JOURNEY.PALMCANYONWELLNESS.COM

I've Moved! Come On Over To My New Blog Site!

Renee — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:41:00 GMT

It's a new year and a new blog site! I won’t be posting here anymore.

Please check out the new JourneyToPalmCanyon.com.

When you get there, be sure to CLICK on the blue envelope on the right hand side & enter your email address. That way, you’ll be sure to keep all my new posts coming automatically to your email inbox.

See you over here! http://journeytopalmcanyon.com/

I've Moved! Have You Checked Out My New Blog Site?

Renee — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:21:00 GMT

It's a new year and a new blog site! I won’t be posting here anymore.

Please check out the new JourneyToPalmCanyon.com. There's a new post today!!

See you over here! http://journeytopalmcanyon.com/

!'ve moved! Come and join me at my new blog site!

Renee — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:21:00 GMT

It's a new year and a new blog site! I won’t be posting here anymore.

Please check out the new JourneyToPalmCanyon.com. There's a new post today!!

See you over here! http://journeytopalmcanyon.com/

How To Know (and Get) What You Really Want This Year

Renee — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:43:00 GMT

There’s something about the new year that inspires most of us to get excited about an opportunity to start fresh. To make concrete plans and optimistic intentions for improvement.

I’m a planner. I love to make “to do” lists. So setting goals for exhilarating my life are right down my alley.

The history of making New Year’s resolutions spans more than two millennia. Janus, the mythical Roman King (from whom we get the name of our first calendar month) was a two-faced symbol. Not because he was a hypocrite, but because he had the unique ability to look back on the past as well as forward to the future. Making New Year’s resolutions helps us close the door on the past year and look ahead to a future of peace and prosperity.

But I prefer to take a slightly different approach than simply making the standard list of what I hope to accomplish. I like taking An Island Perspective.

Here are the four key aspects of my “island” method:

Think. Reflect, ponder and meditate. Ask yourself: What changes do I want to make? Or need to make? What’s working for me? Or not working for me? Learn what really matters to you. An inflow of new thoughts and ideas can come to you regardless of any difficulties you may be facing right now.
Don’t think. Take time to just be. The natural impulse of our mind is to jump around, flitting from one thought to another. Practice focusing 100% on whatever you’re doing at the moment. Don’t try to force ideas or thoughts. Let them come to you naturally and spontaneously.
Do something. Move. Dance. Have fun. Stimulate some new energy and vigor. Take some sort of action, no matter how small or mundane, and fully lose yourself in it. For me, doing yoga and even cleaning the house helps to clear my mind so new ideas can percolate.
Do nothing. S-l-o-w down. Mend, rest and restore. Focus inward. Rejuvenate yourself with regular quiet time breaks throughout the day to help you develop mental focus and flexibility. You don’t need to totally empty your mind or have perfect attention. Just breathe slowly and deeply. Quiet your mind and inspiration will flow.

On the island of Alumanaya, this is a celebratory time of year. The islanders spend time reflecting on the five island principles and what they mean. This helps them put their lives back in perspective. Then they refresh and renew their minds and spirits with special ceremonies and parties. They have fun!

The beauty of taking An Island Perspective is you can do it anytime. You don’t have to wait for a special time of the year. You simply live it day in and day out.

You can reflect, refresh and restore yourself anytime, anywhere. So throw that old standard resolution list out the window. For joy and tranquility, practice living with An Island Perspective every day of the year.

Open yourself up to new opportunities and surprises in life. Your personal exhilaration will soar!

What is your approach to embracing the new year?

How a Visit From a Stranger Helped Me Get My Priorities Straight

Renee — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:54:00 GMT

What matters most to you in life? What drives your decisions and passions?

Most of us have a handful of core values that we live by. Our values define what is most important to us and guide our behavior. We shape our lives around them, whether we’re conscious of it or not.

Sometimes we learn what our values are in unexpected ways.

Growing up on a farm in Kansas, my family attended a little country church. We would often pray for the missionaries to be safe and for their work to be blessed.

In reality I had no idea what missionaries even were. But I knew we prayed for them every Sunday.

I was usually engulfed in my own little world, often focusing more on the things I didn’t have rather than what I had. Back then, there was no internet, no cable TV, no cell phones or ipods. Life was pretty simple.

All I really cared about was whether I was popular at school and how quickly I could get my chores done. I didn’t realize what the rest of the world was like. Faraway places like Africa or China weren’t on my radar.

