Spring Detox

May 29, 2023May 29, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

He, friend!

I am enjoying the last few weeks of Spring and I wanted to share my detox plan that works for me to get my body boosted with fresh spring nutrients and slowly challenge my digestive system to digest fresh nettles and dandelion greens. I love all the spring herbs green onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic mustard. The best morning juice is green and spicy and gets my digestion fired up and ready to digest lunch. I also get to re-evaluate what I’ve been doing the past season and analyze what needs to go and what can stay or be tweaked. I include things I’m reading, listening to, and watching on TV. I absolutely adore my much-needed Spring detox.

Morning Routine

I find the morning time to be the best time for me to get my heart rate up and my body moved. I also get my daily steps completed before 8am. For my morning nutrition, I get the kettle going and make a big 32 oz hot tea with lemon and ginger. I will sip on this throughout the morning. I typically make 2 big batches of juice, one is a green juice with cucumber, celery, green apple, spinach, kale, ginger, lemon. The 2nd juice is beets, oranges, turmeric, ginger. I will choose either juice for my breakfast while I work and get through my morning. I make sure I get moving during my morning break if I’m working. Or get outside and water my garden.

Fresh green juice beams me up with nutritional power and gets my tummy grumbling💝

Lunch

I love a green lunch! My body craves the bitter greens and I even allow a small, sweet dessert when my digestion is at its peak. I have been loving a good buddha bowl. The Sunday before my work week, I will cook lentils or beans that have been soaked for 24 hours. I roast a mix of veggies I am craving that week. I love a good lemony tahini sauce and/or a pesto (garlic mustard, mustard greens, or beet greens). I will see what herbs I have ready in my garden and place them in my fridge in a plastic bag covered jar. This is the quickest throw together lunch that keeps me in check and temptation to eat processed foods at bay. I even make big batches of Spring soup with nettles and freeze leftovers in individual bags I can defrost in a pinch.

I make sure when it’s time to eat that I am centered and focused on me eating and tasting every bite and fully chew, chew, chew. Mindful eating is amazing. I mean, when is the last time you ate in silence and ate intentionally? Try it on and see what changes for you.

This is not my typical meal, but I sat under this oak tree and ate in silence, enjoying the view🥹 mindful eating wins every time!

Dinner

I like to make sure I am eating while it’s still daylight. I also make sure I am eating small. I know, I know. It’s so different how Americans are taught to eat. We have a huge dinner meal and make sure everyone is seated to eat at the table. Iced drinks, wine, beer, too much water. We get stuffed and watch TV or find something to run to instead of allowing our body time to digest. I get it, I have so much I love to do but I have to honor myself. What isn’t completed by dinner time can wait, if not, see what you can do before the sun goes down and eat dinner outside while watching the sun disappear. I enjoy a salad or soup or both! I just limit the portion and eat until I’m content. I like to eat around 5pm. I used to run straight to yoga but since my yoga is done in the morning recently, I have time to slow down.

I like to connect with my plants I water at night. I love to enjoy my backyard and read in my hammock swing. I find nature to cure me from my typical boredom of not doing anything. I allow myself this time to do nothing. I schedule it and find comfort in my backyard.

Yogi Outro

I feel the heat of the summer getting closer. I will be busy moving my body and keeping my mind in check. Digesting thoughts and experiences of the day are crucial to keeping me open and flowing in a flourishing state. I have fell off my daily journalling and I plan on getting my habit back in motion. I find as the seasons change, so does my digestion and what I need to eat. It’s always best to eat in season and that is exactly what my body craves. I feel my digestion kick start and I can feel when the food leaves my stomach! It’s amazing to be so intune with my body and learn what happens when I slow down and digest. Happy Spring cleaning!

Namastè!

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Broken Chains

May 17, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / 2 Comments

Hè, friend!

I had a HUGE release last month when I was driving. You just never know when something will come to the surface. It was one thought leading to the next and BAM I’m balling. I felt so amazing afterward and slept so well. I found the peace I’ve been seeking. I also used my friend, Jamelle @barerootsenergy, for an amazing reiki session to help heal me and get bottled up emotions flowing freely. 3 years ago, I would’ve held that emotion back. I was bottled so tightly with past bullshit that that release (2 years ago) was the most life changing. It was so freeing to have no boundaries up when it came time to let go. I let go of anger, sadness, regrets, broken promises, all my life’s work up until that point was definitely under pressure. I have broken chains by my feet and a full heart. Who can I help heal today?

