You know those people that you just can’t wait until they come out with their next product or service? Well, Goddess Leonie is one of those people for me. She is an amazing soul and I’m so excited to join her first year-long Goddess Circle Membership. She’s one of the many people who inspire me and I’m just sharing this info in case you feel called to embrace and transform your Goddess qualities too. I believe in her products and services so highly that I have joined her affiliate program.

Click here to find out more information – it all starts in 3 days – maybe I’ll see you in the circle .

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

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2 Key Points:

~ CREATE your dish mindfully by taking the time to prepare it with love.

~ EAT your dish mindfully by taking the time to savor every bite by eating slowly, being grateful for being able to prepare and eat such nurturing food.

Here it is. Enjoy!

In a bowl combine:

• brown rice
• 1 or 1/2 avocado cut up
• grape tomatoes cut up
• chopped cilantro
• black beans
• salsa

Mix it up and mindfully enjoy!

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

image by Catchpenny

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I love this article by my friend Charlon Bobo so I’m sharing. Enjoy!

Gina

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image by puggiemomma

We women have a bad habit of convincing ourselves that only when someone else deems us smart enough, savvy enough, or strong enough for the big time can we then set the wheels of success in motion. If this sounds familiar, stop selling yourself short! It’s your opinion of yourself that matters. The sooner you come to this realization, the sooner you’ll succeed.

~Victoria Colligan, Founder of Ladies Who Launch

Okay, so now that you have read this statement, ask yourself: Is this I?

If you know you’re smart, savvy and strong enough in business, but the results you see aren’t as dramatic as you like, something subtle and subconscious might be at work, disallowing a full-flow of optimum outcomes.

Yes, you’ve taken all the appropriate actions, but maybe you haven’t really given yourself permission to thrive. In this case, all the right actions in the world will not materialize as sensational results. This is the perfect time to breeze through any subconscious blocks and actually give yourself permission to succeed.

Right now, do these two things:
1.  Have a little sit-down with yourself. Talk to yourself as tenderly as you would a child and verbally give permission to realize all your dreams. Your inner little person will be delighted to hear these words!

2.  Take a piece of paper and handwrite your own permission slip. This is the ultimate, Universally-authorized note that will open a pandora’s box of manifestations like never before. This should be a light-hearted and fun, but purposeful activity. Write PERMISSION SLIP in bold letters. Be as artistic and creative as you like. Be as detailed as possible. Sign it with your full signature. Place your permission slip in a prominent location, where it’s in your periphery every day.

Your mind won’t be threatened or create any resistance because it doesn’t perceive this play as serious. Your innocuous, playful actions bypass your left brain’s usual heightened awareness for things it considers a threat. (It reacts strongly to change of any kind, creating blocks and barriers to progress.) And by the time it realizes you have circumvented its usual involvement, you have already made huge strides toward permanent, lasting change.

Making something fun or humorous that’s painful or frustrating can successfully move you into a fresh, new space and position you for impressive results. Granting yourself permission to succeed may be the biggest gift you ever give yourself!

About the Author: Charlon Bobo is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor, online marketer and best-selling author. Affectionately known as the ‘conscious entrepreneur’ Charlon develops high-impact marketing materials for conscious business owners and empowers women worldwide with her acclaimed 1-on-1 coaching service, Stand In Your Power®. See more at EditCopyProof.com and charlonbobo.com

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Enjoy!

Gina

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Colours For Summer Health

by Janet Gomez

Recently I had the opportunity to hear clear scientific evidence about the health benefits for being a vegetarian from a vegetarian nutritional scientist, Dr Annika Waldmann from the University of Luebeck. The benefits include low rates of obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes and many cancers. Dr Waldmann also left us some valuable pieces of advice to maintain a balanced diet as a vegetarian to ensure we enjoy the health benefits.

In the summer it’s much easier to eat healthy food. We tend to eat lighter meals especially more salads and fruits and it’s a good opportunity to add more wholefoods  to your diet since they are plentiful and in season.

So, let me share with you one of my favourite tips from her presentations to help you maintain balance and beauty this summer.

