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Self-Care- journaling Practice

7/11/2020

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Today, I want to discuss one of my favorite self-care practices, which is journaling. This journaling exercise cultivates self-love, acceptance, and helps you reshape your thoughts about yourself. 
If you have time I'd like you to get out you're journal and pen. Write down the following questions and respond to them. 
1. What are 5 things that I love about myself? 
2. What do I love about my life?
3. What do I feel like my life is missing and how can I get more of what I need?
4. When am I the happiest version of me? 
5. Who are the people in my life that make me the happiest?
6. How can I add to my happiness? 
7. How can I include more moments of laughter in my day?
8. Who are the people in my life that make me the happiest? 
9. What am I afraid to do?
10. What are 3 negative mindsets that I need to let go of? 
11. What is one piece of advice I'd give my future self? 
Self-care doesn't have to be some extravagant bath or massage it can be a time of reflection. A moment of your time spent to honor, love, and remind yourself just about how wonderful you already are.
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Bath Tea Recipe

7/5/2020

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Practicing Self-care is more than taking a nice soothing bath. Except when it is! I loveee my Sunday bath days! Today I want to tell you how you can make your very own herbal bath tea! 
Herbal baths have been around for centuries it is the practice that infuses cooling, soothing actions of herbs in water. You can always just dumb flower petals into your bath but this makes less of a mess. You can use herbs you have grown yourself or you can buy your own. Make sure to use organic herbs. This recipe is cooling, soothing, and relaxing. 

Ingredients: 
2 Cups of Dried camomile flower
1 Cup of dried rose blossom petals, or buds 
1 Cup of Dried lavender flowers
12 Large Press and brew tea bags. 

Directions: 
Add the herbs to a large mixing bowl. Stir with your hands breaking up with your hands and mixing well. 
Measure 1/2 cup of your mixture filling each tea bag. You can also use muslin tea bags. 
You can back your tea bags in a mason jar with a tight-sealing lid

To use: 
Drop tea bag into an empty bathtub. fill the tub with hot water so the teabag is immersed. Leave the bag in the tub during the bag. 
Soak in the tub and enjoy your bath.
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Ruda Mudra

6/10/2020

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In Sanskrit, Ruda mudra means 'howler' or 'terror' and Mudra means 'seal' or 'gesture'. The Rigveda, is used as 'mightiest of the mighty'. Hindu Lord Shiva is known for his destructive power which is caused by excess fire. This mudra works on the fire element in the body.
Rudra mudra connects the ring finger (earth element) thumb (fire element) and the index finger (air element) balancing out the earth element in our body. 

Ruda mudra helps stimulate The Third Chakra (solar plexus/ Manipura chakra). The finger positions regulate the flow of energy to the chakra while stimulating the root chakra. Stimulation of the third chakra may prolong age, and help will willpower and self-confidence. Also helping concentration and better eating habits. The physical benefits of practicing  Ruda mudra may help lower blood pressure, burn fat, and improve eyesight. 

Ruda mudra works best when practiced in the morning. Your should preform Ruda mudra for 20 minutes a day or 6 times a day for 5 minutes. 
Finger arrangement: 
-Fold your index finger and ring fingers towards the thumb. 
-Touch the tips of index fingers and ring fingers with the thumb
-Leave the remaining two fingers extended straight 
-Do this with both hands
-Without disturbing the posture of fingers, place both your hands on your upper thighs
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How to make Ghee

6/8/2020

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​Ghee is a form of clarified butter. Ghee is like butter and is typically made using cow's milk. Ghee is made by melting regular butter. When melted the butter separates into liquid fats and milk solids. When separated, the milk solids are removed leaving ghee which has much less lactose than butter. Those who are sensitive or intolerant to lactose may find ghee a useful substitute for butter. Ghee also contains butyrate acid which is needed for healthy digestion. 

Recipe: 
To make ghee, place unsalted organic butter in a pan and let it melt and bring to a boil over med-low heat, then simmer on very low heat. The butter may look cloudy and there may be foam at the top (scoop off the foam and discard). In the first five minutes, stir the butter occasionally. 

