Naturopathic Life Coaching Victoria

Quality Questions

2012-02-21T11:13:00.003-08:00

Asking yourself QUALITY QUESTIONS is the key to controlling the direction of your life. Most of us spend the majority of our time asking ourselves dis-empowering questions. Particularly when we feel stressed out we tend to ask ourselves questions like:

Why does that always happen to me?

What do I need to take care of today?

Questions direct your focus! Whatever question you ask yourself will control the direction of your thoughts and ultimately how you feel. Isn't it true that you can immediately bring yourself down if you focus on something upsetting that happened to you in the past? Isn't it true that you can also create anxiety or fear just by focusing on something that may not have even happened yet?
For some reason, we have a tendency as humans to dwell on problems versus dwelling in possibility! You can actually take control of this process by practicing the art of asking quality questions to redirect your focus and how you feel in any given moment.
For example, focusing on what we"need to do" will be powerfully shaped by where our immediate pressures are. If we feel stressed about work or family, then that will dominate our TO DO list, usually completely taking priority over personal development, healthy eating, exercise and other areas we only dream about spending time on "one day". This pattern fills our lives with the day to day "shoulds", worries and demands. Overtime we lose ourselves in this cycle, never feeling fully present or excited about life.

By simply rephrasing these questions, we can create a completely different energy and thought process that is more empowering.

What can I learn from this situation?

What do I want to do and why?

It is incredibly simple in concept but my challenge to you this week is to write these two questions on a small paper and keep it with you all week long. Practice every morning and throughout the day asking yourself these questions over and over again. As you begin to retrain your mind in this way, you start to come up with the answers that can dramatically shape the direction of your life!

Take Responsibility

2012-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

I saw this quote posted online today. It is the hard and real truth of expanding any area of your life towards your highest self.

Taking responsibility doesn't mean that we need to live forever in a place of guilt, shame or fear. Instead it empowers us learn from the past and to identify our deep areas of resistance. If you blame everything else around you for your life experience, then you are powerless to make a real change!

Sometimes taking responsibility can be very overwhelming. There is often a feeling of "..yes...but if such and such hadn't happened, if so and so hadn't done that to me, if my partner were more supportive, if I had more time in my job, if only...". The list is endless. The truth is that, we can't really control many of the things that happen around us. However, we have absolute control over what we do with the information, who we choose to let into our lives, how we choose to spend our time, what we choose to focus on and how we move forward.

This week: Just be willing to notice an area of your life that you tend to shift the blame outside of yourself. In this scenario, how have you been contributing to your current experience? Ask yourself what you really want the outcome to be. Redirect your focus on this outcome. What is one action you can take to move yourself in the direction you would like to go?

Here are some ideas:

- Say no. Say it again. Be direct.
- Say yes but only if you really want it.
- Show up.
- Ask for support.
- Say goodbye to something or someone.
- Say hello to yourself.

Raise Your Standards and Take Action!

2012-02-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

Expand Your Identity

2012-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

"We all act consistently with who we think we are. The strongest force in the human personality is a need to stay consistent with how we define ourselves" -Tony Robbins

If you are not getting results or following through in any area of your life then consider re-evaluating how you define yourself. In other words, who would you like to be? How would you need to open your mind and our soul in order to be your best self? This isn't about acting or pretending to be something else, it is about expanding your identity and developing strengths in areas that you may have not given much attention to before. Usually these are the scariest steps to take because we are stepping outside of our comfort zone.

Success and happiness is a result of all the small decisions we make on a daily basis. How we take care of ourselves, how we breathe, how we walk, how we interact with others.

Challenge: Imagine yourself as the person you would like to be. Make a list of all the qualities and daily rituals you would do if you were that person. Forget about time constraints, financial constraints or other limitations you may feel that you have. Let everything go and make a list of all the things you would do from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night.