I bought a popcorn plant that smells like buttery popcorn😍

I have been so curious about my mindset lately that anyone I talk to has heard me ask, “Why are you scared of spiders?” I truly don’t remember my fear origin of spiders. I’ve never played with one or had a spider tell me to fear it. I know this to be someone else’s fear they passed down to me. I like the helpful information, like poke berries are poisonous and stay away from poison hemlock, the name says it all. I was a child who loved tall grass. I would run in it, roll in it. What a grand time I had. I want to do this again, I want this freedom without fear, but also without being hurt. I am coexisting with all of life, all the living things, and I respect my place. I am not superior but lateral. Someone always wants to rule, but my rule is respect. I can’t fail with respect in my heart.

I gave birth to my last child almost 15 years ago. I had an IUD put in as soon as I could. I finally had it removed for the 3rd time and not replaced. My body was able to naturally detox from the synthetic hormones, and boy, was that fun. Not! I have never felt the surge of dancing with my emotions like that. I was happy one moment, crying my eyes out the next, I felt broken and attacked. I tried to communicate, but no one was around me. That might’ve been a lie, I told myself while I was riding the emotional roller coaster. I got through it. Those were only 15 years of built-up energy, I’m so glad my whole body can communicate within itself again. I am FREE, and those broken chains by my feet can be free too.

My daily walks help keep me grounded and in shape. 10K plus steps a day!

I don’t let anyone come and tell me who I am. I am fully aware I used to live by other people’s experiences. I would read how one food, way of eating, and how one wakes in the morning is the epic beginning to one’s day. Well, more often than not, I would store that information away. One day, when I want to save myself, I’ll know exactly what to do. Right? I mean, we have a pill for everything now. All these labels were invented to grab your attention over the next bottle. I began experimenting with all this knowledge I picked up. Some ideas were in agreement with my body, but did I thrive? What makes me ME? I change every day, and I learned to listen to myself. My husband laughs all the time when I say, “I know what’s best for me.” But I do!😉

Yogi Outro✌🏽

I really enjoy learning! I’m always looking for opportunities to fill my senses with pleasure! I love feeding the birds and watching them. I will be outside every chance I get! Ask my family! Lol! I want the experiences of spring to engulf my nose with the wetness of the earth, I want to feel the wind cool my sweaty skin, I want the brightness of the sun to bring light to the magnificent colors of spring and fill my heart with prana, my ears listen to the sweet songs of the diversity of animals coexisting in my little backyard, I can’t forget tasting the bitter greens popping up to help my liver heal after detoxing every experience I’ve had up to this point. I am so very blessed, and my life is amazing! Don’t fit in someone else’s limits. Have healthy conversations, but know this is your life, and as you make big decisions and learn, life gets less complicated cause you set your life on your terms. No one else’s, break those chains!

Namastè🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

I Am Limitless

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

I finally completed my firepit area in my backyard and I love it! I find myself sitting out here facing the different directions in my effort to find my creativity. Where is my G-spot in this vast area full of life? LOL! I am slowly being called to work with the Sacred Hoop or Medicine Wheel. Exploring the unknown is so fucking fulfilling. I am in control of this ship, and I want to go where I have never been before. I am without fear and only curiosity, it’s overwhelming. I used to be limited in my quests by limited beliefs. Now, I am waist-high in so let the adventures begin! I am limitless.

My weekends have been full of moving and hauling rocks with my family. Ahhhh! Project 1 ✔️

My mornings have been consistent with my new routine of yoga and a good hour of fast walking in nature, all before work! Or before 7! My consensus is this new morning practice is phenomenal! I am so clear headed and focused to begin my tasks for the day. I am centered and full of energy. I am still getting up at 4am and I am noticing that, not only am I opening my eyes, but I am also up and at ’em! I get my bathroom habits completed and roll out my mat. I have a few yoga teachers I can trust to give me a heated flow. I get my heart beating good, my body stretched, pranayama (breath practice), mind/body/soul check in, organs moved, eyeballs moved, and a meditation all in 1 hour! Yoga is amazing stuff, I tell ya!

This Robin comes back every year to lay her 1st round of eggs. They hatched this year!

I understand when I leave my house, I am a mere lonely soul in a huge existence of many, many other people. I have to be in a good mindset to take on others’ emotions. You know how emotional some people get when they are passed on the highway, or how people can be unkind to you for no other reason than to be mean, or my neighbor who quickly pulled out of their driveway in front of me while I was driving on the street. I do my best to not react negatively, as two negatives are exactly that. I have learned to slow down and take my time being intentional in all my life’s moments. I analyze it all! Smells, sights, temperature, emotions. I do not want everyone’s trash or shitty attitudes so if I leave my home with the mindset that I will serve without any prejudices, I win! I choose peace and love, love and peace.

