Breath Makes the World Go Round – Even for Kids!
Originally posted on Health at Your Fingertips blog.
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!”
Happy Kids Make for Happy Lives for Everyone!
Originally posted on Health at Your Fingertips blog.
It’s summer time! And life is super full — especially if you have children in your life. Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent or a caregiver or a teacher in hiatus — some portion of some days are spent keeping those kids happy. Happy means that they are active with something that keeps their attention and that they are content with what is happening. All of requires that they are content within their bodies. What on earth do I mean by that??!!
Content within our bodies means that our bodies are in a place of ease and balance, that our bodies are energetically prepared for what we’re going to ask them to do and prepared for what might come at them. THAT means we will have clarity and focus, ease in actual physical movement and ease in creative expression. In addition, balance brings the ability to handle our emotions so they don’t get too big, take our breath away and cause us to get stuck IN the emotion.
For example, have you ever noticed that irritation can sometimes lead to frustration and maybe even anger? When we don’t address our reaction to what is creating the irritation, it can quickly turn into a bigger, more intense emotion. That increase will be what takes our breath away and causes us to be in the throes of the emotion and then everything escalates.
So imagine what a child is experiencing when all of what I have described is happening and they have no experience in how to handle irritation or frustration or anger. Dealing with emotions so they don’t get too big is a learning journey. You can help the children in your life more easily experience their emotions, get the information they need from the emotions, and gain life lessons.
Here’s how! Show them the Daily Clean Your House Flow! And see how much easier life can be — for them and for you.
You will notice: increased attention span, reduced stress, improved performance, improved health with less illness, increased cooperation, less acting out and increased self-esteem.
Happy Kids Make for Happy Lives for Everyone!
It’s summer time! And life is super full — especially if you have children in your life. Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent or a caregiver or a teacher in hiatus — some portion of some days are spent keeping those kids happy. Happy means that they are active with something that keeps their attention and that they are content with what is happening. All of requires that they are content within their bodies. What on earth do I mean by that??!!
Content within our bodies means that our bodies are in a place of ease and balance, that our bodies are energetically prepared for what we’re going to ask them to do and prepared for what might come at them. THAT means we will have clarity and focus, ease in actual physical movement and ease in creative expression. In addition, balance brings the ability to handle our emotions so they don’t get too big, take our breath away and cause us to get stuck IN the emotion.
For example, have you ever noticed that irritation can sometimes lead to frustration and maybe even anger? When we don’t address our reaction to what is creating the irritation, it can quickly turn into a bigger, more intense emotion. That increase will be what takes our breath away and causes us to be in the throes of the emotion and then everything escalates.
So imagine what a child is experiencing when all of what I have described is happening and they have no experience in how to handle irritation or frustration or anger. Dealing with emotions so they don’t get too big is a learning journey. You can help the children in your life more easily experience their emotions, get the information they need from the emotions, and gain life lessons. Here’s how!
Show them the Daily Clean Your House Flow! And see how much easier life can be — for them and for you.
In the next few days my new whiteboard animation video of the Daily Clean Your House Flow will be available! Children and adults are finding the video fun to watch and it makes the nine steps of the Daily Flow easy to follow and learn. But even bigger than that — the Daily Flow makes a huge difference in how your children experience their emotions and it will help you create smoother days.
You will notice: increased attention span, reduced stress, improved performance, improved health with less illness, increased cooperation, less acting out and increased self-esteem.
Stay tuned for the announcement that my new website www.dailycleanyourhouseflow.com is up and ready for you to check out!
Flower Miracle
Imagine walking out to the deck one morning and seeing this flower on a cactus!
We’ve had that plant for at least five years. It had never bloomed before and I didn’t even realize it could or would. We have had four blooms over the last two weeks, each coming one at a time. The flower pods would show up, opening into blossom, and each one would last three to five days. What a glorious experience! It doesn’t look like there will be any more blossoms, but I’m willing to be surprised.
Will this ever happen again? Was it something that occurs as a fluke, was it a miracle, or does that cactus bloom in five to seven year increments? Right now it doesn’t matter what the answer is, but it would be awesome if it happens again. And it would be great if I didn’t have to wait for another five plus years to see this bit of magic take place.
Do you have occurrences in your life that you weren’t expecting and when they landed in front of you they made a huge difference in possibilities, in planning and in your hoped for outcome?
Watching these amazingly beautiful flowers magically blossom allowed me to reflect that there are similarities to allowing magic and miracles to happen in life.
I decided that I was going to address projects and dreams like watching this cactus bloom — a state of being in wonderment and of being willing to be in that place of anticipation of what can occur. I’ve consistently been in awe of what life brings, but sometimes I need to be reminded to allow — to get out of my own way and just be ready for what can show up.
And that is what has transpired in the last week! I’m so close to having my whiteboard animation video of the Daily Clean Your House Flow ready to show you! I have had the most amazing team helping me create the project. And with the extra juice and support that has just showed up, I’m experiencing another surge of excitement and anticipation. Life and surprise flowers are full of magic. Enjoy!
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!
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!
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.
- Left hand: cup back of your head with fingers on right base of your skull
- Right hand:cup forehead with fingers on the left side
- Right hand: cup sternum directly below the collarbone
- Left hand: hold fingers on tummy directly below the naval
- 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.
Don’t Be a Deer in the Headlights
Have you ever felt like you were a deer caught in the headlights?
Yesterday I walked outside and surprised a deer that was near my garden fence. She freaked out, jumped the deck railing and I thought for sure she had jumped into the garden. But as I walked around the garden, there was no sign of her. That poor girl must have run across the deck and jumped off the high side.
Granted, it was daylight and there really weren’t headlights, but the deer must have felt like her life was in jeopardy. Her reaction was “get out of here fast no matter what I have to do to make it happen.” She also could have gotten “stuck in the moment and not been able to move.”
I know I have had times like that: “needing to make an immediate decision and follow through right now.” It’s real easy at the moment to go into flight or fight mode, or paralysis and not be able to do anything.
Jumper Cables Tame Big Emotions
One of the best ways to tame big emotions is to Jumper Cable each of your fingers, even if it’s just holding the thumbs or index fingers. Spending time holding the thumb is all about letting go of worry and anxiety, the emotion/attitude that our bodies will go to if things aren’t going the way you want or expect. To get the results you want and to “get to success,” hold those thumbs!
Holding the index fingers will allow you to move away from fear and move towards taking action with confidence. When there is no fear present, there is a sense of safety and security and ability to “deal with it” and know that all is well.
So, when you have a surprise that could easily take your breath away and cause you to get caught in the headlights, Jumper Cable! It will work much easier and faster if you’ve already balanced your body by doing the Daily Clean Your House Flow.
