Breath Makes the World Go Round – Even for Kids!

Children Can Let Go of Stress and Be Happier

Stress can show up in lots of ways in our bodies. As adults we can often see what that looks like and feels like. What’s sad is how many children in our world are experiencing stress. Have you noticed a young person who is experiencing loss of energy, sleeplessness, extreme up and down emotions, chronic illness (even just ongoing colds), or inability to stay on track and focused? THESE are early symptoms of stress. What’s super sad is how many children get so stressed that they end up in the throes of anxiety and even develop respiratory and digestive issues.

I see these early signals of stress in so many of the children I work with. Their parents want to help them change that picture which is why they come to see me. What’s beautiful is that their bodies “decide” they don’t have to create the bigger issues. Instead, their bodies recognize that they don’t have to respond to the stress and the stressful moments that are in the world around us.

So, what to do? The trick is to let go of stress build up and “create” a body that doesn’t experience symptoms of stress. It’s all about getting the energy to flow and helping the breath be open and expansive. When the body is more open to receiving the inhale and letting go on the exhale, there is ability for the body to create the space for a healthier way of being. The children I work with recognize huge changes taking place when they do the Daily Clean Your House Flow. And many of them do it more than once a day — because they notice that their body is happier.

Here are some of the comments that I’m hearing from the children in my life:

“I’m going to sleep as soon as I go to bed.”

“When I wake up it’s easier to get ready for school.”

“I’m not falling asleep at my desk or when I’m studying.”

“I’m not missing school because I’m not getting sick like I used to.”

“I’m getting more done and getting better grades.”

“I’m not getting in fights with my brother.”

“I’m getting along better with my friends and we’re having more fun.”

So, folks — our bodies are hungry to be in balance no matter what our age! And our bodies want breath to be happening — easily, consistently and expansively. Do the Daily Clean Your House Flow whenever your body asks for it. Remember: “There is no such thing as too much self-help!”

Breath Makes the World Go Round – Including Baseball!

I’m a happy girl! Baseball is back! And I love it that it comes at the same time as gardening. Several years ago I was lucky enough to get a Mother’s Day gift of a radio for the outside deck and outside speakers. So when I’m out in the garden, my true oasis, I can also listen to the Giants game. Who could ask for a better way to experience life? My neighbors are even okay with it — they get to listen to the game in stereo. So until I’m told differently, that’s what happens when I’m in the garden. But I do have to admit that my television is set to record every Giants baseball game and many a night is spent watching them — no matter how they’re doing. I just love baseball.

I love watching the players and seeing if they’re in tune with the messages their bodies are giving them. Even if you’re not into baseball, I want to invite you to watch at least one inning of a game and really look at the players and how they “work in” their bodies. Watch them breathe. And think about what YOU are doing during your daily activities. Consider using the baseball game as a lesson in how to be connected to your breath and body movement.

Watch the pitcher and notice whether the diaphragm is open or whether it’s constricted. When the diaphragm is open, the torso easily stretches and the pitching arm seemingly flows through a specifically planned and orchestrated movement. If the breath is “caught up high” you will notice that the torso and arm don’t move as easily together. The dance isn’t there. Do you notice times when YOUR body and breath aren’t moving in an easy, effortless dance? To open up your breath, consider holding your upper arms.

Now notice a batter and how the time at the plate is all about being in breath. Notice the placement of the bat while waiting for the pitch, the flex in the knees, the lumbar curve, the uplifted torso, and even the relaxed jaw. All of these pieces allow the batter to be in good alignment, allow the breath to be fully present, and create readiness to connect with the ball that is coming over the plate. When you see all of these body areas working together you will easily recognize when it isn’t happening. If the alignment and breath are not present you have a batter who is in distress. Do you want your body to be able to always step up to the plate and do what you want it to do? Sit on your hands! That simple “hold” connects with vitality and creates lumbar curve. Then cup the sternum with one hand and with the other, hold your tummy. That opens up breath by relaxing the diaphragm and releases tension throughout the torso.

I love watching the catcher. He’s all about proper body placement. If he wasn’t, we would see him being stuck and not able to stretch and reach for the ball. His position is one I’m often in when I’m in the garden. And if I didn’t have my breath and body ready for that squat and reaching movement, I would probably be a hurting girl. To make sure that I won’t go into reaction when I’m going spend time in a squat, I do these simple energy steps. First I hold by sit bones and then I hold the inside of my knees.

