FINDING YOUR PURPOSE ONE BREATH AT A TIME “When you contemplate the unfathomable depth of space or listen to the silence in the early hours before sunrise, something within you resonates with it as if in recognition. You then sense the vast depth of space as your own depth, and you know that precious stillness . . . → Read More: What is Your Life Purpose?]]> Wellness Newsletter
March 2008

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE ONE BREATH AT A TIME
“When you contemplate the unfathomable depth of space or listen to the silence in the early hours before sunrise, something within you resonates with it as if in recognition. You then sense the vast depth of space as your own depth, and you know that precious stillness that has no form to be more deeply who you are than any of the things that make up the content of your life.”
From A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
I knew there was a reason this newsletter did not come together for me at the beginning of March – I just didn’t know why. Now I know it was because I was meant to pick up Eckhart Tolle’s book and begin to ride the wave created by Oprah Winfrey and the zillions of people all over the world who are resonating with this material. Just in case you haven’t heard – Oprah has created a 10-week Monday evening on-line class with Tolle to explore the concepts presented in A New Earth. You can log onto her web site (www.oprah.com) any time and download the classes. This week is the third week of the series and they are exploring one chapter of the book per week, including exciting questions being called and sent in from folks all over the world.
I find Tolle’s teachings to be in perfect alignment with all of the material and practices I have been studying for many years. He clarifies the role of the ego in keeping us tied to conditioned thought patterns and gives simple and effective suggestions for staying in the present moment where happiness resides.
I’m excited that these teachings are being picked up, discussed and practiced by so many people. Here are a few simple tips to start you on the path of A New Earth:

Set aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly
Observe the sensations of the breath in your body
Contemplate a beautiful aspect of nature without labeling it
Observe your thoughts without identifying with them
Invite a friend or loved one to practice along with you

“Your inner purpose is to awaken. You share that purpose with every other person on the planet. Your outer purpose can change over time. Finding and living in alignment with the inner purpose is the foundation for fulfilling your outer purpose. It is the basis for true success.”
If you would like personal support or to join a group in Napa practicing these principles, please get in touch. We are truly making A New Earth. Next month we will explore the Three Modalities of Awakened Doing: Acceptance, Enjoyment and Enthusiasm.
With love & blessings, Becca

SLOW DOWN – CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR BODY TEMPLE Do you rush through brushing your teeth, showering, peeing or moving your bowels? Do you rush through morning prayers, meditation, stretching, energization exercises or skip them because there simply isn’t time? Do you rush through drying your hair, putting on make-up (I usually skip the . . . → Read More: How Do You Slooooow Down?]]> Wellness Newsletter
February 2008

SLOW DOWN – CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR BODY TEMPLE
Do you rush through brushing your teeth, showering, peeing or moving your bowels? Do you rush through morning prayers, meditation, stretching, energization exercises or skip them because there simply isn’t time? Do you rush through drying your hair, putting on make-up (I usually skip the make-up and just cleanse and moisturize with sun screen). Do you rush through dressing, taking your vitamins, eating breakfast – do you make coffee or drive through? Cereal or eggs? Fruit or juice? How often do your remember your vitamins?
Do you rush driving to work or take your time enjoying the sunrise? Do you rush through checking your email and voice mail messages? Do you rush to meetings?
Grab lunch at your desk or in the car? Do you rush getting your children fed, dressed and ready for school? Or ask them about their dreams and what they are excited about in school today? Do you rush getting them to the bus or dropping them off? Do you rush to meet deadlines or leave time for inspiration and creativity? Do you rush to meet clients – rescheduling, juggling and reprioritizing or do you allow space for spontaneity and synchronicity?
Do you stay late at the office, shop on the way home – run errands on your lunch hour? Do you grab take-out for dinner or shop and prepare a nutritious meal enjoyed with family and friends? Do you plan meals for the week and shop accordingly or grab whatever is left in the refrigerator, throwing away a lot that doesn’t get used?
Do you stay up late reading, watching TV or sitting at the computer? Do you work extra hours in order to take time off for vacation with your family then face a mountain of messages and backed up tasks when you return? Have you ever thought about taking an extra day before or after traveling just to relax and slow down?
Do you put off going to the doctor, dentist, counselor or mechanic until your body and your car are ready to crash for lack of preventive care and maintenance? If any of this (or all of it) sounds like your life – it’s time for a serious look at your relationship with time and your relationship with yourself.
I’m able to ask all of these annoying questions, because I’ve done all of these things myself for years and years as a workaholic, procrastinator who neglected basic self-care until the verge of a breakdown – physical, mental and emotional. I learned the hard way how to SLOW DOWN – with physical injuries, chronic illness and exhaustion.
You can learn to slow down gradually, gently and effectively by practicing mindfulness, paying attention, carefull planning, listening to your body and believe it or not – resting when you are tired, eating when you are hungry, drinking a lot of water, scheduling time off before you fill in your calendar with work. I have found that scheduling time away from home and work really allows me to unplug from the frantic pace – get fully rested and relaxed, so that I can stay more present and mindful when I am working.
Finding time to do nothing, or a least to do only what you darn well please, is what it takes to find yourself – your own pace – maybe you eat a late breakfast and an early dinner, rather than eating at six am, noon and six pm. Maybe you naturally feel the need for a nap in the late afternoon. Maybe you think and write more clearly with a pen and paper, instead of on the computer. Maybe you don’t really need caffeine when you get sufficient sleep. Maybe you actually crave fruits and vegetables when you check in with your natural appetite before choosing your food.
Maybe taking all day to read the Sunday paper is your favorite thing in the whole world. Maybe walking around the neighborhood with your kids and your dog to see which flowers are blooming is the best medicine you can take.
Maybe you will live longer, feel much better, take less medication, think more clearly and have a LOT more fun, when you slow down and enjoy each moment of your precious life. I challenge you to choose one new behavior this week and give yourself permission to SLOW DOWN, noticing less pressure, less stress and more room to breathe slowly and deeply, giving thanks for your precious life.
With love & blessings, Becca

Happy New Year dear ones,

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying watching and listening to Dr. Deepak Chopra on PBS talk about the Happiness Prescription. Instead of new year’s resolutions, why not choose one of the these ten suggestions and integrate it into your life this year? Give yourself permission to make one small change that will . . . → Read More: What is Your Prescription for Happiness?]]> Wellness Newsletter
January 2008

Happy New Year dear ones,

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying watching and listening to Dr. Deepak Chopra on PBS talk about the Happiness Prescription. Instead of new year’s resolutions, why not choose one of the these ten suggestions and integrate it into your life this year? Give yourself permission to make one small change that will have a big impact on your health.
He talks about our choices, our perception of our true nature, a sense of fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment as these relate to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. He jokes that Buddha was the first congnitive therapist – pointing out to us that we might look at our approach to life in a new way to improve our wellbeing.
10 KEYS TO HAPPINESS FROM DR. CHOPRA

Listen to your body wisdom – messages of comfort & discomfort
Live in the present moment with choiceless awreness
Embrace silence – meditation on the field of infinite possiblities
Reliquish the need for external approval
Relinquish anger, fear and guilt
Total self-knowledge – who am I and what do I want?
Release judgement of yourself and others – embrace and forgive your shadows
Eliminate toxins from your body and environment
Replace fear with love – does this cultivate unity?
Cultivate a witness awareness

Begin each day as if it’s January 1st and you have a clean slate, with willingness to bless and release all that you have learned and experienced in the past in order to create space for a happy and healthy life today.
I imagine Dr. Chopra has a new book out on this topic, but I’m not finding any information on-line about it. Let me know if you hear about a new book and if you are looking for great people to join you in greater health and wellbeing, please sign up for one of the classes or retreats coming soon in Napa. Remember, taking action is the best way to initiate change.
With love & blessings for much happiness, Becca

One of the delightful aspects of this season of the year is gift giving and receiving. We live in such an abundant world and have many gifts to share with our loved ones as well as the world. Here are just a few suggestions to perhaps expand your gift-giving ideas during the holidays with . . . → Read More: What Gifts Are you Sharing this Year?]]> Wellness Newsletter
December 2007

One of the delightful aspects of this season of the year is gift giving and receiving. We live in such an abundant world and have many gifts to share with our loved ones as well as the world. Here are just a few suggestions to perhaps expand your gift-giving ideas during the holidays with no expense whatsoever:
Gifts for Yourself

Give yourself the gift of peace & quiet
Allow yourself to rest & relaxation
Give yourself permission to be in the moment
Dress warmly & take naps
Practice gratitude for all of your blessings

Gifts for Loved Ones

Tell someone you love how you feel about them
Forgive someone you really care about
Invite a friend for tea and conversation
Take a child for a walk in nature
Snuggle with your pet

Gifts for the World

Conserve water whenever you can
Bake, sew, knit, paint or sing your gifts
Wrap gifts in the funny pages
Shop, order and ship on-line
Donate to the food bank

This is sounding like a Dear Abby holiday column, isn’t it? Practicing mindfulness is a wonderful way to celebrate the season without overdoing, overspending, over committing or over rushing around. Take a few moments each day to breathe deeply and remember what is most important in your life. Share that inner peace with everyone you meet.
May your holidays be warm with love and your new year bright with possibilities!
With love & blessings, Becca

Visioning is a meditation practice which allows us to access our inner wisdom. Originated by New Thought leader Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Visioning opens us up to our own intuition and to the infinite possibilities available to us through the Divine, whatever that is for you. My experience with Visioning over the years has . . . → Read More: What is the Vision for Your Life?]]> Wellness Newsletter
November 2007

