Balance Beats Obsessing

I found myself obsessing over small and large things, in ways that further threw my life out of balance. Walking through my crush's friends list on Facebook, wondering whom else he might be seeing. I could easily be doing this in the middle of the night instead of sleeping, or 45 minutes before I had to button-up for an important meeting. I've compared notes with some of my friends, who have all admitted to something similar. Today one of my friends messaged me with all the details of a kiss she shared the night before. We spent some time analyzing every move that led to the kiss and every minute following. This behavior we engaged in could be judged good or bad. But sometimes it's just fun! In my case, however, this "obsessing" became disruptive and harmful. I began to criticize myself and spend too much time over things that were minor in my life, certainly not important.

Ashley keeps reminding me that the whole idea of an energy makeover is one of totality. It's about feeling better energetically but also about enjoying, understanding, and loving myself more. I'm not a therapist, but I would guess that beating myself up over small things is not a healthy totality and certainly not a loving one.

I don't like this misuse of my energy. Now I am off to a great start with the energy makeover. I have already begun noticing some small changes having incorporated some of the new lifestyle tips given to me by Ashley Koff RD, Tara Stiles, and Dr. Frank Lipman. I feel better, my perspective is healthier and more positive, and I'm really enjoying this continued exploration of myself. I definitely feel sexier and my skin has improved dramatically. And it has only been one month! Three things I am changing:


1) My sleep: Ashley taught me that energy starts with recovery, so sleep is actually helping me feel better during the day. And I've incorporated the following changes to help change the way I sleep:

- I'm not eating before bed.

- I'm taking Peter Gillham's Natural Calm powder (a magnesium supplement that reduces

stress and insomnia)

- I put my blackberry and iphone in the other room.

- I am using Sprayology's Sleep Ease (a homeopathic treatment used to counter the effects of anxiety and caffeine. I use two sprays under my tongue at bedtime.)

At this point, it's hard to isolate what is doing what, but I can honestly say I am sleeping better and feel refreshed in the morning. I trust that Ashley is giving me the right combination here, and she has explained they are all working together.

2) My Nutrients: I'm balancing my nutrients. I'm aiming towards less sugar and carbohydrates and making sure I get healthy proteins and fats in; much of this is happening by way of exchanges.

-I am using Nuttzo vs butter, and I am having one or two waffles vs three.

-I am making protein shakes, using GREAT recipes from Dr. Frank Lipman's book, Revive (and the powders he gifted me! Thanks, Dr. Lipman!), instead of having soy based energy bars.

I'm also having regular eating occasions about every three hours.

3) My Yoga Practice: Finally, I've learned to stop punishing myself. Finally, yoga is moving me forward. With my physical practice, I am really trying to understand the mind/body connection. Meaning, I'm listening to my body more than trying to accomplish certain poses. I appreciate that the asanas come in stages and am trying to utilize this philosophy in the rest of my life. Everything is not immediate, and that is OK. Tara is reminding me of this, regularly. I am also working with my breath (longer exhales, lengthening inhales, etc). Not just in my practice, but sometimes throughout the day. And Ashley and I talked about a pranayama technique that will help calm my nerves before doing the GMA appearances.

I enjoy a lot of the strengthening yoga at Strala because it tires out my mind and body. This calms me. I am also doing some of the restorative yoga as a counter balance to the energizing yoga I practice in class. Dr. Lipman outlines this nicely in his book, as does Tara in her videos. Here is a fun video of Tara guiding me through some inversions Saturday morning: