Yoga :: Mind is Key

I’d like to apologize, first, for being absent most of this month. Many changes are taking place within our home. Finalizing wedding details, preparation for moving, started homeschooling our 4 year old… what is not changing is the better question! That’s life and I feel so blessed. But, most importantly, while in the mist of chaos, I still found the time for me (self-care keeps us centered).  I do not think I would have made it through without it! I promise those tricks I shared back in the post called, “Taking Control – Self-Transformation” really are a godsend!

The newest venture I have dived into is Yoga. I have been doing yoga for 13 days as of today; I consider myself a new yogi.  In the past, I have taken yoga classes through dance studios or gyms, but yoga is not just a class.  Yoga is more than physical exercise, which can be forgotten easily. Yoga connects your mind, body, spirit and soul all in an instant. I have always known that practicing yoga on a regular basis has remarkable healing powers.  I found an app called Down Dog that’s incredible! The free version allows you to choose the sequence type, the level of difficulty, and the length of the session. It is a very soothing, guided session to allow you the ability to yoga anywhere!  I also have a pin board dedicated to Yoga on Pinterest called Yoga Everyday that provides great information, short routines, stretches, and yoga poses.  Feel free to check them out!

So while I have been practicing yoga, I started reading about yoga to understand the theory, practice, and application. During my research, I discovered that yoga is a missing link between metaphysics and physics.  The "main goal of yoga is freedom of the spirit from the fetters of material desires and permanent victory of consciousness over ignorance,” (Mishra).  Yoga is beyond religion. Yoga is beyond science.  Yoga is a ‘great state’ where anything is possible. The primary key to this state is the MIND.  

Ever heard of the Power of Suggestion? Many have heard of the Law of Attraction and even read or seen “The Secret” on the Law of Attraction. However, the TRUE SECRET is the Power of Suggestion.  What if I told you that the entire Universe is nothing but suggestion?  Think about it for a moment. How do you move your body? A thought developed in your mind. Do you believe your child can sense when you are angry or sad? You send a sensory suggestion to your child. This is how they first learn what sadness, love and anger are through suggestion. Do you make gestures while at work? Who hasn’t thrown their face in their hands at least once and just shook their head silently. What does this gesture suggest? The person is fed up, irritated, overwhelmed… endless suggestions manifest from a gesture sent out to the Universe and others around you. The power of suggestion is the greatest power of nature operating in every living and nonliving aspect of life. Suggestion, or dhyana, is one of the eight systems of Yoga, and it is paramount in practice.

There are six forms of suggestion: Physical Suggestion, Suggestion of Senses, Verbal Suggestion, Mental Suggestion, Environmental Suggestion and Autosuggestion. Mental Suggestion is the most powerful of them all and mental power is the foundation of all suggestion. How? Do we ever stop thinking? We still think even when we are sleeping! We dream. Your body cannot function without mental suggestion.  As humans, we practice the power of suggestion at a very young age; being able to roll over, to crawl, to walk, to talk and so on.  As adults, the power of suggestion becomes second nature that we have forgotten its power and full potential.  No one speaks a word or makes a gesture without it being the result of a thought. The power of the mind is truly undervalued and disregarded.

Even energy is created from the mind and controlled by the mind.  Thus, the energy you create from mental suggestion will attract similar enegry (Law of Attraction). There is no greater force in the universe than mental suggestion. Beginning to see why keeping a positive mindset is so crucial?  Also, Mind is matter and all material things are only an expression of the mind. Art. Buildings. Clothes. “Mind is universe and universe is manifestation of Universal Mind,” (Mishra).  This is exactly how the Power of Suggestion is tied directly to the Eternal Laws and the Law of Attraction; yet transcends beyond them. Yoga, in its purest form, is a mastery of the mind.

Although it has been only a short time since I have started practicing yoga, it has most definitely already made a huge impact in my life.  For now, I am studying and watching the changes closely to share later on down the road.  What I will share is that, during this time, I began researching how Humira (my Crohn’s medication) works, then researched holistic approaches that could accomplish how Humira controls Crohn’s. I found endless results, but the ones that really stood out to me were- positivity, meditation, and yoga. Jackpot! This just reaffirmed that my health and wellness journey is on the right path! 

