Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Service vs. Ambition

Ok, let me just say it straight.  This interview blew my mind.  I love Marie Forleo and Marianne Williamson.  To put them together is a match made in heaven.  I want to be friends with them, sip tea and learn, learn, learn.  Since that girl-crush fantasy probably won't happen today, I was equally excited to listen to this interview about Marianne's new book, The Law of Divine Compensation.



The part that struck me most was the discussion about service vs. ambition.  As I am laying the foundation for my Ayurveda Health Coach practice, it's easy for me to focus on the business side of things.  I really want to keep bringing my bottom line back to service and contribution.  If I make money, great.  My number one objective is to help people live healthy and happy lives.  That's what I want.  That's what I choose to focus on.  As Marianne says, "The Universe is an unlimited opportunity machine."  I choose to let that energy run my business and surprise me with all kinds of new experiences, people and chances to grow.  Universe, show me what you've got!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

HUGE NEWS!

Sometimes faith is all the we really have.  Faith that this crazy idea will work out.  Faith that my efforts and actions are leading me somewhere good.  Faith that this excitement, passion, energy...this feeling IS the point.  This feeling IS my ultimate goal.  Achieving my goal is not really the goal.  Feeling stoked and motivated and inspired on the way to a goal is the best part. 


Opportunities keep plopping into my lap and pointing me in the right direction.  Starting May 1st, I will be a member of the Glow Team at Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley.  We offer acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, Naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy and now AYURVEDA!  I will be seeing clients from 8am-12pm on Saturdays and 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays.

The lease is being looked over, website profile being revised, insurance paperwork being shuffled, promotion events in the works...I just can't keep the secret any longer.  This is truly a dream come true.  I am so inspired to guide my clients to happier, more joyous lives through nutrition, herbs, yoga, meditation, pranayama and lifestyle routines.  I am the Ayurveda Health Coach, and I'm ready to serve.


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Reducing inflammation through Ayurveda

I started this AWC program for selfish reasons... to help myself be healthy.  My final research paper came out of the same inclination.  For the last two months, I've been struggling with inflammation in my right knee.  Ironically, it started after sitting on the floor for 2 days during my last intense Ayurveda class.  The same weekend I had a strong reaction to some nasal drops administered during our Panchakarma class.  This whole experience has been really humbling as I see the limits and of my body and acknowledge my predisposition for joint issues.  After x-rays, blood tests, an MRI and countless doctors appointments, I'm now starting physical therapy once a week to help build strenth to support my knees.  When I look for the gift or the assignment in all of this, I can see that my health issues will help me be a more compassionate and understanding counselor.  Perhaps a little personal struggle helps me better relate to others.  It definitely has me researching and seeking out new resources to guide my healing.

Here are a few things I've learned about inflammation and auto-immune diseases:

1. My body sometimes overreacts to perceived threats and attacks healthy tissue.  Anything that can calm the body down (REST, massage, aromatherapy, chanting, pranayama) can reduce inflammation.

2. An anti-inflammatory diet is full of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

3. Sugar, gluten and alcohol can cause more inflammation.

4. Spices and herbs like garlic, tumeric and ginger have huge healing benefits. 

5. My mind is my strongest healing tool and ally.  I can ignite my own "placebo effect" by trusting my body's healing power and wisdom.  Tapping into my natural balancing capacities will save my knee.

6. Stress causes inflammation.  This research paper showed me that there is a HUGE body of knowledge and research about the benefits of yoga, meditation, pranayama and herbs.

As I move forward with Ayurveda, I learn more tricks and tips that help me stay on track and keep my body thriving.  Living happy and shaking off stress seem to be the best remedy.

For more information about inflammation, check out: http://kriscarr.com/blog/5-tips-to-reduce-inflammation/