Every day we are bombarded with people telling us how to live our lives, what is good for us, and what to believe.  But how often do we listen to these people and does it really change the way we thing?  I was having tea with an acquaintance a few days ago and after our tea and conversation she told me that I was an inspirational person.  I felt honored she felt that way towards me and a little stunned.

I got to thinking, everyone in our life is put there for a reason; whether it is to inspire you or to help guide you in a certain way.  I have been blessed to have met some truly inspirational people and have read the works of some of the world’s most influential and inspiring people.  I want to share some of the people who have inspired me to be the person I am today.

•    Mahatma Gandhi- His profound spirituality and belief in justice has arguably inspired all of mankind.  By believing in his cause, he showed us that persistence and working for a cause you believe in can change the world.  He inspired me to be persistent in my beliefs and never give up. 
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” –Mahatma Gandhi



•    Buddha- Many people are unaware of the story behind Buddha.  He was a young prince who gave up the comforts of being prince to seek the meaning of life in meditation in forests.  After finding the meaning of life, he traveled India teaching meditation and inner peace as a spiritual teacher.  The simplistic and spiritual life he lived has inspired me to live the way I do, and to strive for constant growth of knowledge.
“The mind is everything.  What you think you become.” –Buddha



•    Nelson Mandela- His campaign for justice and freedom in South Africa personifying struggle was inspiration for the people of his country and those of the world.  He became the first democratic president of South Africa after he spent 20 years in jail because of his opposition to apartheid.  He inspired me to believe in a cause and not to back down when the majority is against it.  His character and leadership is second to none.


“There is no passion to be found playing small- in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela

You probably were aware of the good works of all these inspiring people, but how often do you think about them and really feel appreciative for their inspiration.  I hope this list helps you find inspiration, help you pursue goals, and works towards becoming a better person.  It is never too late to become an inspirational person, but it requires extraordinary will power and strength. 

Be inspiring.

Namaste.

Recently one of my dear friends was diagnosed with a debilitating disease.  Hearing my friend share the prognosis made me think of a common saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”  Everyone goes through trying times in life where the struggle seems to never end.  But with a strong and powerful mind, body, and spirit, it is amazing what the human condition can overcome.



When I first heard about my friend’s disease, it was my instinct to try to console her.  I caught myself using empty clichés and countless tired attempts to cheer her up.  I realized that those empty words do nothing to help someone feel better about a situation.  Those pointless words are not what someone wants to hear when they know the future is uncertain.  

I know from experience when deep pain and struggle hits, we need solid truth to get us through it.  A few years ago I had my own health issues; they have now pasted; and I was tired of hearing “don’t worry everything is going to be alright.”  I didn’t want to hear the pointless clichés from all my loved ones.  All I wanted to talk about was life and what was going on with my friends and family, not the struggle I was going through.  I found it much more spiritually and emotionally healing to focus my mind of the positives and what was honestly going on.

I have visited my friend several times since then and she has expressed her appreciation for my honesty and efforts to focus on the things not related to the suffering.  I find it helpful to remind myself that in the most tragic circumstances you grow as a spiritual being more than any other time.  Positive thinking and optimism play a big role in dealing with situations, but real hope and efforts to make a different outcome, make a trying situation past faster. 

I also believe that meditation is an exceptional way to deal with struggle.  It helps calm the mind and center your thoughts.  Mind over Medicine by Lissa Rankin, M.D. is a great book at explains how positive energy and thinking actually can help you heal and get over trying times.  You can read my post about meditation and positive thinking here.

It may seem like there is not a light at the end of the tunnel, but trust me there is.  Keeping positive energy and perception of reality intact during tough times make you a more spiritual person.


“Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." –Joshua J. Marine.  It is true what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I've become stronger, more spiritual, and more compassionate; I know you will too.

Namaste.

Yesterday was an incredible break from my daily routine.  My partner took the afternoon off from work and surprised me with a romantic afternoon at an apple orchard near our house.  It was such beautiful weather at a gorgeous venue.  It was a very intimate afternoon, we were one of three families at the orchard.  You wouldn’t think going to an orchard would be that fun but it was a blast acting like children picking apples in a fairy tale garden.


Surprisingly, there are a lot of things to do at an orchard.  We picked apples and got to try all the yummy homemade snacks the family who owned the orchard was selling.  We had our fair share of apple pie, apple fritters, and applesauce.  The fresh sweets were even better knowing they were all homemade and the fruit was picked right from their backyard. 





But the highlight of the afternoon was when my partner pulled our picnic basket out of the trunk of our car.  It was very romantic getting lost in the beautiful apple trees, laying a blanket down, having a few snacks, and enjoying each other’s company.  I don’t give him enough credit for the little romantic things he does for me.




