that magic fix?

This time of year I get flooded with calls…everyone wants to start off the year by getting healthy. But what does that really mean?

Most of us believe that we need a certain pill or doctor or diet to get us healthy – real quick. In fact I struggle with that on occasion myself, that some new herb or product may be the “magic” thing to get everyone well.

It’s just that I’ve learned there is NO magic bullet, but like most people I grew up with the hope that there could be one right around the corner!

What I do know is that getting healthy is more of a process. The process may take a day a month or a year…but no matter how long it takes, it can be a very positive and enriching experience if we allow it.

We are each individuals, so it would be impossible to think that just one “thing” can fix all. There are too many issues and lifestyle characteristics to factor in. This is where the holistic process comes in handy and why I believe it works so well.

What I ask of my clients is to trust me, and to be patient – cause it will pay off in the end! Yes, I know we live in an immediate gratification society, I just wish we could embrace the concept of healing the way we accept that it takes nine months of pregnancy before a baby is ready for the birthing process.

It’s all worth it in the end anyway. You can feel even better than expected, plus there’s so much to learn about yourself along the way. You can also feel proud that you stuck it out because when you allow the healing process to “gestate” properly – it often brings with it some sort of unexpected “gift”.

So next time you dream of a magic solution – remember the baby analogy…and hope for one beautiful baby. I mean who doesn’t love a beautiful baby?

 

 

 

Change Is Just A Six Letter Word

It's official, I have just surpassed my record for the most changes to take place within one week…ever. Maybe it IS the dawn of a new life.

Ready? I just moved my office to a new and bigger location. After 16 years I am actually in a new zip code, I have a new phone number, new employees, new neighbors, a new email address, a new computer system, and a new commute. I have also added lots of classes and activities at my new center, which brings with it a whole host of new things and people. On a more personal level - my 20 year old son just left for a semester in Barcelona (yes Spain). And let’s not forget that it’s the first week of a new year and with that there are new goals. Did I forget anything?

Talk about a forced learning curve! I am ok with change…really. I just prefer to have a chance to integrate each change into my life before the next one happens. That was definitely not the case this time around.

Here is my take on how to handle a life that has decided to spin totally out of control. First, breathe. Next, master the art of kindness to self. After that, focus all of your energy on placing one foot in front of the other and getting through each moment.

Easier said than done right? Hopefully you’ve heard the saying, “Inch by Inch life’s a cinch, Yard by Yard life is hard.” That was my mantra for the past month and I’d like to give you a few REAL pointers:

When you start wearing your shoulders as earrings, force them down and get some air into your diaphragm. When you look down and realize you have just eaten a whole bag of cookies, put a smile on your face and remind yourself that your coping mechanisms are absolutely brilliant. When you remember that you left your (massive) to do list on the kitchen counter while driving to work, laugh – say oh well apparently those things will have to wait, and then sing very loudly to something on the radio.

Here’s the deal, CHANGE is just a word. We can dread it all we want but there really is no such thing as life without change, and I believe we are fooling ourselves if we think we have “control”. So the next time you want to put the brakes on your perfectly chaotic life, remember my words…and give yourself a pat on the back, you can do this – I know you can ☺

Make It a Good One!

 

The other day  I was exchanging pleasantries with some acquaintances, you know the “how are you? hope you have a nice holiday” kind…and I happened to mention that I thought 2011 was going to be a great year. One of the women there said, “no way – it’s going to take years for things to turn around”.

 I was stunned. My brain finds it hard to understand how some people are automatically pessimistic since I am an optimist by nature. I went on to have an exchange with this woman, and while trying to stay light I tried to explain that it doesn’t really matter what the economy is doing – we can still have a great year if we choose to!

 To me, it’s all about maintaining a positive attitude. Sometimes our life circumstances may be lacking what we want or need, but we can still be happy. In fact choosing happiness is right up there on my list for the New Year.

 I know it’s all sounding a bit simplistic but really…would you rather go through life thinking grumpy thoughts or happy thoughts? Because I am quite sure we are constantly living the life that is a direct result of guess what - our thoughts!

 I consider myself lucky because some years ago I discovered that I could indeed design my life. And trust me - I am very grateful for the life I now have. Talk about feeling empowered…talk about feeling free! I stay mindful of what I think, I am careful of the words I speak, and as a result I am richly rewarded.

 So the moral of my story here is threefold: think positive thoughts, design a beautiful life and have a Happy New Year!

With much love,

Nancy

p.s. someone special once told me that “happiness is the only thing that multiplies when shared”, so share this with a friend :-) 

 

What are You Asking for?

Even when we don’t realize it…we get exactly what we are asking for.

I like to refer to the Universe as a restaurant. We go to this restaurant daily to place our order. We tell it exactly what we want, and then…wait. But the waiting is hard. When we don’t see immediate results we get frustrated and upset.

Then guess what happens? We mumble to ourselves, that we won’t get what we ordered…and of course we have just placed a new order, so now it won’t happen.

We do this day in and day out but aren’t really conscious of it. The trick is to place our order and then be patient – knowing it will happen in its own time.

I find this to be true in so many ways, not just for things I want, also for the opposite – things I don’t want. Just the other day I was worried about not having enough time to finish an upcoming project, then lo and behold…a chunk of time opened up for me.

It was the way this time became available that was disturbing though. People started to cancel their appointments with me. It was then that I remembered how I had unconsciously wished for this. Now this is humbling, knowing I created what I wanted while also getting what I did not want! Sad but true, time to take responsibility for my actions once again. Hmmm.

This was yet another moment where I was in awe of how powerful our thoughts really can be, and how unknowingly powerful we are.

And so - I am once again reminded to be very, very careful what I wish for.