That all changed the day a “real” missionary came to visit our little church. This gentle man radiated such joy as he explained his work and experiences! He told amazing stories about the people. He described the poverty, yet happiness, of those he was helping.

It was fascinating. Even though I was a self-absorbed adolescent, I realized immediately how blessed I was to have my comfortable “boring” life. My eyes were suddenly opened to the bigger world around me. My perspective was permanently shifted.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I was forever changed. That experience contributed to the formation of one of my core values: helping others.

I like to think about values at three different levels:

Level 1. Learned values

Ingrained in us from childhood, these are formed by how our parents raised us and the experiences we encountered as we were growing up.

Level 2. Surface values

Assimilating the beliefs of people around us, we tend to conform with their customs and attitudes. These are based on societal norms, what we’re “supposed” to do, think and be.

Level 3. Core values – our true deep guideposts

Our core values create energy. They are our deepest, most powerful, most centering personal force. They reflect our highest thoughts.

When we’re not living from our core values, we feel out of sync and unfulfilled. Certainly not exhilarated. When I do coaching, I help clients dig down and discover their deeply held core values.

But why should you care about any of this stuff? Because your core values are a road map for your life!

When you’ve identified your core values, choices and decisions become easier. You don’t have to fret and strain about what to do. You just ask yourself if it fits with your core values.

Not quite clear on what your core values really are?

Try this:

Make a list of what is most important in your life. First, think of the obvious things such as family, love or health. Then add some less obvious choices that are unique to you like surfing, adventure, discipline, eating great food, etc. Think about the qualities that guide your life, the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Include about 7 to 10 items on your list.
Try to understand the meaning of each item on your list. The idea here is to begin to understand WHY we value certain things. Be TOTALLY honest (this is key!) with yourself. Do you value making money because it gives you security? Do you enjoy cooking because you love being creative? There is no right or wrong answer. Think about how you really feel, not how you “should” feel or how other people tell you to feel.
Refine your list. Prioritize your list from most important to least important. Once again, the key is being totally honest with yourself. Make sure you’ve really identified what brings the most meaning and contentment to your life. Congratulations! You now have a working list of your core values.

Keep in mind that refining values is an ongoing process that evolves throughout your life. Your core values may change over time. That’s fine. Be ready to let go of what isn’t working for you anymore.

Following your core values gives you an internal knowing that you are on the right path. Your core values will lead you to finding your true passion and purpose – a life of joy and tranquility.

This is what living with exhilaration is all about!

50 Ways To Be Extraordinary in a Meaningful Way

Renee — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:31:00 GMT

What does it take to be extraordinary?

I used to think certain people were given special gifts and talents. I thought they were destined to make a difference in the world because they were somehow smarter or better than “average” people like me.

Now I know we are all just people. We all come into the world the same way. We all put our pants on one leg at a time.

Extraordinary people are simply ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They work hard. They persevere. They’re optimistic and resilient.

Why does it matter if we’re extraordinary?

Because part of living with An Island Perspective means radiating our inner glow to others. Touching other people’s lives in a way that makes them better, happier, stronger.

You see, exhilarating others exhilarates us too! It feels good.

The journey to an extraordinary and exhilarated life includes helping others. Simple, ordinary and compassionate acts of kindness make for a healthier and more meaningful life.

But being amazing doesn’t mean you have to have huge, complicated accomplishments. Just apply yourself in a meaningful and useful fashion day in and day out.

So where do you start? What can you do?

It’s amazing how simple it can be. It begins with deciding what you want to focus on, where you want to invest yourself. There are many things you can do without even leaving home. Open your mind and be creative!

Here are 50 ideas. Maybe you would like to try one of these:

Become a hospice volunteer.
Clean out your closets and donate clothing to Goodwill.
Help end hunger by becoming a Heifer volunteer.
Babysit one evening for a single mom.
Teach a child how to do something.
Volunteer to help the Special Olympics.
Pick up a hammer and join Habitat for Humanity.
Make lemonade for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Volunteer on a prayer hotline.
Visit an elderly neighbor and take a goody.
Plant a tree in someone’s name.
Volunteer in your church or synagogue.
Take groceries to a food pantry.
Practice a positive and hopeful mindset.
Knit for Kids.
Forgive someone who has hurt or mistreated you.
Set up a recycling system in your home and workplace.
Volunteer at your local hospital.
Sponsor a needy child.
Visit someone in a nursing home who never has a visitor.
Donate suitcases or teddy bears to foster children.
Treat everyone with the same respect and dignity.
Bake cookies and have a bake sale for Cookies for Kid’s Cancer.
Volunteer to be a Salvation Army bell ringer.
Teach a Sunday School class.
Mentor a child by becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister.
Coach a kid’s sports team.
Participate in a food drive.
Pick up trash along the road or in a park.
Help out in the nearest school classroom.
Lend a compassionate ear to a friend.
Lend a compassionate ear to a stranger.
Become a Red Cross volunteer.
Adopt a pet from a shelter.
Tithe 10% of your income.
Pick up groceries or medicine for a homebound person.
Bake a birthday cake for someone with no family.
Support our troops.
Teach someone how to read.
Become a pet foster parent.
Radiate hope with your own special glow and smile.
Be a pen pal to a child in need.
Look for the good in everyone.
Volunteer at a domestic violence shelter or hotline.
Help cook or serve a meal at a homeless shelter.
Make a life-changing loan through Kiva.
Participate in a walk or run for charity.
Donate blood.
Learn first aid and get CPR certification.
Change something you see in the world into something better.

Maybe you’re still trying to figure how how you can be extraordinary. If so, try this exercise:

Imagine your best self. How do you aspire to be? How do you want your life to be? What will it take to be the best version of yourself?

Remember, you are unique and one of a kind. You have a specific purpose that only you can fulfill. Be true and authentic to the real you. Dig deep and find the inspiration and motivation you need.

Then, take action.

When you know what you want to do, do it! I’m not talking about anything spectacular here. Simply be curious enough, creative enough, and consistent enough to follow through on simple things. Try it, whatever it is. If is doesn’t work out, try something different. There is no failure.

Let’s enjoy our journey. Find a purpose beyond personal achievement. By consistently and mindfully doing ordinary things. you will have extraordinary results.

Now go make a difference. Be extraordinary. Exhilarate yourself!

Practical Everyday Habits I’m Stealing From a 12-year-old

Renee — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:21:00 GMT

Aren’t we lucky? No matter how old or wise we think we are, we can always learn something new.

My daughter had to travel out of town for business recently. Being a single mom, her only dilemma was what to do with her 12-year-old son. Of course, my husband and I volunteered to fill in.

It’s been a while since my three kids were that age. I had forgotten how many valuable lessons they taught me. Kids really are the best teachers and mentors. They remind us of the things we’ve forgotten as we’ve made our bumpy transition into adulthood.

What can we learn, or should I say re-learn from kids? Here are 6 amazing and effective habits I learned from a week with my grandson:

Stop eating when you’re full. I was raised as a member of the clean plate club. You know, all of those starving kids in the rest of the world. Well, guess what? You can quit eating when you’re full and not feel guilty. Eat slowly and enjoy.
Take time to play with the dog. Yes, there’s homework to do, a table to set, and any number of chores. But taking a few minutes to play with the dog first helps to unwind from a day’s worth of stress. The world won’t come to an end if you don’t tackle your chores immediately.
Don’t waste words. It’s okay to be quiet. There’s no point in meaningless chatter. Or “talking just to hear your head rattle” as my dad used to say. It’s WAY better to listen more than you talk.
Completely love whatever you’re doing right this minute. Focus fully on the task at hand. Go ahead and express your jubilation . . . or frustration. You can be intensely curious and passionate about a lot of things, but not everything at once.
Don’t worry about making your bed. In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff. If it feels good to make your bed, then by all means do. If not, let it go. Do the things that matter.
Get excited about the little things in life. Breakfast for dinner, a new CD, Sour Patch candy, fully experience the joy of simple pleasures that put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. See the good things in life. Notice and value everything around you. Everything is fascinating and glorious.

Unknowingly (or maybe he knows!), my grandson is developing a mindset and lifestyle of An Island Perspective. Like the islanders, he seems to have discovered the secret to an enhanced sense of well-being and personal exhilaration.

Maybe being more like kids would make us all better people. They tend to live with unmitigated joy, boundless enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. Sounds like exhilaration to me!

Want to enhance and exhilarate your life? Tap into the gentle and creative wisdom of the closest kid you know. And make sure to take notes!

What lessons have you learned from kids?

