Two Magic Words: Start Again

I am happy to report that I have now gotten over my recent attack of the blahs. The blahs are different than the blues. The blues are sad, weepy, ready to question every life decision you’ve ever made and craving baked goods. The blahs are less dramatic. They’re what happens when the only thing you can get excited about doing is nothing. I find they often follow an insanely busy period – once you’ve finished up all those pressing deadlines, there’s no oomph left. And you’ve forgotten how to motivate yourself without some dramatic timeframe. And suddenly the couch and the remote control start looking really good.

At first I decided to indulge my lethargy and spent a lot of time lying around, watching TV, flipping through magazines, and catching up on phone calls. The problem is, my little indulgence turned into a way of life. I was barely doing yoga and only rarely getting outside for walks (it was cold and gray, which I’m sure had something to do with my apathetic state in the first place). I took me about two weeks before I realized I was miserable. My blahs were starting to morph into the blues. And that’s not the direction we want the needle to move.

So I turned to a tactic I learned from meditation. When you’re meditating and focusing your attention on something other than your thoughts—whether by counting your breaths or repeating a meaningful phrase or just listening to your breath as it flows in and out– you will inevitably start daydreaming or thinking about the itch that’s developing on your inner ankle or any number of mental dramas. It’s a natural and expected part of the meditation process. And what you’re supposed to do when you realize you’ve veered off course isn’t to berate yourself. Or wonder why you can’t pay attention. Or give up. No. Your most powerful tactic is to let go of all the lamenting and the blaming and the analyzing and just go back to following your breath. That’s it. Just. Start. Again. No drama. No regrets.

So that’s what I did. I started getting out for a morning walk. I started prioritizing yoga class again. I stopped zoning out in front of the tube. And it worked like a freaking charm. After a few days I was back in my groove, where life isn’t necessarily glorious every minute of every day, but it’s perfect just as it is.

So here’s my message to you: When you find yourself veered off on some course that’s got you feeling blah-y, or blues-y, or whatever your particular funk may be, just start your self-care routine again. All the work you’ve put in to whatever your particular practice may be is waiting for you—even though you may feel like you’re starting from scratch, the cumulative benefits of your previous self-care will rise up to meet you as soon as you take you first step. If you’ve gotten sucked up in to a summer doldrums, consider this your invitation to get back on track. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be feel more like yourself.

Spread Your Wings, from Bali to Brooklyn

From Bali to Brooklyn and Amsterdam to San Fran, what I experience in my travels are conscious hubs which serve as containers and invitations for a new paradigm way of being. These are destinations where raw foods, yoga, and holistic living in general are rapidly coming up on the radar as signs of where progressive culture can be found. The inexpensive, natural, spa-like lifestyle in Bali seems to be one of the original portals where art and self growth have been thriving as a whole for a long time.

Ironically, in the west, many of us are finding our way back to nature through big city lifestyles that are spawned by creativity and living our dreams through the machinery of what a metropolis can offer. Yet, after many years of living in NYC and working and traveling in the major U.S. and European cities, what I find “missing” is what intrinsically exists living in a more natural (and warm) place – like what I experienced for 10 weeks in Bali this year.

Eating from the organic garden, picking fruit from wild trees, living an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, lying in my bathtub at night with the garden next to me – staring out at the stars and moon without the impediment of walls – ah, yes, my heart is happy. It’s easy to live this way with the internet. I worked with my clients in the west by video skype the entire time. With all the many conscious hubs on the planet and the support they offer – along with the internet – I feel the depth and honoring towards my western roots, and what I can truly contribute in the bigger global picture by not being bound to them.

The key to this type of lifestyle for me has been in letting go, broadening my horizons, and going for what I really want, instead of settling for what I think I should do, or limiting myself in any way. The natural and adventurous life calls loudly amongst my greater service and purpose in the big cities of America and Europe… taking the leap and saying yes to that call – without forsaking my western roots – has been utterly expansive and enlivening. By letting go and taking the risk, I’ve found that I’m supported by our greater global conscious community that is focused on the same mission. May we all spread our wings, free ourselves to fly and live our dreams. I’ve jumped and found it’s more than possible, it’s now my reality!

