Who’s In Control of This Ship?

November 15, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / 2 Comments

Happy Tuesday!

I am still a toe into this week. I don’t feel I’m in complete control yet. I’m wavering on a lot of choppy waters in my mind. I’m unsure of myself and my direction. Have you ever felt out of sync? I’m questioning a lot from my thoughts that came up Sunday and Monday to help guide me to my next adventure, my next a-ha moment. I guess, this is a part of my growing process and I must endure the yawns too. It sure beats chaos!

The moon showing me how to make way in the cold, dark, autumn nights

I know I came so far from who I once was. I like the fast trajectory. Who doesn’t? I tend to obsess over something until it no longer serves me. I’ve been researching my family tree and found so many facts I never knew. I talk to my dad more about the past. I found myself spending hours on ancestry.com. Now, I’m still processing all I found and what to do with it now. I also sent off my saliva to be studied to tell me all about my DNA. I can’t wait for those results and I also did traits.

This is Chief Jack Harry, my 3rd great- grandpa. I have 4 Chief grandpas so far in my research. This grandpa died of the flu in Mexico while on business. He was 52.

I find a lot of joy in researching who I come from. It brought tears, anger, sadness, love, hope, fear, and laughter. My family isn’t perfect but they’re mine. Without them, there’s no me. None of my babies. I saw so many censuses with my family and boarding school rosters with my grandmas and grandpas names. I’m only 2nd generation out of boarding schools so there was a lot of generational trauma I’ve been working through, as one could guess. When you find out who you are and where you come from no one can take that from you. That’s your truth.

I have been learning a lot about my gut biome. I never thought to research all of these researched and trademarked bacteria but I want to know what I’m putting into my body.

Another fun fact, is I’ve been taking my health seriously. Aging doesn’t have to be bad or deterioration of your body and mind. I’m embracing all of me. I’m not perfect but I’m optimizing my health one day at a time. I started taking a probiotic. It’s day 5 and no difference yet but I’m still trucking along! I’d like to be more consistent in eating seasonal fruits and veggies. My family only likes 3 or 4 veggies, and yes, they count potatoes. I need to get this fixed. I’m finding myself eating what I cook for my family and not what I need.

I really miss my in-person yoga class. I’m planning on attending today and getting back to my original mission statement. Keeping me happy, safe, and loved. “But a yogi never forgets that health must begin with the body. Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train your child. Physical health is not a commodity to be bargained for. Nor can it be swallowed in the form of drugs and pills. It has to be earned through sweat.” B.K.S. Iyengar.

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Falling Back in Love with Meditation

November 9, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Happy humpity-hump day! A.K.A. Wednesday!

I have been swaying in the autumn wind. No purpose at all, just the intent to survive. I, once again, found myself stuck. I know meditation grounds me when I’m floating in the unknown. I get bored and feel suffocated when I’m idling for too long with no purpose. I must move out of this mindset and clean house. I’ll show you how I fall (back) in love with meditation.

First things first, I have many different altercations with people in a day, I express and manifest many different emotions, and I just keep moving along. When do I address my day? Well, when I journal and meditate. For me, this is my daily prescription. Just like our brown pill bottle prescription, we forget to take our prescribed medication, and if we do it enough, we lose the benefits of the prescription. I was feeling the strain. I’m talking weeks off. I needed my love back in my life.

I will meditate by the water to get immediate benefits. I instantly fill up from my pranabath.

All I have to do is find a quiet place where I’ll be undisturbed. I’ll get myself settled, comfortable, and close my eyes. Why is this such a hard task? My mindset has been comforted by my lies. I am not ok skipping my meditation. I know this as fact, I need to curb my beliefs away from believing I can live without meditation. Before I get back into my bed or attempt to conquer my day, I require an investigation in my head. Where am I at with my thoughts? I must sit, Gyan Mudra, and Ommmm!

So, what happens when I meditate? First, I have to take in my environment with sight. Second, I breathe in deep and take in my environment through smell. Third, I’ll listen. I need to know I’m safe and will be uninterrupted. I’ll sit cross-legged on a blanket or bolster, I’ll sit on the ground, or just today I sat on a long blade of a rock softened with my yoga mat. I will always be mindful of my comfort. I truly want to be uninterrupted. I’ll gently close my eyes and find fluidity of my thoughts. My intent is to clean. I acknowledge every thought and may categorize each one in my head to gently clear out of my mind. In order to clear, I must be mindful of the depth of thought each situation requires. If something is triggering then I’ll journal about it after. I will figure it out, if not by myself, I will address it with my therapist, sponsor, friends or family.