Mr. Baby is the cutest cat I ever met. ❤️ He loves companionship and together we love the new firepit area!

I have been listening to my body and since I’m typically eating two meals a day, I have been skimping on good fats, like avacados, chia seeds, nuts, ghee. I had a thought cross my mind (or intuition) last weekend that I need more fat and I should start making my decaf lattes with 2% milk (eeeek!) and 1 teaspoon of ghee. Well, one week into my little experiment and I find it pretty good with my digestion and I am noticing my skin! I am not so dry anymore, but we shall see because it has been raining and humid the last few days. I feel I have more power over my cravings for sugar too! I’m not sure if its linked but it’s highly suspicious because I made a pact with myself this week, I would not eat sugar or sugar free foods after 7pm. Well, I haven’t and also, I really haven’t had a lot of sugar, except the cake and ice-cream last night to celebrate a birthday.

My new front door mat that sums up my summer plans in a creative way😂

How limited is life really? I find my boundaries are lifting. I am safe in my beliefs, and they serve me well. I am so intuned to my higher self and where I’m headed. It’s crazy to break through old thought processes and truly believe in myself, right where I am. I am limitless in my love. I am limitless in my body. I am limitless in my life. What possibilities await? I honestly from the deep core of my bones cannot wait to live my life in this new existence. I see myself dancing and growing so deep into my spirit. Don’t be scared to explore your space and find how you too can live limitless!

Namaste!

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

5 Ways To Have A Beautiful Morning

April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

I have been busy perfecting my beautiful morning routine. It has become a part of me and a necessity to ensure I am elevated to my best self before my day and all the chaos evade. I start every day focused on me by scraping my tongue, neti pot my sinuses followed by oil, wash, tone, & oil my face while I gua sha my lymph nodes on my face and down my neck. Then I will go on a refreshing early morning walk with my dogs. I enjoy a 20-to-30-minute power yoga session followed by a cold shower and abhyanga massage. I will meditate by 6am and journal afterwards to get my thoughts or new thoughts in order. Bam! I have taken control of my morning routine and I’m set for what life has to throw at me.

Water is beautiful and able to enjoy the elements within its boundaries freely. I have the same fluidity expression and cleansing energies💖

Morning Self-Care

My morning self-care is crucial to me feeling ungunked and refreshed. First things first, I will empty my bladder and number 2 or eliminate. This took a good year to be able to eliminate without eating. I truly am empty until I eat which will be around 11am – 1pm typically. I find being empty helps me focus and feel light without burden. I enjoy feeling this lightness and I control how I absorb heavy foods or ideas. I prefer to take things slow and enjoy most of my morning, empty.

I then brush my teeth and scrape my tongue. I will look at my tongue to view how my digestion is going or how my body is absorbing nutrients. There are many different examples on the internet. I utilize my book, “Body Thrive” by Cate Stillman. Scraping off the ama (poison) from my tongue is ensuring my body is not ingesting the accumulation of trash from my body’s waste. I enjoy being cleansed and degunked. Scrape, scrape!

Next, is my neti pot I have filled with distilled water and sea salt, I follow that with my Banyan nasya oil. This is especially crucial during the sneezy, allergy season of spring. I feel flushed and moisturized inside and out. There are so many benefits from clearing out my sinuses and I feel clear and able to breathe fully.

Lastly, my face will get a good Trader Joe’s microdermabrasion scrub twice a week or I use my homemade eucalyptus lemon facial soap to get my morning clean. I follow that up with my homemade chamomile toner and my homemade lavender, rose, calendula, and linden flower facial oil. I will follow up with my knuckles to gently apply pressure on my facial points to drain my lymph. Ta-da! Time to move my body.

Morning Movement

Yes, I want to stay in bed too. I choose to better my health and my mindset every day. I find out how strong I am when I encounter my hesitancy. My compromise to myself is to walk. I even get to bring my best friends, Aiko and Alex. We have the best time walking in the dark and I will have about 5,000 steps before I get home.

I get on my mat as soon as I get my dogs out of their harness. I love to move intuitively with some beautiful Lauryn Hill in the morning and get my heart rate up and my body stretched and warmed up. I enjoy having freedom in my expressions, I chose how my heart pumps and I do what I enjoy. It’s my self-care routine and I include my circulatory system. I enjoy my body and all it has to offer me, it is time to pay it forward.

Body Care

My body is my temple. I get into my body routine with my soul. I have taken the time to skillfully shed the layers of my armor. I learned to be vulnerable and not feel victim to the world around me. I know how to set my mind to protect me, and I listen to my intuition. I find that me taking the care and attention to my body gives me power to trust myself. I know that I look forward to each day and I look forward to the lesson’s I will learn.

