Overcoming Fear and Reaching a New Peak

I apologize to my readers and followers for not providing you with a blog in quite sometime. I have had an adventurous summer with many life trials, good and bad, happy and sad, etc.  In fact, I sat at my computer several times with the intention to write something, but the drafts were always driven by my emotions that day. My goal for this blog is to share with you my inspirations, and my drive and energy for living a holistic life.

I have had many great things happen in my life recently, I am very much in love with a wonderful man, I have fallen in love with a puggle with a great personality, I am comfortable in my own skin, and I am grateful everyday for another day, another adventure, and the people that support me.

Though grateful for everything in my life, I do have my challenges and currently that is with my career. I have reached a new peak where I find myself working harder at letting go of negative thoughts and maintaining a positive attitude. The toxicity in the environment is not only affecting me mentally, but also physically. I find myself wondering when I will overcome my crippling fear of climbing again even if it meant trying a different mountain, a new challenge.  I have prided myself over the years for working towards a cause and not just the pay. My leadership philosophy stems from the experiences that I have had in my career and to that I am grateful.

I am fortunate to have hobbies that provide me with the opportunity of a challenge, the ability to expand my leadership and management skills, and that foster my creativity.  I have set my goals and intentions and will have to make choices that will help drive me to the goals I once set.  Affirming my actions every step of the way.

I encourage you to read The Secret, focusing solely on the law of attaction.  I read it five years ago and it has truly changed my life.  I set intentions and goals, affirm my actions and choices to reach those goals, and give back to a universe that has rewarded me.

Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

When it rains it pours or does it?

We've all heard the saying "when it rains it pours," but does it really? I have lived with that very phrase for the last week, only to realize that my life is full of surprises and events that I may or may not like, and are typically a result of the choices I make. I could live my life believing the cliche, or I can turn every new challenge into an opportunity.

In the last week...
I lost a friendship that meant a lot to me;
I came to the realization that I do need to respect my years of service and experience on the job and acknowledge my self worth in terms of my career in order to advance and reach my goals;
Finally, that my lease was up and I have 5 weeks to find a place I can call home.

My initial reactions to my recent speed bumps were expected, due to a lifetime of affirming the phrase "when it rains it pours." instead of focusing on the positive, I found myself challenging the universe by thinking negative thoughts and affirming another cliche, "what else can go wrong." However, by using it as an affirmation, I blocked my ability to think positive, to actually seek the opportunities that the new changes bring. For example, instead of focusing on the pain of moving again, I made the decision to purchase my next space, and find a place I call home. My mood instantly changed from whining and worry to excitement and nervousness. I knew moving into my current apartment that it was a temporary living situation, I set the intention from day one, therefore, I was able to easily shift my mindset.

The one thing that I constantly remind myself of, is that I am grateful for the present moment, for the people in my life, and for the freedom to live and make choices. Thank you for reading this personal post.

Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

Where does the time go?

There are days when I feel that the clock has stopped; however in the blink of an eye I am starting a new day. Where does the time go?  Our energies are typically focused on what will happen in the future, that we miss is what is happening in our lives right now.  This past year has been filled with new beginnings and great adventures.  I started a new chapter, overcame some fears, realized my strength, and fell in love.  Lots of emotions, long nights, and support from family and friends.  A year has gone by in the blink of an eye, and the only memories I recall are the happy ones and I look at the challenges as stepping stones and enriching experiences.  However, I have determined that I thrive on challenging my time on this earth to accomplish tasks and goals and take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to me,  whether they are related to my work, business or loved ones.  I create to do lists to complete existing to do lists, who does that?  I also add items that I accomplish that were not on the original list and check them off for satisfaction.  As I remind myself of my life goal list everyday, I am also thankful for my life.

Triangle Pose at the Great Pyramids, Egypt

We are living in a society that has taken information access to a new level.  Addicted to having anything we want at the stroke of our fingers and the size of our bandwidth or network.  Call me traditional but I do believe that takes away from our time to reflect on our day, to do something for ourselves, or to enjoy our loved ones.  I have been caught doing emails while jogging on a treadmill, well if you know anything about exercise, your mind has to be clear of all thoughts and focused on isolating the muscles that are giving your body energy to run. We must remind ourselves that once that time has passed it is in the past.  After all, there are no guarantees in life, but the one thing that is guaranteed is the present moment and the choices we are making in this very moment.  So, stop reading and go do something for yourself, your loved ones or your community.

Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

What's Your Definition of Conscious Service?

What’s your personal definition of conscious service?  How do you like to give back to society, this earth, or your community?

I believe in giving back as a method of showing gratitude for many things in life to which I am grateful for.  My personal definition of conscious service stems from my beliefs that life is a gift and the fortunes and misfortunes that happen during my lifetime are reminders that there is much to be grateful for and it is important to show that gratitude by being kind, respectful, generous, and honest with oneself and others. I believe that the internal satisfaction that is produced after a day or a minute of service is priceless. 

