If you or someone in your family struggle w/sleep your not alone.

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 70 million Americans suffer from insomnia, a sleep disorder in which people either find it difficult to fall asleep, or fall asleep but then wake up in the middle of the night. It’s not surprising, then, that the New York Times reported that 42 million prescriptions for sleeping pills were filled in the last year, and that the number of accredited sleep clinics in the United States has tripled in the last decade. “People get so used to not sleeping that it almost seems normal,”
“We’re often attracted to what exacerbates our condition—for example, a diabetic craves sugar,” Dyer says. Someone that is deprived of enough sleep tends to operate on very little, it feels normal. The reason for this is Adrenal function.

There is no question about the importance of adequate sleep. Sufficient sleep allows for complete repair and restoration of body cells; insufficient sleep results in less efficiency in work, increased irritability and nervousness, and increased accidents. Those who tire easily or participate in vigorous physical activity require more sleep than the average person.
The question as to what is adequate for any individual has received a good deal of thought and study. Where possible, adherence to the “early to bed and early to rise” lifestyle helps.

The Adrenal function of your body requires that you sleep from at least 10pm – 6am every night. When you drift off to sleep by 10pm, the body uses this time to repair the physical needs of your body. This time can not be replaced with another time. In order to get the maximum replenishment, repair and revitalizing processes for the body, sleep for 4 hours from 10pm -2am. Now that’s not all, the same rule applies to your psychological repair. This happens from 2am-6am. Wonder why you wake up every night between 2-4am? You may be trying to sort out mental stresses with you conscious mind and not allowing the subconscious to do it’s magic. Once again this time can not be replaced with any other time of night or day.

When you are in a habit of staying up late your adrenals begin pumping cortisol, giving the illusion of having energy, even into the wee hours of the morning. Then a pattern is created and the normal adrenal rhythm becomes erratic or depleted. . “Yoga is an effective treatment because it addresses insomnia’s physical and psychological aspects,” by calming the sympathetic nervous system and quieting the mind, says Sat Bir Khalsa, PhD, a sleep scientist and Kundalini yoga teacher in Massachusetts.

Here are a few guidelines to help you balance your sleep patterns:

1. Keep a regular sleep schedule, go to bed and arise at set times to develop a regular sleep-wake rhythm.
How much sleep do we need? It depends on the individual, but the following are general guidelines: children, infancy through childhood, about 10 hours; adolescents, about 9 hours; adults, about 7 to 8 hours. The elderly, who often experience less-efficient sleep at night, require more daytime naps than other adults. Whatever your age, sleep only as needed to feel well rested. Oversleeping disturbs regular sleeping patterns, making it harder to fall asleep at night. On the other hand, if you are sleep deprived, get additional sleep; then return to a regular sleep routine.

2. Try a short “power” nap if it’s difficult to stay awake in the day
Doze for a few minutes, whatever works for you, but keep it less than an hour. Naps are beneficial if you can go to bed at your normal time and sleep soundly.

3.  Relax, and reduce distractions in your bedroom.
Develop a relaxing routine before bedtime, such as reading a book or taking a bath. Then avoid sleeping with a light or distractions such as TV, which can prevent you from achieving the deepest level of sleep. Also, limit “non sleeping” activities, such as work-related tasks, in your bedroom, as they can hamper you from “shutting off your mind” when you’re trying to fall asleep.

4. Exercise daily!
Consistent exercise can help you sleep more soundly. But avoid strenuous exercise within two hours of bedtime. Better sleep has been touted for years as one of the benefits of yoga, but now scientific evidence is beginning to build to support the claims. In 2004, Sat Bir S. Khalsa, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School, concluded a study of subjects with insomnia who were given breathing, meditation, and asana exercises to do over the course of eight weeks. The results showed improvements in both sleep time and quality among the participants.

5. Avoid going to bed hungry or overeating at dinner. A light snack may help you fall asleep and may prevent hunger pains during the night, but avoid overeating, since this can make falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult. Indigestion may also wake you up during the night. Things like Chamomile tea & black cherry juice naturally allow for better sleep.

Sleep tight……don’t let the bed bugs bite!

There are 4 levels of the Yoga Practitioner. The first is Hesitant:  We find these hesitations more in our minds then in our hearts. You may have recognized this state that made it challenging for you to even get your body through the door to your first studio yoga class. Or after you initially started your journey then found that it’s priority fell further and further down the list. As we dive into this yoga path we are at first determined to gain some benefit and reach a specific goal. Then when life gets busy or in the way, we pull back and shut off our progress for a while. Sound like someone?