What time would you wake up?
What would you do as soon as you got out of bed?
What would you eat?
Would you exercise or meditate or write or paint or research the stock market (anything goes)?
What types of clothing would you wear?
How would you walk?
How would you talk to people?
How would you listen to people?
What other activities would you do regularly?

Pick 2 items on this list and for 1 week commit to adding those rituals into your own life.

Think of this as an exercise in identifying patterns for success. You might feel some internal resistance in certain areas on the list. Just make a note of that feeling. Maybe this is an area of your life you feel very strongly about and have no desire to change or maybe you are resisting out of fear. The amazing thing about making these changes is that once they become habit, you begin to build momentum in the direction of your dreams.

The ultimate goal is being true to your highest self in every moment.

How are you doing with your New Year's Resolutions?

2012-01-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Mastering

2011-09-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes following your truth involves taking a step outside of your box and breaking old patterns. This is often exciting at first, but can quickly become uncomfortable if you forget the reasons why you started the journey in the first place or if you are easily influenced by the opinions of others.

KEYS TO MAKING A CHANGE:

What do you want? What specific results are you after? Clearly define your life, your passions, your identity.
Why do you want it? What will this result bring to you on an emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, financial level? Get emotionally charged and excited about the reasons behind it.
Develop a plan with specific steps to get to where you need to go. You may not even know how to get there yet, but there is always some small, simple first step you can take. Start today!!! Make a phone call, buy a book, have a conversation you have been putting on hold, enroll in a course... take an action that will propel you towards your goal.
Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you. Find a model who is doing what you would like and watch, listen, learn from them. Use talks, music, classes, friends and family to help you stay true.
It is OK to redefine what you want or how you are going to get it at any time. Life is always changing and your goals and approach will change too. If something isn't working, just change your approach. If the reasons behind your change are compelling enough, you will find a way!

Thoughts for a Friday

2011-08-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present."
~ Lao Tzu

What can you be grateful for right now, in this very moment? Look around with new eyes. Breathe deeply and take a moment align your energy with something you can feel good about. Practice this as much as you can. You will be amazed at the beauty and peace you find. It is all about perspective and thoughts. Use your thoughts wisely. Empower yourself.

Here is are two simple questions you can ask yourself in any moment to help re-align your focus: "What do I want? How do I want to feel?" Notice how asking empowering questions automatically directs your line of thinking and focus towards an answer. See what answers come up for you!

Simplify

2011-04-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. ~Dr Seuss

So far this year has been one of growing, questioning and learning about what brings joy, passion, motivation and inspiration to life. The search seems never ending sometimes and the information limitless about what we should and shouldn't be doing with our time, our money, our bodies and our relationships. Instead of finding answers, we find more questions... and often fear about making a mistake or a so called "wrong" decision.

I often encourage my patients to simplify things. Get clear and specific about a few key areas in your life and start there. What things in your life make you happiest now? How can we enhance these things? What are some simple but cumulative things you can do on a daily basis to improve your health?

Mega supplementation or complicated workout regimes can be the obstacle to moving forward for many people. For example, it is difficult to know what is working when you take too many herbs and supplements all at once. Often compliancy goes down when there are complex regimes to follow and ultimately with our busy lives it can require considerable time commitment.

Don't make your health care another stress. Think of it in simple terms. Simple things become habits and habits start to shape who you are, how you feel and how you experience life. Your body will thank you.

Start here:

Breathe deeply throughout the day
Eat clean, whole foods
Drink pure water
Spend a little time outside everyday
Give yourself one health challenge/week to focus your attention on.

This week: Incorporate beans or lentils into your meals. Try a bean salad or add 1/2 cup of chickpeas, blackbeans or lentils to one of your meals at least 3x/week. Nothing else, just start here. Rinse your beans well and chew slowly. Enjoy.