Leave the butter to continue simmering for another 15 minutes. You will see the particles sin to the bottom of the pan and foam will settle at the top. As soon as the sediment at the bottom starts to brown, remove the pan from the heat. Skim off and discard the foam, Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or muslin into a glass jar. Store at room temperature. 
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Golden Milk Recipe

6/1/2020

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Ingredients
- 1.5 cup non-dairy milk of choice such as almond milk 
- 1 tsp turmeric powder 
- pinch of ground black peppercorns 
- 1/2 tsp each of ground ginger and cinnamon
- sweetener to taste such as 1-2 tsp of maple syrup or agave or honey 

Instructions (Blender Method)
1. Add the turmeric, black pepper, and other spices and sweetener to a blender. 
2. Heat your milk in a small saucepan stovetop. Once its hot, add to blender with the other ingredients and blend on high for 20-30 seconds until smooth and foamy. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

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The Gemini Sun

5/31/2020

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​Gemini, the 'twins', are represented by the planet Mercury that rules communication. Geminis are the messengers of the zodiac. Speaking gives us the ability to share ideas, thoughts, emotions, and opinions. This is what the Gemini is all about. They're good at articulating ideas, emotions, and love. If you're someone who has difficulty expressing yourself verbally a geminin will teach you how. Geminis exude confidence, even if they are unsure of themselves. They have a fake it till you make it attitude. If you're standing next to a Gemini their confidence will rub off on you.  

Geminis make friends easily. They have many friends, best friends, and acquaintances. Geminis are full of life, have big hearts, and strive to be a friend to everyone. Though they prefer to spend time with one person at a time rather than a group. Geminis are person to person communicators they enjoy sitting and talking. Geminis love their best friend because they can bounce ideas off one another and able to calm their rapid mind. Geminis make the of best friends. 

Geminis are oriented towards matters of the mind. There are two types of Gemini. First, the Gemini who loves to talk and second the internal Gemini talker. They enjoy talking about what's important to them and speak their mind freely. They strive to share their truth to the masses. Every Gemini will tell you there is a subjective and objective reality. Not everything can exist at the same time. Geminis have to compartmentalize and break off. This is the Gemini as a twin, they are breaking off. This does not make the Gemini bad it means they are capartmentlizinng things other signs cannot. They want to understand both sides of the story. They will tell you the story in a way that is most authentic to them. Geminis sometimes talk in circles but they're sharing their authentic truth. Though Gemini can be master manipulators and run circles around people. They will be the first to call you out. Gemini may not have a full understanding of their emotional state but they must make sure they don't pour out their emotions on everyone. The Gemini must understand as they spread what they believe to be true does not harm or hurt others. Gemini, you must learn how to integrate your ideas, and give your gifts to the world. 
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The Aquarius Sun

1/21/2020

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Aquarians are the humanitarians of the world and the intervenors. They represent peace and balance. They seek a balance between emotions and thoughts. Aquarians are extremely smart. They live in their heads. In their minds, they are crafting plans and setting intentions. They have good ideas and are great at thinking long-range. Though they struggle with execution but have innovation. Sometimes someone else has to come along and help get them started. 

You can recognize an aquarian by their unique sense of personal style. They are always dressed a little differently. They look good in anything. They can pull off things most people cannot. They are out of the box thinkers and do things differently just for the sake of being different. They want to be who they are and want you to be who you are. This is why the world needs Aquarians.  

Aquarians are curious and can hold on to many thoughts at one time. At their core, they want to world to be a better place, but exactly the way they think it should be in their head. They know how it should be because they have planned everything out in their heads, and they will dislike anyone who tells them differently. 

They hold on to things. They are the grudge holders of the zodiac. If they have developed a thought about you it's hard for them to let that go, and hard for you to move past it. In relationships, they are focused on what is fair and good for both of you, and others. They seak the highest good. 

To be happier Aquarius needs to learn to relax and let things be. Aquarius stop trying to figure things out, stop trying to fix everything and stop trying to be different all the time. This is what exhausts you. You must find a way to express your opinions without sounding though there is no other way and try to listen to other ideas. Aquarians you are beautiful inside and out . Find inner peace and see beauty in the world as it is. Find happiness in the way things are. Let things be and go with the flow.
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Surya Mudra

1/14/2020

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Incorporating Mudra in your yoga practice has many benefits. Mudras help bring you clarity, promote focus, rebalances and restores your energy.
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Surya Mudra: The Seal of Fire. It is my personal favorite. This mudra specifically works with building tapas (building heat, digestive fire, willpower, and self-discipline) and boosts your body's inner strength quickly.
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Who should practice this Mudra? - Those who lack discipline when completing projects.
- Those who have a cold, sore throat, or joint pain.
- People who are struggling with weight loss. - Persons who struggle with a loss of appetite. - People with high cholesterol.
- People who can’t seem to stay warm.
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You can practice Surya Mudra in the morning& evening when the external heat has minimal effect on your body. To see a result from this Mudra practice for 45 mins a day. Or practice 3 times a day for 15 min sessions.
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Mudras are the simplest form of exercise for your body and mind.
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The Capricorn Sun