Lastly, before we part, the Winter Solstice has arrived! The beginning of new light and rebirth. The days will slowly become longer and the nights shorter. Many mark this as the beginning of the Winter Season. Others, it is a holiday called Yule.  Regardless, I hope everyone’s time is merry!  The season of New Year’s resolutions has officially begun!  What are your goals and aspirations for 2017? Comment below!

Nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m possible. -Unknown

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Top 8 Home Remedies to Combat Illnesses

It is that time of year again! All the common winter season illnesses have decided to come out and play in FULL force. Below are 8 easy home remedies to help the entire family stay healthy and help relieve symptoms if they do get sick. These are remedies that I use in my own home to keep the grimy, common illnesses at bay.  

1.      Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple Cider Vinegar’s powers are truly miraculous reaching beyond just winter  cold/flu season remedies. For winter season specifically, one tablespoon in the morning before eating keeps illness from sneaking up on you. This can be accomplished with just one tablespoon of ACV a day BEFORE eating either in tea or on its own. I use to utilize ACV only when I got sick and it would help to lessen the symptoms and recover faster. Then a friend told me recently that to keep from getting sick all together, I should use it at least once a day on an empty stomach. Since then, I have not been sick regardless if people are sick around me. This is HUGE considering I have a very weak immune system. It is even safe to give to your kids over 2 years old!

Personal Recipe:

• 8 oz. Warm Water
• 1 tea bag of BIGELOW Lemon Ginger Tea/Green Tea
• 1 tbsp. ACV
• Touch of Raw Honey for sweetness

            *** Do not give honey to children under the age of 2.

            **I typically let my tea steep for at least 4-6 minutes.

2.     Lemon Water

Like ACV, lemon water has healing powers far beyond just combating common illnesses. With lemons being rich in vitamins C and flavonoids, this block infections and phytonutrient hesperetin helps to alleviate allergy symptoms.  It is one of my favorites to use for my son who suffers from chronic allergies all year long. I mix a tablespoon of honey into warm or cold water to create my son his own lemonade recipe.

Personal Recipe:

• 8 oz. Warm/Cold Water
• 1 Lemon
• 1 tbsp. Raw Honey
• 1 tbsp. ACV (optional for extra strength)

Just cut the lemon in half and squeeze the lemon (I have a glass lemon juicer squeezer I used).   Next, pour the lemon juice in a small bowl and add in the raw honey. Make sure the honey is completely dissolved and mixed in with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The ACV is optional but I add it when my son starts to display any sick symptoms as preventive care.

3.     Eucalyptus Oil

This is by far one of my top favorite essential oils! Besides smelling incredible, eucalyptus oil is known to help with cold and upper respiratory infection symptoms as well as treating sinusitis and other allergy issues. I personally find it smoothing and is a fragrance I typically diffuse in my bedroom for relaxation.

Personal Recipe:

• For everyday use: 1-2 drops on pillow
• For treating symptoms: 2-3 drops on chest and bottom of feet
• For acute situations: 1 bowl, 1 cup boiling water, 10 drops eucalyptus oil

Place the boiling water and eucalyptus oil in the bowl. Then place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.

4.     Raw Honey

Raw honey has natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight against viral, bacterial, and fungus infections which helps relieve cold/flu symptoms. In our home, we use just plain raw honey to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. It is also a great chaser to use if taking a straight tablespoon of ACV. With children over 2 years old, this is a great, effective natural remedy they will love!

Personal Recipe:       

• 1 tbsp. Raw Honey

5.     Turmeric

The “Queen Spice” is another common name for Turmeric. This is due to its MANY powers which range from an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, and antimutagenic. I love using it to alleviate headaches and sinus pressure pain. It is also has numerous healthy nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and protein. It is a very powerful spice that packs a punch to even help strengthen the immune system. It is truly magical!

Personal Recipe:       

• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 8 oz. Warm Tea
• 1 tbsp. Raw Honey
• some people put it in warm milk with no honey

6.     Salt Water

Gargling salt is one of the most effective ways to temporarily relieve a sore throat! The second I feel a sore or scratchy throat coming on I gargle immediately. Depending on the severity of the soreness, I gargle up to 4 times a day.  This helps to kill bacteria or viral infections and has anti-inflammatory effects to help soothe the throat; even the Greek’s used this remedy over 5000 years ago! However, I do not recommend this for young children under the age of 6 or 7 years old.