See red, yellow and green daily!

Green vegetables are important, especially leafy vegetables, because they are filled with minerals including magnesium, excellent if you need to relieve sore and tense muscles after an energetic morning/afternoon of gardening or an intense period of any other sport this summer. What’s more they contain the bitter taste, known in Ayurveda to enhance detox work in the body.

However, while it’s great to have lots of green leafy vegetables, it’s lovely to enjoy the colour that summer offers.  A plethora of vitamins and minerals, and especially phytochemicals which serve as colouring agents and antibodies, regulate growing, and provide protection, are also easily accessibl.

Make the most of the variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables available to you locally this summer. Each day look out for the traffic light

STOP to include Red from, for example cranberries, raspberries, red onions, red potatoes, red radishes, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, grapes, peppers and apples .

WAIT and add Yellow from citrus fruits and juices, onions, apples, carrots, sweet potato, cantaloupe, apricots, papayas, peaches, oranges, corn, tangerines and nectarines.

GO straight for Green with, for example spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli , celery, lettuce, parsley, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, hot peppers, thyme, chives, leeks and shallots.

Ayurveda Action: Steam or stir-fry summer vegetables with cumin, coriander and fennel (and fresh ginger if you have a predominance of Vata or Kapha). Add a dash of lemon juice and olive oil (predominance of Pitta or Vata) at the table for a tasty side dish  on a summer day.

About the Author: Janet Gomez, nutritional consultant, produces the “Nutri-Jyoti News”, a free bi-monthly e-newsletter for busy professionals. Feel ready to learn how to use nutritional strategies to manage your energy levels? Then sign up for her FREE e-course “5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life” on the Nutri-Jyoti home page now

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I went outside for a walk and heard a bark. I looked up and I saw her dog. She was laying in the same type of bay window where she always used to lay and look outside. I was so happy to see her. I shouted hello to her and then shortly after that, I woke up.

I laid in bed, thinking about my friends – thinking about how hard it’s been for them losing their first dog they shared together. I thought of how it must have been for them the day they brought her to the vet. I’ve been through it and know.

Then the feelings came pouring through. I was brought back to that day that my husband and I had to make that decision with our first dog, Weezy.

Did we do the right thing? Was it the right time? Did we make that decision too soon?

Flash forward to that day at the vets. My regular vet was hours away at his daughter’s wedding so we were at a different vet’s office, with a vet who was a stranger, in a strange room.

In that room we made the decision that is was time. As soon as we made it, Weezy stood up like she knew. It seemed as if she was saying, ‘get me out of here!’ My heart went up into my throat and tears could not stop streaming down. Then my husband grabbed her and gently pulled her into his lap. She struggled for a few seconds and then she totally relaxed and was calm as he stroked her head and said all is ok.

She surrendered…………..

Not in the giving up way, but in the way of acceptance.………of accepting what is and she seemed totally at peace. She also knew it was time.

I just realized this morning after more than 5 years, I am still receiving lessons from this dog…………so amazing………they are such great teachers.

But as I laid in bed, I still felt the emptiness in the center of my chest, the tightness and the gushing feelings of not knowing if I did the right thing. So I put all my attention into my body in this area. I felt this emptiness and just let it be. I did this until the feeling expanded out and did not have hold of me anymore.

I miss you, Weezy. A part of you will always be with me in my heart.

I guess I still had feelings left over from this event that had to be integrated………………or maybe I just needed one last good cry……………

Gina

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Enjoy!

Gina

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It’s time to emerge from under your safety net and discover, or re-discover, what you have to share with the world and bring your succulent dream into view.

I totally understand how it’s way more comfortable to stay where you are. Because for you to make a move, and emerge from that comfortable situation you are in, you will face challenges, uncertainty, risks and let’s not forget about the tumultuous emotions that will surface (the mind and ego are excellent at having these show up!).