The second level is Adequate/Moderate: When we are pleased with the outcome or benefits of our practice, it’s just motivating enough to keep it your mind. Because of their goals, they may think they have gained all that they could from their yoga experience. Many that find themselves on the moderate road, will sometimes quickly move their energy in another direction before they take notice to the next level that’s just around the horizon.  Is this anyone you know?

The third level of a yoga aspirant is Exceptional:  This is a deep seeded commitment to self discovery that only once in a while is derailed. You may notice these people as the ones that are generally seen at yoga. If they take a leave from yoga, it’s only for a short time. This level of practitioner will often sign up for many workshops, retreats and may even decide to sign up for a Teacher Training program. Are you this person?

The fourth and final level is Extraordinary: It just exactly that, extra-ordinary. As Yoga makes a deeper impact on our culture, many years have gone by with the amazing influence of yoga in our communities, that this practitioner has been not just interested in- but thirsting for the necessary gifts and brilliance yoga offers. Time after time, week after week, year after year you will see this person in classes with unwavering drive for knowledge, enlightenment, and peace. This passion and fire for excellence keeps them going steady for a lifetime. I know that this is all of you if you allow it!!

I have for the first time in my yoga career committed to a whole new level. I started with a very attainable accomplishment of doing yoga for 30 days solid without skipping (even on Sunday). Some of those days where only a quiet/personal/20min. others an inspiring full class. I’m at day 20 and so far I have been amazed at the wellspring of understanding, calm and open wisdom this effort has givin’ back to me. Of course I plan to carry this on in a way that best suits the energy supply my body, mind & soul needs. Use the guide above to determine which place you find yourself at different times throughout the year and re commitment to the discovery of the view beyond the horizon. All of us here at LLYC will help you discover the healing, strength and inspiration you need to reach every heartfelt level you’ve wanted to reach. Now go get on your mat and breath.

“The Parable of the Yoga Pose”
by Don T.

Once there was a very gifted yoga instructor. She loved yoga and lived her life in harmony with its principles. When she taught yoga, her students felt something special coming from her. They loved her and wanted her to teach them yoga year after year. One of the things this gifted yoga instructor had learned from yoga was that you can hold a pose longer than you might think possible. When you remain focused on the breath, which represents the Source of life, the body can adapt to very challenging poses. Over time, challenging poses may either become easier or teach us important lessons – sometimes both. Then one day, life imposed an extremely difficult pose on this gifted yoga instructor. She developed cancer. She did not want to be in this pose. She wanted to be able to get off the mat, go back to teaching her yoga class and her life before this pose of cancer was introduced. But, she stayed on the mat. Day after day, week after week, she courageously stayed on the mat. The treatment caused her to lose muscle, weight, hair and energy. There was times when she would cry out from the mat, “I can’t do it. I can’t hold this pose anymore.” She wanted to be able to get up off the mat and leave this pose. Instead, she would drop to her knees and return her focus to the Source of life. Each time she returned her focus to the Source of life, she was again able to hold the pose. Her body, mind and spirit were given the strength to hold the pose again. She held the pose with courage and diginity. One day she realized that she was still teaching yoga. Her yoga class had changed to her family anf friends. Her family anf friends felt something special coming from her. They loved her more and more as they wayched her day by day, week after week holding this most difficult pose. They began to hold their own life poses with greater love and courage – and to remain focused on the Sourse of life.

During my yoga teacher training in 2008, I was able to experience yoga nidra for the first time. I took blankets and pillows and made myself as comfortable as possible. What I experienced next was extraordinarily calming. Because I was being led through a structured relaxation, my mind was able to stay keenly focused and alert while my body systematically relaxed into a deep, peaceful state. During a normal night’s sleep, I am unable to perceive this type of rest, but during yoga nidra, I was able to fully experience the complete quieting of my body, mind, and emotions. When I relaxed my body, the stress and anxiety I was holding dissipated. I felt the different parts of me entwined and connected as an integrated whole, and was ready to face life with increased clarity. It was amazing!
This past summer, I had the pleasure of studying with a master teacher, Richard Miller. He developed a type of yoga nidra called Integrative Restoration, or Irest which has been used to help hundreds of people suffering from traumatic experiences, especially soldiers dealing with PTSD.
I have met many who have come to yoga searching for this type of healing, only to feel self-conscious and inadequate. Yoga Nidra requires no physical expertise, only an open, inquisitive mind, and a desire to feel truly well.

