What the heck? Why Whole30?!?

So - when I mention that I'm doing this Whole30 thing, I get a variety of responses:

"Awesome!  I love Whole30!"

"Sounds interesting...tell me more."

"Uhm...ok" (with a look like I've sprouted a scaly green second head)

So, here's my why - it's pretty simple.  After years of reading about, talking about, thinking about getting healthy, I've finally decided to actually DO something about it!

Maybe it's having kids who watch everything I do (like eat crap).  Maybe it's because I teach yoga and want to model a healthier lifestyle.  Maybe it's the fact that I'm turning FORTY this summer and I love that I have never felt or looked my age and don't want to start now!!

I want more energy, I want better sleep, I want more balanced hormones, and yes, if I'm being completely honest, I want to look better in my clothes.  (I mean, come on, who doesn't?!?!)

Another big reason is I have a really crappy relationship with food.  (And I've had my fair share of crappy relationships, so I know one when I see one!)  I know that can sound kinda new-agey or weird, but it's true.  Food is a crutch.  I use it to celebrate, I use it to grieve, I use it to fill time.  And, usually, when I use it for these things, I'm not making healthy choices.

But here's the thing - I LOVE FOOD!!!  And I don't want to stop loving food!  But I want to not let food have control over me.  I want to really understand that what I'm eating has an effect on my physical body.   And I want real food.  Food I have to shop for and prepare, stuff that actually grows, ya know, not in a lab.  I'm kinda picky about that one.  

So there ya have it, that's my why.  And for the next month, I'll be sharing my experience in case it helps any of you make a decision about what and how you eat.  

'Til next time :)

Be still and breathe....

Yoga.  Ahhhhh....

I had the amazing opportunity to teach some classes for the Transforming Center at one of their retreats.  I haven't taught in over a year.  And I miss it.  Terribly.

I say that on my yoga mat is where I found Jesus.  That's not entirely true.  Jesus was a part of my life before yoga was.  But on my mat is where I really got to know Jesus.  Why?  Because on my mat was the only space and time that I allowed myself to be still.  To stop and just breathe.  To stop and just pray.  To stop and just listen.  My mat was the signal for my brain and my body to shut out everything else and simply focus on the present moment.

And in that space - that's where Jesus speaks.

I've been off my mat for way too long - I can feel it in my body, but I can feel it more so in my spirit.  My relationship with Jesus is off and I need to get back to my quiet place.

You may not want to get close to Jesus.  That's ok, we can talk about that another day :)  But I truly believe that in today's GO GO GO - fill up EVERY SECOND with some noise/screen - culture, EVERYONE needs to find a way to stop.  Stop and breathe.  Stop and simply be present.

Maybe yoga could be your thing too.


**If you want to try some Christian yoga, check out Yahweh Yoga.  They have videos to purchase and also an option to stream online.  It's where I got my teaching certification and they're AMAZING!

The word I most dislike

Should.

I should be exercising more.
I should be reading more.
I should be serving more.
I should (insert your own version here.)

Ugh.  Should.  That is a word I'm trying to eliminate from my vocabulary.  Not because I don't want to do these things....but because I don't want the guilt and shame that comes with "should."

I was in a transformational small group at my church, and the leaders talked about the negative effect of should.   They would suggest." You need to stop 'should-ing' on yourself.". Essentially, stop piling more crap onto the list of crap you probably already have.

If there is something that you deeply desire to do, then you will do it. You will make the time and exert the effort from a place of joy.  And if you're not there yet, stop saying should and do some soul searching as to WHY you might want to do this thing  Is it because it will bring your heart and soul joy?  Or is it because someone else set that expectation for you?  Or better yet, because you set the expectation after comparing yourself to the world?  Comparing sucks too.  We can talk about that another day.

Our time is precious.  Do what brings YOU joy. Do the things that make YOUR soul sing and dance and laugh and want to play. Those are the things that matter most.

And just FYI...I really don't like the word moist either.

Welcome

Today.  Today is the day I start,  Not tomorrow.  Not on Monday.  Not January 1st.  TODAY.  

I am always putting off change.  I am the queen of, "I'll be healthier, happier, more spiritual, whatever on such and such a date." So I've decided I'm done.

Welcome to Essentially Hippie Mama.  This is my journey - to living a simpler life, to living a more intentional life, to living a life that is about wellness - in mind, body and spirit.  

Come along with me - I'd love the company!!!