Take a brisk walk in nature while contemplating what next step you can take.

A full two months has passed since my last blog post and I want to apologize for the hiatus. A lot of wonderful opportunities have come into my life over the past two months, one of which brought me to travel unexpectedly and others of which have caused me to reprioritize. Each of these opportunities were eagerly welcomed though, since they were all invited into my life by me earlier this year in my goal and intention setting.

Speaking of which, I wanted to reinvigorate each of you to connect to your original goals and intentions set forth for 2010 and to evaluate any breakthroughs or obstacles you’ve already experienced. What better day to embark on this than March 4th. Why March 4th you might ask? Well, one of my favorite days happens to be March 4th because within its very title it has the essence of powerful, deliberate action…get it?…March Forth!

March Forth has been one of my favorite little celebrations for several years now. I don’t recall where I first put “two and two together” but for a while now I’ve been using it as a perfect time to reconnect with the goals I set for myself two months prior on New Year’s, to beckon the energy of Spring closer (now only about two weeks away) and to ramp up my motivation, ambition and initiative. I remember leading a yoga class a couple of years ago on March fourth in which I instructed powerful poses like Warrior II and III as ways to embody the March Forth energy.

Whether doing strengthening yoga poses, courageously confronting an issue, or expectantly visualizing the change you desire, I encourage all of you to enjoy the energy of March 4th and to March Forth confidently in the direction of your dreams!

In Balance,
Jenica

Happy New Year! What new experiences do you want to have in 2010?

Today is not only the start of a new year but also a new decade and one that fell on a full blue moon eclipse, so it seems like a particularly powerful and auspicious time to think about the life you want to create in the next one to 10 years.  One of the best ways to do this is by listing your goals – the one’s closest to your heart so I’ve provided some tips to help you do just that:

Goals work best when they are SMART.

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. You won’t be able to chart your achievement if your goal is too vague, too big for you to believe is possible, or has no timeline attached to it. For more information on setting SMART goals visit the online goal setting guide.

Goals can be more tangible when they are made visible.

Many people are visual learners and it is known that the most predominant sense used by humans is the sense of sight. It follows that when setting goals it can help to provide a visual representation of what you are hoping to accomplish. One very effective way is by creating a vision board, whereby you take cuttings from magazines, postcards, and other visual print, that correspond with specific goals you have (like a picture of a light airy kitchen that looks like the one you want to create in your renovation, or a picture of a person painting if you hope to take up the art). Visit selfgrowth.com for more information.

Goals and affirmations work hand in hand.

Affirmations are proven to assist in bringing about change when used consistently and with conviction. As you create your list of goals consider creating corresponding affirmations that you can say to yourself to help you move towards them as the year progresses. Or try creating a more general affirmation that can encompass several goals into one. In the case of the person with the vision board above they might say “I appreciate and love myself, my surrounding environment and my loved ones. I let my creativity shine. I love my life.” Whatever you decide on, repeat it to yourself daily at a prescribed time and anytime anxieties and doubts overshadow your belief momentarily.

Wishing you a healthy, joyous and prosperous 2010!

Jenica

Balance your emotions naturally this holiday with flower essences.

Just as the holidays can be a time of fun and festivity they can also make us feel overwhelmed or even melancholy on occasion. The Bach Flower Remedies (a system of 38 flower essences that have been used in over 65 countries for 60 years) can help balance the emotions naturally and fend off feelings such as sadness, anxiety, confusion and fatigue. They can be used by people of all ages, as well as animals, and have no contraindications. They can be purchased at health food stores and taken directly on the tongue or in a glass of water or tea. Read on for some suggestions on which remedies might be particularly helpful for yourself, family or friends this holiday season.

Elm – For Feelings of Overwhelm

Elm is particularly helpful when you feel overwhelmed by responsibility. You’ve got a holiday dinner to serve and you’re running an hour late, you want to make it to your child’s recital but also have a holiday promo to write for work, or you have three term papers due before you leave for holiday break.  If these scenarios sound familiar you could really use some Elm!

Olive – For Feelings of Exhaustion or Fatigue

Olive can be useful whether you’ve been pulling all-nighters for a month or for today only you had to wake up at 3 am to pick your sister up from the airport and couldn’t fit in a nap. The Bach Flower Remedy Olive is a great energizing alternative to coffee or tea, which often cause energy levels to jolt and then crash which can put a strain on your adrenals.

Beech – For Feelings of Intolerance or Annoyance

The holidays are a time we typically see more of our extended family than usual which can present a challenge! Often family members trigger things for us which can be unnerving.  If you know you’ll be connecting with folks that have mannerisms or attributes that grate on you, but for whom you want to respond to compassionately, try Beech.