1/1/2020

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      Capricorn energy is determined, focused and tough. They have a lot to bring a lot to the world. They come into this world wanting to achieve something and are concerned about what will be left of their lives. Capricorns map out their journey to reach the top of the mountain sometimes at a very young age. They will follow their map without shortcuts no matter how long the journey takes. They will hold themselves to those tasks and sometimes even you. They are very organized and envy people who organize things better. They are great at driving strategic plans for themselves, their family and others. They make good bosses. They know exactly how to get things moving forward. No matter how steep the mountain they find a way to get to the top.
     Capricorns are loyal, honest and hardworking. They are persistent, stable and grounded. They are ridged. But they will have fun with you. They won't admit they are having fun, but they are. They can be self-absorbed. Capricorns are typically busy people they are always working on a project. If you want to have a good relationship with a Capricorn help them on their journey to the top of the mountain. They see everyone in their life as equals. They love everyone equally. They care about everyone in their circle equally, and if you are apart of their circle you are special. Think about it Jesus was a Capricorn.
       They love money and spend it wisely. Capricorns are survivors, they can go without and they don’t mind. Though Capricorns aren’t cheap they like to save and are very charitable. If you get a gift from a Capricorn it means your special.
       Second to Leo they can magnetize a room. They have quite a confidence and are very secure in who they are, and what they do. Capricorns are beautiful people and don’t age on their faces. Though later in life develop joint problems. They should invest in massages and exercise more.
         Capricorns spend some time away from work and invest in your hobbies. Don’t feel guilty about indulging in the joys that life has to offer. Permit yourself to let your emotions run free. Most importantly let go and trust in the universe to help you on your journey.
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Benefits of having house plants

10/1/2019

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    I love the beauty my house plants bring to my home. Did you know having plants in your home can be beneficial to you and your families health? I wanted to share some benefits of having plants in your home.


1. Plants Clean the Air
Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide we exhale into fresh oxygen. They can also remove toxins from the air. Have you heard of NASA's experiment? They found that plants release formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Plants are a natural way to purify the air. Here is a list of NASA's top air-purifying plants. 


-Dwarf Date Palm
-Boston Fern
-Kimberly Queen Fern
-Spider Plant
-Chinese Evergreen
-Bamboo Palm
-Variegated Snake Plant
-Peace Lilly

2. Plants are Mood-Boosting

Being around plants improves concentration, memory, and productivity. As with being in nature plants reduces anxiety because they assist in breathing. 


3. Plants are Natural HealersPlants release 97% of the water they absorb. If you place several plants together you will increase the humidity in the room. This helps keep respiratory distress at bay. The humidity plants give off can decrease dry skin, colds, sore throughs, and dry coughs. 

    Plants bring beauty and clam into our space. It's important to keep some greenery in every room now that you know the benefits. 

Bedroom Plants: French Lavender
The aroma of lavender is so calming and relaxing. This is a perfect indoor plant to put in your bedroom. Place this plant next to a sunny window and water it regularly.  Enjoy the lovely scent of lavender all night long. 

Living Room: Peace Lilly
This plant is on NASA's list as one of the top air-purifying plants. This plant is showy and low maintenance. I have had my Peace Lilly for 5 years and he lives in the living room. This is a great lowlight plant. 

Dining Room or Kitchen: Bamboo & Herbs 
Is happy in most light conditions. They are easy to take care of and just need distilled water. There are so many different varieties. I keep my bamboo in my kitchen and seems to love it there. 
Herbs are also great to keep in a sunny kitchen window. You will have easy access to fresh herbs. You will have to do a little pruning every now and then. 

Bathroom: Ferns 
Ferns can tolerate low-light. (Not No Light) The high humidity makes a welcoming environment for the plants. Great lushes low-maintenance decor. 

Sunroom: Aloes & Succulents 
This is the perfect spot for many house plants. You must not miss the opportunity to grow an aloe vera. This plant will enrich your first aid arsenal.

What type of plants do you keep in your spaces? 




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