SummerTime = No Time For The Gym

I intended to go to the gym today.  I was planning on taking Body Pump, a weight lifting class set to fast, fun music.  However, I simply could not get myself motivated to get there.  One of the big reasons is that I am not fond of the teacher. The workout itself is good but her personality is so bland. I feel bad saying that but that is how it is for me. 

I decided to work out at home. I first reached for my beloved Tracy Anderson dvd but right underneath it was a dvd that one of my friends had given me. Yoga Booty Ballet.  I had never done it and thought why not try it this morning.  I have been on a yoga kick recently. Yesterday I practiced with one of my favorite Yoga instructors and felt like doing more yoga today.  I figured this would be an ideal time to test out the dvd. I did the 45 min Total Toning Basics routine. 

Even though I don’t enjoy most exercise dvds, I did enjoy this one. It was a nice combination of yoga along with sculpting moves. I know why they used “Booty” in the title.  You definitely work out your butt a lot!  The instructors, Gillian and Teigh, do say some hooky things like “You can make this funky” or “Reach for the sky” and other things of that nature, but I just choose to ignore those statements

I also really enjoyed the music.  Music, for me, is a huge factor in my enjoyment of exercise. I am glad I have yet another dvd that I enjoy!

More News From Tracy Anderson

I just received an email from the Tracy Anderson people.  This is the email:

Hi everyone!

There's so much happening at TracyAndersonConnect**. 

For my newest workout webisode, I'm joined by the lovely Molly Sims for a 
treadmill dancing inside the fitness center at the Greenwich Hotel in New York 
City. It might seem crazy at first, but I know you'll get the hang of this 
calorie-burning, muscle-sculpting workout in no time -- and once you do, you can 
take it with you anywhere you go.  

I also have a very special Connect Challenge for you this month: Master this 
routine and show me what happens when you take it with you on the road for a 
chance to win my favorite treadmill. 

Remember to check out the site each month for new exclusive downloadable 
workouts, fresh Connect Challenges to keep you motivated, expert tips, my 
favorite new discoveries, and so much more. 


Love,                                      Visit Tracy Anderson Connect NOW!

Tracy Anderson 

Click here for her new site. 

Weights + Women = Bulk?

I am visiting family in Florida this week and more than one relative has mentioned that I have lost weight. Even my mother-in-law said I have lost weight and she typically says that I have gained weight! I have not been actively trying to shed some pounds but I can admit that I do feel thinner. I have been wondering what has changed…

Ever since I injured my back, I have not been to the gym. And, I have not been exercising with weights at all. I have done yoga a few times and I even did Bikram Yoga while on vacation. I have also been taking lots of walks. I came to the conclusion that since I am not working out with weights, I must be losing muscle tone! I am not as “bulky” as before.

If you have read this blog for a while, then you may remember that I was once obsessed with having a lean, dancer’s body. The Bar Method workout definitely helped me feel thin and lean.  So, can it be true? Can Tracy Anderson be right?  She claims that women should never, ever lift more than 3 pounds.  Is working out with weights making me bulky?

R.I.P.

When I was thinking of what I was going to write on my blog today, I had planned on writing about my experiences with my new mantra. But, after today’s news, it seems rather meaningless.  Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawctt both passed away today.  I cannot help but think back to the day when my Mom passed away.  It pains me to think of the pain that their loved ones are feeling right now.  Shock, denial, sadness.  

May they rest in peace.  But, most of all, may their loved ones remember all the happy, loving memories.

Happy Father’s Day, Happy Summer Solstice and Happy New Moon!

Talk about a busy weekend!  There is a lot going on over these next few days.  Today is Sunday, June 21st, and it’s Father’s Day in the U.S.  It’s also the first official day of summer.  I am in Florida this week visiting family. Today we went to the beach.  It was so beautiful. Thankfully, I had my mala beads with me. I have been wondering when would be the “best” time to begin my next 40 day mantra.  I already decided which one I was going to do this time. I was torn between starting it today, the Summer Solstice or tomorrow, the New Moon day.

As I stared out at the ocean, I knew I had to begin immediately. It just felt so right. I grabbed my beads and started walking along the sandy beach. Then, another “issue” began to arise.  I was not sure of the correct pronunciation of the manta!  I knew I could not let that stand in my way.  I had recently read a story that I kept in mind:

An old story speaks about a similar problem. A devoted meditator, after years concentrating on a particular mantra, had attained enough insight to begin teaching. The student’s humility was far from perfect, but the teachers at the monastery were not worried.