Looking forward to your comments!

10 Ways to Survive the Holiday Crazies Without Going Completely Wackadoo

Renee — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Step away from the tinsel! Let go of that garland. Take a moment right now to put the holidays in perspective.

Why now?

Because right now you’re still starry-eyed and full of hope, joy, and good cheer. You’re still excited about getting out the decorations, putting up the tree, baking cookies. Ho, ho, ho!

You and I both know what’s on the horizon. The crazies are lurking just below the surface. That moment when you turn into the big, bad grinch. When you curse the jolly elves and lament the gosh darn commercialism.

Yes, the hectic holiday season is upon us once again. I don’t know about you. But I can feel myself starting to get all frenzied and frazzled just thinking about all the things I “need” to do.

While the season is meant to bring peace and good wishes, sometimes the whirlwind of activities and commitments get out of control. Then WE feel out of control. Not a pretty sight.

But this year’s going to be different. Why? Because you’re going to follow these 10 exhilarating tips to keep those holiday crazies at bay.

Make a plan. Right now before time slips away, make a list of all the things you need to do. Make sure you’ve got it all down. Now CUT the list in half. Yep, that’s right. In half! Prioritize the things that are most important to you. Choose the ones that give you the most joy with the least amount of work. The rest of the list is gone. Kaputt. (Quick sigh of relief!)
Think simple. Now let’s refine your list even more. Forget the fancy, schmancy, elaborate ideas (translate labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly!). Simplicity is always more elegant and meaningful. Take food. Good food is more than fancy ingredients. It’s the compassion, joy, and energy of the cook that makes a meal fulfilling.
Let go of the “should do”s and “have to”s. Cross all those things off your list. When you’re only doing things because you ”have to”, there is at least a smidgeon of resentment that eventually will be tied to it. You might be surprised to learn that the world doesn’t come to an end (and your mother won’t even be mad at you!) if you just don’t do those things. YOU are the one holding yourself prisoner.
Pay it forward. Want to energize and revitalize yourself? Any random act of kindness will do. Let someone cut in front of you at the checkout line. Pay for someone else’s meal. Volunteer at a food bank. Visit a nursing home. Ease your holiday stress by giving with no expectation of anything in return. Generosity brings true inner joy.
Be flexible with your plan. Everything is not going to go the way you plan. Prepare yourself for this now. Is your list written in stone? Of course not! Accept whatever happens as a divine stroke of luck. Any way that things work out is always for the best . . . eventually.
Practice the “good enough” philosophy. Activate your “easy” button. So company is on their way and the bathroom is a mess. Do a quick swipe of the sink and toilet with rubbing alcohol. Put out fresh towels. And pull the shower curtain shut. Good enough! Apply this principle to all of your chores and feel the stress melt away.
Easily forgive yourself and others. The holidays are an opportunity to practice compassion. But sometimes the holidays bring out the worst in families. Examine any unmet expectations of “problem” relatives. Lower the bar. Accept them for who they are - at least for the holidays. You’ll feel amazingly lighter.
Everything in moderation. Eating, drinking, spending money. It’s easy to get out of control. Remind yourself that less is more. But if you do eat an extra cookie. Don’t waste time beating yourself up. Just cut back on treats the next day. Enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Try not to be too restrictive or get too out of hand. Focus on balance.
Take “nurture” breaks. Find a few tranquil moments every day. Give yourself scheduled time to pause and reflect. Take stock of your life. Enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Read. Do something that makes you smile. Little “treats” to yourself can mean the most in keeping your holiday sane. Take the time to unwind - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And don’t forget to engage your playful side - have fun!
Focus on the deeper meaning, whatever that is for you. Mindfully and purposefully, savor the real joy of the season. How? Pick one item in your home that is special to you (creche, candle, figurine, etc.). Look at it and connect a warm, positive thought to it (I am blessed with a great family. I am a tranquil and happy person.) Now whenever you need a moment of peace and clarity, look at that item and feel refreshed and renewed with your joyful affirmation.

This time of year doesn’t have to be hectic and chaotic. Yes, some days will be tougher than others. But you are the creator of your own stress. If you expect a stressful holiday, that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Open your heart and let go of that crazy hustle and bustle mentality. You have the power to make a fundamental mind shift. Set a positive intention to connect with your real inner joy and bliss.

Celebrate the season in serenity with a little tropical tranquility - the peace that comes from living An Island Perspective - every day of the year.

