As we get closer and closer to the new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about New Year’s resolutions and goals, and desires. We all have desires. It is human nature to desire, to have never ending desires in fact. Once one desire is satisfied, our mind finds another desire to lock onto, another goal to move towards. This is both good and bad. In some instances, the way we can relate to desires might prevent us from feeling
Read MoreHumans have always lived their lives according to the moon cycle. Farmers planted and harvested by the moon, buddhists practice extra spiritual reflection on full moon days, ashtanga yogis take rest during full and new moons, and many cultures still practice ceremonies according to the moon cycle to this day. The word "lunatic" came from the belief that the full moon induced mood swings and enhanced emotions.
Read MoreAlthough people often associate Zen with Bonsai trees, meditation and Buddha, this is not all there is to it. The main goal of Zen activities is to create a mindful and relaxing atmosphere that helps you feel more in touch with nature and your deepest thoughts. However, this state of mind is not that easy to achieve in today’s busy world full of many distractions, which is why you should make yourself a home Zen oasis and
Read MoreTrue happiness happens in the small moments of gratitude, as we sip our cup of coffee in the morning or cuddle with our kids. True happiness doesn’t come from fancy belongings, the newest electronics, or more stuff. It radiates when we practice loving those we hold dear all the while knowing that we are loved too. True happiness comes from the journey, the moment we step off a plane in a foreign land we’ve been
Read MoreSometimes I’m surprised by the fact that I’m a grown up, but when I remember that I am, in fact, an actual adult I’m also reminded about how I’m responsible for creating my life. Nobody else. I’m solely responsible for the life that I have, and it’s easy to get caught up in the wanting of the next thing. There are so many dreams I have for my future, so many things and experiences I want. If you’re anything like me, then you
Read MoreDelta brain wave states tend to be associated with deep sleep. They are the slowest frequency with the highest amplitude. Delta brain waves are present when we are in deep sleep. They are also a time for the body to begin it’s rejuvenation and repair which is why good quality sleep is so critical. As mentioned in part III, while adults operate in beta brainwave state majority of the time children’s brain wave states are typically delta and theta. It isn’t until around age 12 that children’s brainwaves begin to change to beta. There is truth to the term “beauty sleep” as this truly is a time that is most restorative.
Read MoreThis week, since Matt and I are still in Tulum, enjoying lots of small and beautiful simple pleasures, I thought I’d share a short list with you. We don’t need lots of money to live an amazing life. We just need the most important things: health, wisdom, love, and purpose along with the ability to enjoy the everyday gifts of life. Hope you have a great weekend full of small and beautiful simple pleasures.
Read MoreTheta brain wave state is associated with even more of a relaxed state, such as when we are falling asleep, and interestingly during early childhood. Theta brain waves operate at an even slower frequency and higher amplitude than alpha. This brain wave state is when the subconscious mind is very open, almost like a sponge, taking in whatever it encounters, and downloading the information without any judgement or use of logic. Subconscious mind doesn’t question the information it’s presented with, it simply downloads it like a program regardless of how illogical it is.
Read MoreAlpha is the next brain wave state we are going to talk about, a state that’s engaged when you’re in a relaxed state. These brain waves operate at a slower frequency, but slightly higher amplitude than beta brain waves. Alpha brain wave state is often associated with a relaxed body and/or mind state as well as creativity. People will have great ideas, or be in the creative zone when they are in an alpha brain wave state. You might slip into an alpha brain wave state when you are in the shower, floating in a pool, engaged in something creative like playing music or creating art, laying down for bed, walking or running, meditating or practicing yoga.
Read MoreBeta brain wave state is what we are in majority of the day. They have the fastest frequency but lowest amplitude. Its the brain wave state we employ when we are working, concentrating on something, and/or focused on external input such as time or environment. I am probably in a state of beta as I write this post for you all. Beta brain wave states would correspond when you’re having a conversation, engaged in analytical thought, trying to figure out a problem, or engaged in work of some kind.
Read MoreFor those of you who don’t know, I practice a type of yoga called ashtanga yoga. It’s a set series of postures in a specific order, so that every time you practice, you work on the same postures. It’s a very rigorous, challenging practice, and there’s always something to work on. The thing I love about practicing a set series is that, because the postures stay the same, I’m able to notice the changes in myself from day-to-day. Sometimes it’s a physical
Read MoreContrast lists have been a game-changer for Matt and I. We have been making them in the mornings for various aspects of our lives as a way of clarifying goals, and providing something positive and productive for us to place our mental and emotional energy on. Contrast lists can also be extremely helpful in shifting you out of a negative mindset. According to law of attraction, we attract whatever we place our energy on. The problem is we tend to
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