Spring Inspired

2011-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

It is so sunny and warm today, you can almost taste spring. I for one feel the shift in my energy and in the moods of people around me today! I came across this healthy, delicious looking salad through one of my favorite blogs 3191 . I thought I would share this image with you and hope that like me, you feel inspired to eat a big salad this long weekend in anticipation of Spring and perhaps new beginnings for vitality and nourishment this season.

This is Your Life

2010-12-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Action Produces Results!

2010-11-19T06:58:00.000-08:00

- Information is everywhere but it is not enough

- Action is what makes the difference

- Action is what produces results

"The greatest skill that extraordinary, successful people have over the "average" person is the ability to get themselves to take action - even when they don't want to" - Tony Robbins

One secret that successful people have is their ability to effectively communicate with themselves. The way they use their physiology, mental imagry, language and thoughts on a regular basis helps to direct their focus and energy towards achieving their goals.

What are your personal standards?
What are you no longer willing to accept or settle for in your life?
What language do you use with yourself and with others a daily basis? Is it positive or negative?
Do you ask yourself empowering questions ("How can I turn this around?" "How can I make the most of this situation?") or dis-empowering questions ("Why does this always happen to me?" "Why is so and so always like...?")
How do you move through life? How do you hold your body? How do you stand, sit, walk? Physiology is a powerful way to communicate with others and with yourself.
Where do you live emotionally? What are your dominant emotional states? What triggers these?
What makes you happiest? How do you act, breathe, think when you feel amazing?

Start examining how you communicate with yourself and others on a daily basis. This will determine how you experience the world around and how you look at change and opportunity. How you communicate will focus your mental and physical energy in a specific direction. You are a master of your life - so start by taking control with effective communication.

Stress is making us sick!

2010-10-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

" It hurts the body and mind. It costs employers and health-care billions every year...Chronic stress caused by taking on too much - both at home and at work - has been linked to a s wide range of serious health concerns, from Alzheimer's and depression to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In Canada, hypertension is the No.1 reason people go to the doctor, and last year accounted for almost 20.7 million medical appointments."

Our Busy Life is Making You Sick - Globe and Mail (Saturday Oct 30, 2010)

Finally, an article that takes a serious look at what stress is doing to our physical, emotional and financial well-being. For many, just the thought of reducing stress brings with it an entire new set of worries.... questions like "how can I reduce my work hours and still pay the bills?" "how can I take time to go to the gym when I would like to spend my time with my family?" "I don't know how to relax...I feel restless or guilty when I'm not doing anything"...sound familiar?

The first step is recognizing where you are and what areas of your life contribute the most of your stress/worries/anxieties/lack of time. This will help you to have more awareness and direction to make a shift. Don't worry about making a dramatic change, start with small things that might take bit of the burden off.

For example- Is it possible to arrange for a car pool or enlist some help from a friend of family member to help with your kids? Is it possible to organize your week ahead of time in a way that takes some of the chaos out of essential things like meal times and household chores? Is it possible to change your evening routine to allow for a more calm environment (dimming the lights, listing to soft music and turning the news off after 9 pm, taking a bath)? Is it possible to make some simple changes in the way you eat and drink to reduce your anxiety and cortisol levels? (yes you can!)

If you are worried about how your stress levels might be affecting your health, Naturopathic Medicine can offer you testing for cortisol and other stress markers as well as techniques to help manage your stress. There are nutritional and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, lose weight and balance your blood sugar and insulin levels.

Why wait to take control of your health and your life!

Making Changes

2010-10-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Changes start today - they'll never start if they're on the calender for tomorrow.

Take action today about something you have been putting off. Don't worry about getting it all done perfectly. Make a phone call, send an email, write a letter, sign up for a group, organize an area of your life, paint a picture, get a massage, take a bath, say no or say yes to something you have been avoiding, be clear, be firm, take control, clean out your fridge and start the day with a new routine... there are so many small ways you can make a dramatic difference in your life.

"what you do consistently defines you"

Amazing Video on What Drives Us to Perform

2010-09-20T06:58:00.001-07:00

Stressed out??