I gently dry brush my skin and I am mindful on where I am in my head and pay attention to my precious limbs. I usually wash my dry brush on Sunday’s with hot water on the bristles soaked in tea tree oil for 5-10 minutes. I then use my oil to rub into my body. Yes, this is still before I shower. LOL! I put on my robe and get ready for my meditation part.

Meditation

Oh, the brain power meditation gives me. I can focus and organize my thoughts into priority. I can also figure out issues I am going through. It’s a beautiful practice. I have been using a guided meditation, Hemi-Sync. I absolutely love it and it’s under $10 per month. I will meditate 30 – 60 minutes a day in the morning. I love a good prana nature meditation by the lake as well, but I usually save that for the weekends.

I can still smell this view, the air was crisp welcoming in winters breath. The crows were loud and powerful.

Cold Shower

I do not think I have to reiterate the amazing benefits of a cold shower. I feel so invigorated and awake during my shocking shower time. I started with my leg and arm only going into the water. I do my best to gain control of my breathing. This is total control. It is hard to not go into convulsions and turn blue. I am still investigating all the benefits to me, I love this part of my life when I get to understand what something does for me, personally.

Life is insane and there are so many options and information at our fingertips at every moment of every day. We have all our information for ourselves within ourselves and we have power to keep ourselves healthy or not. No one can define our “why”. We must figure out what we want in life and act on what we want. If you want something bad enough to change, you change, right? I evolved so much and I am so grateful for my life as it is. I hope you manifest a beautiful morning too!

Namaste!

Relearning to Reset

April 12, 2023April 12, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

I have been enjoying the new energy I have past 4pm. I used to crash so hard after work that I thought it was just my 40’s. That’s what everyone else says, right? Well, I found a holistic Dr that treats the whole body, mind included. After an hour meeting with my Dr, he ordered labs and I found out I was super-duper low in B12 and Folate. I got a B12 shot, I’ve been taking 2 methyl B Complex vitamins every day for 10 days now and I feel really good! Now that I’m in a better place to function (past 4pm), I’m relearning to reset my body and mind and find what works and what doesn’t. The only way to do that is to stop everything and see what happens.

Meditation:

My focus and mindset begin with my meditation. I stopped meditating for about a week, and I felt so ungrounded. I am a very grounded person naturally. I started meditating and BOOM! Order in the mind got me putting this bad boy on the daily 6am calendar, fo’ life! I have been meditating for 12 days now (so far, I only missed one day) and my brain fog is lifting. I just enjoy a clear brain! I know there are lots of benefits to meditating and I find myself doing this more than once a day. It’s a great reset, especially if I just released a lot of emotions.

Mindful Movement:

Yoga, yoga, yoga. Ok. So, I never went to a yoga class and went “I wish I didn’t go”. Ever! I love yoga and how it makes me feel! I am centered and empowered. Yoga is when I spend an hour loving my beautiful body in beautiful poses moving and lubricating my joints and organs, breathing mindfully, moving my eyeballs all around in different Drishti (eye focus points), and come to a Savasana quiet meditation. This is the magic. I went a week without, and my joints were stiff, my muscles were sore, I felt unmotivated and stuck. What a shitty feeling to be stuck. After my week, I ran to yoga. Yoga is where I go to digest my life experiences. I get to check in on my body and each part. My mind connects and I am whole. That give me all the happy tears because yoga gives me all I need inside and out.

Nature Calls:

Being outside in nature is my daily dessert. I find when I connect with life outside of myself and other humans, things begin to make sense. Follow the sun, when it wakes, I am too. The sun is highest at noon so is my digestion. When the sun sets, I will have already eaten and spend my evening winding down and getting my body ready for bed. I cannot quit this for a whole week. I have days where I did spend my time in artificial environments and not exposed to life outside. I lose connection with outside of me which is me. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but I am just as connected to earth and nature as I am my family. It’s the same thing to me. Without either, I would be sad and lifeless. Geez, just writing this makes me want to put my feet in the dirt.

Exercise:

Walking doesn’t require a whole lot of equipment or work. I can walk anywhere at any time without any direction. My only purpose is to walk, so why don’t I? I began my quest to find my walking shoes and get to pounding the pavement. I kind of love the way my thoughts process and get organized in my mind. I also get my focus on my tasks depending on the day so I don’t feel flustered and out of control. I stopped walking a week and found myself wanting sweets more. Oh fun, I’m not walking so why not eat empty calories? My favorite are peanut M&Ms. My thoughts began to be negative. I was moodier for sure! I’m sure my husband was happy I started walking again but not happy he was a part of my weekend walks too. LOL!

Massage:

Massage is so nourishing to my mind body connection. I have to hit every inch of my body though with my Banyan sesame oil blend (I make my own scented body oil) and use my hands to work out knots and tend to the sore spots. I get a monthly massage from a professional, as well. This massage gives me time to understand how each part feels now and become familiar with normal and not normal. I am so familiar with myself and each mole, that I trust me when something is not right. I don’t need anything or anyone outside of me to tell me something is wrong. I’ll know and go get trusted help. I went half a week without my self massage and I was out of sorts. I felt lost, like my brain was wondering where all its friends were, leg, arm, neck…no connection. Just like Covid, shut out of homes and left to yourself. I know I need to always be there to tend to myself and never lose myself again. Home 🙂

Hobbies:

Man, back when I was a kid, I played the piano, violin, loved exploring my area, bike riding, swimming, reading books, cooking, pretending and using my imagination! When did I stop to learn how to fly? When I grew up who told me I had to give up my loves? I really don’t remember this build up but I forgot when I had kids. They became my life and that was it. I watched them make their dreams and I took a back seat. The manifestor became the back seat driver. I found out I like a lot of things and they became important again. In fact, I get to enjoy my joys with my kids and that swells my heart with all the magic of being a mom, full circle. I really enjoy this crazy life learnings and this is what life is! Learn and learn, who says to stop? I find that my hobbies are a great balance in my life. I get my fix of my hobbies for me, and I can do what I need to as a wife and mom.

I am a proud mom, wife, daughter, sister, Auntie, niece, friend😍

I hope there are some nuggets you can manifest into your life from my blog. I have spent the last 2 years stripping old layers of decay off my plate. I don’t know why we don’t ask why more often. I never received any responses to my questions so I took that old way of thinking out of my way. It didn’t serve me. What doesn’t serve you? Can you go without it and find your truth? I hope you do and I hope you keep learning too!

Namaste & wanìshi!

Everything Has To Flow

April 5, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, friend!

Did you feel insane last month? My March had me holding on for dear life! In retrospect, the ups and downs in my life seemed to mirror the weather outside. Cold, hot, warm, cool, windy, foggy, rainy, snowy, sunny. One thing I was able to manifest after a stagnant winter was walking every day. When I move my body, my thoughts digest, and I’m able to get in a stable headspace so I can focus. This is a great habit before work for me. If I stay too stagnant, my thoughts get stagnant, my body gets stagnant, and I find myself in a self-made prison. Everything has to flow. That’s my rhythm.

Catch me outside. That’s where you’ll find me.

I insist you learn all about you. I found out I knew nothing about myself outside of my family and busy worklife. It’s like one day I woke up and decided to get to know me. I spent hours by myself. Reading, paddle boarding, yoga, meditation, cooking, Ayurveyda. I found hobbies and met so many people, now friends! These things opened my comfort zone to new abundance. I was learning so much, and my heart opened. My anger subsided. I found this new phenomenon called inner peace.

One amazing morning ritual I can not skip is hot lemon water. The hot water helps release gunk clogging up our organs. How? Well, when I clean my floors, I love to use my steam mop. To me, the hot water steam gets deeper into the floor and scours stains and sticky spills. So I want that for me too! It’s deeply hydrating, and the lemon makes it delicious and other great benefits. Just try it for a week and see how you feel. I tell ya, you won’t be the same.

Hot lemon water or herbal teas are my #1

Getting outside in nature is one of my therapies. I listen. It’s beautiful. I watch the sun make its way up. The frogs. The moon fades into the brighter, bluer sky. Spring’s cool breeze flutters its warmer promises over my body. The breeze carries off yesterday’s burden. I feel lighter and purposeful. I love to journal in nature. My mind thrives in nature. I can not explain it. It’s magic.

I hope this plants a positive seed in your thinking. Manifest your flow. After all, you know you better than anyone else does. Make mistakes on your journey so you learn. If everything has to flow, what does it take to put you back on track after chaos?

Namastè & wanishi!

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Finding Inner Peace

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Hè, yogi friend!

There is lots of growth happening outside right now. I have Creeping Charlie on the side of my house blooming. My yarrow is waking up and showing her beautiful leaves. I love feeling the squishy, cool mud between my toes as I have been trying to feel grounded these past few weeks. I have busted out my arsenal of tools to help me cope while I get through this. Sometimes feeling all the feels is the best medicine. Sometimes not having all the answers and ability to immediately fix the situation is the solution. How can I sit in peace when there is a whirlwind manifesting craziness in my head? I have to be okay with not being okay and find my inner peace in the chaos. Hold onto your yoga mat as we explore finding inner peace.