My Holiday Blessing To You

Renee — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:51:00 GMT

May you wake up each morning feeling refreshed and renewed,

totally inspired and invigorated by the new day's light,

knowing that wonderful things are about to happen.

May you be as nurturing and gentle with yourself as you are with others.

May you share your pure inner joy and peace all around you,

radiating hope and light to everyone you meet.

May you breathe in and fully celebrate each precious moment of your life

while it’s happening, knowing that the present is all we really have.

May laughter permeate your heart, mind, and soul.

May you care less about your outward appearance and acquiring more possessions,

but more about the beauty and richness inside of you.

May you love truly, deeply and completely with all your heart and soul.

May you give generously and receive joyously, gracefully, gratefully.

May you feel alive and free to be authentic and true to who you really are.

May you be strong and resilient and know from the bottom of your heart

that you have within you all that you need to

create the life you dream and desire.

May you find deep fulfillment and genuine happiness day after day after day,

fully experiencing and celebrating your life with passion and exhilaration!

21 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Break Out of Your Comfy "Velvet" Handcuffs

Renee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:57:00 GMT

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut, a slave to your daily rituals and routines? Doing the same old things and being the same old way, day in and day out?

Well, I actually like my nice little rut. Maybe too much.

Like most people, I am a creature of habit. I have my regular, predictable patterns that I adhere to with an inflexible passion. That’s my comfort zone. My family even makes jokes about me. (The word boring comes up a lot!)

There’s a certain amount of comfort and safety in doing things the same, familiar way. That’s why we get stuck there–-so cozy!

Unfortunately over time, these nice safe habits trap us in a couple of ways:

They keep us from growing, developing, and maturing. They start to restrict us and determine what we think we can or can’t do. We slowly lose the desire to even try. Our comfort zone rules us and we’re stuck in a zone of supposed comfort, well below our potential for fun and exhilaration.

We numb out. We don’t even think about what we’re doing. By operating on autopilot, we miss out on savoring the precious joy hidden in each moment. We absentmindedly go about our day in a fog. A scary example is driving to work and not remembering how we got there. Gasp!

Maybe it would benefit us all if we tried to stretch ourselves a teensy, weensy bit.

If you’ve polished your routines into well-worn grooves, here are 21 little ideas for loosening your “handcuffs” a bit. Follow the guidelines to pick one or two that will make the biggest difference in your life.

Guideline 1. Does it s-t-r-e-t-c-h you?

Deciding to eat less meat when you know you don’t like meat anyway isn’t much of a stretch, is it? On the other hand, if you think of potato chips as a vegetable, deciding to eat more vegetables is a great idea!

Guideline 2. Will it EXHILARATE you?

Will doing this make you feel proud, confident, and hopeful? If just thinking about it makes you feel more awake, alive, and excited about life, go for it!

Get up 15 minutes earlier to meditate.
Be a vegetarian for a day.
Strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Eat less sugar.
Spend quality time with a child.
Eat an extra vegetable.
Write a letter (a lost art!) to someone you care about.
Laugh more.
Walk faster.
Sit in the front row and speak up.
Praise others more.
Start a gratitude journal.
Make your workouts more intense.
Start recycling something.
Go outside and gaze at the stars.
Organize your closets.
Volunteer for a day.
Create something (draw, color, write, knit, whatever . . .)
Take a yoga class.
Rearrange your furniture.
Read a good book instead of watching TV.

Who knows? Something you try may even lead to a permanent, long-lasting change. Something you’ve been secretly wanting to do for a long time.

Do something, anything, differently and see what happens. A minor tweak can provide the wake up call you need to live more deeply in the present and be more conscious as you go about your life.

Part of living An Island Perspective is being open to recognizing when situations or actions are no longer working for us. Then letting them go. We sure don’t want inertia or procrastination to hold us back. We want to embrace opportunities to practice new skills and gain new insights.

While comfort is fine and needed, straying from our well-worn path from time to time can be rejuvenating--a huge boost to our energy and happiness.

Let’s try to stay open, flexible and resilient–-like a palm tree!

We have the power to create the colorful and fulfilling life of our dreams. Let’s live creatively with joy and gusto . . . Energized, passionate, exhilarated!

What other creative "little ideas" can you think of to help loosen your handcuffs?