We picked enough apples to bring home and make our very own apple pie.  We spent the evening in the kitchen cooking dinner and baking our own apple pie.  I am so lucky to have found a man like him.  We have to best conversations about our views and what is going on within our spirituality.  He truly understands my views and beliefs and loves me for them.



Yesterday afternoon was a great way to spend time with my partner, have a good conversation, get outside and be active.  I would highly recommend a little afternoon getaway to the orchard, it is more romantic than you thing.



Namaste.

Being a spiritual person has made me who I am today.  Looking back at old pictures reminiscing and reliving my childhood make me so happy I was raised the way I was.  Growing up my parents were very religious.  I went to services with them until I was about 13 then they let me make the decision if I wanted to go or what spirituality I wanted believe.  I continued to go with my parents until I got to high school, then I only went with them on holidays.  When I went to college and found yoga, I quickly adopted a holistic approach to spirituality.  I was so grateful my parents let me choose what I wanted to believe in from my own experiences.  …on a side note, after I saw the movie, Life of Pi, I felt such a connection to Pi while he was experiencing different religions and forms of spirituality.  It was truly an incredible film. Check out the clip here.

I often pose the question to myself, what is a human life without the attention to the aspects of life beyond our physical, emotional, and mental concerns?  Through the ways of the world and my love for humanity I defined my own meaning of spirituality.  Although I have no tangible believes system, I have my ideas and a unique belief’s that work for me.   When I began practicing yoga, it awoke my spirit even more that I would have imagined.  Being able to be one with my mind, body, and spirit and open my heart is such a way, made me realize how much more the world has to offer.  I embrace all the natural world and work to contribute my part to it. 

I focus on the natural abilities of the human anatomy and how I can maintain my spirituality as one with my physical body.  I do what I believe is good for my body; what is healthy and what I feel is emotionally right.  Devoting time each day to reflect on who I am, how I can service society and help take care of the world is very important to my spirituality. 



I believe in positive energy and negative energy.  Each human being has their own energy they contribute to the world.  I believe that through actions you can make your energy stronger or even change your type of energy.  Going along with changing energies, I believe in karma.  The sum of a person’s actions decides the fate of their future.  I believe that karma is not a punishment for actions, but a result in those action.

As a spiritual person, I focus on enjoying every day, embracing who I am, and appreciating the world around me.  To maintain my spiritual health I spend time meditating, doing yoga, reflecting on each day, and spending time trying to make the world a better place.




Although others may not understand my spirituality, I know how I view it and help make the world a better place because of it.

Namaste.

It has been nearly 6 months since my birthday and I am so thankful for all the great energy this year has begun to bring me.  Last weekend I was cleaning through our closet and saw my partner’s gift from my birthday that I had totally forgotten about.  He knows how much I like DIY projects, so he got me a soy candle making kit.  It was such a thoughtful gift I can’t believe I forgot about it.  I love being about to make as much as I can from scratch and spend time with good company. 

This week my partner and I finally got to make our soy candles.  I have made soy candles before but these were a little different but smelt so delicious.  Our candles turned out so great, I had to share how we made them with you.  I highly suggest making your own soy candles, they are magnificent.

This recipe makes about 2 small/medium candles depending on the size of jar you use.

Supplies you will need:

•    8 oz. soy wax flakes
•    Scent drops (whatever scent you want to make)
•    Candle wicks
•    2-3 popsicle sticks
•    2 small/medium jars
•    Candy thermometer
•    Heat-proof measuring cup
•    Hot glue gun
•    Small sauce pan

Directions:
Step 1- Prepare your jars by gluing one end of the wick to the bottom of the jar and wrap the other end around a popsicle stick and secure on the top of the jar.

Step 2- Bring about 3 inches of water to boil in a small sauce pan.  Put the soy flakes into a heat-proof measuring cup and put it into the sauce pan.  Leave the wax be as it melts.

Step 3- Once it is melted use the candy thermometer to make sure the wax is around 185 degrees F. Remove the measuring cup from the saucepan and heat.  Add a few sent drops to the wax (to your personal preference of scent) and stir with a spoon for about 2 minutes.

Step 4- Use the candy thermometer again, let the wax cool to about 135 degrees F. When the wax is cooled, carefully pour it into your jars.

Step 5- Let your candles cool down and solidify.  They turn fairly opaque and solid after about an hour.  Do not remove the popsicle stick with the wick until the soy is COMPLETELY solid.

Step 6- When the soy is completely solid, remove the popsicle stick and trim the wick to your desired length.

I read that you are supposed to let them harden completely for two weeks before lighting them.  But they smell great and are great decoration until you light them.







Hope you enjoy making DIY soy candles as much as I did.  I love quick DIY projects, if you have any favorites please share the directions!