Personal Recipe:    

• 8 oz. Warm Water
• Around 1/2 teaspoon Salt

7.      Hydrogen Peroxide

This is my favorite remedy to prevent and heal mild ear pain/infections.  It feels kind of funny, but let it set in the each ear for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes twice a day. When using it yourself, it is time to turn over to the other ear when the fizzling starts to completely die out. It can also be used to clean out your ears as well. I pour the Hydrogen Peroxide in its own cap then use a Q-tip to drop the peroxide drops into my ear/my son's ear. It is important not to contaminate the bottle or it will lessen the potency and effectiveness of the entire bottle of peroxide.

Personal Recipe:       

• 1 Q-Tip
• 2-3 drops 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• Towel (to lie head on)
• Cotton balls (to put in ear for draining)

*** Caution: There are instances when peroxide should not be used to include severe ear pain, flow of discharge from or fluid from the ears, and temporal deafness.  In these cases, you should consult your doctor.

** Also, if you have sensitive skin, I do not recommend using this chemical ingredient in your ears since it may cause severe skin itching and allergies.

8.     Hot Shower/Bath

Steam!!!  Many websites talk about holding your face over a boiling pot of water or utilize a humidifier. But honestly, I do not want my head directly over boiling water and humidifiers have never worked for me or my son. So my trick? Create a steam room effect in your bathroom by closing door and turning on the shower at hottest level tolerable (please do not burn yourself). Also, do not turn on the bath vent to allow for it to steam up effectively. This is great for infants and small children to help loosen stuffiness for them to breathe. I still use this trick today with my son- close the door and turn the shower on hottest setting while we sit on the toilet, rock and I sing to him. For myself, I typically take a long, hot bath and soak my face in the water while breathing out to create nose bubbles. Sounds funny I know, but it works for me to temporarily relieve sinus pain, stuffiness, and congestion.

Personal Recipe:     

• Take a steamy, hot bath
• Soak in bath for at least 30 minutes
• During the 30 mins, place face in the water a few times
• Blow bubbles while face is in the water

***Extra natural remedy tip! Cinnamon- add ½ teaspoon to any drink or with your plain, raw honey for extra strength. Cinnamon also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious powers!

Last but not least, I am always ensuring everyone is continuously washing their hands and I Lysol everything! I am be a little germophobic during this lovely season.

To find out my BIGGEST SECRET to staying healthy- send me an email to heather@mindisuniverse.com 

Have a Blessed and Healthy Day!

Taking Control – Self-Transformation

Life goes by and sweeps us away in the daily grind of our routines and troubles. Days turn into weeks that turn into months, then years. Work drives us crazy and we feel like we are surrounded by idiots, family drives us nuts, and parenting has us in a constant state of worrying leaving us completely exhausted. One moment you just started your new job after college or just had a newborn baby, the next you are retiring and your baby is now graduating college. With work, family and all other aspects of life, it feels impossible to find time for you. Not to mention, there is a stigma that taking time for you is selfish; which is not the case at all! If you do not take time for you, how can you be at your best for your family or job? Although, if you are taking time for yourself, is it superficially? I use to be a maniac when it came to cosmetic and superficial relaxation such as shopping, getting my hair done, mani/pedis, and waxings. I never felt completely revived or rejuvenated. I found that I was not doing anything to challenge and strengthen my mind, body or spirit. Before, working out was the only moment I would feel re-energized, but only for a short time. To be honest, I have not always been consistent in a workout routine for extended periods of times past six months (not counting the military) due to fluctuation of its importance on my top priorities list. Somehow working out always fell off the list. But no more! Self-care should always be a daily top priority. Here's why!

I am a firm believer that while it feels like there is not enough time in a day, we make time for what is truly important to us. I realized I had been complaining about how I never got to read anymore. So, this past May, I stopped the complaining and made the time to read- whether it was in my car while waiting for a short moment for any reason, a much needed short break at work, or before falling asleep. I have finally started challenging my mind again and it feels amazing! It is remarkable how just reading can jump start your mind. One of my first books I chose to read was “The Prince” written by Niccolo Machiavelli; I highly recommend it! It is about acquiring and maintaining political power; it is a very interesting read. 

