With the many striking events and images we're witnessing and experiencing all over the world, in addition to keeping up with our personal lives - things can feel overwhelming and a touch insane. The magnitude of what presently surrounds us on this big beautiful fluctuating planet is not to be ignored. Yet we must also maintain our own state of balance and wellbeing if we're to be of any service to the people and work we love.  

If we don't have our health we truly have nothing. If we feel awful we do less and our shine dulls. If we feel good (or even great), and if we get to know how our own personal chemistry works for daily balance AND put this into practice - it's astounding how much passion and energy we can have. Like you, I'm still learning and practicing how to best thrive. However it has become essential, an absolute, to get to know myself intimately and do what I can each day to really feel my body and get to know what she needs.

For whatever reason, we humans have been given a strong pull towards behaviors and habits that might throw us off. And it may sometimes feel like work to stick to the things that are best for us. Yet practiced consistently, the habits that bring more balance will become 'must haves' and the stronger your body gets the more flexible it will also get and therefore better equipped for the natural fluctuations that life throws at you. Sure, all in moderation! But what's moderate to one will be too much for another. And the more in line with yourself you get, the less space you have for crap - and that includes crappy food, crappy people, crappy habits, crappy thoughts, crappy patterns, etc.. The only thing that is certain is that all things are changing all the time - life, body, relationships, and our planet are in flux constantly. And the best way to surf these waves, especially in our current era overloaded with information and fast paced change, is to know your body and yourself and to be willing to feel your inner world as it relates to the outer.  

Here's a few tips to start a self-loving program that supports your unique body and spirit during a time of information overload. I'm practicing right along side you!

- Practice yoga and/or other forms of movement 3-6 days a week. 5 is ideal. Your body depends on movement to stay strong and healthy. Things clog up otherwise and your mental and emotional stability falls to pieces making the body feel like shit (quite frankly). When your body has the chance to flush out tension and get strong everything else falls into place and you have more space to receive. 

- Spend time with people who support and inspire you. Weed out the people who question your worth and don't know how to appreciate you. Notice when you're doing this to others and take responsibility.  

- Teach yourself forgiveness. Think of someone who really angers or frustrates you (even if you no longer speak to them) and send them total appreciation and gratitude right now. It's highly likely you learned something valuable from them. Feel lighter and positively affect those around you. 

- Put foods into your body that make you thrive and be willing to explore and experiment with what this is for you personally. This is a journey and is often changing. There is no right way to do it. Yet it's important to consider where our food comes from. After all, you are consuming it  and supporting or not supporting companies that may or may not be in line with your values.

- Allow joy in! I know it sounds cliche, but the bottom line is that health and joy are two of THE most essential things in life. Without them, things kinda suck. Exercise your face and smile more often. Step out of your routine and enjoy light hearted pleasures. Talk to people you would normally walk right past. Drop the shield and challenge yourself to connect with others and your environment. See the fantastic-ness all around you.