Movement

"I 1,000% know moving my body gets everything moving, thoughts, blood, energy, feelings, breakthroughs."

First things first, I enjoy a brisk walk whether it be on the sidewalk or in nature. Get me moving so these thoughts can get in order. I find myself able to feel clear-headed as my blood pumps. I love yoga and lately have been intuitively moving to music for 30 minutes. I feel organized and in control when I make the time for me. I am not the best at immediately getting up to go but this morning I worked out my back with my husband and earlier this week, I worked out with my daughter. I 1,000% know moving my body gets everything moving, thoughts, blood, energy, feelings, breakthroughs. When I feel out of control, I find something I can control.

Rain or shine, me and my doggos go for a walk🐶💝

Nature Bathing

Being out in nature is pure essence of all life force. I feel so safe and sound tucked away with the trees. I never bring headphones so I can intently listen to my surroundings. All the joy and love swirl within me. I can write for days about my experiences outside. First of all, it’s free! I will sit and listen. There are so many messages and soft whispers in these moments. I do not know how to express all of the gratitude I get from listening. It’s peaceful in my soul and fills me back up with Prana so I can enter my demanding world of giving.

Early morning walks in nature makes my soul soothed.

Meditation

Meditation is my time to quiet my active mind. A good 30-minute session gives me the impression my thoughts are just thoughts, and they cannot control me. I control me. I have been appreciating guided meditations. I use Hemi-Sync which is a paid app. It’s phenomenal! I do not use it daily, but I am highly intrigued to commit to doing 30 days and blogging about it. Let me know your thoughts if you’d like me to do this soon!

Meditating by finding peace with stillness💜

Fasting

I have been feeling better feeling empty. I have been skipping breakfast and feeling all the tummy grumbling. I do keep up on my hydration and feeling like my hot lemon water ritual is keeping all my cells squishy! Nothing feels better than feeling. I know a huge part of my alcoholism was covering up the feels. So, feeling good is the ultimate goal but how can I know what feeling good is if I don’t feel bad. I don’t think that slight hunger is bad, more like uncomfortable. How can I feel bad in my life and add hunger on top of that? I have a relationship with my food and take the time to eat. When I do eat, whatever it is, I know it will nourish me.

My nourishing hot honey salmon sushi bowl😍

Seek Community for Your Journey

I have the best community of women in my life. We all have problems, and when I talk, I know someone will listen and identify. We are all strong in ourselves, and a strong community brings power back to ourselves. I am not crazy; I am on top of my game! Making friends can be outside of your comfort zone, but if you sign up for something you like, maybe you’ll find someone just like you! Someone who quickly gets out of stranger status and becomes bestie status! Never say never. Everyone has a story and most love to share if someone will listen. Find your community💞

Namastè! Wanishi!

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Self-Care on Vacation

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / 2 Comments

Hello, Yogi Friend!

I have been amongst many strangers in the last few days on vacation in Phoenix. I am so very humbled by my experience and found my peace in a bustling city full of unknowns. My intention was to experience all I can muster each day and make sure I am taking time to tend to my needs as well.

I have been experimenting with my self-care routine for over a year now. I know what works best for my morning and night routine to keep me going and going and going. I just have a few requirements (even while on vacation), they are 7 hours of sleep and meditation, Abhyanga (self-massage), movement, hydration, and eating with intention. I was on vacation and stayed up late on a few nights and had to get used to a different time zone. I still made sure I got in my 7 hours of rest. I had my maps on my phone and I walked everywhere! I even did 22,000 steps in one day which plows my 5,500 step average! I made sure I tended to my sore legs and the rest of my body with a self-massage every night after my shower. I enjoyed journaling by the pool every morning with my cup of hot herbal tea to help keep me hydrated amongst lots of water daily. I didn’t eat the healthiest foods at every meal, but I did take my time and enjoyed every bite.

Sleep and Rest

I used to put my body through the wringer when I was on vacation. I would drink alcohol late into the night most nights and not have a great night’s sleep. I wouldn’t listen to my body for cues of dehydration and being overworked. Have you ever come back from vacation exhausted? I don’t like feeling drained if I can help it. I love to love me. I have the recipe to keep my body in check because I learned to listen to my body.

I found myself lounging by the pool after our morning hikes. It was a great place to journal and watch nature. I was able to meditate as well.