by Sherisa Bly

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. She who looks outside, dreams; she who looks inside, awakens.” Carl Jung

 

Summer is the season of growth and transformation. After a longggggg winter and a wettttttttt spring. The heat and sunshine take charge. I am glad because I have been waiting for the seeds I have nurtured to sprout. No, these seeds are not in my vegetable garden. No, there not in my flower garden either. They are from deep within. True transformation comes from a moment to moment dedication to something that is so real to you that you can taste, smell, see, feel and hear it. It is so easy for such seeds to be buried under non-essentials that we think are essential, washed away from doubt or fear, and dried up in the demanding call of the hot seat to stay true.

In terms of my body, it can so quickly become dull and slow with the putting off of my physical yoga practice. Yoga asks us to continually develop awareness of what your seeds are and what you want! By way of the body in a hatha practice. At the root of those seeds is connection.  I can truly say I have connected with my abs after Debbie’s Anusara class as well as my arms. What a great feeling to know that awareness of my abs and arms will bring about transformation, if I dedicate myself time after time. To me my abs represent personal power. The ability to lift my vibration to the level of my true hearts desire and not let it waiver in any given situation. My arms represent my ability to take action and do the work necessary for transformation to grow into a large oak tree.

Now connection is widely used to mean many different things. Some things I can connect with but they may harm my high vibrational calling and not be to anyone’s benefit. I’m speaking of connection to higher options that have a delicious flavor, sweet aroma, stunning colors and a feeling that’s un-describable.

When I awaken from the inside out, its like my whole being is participating in a huge celebration of a great magnitude. FIREWORKS!!! If everyone could have even a little idea of what could happen when they truly awaken, I imagine it would look like this picture of a train in INDIA.

No one wants to miss the train bound for HOME. Home is where you connect to your higher vibrant self as well as others vibrant selves. Clear on the direction without any doubt or fear, pushing onward through the obstacles that seems real but are not. Re-dedicate yourself to your practice this summer. Re-dedicate yourself to your vision. Re-dedicate yourself to your family. Re-dedicate yourself to service.

Watch when your sprout break the soil, it wasn’t easy because of the different space it steps into. Watch when your stalk grows tall, it takes clear vision to see the sun and stretch. Watch when your leaves and blossom first emerge, there is a need for letting go to reach out. Watch when your blossom finally opens, it must break free of what it was to become what it is. A beautiful representation of the awakening of you.

JULZ

Julie Branham

 

I used to think water was ‘boring’, ‘tasteless’, and usually opted for milk or juice.  I was constipated and constantly congested from my high dairy intake.  I think I lived on milk and melted cheese sandwiches (two slices of Wonder bread with a slice of Kraft American cheese in between–in the microwave for 15 seconds…yep…that was a food group for me).  I had no idea that drinking water could change my body and my health.

Why is water so important for weight loss?  Donald S. Robertston, M.D. author of The Snowbird Diet said, “incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off.  Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true ‘magic potion for permanent weight loss.’”  Dr. Robertson also suggests that “water suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat, helps maintain proper muscle tone, clears wastes and may help relieve constipation.”

Not to get too graphic with you…but most Americans are clinically constipated.  You want to be visiting the restroom 1-2 times per day.  If not, where is it all going?

The Mayo Clinic’s website says:

“Water is your body’s principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.”

It is pretty tough to work out when you’re feeling drained and tired.

So, how much water should you consume?  This can depend on your activity level and if you live in a dry climate vs a humid one.  Personally, I consume a minimum of 8 glasses per day in the form of a 1/2 gallon water bottle and then any water I drink after, I consider it my ‘bonus’.  When I work out, I use a separate glass of water so that water isn’t counted as my 8 glasses.  I usually end up consuming 12-16 glasses of water per day.

Here is the bottle I use.  I stick out like a sore thumb carrying it to work with me or to a church meeting, but I am like a poster child for water drinking–everyone remembers to drink water when they see a chick with a massive water bottle walking around!

So, find a water bottle that works for you so you can track your water consumption.  If you’re not a big water drinker, try it again!  It can be mind over matter at first, but I promise it’s worth it.  You can try squeezing a lemon into it or something, but it’s high maintenance and you’re not as likely to continue doing that long-term.  If you’re a soda drinker, ditch one for a glass of water.  You’ll love the way you feel.