So what feels right for you? I invite you to check in and feel the emotions when you think of certain aspects of emerging (or not emerging):

1. When you think of staying in your current situation, how does that feel?
2. When you think of what ignites you and fuels your passion, how does that feel?
3. When you think of having regrets for not doing what you are meant to do, how does that feel?
4. When you don’t move forward on what YOU really want, how does that feel?
5. When you envision living your dream life, how does that feel?

The questions above are just starting points to begin to dive deep within your true Being in order to realize if you are truly happy or not. You may realize that where you’re at right now is perfect and you do not need to emerge any further. Or you may realize that, whoa…., I really need to take a step back and see what tiny steps I can take now to really emerge and start living the life I really yearn for.

We all have choices. And the areas to emerge vary for each person. You may want to emerge as an expert in your field. You may want to emerge as a deep listener to your children and family. You may want to emerge as a devoted volunteer for animal rights. You may want to emerge as the most heartfelt communicator in your relationships.

Whatever the area is that you feel called to emerge into, isn’t it worth it to take the chance? Do you think your life will be more or less fulfilled if you choose not to emerge?

Share thoughts and comments below.

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

P.S. I’m interviewing Dr. Susan Biali, M.D., author of Live A Life You Love on July 21st and would love for you to join us on this complimentary call. You will also receive a recording of the call if you register. More info Here.

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Usually throughout our day we tend to breathe ‘shallow’ and too high in our chest area. This is not how we are meant to breathe. Everyday stress tends to lead us to breathe this way. We tighten up in our shoulder and neck area and this can constrict our breathing.

If you’re feel like you’re lacking energy, stop and notice your breathing.

Here’s a tip:

• Imagine a string pulling the crown of your head up to the ceiling so you are sitting tall with your neck elongated.

• Place your hands on your belly.

• Inhale and feel the breath enter deep within your belly by noticing your hands expand out with your stomach as you fill your entire lung area.

• Exhale and feel your hands move toward your body as you release your breath from your belly and empty out all the air from your lungs.

• Repeat 2 more times and notice how you feel.

• When you have more time, diffuse some essential oils into the air via a diffuser and enjoy breathing even more!

How’s your energy level now?

Practice this daily - it takes less than 2 minutes - and your entire mind and body will benefit!

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

image by Maitreya7 via photobucket

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I’ve put this into practice for a few years now, but still catch myself every now and then feeling the need to explain. With awareness and practice, you will be able to catch yourself explaining, and then the more you do that, the more you will stop explaining yourself and your decisions to others.

As Christine says below in her article: Playing Big means being clear, and making decisions from your soul.  And, by the way, your soul doesn’t feel the need to explain anything!

Hope you enjoy!

Gina

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6 Irresistible Reasons to Stop Explaining Yourself
by Christine Kane

Rita’s parents didn’t approve of her choice to get a new kitten. Rita was expecting a long letter from them filled with judgments about her irresponsibility. As she waited for that letter, she was figuring out what she would write back.

———–

Sylvia, one of my Platinum-level coaching clients, just bought her dream house. She avoided telling her father about it for fear that he would judge her, call her irresponsible and proceed to describe her imminent demise. She finally did tell her father. On our call, she told me that she was waiting for his reaction gearing up to explain her choice to him.

———–

Now, there are some people who might read these stories and think, “Are you kiddin’ me? Who cares what anyone thinks about your houses or cats or anything??!”

If this is you, then read no further. This article is not for you.

I’m writing this for the “explainers” out there. And it doesn’t matter if you explain to parents, partners, or priests. You know who you are!

You’ve heard me talk about the benefits of going “Complaint-Free,” right? Well, today, we’re going to talk about going “Explaint-Free!”

And here are 6 irresistible reasons to do just that:

1 – Waiting Drains Your Energy.

When I’m coaching an explainer, I can see that much of her energy goes to the act of waiting.

She waits for judgment.

She waits for people to “get” her before she’ll take action.

She waits for people to approve of her choice.

She waits for criticism.

This literally drains her creative life force. Both women in the examples above were losing energy waiting for criticism.

Here’s your first big challenge: Give up the non-activity of waiting.

2 – We All Need to Learn to Trust Our Choices.

Explaining robs you of empowerment.