Ready to spread your wings and take flight, yet need support and guidance? Here’s some suggestions:

-Ask yourself “what do I really want, 1, 5, and 10 years from now”? Are you living in accordance with that vision now?
-What steps can you take now to head in the direction of what you really want? What are you willing to let go off in order to invite the realization of your hearts desires?
-Consider blended and/or juice fasting to gain clarity in your body and mind with the intention of establishing the direction what you truly want.
-Daily meditation, 2-20 minutes, consistently am & pm stills the mind and offers the opportunity to hear your greater hearts calling. BOS – Breath, Observe (w/equanimity), Surrender… keep watching your mind in a state of acceptance as you breath and let go.
-Gain the support of a healthy like minded community that supports your highest potential… support is paramount!
-Self care is the greatest gift… are you self investing? What’s your proactive plan for getting your needs met and what support do you need to follow through?

Take the leap! Without taking a risk there may be no reward. Practically plan and prepare – without postponing. Your time is now! Go for it!

Part II: Childbirth Today

Continuation of Part I: Childbirth Today…

The next step is for pregnant women to relearn the true experience of childbirth. We deserve to have a say in the medications we take or decide not to take. We need options so that we can decide where we will deliver our babies and who will be present at the delivery. We can take personal responsibility in creating exactly the kind of childbirth we want. We want to be treated as partners instead of as patients. We want to bond with our children immediately after their birth. And we want to design and create a childbirth that is safe, peaceful, and secure.

The absolute truth is that there are no rules when it comes to creating what you really want for your childbirth and for every aspect of your life. In fact, there aren ’t any rules except the ones you make up. My recent book, “Better Birth, The Ultimate Guide to Childbirth from HomeBirths to Hospitals” is based on the The BornClear program I created over 7 years ago and was created out of my own experiences.

When I was first pregnant, I searched for new as well as ancient ways to create a peaceful and memorable birth. I wanted to fully educate myself, so I pulled information from many resources, piecing together and creating exactly what I needed to be mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. I started to prepare my body for birth by learning to control the connection between my mind and my body through a variety of mental and physical practices that included prenatal yoga, meditation, and deep relaxation. Over the course of my journey, I became able to fully trust my natural birthing instincts, as well as my body, and I found myself tapping into a deeper, more enlightened space in my mind.

Nine months later, I witnessed the birth of my daughter. What impressed me most was that I felt completely awake and present to the divinity and wonder of the birth. Two years later, I experienced the same with my son, whose birth was also peaceful and beautiful. My life’s work has always been about teaching others how to create lives they can be proud of. After my childbirth experiences, I decided to focus this mission more specifically to be able to share my extensive birthing knowledge and life practice tools with other women.

The BornClear approach that I have developed works whether you plan on giving birth at a hospital, at a birthing center, or at home. What ’s most important is being mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared so that you can create the birthing experience you want for yourself and your family.

As you prepare yourself for birth, one of the other great facets of this journey is how much you personally grow. This gift of self-awareness and growth is also crucial in having a comfortable childbirth, but it is the one component that women often neglect. Without it, we have been forced to surrender fertility issues and the birthing of our children to a script defined by someone else, be it a doctor, a nurse, a midwife, friends, or even the media. This is why many women describe childbirth merely as the few hours they spent in a delivery room, instead of focusing on the lessons they learned during the entire pregnancy. These lessons support them in birthing themselves as mothers, fathers—conscious parents.

My main goal is to globally change the way we perceive and talk about childbirth. I want to empower all women so that childbirth is no longer talked about as “surviving an ordeal.” For this to happen, women have to take control of this experience. That is why I want every woman to be able to harness this gift — the ability to trust ourselves — so that we can reclaim birthing and make it a unique, individual event that meets our greatest expectations and desires.

Focus

Pioneers,

As I mentioned on the forum yesterday, what you choose to focus on in life is extremely important. Your focus is the team captain of vibrant health, spiritual wealth and happiness. Decades ago, Ram Dass introduced us to the saying Be Here Now, with his spiritual eye-opener of a book by the same title. Yeah, yeah…be in the moment…blah blah blah…Ugh. Right?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I wanna give the “moment” the bird. When the now is sucky, mean and painful nobody in their right mind is gonna wanna sit in it. Well, maybe some red robed monk who gets off on mental torture and back pain would but not me. Yet I often wonder about my pain ratio. How much of it do I create and how much is real? Is it too hard to make my juice in the morning? Is there really no time for me? My husband, does he stink at communication when we fight or am I the one getting tongue tied? What’s the reality of my money situation? Will I always fear it or will there be flow? And then of course there is “the cansa”. Ohhhh, the scary, scary, spookie “cansa”. Poor me, whoa is whoa. I was given 10 years to live (by some jackass doctor) 6 years ago. How should I view that? 4 years left OR plenty o’ time sassy cat. That douchy was dead wrong. He’ll be dirt napping way sooner than me fiesty, firey, ALKALINE me!

