grounded.

When I was little, running around barefoot was normal. My feet would get filthy, and I’d have to rinse them off every time I got home from playing in the neighborhood.

I remember this because it’s not so normal to be barefoot when you grow up. But when you are, do you really think about the earth beneath you? Do you really take in the ground you’re walking on?

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Okay, I’m not barefoot here but it’s a cool picture

I ask this because I have been thinking about being really grounded. Connecting with nature, but also feeling my being rooted in the earth. I have such a vivid memory of walking barefoot in Sydney. I forget who said it, but as my trip was coming to an end they said something along the lines of really embracing each moment, and feeling the ground beneath me. I can always go back to my morning routine: walking barefoot to the beach across the street, feeling the sand as I headed towards the cool ocean, and walking along the brick path to get coffee after. I know in that moment I truly felt the earth that I was walking on.

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Okay, back to the present…

Now that I live in [another] beautiful and natural paradise, I have wanted to get more connected. So I found out that there is such thing as “Grounding” or “Earthing.” Clearly this concept has been around for a while so I apologize for being late in the game… but if you’re with me and didn’t realize that Grounding is an actual practice then read further!

Grounding is the concept of standing barefoot on the ground outside. It is known to balance us out as negative ions from the earth’s surface enter into our body and discharge the free radicals we pick up from our daily routine. Basically, it’s like plugging into the source, where the earth’s magic comes in and wipe away ions containing disease, aging and inflammation.

In Baptiste yoga, we emphasize grounding down to lift up. Feeling all four corners of your feet on the mat, connecting into the energy of the earth, it’s powerful to focus on that in your practice. Another concept of grounding that is powerful when mindful.

Just writing this post makes me want to go run around barefoot… how about you?

 

 

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the high priestess

Woah.. did the universe flex its muscles this week. Or, for the past month or so for that matter…

I have been patiently pulling from The Wild Unknown tarot card deck for about a year now. I purchased the cards and booklet when I was in Australia three (ugh, yes, three) years ago. I played with them here and there, but really started diving deep this past year. Sometimes I would pull some scary cards and not want to believe it. I mean, pulling the death card isn’t the most comforting card…but I sometimes took it too literally or even applied it to the wrong thing, which I then focused my energy on and stressed over too much.

So I have had a pattern of pulling the high priestess card, almost always the third card. I believe the cards represent past, present and future. So with this being a future card, what could it possibly mean for me?

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Upon reading the card’s message, and some more online, it is simply the truth that is for me. From what I understand, the card is asking me to sit with myself, even in the dark places that I hide from, and learn to trust the inner voice. Just looking at this strong, ever so sure tiger tells me to be strong with myself and trust my inner knowing.

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That being said, some doors have been shut. I was too afraid to let go of some things, not listening to the voice within. I was also making myself miserable by choosing to be emotionally invested. So the Universe pulled some strings, whether I wanted it that way or not.

This may sound vague, only because I am still processing, but I will share more soon. What I do know is that I will come back stronger and rise above anything I do not believe in. This has been a powerful lesson.

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take time to tune in and listen to the voice within. trust.

I am ready for new beginnings. I believe that closing these doors will very soon lead to the opening of a beautiful landscape in my life. Aspen is such a beautiful place for me on my journey, always reminding me that there is no end goal, but just to live the journey of life.

And if I’ve learned anything recently… nobody knows the right way to live life. Advice is always helpful, but know that YOU know your own way. Be strong, and trust that the Universe will always guide you home.

 

natural healers

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[aaaand that’s not me]

It’s that time of year where gym memberships increase, the yoga studio is extra packed, and you’ll most likely spot someone downing a  cold pressed green juice (probably the only thing they’re drinking for a few days…yuck!)

Let me say, that I’ve tried the juice cleanses, the two week detoxes and even tried to cut dairy and gluten. All attempts were a total bust…for me at least. I just sat there craving everything I couldn’t have, and then would end up binge eating a jar of peanut butter. Instead, I’ve found it helpful to add natural healing ingredients to my daily routine, making me feel more refreshed and energized.

Below is a list of my top 5 favorite detox ingredients. I find these helpful in addition to a healthy diet, and less guilt with those meals I like to indulge in once in a while!

  • turmeric 
    • Turmeric is known as a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be used for all sorts of things, from cooking to beauty products. I like to use fresh turmeric juice and mix it with lemon water. This drink helps with digestion and eases inflammation as well.
    • There are also turmeric supplements, for those of you who don’t have turmeric shots at your local juice bar.
    • Learn more about the variety of health benefits of turmeric here.
  • charcoal
    • I’ve blogged about the healing power of charcoal here, and still stand by it. There are charcoal supplements to take, but I recommend Dirty Lemon Detox for a short term cleanse to reset after holiday eating and drinking. Charcoal is known to strip toxins from the inside, helping cleanse your body and leave you feeling refreshed.

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[image from dirtylemon.com]

  • lemons
    • Lemons are also a great addition to your morning routine. I like to have a tall glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon in the morning, helping get my system started for the day.
  • ginger
    • Ginger is another powerful root that I like to incorporate, especially if I’m feeling a cold coming on. I like to get a shot of fresh ginger with a little cayenne pepper. If I already have a cold, this fiery shot helps relieve sinus pressure instantly!
  • water!
    • Need I say more? Water is the most important cleanser for the body. Make sure to drink the appropriate amount of water in accordance with your body weight! Water keeps your digestive system moving, your skin from drying, and also suppresses hunger.

*you can also follow my clean living board on Pinterest for other tips that I’ve found!

xx