Honeysuckle – For Feelings of Nostalgia

If you or a loved one has recently moved, lost someone, or just won’t be with family or friends this holiday season, Honeysuckle may be a helpful remedy. Honeysuckle is indicated for those that aren’t fully present because they are constantly reflecting back to other places and people from times gone past.  This may happen by default during a viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life. 

Rescue Remedy – The Old Standby

Rescue Remedy is the only blend of flower remedies in the system.  It was created by Dr. Bach, the founder, to provide relief during times of emergency, which is open for interpretation and can be anything from being on a plane preparing for takeoff, to getting a crown worked on, to overdrawing the checking account. For our furry friends an emergency can be getting left with a pet sitter or even going to the groomers.

If you’d like more specific information on the remedies or are interested in a custom blend send me an email and we’ll chat.

Wishing a very happy holiday to you and yours!

In balance,

Jenica

Gear up for cold weather by making kindling bundles.

Go for an autumn walk and collect pine cones, pine needles and crisp autumn leaves.  Wrap your finds in newspaper or used tissue paper and tie the ends with twine. If you’re so inclined, write wishes or affirmations on the paper before wrapping the bundles and focus on these goals when you burn them.

Pumpkins and squash are delicious, healthy and in abundance this time of year.

Eat up the orange and red.

Pumpkins, butternut squash, apples and other fall crops are high in fiber and nutrient dense.  Try mixing them in a pureed soup with curry, coconut milk and veggie or chicken broth.  Or steam and combine them in a pie seasoned with cinnamon and topped with candied walnuts. Mmmm…

Clear clutter as you shift your wardrobe.

It’s time to move scarves, coats and hats to the forefront and move summer attire to the back. Why not take a couple hours to toss anything you didn’t wear this summer in a pile that you can then donate to a local shelter or sell at a consignment clothing store.  Even more fun would be to organize a clothing exchange with your friends.

Make an immune boosting tea to keep colds and flu at bay.

Astragalus is my favorite immune-enhancing herb and works wonders in keeping me healthy during the fall and winter seasons.  Consider making a tea of your favorite herbs that aid the immune system (Echinacea, Goldenseal, Rose Hips) and mix with rooiboos or green tea.  (It’s important to talk to a trusted health professional before taking herbs or supplements).

Attend a cider pressing or mull some store-bought.

If you live in an area where there’s an apple harvest see if there’s a cider pressing you can take part in.  If there aren’t apples in your neck of the woods, purchase some good store bought cider and some mulling spices and let them simmer stovetop to fill your home with a sweet, spicy aroma. A few sips is sure to take a cold edge off.

Enjoy this harvest season,

Jenica

I have always loved these delicious treats but thought they were too involved, expensive or decadent to try, but this time I got resourceful.  First off, I did not have a double boiler which is the suggested tool used for melting chocolate.  So I went down to the Goodwill and was able to find two saucepans for $1; they didn’t match but they could easily stack.  I went to the co-op and picked up some fresh organic berries that were on sale, along with some unbleached wax paper (all for $8) and decided not to purchase any chocolate since I had remembered I had a solid dark chocolate Easter bunny my mom had sent me that I had never eaten.

Back in my kitchen I washed all the berries and laid them on a dish towel to dry.  I also laid out a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet on the counter next to the stove.  Next, I filled the bottom quarter of one of the saucepans with water and turned the heat on to medium.  I placed the other saucepan on top of it and began cutting the chocolate into smallish chunks and placing them into the top saucepan.  In no time the chocolate began to melt and I had the gooey pleasure of dunking each of the berries into the fondue until they were sufficiently covered with chocolate, and then delicately placing them on the wax paper.  Once all the berries had been dunked and set on the wax paper, I put them in the fridge to chill.  Easy!

Though they seem so indulgent there is really just about one Hershey’s kiss worth of chocolate on each berry and just one or two berries is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth (particularly if you use good dark chocolate).  I had so much fun making these seasonal, delicious treats that I had to share.

Hope you find new ways to create, indulge and enjoy this summer.

All the best,

Jenica

My intention for this blog is for it to be a source of information and inspiration, so check back often for a dose of good energy and food for thought.  We’ll cover topics including but not limited to yoga, meditation, flower essences, reiki, spirituality, seasonal cycles, holistic health for people and animals, supplements, healthy eating, recipes and cooking, nature, gardening, conservation and more. If you’d like to be reminded when I post a blog, just subscribe in the upper right hand corner.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Summer Solstice.  The longest day of the year is an opportunity to give thanks to the Sun and all the warmth and sustenance it provides us with.

I also want to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day and to thank fathers everywhere for the role they have in our lives.

Today is a fitting day for celebration in many ways.  As you enjoy family, friends, food, fun, music, nature, or any combination of these, think of the joy these simple pleasures give you.

The power of joy and gratitude is immense; powerful enough to move mountains (and create balance).  So enjoy your day to the fullest!