Be Healthy Now

Thank god for accountants. I don’t know what life would be like having to do taxes every year. It seems like such a torturous process.

I was thrilled to be able to work with Stephanie Skura last Sunday at Performance Works NW. I was amazed that there were four of us in the room who had been involved in the arts scene in New York City from ’71 to ’80.

So much of my work now is about coming home – being in my body, trusting my body, allowing my body to rest and receive. It’s so easy to get caught up in doing.

My big challenge is trying to get to bed earlier. I’m noticing that I get a second wind around 10:00 PM. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is a common experience that needs to be overcome. It’s time to go to bed then.
It’s now 11pm, so I better follow my own advice. Nighty night!

Last night I was reading another article in the New York Times about the economic chaos going on in the world. I could feel myself getting anxious, and depressed. I do what I often do when I feel myself going into a funk – I called a friend. I’m lucky to have some amazing friends. She reminded me that my life purpose is helping people and that this is what I should be focusing on.

Anything that causes anxiety might not be a good thing to continue doing. There’s not much I, or most of you, can do about what’s going on in the world. I want to encourage you to spend time in silence and with loved ones. It’s a great time to remind each other of what’s really important. Stay away from people, places and things that cause you turmoil.

The news right now is breeding fear. The truth is that your life is probably a lot like mine. I have money in the stock market and I chose to leave it there. That’s the only decision I really have to make – get in or get out. Once that’s done, my life is pretty much the same this week as it was weeks ago.

The financial markets are in chaos, but our economy hasn’t really changed much. That is an important distinction.

You can consider this a horrible thing, or you can look at it as an opportunity. This is a time for us to focus on the way we want our lives to play out. I’m part of an incredible community. We take care of one another. Reach out to your community.

I was at a meeting on Sunday about the unraveling that’s happening. There was a woman there who was beaming as she spoke about what’s happening. Someone commented on how, when a hurricane happens, the eye of the storm is amazingly still. How can you maintain that sense of equanimity and peace amidst the chaos?

This is an opportunity to stand for what really matters to you. Living in fear has big consequences to our physical and mental health. We are the change we yearn for.

For me, it includes supporting local merchants and farms, maybe even growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables. If you do believe things are going to get worse, stock up. The local markets usually only have food for 72 hours worth of shopping – and that’s when there’s not a panic. So, having canned foods, preferably organic, and water stocked up is a great idea.

I can’t tell if the government knows something we don’t, or if they are trying to stir up more fear, but there was a commercial on the radio last night talking about stocking up on food for an emergency. For more info, go to www.ready.gov.

I’ve been back in the video studio and recently uploaded several new massage tool and exercise equipment instructional videos for you on You Tube:

• TheraCane Trigger Point Massager
• Yamuna Body Rolling Red Ball
• Thumper Mini Pro 2 Massager

My aim with these videos reaches beyond basic instruction to helping you learn how to listen to the clues your body gives you. The more insight you have into your body, the better you are able to make these tools work for you.

After viewing these videos, please feel free to add your comments on my blog.

In many parts of the country, the hottest days of summer are behind us and we have cool fall mornings to look forward to. What does this mean for you? It’s a great time to start exercising! Cooler mornings and evenings are the perfect time to get in a quick workout before or after work. Even a half hour a few times a week can make all the difference in the world! I found this great site called Cool Running that features a plan to help you get from being a couch potato to running a 5K (3.1 miles) in about 2 months! It’s called, appropriately, Couch to 5K. Check it out!

I’m on week 3 and I have already started to notice the changes in my body, most noticeably many more sore muscles! I had been trying ice and heat but that alone wasn’t keeping me from feeling sore the next day. Lately though, I have been telling everyone I know about the Mini Pro 2 Thumper Massager. Its pounding, percussive action can be a bit extreme even at the lowest settings, but I’ve found nothing better for working out knots in tight muscles. I’ve also heard about the new Thumper Sport which is just as powerful as the Mini Pro, but a bit cheaper and more maneuverable. I can’t wait to get my hands on one! Some of my runner friends swear by the Marathon Stick, a simple ingenious tool that can help to relax your legs and calves after a hard run. I haven’t tried one myself, but with all the great things I’m hearing, I can’t wait!

Even if it’s not running, cool fall weather is a perfect time to join an athletic league, get out on a bike trail or just walk around town!

Mindful eating is not a new concept. It has roots in Buddhism and has been studied as a way to combat eating disorders.

Eating mindfully is more important now than ever. I was shocked to come across an article that said all humans will be obese by the year 2075. With our busy lifestyles we are all guilty of eating on the run. This often results in eating too fast, eating while working, and making unhealthy meal choices. If we are to combat obesity and live happy, healthy long lives we need to practice Mindful Eating now. How it works:

1. Pay attention to your body. Ask yourself if you are really hungry, of if there is another reason you want to eat. Notice when you are starting to feel full and then stop eating just as you feel full.

2. Eat slowly. Take time to chew your food and savor each bite. Smell the aroma of your food. Take time to notice the shapes and colors on your plate. It is important to eat slowly so that your body has enough time to register the food you ingest. If you eat too quickly you will miss the flavor and texture of food in your mouth, and risk overeating.

3. Avoid eating during other activities. So many of us eat while watching television or working at the computer. People who eat during other activities tend to be unaware of how much they eat.

4. Don’t eat when stressed. Stress can compromise digestion and cause heartburn. If you are feeling stressed before a meal, try taking a few deep breaths, light a candle and play soothing music to help you relax.

5. Eat simply, healthy foods. Some nutrition experts say that you should not have more than 5 ingredients at any meal. This is important concept for mindful eating. By eating simple, healthy food with fewer ingredients you are better able to taste (and name) each ingredient. Who knows what Polysorbate 80 tastes like? I don’t and I don’t want to know.

Whether you want to lost weight or just be healthy and live a long life, Mindful Eating is an essential practice to achieving these goals. Do you remember what you ate today?