Self-Massage

I must tend to my sore body or my body won’t want to carry me around the next day. At least it won’t feel happy about it. I made sure to spend time massaging my sore legs and feet. I’m telling you that 5 minutes made a huge difference! I would pay attention to my toes and gently pull on each one front, back, left and right sides. I would knead my thumbs or knuckles into the bottom of my foot and up to my calves. I am someone who will pay for a good massage but knowing I can do the same for myself is priceless.

Movement

I experienced my first guided hike, and it was phenomenal! First, we met at the trailhead at 6 AM and we were led towards the peak. During our ascent I learned all about the flora and fauna of the land. I found myself challenged by the steep inclines and navigating in the early morning darkness. We finally got to our destination, and it was spectacular! I had a moment with the sunrise, and we began our descent. I loved moving my body in this way. I challenged my mind and body and didn’t get hurt.

I found multiple opportunities to walk in nature. I also walked downtown to most of my destinations. I would stay within a few miles our home rental. I really enjoyed walking and taking in the sights and smells. I loved walking by the orange trees and smelling the orange blossoms. I enjoyed some stretchy yoga poses by the pool as well to get me feeling juicy and restored.

Hydration

I used to not love water and it had to be seasoned to not taste like water for me to drink it. I am not her anymore. I love, love water! I know it is a necessity for my well-being. My body loves hydrating with warm lemon water. I didn’t think it would matter too much but I was drinking many bottles of water and my lips were dry requiring moisture. I was in the desert, but it didn’t feel 100% dry but I’m thinking next time I will carry hot water with me.

Eating with Intention

I love vacationing because I let myself splurge on either lunch or dinner. My husband loves to eat at places that don’t have a lot of veggie options, so this is my compromise. I can keep a healthy relationship with eating even if it’s not the best for my body. We ate burgers every day. I took my time to enjoy my experience enjoying my food. I had the best company, and it really satisfied my soul. I never had room for dessert, but I did my best to balance my choices.

The best sweet, salty, bitter, sour, pungent non-alcoholic drink!

I am currently writing and listening to the birds enjoy the spring morning. It’s beautiful being in my natural inner peace right in the heart of downtown Phoenix. I am in love with this place, and I witnessed a bird’s mating dance right above my head! I felt like “National Geographic” happening right before my eyes! My soul is overflowing with contentment, and I don’t want to leave it, but I must. I will just make sure I visit my favorite places that manifest heart searching soul work often!

I will put the AirBNB we stayed at and to meet Paul, our hiking guide, in the comments!

Namaste!

New Year, New Pose

January 4, 2023January 4, 2023 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Happy New Year, my beautiful yogi friend!

I am enjoying the new year on vacation! I’m enjoying myself and finding a lot of peace. I am so full of love, I could burst! For the first time in my life, I feel safe and impervious to defeat. I read my letter to myself from last New Year and after I cried tears of joy for being the strong woman my past self hoped for, I found that I can manifest my life. I achieved my dreams for 2022. What the hell?? I discovered I can be in control and I can drive my life where I want to go. I’m on my mat with every cell in my body screaming, “New year, new pose!”

Me a year ago, I was growing without boundaries, rules, or expectations. I quickly found that doesn’t work.

Spiritual Growth Needs Rules and Boundaries

My spiritual growth is exponential. I found the recipe to get my butt in gear and ran! I had a hard life growing up and found myself stuck in a circle of cleaning up after myself a lot. I feel like I didn’t know how to think or advocate for myself. I acknowledged other people’s rules and boundaries but never loaded myself up with any. I should have. I learned that boundaries are healthy and not rude. I require space and time to reflect on my day now. I was always going, going, going and my path lead me to drink profusely, rarely follow through on my thoughts of self-improvement, and never set any goals. I was doing what I could to get through the day. I was surviving and not thriving! So exhausted all the time.

It gets better. As sure as the sun rises a new day begins. I found a way to get unstuck from my old way of thinking. It didn’t serve me, it was only meant for my survival. I got away from the things trying to kill me and began living again🥰

My Awakening

I slept hard for 40 years and all of a sudden, I awoke. My senses judged my surroundings. I became aware of my decisions and I wanted to clean up my life. I focused so much on my yoga and meditation. I found board yoga and made a new friend with the owner. Actually, I found myself with a bunch of new friends, enjoying new things and not just enjoying them but loving them. It changed me. I became new and vibrant. My thoughts were loving and fresh. I had so much freedom but it was all still new. I, again, overbooked my calender cause I had to try all the new yoga classes, sound baths, paddleboarding, and retreats. I was so inquisitive about living that I found myself longing for rest.