I found a cool ad campaigning for water drinking…thought they were pretty powerful.

by Heather Merchant

Drop YOUR Stories and Be Like a Child Again

By Amanda Moxley

Are you aware that your stories are running your life and creating your reality? Think about it, every belief you have about yourself is rooted in a thought that you have picked up along the way. But is it really, really true?

How do you know?

What If you could drop all of your stores and be like a child again?

In this moment, I want you to grab a pen and hold it in your hand. Now I want you to let go of the pen? Did you drop it? It’s as simple as that!

What are your stories about your…

1. Body Size
2. Body Image
3. Food
4. Diet
5. Health
6. Exercise
7. Intimacy life
8. Money
9. God/Source/Universe

Here are some examples of stories I have heard or have had myself.
• Sex is bad, dirty and wrong.
• I can’t lose weight because my mom is overweight. It’s hereditary.
• I can’t exercise because I’m too heavy.
• People will judge me if I exercise because I am heavy, so I’m just not going to do it.
• I can’t eat healthy because I can’t afford it.
• I never have enough money.
• I can’t afford anything….
• I’ll always be overweight.
• Money is tight.
• I don’t have enough time to exercise to eat well, to exercise or to find time to be intimate with my partner.
• I have to work really, really hard for money and still there is never enough.
• I’m ugly.
• I’m unattractive.
• God wants me to suffer
• God wants me to be poor
• God is a mean, judging and punishing source
• I guess it’s not meant to be

You get the picture! These stories are relentless!

Your Coaching Assignment Part 1:

1. Grab a journal and write out your stories for all of the above.

2. Next ask yourself are they true?

3. How do you know that they are true?

My friends, all of this takes inner work and if you are not doing the inner work on your own beliefs then you are going to stay stuck repeating the same cycles and patterns and passing them on to your children.

Now is the time to have courage and to look these insane stories in the eye and be BIGGER than the WOUND.

You are a limitless SOUL having a physically human experience.

You can never die because your SOUL is infinite. You are here to experience a glorious, beautiful, fun filled life in your body temple!

Think of a child. She is pure joy, energy, wonder, expansion and beauty. She sees no limits. She knows she is connected to Source at all times. She is courageous, confident, happy, alive and very loving.

You were once this same child.

My coaching assignment part 2 for you is:

What if you could drop your stories and be like a child again?

Write out your new stories for each of the categories below:

1. Body Size
2. Body Image
3. Food
4. Diet
5. Health
6. Exercise
7. Intimacy life
8. Money
9. God/Source/Universe

Here’s an example of a powerfully positive new story…

I trust my body’s infinite wisdom. I eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. My body naturally, easily and joyfully shifts into it’s perfect divine design. My body is a representation of perfection. I am whole. I am light. I am strong. I eat foods that nourish my SOUL. I love my food.

Exercising is a joy for me and I move my beautiful body every day because it feels so good. My intimacy life is simply DIVINE and brings me lots of pleasure. I feel beautiful and gorgeous in my body. I am open and I am loving.

There is an infinite amount of abundance available to me. I always have more than enough money for all that I need and then some left over. Money easily flows through me and to me. I prosper wherever I turn. There is more than enough. I am enough. I love myself.

God is a loving and benevolent being who loves me. God/Source/Universe wants me to prosper and be joyful.

I know that when I prosper and become empowered, I lift everyone up around me. I am magnet for all good.

How do you feel now after reading the new STORY?

You have 1 life to live my friends. Your life is a gift. It’s your time to wake up and live like a child again.

Trust.
Believe.
Breathe.

Love and brilliant blessings,
Amanda

Amanda Moxley, Body and Soul Coach, publishes the energizing and inspiring “Breath of Fresh Air E-Zine” – every other Thursday for healthy people everywhere. If you are ready to discover your perfect body in a way you’ve never learned how to before, get your FREE articles, tips, tools and recipes at: www.AmandaMoxley.com

Click here => www.AmandaMoxley.com

When you eat essential fatty acids in the form of pure, unadulterated fats and oils, your energy levels and stamina increase. This is especially obvious to the overweight, the elderly and athletes.

One of Erasmus’ studies involved athletes who added 1 tablespoon per 50 lbs of body weight of essential fatty acids to their diet. It found that these athletes gained increased strength and endurance, could lift heavier weights, do more reps and recovered from fatigue faster. Some also reported weight loss with the increased fat intake! Those who consume fresh EFA’s find their energy levels pick up, they feel like being physically active and they stay alert later into the evening. When they stopped taking the EFA’s this increased stamina was back down to normal within two weeks.

