Stress Relief Yoga - Final Relaxation

Learn the Strees Relief Yoga pose, "Final Relaxation".

Fall into your bliss

Fall in Virginia is spectacular this time of year. Just came back from a hike with muse in historical Bull Run. What music to my ears to hear the beautiful sounds of the rustling of crisp leaves under my feet... and her paws. As muse was prancing about on the trail, I experienced a brief magical moment standing beneath the trees. I was being showered by falling golden leaves! I'm sure it was a gentle (and beautiful) reminder of the importance of bliss in my life.

Fall is a perfect time of year to renew your spirit and find your bliss. Take some time this month to think about what stirs you up inside.

De-Stress muse

This thing called beauty

Seems every time I turn around, another article is written about beauty and anti-aging. Even Natural Health Magazine, which I really love, has pages and pages of beauty products and articles on looking younger. We're a society obsessed with looking young. I admit that I can get a little overboard with my moisturizers and lipsticks too. I'm here to remind you (and me!) that beauty is an inside-out job.

It's no coincidence that when I feel most beautiful is when I've learned something new, ate healthy, lent a helping hand, was less self-absorbed, read a great book, got active, laughed with a friend, or spent some time in nature.

I challenge you today to nourish your spirit. Do things that inspire you to feel beautiful. Get empowered. Get educated. Get healthy. Get active. I'm pretty sure you'll see less of a slavish dependence on glamour and gloss and more on that thing called inner beauty.

Ok so rapelling from a mountain might be a stretch. Learn something new this month, another language perhaps?... oui oui.

Girls Spa Day

A few weeks ago I had this self-indulgent idea for "Girls Spa Day" to serve a dual purpose of connecting with friends and pampering ourselves silly, but some were lacking in funds for such lavish professional spa treatments, nonetheless they loved the idea.

One could say that being short on cash does get the creative juices flowing. So, in order to pamper our inner divas we decided on a spa evening in someone's home (this time mine, minus the dog and husband!), complete with necessary pampering tools. I brought out all of my favorite spa products, like lotions, scrubs, facials, candles, music, pedi accessories, etcetera and everyone brought their robes and slippers. To top off the night, we enjoyed a glass of vino while giggling our worries and responsibilities away. The outcome... feeling connected in spirit and pampering ourselves to total bliss.

I would like to invite you to start your own traditions reconnecting with friends. We have now committed to spa night 3 times a year, alternating homes of course. It's something we can all look forward to in anticipation.

Portable Spa

I got this great idea of having a portable spa from my sister who travels alot.
Here's what I pack. Everyone's list will vary.

My Top 10 Portable Spa items include:
1) Green Tea soy candle in travel tin
2) Relaxing music
3) Eye Pillow
4) Yoga Mat
5) My favorite piece of fabric to lay items on
6) Small Buddha statue
7) Photo of muse, my dog sabrina
8) Spiritual uplifting book
9) Stones with personal meaning
10) Journal

The idea is to Establish Your Inner Altar wherever you are to balance work, family, and a home practice. Try carrying just a few essential altar items with you and see how you feel. Adjust as necessary. Be flexible with yourself on how you carry your inner altar. While travelling you might want to pack all items, while some days commuting to work you bring with you a few items - CD and your own thoughts in silence even. You could even create a visual presence on your desk at work to remind you to take a few minutes for an Om break each day. You might also want to carry a few of your favorite things while hiking too... the idea is to take your personal practice with you wherever you go. You get the idea.

Organic Fiji video

Click on this link to learn about Organic Fiji's roots.

Organic Fiji Video

My apologies - back to blogging

Many apologies to all of my De-Stress friends out there. Took a hiatus from blogging to give De-Stress some TLC before heading out on the road to the east coast. Must take muse with us so we decided to drive to NYC for a little business and alot of R&R. Our travels have taken us where I write from today, Bethesda, MD. Tomorrow, Virginia.

Had a chance though to take some deep deep breaths, relax and reflect among Fall's beautiful spirit. Ready to blog again. Sabrina, my muse who continues to provide me inspiration, sweetly sits by my side. So much to share with you!

I'll be posting exciting industry news in future blog posts (when I can get back close to functioning!) so click back when you can.

Stay well.