I looked at the calendar today, and lo and behold, the 2-day Avon Walks’ for Breast Cancer are right around the corner! As a survivor, I have to do my part and put this reminder out there.  The first weekend event is scheduled for April 4-5 in Houston, Texas.  There are nine events scheduled across the nation, including: Washington, DC; Boston; Chicago; Rocky Mountains; San Francisco; Los Angeles; New York and Charlotte. The money raised goes to breast cancer research, and helping under-insured women and men receive the care they need. To learn more and sign-up (please!), go to Avon’s Walk for Breast Cancer website.  Thank you for your support and peace. Image: Newscom [Read more]

Spending time with yourself is a very important thing to do.  We’re not really conditioned to believe that this is healthy or normal.  Being with others, being popular, that’s what seems to matter most. Being single and divorced, I fought this sense of “aloneness” for quite a while.  I love being with people, especially the people I love.  But there is a unique value to being alone with oneself, and appreciating who and what you are, and what you believe.  You can’t get to know yourself until you really spend time with you–your thoughts, ideas and desires–and get to know them well. Even through meditation, I have found this to be challenging.  I still hear the internal negative chit-chat that comes... [Read more]

I’ve never been one to spend a lot of time working on my lower back.  I’ve always figured it kind of takes care of itself.  That’s probably why I often find myself feeling tense and stiff in my lower back and up through to my shoulders.  I just don’t pay enough attention to it. Here’s a quick and simple pose that will offer your lower back a bit more of the attention it deserves. The Locust Pose or Salabhasana: -Lie on your stomach, arms at sides, palms down and chin resting on the floor -Inhale deeply and lengthen from the top of your head down to your toes -Exhale and press down toward the floor with your pubic bone -Inhale again and lift your legs, arms and head off the floor -Hold this pose for 5 breaths -Each... [Read more]

“Bellyfit: Strong Women, Strong World.”  I love it!  I am sad to say that this fitness phenom is not available in the U.S. (girls, can you send it south?).  According to the website, “Bellyfit is the fusion fitness experience for women that blends the power and wisdom of ancient cultures, with the research, technology and trends of the modern world.”  During the first half hour of a Bellyfit class, instructors mix belly dance, Bollywood, Bhangra and African dance. The second half of class focuses on Pilates moves, yoga stretches and Mudra meditation.  How awesome is that? Bellyfit is based on the principle of diversity, and was created by a woman who left an abusive, difficult life and developed this unique and... [Read more]

Want a great stretch that focuses on the feet? It’s easy, quick and effective, and if you run or walk a lot, it’s a wonderful way to stretch your heels. Downward Facing Dog–Heels Down -With your back facing the wall, bend from the Downward Facing Dog, bringing your heels up against the wall -Adjust your feet so your heels press into the wall, and your toes remain on the floor -Don’t worry if your feet don’t completely touch the floor at first, they will get there over time -Press your pelvis and tailbone up into the air and towards the wall -Make sure your weight is evenly distributed between your hands -Continue to keep reaching your chest toward your knees -Hold the pose with your legs up one minute or longer -When... [Read more]