When I find my head clear I sit. Empty headed. Breathing, barely. I feel enlightened. This is where it’s at. Nothing replaces this euphoria. Nothing beats this human experience. Better yet, it’s free! When I’m done rejuvenating my spirit I will journal my experience. I have to tell someone right? I just hope this sparks an idea to incorporate this very old ancient practice in your life or to bring it back. See what it can do for you. I mean don’t just take my word for it. This is something good for me. This I know💖

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Fall Edition: Yogi morning routine for self-empowerment💖

October 9, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, yogi friend!

I am thrilled to share my Fall morning routine. It will always include my well-rehearsed “start your day right” routine. This is my best chance at grabbing control of my day before someone or something else does. This will prove to you how much control you truly have over you, yourself, and YOU!!

First things first, I will eliminate, by the way, Triphala works wonders if you need help to get that started. Don’t continue carrying yesterday’s shit into today! Then, I brush, floss, and scrape my tongue. Next, I wash my face and apply my homemade oil concoction and will begin a quick Gua Sha session. I will dry brush my whole body with long strokes creating movement towards my heart. I will finish with my oil and pay attention to my body. Lots of long strokes and circle rubs on the joints. This all can take 15 – 20 minutes but so very worth it!

Nature shows is resiliency to exist in every season well🥰

Now, I can begin my Reiki session and I just bought a new healing bowl. It has seven metals to represent the seven planets. It has nine chakra signs and it’s one of a kind…literally. These healing bowls are made by hand in Nepal. I absolutely love how low the sound is and the vibration it sends to my body is so amazing! I show it off to all my visitors and I cannot wait to learn our powers together! I am in awe with this new partnership.

After, Reiki I need to move. I will begin my yoga session for 30 – 60 minutes depending on my time constraints. This has been a curious thought to begin early morning walking or even a weightlifting session. We’ll see how this manifest as we carry on through the season. I know my body well and movement first thing is very important to me.

By now, it’s time to wrap up my self-love and self-intention morning to take a shower and rinse off the oil. I try to end my shower with the last minute being COLD! It’s meant to increase endorphins and increase blood flow. There a so many more benefits but I just do it because it makes me feel good and increases my focus every day. Win!

After I dress, I get in a meditation. Lately, I love a great prana bath in nature and a meditation while the sun rises. This is the best self-love I can present myself. This is my RX. I will also journal to wrap up my ah-mazing morning love fest.

I got to journal next to this beautiful doe❤

I will get my breakfast ready which has been cold cereal or yummy stewed apples lately. I also make myself my yummy chai cacao with Brahim/Gotu Kola and Moringa powder. These help me with my focus concentration. Another win! I typically begin work.

I hope this inspires you to start or tweak your morning routine to celebrate YOU! Let’s get in a mindset to get up early and care for ourselves before we have to present to the world. I love a good love fest especially in the morning!

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

$1 Thought

September 30, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Where do we get our mindsets? If it’s supplied by our environment, then how can we change? We can’t change our environment; we can only dust off and move to the next headache. When are we going to wake up and get out of the way of the wave of confusion? I was a body influenced by what I saw on TV, or the up-and-coming businesswoman to help guide ME through MY trials cause one size fits all. My mind was shut off from anything that didn’t manifest a mean-spirited thought of myself or others. I was in a jungle of lies and shut off from my truth. What was my truth? Who am I?

I want to be brave and face my demons head on!

The world can be toxic and hateful. It can also be alive and free. I am a product of a free mind and I am not only capable of loving myself, but others. I decided to put one foot in front of the other. I kept looking at my feet because I was ashamed of who I was, I couldn’t look at myself. I was damaged and I didn’t know how to be better. I was just going to keep walking in shame. But, one day I found my feet to be beautiful, they walked me and carried me and my heavy burdens. That was my 1st love affair with who I was. I began to peel away the ego that no longer served me. It used to be my armor to keep everything away.

Journaling is a great place to start healing💜

I could finally look past my feet and focus on who I wanted to become. What is this new perception on life? Its so nice and loving here. I actually felt loved more and more and I began to recognize myself as who I was suposed to be. I saw past the heartache and anger and began the work to get help for me and my past regressions. I was able to show my truths to people and trust them to help me trust myself. I had a lot of trust issues but I held myself responsible for my healing and began to nurture me. I tended to all the bruises, scars, and pain. I am not related to that pain anymore. It has healed and that is huge for me. I lugged that around my whole life. Do you know how light I feel? I unpacked a lot so now I’m running to the next level!

Meditation is the best healing tool to keep mindful of.

