Tapping into your flow, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Today I visited Zogreo Church in Monroe, Michigan where I witnessed a person who was genuinely in his flow; Bishop Robert Shackleford.

This gentleman preached from his heart. His sermon was so full of energy, it felt like he raised the roof off of the church. Although he tried to be aware of the time, I think he could lose himself praising the name of the Lord; I can’t think of a better thing to lose yourself in, can you?

I could feel his passion and I like what he conveyed.

When he is in his flow he not only lifts his spirit but he lifts the spirit of others. As he embraces his gift from God, he is helping the world to become a better place. It’s pretty cool.

I think anytime you tap into your flow you are making the world a better place. Why? Because your flow enables your best self to surface and if you’re at your best, you are going to interface in a healthy way with others. It creates a pass it forward type karma.

So, if you’re feeling overly stressed all you need to do is tap into your flow. Give it a shot and then let me know what activity enables you to do this. I’m curious.

Top ten stress relievers, continued

Click on the below article to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

This is the 2ND article I've posted listing ten stress relievers. They, of course, overlap. When I was busy in the corporate world I blew off lists like the one in my article today. I didn't allow myself the time to step out of my multi-tasked lifestyle. Of course, in this lifestyle I was extremely unhealthy; migraines, stomach issues, reflux etc. Today, I still take medicine for reflux but the headaches and stomach issues come very seldom now as apposed to weekly/daily previously.

I credit this to my curiosity for tapping into a universal peace and comfort that gifts me with grounding and balance. I've always believed in prayer but it offers so much more when I intertwine it with meditation. I also get so much more out of my exercise when I practice a short yoga session after a 30 minute run. Utilizing and interchanging all of these tools help me to find gratitude for my body (mind, body & spirit) in its current condition!

Can you leave a comment explaining how you achieve inner peace and balance in your life? I love to explore new ideas!

A primal tool that can save you from most any crisis, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I took my son to the hospital for lung testing this month and we met an interesting pulmonary specialist during our visit. I wish I could share his name but I don't have it. He discussed thoroughly the benefits of breathing properly which causes the full use of the diaphragm. He spent his precious time teaching us the proper way and telling us the importance of practicing only a few minutes a day. In his words, "Before you know it, you'll be doing it correctly without thinking twice about it!"

I started following a basic 1/2 yoga CD daily which also practices a breathing technique. I've intertwined the 2 and, to my surprise, I'm beginning to see the shape of a 2 pack forming just under my ribs at the top of my stomach. Now, keep in mind, I'm not in shape and below the 2 pack hangs a very under-toned stomach so it looks a bit funny now. But, I feel like I'm starting to get in shape from the inside out which is really a different approach. It is helping to motivate me!

Can you offer any unique techniques to exercise? Share with me!

Ground Yourself, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I drew this self portrait oil pastel as a project for Safehouse Center in Ann Arbor Michigan. I'm hopeful the image will be used on their 2011 calendar to help them raise money. It is my first self portrait and I must say, when I look at it, it grounds me; I love the peaceful feeling it gifts me. I'm a spiritual person and I've always used nature to calm me. A quick walk, a view of geese flying overhead or a deer in the field all help uplift my spirit.

I'm hopeful the image will touch others in a similar way. It is so important to take breaks from stress and allow yourself to be present and take in peaceful moments to offset havoc. Can you share things you utilize to help ground you?

Ideas to ease holiday stress, continued...

I created the below article and posted it on Examiner.com in 2009. Several years later they closed their internet doors. If you have found your way to my words, I hope they offer some stress relief to you!

This was my blog post, which inspired the article listed below it.

When I worked full time, I can't even begin to imagine how I handled everything, especially during the holidays. I think I've turned soft; I feel like a wimp now. It is hard to believe but I'm stressed even serving within my new stay at home life! I think maybe the truth is, I've increased the expectations of myself as an attempt to overcompensate for not getting a payroll check. Perhaps someday I'll be able to give myself a break; accept myself without giving me far too many "to do's" which actually set myself up for failure! Why do we do that to ourselves? HELP!!!