So, folks, learn from the baseball players! No matter what you’re choosing to do for your spring and summer activities, help YOUR body discover alignment and easy movement AND help it be in breath. Prepare your body for what you’re going to ask it to do.  At least one time a day I do the Daily Clean Your House Flow. Off and on throughout the day, you might see me do the first step of the Daily Flow – holding my upper arms by folding my arms across the chest.  THAT opens up breath.  And when I’m in the garden, I’m doing the third and fourth steps — sitting on my left hand with my right hand on the left shoulder and then switching. THAT is helping my body be ready for the lifting and digging and weeding and planting.

Have fun with all you do in your world!

Your Body is Hungry for Balance and Breath!

Our bodies are hungry to be in a state of balance because they just want to be happy! We just need to give to them what they ask for and feed them with moving energy and breath. Maybe you’ve heard me say that we can prepare our bodies for what we’re going to ask them to do and prepare them for what might come at them. It’s actually very easy to do so! There are simple energy balancing points that you can hold in a few short moments to help your body be ready for the activity you’re planning to do.

And when you’re doing that, you’re also making sure that when “whatever happens” your body won’t go into reaction. YOU can make a difference in the health of your body: physical, mental and emotional. So here’s a simple pose: cup your left shoulder with your right hand and hold your left hand at your sit bone. Then switch your hands. You are helping your body “let go and get ready” and allowing your body to step into the activity easily without going into reaction.

To help your body “feel the breath,” all you need to do is help it fully experience the expansion that is possible. Simply hold your upper arms by folding your arms across the chest and then hold the inside of your knees.

My desire for you is to live in a body that is happy, healthy and responsive — ready for all you want to do! I’ll share more energy pointers with you in upcoming posts.

Spring brings magic and smiles

Spring is like a box of chocolates!

You never know what you’re gonna get.” Okay – I love all three parts of that statement – spring, chocolates and the not stated but oh, so awesome Forrest Gump.
Spring is so full of so many amazing and yummy pieces of chocolate – the warmth, the flowers, the bursting of amazing scents, the balmy breezes and rain showers (we hope!), and the long list of activities we want to do. Those first pieces are easy but I can easily get caught up in the last one I mentioned. There always seems to be so much to do. The list is long and I have a tendency to want to do it all and feel like I should do even more. The trick is to pull one piece out at a time, savor the yumminess and get the absolute most out of it. The next trick is to make sure your body and your calendar can thoroughly experience and enjoy all of the pieces of chocolate that are in your box because it’s important to always have that smile!

Spring Energy Tips

Here are some energy tips to help you with YOUR box of chocolates! So you can be in joy and magic!
For clarity about your list (what piece of chocolate to pull out of your box), having the energy to do what you want to do, and enjoying every moment:

For clarity

1. Place fingers on left and right base of skull
2. Left hand: cup back of your head with fingers on right base of your skull
3. Right hand: cup forehead with fingers on left side

For renewing your energy and creating vitality:

1. Hold your hands at mid-back, right fingers on the right side at kidney level and left fingers on the left side at kidney level.
2. Sit on your hands (this energy balance point is all about giving you and your body that extra boost of energy!)

experience spring magic

For helping you and your body KNOW and experience all of the pieces of chocolate that create the magic of spring:
Hold fingers on outside of knees, left fingers on left knee and right fingers on right knee.

Section on Aging

I had the opportunity to be a presenter at a Section on Aging meeting in Sonoma County. The organization’s mission is to share information about how to better serve Sonoma County’s elderly community.  I am so impressed by those who attend and participate in this organization. It shows that these people care and want to make a difference.  It was an honor to be there!

Re-patterning

Renewal = transformation = changing your patterns

My last article was all about rejuvenation and making sure you set aside time to get back in touch with YOU. My Mexico vacation definitely created the space for that to take place for me. (That article is all about Mexico and beach and sunsets!)

It looks like that downtime actually helped me create a pattern that is continuing for me! I’m starting most days in the hot tub and doing the Daily Clean Your House Flow. I’m taking more walks and setting aside chunks of time for reflection and meditation. The walks and the meditations are short, and I am on my way to strengthening these habits.Re-patterning requires those moments where you start and then continue a new habit, a new way of being. My body is getting in sync with these new habits AND it’s super happy about it. I’m doing yoga positions daily so my yoga and exercise classes are more effective and productive.

My “taking care of me” has helped me boost my productivity.When I do sit down to get something done in my office, I am focused, my body is in a state of relaxed readiness and I am getting things done. My brain is even going along for the ride and there is less effort. Of course, I’m doing my energy work which creates the space for these new patterns to become established and grow stronger. My new behaviors (essentially my new habits) have an easier time integrating into my life.