I took EFA’s by the tablespoon in my green smoothie during my pregnancy with my twins to make sure I had enough for their developing brains.  Studies show that lack of EFA’s in the diet has been linked to postpartum depression because the mom gives her own to the developing baby.  I felt great and gained weight right on schedule.  I took Udo’s Oil because there is no fish oil in it and no fishy taste. Not particular on the brand, just that I get the right amount of healthy fats in my diet.  Udo’s oil is a blend of flax, sunflower, sesame, coconut, evening primrose oils, and a few others.

Don’t get stuck in the ‘avoiding fat’ trap.  Monitor your fat intake and look for healthy oils.  The key here is the right kind of fat.

by Heather Merchant

It’s no secret.  Eating well can be expensive.  It seems odd that you can buy a product that required less ‘work’ for the manufacturer (less processing) and it is more expensive.  It’s a little frustrating, but it’s economics.  Good food usually doesn’t have a long shelf life.  When I was first married, my husband was shocked at the amount of money I would spend on food.  Over the last 4+ years we’ve been married, he has felt a difference in his energy level and how he has less sickness or aches and pains since he altered his diet a bit 4 years ago.  (Maybe I’ll ask him to do a post on his perspective sometime.)  I learned how to eat well on a budget and thought I’d share some tips.

1. Buy in season and store.
I love my green smoothie for breakfast, but it requires some frozen fruit. This can be expensive.  In the summer, I look for deals on fruits and then cut them in chunks, place them on a cookie sheet to freeze for a few hours, and then store them in Ziplock gallon freezer bags.  My husband and I found a massive deep freeze in our local classifieds and picked it up for free.  It is worth the room it takes up in our laundry room.  This summer I’ve snagged some red-tape bananas, peaches from a friend’s tree, pears brought in from an Oregon orchard by a friend, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and soon to be added to the list–blackberries.  It’s really cheap to do it this way, but you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled.

2. Buy in bulk.
This one is fairly obvious, but I had to include it or this list wouldn’t be complete.  I have a friend, Chirine, down the street who orders from different vendors and has people come from all over the state to pick up bulk grains, pastas, produce, nuts seeds, and lots more.  I just went by last week to pick up 10 lbs of golden raisins for my Super Charge Me Cookies.  If you’re close to Utah, her website is www.AlpineFoodStorage.com.  She saves me tons of money.  If you don’t live close, you can consider starting a co-op of your own.  Chirine would be more than happy to offer suggestions I am sure.

3. Coupons!
This is a new adventure I’ve been trying and loving it.  I follow some local blogs and keep track of the deals for me so I don’t have to spend a lot of time.  I mostly print coupons online so I don’t have to be clipping from a newspaper.  MySLCMommy.com posts a ‘healthy food’ coupon list about once per month.  It’s the best.  I’ve also visited the websites for my favorite brands of food and subscribe to their email list.  They send coupons and special offers regularly.

4.  Ads.
Every week, I glance at the new ads when they arrive and save them on top of my fridge if I see something I want.  Then, before a shopping trip, I pull them down and see what I will buy.  My husband often stops by a store on his way home from work and I will go to another to get some great sale prices.  On the weeks where that just doesn’t happen – we go to Wal-Mart with the ads in tow and they honor the prices of any ad.  It makes for a fast trip.  I will admit, I felt sheepish at first (and a little cheap.) but I got over that really fast.  The clerks usually praise me on getting such a great deal and it’s kind of fun.

5. Make it yourself.
It’s easy to pick up a spouting mix or some baked goods, but it’s not the cheapest way of eating.  After finding a sprouting mix that I love (Pro-Vita Mix by Life Sprouts), I started making my own sprouts to save money.  When I looked into getting a large quantity to save money, I found that a 5-gallon bucket would cost over $100.  A good friend of mine gave me the recipe for the mix and I bought all the ingredients in 50# bags and made it myself.  My husband and I mixed it up and found we had 5 buckets of mix and spent less than $200.  We haven’t even used 1 bucket in the last year.  I should get sprouting again!  If you like to buy sprouts, I suggest buying a simple sprouter (or make one) and some seeds and start your own. It’s so easy.  If you want more information on sprouting, leave a comment.  If there is enough interest, I’ll put a post together on the topic.

