In a recent Star Magazine article, Paula Abdul shared her exercise routine, which varies to include cardio, dance fitness and hiking. But no matter what the physical fitness is, she incorporates meditation into the mix.
“I incorporate meditation before or after I work out,” she told the magazine. “Even if it’s just sitting quietly with my eyes closed and listening to the beat of my own heart, it reenergizes me.”
Two new yoga DVDs are now available from Gaiam featuring Rodney Yee and Maya Fiennes. The first, “Rodney Yee’s Core Centered Yoga” helps views learn the importance of the core center in getting fit and finding balance in the mind, body and spirit. Featuring five different workouts ranging from 7 minutes to 15 minutes, it also includes a bonus download called “Life Balance Meditation,” which is 5 minutes long.
“I am very excited for the release of Core Centered Yoga because it is a concept I have always been passionate about,” Yee said. “It has been a great experience to once again work with Gaiam to create this DVD, which teaches how to be in sync with the core to build strength through fluid alignment and mindfulness.”
The second new release is “Maya Fiennes’ Yoga for Real Life,” which is based a 60-minute DVD based on Kundalini yoga. Fiennes, a successful classical pianist and performer, takes viewers through a series of exercises to awaken the chakra energy centers of the body via breathing techniques, movements and mantras.
Following the award-winning release of the children’s book, “Maybe (A Little Zen for Little Ones),” author Sanjay Nambiar’s second book in the series, “Still There? (A Little Zen for Little Ones)” is now available.
“Still There? (A Little Zen for Little Ones)” reinterprets a Zen story of a wise boy who helps a girl even though she isn’t very nice to him. While his friend becomes upset about the situation, the wise boy simply lets it go and moves on to playing again. The story captures Zen concepts such as being in the present moment, doing something nice without expecting anything in return, letting go of an unpleasant experience, and not lingering on negative thoughts.
“I am very excited for this next book in the A Little Zen for Little Ones series,” said Nambiar. “I hope these stories can spark interesting discussions between parents and children. After all, if we can introduce kids to beautiful Zen concepts at an early age, we’ll all be better off for it.”
The next title in the series, “Remember the Stars (A Little Zen for Little Ones)” will be released in November 2012.
By Jennifer Garza
Fear is a good thing. It’s an ingenious survival mechanism. We are biologically wired to fear lions, tigers and bears (oh, my!) to keep us safe. The problem is, despite being removed from these primitive dangers, our wiring hasn’t changed much.
While fear shields us from real harm, it also protects us from perceived harm – like change and discomfort. This keeps us from growth and attracting what we deserve, and is why Robert Allen’s quote, “Everything thing you want is just outside your comfort zone” is so powerful. Your fear keeps you rooted in what is comfortable.
Achieving greater success is uncomfortable because it rattles your natural inclination toward homeostasis. So how do you eliminate the fear in your life and attract what you want?
Look at fear-inducing scenarios as opportunities, not scary obstacles to avoid.
It’s hard to stick your neck out. Taking on new experiences puts you at risk for perceived failure, embarrassment and rejection. But taking on risks also yields the greatest rewards. If you switch your mind-set and begin looking at risks as opportunities, wonderful things can happen.
For instance, if you fear public speaking and are asked to give a presentation, focus on your strengths. Don’t focus on not being a stellar speaker – view it as an opportunity to share an innovative idea or unknown resource. Focus on what you can contribute. Decide to shine in fearful circumstances by visualizing opportunities and using the platform to highlight your talents.
Create positive “what if” scenarios.
Focusing on the negative will always increase your fear and often leads to negative outcomes. Instead, create positive “what ifs.”
“What if they say ‘no’” becomes “What if they say ‘yes’ and my life changes.”
“What if they blow me off” becomes “What if they are impressed by my ideas.”
This concept takes practice but is worth the effort.
Weigh your current situation against a more positive scenario.
Do you despise your job, but fear a change may be worse? Take an honest look at what’s in front of you. If you’re already miserable, what do you have to lose? If you can’t change your current situation (or if you’ve tried until you’re blue in the face) it may be time to move on. Concentrate on the advantages of a new direction.
Re-evaluate your decision-making periodically.
Think you’re immune to fear? An avalanche of negative circumstances can cause even the most positive of us to make decisions based on fear. If you feel stuck or hesitant, ask yourself why you feel this way. If you crave a change but find yourself second-guessing, it may be time to see if fear is behind your dilly-dallying.
Jennifer Garza, M.S., has a master of science in counseling and psychology. She is a former therapist and has taught life enhancement classes at venues including college campuses, state conferences and prisons. She is the author of the inspiration journal “365 Days to Happiness: Use Your Strengths, Thoughts, and Dreams to Manifest a New Life.” Garza has been featured in Natural Health magazine, AOL, BusinessInsider.com, Young Entrepreneur.com, and on FTNS radio. Visit her website at www.authorjennifergarza.com or connect with her.
September is National Yoga Month, and the Yoga Health Foundation is celebrating by offering one week of free yoga at a more than 2,200 participating yoga studios nationwide! Simply fill out the form, select a studio, and you will be emailed your Yoga Month Card!
The Yoga Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization, and the website features a yoga finder for events, studios and teachers.
If you are new to yoga it’s the perfect time to try it out, and for those who are seasoned yogi’s, why not try out a new studio for free!
Aurorae Yoga, a family-run retailer founded in October 2009, added a new product to its line-up of top-rated yoga mats and accessories – Lavender-scented Meditative Mist Aromatherapy. It can be used in a meditation space, as a room spray, on linens or for yoga and fitness equipment.
The company created it in response to the popularity of its Organic Yoga Mat Wash, made in the United States by the Vermont Soap Co, which is now it’s No. 1 selling product.
The lavender scent was discovered by Aurorae owner, Dennis Ingui’s in Le Castellat, a small village outside of Provence, France, and has been recreated by the Vermont Soap Co., according to Aurorae Yoga.