2010-08-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Persistent stress occurs in our modern day society. It may be the small day to day inputs like traffic, working environment, and argument with your partner or it something bigger like the illness or death of a loved one, divorce, financial crisis or even planning a wedding. A few of these events overtime can take a major toll on your bodies stress coping mechanisms.

Chronic stress disrupts adrenal glands and hormones and can contribute to the following symptoms:

fatigue
weight management issues
panic attacks
muscle tension
digestive unrest
menstrual irregularities
general aggravation of health conditions.

For many people, it is difficult to recognize that they are in a chronic state of stress. The feeling becomes almost normal or they feel that they ought to be able to “handle” everything that comes along. There is a tremendous amount of guilt around taking it "easy" and taking good care of oneself.

The most incredible thing about stress is that you have ultimate control over how you let it affect your life. Only you can choose how you let each moment affect you. You choose your thoughts (even if you don't realize it yet), you choose your experience and you can also choose your boundaries.

Don't wait for things to "turn around". Take control of the situation. Start today to focus on one thing that makes you feel incredible. This is your life.

Start small:

taking a walk at lunch to the park and breathing deeply
get a massage
join a class you have been putting on hold (art, dance, yoga, running)
get professional help to improve your diet and lifestyle choices
practice saying no more often if you feel over booked
practice loving yourself more
practice smiling
talk to your partner or friends about how they can help you
give yourself permission to grieve and have down time if you need it

Try the 3 good things challenge:

In any given situation, pick 3 good things to focus on. Even when nothing seems good, try to challenge yourself. It could be as simple as "well it's not raining today" or "I really like the song on the radio right now" or "I am so thankful for..."

You can play this game with your family and see how quickly the focus gets redirected.

Here is are my 3 good things for today:

1) I am so thankful for reconnecting with an old friend today

2) I am looking forward to delicious sushi for dinner tonight

3) I love that I have a surprise few minutes right now to sit and enjoy the peace of the moment

Emotional Muscle

2010-07-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Emotions are the fuel of life. How we feel about any given moment determines our experience and how we decide to take action. Mastering your emotional state is what will get you to feel excited and motivated when you might otherwise feel bored or sad or depressed or anxious.

The best way to train your emotions is to practice getting yourself in to your peak states.

What makes you happiest?
How do you hold your body?
What music gets you going?
What words make you feel excited?
What image gets you determined to follow through on that workout?
What are you settling for in your life that you are no longer willing to accept?
What are you going to do about it?
How do you want to identify yourself?

In order to develop passion, excitement or a calm mind we must practice accessing these emotional states - even when it doesn't always feel comfortable or easy to do so. Just like working out at the gym, in order to develop emotional muscle we have to challenge ourselves to work outside of our habitual states.

Here is how you can start:

Practice by purposefully putting on music that inspires you, practice getting out and going for a walk to break a pattern of mindless eating in front of the television, practice smiling, practice deep breathing, practice eating mindfully, practice loving yourself, practice by using language that excites you and above all remind yourself every single day who you want to be and what you are no longer willing to settle for in your life.

How are you practicing your emotional muscle today?

Check this out for more inspiration:
Emotional Muscle

don't wait for the parade, make your own

2010-07-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Time to catch up with the last month. More than a little craziness with yoga and clinic and life and never ending hot hot hot humid weather here in the city. It's amazing how much temperature can affect energy.
So what has been going on??

1) This is the last weekend of yoga training. I graduate this Sunday evening. The journey has been intense and interesting and challenging. I think one of the best parts has meeting so many other beautiful women in the course and hope to maintain some great friendships when all is said and done.

