I have a quote from Mahatma Ghandi that has been very helpful to me, so here it is for you!

"Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.  If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end up really becoming incapable of doing it.  On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning."  -Mahatma Ghandi

Habits are often hard to break, but it's possible to build new habits to replace the old.  Just making small changes can really make a big difference.  Like exercising a muscle to make it grow, small persistent changes can help us grow along our path.  In my recovery, early on I started rituals to support myself physically and spiritually.  Proper nutrition to support my body, prayer and meditation to support my spirit and asking for help when I needed emotional support.  It was a challenge at first, but now eating healthy foods, exercising, and focusing on how I can be of service comes more naturally and is my commitment to myself.  Challenges come into our lives to help us grow into the person we are meant to be. Look at a setback or challenge as an opportunity for greater understanding and awareness.  That is the key.  Be kind to yourself and take one step at a time.

letting go of fear

Today I watched this bird chasing after a bug.  The bug was quite large, but not really too big for the bird to eat.  The bug would crawl away and the bird would follow it, take a tentative peck at it and the bug would move on.   This pattern played out for several minutes.  The bug moving, the bird pecking at it, but not really going for it and both moving on.  Suddenly a larger bird came right up to the bug and swallowed it whole in one dramatic bite.  This little scenario reminds me of times when I've been timid or unsure of going after what I really want, and in the end losing it.  Maybe not to someone else, but just letting it get out of reach.  How many times do we hesitate to go after our dreams and aspirations because of fear, self-doubt or opinions of others?  Like that little bird unsure of itself, not knowing it could easily have taken the "big bite."   Today's challenge is to face the fear and do it anyway.

Free Online recovery conference

http://recovery2point0.com/gloriauridelThere is an exciting free online recovery conference coming up at the end of September. There will be great motivational speakers and inspirational talks. Please sign up here on the link posted.

Today I heard a speaker define unconditional love.  This person said that unconditional love is loving yourself without any judgements.  Meaning loving each and every part of yourself.  I find that quite a challenge.  Intellectually I can say I love myself fully, but there are some things that I do have judgement about.  It is a great exercise to open my heart and really feel the impact of that statement.....to love myself fully without judgement.  To accept myself just as I am in this moment.

Try it on for yourself and discover what it brings up for you.  In what ways or areas do you hold judgement of yourself?  Then ask yourself where do those judgements come from?  We are conditioned by society, our families, work, school, partners, etc. etc.  Journaling about this question was beneficial for me.  Finding the voice of love within yourself is a process of self discovery and healing those places where judgement blocks the light of love.

Here's a quote for you that I love:  "Becoming acquainted with yourself is a price well worth paying for the love that will really address your needs."  by Daphne Rose Kingma

Consider Your LIfe

Changes in life are bound to happen.  There is a quote that says, nothing is constant but change.  There are times when I have embraced change, and others when the change seems to come when I don't quite feel ready.  Usually it's for the better, but in the moment of sudden changes, it can seem very overwhelming.  Some changes in life have thrown me off my feet, while others seem like a gentle tap into a new direction.  A dear friend of mine has a simple saying, "you want to move towards something, not run away from something."   It's at those times where I feel overwhelmed with wanting to change, but feeling stuck, that I remember this.  Keeping myself grounded in my practice of yoga, breathing and prayer, helps me to stand in the eye of the storm when all I want to do is run away.  Of course having supportive people around you is also a great source of strength, but finding that inner strength that comes from the Source is the anchor.  As you get older, or are faced with a challenging situation in life, it seems natural to contemplate the direction life has taken you.  I found a wonderful quote from the Dalai Lama that reminds us to ponder this without the "gentle nudges" that life often swings our way, and to be true to ourselves.  I'd like to share it with you:

"There is only one important point you must keep in your mind and let it be your guide.  No matter what people call you, you are just who you are.  Keep to this truth.  You must ask yourself how it is that you want to life your life.  We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone.  No one can help us, not even the Buddha.  So consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?"

Doubt the Doubt

Over the weekend I was listening to a lecture by Baron Baptiste.  He's a very well known national yoga teacher.  He was talking about self doubt and mentioned the phrase, "Doubt the Doubt."  I really love this!  Everyone, from time to time, has some self doubt, myself included.  I personally think that self-doubt can sabotage you from getting what you really want in life.  The key is to believe in yourself.  It's not always easy, especially if past circumstances have not gone as planned, but it's better to take a risk and have faith than to let self doubt keep you prisoner of the past.  Trust your intuition and learning to hear that "voice" is an ongoing lesson.  Most spiritual teachers that I know of say meditation is the way to find that inner knowing.  Reminds me of a quote that the ashtanga master, Pattabhi Jois is so famously quoted as saying, " Practice and all is coming."  So I plan to use "Doubt the Doubt" as my slogan for conquering self-defeating patterns of thinking and keep practicing.  Try it and see what manifests in your life!

More wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda

I read this quote to my yoga classes and have requests to post, so here it is.  It's another great reading from Paramahansa Yogananda's How-to-live Series, "To Be Victorious in Life."  Please enjoy!

The Antidote for Can't Consciouness
I have seen persons who, despite ill health, have made up their minds to achieve something.  Their ailing body was always trying to divert their attention, but they overcame that physical barrier and undeterred went on and on, realizing their goal by sheer strength of mind.  And I have seen others with wonderful health, but peanut brains.  No matter how you try to convince them, they say, "I can't do it."  They are stopped by the mental barrier of feeling inadequate.  And some people have both health and intelligence, but they do not succeed because they have spiritual barriers of bad habits.  Whether from physical, mental or spiritual causes, failure starts with the avowal, "I can't do it."  Such is the force of the mind and the vibratory power of words.  When you say to yourself, "I can't do it," no one else in the whole world can change that decree.  You must destroy that paralyzing enemy: "I can't."
There is an antidote for "can't consciousness": the affirmation "I can!"  Create that antidote with your mind and administer it with all your will.

I really love this quote from Paramahansa Yogananda and would like to share it with you.  Please enjoy!

"Break out of the mental cell of ignorance that has you confined.  Think differently.  Refuse to be limited by thoughts of weakness or age.  Who told you that you are old?  You are not old.  You, the soul, are eternally young.  Impress that thought on your consciousness: "I am the soul, a reflection of ever-youthful Spirit.  I am vibrant with youth, with ambition, with power to succeed."  Your thoughts can limit you or they can free you.  You are your worst enemy, and you are your best friend.  You have all the power to accomplish what you want, if you motivate yourself, if you remove the mental kinks that are blocking the flow of conviction."

Anniversary

On November 19, 2012 I celebrated 25 years of being clean and sober.  It is amazing to me that it has been so long.  Back on that first day when I made the decision to change my life, I had no idea that my life could get so good.  At that time, I was so afraid, but also grateful to have found a ray of hope, and have caring people around me who were my strength when I had none of my own.  To this day, I am thankful for all the loving souls along my path that have helped me on my journey to health.  I have a blessed life.  I thank God for the wonderful second chance that I've been given and never take for granted how precious this life is.  My hope is that anyone who suffers from addictions can find the courage and help that they need to turn their life around.  Believe me, I know it's not easy but it is so worth the fight.  Never give up on yourself. 

Compassion

I live in a fairly large city and find that driving can really provide an opportunity to learn a lot about yourself.  I often find myself feeling a bit disturbed when stuck in traffic, or when trying to get home through rush hour.  One thing that has helped me is the Buddhist view of compassion.  The Buddhist interpretation, according to the "Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom," states that "genuine compassion is based on a clear acceptance or recognition that others, like oneself, want happiness and have a right to overcome suffering.  On that basis one develops some kind of concern about the welfare of others, irrespective of their attitude to oneself."

This little piece of wisdom really helps me when I'm battling the emotional chaos that traffic can bring.  If I remember that everyone on the road wants to get somewhere, and everyone wants to relieve the suffering of stressful driving, then I can deal with my own stress over the situation much better.  What do I want?  To get home and relax after a long day of work.  What does everyone else on the road want?  Probably the same thing, or perhaps they want to get to the gym or take some type of class to relieve their workday stress, or pick up their kids.  We all want to get somewhere, right?  We all have things in our lives that we see as important.  Let's practice a little compassion and see if it makes the journey a little more enjoyable, or at least bearable.

Take time to get quiet

There is a nice reading from Yogananda that says that we need to let go of always being excited.  Meaning, let go of the nervous energy and rushing around.  Take the time each day to be quiet and contemplate, meditate, or just get outside and take a walk without any distractions.  Unplug for just a few minutes each day.  It's a great gift to give yourself and it will allow you to be more in tune with your heart's desire. 