Our decisions teach us valuable lessons about intuition and instinct. RARELY do our clear decisions come from our mental activity. Gut instinct is clearer than our critical minds.

When we explain ourselves, however, we move away from the place of deep trust in our intuition and into the realm of mental activity – where the choice didn’t come from in the first place! We’ve suddenly stopped honoringand trusting ourselves and started creating a pattern of mental activity as we question our choices.

3 – Explaining Blocks Creativity.

Creativity means you’re the Creator of your life. You’re a Creator. Not a Reactor. When you explain yourself, you become a “Reactor.” You can’t live in both realms at once. They contradict each other. Living in a state of reaction causes you to cut off the flow of creativity.

4 -Disapproval is a Great Opportunity.

Huh?

Yes, I’m serious about this!

Becoming an adult in the deepest sense is about learning to take responsibility for your actions and choices. Sometimes that means other people won’t like these actions and choices. And what a great opportunity people provide when they do that!

I once heard a relationship coach say that love can sometimes mean letting your partner be disappointed in your choices. Think about that. Can you stand in your body and love someone enough to allow them not be happy with a choice you’re making?

5 – Explainers Endorse Irresponsibility.

People who take personal responsibility for their lives do not blame others (or themselves) for their unhappiness, for their life situations, or for their financial state, etc. Instead, they recognize that they created it, and they can un-create or re-create anything. It’s an empowering place to live.

Many people do not live in this level of personal responsibility. They are too busy blaming other people, taking other people’s inventory, and looking outside themselves for their happiness. Teacher and author Byron Katie calls this minding other people’s business instead of your own.

Your choice to explain yourself teaches other people that it’s okay not to take responsibility, and that it’s okay to mind your business instead of their own. Your explaints actually perpetuate the pattern of irresponsibility!

6 – Explainers Play Small. It’s Time to Play Big.

Explainers are waiting for permission, or approval, or for people to “get” their choices. So much unhappiness and depression comes from a lifetime of waiting for these meaningless things. It’s the ultimate meaning of Playing Small.

Playing Big means you trust in yourself enough to make lots of mistakes – and keep going anyway, no matter what people say to you. Playing Big means being clear, and making decisions from your soul.  And, by the way, your soul doesn’t feel the need to explain anything!

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

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Local Gym

So you want to get back into shape. You start thinking about what gyms are close by. You check out their monthly fees, and their initiation fee – yikes – that adds up to a lot of moolah!

Then that idea gets put on the back burner for a while or you think you don’t have time to workout. Well, let me tell you something…..you don’t need to spend any money to start working out. All you need to do is start moving. You can stay home and move, or you can step outside your front door and start moving. Just put one foot in front of the other and get to it!

Need weights? Yep, grabbing the old soup can tip still works. You can also use your own body weight. Try some push ups, leg lunges, tricep dips – all you need for these is your body and the ground.

Want to get your heart pumping? Throw on your favorite cd and dance, walk outside, go for a jog, lunge walk, walk-sprint combos, sun salutations, leg lifts and kicks, and the good ‘ol jumping jack still works pretty darn well.

There’s so much information and studies out there that show that exercise is still one of the best ways to keep your body and mind healthy. And studies also show that you don’t have to do crazy intense workouts to benefit. Do what you can. Start somewhere. Once you feel the benefits of exercise, you’ll want to keep it up. You’ll feel better on the inside and look better on the outside. But remember, balance is key in all areas of life. There are so many things people can become addicted to, including exercise. So be sure to give your body a break and much needed rest and recuperation a couple days a week.

My Workout Partner

I have a beautiful park near me where I go sometimes to do my workouts. I have a great workout partner too that comes with me. It’s great to have a workout buddy at times. There may be times you want to workout solo, but other times you may like the motivation of having someone to workout with.

Change it up, try new things, listen to your body – but the main thing is to just get busy!

What’s your favorite workout? Where do you like to workout? Do you think the only place to get in some good workouts is the gym?

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

*This article is intended to give out information only, not replacing medical care. Always seek medical attention when starting a new diet or exercise program.

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