2) Have you ever had the experience of "randomly" having the same conversation multiple times in a matter of days with totally different people (of course you have). Well that happened to me this month to the theme of "no one will save you". It seems a little harsh at first, but so true and so life changing. It doesn't mean that people aren't going to help you out along the way or give you some guidance and support, but ultimately, you are responsible for the actions you take and way you experience the world on a daily basis. Here are some wise and well known words from Louise L. Hay to hopefully inspire you to take control of your life:

"The point of power is always in the present moment"

"Every thought we think is creating our future"

"Your mind is a tool you can choose to use any way you wish."

"You are not a helpless victim of your own thoughts, but rather a master of your own mind."

"Love who and what you are and what you do."

daily rituals

2010-06-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

I used to be someone who would hit the alarm clock for an extra bit of sleep instead of getting myself up and to the gym...then I would spend the rest of the day feeling guilty about it.

Yoga training has forced me to establish a new ritual of waking up early for class. I find myself getting up without the alarm now more or less ready to go. Somedays are harder for sure, but I hope to keep this ritual in my life well after this training is done. The great thing about changing one ritual is that is permeates the other areas of your life...it becomes essential to follow up with a good healthy breakfast after yoga because I am in the right frame of mind and it sets the tone for the entire day.

Where you are in your life right now is based on the rituals you do on a consistent basis. Rituals are actions that you take regularly (several times/week). You can break down your entire day into a series of small rituals. Most of us are creatures of habit and we tend to get in the same routine for a long time.

Guess what! These small rituals add up to your life. For example, the ritual of getting up and going to the gym will give you a very different result then oversleeping and then rushing out the door without breakfast. Or take the ritual of having a second coffee in the afternoon or buying your lunch at work everyday. These common rituals might be influencing how much disposable income you have...added to which, drinking and extra coffee with cream and eating out 5 times/week may be responsible for that extra 5-10 pounds you put on last year. Imagine the difference changing that one ritual could make in a few areas of your life.

One of the problems is that most people don't even realize that they are doing certain things regularly. Most of us are so busy that we just go through the motions without ever considering how these small choices are adding up overtime. Start by identifying some things you may be doing on daily basis that are contributing to where you are now (think about health, diet, finances, relationships, mood).

Remember - what you do on a consistent basis will largely determine where and who you are.

What rituals are you doing right now that support your current level of fitness and energy?
Are you in the ritual of....

Staying up late everynight watching tv or playing on the internet?
Skipping breakfast because you are running out the door at the last minute?
Making plans to go the gym but hitting the alarm clock and going back to sleep instead?
Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee/day?
Eating chocolate chip cookies or muffins just about every afternoon?
Smoking?
Drinking a glass or two of wine everynight to unwind?

Now replace one ritual with a new one.

Be specific and clear about what your new action will be.

You can start to take control of the direction of your life by making conscious decisions about where you want to be, how you want to conduct your day, which words you use to express yourself and the thoughts you think.

Recharge

2010-06-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I am tired...a little run down (which is rare for me). It is a good reminder that we all (even me) need to take some time out once in a while. My absolute favorite way to reconnect with myself and boost energy is to be outdoors, in nature. Algonquin Park has been place of my heart all growing up. This picture taken there last year reminds me what is most healing for my body and mind.

What place or activity brings you the greatest energy and passion?

Fatigue is such a common concern. Sometimes it is just a matter of over extending yourself - but in chronic cases the cause is often deeper. Here are some things to consider if you are feeling tired all the time:

1) Iron deficiency anemia: A common problem in women who are menstruating, vegans, vegetarians or those with digestive concerns. To get an accurate sense of iron status, you need to have your ferritin levels checked. Most people rely on their hemoglobin levels as an indicator, but these are usually not reflective of iron deficiency until it has reached an advanced state.

2) Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation. Most vegans and vegetarians are deficient in this key vitamin. If you have chronic digestive inflammation and poor nutrient absorption then you may be low. Vitamin B12 levels can also be checked by a simple blood test. Often injections are given to help dramatically boost levels and improve energy and clarity.