I bring this up because lately I’ve read so many comments about fearing the Adventure Cleanse Tune-up. In my mind, those of you who are scared of changing the food on your plate are not sacred of changing the food on your plate. The real issue is changing your focus. Letting the light in. Half empty is comforting. It ensures that since you won’t be reaching you won’t be falling. There will be no scrapes that need tending and stingy alcohol. They call it “cruise control” for a reason. But I ask you this, is it breezy and warm inside your own personal city limits or deep down does it feel like prison?

This is no time to be beige. You are a glitter soaked wellness warrior and your thighs need you! Your liver will deep bow thank you. You will poop like a heavy weight champion. Your spirit will shake it off and stamp it down as you will rise out of the hole and shift your perception from lack to plenty.

If you are following my 28 day cleanse (today is day 3!) I ask that you focus on the positive rather than the negative. Instead of “I didn’t do it right”, please notice, acknowledge and bless all that you have accomplished. In order to do this you really need to think about the language you use. We all talk to ourselves (especially in the car). Pay attention to what you are saying and remember that your cells have ears! They are listening…

Ok, I’m gonna keep this one short today so that I can go sit on my meditation cushion and try and corral the mind mustangs. Perhaps I’ll start with a little prayer. “Please help me to see the cardinals through the clouds”.

Peace and focus,

Kris

Adventure Cleanse Tune-Up (ACT): Food & Lifestyle Journal

Glitter glam!

Before I get started on todays post, check out the newest items in our store! The number one question we get at CSL is: What juicer and blender do you use and where can I get them? Finally, we have our top picks.

OK, Food & Lifestyle Journal time…

Here are some basic questions that will guide you through the 28 days. It would be wonderful if you could answer them at the end of each day. This way you can track your progress and identify your weaknesses. I look at these questions like a road map. You’ll see where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going. Hope my 20 questions helps. They sure keep me in line!

1. What did you eat today and did you juice? Please include breakfast, lunch, dinner and any in between snacking. Remember to choose from a wide variety of healthy (organic when possible) veggies, leafy greens, sprouts, gluten-free grains, beans, nuts and seeds. If you can get your hands on some wheat grass – good for you! One 2 oz shot on an empty stomach can really perk you up.

2. How much purified water did you consume? My Suggestion: drink up to half your body weight in ounces. Example: I weigh 128 pounds. 128 divided by 2 = 64 Oz. So I need to drink eight 8 oz glasses of water. You can include fresh veggie juices in your calculation.

3. Did you abstain from coffee?

4. Did you abstain from alcohol?

5. Did you abstain from gluten?

6. Did you abstain from animal protein?
Note: I suggest that you eliminate all flesh and dairy products for the 28 days. If that isn’t possible please reduce your flesh consumption to no more than twice per week. Remove dairy completely.

7. Did you choose low-glycemic sweets – if at all?

8. How were your cravings?

9. Did you have any detox symptoms?

10. What supplements did you take?

11. How was your elimination?

12. Did you dry brush today? How about exercise? Did you move your body for at least 35 minutes?

13. Did you meditate for 15-20 minutes?

14. Did you chew your meals mindfully?

15. What time did you stop eating? 3 hours before bed is optimal.

16. What time did you go to sleep and for how long? 8 hours is optimal.

17. How did you feel emotionally physically?

18. How do you feel emotionally?

19. Did you laugh out loud and tell someone you love them today?

20. Did you spend time in nature? Even 5 minutes is better than nothing.

Bonus question: On a scale from 1-10 how do you rate your overall energy and attitude today?

If you would like to include a record of your pH in this journal that would be helpful. Remember that pH fluctuates all the time. Use it as an educational tool and not as the be all end all guide.

You can start tracking and graphing your urine pH 3 times per day for about a week to get a basic snapshot of your acid/alkaline level. Although the blood pH is more accurate, urine is a helpful gauge worth exploring. Urine is far more accurate than saliva. You don’t have to get you’re blood pH tested unless you’re really curious. If your sick, tired, overweight, etc, more than likely your pH is acidic.

Remember, the first reading in the morning will always be acidic due to the metabolic process of overnight repair. Therefore, start with the second reading and take the others BEFORE eating meals. You can find many litmus papers (pH strips) online or at health foods stores. A good measure falls between 6.5 and 7ish. Happy testing!

Peace & scribbles,

Kris

ps- Congratulations to our April Contest winner, Jessica Stone from Ripe London. Here is her raw Dulce de Leche Bars recipe…