Bodies Integrated’s Blog
a massage and wellness blogArchive for April, 2009
Mindfulness In Everyday Life
I am an advent believer in the power of meditation. I began my journey about 6 months ago, really getting back into my own practice and delving head first into meditation. My personal goal isn’t unlike many others, I hope to quiet my mind, listen to the answers that are brought to me and find that inner peace.
Living in LA we are surrounded by noise, chaos, tourist, construction, car alarms, horns, traffic, and just whatever else we come across; so naturally looking for a quiet space is difficult. I found this solitude within my home in a small corner of my living room, and trust me it is not the size of the space but the quality of it. I have my Buddhas, Inscents, candles and just enough room to sit Indian-style (or Lotus) and ‘not think’. This is my true corner of quiet, my space that I can retreat to for 15 minutes to 2 hours, whatever I can spare.
Often times, not having the space or being able to find the time is mostly what keeps us from advancing forward. Especially in something that has to be self motivating, wanting to meditate has to be a decision you make. Don’t do it cause it’s hip and everyone is talking about how cool it is. Don’t do it because you want to escape from what’s currently going on in the ‘now’; and definitely don’t do it because you want to reach ‘Enlightment’ (whatever that means for you).
If reaching enlightment were that easy, everyone would be there and then where would you go? Meditation is simply a tool to get you to open your eyes, your mind, your heart, your soul to all that really is around you. To stop looking at what you don’t have, what you need, what you lack and just take a moment to be gracious and grateful for where you are and all that you DO have. Being gracious and grateful are after all the first steps in getting more of what you truly want.
So, find a spot. Go to a park. Go to the beach. Sit in your walk-in closet and just concentrate on your breathe. Don’t worry about the thoughts, the shopping list, the whats on TV tonight that may pop up, acknowledge them and let them pass. Return back to your breathing and concentrate. Meditation is not something you will accomplish over night, but it can make a big difference in your life in just one night.
Peace and Love
p.s. The link below is from Oprah.com – a handy list of several wonderful guided mediations that are great to get you started. Peace. http://www.Oprah.com/article/spirit/inspiration/20080731_orig_soundstrue_body
After A Stressful Day
Yoga is one of those wonderful tools that covers so many areas and helps with so many aliments. From anxiety to irregularity, Yoga just might be what you need. Below are some helpful poses that can ease anxiety and the stress built-up from a hectic day. Try one, try them all and see what works best for you.
Crocodile Pose: This is a deceptively simple posture that can deliver dramatic benefits. Relax on your stomach with arms folded on the floor above your head. Similar to Savasana (Corpse Pose), in which you lie face-up, Crocodile Pose allows you to release all of your tension, but because it puts your belly and face to the ground, it can make a socially anxious person feel less exposed and vulnerable. In Crocodile Pose, you can practice yogic breathing (consciously using your diaphragm), which feels both calming and empowering.
Seated Twists: Seated twists of all kinds are powerful anxiety relievers. They teach you to relax even when you find yourself in a tight spot. Once a deep twist has been achieved in the pose of your choice, focus on the breath. You’ll soon discover that breathing relieves the anxiety and discomfort of the pose. Next, you can apply this insight to other life situations—going to a party, sitting in a meeting, or talking with people.
Headstand: More advanced yoga students can practice Sirsasana (Headstand), which is great for increasing balance and strength and can also stimulate mental clarity. Holding Headstand can be tough, but it’s an effective way to calm anxious thoughts and build confidence.
Welcome World, Come Inside
Hello, Ciao, Bienvenido, Néih hóu, Namaste`
Thank you so much for joining Bodies Integrated, my name is Brandi. I am the owner and also wellness provider. Bodies Integrated was born out of a need to find something that I loved, to find a program that I could stick with, to find something that could fit in my crazy hectic life and bring balance to it. Bodies Integrated was born to help me put ME on my calender, and that is what I hope it does for you. Bodies Integrated is a mobile wellness service, we specialize in Yoga, Massage, Thai Yoga Therapy and coming very soon; Personal training, Pilates, Nutrition couseuling and more. My goal is to help others who feel they are stuck in a rut, find a plan (whether it is a fitness, balancing or food plan) that works, find that available hour or more in their week to put themselves first and reach their full potential and goals. The best part of all this is that We come to you, home, office, retreat space – now there really is no reason! Lastly, the cost; it has been my experience in the past that services like this were only for the rich and richer. I want Bodies Integrated to serve a greater purpose, although this is a specialized service and we understand not everyone will be able to afford it, we don’t you to feel that is out of reach for you. This is an exclusive club, but it is an ‘exclusive club’ that includes YOU! I hope you’ll check in weekly, read our blogs, check out our fitness tips and updates. Bodies Integrated is a work in progress and will be constantly evolving (like we all should be).
Brandi
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!
Standing Pilates Workout
Alright, so most of you know how crazy I am about Pilates, especially Mat Pilates. Imagine my excitement when I came across ITSkyline Blog, which features a new workout happening in Crunch. I love Crunch fitness for being innovative and just plain ole’ cool. Check out this blog and maybe I’ll see you there!
http://www.itskylineblog.com/2009/04/new-way-to-pilates-exercisestanding.html
Peace, BB