How To Get Yourself Out of a No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Mood

Renee — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:33:00 GMT

Just last week a co-worker pointed out to me that I was in a bad mood. Okay, it was my husband, Steve. But still . . . maybe he was right.

Do you ever find yourself getting cranky? Or suddenly feeling down without knowing why?

We all have moments, or even whole days, when things simply don’t go according to plan. Life’s ups and downs get to us. We feel out of sync and our attitudes s(t)ink.

Steve and I work together pretty closely. People ask us all the time how we do it. Needless to say, it’s not all moonlight and roses. I admit that I have been known to accuse him of putting me in a bad mood.

It’s easy to get trapped in an awful mood when we’re feeling stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed. A grouchy mood does little to serve or benefit us. But even worse, it can adversely affect the people around us. The sad truth is that bad moods are contagious.

When we’re feeling out of sorts or distressed, we’re not at our best. Sometimes we say things or do things that we wouldn’t normally say or do. That doesn’t make us bad people. It just makes us human.

A mood can crash over us like a huge wave of irritability. Or quietly seep into our spirit like a meandering stream. Either way, it starts in our mind with a negative thought. Before you know it, we’ve created a full-blown arsenal of self-defeating “stories” that fuel our downward spiral.

Life happens.

We think, think, think about it.

Our “crabby” feelings respond to our thoughts.

Say hello to our no good, horrible, very bad mood!

Understanding the connection between our thoughts and our moods can really set us free. Our thoughts are actually harmless even though they seem very real. Thank goodness we don’t have be ruled by them.

Regardless of how bleak life may seem at times, we can put a bad mood in perspective. We can boost our feel good forces in 3 stages. It’s okay to take as much time as we need. There’s no pressure to “just get over it.”

Stage 1. Own it.

Accept that you’re in a mood. No reason to defend or deny it. It’s okay. Our feelings and moods are a wonderful built-in thermometer. They help us know when we need to ease up on ourselves. Negative emotions can be warning signals that things aren’t going so well with us internally. Try not to judge or critique yourself. Moods are universal to everyone.

Stage 2. Embrace it.

That’s right. No need to fight it. Hug it! Go through it, not around it. Just be in your mood for a while. Take advantage of low moods and negative feelings to gain personal insight. Your mood is reminding you that something is not quite right. Appreciate any valuable lessons to be learned. Identify any common thought patterns that might help to prevent future mood swings.

Stage 3. Let it pass.

Okay, you’re through wallowing now. Reshape your thoughts by filling your mind with good and pleasant things in your life. With renewed strength and character, wait patiently for your mood to lift. Moods are ever changing so you probably won’t have to wait long. Happy thoughts will eventually transform and empower you.

Moods serve a purpose. They’re a normal part of our human experience. But even though we know they’re normal, it sure doesn’t make them fun.

While grumpy moods don’t blend very well with trying to live with An Island Perspective. Knowing that we can pull ourselves out of them does.

Whenever you feel a lousy mood settling over you, remind yourself that you will soon be back on the path to living with joy and exhilaration.

Like the waves on the ocean, our moods will ebb and flow. Let them wash over you. Soak in them for a bit. Then remember, “This too shall pass.”

7 Transformational Life Lessons I Learned From Yoga

Renee — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:07:00 GMT

I’ve always tried to make exercise a regular part of my life. Taking care of ourselves is an important aspect of trying to live with An Island Perspective.

My workouts have changed a lot over the years. A few years ago, I started noticing that my usual routines just didn’t feel good anymore. Waking up with sore feet and achy knees was not my idea of aging gracefully. I decided there had to be a better way.

I had always been curious about yoga, but frankly, it just didn’t seem like a real workout. I always thought it was basically just a bunch of stretching. Plus it seemed too complicated to learn.

Steve was intrigued with the idea of doing yoga too. So for his birthday one year, I got him a set of power yoga DVDs. We started watching them and trying some of the yoga moves together. Pretty funny! We quickly realized how inflexible we were as well as how much strength and stamina it took to do this type of yoga. Wow!

At the same time, though, it was an exhilarating challenge. It was different from any form of exercise I’d ever done. Even though it was awkward, I didn’t want to give up on it. It made me feel invigorated!

Yoga is a unique mix of meditation and movement that is hard for me to describe. Practicing yoga seems to connect my mind, body, and spirit. It helps me feel physically, emotionally and spiritually rejuvenated.

