Saturday, May 8, 2010

Day 5: PanchaKarma - Ayurvedic Cleanse

Another good day... I have definitely noticed that my daily head-space as been much more easy going and happy lately. At work we are putting together an amazing deck to pitch our services to a new prospective client - it's been really cool to see how the process works and to be a part of such a creative and talented team.

Also up in LA I spoke more with Tilo's (the woman I work for) daughter about her music career and what elements she needs to get her band out there playing shows. I'll be quasi-managing her this year and I'm hoping to team her up with a few musician friends. She is amazingly talented, focused and driven - and she's only 21!

I stuck to my diet - had my lunch all made ahead of time - and dinner ready-to-go when I got home. One puff off the vaporizer and then I did some yoga and settled down to watch Battlestar Galactica with Peter and Iggy.

Pretty much an all-around good day... (oh I did cheat and have a bite of chocolate after dinner;)

Tomorrow I start the massage part of the cleanse!!! Excited...

Friday, May 7, 2010

Day 4: PanchaKarma - Ayurvedic Cleanse

























Today I was a good girl and ate all the correct food for my cleanse -and man am I starting to enjoy the wonderful effects of a fiber-filled diet - if ya know what I mean ;)

I took a long walk with Iggy during the day since he was biting at my toes and my head was about to explode from the computer screen. I keep having this recurring day dream which brings back to mind the 'initiative' I created in my Wisdom Course last year... My initiative was that I was a 'dream weaver' - that my job was to help others make their dreams come true. From that initiative my Wisdom Buddy, Melissa and I came up with a business idea which did exactly that - coached people in a powerful way to help them produce their dreams. Over the past year I keep expanding on it and I really feel like my role would also be to connect creative people who lack capital up with investors. As it stands I know plenty of creative people without capital - and only a few with the extra money to invest. So that's what I'm going to put out there -- my initiative is to coach talented people towards their dreams and to connect them to financially abundant, conscious people who want to make a difference in their community or in the world. --If anyone would like to coach me in how I might go forward with this idea - I'm all ears...

Part of the concept behind doing this cleanse and 'preparing' for my upcoming marriage this way is to really step into my own power, my true 'adult as possibility' self. So I see this cleanse helping me flush away blockages that limit me in life and I see my commitment to Peter as the rock that I can build upon. I'm ready to take the leap...

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Day 3: PanchaKarma - Ayurvedic cleanse

Today I started the morning very well -- my morning shot of ghee (clarified butter), plain oatmeal with goji berries and ghee and a cup of white tea. Then I had a work meeting at Old Vine Cafe and I slipped a bit... I was good and ordered their vegan quinoa dish but couldn't resit the mozzarella appetizers... yum!!! Okay since I was already cheating I went ahead and had a half glass of white wine and a teeny tiny little pecan tartlet. I'm pretty certain neither of those items were going to balance my Dosha but I figure I can have a little fun until Saturday when the massages and enemas begin...

For dinner I made amends and was back to steamed veggies, mung beans, basmati rice and some raw veg with goddess dressing for dip. I ate it with my specially formulated tea and with lotsa ghee!

I am getting very excited for Saturday when the real cleanse begins. The 2 hour oil massages sound simply amazing. After such a relaxing weekend at Sagewater Spa for my Bachelorette weekend - I feel so much calmer and happier - I can't wait to experience the delight of 5 days full of intense massage. Will anyone recognize me after?

I am doing a mini-PanchaKarma but the normal ones go for 7 days and you have 2 people massaging you every day -- just think about that for a moment... It's hard to imagine for those of us who have a hard time taking time out for ourselves but it sounds very, very nice!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Day 2: PanchaKarma - Ayurvedic Cleanse

Today I woke up and immediately drank a tsp of warm ghee then swished around some sesame oil in my mouth (a little trick Vijaya taught me to help with receding gums). Next I ate some plain oatmeal with ghee, coconut milk, agave nectar (raw) and goji berries. I am a avid tea drinker usually - so for the cleanse I've cut back to a white tea blend. So in the morning I have my tea after a little bit of food - since Vijaya said I was getting a bit dried out inside from bitter tea first thing in the morning every day.

For lunch I blended a bit of tasty green drink (powder of fruits and veggies) with coconut milk, coconut water, pomegranate juice and fresh mint. Then I mixed up my mung beans and rice from the night before with some lettuce and goddess dressing (that's probably cheating ;).

Since the food I'm eating isn't very heavy I end up being hungry at odd times of the day and graze more then eat the usual 3 meals. At around 4pm I had another bowl of mung beans and rice then took a long walk with Peter and Iggy (our chihuahua).

For dinner I made some new mung beans and rice and steamed some veggies. This round was not very satisfying so I ate a little more a couple of hours later. My tummy felt a little funky from all the mung beans - they are a pretty thick little bean and even after simmering for an hour they still have a little raw texture to them. [side note: apparently I bought the wrong type of Mung beans - I need Yellow Split Mung Beans... and need to stop by an Indian market for those] Usually if you do the complete PanchaKarma Vijaya will make all your Kitcheri for you. I am doing a mini-PanchaKarma and the meals aren't included but I can see how that really is the way to go. Not only does it make sense when you're busy to have someone else make your food for you but it takes out the guess work, tracking down the ingredients then cooking them well. Luckily for the first 5 days I can eat more then just Kitcheri - phew...


Find out more about Ayurvedic cleanses at http://livingrasa.com/

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Day 1: PanchaKarma - Ayurvedic Cleanse

Yesterday begins my 15 day journey through PanchaKarma with Vijaya from http://livingrasa.com/.

The following are some of the benefits of Panchakarma:

  1. Cleanses the whole body of toxins and restores balance.
  2. Strengthens the immune system, thus improving resistance to illnesses.
  3. It reverses the effects of stress and aging in mind and body.
  4. It enhances our strength, energy and vitality, as well as mental clarity and alertness.
  5. It helps the body to heal itself, thus reducing dependency on herbs and medicines.
  6. Helps one to make positive and beneficial lifestyle changes.

I am starting with a change of diet that is based around balancing my main dosha or constitution (which is Pitta) and easing my digestion.

What is Pitta:

Pitta is said to be composed of fire and water; it governs "all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong." Pitta must be kept in balance, too. "Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair.". A balanced Pitta mind makes one a good leader with a warm personality.

My first day was mostly spent gathering the items I'd be eating for the next week: ghee, mung beans, basmati rice, oatmeal, veggies to steam, coconut water, pomegranate juice, green drink, fennel seeds, cilantro, mint and goji berries. I'm sticking to simple foods, foods that balance my Dosha and the basic "kitcheri" diet of the cleanse (lotsa mung beans and rice).

Also I am drinking a mix of herbs concocted by Vijaya that were put together specifically for my Dosha-imbalances.

doshas vata pitta  kaphaIn ayurveda there are 3 main doshas (medical humours), which are Vata (resembles the classical element air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water).All bodily processes are believed to be governed by a balance of the 3 doshas. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.Often a person is a dual dosha (e.g. Vata/Pitta) or even Tridosha (all three doshas).

One of the ways Pittas experience imbalance is in their mood - feeling grumpy or spent - since Pittas naturally gravitate toward "doing" stuff the breakdown lies in not "being" enough. I started drinking this herbal tea a month ago and have already felt a difference in my state of mind. I had been feeling like I was running on empty. I felt depleted, unappreciated and sometimes depressed. Ever since I started taking the herb tea Vijaya made for me, I have watched a lot of that bitterness fall from my way of being. I've taken more time for myself and have stopped expecting such a high level of performance out of every minute of the day. Just being given permission to calm down - made all the difference in the world...

Such A Sweet Deal

Spring is in the air and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about that special gift for the woman who brought you into this beautiful world. As a mother myself there is no sweeter day to celebrate the miracle of motherhood. In my household we refer to Mother’s Day as my birthday. You might wonder why since obviously this is not the day I was physically born, but to me becoming a mother represents the day my purpose in life was born.