I made my 1st sourdough to round out 2022💝

My Restful Rest

I seriously love a great meditation that recharges my energies and resets my mind. Ahhhhh… so rested and loved. All of this is intentional love back to myself. In the beginning, I meditated less than one minute and definitely not every day. In fact, it took me a solid season to feel any benefit so don’t expect a field of roses after planting the 1st seed. This is a practice. My mind is wired to always think and create. Sitting in silence was way left field! I stayed with guided meditations. I found my silence was indeed waking up the beast. My mind was getting organized and I found myself craving my meditations. By late spring I was meditating daily and to add a cherry on top, I would take my meditations outside😍

My beginning of prana meditations. Prana is the life force. I love to gather my energies by the water. I’m such a water lover! Mni Wiconi! (Water is Life ~ Lakota)

My New Beginnings

So, how will I get into my new pose for 2023? I have a lot of ideas and I’m ready for it!! I spent 2022 getting stronger and wiser. I stopped chasing the mundane. I only want me. I get to experience the highest highs all because I want to be my best self. There isn’t anything in this world worth chasing than my freedom. I am FREE! There aren’t any chains on me anymore. I found my voice, it’s singing from the hills. Sing with me, friend! I just never felt this before and if I could encapsulate this feeling and share it, I would. I only have my stories and my blog is where I share them. I can’t wait to continue my journey onward! Happy New Year!

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenapè Spiritual Yogi Awakened.

Don’t Hesitate to Meditate

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022 / Self-Diagnosed Yogi / Leave a comment

Happy Wednesday, my beautiful yogi friend!

I have been enjoying this warmer (40-ish degrees) weather and getting outside to walk. I sometimes forget this is even an option in winter. My senses get a huge dose of life and stimulation from the outside environment and it’s amazing! I must remember this past week! Of course, negative temps will keep me in the house but I get today to enjoy the fresh, cool air. Ahhhhhh! I find moving helps me stay aligned with my spiritual fitness. Walking meditation is so grounding and head-clearing for me. I am a dreamer and I enjoy walking without a podcast or music, headphones, or my phone! I’m able to concentrate on my environment and can soak up outside with all 5 senses. One good thing leads to another good thing.

The sun is a bit slow to wake but I wait for the warm rays in anticipation.

On colder days, I wait for the sun to alleviate my icy face, and I’ll meditate. I have to get my daily focus done and get my purpose centered or I lose all control of my day. I get seated comfortably and place the back of my hands on my knees so I fill them with the sun’s offerings. My mind is filtering my thoughts and setting aside things to focus on. I find if I carry something from yesterday or last week, I can decide what to do with it. Keep it or toss it? I enjoy the control of my thoughts. I don’t have to keep anything that hurts or I can deeply explore its roots and get it solved. I’m pretty good at meditating. Sometimes my thoughts are clear and sometimes it’s a long session of sorting chaos. Regardless, it’s important and I enjoy cleaning up the day.

Just last week, I learned candlelight meditation. We held a light gaze without blinking. After a minute or so, I closed my eyes and imagined the flame dancing. Memories of the flame outline danced in my mind until it flickered away. My mind settled on the directions of my teacher and began the guided meditation. I would say this was relaxing after it was said and done. I didn’t know what to expect so my mind wasn’t at rest. I guess it was too new so I may try this again soon. I like to try something more than twice to decide if I like it or not.

My favorite time after yoga to reflect and rest… meet savasana.

Have I told you savasana is my best meditation? It’s the desert after dinner. The cleansing of the full moon. The feeling of lightness after a much-needed cry session. I give my all to my mind-to-body connection. Each pose is purposeful and I’m mindful of my abilities. Such care and love go into my yoga practice. I find myself so intentional that the break of savasana lets me explore the feeling after. I absolutely love my 30-minute savasana that includes yoga nidra in my Tuesday class. Delicious! I highly recommend it!

I practice my meditations at home as well incorporating my healing sound bowl. My bowl is deep vibrations that envelope my hearing in healing comfort. I cannot wait to add more bowls but I’m having fun perfecting my healing modalities. I meditate before and after my session. I really enjoy learning new things and exploring how to manifest them into my healing journey. There is no one size fits all. I find self-exploration the best tool to finding your best chances at meditating. You gotta crawl before you walk. Don’t expect 5 minutes of meditating to not feel like 50 minutes on your first rodeo. Do 1 minute and add 1 minute per week. I was a beginner too and my mind was loud! It gets less chaotic but some days are busier than others. Keep practicing and find yourself in a whole new state of mind. Yogi’s honor🧘🏽‍♀️🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenapè Spiritual Yogi Awakened.