Lessons

Recently I lost my grandma.  She was a beautiful woman who graced with world with her presence for 101 years.  I admire her for so many things.  Her and my grandpa both lived to be 101 years old.  They inspired not only my family, but all who knew them or about them.  They were married for over 75 years and lived out the promise "till death do us part."  I admire them for sticking to their commitment.  I know they must have had challenges not just in life, but in their relationship, yet they stuck to their promise.  How many times do we give up on our promises to ourselves, to others?  It takes more strength and courage to work through the issues that give us excuses to so easily break our promises.  Whatever issue you walk away from when you break a promise or commitment, will only replay itself in your life until you have overcome that obstacle.  So have the courage to take on the challenge.  Stick to your promises to yourself, to others and to living life to the fullest.  Honor those who have walked the earth for years longer than you.  Their wisdom is beyond your years. 

Be Thankful

This is one of my favorite quotes.  It's a great way to see things with a different perspective.  The author is unknown.  Enjoy!

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

music to my ears

Listening to music is a great way to relax, have fun and let go of stress.  Which ever style of music you enjoy, take the time to relax and enjoy it, or blast it out and dance your ass off!  Maybe you enjoy singing your heart out.  What ever brings you joy.  Take the time to listen to music.  One of my favorite ways to "get out of myself" is to go see live music.  If you live in a great city, like Austin, there are plenty of opportunities to see live music.  Music is one thing you'll never outgrow.

  Music also makes exercise more enjoyable.  Pick out your favorite tunes and get down to it!  You'll be glad you did.

do yoga!

Yoga just makes you feel good.  It's great for maintaining flexibility, keeping your joints healthy, your body strong, your mind clear and keep you looking and feeling younger.  I have been practicing yoga since 1993.  I started with just a class every once in a while, but then got addicted to it and eventually began teaching it!  At first it can be a little intimidating, or uncomfortable to move your body in different ways, or put yourself in odd positions; but after a while you just don't feel as good if you don't do it.  Hence the addiction.  It's a healthy addiction though.  So do yoga........you'll be glad you did!

Stay strong

Did you know that after age 30 you start to lose muscle mass?  Losing muscle mass can contribute to additional weight gain and a host of other unhealthy conditions like diabetes.  According to a study done by Brenda Davy, a professor of nutrition at Virginia Tech, less muscle may raise the risk of diabetes because muscle is where the body sends most of its blood sugar (glucose) to be stored or burned.  Less muscle lowers your metabolic rate, meaning you burn fewer calories while resting.  Resistance training is a great way to increase or maintain your muscle mass.  More muscle mass increases the tissue that can use glucose and thus keep the pounds off.  Aerobic exercise and weight training together make a great combination to help keep your body healthy and strong.  So get out there and move!  Even in your daily activites try to get in a little more movement.  Take the stairs, park a little further from the entrance to stores, work, etc.  Get out and walk your dog, play with the kids, ride your bike.  Get to the gym at least 3 times per week to weight train and get in some cardio most days of the week.  You'll feel and look better! 

Skin care

One of the best ways to avoid aging skin is to wear sunscreen.  Use natural skin protection.  Skin by Ann Webb has some great products.  They have an organic skin care line and if you live in Austin, Texas you can visit their clinic and get all types of skin care from facials, to IPL and laser hair removal at a great price!  You can also find their products at Whole Foods Market.  Check it out!  http://www.skinorganicsaw.com/

Testing, testing

I wanted to share a great website where you can get general blood tests done at a fraction of the cost, without going to see a doctor.  I've used this many times to get basic levels on hormones, cholesterol, thyroid, Vitamin D levels, etc.  The site is:  http://www.healthcheckusa.com/.  You order the test, take the requistion to the lab and then get results mailed to you.  They analyze the results and note any areas where you might consider seeing your primary care physician for.  It's a great way to keep yourself on track and catch areas where you may need more support.  Check it out!

decisions, decisions

Today is Friday.  Another day to live healthy, happy and free.  A lot of our distress comes from our reactions to situations.  It really only takes a conscious effort to check our reactions to events or people to make better choices.  How many times have we reacted only to find ourselves feeling bad about how we managed a situation.  Yes, we learn from mistakes, but sometimes just giving a little more effort to break habits and patterns of reaction can send us on a different path.  If we reinforce those positive "actions" the old habits will soon become a thing of the past.  I read once that it only takes 21 days to break a habit.  Each time you say "no," whether it's to break a pattern of reacting to certain situations or people, giving up sodas, alcohol, drugs or any other self-destructive habit, each time you say "no" you become stronger.  Give yourself that gift.  It may be challenging at first, but each time you reinforce a positive decision, you'll feel better.  Those patterns that keep tripping you up will soon be a thing of the past.