I have a lot of goals I have set. I keep manifesting new ideas and goals because I keep crushing them! What a freeing feeling to have control of my life. I came back to a place of remembrance. I am where I am supposed to be. I am the most content and waiting to see how the wind blows me next. I plan to keep moving forward and work through my problems as they show up. I won’t bury that shit because it will show back up as disease. I can’t keep running and I make sure I show up for myself. Now, I can look at myself and be very proud of me. I have so much energy and devotion and I hope to get a seed planted for you to look at your life and decide where you long to be. Wake up and get in your head! You’re worth every second.

Namastè🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Ayurveda RX

September 29, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, yogis!

I have been enjoying more space in my life. I cannot begin to express the complete freedom I experience daily. Pat myself on the back! All I had to do was create space! I’m slowly feeling more clear headed and defined in my airy abode. My full schedule is no longer needed or allowed. Watch me grow now!

An unexpected afternoon at the lake and an even more unexpected meal💖 #balance

Making space became crucial and I knew it. It was confirmed when I had my Ayurveydic consult recently. Make space in my mind by meditating ✔️, make space on my calendar✔️, make space in my car? Gulp! Make space in my closet and all the spaces of my house. Damn, damn, damn. I knew it would get stressful. Lol! But if one thing I learned in my Ayurveda class is Kaison, small baby steps.

My bird of paradise found itself stuck too😮

I started with my fridge and freezer since it was grocery shop day. Then, a few days later, I cleaned my car. All through this process, I was busy clearing my schedule of non work things. It’s slow for me to get motivated but I’m seeing progress.

I started a kitchari cleanse to get my body prepared for the cooler season upon us🌬

I also need to keep my blood purified by drinking purified water and high alkaline diet. I’ll work on this throughout the weekend. I really love veggies but my family is slow to try. I kind of let myself slack on it. I’ll hit up the farmers market for sure to get my alkaline up. Squash, kale, spinach, beet greens, beets, Pumpkin. Wow! I’m getting soup inspirations.

My favorite coconut acorn curried soup. Roasted with fresh ginger and coconut milk whirled to sweet ❤️

We are in my favorite season, Fall! I love to reset and re-evaluate during this time. What can I devote my energy to? My Feel Good To Do Good class is ending in a few weeks. I learned so much and I can apply these as deep as I wish. There are so many levels to us. You just have to pick how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go. I know that each habit brings me so much peace. This is the knowledge! It becomes your knowledge cause only you know who you truly are and with that comes healing. I promise. 💜

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

How late is too late?

September 23, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, yogi friend!

I write this as a reflection on my early morning faux pas. Being late. First off, I stayed in bed and began to get caught up on Ayurveda class and recipes. I then get a reminder that I have yoga class in 10 min. I hopped up, showered, abhyonga, brushed my teeth, scraped my tongue (so white😮‍💨), Nettie pot, and oiled my sinuses. It’s 5:36. By the time I get there it would be 5:45. I know the instructor wouldn’t mind at all but I feel defeated. For real, how late is it obnoxious?

Me patiently awaiting the sun and all the warmth.

I know I’ve said this before but I need space. This is why my time management is off. I need to be allowed more wiggle room. I’m a free spirit and now I feel trapped. I set this crazy, scheduled mindset up to protect myself. I needed a full day all the time to protect me from going back to old habits. I am more aware and honed in on stress in my body now that I cut out the alcohol. I don’t have anywhere to run and hide. I. Feel. It. All. I am late to this game by 4 weeks. Are you late? Is it just me?

Yesterday, was pretty chilly. 2nd day of fall right on time🕒🌬🍂

I don’t like to be known as the late one or undependable. But I am. Why do these labels I named irritate me? This cannot be my demise. I did so much work in the past year that this is what does me in? Hell no! I forget. I have a team of people rooting for me and helping me build my life back to a healthy existence. My yoga teacher told me that we need to keep our tools in our pocket. What do I know to help me alleviate the pain of stress? I meditate.

My pranabath followed by a deliciously, nourishing meditation💖

I meditate most days. I crave it. It doesn’t have to be the drawn out drive to a lake or nature. It can be your backyard, livingroom, bedroom, bathroom, closet, wherever you can sit or lay, you can meditate. There is something about being in nature though. Everything about it I absolutely adore. I absorb prana sounds, smells, sight, taste of the new fall coolness, earth alive on my bum by the water. This is our new RX. I bet your doctor never prescribed this free thought.

As I create more space on my calendar I cannot forget my home and car. What am I holding onto? I have lots of hidden corners in my home and I know a good purge is coming and it’ll feel so nourishing! I can’t wait to share that cause just the idea has me psyched! I feel a huge weight lifting. A shift. This should help me get a clearer head as well. Crazy, right? Or no?