How do you eat well on a budget?  Leave a comment for other readers

by Heather Marchant

Guest blogger

Asteya – one of the five Yamas (wise characteristics) of the eight limbs of yoga as defined by Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras. It’s translation: non stealing. But what does that mean?

Nischala Joy Devi lends a feminine view to the definition and practice of Asteya in her book “The Secret Power of Yoga: A woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras”, wherein she characterizes asteya as “honesty,” “generosity,” or “integrity.”

Aadil Palkhivala offers ways to practice Asteya in asana practice. Asteya, or “not stealing,” refers to the stealing that grows from believing we cannot create what we need. We steal because we misperceive the universe as lacking abundance or we think that there is not enough for everyone and that we will not receive in proportion to our giving. Because of this, asteya does not only consist of “not stealing,” but also of rooting out the subconscious beliefs of lack and scarcity that cause greed and hoarding in all their various manifestations.

Growing up the 3^rd child in a household of 7 plus the caboose, who came when I reached college age, I know all about not having enough…or at least thinking that way. “I don’t have what she has” and the whole fairness between siblings was a common thread of thought for me. My comfort level with feeling lack or dealing with lack was heavily weighted from my early childhood. I’ve come to realize that I lacked nothing as a child. Most of it was my perception of what I didn’t have compared to others. Of course I never compared myself to anyone who lacked more than I. So I ensured that I would come out on the short end of the stick and be able to validate my feelings of not having enough. All grown up now, that game does not serve me in anything I do. But how to uproot it?

Aadil Palkhivala suggests in yoga practice to trust that each pose gives the energy required to do it. When students hold back in a posture, or when they don’t work to their full capacity, they may fear that there is not going to be enough energy to do the next pose. It is only when we persist in feeling a lack of abundance that we hold back and do not put our whole selves into every pose (or every moment of our lives for that matter).

Looking at what I don’t have blinds me to what I do have. I love the way Donna Farhi sums it up in her book Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit:

“In constantly looking outside ourselves for satisfaction, we are less able to appreciate the abundance that already exists. That is what really matters—our health and the riches of our inner life and the joy and love we are able to give and receive from others. It becomes difficult to appreciate that we have hot running water when all we can think about is whether our towels are color-coordinated. How can we appreciate our good fortune in having enough food to eat when we wish we could afford to eat out more often?”

“The practice of asteya asks us to be careful not to take anything that has not been freely given.”

Like keeping someone on the phone for longer than is necessary…you are stealing their time. “The paradox of practicing asteya is that when we relate to others from the vantage point of abundance rather than neediness, we find that others are more generous with us and that life’s real treasures begin to flow our way.” Easy to say, hard to do…for me at least. When I am anxious over an unmet deadline or feel overwhelmed with my schedule it’s not always easy to look inside myself for the problem. I am coming from a place of lack; lack of time, lack of commitment, lack of communication, etc. the solution is to turn it around. Focus on the task at hand and commit to a finished product. Communicate what I want from others in a way that both motivates and inspires so the project comes to fruition. Sometimes I have to give up my grasp on getting the job done a particular way in lei of getting it done at all.

“Not stealing demands that we cultivate a certain level of self-sufficiency so that we do not demand more of others, our family, or our community than we need. It means that we don’t take any more than we need, because that would be taking from others.” ~ Donna Farhi

At night I write in a journal and list my accomplishments for the day. I then celebrate all that I’ve done! Rather than dwell on what I didn’t have time for (lack mentality). This puts me in a mood to move on to the next day with a feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction and abundance. I am more creative and get up earlier. It’s funny that when we focus on what we DO have we get more wealth and abundance coming our way.

I have a friend who is the epitome of abundant thinking. Raising 4 active boys on meager means and working to help pay bills, my friend always seemed to have enough. I was amazed at how much happiness she found in her life. I began to study her habits…she NEVER complained, in fact, she was frequently commenting on how lucky she was. I know her family lived on less income than mine yet she seemed to live a more abundant lifestyle. While I complained about having to work full time, make dinner, do homework with the kids, go to bed exhausted she seemed happy to have what she had. And she was always getting invited to go to special places. People asked her family to go on trips – to Hawaii, Lake Powell, etc. Her appreciation for life rubbed off on everyone around her including her family. All great skiers, her second son competed in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics as a downhill racer – and will most likely compete in the 2014 Olympics too. Great lesson.

Bottom line for me – there is always something to be grateful for…always someone who has more than I do. My happiness depends on which side I dwell on.

What are you grateful for? How do you practice Asteya? I’d love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment below!