3) Lack of protein/too many refined carbs: A diet high in refined carbohydrates will make almost anyone feel tired and run down overtime. These foods are stripped of nutrients and cause fluctuations in blood sugar for that all too common crash in energy...not to forget the weight gain and chronic diseases that can arise. Quality protein intake can help to stabilize blood sugar, increase muscle repair, support immune function and overall energy. Proper, balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of good energy and vitality.

4) Low thyroid: Your thyroid gland sits at the base of your neck. It helps in maintaining your cellular metabolism and energy. A low thyroid can contribute to weight gain, lethargy, low mood, dry skin and constipation to name a few. Naturopathic Medicine can offer some very effective support for your thyroid and hormone balance.

5) Poor sleep: Insomnia is one of the most common afflictions of todays society. Common causes of insomnia are from staying up too late with work, tv, internet. Anxiety, stress, replaying the days events or thinking about what you have to do the next day can keep your sympathetic nervous system ramped up. Menopause is another common time for sleep disruption and night sweats. Poor sleep can have many repercussions for energy, mood, immune system, mental clarity and diet (people who are more tired tend to pick up sugar foods and excess caffeine in an effort to keep themselves going).

These are a just a few common examples of how low energy can occur...and the good news is they are all overcome with modifications to lifestyle, nutrition and herbal medicine.

As for me...I am going to look at where I can take a little time off in the next month to recharge and spend sometime in nature.

Yoga Update

2010-06-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yoga on the beach in Nootka Sound, BC some years ago.

So I am starting into week 6 of my YTT...half way mark. I have been thinking lately that
one of the beautiful things about yoga is how it can totally retrain how you hold your body and how you use your core for everyday movements.

I have a history of low back pain that comes and goes usually correlating to sloppy bent over vaccuming or laundry. I know, as we all do, that a sore back comes from a weak core. It's not that our backs are weak, they are just tired from taking all the weight and doing all the work for us. Yoga is about engaging and isolating your lower abdominals in just about every pose. It is so much more than doing crunches a couple times/week at the gym. It is about how you stand, how you move, how you bend, how you breathe - all from the core. Needless to say, my back has never been better, my core has never felt stronger and I have never walked taller!!

If you have back problems, then consider working one on one with a yoga teacher to learn how to connect with your abdominals in almost all poses. This is sometimes overlooked in a big drop in class. Once you make this connection, it will take your yoga and your life to another level!

books I'm reading now

2010-06-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love reading. I love bookstores. I love shelves and piles of books around my home.
The main reading time I get is on the subway to and from yoga and my corporate workshops. Here are a couple books I have been carrying around with me this week:

- Coach Yourself to Success by Talane Miedaner (practical coaching tips that you can take one at a time. this is a great book to just casually flip through and feel inspired)

- Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg (have had this one since high school and still come back to it from time to time. It is a manual/autobiography for creative writing)

taking care

2010-06-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished up another great 12 week weight loss corporate session today.
I always learn just as much as the participants going through this process. Teaching others how to live a Naturopathic Life reminds me to stay focused on self care. Don't underestimate how much the little things count. We are defined by what we do consistently - those people who live with abundance and balance practice this on a daily basis...so what about the rest of us? Here are some things to think about.

1) Would you be embarrassed if people knew how you treated your body?

2) How do you prioritize your health and self care? (be honest)

3) If your body was your home, would you treat it the same way?

4) What price would you put on your health?

Think about how many hours a week you put into making your house clean and organized or how much time and money you have spent on furnishings and remodeling your environment. Compare this with how many hours you spend on your health or how much time you take to exercise a week for example.

This weeks challenge: Block off 2 hours/week that is alone time for you to take care of yourself. Read a book in the park, try a new exercise class, get a massage, journal about your dreams, reset your goals.

dream big

2010-06-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Boundaries and Flexibility

2010-05-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

The idea of this blog is to follow my own path of trying to incorporate naturopathic living into my own life... in other words, can I practice what I preach!
Fundamentally, it always comes down to balance...balance in work, balance in play, balance in nutrition, balance in relationships, balance in personal time, balance in spending and so much more.