Motherhood is no easy task. Aside from all the day to day responsibilities of raising a child there is one thing that makes this job the hardest in the world….the burden of love. I used to think of this phrase “burden of love” as a negative thing. How could they use a word like burden to refer to such an amazing gift, but then I had my own child and I quickly came to understand.

The burden itself is the sleepless nights that for me didn’t stop at that point where my baby began to sleep through the night. After 10 years, I still find myself resting my hand on my child’s chest while she sleeps to make sure there is a rise and fall of safe breathing. The burden is sending your child to school and accepting the fact that you can not have eyes on them at every waking moment. The burden is having a child with a tiny little cough and stuffy nose and feeling like it’s the end of the world, calling the nurses hotline at 4am, panicking over nothing, and maybe, just maybe, over doing it with warm blankies, teddy bears, checking temperatures every 20 minutes, and trying to concoct the perfect homemade remedies from random goods in your kitchen.

The list of “burdens” go on and on. The important thing to keep in mind here is that the burden itself is not your child, it’s the overwhelming amount of unnecessary stress that we as mothers put upon ourselves simply because the love that we have for our children is the most intensely consuming emotion we could ever experience. This is a burden I am grateful to have. This is why Mother’s Day is the most important day of the year for me and for so many millions of mothers across the globe.

When we think about all the sacrifices our mothers have made to ensure we have a happy healthy existence, it’s hard to imagine how we could possibly show our gratitude in just one day and with just one gift. That is why I would like to share with you a very special offer that will not only impress mom, but you can make her gift something that will serve as a daily reminder of just how much you appreciate her lovingly neurotic approach to giving you a memorably fulfilling life.

Right now ProFlowers, Red Envelope, Shari’s Berries and Cherry Moon Farms are offering a very exciting opportunity to our non-profit “shopanthropists”. With every transaction made when you purchase from these four sites, $10 dollars will be earmarked for your favorite non-profit. Isn’t that incredible? You could buy something for $5 or $50….no matter what….they will donate $10!!

Your mother would be so proud of you for making such a generous purchase. There are tons of great gifts for mom from all four retailers. I would love to share some of my favorite picks with you. Each item is a beautiful and thoughtful gift, perfect for reflecting your sentiments towards mom.

redenvelope

bragbook

Mom will LOVE this digital brag book which sports a 3 ½” LCD screen and stores up to 2,000 photos! This item usually sells for $119.95 but if you hurry you can purchase it for $79.99

familypearls

All women love jewelry but this stacking ring set is particularly special. It is beautifully crafted from sterling silver & set with cultured freshwater pearls to represent family. Price starts at $39.95. Buy the set of 3 rings for smaller families or the set of 5 rings for larger broods.

motherslovevase

Your mother helped you blossom, so thank her with this elegant vase to display those grand bouquets that you love to randomly surprise her with. Delicately etched with the words “A Mothers Love Is Always In Bloom”. This vase goes for $49.95

appetizerservingset

Moms love to entertain, it’s just another excuse for us take care of the people we love. Here is a simply chic serving tray for a variety of appetizers that is sure to please any palette. This fancy entertaining accessory is only $69.95

silkpajamsfromredenvelope

Let’s not forget that mom works very hard to stay beautiful every day. It’s not easy having the weight of the world on your shoulders and still finding the time keep in good physical health. At the end of the day it would be such a blessing to have something truly luxurious to slip into, something that makes her feel like royalty when she finally rests her head at night. Made of silk and adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, these fabulous pajamas come in their very own silk travel pouch that can be embroidered with a personal message up to 20 characters in length. Its $99.95 well spent.

proflowers

azaleabonsai

Flowers are a basic and simple staple to make any woman smile, but this Azalea Bonsai plant is very special for two reasons. 1. Azaleas are gorgeously vibrant when in bloom. 2. Any potted plant, especially a bonsai will last for years, which is far better than a cut bouquet which will whither in a weeks time.

