Transition Time...

I love this week! The week between the busiest holiday and the new year! The energy level of one week ago and the present has shifted from full on to a really nice chillax mode (well at least in my house)! No getting up for school, packing lunches or homework! At least for now.

And then the blizzard! Stopped us in our busy tracks of Christmas! It was awesome! As we are down to the last 2 days of 2010 I am amazed at how for the first time in my life I am really ready to say goodbye to a year. I never approach the new year with big resolutions or plans. But this year was different to say the least. At least for our family. The big flood of March left 21 inches of rain at Rentals Unlimited, the curve ball of the meningioma thrown at us and of course my little girls are growing up - texting, boys and clothes! It is time to let go of 2010 with gratitude and reflection.

Here are some words to help those going through challenging times (and really everyone):
"Authentic joy isn't an emotional state, but a state of being in which we accept all of life's offerings as required, especially challenging moments. Authentic joy knows that as happiness is a time of laughter, rest,and play... moments of seeming unhappiness are times for growth, introspection, and gaining strength for our journey."

Best Wishes for a Positive New Year!!!
Krista

Owww!

Well, not really owwww, I mean "ow!" I have been out of my regular routine of being active the last three weeks and I jumped in the last 36 hours. My body is screaming at me at the moment and I am shocked at how I feel!

I didn't run a triathlon like many of my friends did this weekend ... wanted to but wasn't quite ready to take that on yet ... still not sure of my biking skills with the vision thing ... and I didn't run a marathon like my friends who are training! I only did a great walk this morning with my poor dog who has been ignored the last month or so, took a yoga class and swam some laps. So to be this sore is not the norm for me. Why did I lose focus with my exercise? Well, I found reasons that put other things first! You know... the family, the responsibilities that come with being a parent, "summer mode," sleeping late, the heat, etc! I have to say, I finally feel fantastic even though I am so hurting today.

One of the books I'm reading hit this nail on the head.
"When we say "yes" when we mean "no," and "no" when we mean "yes," we are living for the acknowledgment and approval of others. Accordingly when we take our first step toward implementing any self-nurturing activity (could be activity, exercise, rest, meditation, etc), we may encounter a wall of resistance. Though the wall is invisible, it may seem impenetrable. However it isn't." - Michael Brown

I think this can be applied to so many parts of our lives! Listen to what your body needs today! Sometimes you need an inspiration like a friend to motivate you to do something for yourself ... sometimes you feel that wall of resistance and actually feel comfortable with it. You don't want to go take a walk, or do something you feel like you should be doing. Acknowledge that and try to move through it. What emotions have you been avoiding at the expense of being busy or trying to please others?

The best way out is through!! More on that another time ;)
Krista

August Already?!!

I could not believe it when I turned my phone on this morning it said August 1st! How did it get this late in the summer? Granted there is a full month left but I guess I have flashbacks to when I was a kid or a teacher and it meant the times of freedom and fun were winding down! Well this summer has been way too quick for most of us! I feel like the kids just got out of school and now we are back to school shopping! Yikes!

I know what is coming in September...schedules to the highest degree! Yep, so once I accepted that things are going to pick up in a big way ... not that summer swim team is not keeping us busy...I really have tried to just live each day to the fullest! Ok, if it means to pass out with a nap that is even better!! I hope you are all enjoying the season and all that comes with it ...

I have learned so much in the last 6 months. I have mixed emotions on this 6 month anniversary. On one hand I am wondering why my vision didn't return. I mean 6 months is pretty much the medical cut off for things like vision to return...why isn't it back? I have been working hard on trying to eat all the right foods, take the right supplements, and many other things I don't want to get into right now. But that is the way it is right now. I accept that and have tried to move forward with everything that it has taught me. I have cried so many tears (yes that eye still makes tears) and really don't understand how I managed to have a brain tumor. I still walk into walls, car doors, people (especially little kids who are short!) and don't know when someone is standing on my left hand side. So.... life goes on. Yes!! That's it. Life did go on and I am grateful beyond words that I can say that!

Gratitude....
May you all find it on your best days and those days that are horrible!

Here is a thank you to those people who have given me what I needed!!
http://www.appreciationmovie.com/

Lots of love,
Krista

Relaxation Breath

Hi Everyone! More than a month has passed since I last wrote as time is flying by so quickly these days! Summer is in full swing and I am so happy to be in my favorite month of the year! A very rainy day today - not too many here in NJ this summer ... we have been so lucky with awesome weather (well except last week's super heat wave...).

I am feeling well these days as far as being "back to normal." Bryan and I took a trip last week to Bermuda to celebrate our 15 year anniversary! Again, time sure does fly. We had such a peaceful and relaxing week - one that he proposed 5 months ago while I was in the hospital after surgery on Valentine's Day. I still can't believe we pulled the trip off! I loved the scenery, the people and the atmosphere of the island. Of course we had "down time" to read and just relax and that is so what we both needed!

The day after we were back I was able to continue with my Reiki education. I have enjoyed learning and practicing this ancient Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing as well. I have been able to practice on my family and it is so beneficial to them at any time but right before bedtime is really great. If anyone has a question about what it is and how it might benefit them please let me know!

Along with the breath work that accompanies yoga classes - yes, I still am in love with movement and breath - I wanted to pass onto you a very simple breath that I've learned years ago. It's called the "Relaxation Breath" by Dr. Andrew Weil. Anytime you are feeling stressed, tired, craving something or nervous this is easily applied anywhere!

-Inhale with your mouth closed for a count of 4.
-Hold your breath for a count of 7.
-Exhale your breath for a count of 8 with your mouth open - noise encouraged!

This 3 part breath is considered one breath. Start by doing this 4 times. Once you are practiced at it for about a month (can be done as many times a day as needed), you can move the session to 8 breaths.

Hope you are all well - see if you can stop the relentless running from yesterday and frantically chasing tomorrow, without rest and stopping to feel peace at some point in the present. Ok, yes I'm reading an excellent book about the present and couldn't help it!

Love and Light,
Krista