Stop Looking Outside

Mindfulness

Your power and happiness CANNOT be found OUTSIDE yourself.  You must go within.  Daily.

So many people look for external validation.  For confirmation that they are "okay" or "normal". They look to others for their answers.  Or they fill their lives with things to make them feel like they've "arrived" or to make them feel worthy.  Outside yourself it not where you'll find ANY of those things.  You must go within. Meditate.  Be mindful.  Know that everything you desire and need is already within you.  You don't need someone else's approval or the approval of your EGO.  

You are worthy simply because you were born.  You are worthy simply because you are you.  There is no one else like you. You are a fingerprint on this planet.  Make sure your fingerprint is felt and leaves an imprint.

Be YOU and the rest will fall into place.

Namaste,

Joy

There Is No Death

Energy cannot "die". It is simply transformed. When we leave this realm...we don't "die".  Our soul is released to experience another realm and new lessons. When we realize and accept this...fear is replaced with a child like wonder.  The Universe is an amzing, mysterious, and magical place!  Be aware NOW! Embrace every moment! Because in the end, NOW is truly all that exists.

XO Joy

LOVE IS THE PULSE OF THE UNIVERSE!

LOVE!

Love is the pulse of the Universe. The breath of life. If you don't allow yourself to give and receive love...your spiritual body will suffer. You become anesthetized to life and your light is extinguished. If allowed to live in this state for long, eventually your physical body will deteriorate. Love.  Live.  Allow yourself to be loved. Allow yourself to freely give love. Sprinkle that sh*t EVERYWHERE! 
This is the pulse of the Universe and the doorway to true bliss and enlightened living.

Your Food Choices. They're Either Nourishing You Or Contaminating You.

Food is energy

Whether you accept this fact or not, we are all pure energy that has a physical form. Every thought we have, every emotion we feel, and every food we put in our mouths either nourishes your energy body or contaminates it.  There is no in-between.  

Think about the food you put in your body.  Is it nourishing and illuminating your body or contaminating it? I'm not saying that you can't indulge in a treat sometimes. Our body is amazing and has in incredible innate ability to heal itself. IF given the time and proper support. Follow the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the time be sure to eat foods that nourish and strengthen your body.  Twenty percent of the time it's okay to live a little and have that treat.  Do your best to make it a real food treat (say homemade cookies as opposed to Twinkies).  By following this simple rule your body will be strengthened, nourished, and illuminate in all that you do.

So today, each time you go to drink or eat...ask yourself "Is this nourishing me? Or contaminating me?".  Awareness is half the solution to any lifestyle problem.  So simply be aware and witness what follows. 

XO Joy

Create Meaning And Symbolism Around You

I love this corner in my yard. The pose of this Buddha reminds me to be aware of what I can offer someone? How can I be of service to someone today? What can I give today?

And the gorgeous blue glass ball instantly makes me aware of my throat chakra. It reminds me to speak my truth. Not what I believe someone wants to hear but MY truth. Always spoken with love and kindness. It also reminds me of the power of words and to always be impeccable with my word. 

Oh how I love this little corner in my yard. 

XO Joy

5 Reason You May Be Hanging On To That Belly Weight

5 Reasons You May Be Hanging On To That Belly Weight

1. Stress; stress releases Cortisol which is associated with extra weight in mid-section (among other health effects 
2. Lack of sleep; lack of sleep alters hormones in the body like Ghrelin and Leptin which are hunger and satiety hormones.  Lack of sleep also makes you crave simple carbs because your brain and body are jonesen for quick energy.
3. Your diet is centered on things that come from a box, can, bag, or take-out; all which are usually high caloric, high sugar, high sodium, hydrogenated, and lacking in nutrients. Empty calories!
4. Your sweat sessions…shall we say…aren’t sweaty enough; most people aren’t working out as hard as they think they are.  And although movement is better than being sedentary if you have weight to lose, especially in the mid-section, you have to get uncomfortable.  That’s why taking a class or working with a personal trainer is ideal.  They will hold you accountable and push you harder than you would normally push yourself.
5. You’re eating a low-fat diet; sounds contradictory but you have to eat fat to lose fat.  BUT the right kind of fat! Studies have shown that eating a diet sufficient in MUFA’S (monounsaturated fats) led to greater loss in fat loss specifically in the belly.

If you’re struggling with that belly bulge try these tips for 6 weeks and see if you notice a difference.  I’m confident you will! 

XO  Joy

Pre-Workout Meal

YOUR PRE-WORKOUT MEAL

Not sure what to eat before a good sweat session? You're not alone. Unless you're doing Bikram or a long-distance run or ride the recommendation is pretty standard.

• Consume light meal/snack 60-90 minutes before workout
• Consisting of healthy carbs and protein (2:1 ratio)
• Great options are; dried fruit and nut bars, banana or apple with peanut butter, half whole grain toast with 1 T peanut butter, etc
• 150-200 calories 
• At least 4-6 grams of protein and fiber.
• And water, water, water of course!

Although the guidelines for your post-workout meal vary a little, it's just as important.

And if you're a coffee drinker...try a half cup or so an hour before your workout. Countless studies have shown that when coffee is consumed (due to the caffeine) participants not only work at a higher intensity but for a longer duration as well.

So nosh your favorite pre-workout snack while sipping your favorite cup of Joe and you're bound to burn through some cellulite wink emoticon

XO  Joy