Amazingly, the lessons I’ve learned from yoga have nothing to do with the physical aspect of working out, but more with my evolution as a person.

Yoga has taught me:

When something seems difficult, trust the process. Everything will eventually come together after many, many tiny efforts.
Just relax into any new situation. Even if it’s hard at first, it will slowly get easier and easier.
Going with the flow, without resistance, ultimately produces peace and tranquility.
Practice makes progress, not perfection. Let go of trying to be perfect.
Sometimes less is more. For example, you don’t have to run a marathon to feel energized, healthy and physically fit. A walk around the block can do that too.
Loving and accepting your true self just as you are helps you to be less judgmental of others.
Silence is a necessary part of life.

Discovering experiences and activities that enrich and fulfill the whole you is vital to your well being and renewal. Whether it’s yoga or parasailing or knitting, there is something you are craving. Take the time to uncover what that is.

Listen to your heart and embrace your passions–-anything that provides you little moments of enjoyment and inspiration.

The journey to Palm Canyon is a process, not a destination. The path we travel is meant to be joyful and extraordinary, not boring and miserable.

Life lessons await you too. Feel free to exhilarate yourself!

How to Let Go of Your "Not Enough" Fears and Be Happy

Renee — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:47:00 GMT

Okay, I admit it. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. All those fancy ads telling me I needed more, more, more.

I don’t consider myself an extravagant person. But sometimes I struggle with the whole concept of knowing when enough is enough. If a little bit is good, isn’t more even better?

I visited my dermatologist when I couldn’t seem to clear up the red, flaky skin around my eyes. I was told to bring in every lotion or cream I was currently using in my skin care regimen.

I’m embarrassed to admit how many little bottles and tubes I crammed into a baggie. The doctor seemed amazed by my supply of anti-aging potions. Her diagnosis: I was using too many products.

She recommended I quit using all of them. Yes, ALL of them. She shook her head and told me not to believe all the marketing hype out there. I really only needed one simple cream.

What a wake up call that was for me! My fear of not using enough caused me to use too much. I had been seduced into believing I needed more.

I thought about other areas where I might be falling into the same trap. It wasn’t too difficult to come up with a couple relatively quickly:

A closet full of shoes. Okay, probably too much.
Hair care products–shampoos, conditioners, gels, you name it. Once again, too much.

As humans, we seem to be hard-wired to always want MORE. While getting something we want satisfies us momentarily, we soon start thinking about how we can get to the next level–get even more!

The key is finding the sweet spot, that happy medium where enough is enough. We want to get to a place where we can be satisfied with an adequate amount of whatever it is we’re seeking. Not more, not less, but just the right amount.

It seems like most things fits into one of three categories:

not enough

Just Right (= Happy!)

TOO MUCH

When we feel out of balance in our lives, what we’re really looking for is that just right zone of satisfaction and completeness. We want that warm, fuzzy feeling that everything is right with our world.

Goldilocks had this all figured out. She knew immediately when something was too big, too little, and ultimately just right.

Like Goldilocks, we all have a natural built-in compass, a knowing of our ideal just right setting. We just need to pay attention to it.

Here’s a simple, 3-step centering exercise you can do to access and recharge your internal knowing. Practice this when you feel like you’ve lost perspective or you’re feeling out of balance:

Step 1. Sit comfortably in a quiet, peaceful place.

Close your eyes and visualize yourself sitting in the sand on a beautiful tropical beach. The ocean waves are slowly rolling in and out. The palm trees are swaying in the gentle breeze. The sun feels nice and warm on your skin.

Step 2. Take three slow breaths, exhaling deeply each time.

Let your thoughts flow through your mind naturally, as if they are floating on the wind. Gently question or contradict any passing thoughts that are causing you suffering. Tune in to any feelings of lack or the opposite, feelings of being burdened with too much. Remind yourself that you control and manage these thoughts, not the other way around. Then slowly let them go. Watch them blow away and dissolve into the island air.

Step 3. Relax and slowly release the stressful, out of sync feelings.

Acknowledge your doubts and fears of not enough or too much. Realize that you are strong and confident. You are able to make any necessary adjustments to re-align your goals and your life. You feel tranquil. At peace. You know that you have the power to make everything just right. You appreciate life and feel complete.

We all have the ability to find a state of equilibrium whenever we start feeling out of balance. It just takes practice. Be gentle with yourself. There’s no right or wrong. Don’t try to be perfect. Just practice feeling better.