This energy flow is what is making a difference for me. I created it when I realized that I wanted to get my body and my brain working together on the same page so I could more easily get to where I want to go. Consider doing the following flow to help you in YOUR re-patterning process. It is simple, there are only four steps. Do this flow as often as you desire. There’s no such thing as too much self-help!

Deborah’s Re-patterning Energy Flow for Clarity, Confidence and Completion (Getting Things Done)

1. Cup your forehead with one hand and cup the base of your skull with the other (right fingers hold left side of forehead, left fingers hold right base of skull).This will help clarity and focus and help you and your body get on the same page!
2. Hold your hands at mid-back, right fingers on the right side at kidney level and left fingers on the left side at kidney level.This hold pattern will rejuvenate and renew your energy system.
3. Sit on your hands: it’s all about vitality and giving you and your body that extra boost of energy!
4. Hold fingers on outside of knees, left fingers on left knee and right fingers on right knee.Are you ready for re-patterning your behavior? This will do the trick!

Soaring

And, by the way, my time in the hot tub was exceptionally beautiful this morning. I received that time of renewal AND I was lucky enough to see TWO red-shouldered hawks land on the tree right next to the tub! The tree literally bent with their weight. In addition, there were two pairs of red-tailed hawks swooping above us! What a magnificent way to start the day!

I’m hoping that YOU find exceptional ways to experience renewal, transformation and changing YOUR patterns!

Goals and Resolutions

3 easy steps to help fulfill your resolutions and reach your goals in 2015

Your greatest responsibility is to yourself. When you take care of you, you will be available to step into your possibilities.

Goals and Resolutions

Goals, objectives, desires, intentions, directions: what word or words are you using to get to where you want to be? These are the words we hear a lot this time of the year. All of those terms revolving around resolutions about business, relationships, health and physical fitness. We get on the band wagon, state our resolutions, and commit to them. Then, how many times have you discovered when you’re in the midst of the process of fulfilling your resolutions that they just don’t seem attainable?

We often get so caught up in trying to reach the end result that we sometimes forget about this BIG piece of the picture — you have to be consciously taking care of YOU! Your greatest responsibility is to yourself. When you take care of YOU, you will be available to step into all of the possibilities that are out there in the world for you.

I have found in years past that I can get all excited about the possibilities of my projects. If I get overwhelmed by the list that just keeps on growing with all of the steps that have to take place to get to the desired end result, I end up unfocused which results in procrastinating. So, what do I do? And what do I see others doing to accomplish their goals?

Step 1: Take Time To Reflect

The number one step is to set aside time each day to just be, to be quiet, and to be reflective. Many of my clients and students have found that doing a simple energy balancing “routine” helps the mind quiet down, the body to relax and the breath be expansive. The “routine” that most find the easiest to do and to remember to do is the Daily Clean Your House Flow. Of course, there are other ways and methods. Find one that works for you and just do it!

Step 2: Listen to Your Body

Listen to your body and allow it to tell you what’s happening. That will be possible if your body is in a state of balance and harmony. Thus, doing your Daily Flow will help you be able to get the messages that your body wants to give you. To get the messages you have to be able to hear them which requires listening. Again, be aware of what you’re going to ask your body to do and then do some quick energy balancing tips to remind your body to be in flow. For example, prior to and during the time you’re sitting at the computer, simply cup your right hand over your left shoulder and sit on your left hand with your palm up. Then switch your hands. That simple movement will remind your body to let go, to be in correct posture, and to actually do what you want it to do without going into reaction.

Step 3: Clarity and Focus

This is another awareness step. This one is all about clarity and focus. When you can get yourself into that space and stay there, you’ll be more productive and you’ll increase your chances of accomplishing your goals and objectives. THAT is what being in balance allows us to do! For this step, I suggest this simple movement. Using your right hand, cup the back of the skull so your fingertips are on the left side. At the same time, cup your forehead with your left hand so your fingertips are on the right side. It wouldn’t hurt to switch your hands and repeat!

I wish for you an easy and effortless 2015, one that is productive and allows you to fulfill your resolutions and reach your goals. And as part of that, I’m also wishing you a very healthy and happy body!

Water and Energy – It's all the same!