Visioning is a meditation practice which allows us to access our inner wisdom. Originated by New Thought leader Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Visioning opens us up to our own intuition and to the infinite possibilities available to us through the Divine, whatever that is for you. My experience with Visioning over the years has allowed me to access a place in myself that feels unlimited, expansive and often surprising. The practice gets me out of my head and into my heart, where inspiration sparks new and exciting possiblities.
Visioning fits beautifully into a daily practice of prayer and meditation, along with journaling. You might practice privately or with a group of like-minded people. Visioning can bring everyone into alignment and lead to wonderfully inspired action for a project, an event, a business or group activity.
Here are the basics of the practice:
1. Settle yourself down when you have at least twenty to thirty minutes without interruption. You might have a journal and pen nearby.
2. Begin to center yourself by breathing into your heart center, opening to unconditional love and light, feeling safe, calm and relaxed for at least five or ten minutes.
3. Set an intention for the visioning, while setting aside any preconceived ideas about the outcome of your meditation. Simply decide if you would like the visioning to be open-ended or focused on one area of your life or, if you are visioning with others, to align yourselves with a topic.
4. When you feel centered and relaxed, one by one, ask the following questions:

What is Spirit’s vision for my life or What is the vision for my health & wellbeing?
What am I releasing to fulfill this vision – what am I releasing that no longer serves me?
What am I embracing or welcoming into my experience?
What am I to BE for this vision to be fulfilled – what qualities will support me as I grow and learn?

Know that you will remember everything you want to remember during the meditation, or you might gently open your eyes and jot down ideas as they appear. Then close your eyes and turn your attention inward once again. Remain open and receptive to whatever comes or doesn’t come. Your guidance may offer you words, phrases, images or feelings. Often nothing seems to be happening until you are well into the process, then a memory or insight will surface. Accept what is unfolding as much as possible and continue to ask the questions.
Complete your meditation with gratitude to your guidance, knowing that more will be revealed and that this is always for your highest and greatest good. When you complete the meditation, take some time to write about your experience. Write the questions again and keep writing as more information is revealed. Throughout the day and into the future, notice how the vision unfolds in the world. Opportunities may appear out of the blue, old situations may fall away effortlessly to make room for the new. Be gentle with yourself and keep visiting the vision in your daily practice.
May your visioning deepen the connecting to your true self and support you on your journey to fulfillment.
RESOURCE: Guided Meditation CD (see below)
With love & gratitude, Becca

Do you have trouble sleeping or waking up during the night? Do you crave sweets? Do you struggle with extra weight? Do you push yourself to accomplish more? Do you use caffeine and snacks to keep your energy up between meals?

“You do not have to slide into a helpless pattern of fatigue, weight gain and illness. You can . . . → Read More: Are You Tired of Being Tired?]]> Wellness Newsletter
October 2007

Do you have trouble sleeping or waking up during the night?
Do you crave sweets?
Do you struggle with extra weight?
Do you push yourself to accomplish more?
Do you use caffeine and snacks to keep your energy up between meals?

“You do not have to slide into a helpless pattern of fatigue, weight gain and illness. You can have your energy back, lose weight, sleep soundly, achieve optimal health and look and feel younger.” Tired of Being Tired by Jesse Lynn Hanley M.D. and Nancy Deville
With an emphasis on small changes that make huge differences, Dr. Hanley’s book about rescuing, repairing and rejuvenating your tired adrenals is packed with simple solutions, comprehensive and understandable information and inspiring healing stories.
This book has come to my attention at just the right time as I continue to learn about the true meaning of rest and self-care. I am a recovering workaholic and over achiever from way back. Some of Dr. Hanley’s solutions are already integrated into my life – such as regular yoga and meditation and eating small amounts throughout the day to help maintain balance in blood sugar. I’ll share with you two areas where I’m trying something new which also may help you find relief from chronic health challenges affecting your mental/emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
On the scale from Driven & Dragging to Burned Out, I am grateful to have already released some of my compulsive behavior around over working. This week I have decided to add a power drink in the morning with protein powder, almond milk, fresh fruit, flax oil and green food. My goal is to nutritionally increase my energy and decrease inflammation and joint pain. I’ll let you know the results in the next few months.
Another solution suggested is to reduce or eliminate sugar from our diet. This is a big commitment, I know. Years ago when I was attempting to get off sugar, a naturopath had me carry some raw almonds (protein with a little healthy fat) and eating a few almonds when I had a craving for sweet really helped me stay off the blood sugar roller coaster. Time for me to start carrying the almonds again. The vicious cycle caused by sugar may include anxiety, cravings, depression, insomnia, irritability and mood swings. Yuk! Hypoglycemia is caused by eating too much sugar, including fruit, fruit juices and refined carbohydrates and grains and/or by not eating for long periods of time. When your blood sugar drops after the initial high from eating sugar or carbohydrates, you can become foggy, irritable and incoherent.
If you are motivated by this brief introduction to the Ten Simple Solutions to rescue, repair and rejuvenate before you have serious consequences with your health, I highly recommend Dr. Hanley’s book. If just the thought of slowing down and changing your eating habits is overwhelming, think about calling for a wellness coaching consultation before you reach for that cookie. Let’s talk!
With love & blessings, Becca