A few years of successful teaching left the meditator with no thoughts about learning from anyone; but upon hearing about a famous hermit living nearby, the opportunity was too exciting to be passed up.

The hermit lived alone on an island at the middle of a lake, so the meditator hired a man with a boat to row across to the island. The meditator was very respectful of the old hermit. As they shared some tea made with herbs the meditator asked him about his spiritual practice. The old man said he had no spiritual practice, except for a mantra which he repeated all the time to himself. The meditator was pleased: the hermit was using the same mantra he used himself — but when the hermit spoke the mantra aloud, the meditator was horrified!

“What’s wrong?” asked the hermit.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m afraid you’ve wasted your whole life! You are pronouncing the mantra incorrectly!”

“Oh, Dear! That is terrible. How should I say it?”

The meditator gave the correct pronunciation, and the old hermit was very grateful, asking to be left alone so he could get started right away. On the way back across the lake the meditator, now confirmed as an accomplished teacher, was pondering the sad fate of the hermit.

“It’s so fortunate that I came along. At least he will have a little time to practice correctly before he dies.” Just then, the meditator noticed that the boatman was looking quite shocked, and turned to see the hermit standing respectfully on the water, next to the boat.

“Excuse me, please. I hate to bother you, but I’ve forgotten the correct pronunciation again. Would you please repeat it for me?”

“You obviously don’t need it,” stammered the meditator; but the old man persisted in his polite request until the meditator relented and told him again the way he thought the mantra should be pronounced.

The old hermit was saying the mantra very carefully, slowly, over and over, as he walked across the surface of the water back to the island.

Source: http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hung.htm

So, I said it the “best” way I could.  And, as I walked, I picked up two sea shells, to serve as a reminder of this mantra and its meaning: new beginnings.  

June’s New Moon

I love me some new moon.  The next one is coming up on Monday.  As usual, I turned to astrologer Jan Spiller for the latest info:

NEW MOON REMINDER… Monday, June 22, 3:36 pm – EDST (2:36 pm, EST = Eastern Standard Time) is the New Moon Power Day in June! Don’t miss this opportunity to make wishes for experiences you’d like to have.

This NEW MOON is in the sign of CANCER, and it’s a powerful time for wishes involving your home, improving relationships with close family members, and gaining a greater sense of personal security in any area that is important to you: your job, relationships, health, money, romance. Things you may have wanted to happen in your life for a long time can begin easily manifesting through using the boost of the deeply emotional, heartfelt CANCER NEW MOON. 

It stimulates in you the gift of being able to appreciate the value of caring and taking the time to show concern and support for those you care about. This leads to the satisfaction of a greater experience of intimacy in your relationships. The energy of CANCER also promotes the ability for enjoying activities that are nurturing for the emotional body: good food, a nice bath, a soothing trip to a lake or ocean, affectionate times with a loved one. 

For success, your wishes must be handwritten on paper and ten wishes maximum are allowed on each power day. The most potent time is the first 8 hours AFTER the exact time of the New Moon; within the first 48 hours will still work. The potency continues to exist for another twelve hours, but is weaker. For clear success, it’s best to avoid wishing during those hours when the Moon is Void of Course.

Therefore in JUNE, your most potent times for wishing are: Monday, June 22: 3:36 pm – midnight; Tuesday, June 23: clear all day and night; Wednesday, June 24: 12:00 am – 7:23 am and 12:50 pm – midnight.

These times are in Eastern Daylight Savings Time and need to be converted to your local time zone. Keep in mind that if you are not observing Daylight Savings Time, subtract one hour, and then convert to your time zone. The Moon Box on the Homepage of this site will tell you how many hours difference your location is from the Eastern Time Zone in the US.

Among other things, this NEW MOON stimulates the ability to more successfully navigate your life by boosting your ability to emotionally connect with others. It empowers you to become more aware of rising above conflict by understanding and empathizing with others feelings about their life situations. 

Family is emphasized with the sign of CANCER, so this is the best of times for making wishes to improve your interaction with a family member you may wish to feel closer to. For example: “I want to easily find myself saying the right words to ______ that result in a more open flow of caring and mutual support between the two of us.”