mombouquet

This beautiful spring colored bunch of mixed flowers comes with a copy of the book “Chicken Soup For The Soul: A Tribute To Moms”. Perfect? Yes!

pottedheather

The Heather plant is a very romantic and unique plant. A plant of Scottish origin, it boasts a pinkish purple hue. Both the plant and the colors are therapeutic. Again, a potted plant is a gift that keeps on giving. In its rustic wooden box it’s an aesthetically pleasing companion to a bubble bath.

fruitclub

ProFlowers has MUCH more than just flowers. Here is a truly unique gift that will have moms mouth watering for the whole year. Fruit is not only good for you, but it’s a deliciously guilt-free treat. Purchase this “Harvest Deluxe” fruit club for 12 months of free weekday delivery directly to your doorstep, and enjoy a variety of fresh seasonal fruits.

sharisberries

pinkribbonchocolates

Every woman will love this Pink Ribbon chocolate collection. Not only is it filled with flawlessly handcrafted & delectable chocolate covered strawberries, but it supports a cause that every woman in the world stands behind. Mom will be very impressed with this one. Purchase this delicious dozen for $34.98 and 10% of your sale will be contributed to the Susan G. Komen for the cure foundation.

sugarfreeberries

For those ladies who are trying to watch their weight or perhaps have special dietary needs there is no need to panic. Shari’s Berries has a great selection of sugar-free berries, like this one for only $49.97. They have all the flavor and none of the sugar!!

wineset

You will find a fabulous variety of gifts through Shari’s Berries that are not just limited to berries. This gift basket is chock full of goodies for a romantic night at home or creating the perfect girls night. The price is fabulous too – $59.99

peanutbutterberries

You have got to be kidding me! Chocolate and peanut butter covered strawberries? These look so insanely tasty that I am finding it hard to continue typing at the moment. If somebody gave this to me as a gift I think I would go weak in the knees. You will have to spend $24.99 for this treat but something tells me the joy it will deliver is priceless.

cherrymoonfarms

10reasonsbox

The Reasons I love Mom Truffle Box. There are countless reasons to love mom but this mothers day start by telling her 10. Each box contains a heartwarming message on the outside and 2 delicious truffles on the inside, for only $29.99. This gift also comes in sugar-free!

frenchpressgift

Most moms really need the help of a pick me up to get their engines running each morning. For myself, I couldn’t possibly get through the day without at least 3 cups of coffee. Mom will love this gift box filled with delicious coffee, a variety of snacks and goodies, and a French press with coffee scoop for perfect measuring. A cup of coffee made through the French press method delivers the most satisfying flavor possible, the way a cup of coffee was intended to taste. This gift is neatly packaged in a keepsake faux suede photo box, so mom can have a place to safely store her precious memories. At $44.99 this gift is a steal.

gardentote

The garden tote for mom. This is a neat little collection of tea, cookies, seeds and garden tools. At the end of a hard days work in the garden mom can relax with a soothing cup of English Breakfast black tea and butter toffee shortbread cookies. Each tote costs $44.99

winecountrypicnic

One thing women love is a simple picnic on a beautiful spring day. This Wine Country Picnic set is perfect for a relaxing day at the park. Each set comes complete with: Kenwood red table wine, beef salami, toasted herbed almonds, camembert cheese, chocolate biscotti, toasted sesame crackers, Napa Valley mustard, wood cheese board, and cheese spreader in a complimentary wood box. This is a fantastic deal at $39.99!!

It’s hard to draw the line by showing you only a few of the amazing items from each retailer, but if this isn’t enough to tantalize you then I don’t know what is. However, I assure you that your mother will love any one of these indulgent gifts. Take a look for yourself and see what you can find. Most importantly keep in mind that with each transaction, no matter how big or small, you will help the non-profit you support by donating $10 dollars. Don’t be afraid to mention that contribution to mom when you hand her your gift. She will just glow with pride for having raised such a selfless and devoted child.