My favorite beet and lentil soup to bring in fall🌻

I don’t mean this as a bash session on myself. Awareness is key and a 1st step. I met with my Ayurveydic practitioner and he told me I’m Pitta Kapha which I now have a clearer understanding on my doshas to begin healing. It was a joy to learn all about me and be given a prescription to live again and it’s unlike any prescription you’ve been given! I’ll share more on my next blog!

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Sit, listen, learn💝

September 14, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hi, yogi friend!!

I have been learning so much about myself this week and it’s only Wednesday! Whew! I am exhausted! I feel the new season whirling its way into existence. I feel you, fall season. I’m ready to fall back into your coziness and slowwww down. Yawn… yup, my favorite time. I will also cook me some kitchari for next week. I’ll probably eat it just for lunch and dinner since my tummy isn’t acting hungry till 10 am – noonish.

That captivating fall weather rolling in cool and foggy🍂

My lower back always gets me this time of year. It’s been a few years but it’s back. Ouch. I performed Reiki on it this morning and it’s still alive and well. I’m thinking it’s from stress. I believe I’m usually stressed this time of year. Work life is stressful. I need to unwind and the only way is to go camping. 💖 I will be very intentional to schedule me time to just do me. I need to be able to tend to myself however I need at that moment. I will meditate on that this morning. My intention is to give myself more personal attention doing what I love.

My daughter has an apple tree so I made cider in the crockpot!🍅🍏

I haven’t been loving cooking and that is my pastime favorite. I had so many get-togethers but I am burnt out. I think when I end my season at the farmers market it will open me up for more time. Plus, it’s fall season coming and historically, I stay home more and study up. I like to keep busy for the most part but I am more mindful, I could say “stay home busy”.

I had a blockage of my throat chakra and I knew it because I couldn’t communicate. No one understood me and that hindered me from wanting to advocate properly for myself. I think I was so off balance for years! I’m so surprised how far I got career wise with this blocked. I feel it wide open. I can speak and I speak truthful. I can advocate for myself and respect you at the same time. This is everything to me. Sometimes we don’t think or we become so self absorbed that we cannot see our audience. Just mindful thinking. Take your time, what’s your rush?

I am off to meditate and get my mind right. This is my only time to search within for answers, wisdom, and guidance. I also look for my Crane/Herron. I’m just not sure what it is. Or maybe both live out here! Whatever you do in your 24 hours, be more mindful to sit, listen, and learn. It pays off in every part of your being to never stop learning.

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Circadian Rhythm

September 11, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

What is it about time that makes our bodies crave a scheduled cycle? There’s a feeling of necessity for me and I crave a schedule even though I fight it sometimes. My bedtime is 9:30 pm everyday. I wake up at 4:30 am most days. My schedule rarely changes except during daylight savings time. We fall back an hour. Here we go…

Night, night, Sunflower. Enjoy the full moon gaze tonight. 💗

Last year, I stayed in bed until 5:30 am most mornings. I get all kinds of emotions about getting up into the cooler air to get my bathroom habits done and get my day started. I am very aware of my patterns so planning ahead is imminent. My morning routine is still in infancy so I need to define it into fall and winter so it doesn’t get lost. I love my morning routine. It is so imperative to start your day right!!

My morning meditation and journaling routine😍

The weather outside is getting slower. The weather is getting chilly overnight. My basil harvest is over and I put them in my compost. I feel myself longing for a slower schedule. Who am I to not listen to my intuition or my body. I am learning to respect myself on all levels of being. I put complete trust in myself unlike before. I am ok with this because I put in a lot of work into myself over the summer. I wish I found more time to be on my paddle board. I still have a month or so, so there’s still time to slow down and be in my head.

My medicinal garden is abundant and I have all the goods to prepare for winter! St. John’s Wort studies indicate assistance with seasonal depression…of course, Disclaimer: this is not proven to treat, diagnose, or cure anything.