From reading again, it got me thinking. Literally, millions of people like and share Facebook memes about life, positivity, hardships, love, jobs, etc. I found myself with hundreds of meme pictures I had saved in a photo album on my phone. What good are they sitting in my phone? I would revisit them ever so often as a reminder, but again what good did that do? In the past I was always a person of ACTION, I came to realize that I was lazy when it came to self-care. I was not motivated and determined like I was in my professional side of life. I became fed up that my professional life seemed to consume my personal life. I reevaluated my life- my goals and aspirations, then made a game plan to put into action.  No more was life going to pass me by. No more was I going to sit on the sidelines of my life. I am not just the lead actress starring in my life; I am the script writer and the director!  Never tolerate temporary happiness. Everyone deserves all day, everyday happiness regardless of any storm life passes over them. As a well-known quote says, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to Dance in the rain.”

What if I failed in my new direction? Fear tried to creep in, but it is a poor reason not to try. I listened to my intuition. I told myself failure should not be feared. Failure is nothing more than knowledge and a lesson on what does not work. I mean, come on, Thomas Edison didn’t create the light bulb on his first attempt. And the thought of being told no or that it is impossible, well that doesn’t scare me, it motivates me more. I only push harder to succeed. However, within the Millennial Generation, I regret saying I am a part of it, tend to feel as though they are owed something, or that everything in life should come easy. The majority of the generation expects instant gratification and immediate results. What are they teaching in school these days?! Nothing truly worth it is ever just handed to you. Wake up and smell reality! Dream it, Plan it, Do it. All you need is to believe in yourself, be determined, fearless, and pour your heart into it.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have many family members and friends around me going through rough times as well. When anyone has needed to talk or wanted advice, I have always tried to be there. However, I  also began to realize I was not practicing what I was preaching anymore. When did this happen? I had become “one of those people.” I needed my disciplined and focused mind back. Reading was just a starting point. Next, I turned to mediation. I am still reading and researching mediation and yoga. One book I have found helpful for mediation is Mediation for Beginners: 22 Day Course to Reduce Stress and Anxiety by Vern Lovic, M.A. (I downloaded from Kindle App). It encourages you to write a mediation journal along the way and is not time consuming at all. (Whether it is a meditation journal or not, I highly recommend keeping a journal for whatever you would like to write about to calm your mind). This particular book has helped me to gain my focus back and discipline my mind while demolishing my stress levels. In addition, I have coined my own “calming phrase” to instantly reduce my stress in any tough moments (overwhelmed, tired, upset, angry, frustration, so on). I end up mediating several times a day; anywhere from five seconds to an hour or more depending on the day. Even the five second meditation grounds me and brings me back from the emotion trying to consume me; all by just repeating my phrase several times. This generates and maintains the flow of positive energy. This is my biggest secret to keeping a positive mindset. 

The Mind is the most powerful organ in the body. By having a fueled, in-tune and positive mind, I have been able to roll with the punches and enjoy every moment of life regardless if it is a good or bad time period in my life- I am dancing in the storm!  Negative thinking is like cancer and only produces bad energy bringing unwanted dark clouds into our lives. A documentary film called, “What the Bleep Do We Know?” illustrates how the mind affects our bodies. It hypothesizes a spiritual connection between quantum physics and consciousness. It is quite extraordinary series; a link to their website to learn more is on the right under Ways to Success. Another way I keep a positive outlook was to eliminate toxic people out of my life. Toxic people are like anchors; they weigh you down, drown you, hinder you from moving forward with your life and stunt your overall growth. The only people that deserve to be around you are those uplifting your life!

Ultimately, what comes around goes around, so the best way to resolve a mishap is to kill it with kindness. Be the composer, musician, and conductor of your life. With self-care as a top priority and a positive mindset, the rest will fall into place. Together, both have gone a long way in influencing my life and helping evolve me into a better person than I was yesterday. 

“To Change Your Life, You Have To Change Yourself. To Change Yourself, You have to Change Your Mindset.” – Anonymous

Thank you for reading!