Ideas to ease holiday stress

Trying to find the right gifts while fighting economic issues, harsh weather, heavy traffic and busy stores can be exhausting and stressful this time of year.  Juggling your schedule to fit in shopping, decorating, wrapping gifts, filling out Christmas cards and socializing with your family and friends, all within a few short weeks, is extremely overwhelming.  Do you wonder how in the world you will accomplish it all in so little time?  Here are some helpful hints.

Start by making a list; don’t try to keep it all in your head. 

Recruit help, kids in your family or in your neighborhood are hungry for extra money, and most of them actually enjoy decorating and wrapping gifts.

Carry your Christmas cards with you and fill them out during spare moments; your lunch hour, waiting at the doctor’s office or while sitting in your car when you’re waiting for your kids when you have to pick up from school.  

Don’t spend more than you can afford; offset costs by shopping clearance items, comparing prices and bartering where possible.  Are you creative?  If so, gift homemade crafts or holiday baked treats.  If not, gift your time; busy parents or single parents will welcome a personal coupon to babysit for them for a future occasion, senior citizens would love to receive a promise coupon to help them with errands or tasks, your significant other will cherish a massage coupon or a night free of household responsibilities!

If you’re not okay shopping in crowds or you white knuckle your wintery drives, you still have some time to shop on-line and avoid waiting in line for Christmas gifts.   

Discuss your time constraints openly with your family, most likely they are struggling also.  Perhaps you can work your schedules around the holidays; plan your party for the week before Christmas or, better yet, the week after.  It gives everyone extra time to shop and you’ll benefit from the 50-75% discounts that start the day after Christmas!

Remember, every year, somehow everything necessary actually gets done.  Offset your stress by planning, asking for help, utilizing your spare time, gifting creatively, shopping on-line and scheduling holiday parties either earlier than the Christmas week or after.  This holiday take some time to warm up by a cozy fire, enjoy your loved ones and have some fun with even your most quirky gift; this is the true meaning of the holidays!     

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC Photo- enlist help for gift wrapping or at least a buddy to de-stress with!

Healing power of laughter

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo
Keep your silly inner child alive!

Healing Power of Laughter

My wit was gifted to me by my Father who kept us laughing through a financially strained and traumatic childhood. My parents did the best they could and I recognize this, understanding my upbringing made me the person I am today. Humor has offered comfort to me during the most stressful and sometimes inappropriate times. I can't think of a better way to detox than shedding tears of joy through laughter. I'm so grateful for the times I've lost my composure to uncontrollable bouts of this therapy. I wish this for everyone. This is the type of "epidemic" the world could benefit from; help me spread the power of laughter!

This is the Examiner article that was originally posted in October, 2009, prior to them closing their door and removing the content from the Internet.

Healing power of laughter

Humor is one of the best home remedies for pain. The healing power of laughter is very therapeutic. This rhythmic sound begins deep within the core and opens passages as it travels through the lungs and out to the world. Each outbreak causes a gasping motion enabling oxygen to better fill the lungs.  The breathing affects are similar to those achieved during meditation.

Have you ever laughed so hard your face and stomach hurt afterwards?  The activity actually provides a workout for your stomach, chest and facial muscles. This is the only workout that comes to mind as being genuinely contagious!  If only the gym offered the same affect the world would be a much healthier place.

Have you ever laughed so hard it made you cry? These tears of joy are priceless.  They actually help detoxify the body. During a laugh attack, the body also releases endorphins providing a natural pick me up for anyone partaking.

Enjoy a therapeutic retreat from your pain and melt your stress away by sharing a belly retching laugh with a friend. Remember to take as many self-created, authentic and natural happy pills as possible and allow this healing power of laughter to awaken your spirit!   

Click here to learn more about laughter medically.