We want our journey to Palm Canyon to be authentic and resilient, to be simple and less complicated. Balanced Life = Less Stress + More Bliss.

The next time you find yourself craving more or feeling overwhelmed with too much, take time out for a few mindful moments of reflection to put things back in perspective.

Visit that peaceful, tranquil place inside of you where everything is always enough and . . . well . . . JUST RIGHT!

Your thoughts? Share them with me in the comments section below.

10 Tiny Steps to a More Exhilarated and Healthier You

Renee — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:32:00 GMT

People ask me all the time how I learned about eating healthy. The answer is very s-l-o-w-l-y . . . many, many, many baby steps. It has literally taken me years to develop the habits I follow now.

I can remember when my kids were little. My favorite breakfast was a toss-up between donuts and pop tarts. People who know me now would be shocked by that!

Eat healthier. Exercise more. Lose weight. Do this. Don’t do that. We’re bombarded every day with reminders of what we should change or improve in our lifestyle.

But isn’t life hard enough? The last thing we need to deal with is guilt about that cookie we just ate. Or to be ruminating about how we quit going to the gym. Again. Who wants to be motivated by guilt?

No more pressure! Whether we’re overcommitted or just plain unorganized, we often don’t have the time or energy to scrutinize our eating habits or choose the ideal workout plan.

Yes, change is hard. But there is some good news. Professionals who help people make changes in their lives say that beginning with small goals or steps usually lead to bigger payoffs. We don’t have to go through a major transformation in order to improve our overall well-being.

Keep changes small and simple. The key is consistency. Steadfast adherence to little positives is WAY better than making a major change that we can’t maintain in the long run.

Here are 10 baby steps you can practice on a daily basis to improve the way you look and feel:

Step 1. Enjoy a cup of tea.

Green or black, both have proven health benefits. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes to get the full benefit.

Step 2. Eat a healthy, high protein breakfast.

Hearty and satisfying, a meal that is high in protein helps fill you up and stays with you throughout the day. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Eggs, high-protein cereal, and peanut butter are just a few examples. Read the label and aim for 4 grams or more per serving.

Step 3. Laugh out loud.

Research shows that laughing lowers your levels of stress hormones and heightens activity of the body’s natural antibodies. Laughter really is the best medicine.

Step 4. Substitute brown for white.

Whether we’re talking about rice or bread, whole grains are just plain better for you. They provide a package of nutrients that play a key role in reducing risk of disease.

Step 5. Eat 3 prunes.

Sweet with a sticky, chewy texture, prunes are as fun to eat as they are nutritious. Loaded with antioxidants and fiber, these nutrient powerhouses can help increase your vitality.

Step 6. Eat an apple.

Besides being delicious, apples are nutritious and healthy. They’re also very portable and easy to eat. It’s best to eat the skin to get full benefit of this little super food.

Step 7. Stand on one foot.

As we age, our balance skills deteriorate. A simple exercise to improve and maintain our balance is to practice standing on one leg. An easy way to practice is to stand on each leg for 10 seconds while you’re brushing your teeth. Build up to 30 seconds or more.

Step 8. Add an extra veggie.

Okay, we all know we need to squeeze more vegetables into our diet. If you normally eat one vegetable for dinner, just add one more. Or pack a baggie of baby carrots in your lunch for a mid-morning snack.

Step 9. Move more.

Take the stairs. Pace while using the phone. Park far from the store. Walking is safe and easy for people of all ages. By using your creativity, walking more can easily be incorporated into your day.

Step 10. Have a tranquil moment.

Take a minute or two and be still. Close your eyes, breath deeply, slowly release your tension and just be. Ahhhhhhh! Savor this moment and ease into it. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga are proven to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Don’t push yourself to try all of these baby steps at once. Try one for a week and then add more when you’re ready.

Long-lasting change is most likely to happen when it’s rooted in personal motivation and a positive attitude. Any small effort you make in the right direction is worthwhile. Remember that change is a process, not an event.

As the people on the island of Alumanaya say, “Life is all about finding balance and perspective.” Small, teensy choices that you make as you go about your day can make a positive and lasting difference in your health and longevity.

Trying to live with An Island Perspective includes simple habits, practiced over time, that ultimately lead to a more exhilarated life.

Want to exhilarate your health? Baby steps are all you need.