Namaste.

As per my sister, Amanda’s request, I am going to share some tips on beginning yoga.  She has never taken a class before and wants to begin practicing after seeing how much yoga has affected my life.  Just get over the nerves about going to the first class and you’re in the clear.
When I went to my first yoga class, I had no idea what to expect.  I was nervous and didn't want anyone to watch me.  After that class, I had no desire to go back, I wasn't that good at it and I felt like everyone was watching me.  But when I stepped out of the studio and looked at the world around me, I felt something so extraordinary and unexplainable.  Since that first class I have never looked back, and made yoga and the way it made me feel an essential part of my life.


Here are some points I had to tell myself when I first began and what I recommend to my sister Amanda:
1. Remember there is no such thing as being “good at yoga”- Yoga is not something to be “good” at, it is a practice that helps to more deeply explore ourselves while learning to quite the mind.  There is so much pressure in today’s society to be perfect and get it right, but while participating in a yoga class each person has to keep the eyes closed and become the only one in the room.
2. Don’t think, just practice- When I first started yoga, just talking about going, usually made me make excuses to actually not go.  Just don’t think about going, get there, and forget everything else.  Actually showing up is the hardest part.
3. NO ONE IS JUDGING YOU- Being nervous the first couple classes are a given.  Know that in yoga, everyone is focusing on themselves and not concerned what everyone else is doing.  Just breathe, and let the mat be a personal sanctuary.
4. Listen to your body- Yoga can be challenging at first if you have never done anything like it.  Just ease in!  The way you treat your body during a practice, is a representation about how you take care of your body otherwise. When muscles are not as flexible, take time and focus on giving them what they need and let each breath get you closer to the goal.  Just listen to your body, you know what you can and cannot do.
5. Practice non-judgment, patience, and presence- Make the decision to go into every practice with an open mind and open heart.  Don’t judge yourself or decide that it is not happening or working.  Instead, welcome yoga and let each pose and breathe transport you to somewhere new.  Understanding the body’s limits works towards strengthening it from the inside, out.
And if you are still nervous about going to a yoga class, like I know my sister is?  Try doing a video at home.  There are hundreds and probably even thousands of beginner yoga classes online.  Try one at home, but it is even more important to listen to your body when at home.  If yoga is something new, there is a higher risk of getting hurting because poses might not be practiced correctly.  Take it slow and build up confidence to participate in a yoga class.
Here is a YouTube channel that is really good at easing into yoga for beginners. Click here  I would love be able to instruct everyone, especially my sister, but distance doesn't allow.



Beginning a yoga class may seem daunting, but I promise, just open your heart and allow a complete change in your mind, body, and spirit.  I know you will do amazing Amanda and everyone else how tries yoga for the first time. Good luck!

Namaste.

Living a positive life rubs off on those around you.  Today while I was going for a jog in the park, I saw an older gentleman struggling to get off a bench.  I stopped and helped him stand up and make sure he was okay.  He was so gracious that I came to his aid.  As I walked beside him while he was strolling out of the park, he began sharing a story with me.  He told me how his wife and he came to the park every day for the past 25 years to watch the sunrise with coffee in hand to begin their day.  He told me how he was so lucky to have had such a wonderful wife.  He proceeded to tell me she had passed away a week ago but continued coming to the park to begin his day with her.  As we approached the park exit, he told me if I wouldn’t have come over to the bench to help him, he wasn’t sure if anyone would have stopped.  As we parted ways he gave me a giant hug and said that because of my kindness I made his day, he would try paying it forward to someone that needed a smile that day.

As he walked down the street, I thought about how just a little positive action can generate so much happiness for someone feeling down.  Having a positive attitude and helping others is something everyone should strive to have.  I focus on living in the moment and spreading positivity where ever I go through action.



Being positive and happy doesn’t mean you have to ignore the pain or emotions in that moment, but instead embrace that specific feeling with an open and loving heart.  Learning to deal with pain and angst with positive energy is a very powerful emotional mechanism.  Everything happens for a reason and keeping a positive attitude though the tough times, produces spiritual growth.

Positivity begins from within.  When we fill our mind with beautiful thoughts, the world becomes a beautiful place.  I find happiness and positive energy through physical, mental and emotional wellness.  When I engage in a regular wellness activities I feel my stress and anxiety from the world subside and my optimistic vitality increase.



If everyone was to take time for themselves to understand how to embrace feelings and emotions, the world would be a positive place.  But, to get to that point, it only takes one person to begin the cycle.  When I helped the older gentlemen at the park, he wanted to spread his new found positivity with someone else, and hopefully they will want to as well.  Let’s begin a chain of positive energy and brighten each day.
Namaste