Setting boundaries is something I frequently talk about with my patients and in corporate workshops.
More often than not, we find it difficult to put our needs first since it usually requires saying no to other obligations. There is so much fear and guilt around disappointing others. This is an area I have to practice frequently in my life and I understand the challenges it can bring when you want to do it all.

Setting boundaries is one of the of the most compassionate and kindess things you can do!

Setting boundaries for yourself means:
- saying "no" sometimes
- asking for help when you need it / delegating tasks
- being clear on what you need and want to be your best self

Why is it kind?
- You are taking care of yourself
- It is connecting with your intuition and personal limits
- It allows you to offer the best of yourself in any situation
- It allows you establish stronger and more balanced relationships with equal give and take

Avoid getting stuck:
- Avoid hiding behind fear as a limitation to move forward. In other words, don't confuse feeling uncomfortable because you are beyond your limits with the fear of taking action on something that could really help you grow and develop. Feel the fear and do it anyway!
- Being flexible. Setting boundaries is so important, but sometimes if we are never able to see any other way of doing things or working with others we can become stuck.

Practice makes perfect:
- Think of one thing you have commited to doing in the next two weeks that is draining you physically, emotionally, mentally or financially. Think of two ways you can change this situation by setting clearer boundaries. Often, a dramatic change is simply a question of asking... for example:
" I need some help with picking up the kids every Tuesday and Thursday night so I can take a yoga class. Can you help me with this or is there another way we can arrange things?"

Ask empowering questions:
- how can I make this situation better? vs. why is am I so tired and always run down?
"How" questions really help us tap into our problem solving mindset and you will quickly find solutions to almost any problem if you keep asking the question.

Yoga is to be lived

2010-05-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you a beautiful quote given to us this weekend at yoga training. There is so much power and truth in this for me. Read and enjoy.

"True Yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; Yoga is to be lived. Yoga does not care what you have been; Yoga cares about what you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called Yoga, its essence must be embodied"

- Aadil Palkhivala

Yoga Life

2010-05-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

Week 1!

The end of week one after starting the intensive Yoga Teacher Training is almost coming to a close...except that it starts up again first thing tomorrow...this is truly and immersion experience.

To give you an overview of the program:
12 weekends both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm of instruction on poses, phiolosophy, meditation, teaching techniques and more.
24 public yoga classes to be done throughout the three months
28 yoga clinics to work on your own personal practice
8 observations

This comes to approximately 4-5 classes/week to keep on top of things ...so how am I doing so far?
Well, let's just say that I need to work on revamping my schedule a bit. I made two 7 am yoga clinics this week so I may have to to do some double time next week. The plan is to dedicate my mornings to yoga practice and study while working in my clinic in the afternoons. Good plan I think. It's all about priority and balance. I am so excited to immerse myself in the weeks ahead.

Here is this weeks Yoga Challenge for all of you:
Try at least one early morning class this week (6:30 am anyone?). It may be hard to get up at first, but soo worth it to set the tone for the day. You will feel energized in a way that coffee can never hope to accomplish. Good luck.

Yoga Teacher Training Intensive - Fast Track

I have been practicing yoga for many years and can't begin to describe the balance it brings to my life.
I obtained my yoga teacher trainer certificate in Kerala, India several years ago and practice regularly, but have recently felt the desire to immerse myself once again. My clinical practice is busier than ever, for which I am grateful, but of course as often happens when work gets busy the other parts of your life suffer.
So to follow my own advice, I have enrolled in the 3 month intensive teacher training offered by the beautiful people at the Yoga Sanctuary here in Toronto. Starting in early May I will be once more immersed in the yoga life that requires full weekends for three months, along with 4-5 classes during the week! intense and exciting!
I hope to document my journey here for you...so stay tuned to hear about my adventures in yoga.
For the past year or so I have doing challenging/ashtanga style yoga with my favorite teacher in the city Lori Kirwin - http://www.poolofsweat.com/ . As an exercise tip for those interested in seeing results in their body composition, strength and tone I highly recommend trying ashtanga yoga...stick with it...it can be intimidating at first but is well worth it in the end.

