New Year, New Me (Inspired by Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess)

Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful, prosperous and healthy new year.

I set the intention to start this new year with a new me (stronger, happier, successful, giving, and more loving). I made many decisions in the past, especially in 2012, that lead me to where I am today, a new path and new direction.  Some choices were risky, some were from the heart, and other were pure reaction, impulse, and hurt.  However, it is in the past and I have vowed that 2013 is my year to dare to dream. 

"Things may happen and often do to people as brainy and footsy as you" - Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess is a classic motivational tool for me, one that gives me inspiration to continue growing in life, to embrace my experiences and to realize that often it is up to me to soar to new heights and to climb over some of the challenging mountains.  I will not deny the fact that I loved having my partner cheering by my side, and realize that there are times when I'm faced taking my own ride.  

"And when you're alone, there's a very good chance, you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.  There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on..."- Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

It takes personal strength, confidence and power to steer myself in the direction I choose and lots of daily affirmations to avoid having to loose. I take pride in loving people, places and things, which leads me to look forward to the adventures that life brings. 

As scared as I am today, here and now, I know in my heart of hearts that I will take risks that will raise most brows. I dare to dream and see where the places I'll go, who I'll be, confident with me, and overwhelmingly filled with glee.

I dare you to dream and to make positive thinking a 2013 theme.

Namaste.

When Life Takes An Unexpected Turn

There are times in this life when you are tested for strength and not the physical kind, but the mental.  A dear friend of mine three years ago was standing against those tests in time and chose to take his own life.  Felt too much pressure from family, career, and the community that he belonged to, from a life he created.  I witnessed the pain that he left behind, it was cowardly and selfish.  That type of pressure can only be described when going through some major life changes, when life takes that unexpected turn.

It is not the direction of the turn that shocks our system or world, but the turn itself.  It is important to look beyond the turn and look at the new direction ahead, picture it as a new journey.  As a direction that will lead you to your goals in life, to accomplishing those intentions that you may have set in the past.

Let's use golf or car racing as an example.  A golfer is looking at the ball at all times, even when they are swinging the club to drive the ball down the green, but what if they didn't calculate the wind speed, if they hit the ball with too much power, or if they were just having a bad day, they still focus their gaze on where they want and hope the ball should land.  They constantly rebuild strength knowing that there are more holes or tournaments ahead.  As for car racers, they are looking beyond the turn to rev it up on the next straight away to chose which of the many gears they need to use in order to make the turn and power through it.

As humans, when life takes a turn, we too must look at the path beyond the turn, so that we are not consumed with the turn itself.  Allowing ourselves to build the strength we need to power through it and continue on this journey called life.  Reminding ourselves that the turns in life are all teachable moments, and you never know when a sharp turn can lead you back to your goals and to a journey of self discovery.

Trust yourself and the course you are taking in this life, and know that there are always turns.  How will you handle the next turn in this life? Are we grateful to those that cheer us on during the turn that may jolt us back into reality?

Namaste.

The Meaning of Self Worth

As I was meditating and focusing on the light in my heart center in a yoga and meditation class I attended today, my mind was focusing on the word self worth.  A very special person in my life and one of my greatest teachers used to always ask me “what is your self worth?”

Those two words bore into my psyche and I can honestly say that it took me a while to define the meaning of self worth.  According to Collins English Dictionary, self worth is “respect for or a favorable opinion of one self.”  It is a mix of self esteem and self respect.

To me, self worth, is the ability to balance acts of service (service defined as work, family, career, or community).  It is a balance of knowing when to give in kind and when to add a value to what you are providing.  It takes both self esteem and self respect to identify the appropriate times to add value.  As people, we run on energy, whether it is the energy from within or the energy that we share with others.  That energy is what drives us to give, to work, to achieve our goals.  Our energy provides the fuel to develop a strong self esteem and self respect, which essentially gives us the ability to define our self worth.

For example, I know from experience that people will continue to take as long as you continue to offer, whether it is the great energy you exute, your expertise, your ability to love, or your resources (time and money).  Eventually that energy may subside or you may forget who you were as a person when you started this trend of giving.  At which point you realize that you have lost strength in believing in yourself and as a result you lost opportunities to define your self worth.  Life is a balance of give and take, whether in love, at work, at home, or in any interpersonal communication interaction.  So, let’s remember that our self worth is our ability to balance our acts of service and know our value to the world, while maintaining the strength of our self esteem and self confidence.

By no means am I saying in this blog to stop giving or to hinder your beautiful ability of influencing those around you with your great energy.  I am merely asking, “what is your self worth?” and how will you develop your ability to balance your acts of service in this lifetime?

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.

Winds of Change

When the winds of change in life blow some are strong enough to break our spirits or test our strength, while others remind us that we must simply go with the flow and dance with the wind. Advice that I must live by the next couple of months as I ride the rainbow following the storm to my own pot of gold.

There are times in the last month where I felt suffocated by the experiences and the breaks that have happened in my life.  And though it is not easy, I remind myself that once the mind goes into the negative thinking mode, it takes twice as long and twice as hard to think positive and simply regain the personal strength that I need to achieve my goals. I remind myself that happiness comes from within and that no thing or person can make me happy unless I was satisfied and happy with myself and my life. I remind myself that I was always one to love life and people and the dust of this storm will eventually settle.

I have had a life list for a very long time. It is handwritten in my journal and saved on my phone, so that I am constantly reminded of what I want and what I am working towards.  I have viewed every experience, good or bad, as a learning experience and those that were involved as my teachers.

The winds of change have blown my way at great strength and have somewhat knocked me down.  I feel and believe in my heart, that once the storm settles I will be in my own heaven, a place in life that I had envisioned for years now. I use meditation and creative visualization to go to the place where I want to be, so that I can really feel it, touch it, believe in it. A step closer to accomplishing my goals and taking action.

I have given myself permission to feel sad, mad, and happy and let the emotions that I was going through in the present moment take their course.  I knew and believed that my strength, perseverance and ability to love my life will return and be stronger. I am grateful to everyone (friends and family) that weathered the storm with me.

Now I am ready to refocus and conquer my dreams and have grown a foundation that will give me the ability to dance with the winds of change and overcome any other storm.

Namaste!

Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

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.