Keller Williams Red Day - May 2011

There are many types of conscious service?  My inability to travel within the United States or to a foreign country to volunteer weeks or months at a time in a disaster struck area doesn’t stop me from giving back. Service could be flashing a smile at someone that is having a miserable day, volunteering at the local food bank, picking up a piece of trash from the street, assisting a person in a time of need, or offering monetary support.  Donating is a form of service, however, I find that the satisfaction of “doing” is more rewarding.

What do you love to do, gives you the most pleasure?  Connect the things that you enjoy doing in this lifetime to volunteer and service opportunities in your community.  Find an organization in your community that you would like to support or volunteer your time with, be consciously aware of your surroundings because often times there are opportunities for giving back when we are getting a cup of coffee or waiting for a flight at the airport.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people that have come alive."

–Howard Thurman


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

A pact to stop using the word "STRESS"

The word stress should be spelled with one 's', so that it becomes a four letter word that is vulgar and prohibited from network television and radio stations.  Ever wonder why as soon as you say, "I am so stressed out," your body automatically believes that there is something physically wrong.  If it is not a physical sensation, the mind tends to take over and emotional negativity sets in.  We say the word often, what does it even mean? We now classify it as 'good' or 'bad'. Let's make a pact to stop using the word all together, because there is nothing positive about it!


The word stress has been associated with human disease, i.e. heart attacks, pimples, etc.  Some use it as an excuse to overcome mundane tasks at work, or to avoid difficult life challenges.  If you feel stress, you are not listening to your body or staying in the present moment, your mind is clouded and consumed by the indescribable sensation that is associated with the word.  However, I would love to know what stress feels like. I am currently negotiating five contracts for my 9-5, trying to build my own business, starting in a brand new field, and finding time for friends and family.  I am not bragging by any means, but I find myself lacking the energy that I need to sustain as an individual as soon as the words "I am stressed" come out of my mouth.  I lose focus and I am suddenly dwelling on the word and I'm consumed with battling the thoughts in my head and the challenge of getting "unstressed" than tackling  a situation or the task at hand.


It is quite fascinating to me how one little word can destroy a body, families, a relationship, a career, or a lifetime.  I have to admit, I use it frequently, and for some reason today it hit me. The fact is we all go through hard times, sometimes overwhelming, and often times things are great. The word causes us to think of all the negative times, outcomes to decisions, or the future, when in fact the key is to make sure we remember to stay present in the moment and to control things that are within our scope of control keeping our minds clear of "the stress cloud".  Remember that the actions and decisions that we make today will affect our tomorrow.  I realize it is tough to do, when your to do list, bills, the IRS, or whatever causes you stress consumes your everyday. I am guilty of promoting "good stress" until it hit me today...there is no such thing. Getting organized and maintaining a clear head is more important than zeroing in on how stressed out I am.  I hope you found this blog helpful, because it stressed me out to complete, just kidding!


This is a pact to stop using the word STRESS. Are you in?


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

A Little Rest and Relaxation

It is difficult for most of us to walk away from the positions we hold in this life to find a little time for rest and relaxation (R&R). After being on vacation for a week, teaching yoga everyday in Mexico, I realized that I have neglected the importance of a little R&R.  I am back after a week of rest and relaxation to write this blog that will hopefully motivate you to take time for you.  


My original plan was to work through my vacation, as I juggle three ventures, two of which are brand new.  My passion for my job at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will always drive me to give 110%.  The thought of influencing youth across the country keeps me going.  My excitement to succeed at building The Meeting Yogi is providing me with the strength and motivation that I need to create that enriching experience for meeting and conference attendees across the country and the world.  My latest adventure is real estate and obtaining my VA Real Estate License and my marketing experience, has forded me the opportunity to join a successful broker, Keller Williams in Old Town Alexandria.  The idea of helping people make one of the most important decisions in their lives will bring me great satisfaction.


As I looked out into the ocean during my vacation, I found myself day dreaming about all three of my ventures, so much so that I was able to create mental notes and come up with great plans and ideas for all three.  I had no access to email and limited access to phone, I merely brainstormed and allowed myself to make small mental notes and be creative. I still focused on the beautiful natural environment and on staying in the present moment.  After all, I was challenging myself to have a fun and a little R&R.  Recharging my battery for what appears to be a busy summer full of new adventures.



Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

Focusing On Me

Over the years, I have had something or someone to focus on aside from myself, sacrificing my wants and needs to satisfy another person or my career. I am learning to be alone, to be with myself, for the first time in thirty years.  At a young age, I relied and lived with my mom and dad.  In college, I lived with roommates.  I met my ex during college and lived and depended on him for eleven years. 