For more information on the yoga teacher training program visit -
Yoga Sanctuary: http://www.theyogasanctuary.net/

Spring Detox

2010-03-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here and the warm weather brings with it a feeling of renewal. This is a perfect time to consider cleaning up and fine tuning your body after the long winter. A detox is a way of getting people into a focused state to start a healthy long term program for longevity and vitality.

Typically, detox programs involve increasing fiber while taking herbal preparations that target specific organs and stimulate elimination. Good detox programs should also take into account unique dietary needs, health challenges, possible drug interactions with the herbal supplements and the elimination of inflammatory foods. Skin, as the largest organ in the body, should also be properly cared for during this time. Hydrotherapy, skin brushing, acupunture and massage techniques can be extremely beneficial for total body detoxification. Finally, it is equally important to establish a healthy lifestyle maintenance protocol for long-term health once you have completed your detox, otherwise you will find yourselft back at square one.

With so many products and misinformation out there, it is no wonder peope feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. What is most important to consider is that every person has individual needs and therefore requires an individual detoxification plan. For instance, popular juice fasts are often undertaken with no medical supervision and can result in uncomfortable side effects, blood sugar imbalances and energy lows if not done correctly. These types of detox programs are quick fixes that often lead to energy crashes and food binges from nutritional deprivation. A proper detoxification program takes into account your individual nutritional habits, lifestyle and health challenges to create a foundation for long-term health.

Detoxification programs can help you increase your energy, mood, digestion and overall wellness. If you are considering a detoxification program for the spring, please take the time to discuss this with a regulated health practitioner.

Tips to get you started:

1. BEGIN EACH MORNING WITH WATER AND LEMON

• Stimulates liver and gallbladder to secrete enzymes

• Replenishes water after full night without

2. REPLACE COFFEE WITH GREEN TEA OR HERBAL TEA

• Try Green Tea – organic Japanese Sencha

• Green tea is high in antioxidants and lower in caffeine

3. EAT A PRIMARILY VEGETARIAN DIET

• Increasing vegetable content for fibre, phytonutrients

• Salads, roasted veggies, soups, frozen veggies are great in a pinch

4. LIMIT OR AVOID “WHITE FOODS” AND INCREASE WHOLE GRAINS

• Processed foods, rice, pasta, white bread

• Include whole grains in your diet: quinoa, brown rice, lentils

5. INCREASE YOUR FIBRE

• Ground flaxseeds

• High fibre cereal

• Psyllium

• Slow cooking/steel cut oats

6. LIMIT OR AVOID ALCOHOL

• Alcohol places large strain on liver, increases sugar, disrupts sleeping patterns

• High caloric intake

7. GET RID OF ALL YOUR PLASTIC CONTAINERS

• Heavy plastics contain Bisphenophosphate A (BPA)

• Linked with hormone disruption, metabolic syndrome

• Banned in children’s bottles in Canada not yet in the States

• Includes Nalgene bottles

• Avoid heating up and storing food in Tupperware

• Get glass pyrex containers

• If you filter water in Brita transfer to glass container

Welcome

2010-03-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so pleased to introduce my blog for Naturopathic living. This is a site dedicated to information you can use to promote and inspire your best life possible. Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic approach to health care that takes into account all aspects that are contributing to your current state - nutrition, lifestyle, medical and personal history and mental patterns. Every person has a unique story and unique needs that need to be understood in order to make dramatic and powerful life changes. I hope this site is a place of inspiration to take action in your life towards fulfilling your own personal dreams.

Yours in health - Dr. Carrie Watkins, ND