Typically, I eat dinner around 5pm. I ate too late last night and what I notice about myself this morning is sluggish. I also ate grease and sugar which is 1,000% what I expect. I had a healthier alternative in the fridge I completely forgot about until I reflected on it this morning writing my blog. Ha! I am lucky to have a clear understanding on what works and what doesn’t. It makes decision making easier if you know the outcome. I plan on having brunch with my parents this morning so I’ll look for a very light helping of fruit or green juice. This will give my body time to digest last nights bad decision😝

Some kind of hybrid pepper😂 I have been roasting, dehydrating, and grounding my peppers for chili powder. I have so many Serrano peppers too😍

My biggest meal is usually lunch. This is when digestion is most fiery. Get in my belly! I am making sure it’s balanced with bitter, astringent, salty, sweet, pungent, and sour. I miss being creative in the kitchen. I’ll have more time as I will crave being home more in the winter and as it chills outside. Do you notice your seasonal habits? I mean I’m lucky in a sense because I experience 4 seasons. It’s beautiful! I have a maple tree in my backyard and as it gets fiery colored it is a gentle reminder to let my fire slow or risk burn out. I am so kapha so I understand why fall is my favorite. Don’t get me wrong! I love summer and all her heat! I detox and sweat and move in my life with all the love! Summer is freeing! Let your hair down, no bras…stay real💖

Another huge habit to keep in any changing season is to move. I love my yoga in all seasons. I especially love restorative yoga and all of its healing intentions. Walking is especially important to me. I love exploring nature and my neighborhood. There are a lot of walkers and that’s beautiful. We have a walking/running group. I love my community. I have to get ready for my yoga session. Stay mindful and stay in your knowledge. You’re the only person on the planet who knows what you need. Get in your head and stay mindful and pay attention💝 stay gifted✌🏽

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

A Day Off Yogi Life

September 2, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / 2 Comments

Hi, Friends!!

I hope the world has been kind to you. I had a pretty good week so far. Work-life balance is sustainable, my bills are paid, food in the fridge, and I have my health. I decided to take a mental health day to enjoy the fruits of my labor and surround myself with all the things I enjoy. These are the best, earned days off ever!!

Breakfast craving: sliced apple, almond butter, homemade granola, cinnamon❤

A day cannot start without my morning routine. Always. I get my bathroom habits done, sit & sage myself, then begin my Reiki practice. I am hearing new things and my visions are becoming more developed. Eeeek! I love progression!

Me trying to read my tea cup after ingesting. I saw a crane.

I have been loving tulsi tea. I bought Tulsi Rose tea from my friend and this is my daily ritual. I performed Reiki on myself yesterday and I found I need to drink more water, cayenne, hot water daily. I also need to buy a filter and drink filtered water only. Lol! Things I am already aware of but they surfaced as important so I am trusting my gut❤ I did manage to bring my hot water with me all day to sip on.

No time like tea time outside💜

I begin my movement practice at 5:30 am in my Rise & Shine Yoga. All the slow, methodical movements get my joints cracking and eventually get all nice and lubricated. I find my mind is so laser focused on my body sensations. I take all the care to ensure my body is not injured during our hour practice.

Today, I decided to treat myself to a London Fog on my way to the lake to meditate. After all, it is a day off. A treat for the cause but the meditation is the true TREAT🥰

A healthy lunch makes me swoon. Today, was pizza Friday though and I couldn’t pass up.

To make the most out of my day I have been block scheduling. I usually only do this on work days but I found this to be beneficial today because I have so many events now that my morning self healing is complete. There are so many great videos on YouTube to help you design your day to fit your needs! I highly suggest!!

So detailed and as you see, not a minute wasted!

I water the community garden and get the vegetables that are ripe and ready to eat picked and put up for the community to grab and eat. I truly love taking care of people. My superpower is embedded in my cells. Now, I am off to lunch with my brother! Then, headed to therapy and we’ll catch up!

Normally, I would be stressing about getting my lemons and limes juiced but I get to sit at the coffee shop with my computer. I am in love with today! I have about 30 minutes of reflection time to get a few more chores done before Acupuncture.

Work calls but the weekend vibes are getting stronger😍

I am currently in Acupuncture loving the tender care today brought me. I need to grab dinner before heading home to get well rested for my busy weekend. I’ll update you on my summer nights routine soon. I hope this transpires to a healthy message for you or affirmation for you to keep on the path. Don’t stop and keep learning about yourself. We are powerful and ever-knowing.

Namastè🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

White Clover Tea

September 2, 2022December 12, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but I feel like this has been the longest Spring I’ve ever encountered. It’s been rainy and mildly cool days and nights. I was looking for grounding on a particular misty day and decided to forage some newly bloomed white clover buds. I grabbed a basket and headed out to the backyard under my maple for cover and started my tedious task of picking.

I picked for an hour or so and got a lot of clover flowers. I decided to dry them and create a nice, refreshing glass of tea…in a few days. LOL!

Update: I never finished my post!

White Clover tea is delicous and tastes like honey and sweet flowers. I highly suggest it cold with no extra sweetener. I hope you remember to find some the next time you’re enjoying Spring in nature. Just make sure it’s away from car exhaust and animal or people pee.