Source: http://www.janspiller.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1537

Plus, the Summer Solstice happens just a couple of days before the new moon.  Should be a magical time for us all.  Happy Manifesting!

Celebrating My Birthday At The Bar

It’s not what you think.  If you search back on my blog, you will find many posts on my previous obsession with The Bar Method. I truly loved the workout.  It made me feel very thin, limber and lean.  You can’t ask for more.  And, I also had muscle tone.  

Unfortunately, I also have a gym membership, a job and other forms of exercise that I enjoy doing.  Plus, I could not afford it. So, I had to give up my addiction. It was hard but I somehow managed.  The amazing thing is that I received an email from the Bar ladies offering me a FREE workout since it was my birthday!?!?  I could hardly believe it.  They are so freaking sweet!

I went today.  My birthday was last Thursday, June 11th. But today is my youngest daughter’s birthday.  She turns 4.  My baby is 4!?!?! So, I celebrated my Labor Day at The Bar.

I was so excited to go back to class.  All the teachers remembered me. Gabby, the gorgeous receptionist, greeted me hello. It felt like home. Sigh…

The workout was exactly how I remembered it as well.  Hard. Challenging.  I loved it.  I love the pain, I love the trembling of my legs. Yes, I am sick, but I do love it.

I am not so sure I will feel the same way tomorrow.  I am already feeling sore.  I hope I can move tomorrow.  I do miss those Bar Ladies. I really should start playing the Lotto…..

Mission Accomplished

I am so happy.  I was able to practice yoga today.  Horray!  After my back injury, I thought I was never going to be able to do yoga again. To be honest, I am still afraid to go back to the studio where the injury occurred. My chiropractor has been trying to alleviate my fears.  He suggested that I approach the teacher before class begins and simply explain about my back. The hope is that the teacher will then watch me closely.  He explained that I should not blame yoga on my injury, that it was simply the fact that I did the move improperly that somehow triggered the injury.  I know what he is saying but it is hard for me to relax.

However, I really love this one particular yoga instructor.  I love her vibe!  You know when you just click with someone.  It’s hard to describe.  Each of her classes are very small and personal.  Before and after class, we sit around and talk about what is on our minds. It can be anything from the weather to the Law of Attraction. That is pretty hard to beat.

When I returned home from yoga, I did more research on mantras.  I have decided to go with the Ganesha mantra, which is Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha. I found a very interesting article that was published in Yoga Journal magazine about this particular mantra. I intend to begin it on the new moon, even though I am anxious to start it sooner.  For some reason, I feel better about starting it on the new moon, since it is considered a great time to plant seeds and goals.  June 22nd is only a few days away.

Namaste!

It’s All In Your Mind

I had an interesting conversation with my yoga instructor, Amy,  last week.  (No, this is not the one that was teaching when I got injured.) She also works with crystals and makes jewelry. For Mother’s Day, my dear husband got me a gift certificate to have a piece of jewelry made by her. We were talking about the different types of crystals and the energy that is usually associated with the crystal.  Amy shared something very intriguing to me.  She believes that while the crystals have their own inherent “powers”, she doesn’t think they can separate one intention from another and correlate them to different crystals. They are all good!

For some reason, I have not been able to get that conversation out of my mind and I am not really sure why.  I keep on getting reminded about it over and over.  For example, I have been looking for a new 40 day mantra to chant.  My research has come up with so many various ones that appeal to me.  There is one to overcoming obstacles and there is one that is considered a wish fulfillment one.  Which one should I choose?!?!?  

Last night, as I was just about to fall asleep, I was once again reminded about my conversation with Amy. Hello, does it really matter what mantra I chant?  Of course not.  What truly matters is my intention.  What a relief.  It’s all good!

Today’s My Birthday!!

Yes, 37 years ago, my Mom gave birth to me on June 11th.  Ever since I lost my Mom, my feelings on birthdays has changed.  I feel the mom of the birthday child/person should be getting roses since she, after all, endured pain and labor to deliver said person into the world.  So, Mom, wherever you are, Happy Labor Day!!

I am having dinner with some friends tonight.  My husband and I will go out tomorrow night.  I opened up my presents last night. My girls made me sweet cards and thoughtfully wrapped up some of their jewelry to give to me. My husband got me a dozen pink roses and 2 very cute shirts from Banana Republic.  Life is good.