I now live on my own with the support of family and friends, and it is a learning process. I can not deny the fact that I am enjoying the freedom of decision making and my personal, soon to be girlie, space.  However, I find that I am also never in my space.  I love being surrounded by friends and family, a social butterfly.  I often wonder why I am unable to face myself and focus on me.  I read a journal entry that I wrote five years ago, in one of my yoga trainings..."I have a fire inside of me that is waiting to come out...I want to accomplish my dreams."  I refuse to change who I am and go against my values to accomplish my goals and dreams.


I love sharing my energy with this world, whether it is by teaching a yoga class and seeing my students' smiles at the end of the practice or being committed and present in a relationship. Selfishly today, I am vowing to focus on me for a while, so that I am able to choose the direction that I want to take in my life related to my relationships, family, career, and community as a whole.


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

My Motivation in Life

My motivation in life stems from a need to make a difference, a desire to leave a legacy, and a hunger to stay in the present moment.  I have always had a passion for everything I do in my life.  I am often intentional about what I do.  At times, life throws a curve ball to challenge my balance, which leads to an evaluation of actions I've taken over time.  I then remind myself that what happened in the past, is just that "the past," however past actions have shaped my here and now.


I am proud of the fact that I am a passionate person. That passion drives me to do what I do and to achieve everything I set my mind to. I tend to focus all my energy on things I love, which has enabled me over the years to accomplish many dreams. Not to say that some experiences were not painful, caused me anger, or even made me question what I've become, however, I have learned to overcome those feelings, often generated by fear, by being grateful for every experience that I've had.  I remind myself that I am an able being that has the support of family, friends and teachers that have influenced and mentored me over the years. (Teachers in this context refers to anyone who has taught me a lesson over the years, those teachable moments that can occur at work, home, in a relationship, or in any interpersonal communication interaction).


I am currently pursuing a Virginia Real Estate license, which is very exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. It is an exciting venture because I know that I will be helping people find their home, which is a rewarding experience.  It is also a nerve wrecking experience because it is a brand new industry, one that I am unfamiliar with, but I recognize that there are teachers helping me accomplish my goal.  I then remind myself that what happened in the past, is just that "the past," however past actions have shaped my here and now.


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!

The Power of Our Minds

I often underestimate the power of our minds from thoughts that tend to emerge throughout the day, thoughts that could trump our true feelings or sense of intuition.  It is a dangerous dance that could affect relationships with family, colleagues, or loved ones.


Think of a time when the only thoughts in your mind were positive and every action you took that day or every reaction you may have had towards the people you interacted with lead to having a great day.  The positive thoughts enable the mind to think clearly and have a wonderful effect on the body, because they are associated with emotions like happiness, excitement, etc.


On the other hand, negative thoughts tend to manifest in our minds, which leads us to mental scenarios that enhance those negative manifestations resulting in emotions that are toxic to the body.  The body will instantly slouch to protect the heart from whatever emotion we are experiencing, whether it is anger, distrust, disappointment, or sadness. Our breathing becomes shallow, and our mind could be triggered to react negatively to any interaction we may have with others that day.  

The mind is everything; what you think, you become ~ Buddha

Intuition (the gut feeling, instinct) is often clouded by negative emotions.  It is important to distinguish between thoughts that may lead to negative outcomes and an instinct that triggers caution in our mind to avoid negative scenarios or events in our lives.


On a personal note, I work on staying present in the moment and challenging the mind to turn a negative thought into a positive one.  I realize that my mind is a powerful tool with a healthy imagination; therefore I am consciously aware of thoughts that may emerge from events or things that are beyond my scope of control.  As a teenager, I frequently worried about what people would say or how they would interact with me.  As an adult, I say what I mean and mean what I say; I find it to be rewarding to be transparent with my thoughts and emotions.


How will you challenge your mind today? Think positive thoughts and you will attract positive events to your life.


Namaste. 


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

New Beginnings

Over the last nine months, I have been fortunate to have many new beginnings in my life, and I don't mean conceiving a child, not quite yet. I did however birth a dream, one that I have had since 2007. With the encouragement of loved ones and the determination to overcome my fears, The Meeting Yogi, was founded.


The Meeting Yogi was established in hopes to enrich meeting attendees' participation by offering a yoga practice and providing an energizing mind-body experience.  The goal is to serve as a  leader  in providing access to finding balance and promote a healthy lifestyle.


As my new beginnings turn into everyday life, I am cautious not to dwell on the past, and to be thankful for what is here and now. Knowing that every moment in your day, good or bad, happy or sad, glad or mad is just a manifestation of thoughts going through your mind in the present moment that trigger your emotions and actions.  Learning to acknowledge the negative thoughts and not give them the attention that attracts negative events to your day and life is the challenge of living in the present moment.


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.


Namaste!