The water is a-flowing! Well, we were wishing for rain – and we got it!
I knew it was going to be a big storm and I prepped for it. One of the big chores was to fill sandbags and place them in strategic locations with the hope that my garden paths didn’t get totally rutted out as the water came down the hillside.
Now you know that I consistently talk about balancing the energy in our bodies so the pathways are open and flowing. When we accomplish this, it’s all about correcting the movement of the energy so the rivers are flowing easily. When we do our daily energy balancing, we are literally re-patterning and reprograming our energy system so our bodies are ready for what we’re going to ask them to do and better prepared for whatever might come at them.
In this particular instance, my goal was to do the very same thing – use the sandbags to help the flow of water go where I wanted it to go so the garden paths wouldn’t be drastically impacted. Well, best laid plans – it sort of worked! The rain came down so hard at times during the night that I fully expected the garden to be full of new rivers gouged out by the downpour. My paths were definitely not perfect this morning, but they could have been a whole lot worse. My work to correct the impact is going to be a lot less than it might have been. I’ll need a load of gravel but it should be easy to take care of the project.
Moral of the story – be prepared! Take care of yourself, whether it be your body or your property, and you’ll have fewer big projects that get created. The rest of the lesson – do your energy balancing before you ask your body to do any activity. Because I did mine before filling the sandbags and moving them around, my body didn’t go into reaction. And because I did my Daily Clean Your House Flow this morning, I was okay to be out there shoveling gravel and getting the pools of water to let go and flow.
My next suggestion is to stay dry and warm! Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!!

What Is On Your List?

“Making a list and checking it twice; gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.”

I’m not talking about Santa Claus coming to town, making his list OR you figuring out your holiday shopping list! The list I want to discuss is “what pieces and parts of you are talking?” Hopefully, every piece and part of you is “happy and nice” but IF something has been trying to get your attention, are you even aware of it? More often than not, we are so involved in our state of doing and being engrossed in the step-by-step needs of the day, that we’re not aware when our body isn’t in a state of easy balance — when there’s a germ bug that’s ready to latch on, when there’s a muscle that’s tight and ready to create aches, when the stress of the day is becoming overwhelming to the physical and emotional body, when sleep hasn’t been quite as rejuvenating as you need it to be.  The list can go on, and on…like an endless string of holiday lights with multiple bulbs lighting up out of sync with the rest.

Getting to that place of being consciously aware, (which comes from energetic balance), can be an easy, effortless practice. You can put balance and health in your life in just a few minutes a day. When you commit to a daily practice like the Daily Clean Your House Flow, you give a gift to yourself that is  revitalizing, calming, and balancing. Another energy flow that can boost your immune system is the Source of Life. Both of these flows are part of my Energy Balancing Care Guide.

No matter what you choose to do, give yourself the gift of self-care and be a partner with your body! That is how YOU can really BE in touch, know what your body is up to and be able to determine if your body wants some extra special attention. The key: live in a state of balance so your body doesn’t create big projects that you have to deal with later. You’ll be ahead of the game and have a body that is ready to do everything you want it to do. And you won’t have anything to “cry or pout about!”

Peace on Earth and in Your Body

Here’s an easy to-do energy tip that will give you lots of breath and lots of energy, plus clarity and calming, all in one fell swoop.

1. Left hand: cup back of your head with fingers on right base of your skull
2. Right hand:cup forehead with fingers on the left side
3. Right hand: cup sternum directly below the collarbone
4. Left hand: hold fingers on tummy directly below the naval
5. Right hand: hold base of spine

So, Santa Claus is coming to town and checking his list! I hope that ALL of your lists are easy and effortless to move through and check off!  Enjoy your holidays, be IN joy, and be in balance! Happy Holidays!!!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie 

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!
You better not cry.
Better not pout, I’m telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!
You better not cry.
Better not pout, I’m telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Sharing the Wealth

How can it already be Thanksgiving? Where has the year gone? And where are we going?

I’m not quite ready for it to be the holiday season, but I’m willing to go along on the ride. I love Thanksgiving Day and prepping and enjoying the feast with family and friends. It’s more than the feast. I love reflecting on how much has transpired this past year, the beautiful people I have in my life who have helped me get to where I am in this moment, and how thankful I am that I have joy and excitement in my days.

I am in the midst of creating an exciting and amazing project that will allow me to share how easy it is to walk around in a happy and balanced body. With LOTS of help and guidance, I am creating a program that will easily be used in school classrooms. It will teach children energy balancing self-help. It’s close to being released and I can hardly wait until the day I say, “It’s here!”

I have a long list of family, friends, and colleagues whom I want to thank but it would take up several pages. I am one very lucky woman to even be able to say that — and to be able to say that clients and students are included in that list of friends and connections!

What is very important for me to do is to say this: “I am blessed with knowing each and every one of you, with experiencing your guidance, your love and your desire for me to do well. I am thrilled that I get to do what I do in my world, and I am honored that you allow me to participate in your health and wellness.”

My desire for you is this, “Be in joy, be in balance and be in breath.”

Sending you blessings and best wishes for a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Deborah