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For Body - Plexus

Today I became a Plexus Worldwide Independent Ambassador! I am overjoyed and so blessed to be part of the Plexus Ambassador family. This decision was easy for me. Why? Well, I have been a Preferred Customer of the Plexus Family for over two years.  The Plexus products have done so much in changing my life that I decided I wanted to devote my time fully to helping others. I have always been a die-hard advocate for holistic healing. With Plexus being a Holistic Health and Wellness company, this fit is just too perfect! 

How did Plexus change my life? I was diagnosed with moderate to severe Crohn’s Disease as well as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in 2011.  I was put on a medication called Humira; you have probably seen their commercials on T.V. Nothing else was helping me and, at the time, I felt I had no other choice since none of the holistic approaches I tried worked. However, even with taking Humira, I still suffered mild Crohn’s Disease and IBS symptoms in conjunction with the HORRIBLE side effects of Humira. Previously, I served as a noncommissioned officer (NCO) in the United States Army.  A fellow NCO’s wife, who is a Plexus Ambassador, knew I was still suffering and told me about the benefits of the Plexus products and how their products were made from all natural ingredients. I figured what did I have to lose- they would either work or not. So I went for it.  I ordered the Triplex Combo, which includes the Plexus Slim, ProBio5, and Bio Cleanse. To my surprise all my remaining Crohns and IBS symptoms disappeared! I have been hooked ever since!

My two favorite products currently are Plexus Edge and Plexus BLOCK. Why you might ask? Well, Plexus Edge provides me with the boost of energy I need throughout the day WITHOUT drinking one cup of coffee. I no longer rely on endless cups of coffee to get me through my day AND the best part- NO sugar crashes! Coffee now is simply something I can enjoy because I love it not because I require it. Side note: Additionally, I could not drink alcohol due to severe cramping after consumption as alcohol is an inflammatory. With ProBio5, I can now eat and drink whatever I like without any adverse effects. And for any moms out there that love her wine, we all know this was evolutionary for me. Moms have to admit, most of us run on coffee and wine ;)

For Plexus BLOCK, we all love to eat whatever we want when we want. I mean, hey, we only live once right? Plexus BLOCK contains natural ingredients to work immediately to block the absorption of up to 48% of carbs and sugars from your meal WITHOUT blocking the absorption of any beneficial nutrients. So, that midnight Taco Bell run? GO FOR IT!

I have never found any other products made exclusively from natural ingredients leading to healthier and happier life that ALSO helps in combating so many illnesses, diseases, weight loss and so much more! Don't believe me? Go to Facebook's search engine and type in "plexus and (insert whatever you like)."

I am so grateful for Plexus and I look forward to the new opportunities it may bring to my life!

But wait— some of you might be asking yourself how does this tie into my journey. Plexus is one of my secrets and tools I utilize to heal my body, calm my mind, and strengthen my spirit.  Whether we like it or not, if one of the three is out of whack, it throws off the entire connection. It is important to look inside yourself and decipher your challenges and goals for each element; your mind, body, and spirit individually. Once you have identified some challenges and goals, you would have accomplished the first step to beginning your own health and wellness journey to synchronize the mind, body and spirit!

If you want something you’ve never had, then you you’ve got to do something you’ve never done. -- Unknown

My Reason for Blogging

The first thought likely coming to your mind is, “What does she mean by ‘Mind Is Universe’?” In my future posts I will be answering this question. But for now, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and why I decided to scribe this blog.

First off, I am a mom, fiancée, entrepreneur, veteran and grad student. I try everyday to be the ideal role model for my child and live everyday to the fullest in a positive state of mind. If I told you this was easy, that would be a lie. Though, nothing worth it is ever easy; which if something is easy it is likely not the right solution 90% of the time. Never giving up and fighting for what you believe in is a must in order to stay true to yourself.  I know for me, this year has been the most trying and impactful year of my life and 2016 will likely remain in the top three most influential years I will likely encounter in my lifetime. I call this year my year of “Enlightenment” to seeing my Ultimate Reality/Truth. 

But, that’s enough with my personal introduction. Now to the juicy stuff! The purpose behind this blog is to share my personal Health and Wellness Journey back to finding my Mind, Body, & Spirit connection (not my soul, but my spirit- I will be posting later on why I chose spirit). Many people around me, including myself, have been having hard times particularly over the last two years.  I know we are not alone with experiencing hard times, stress, illness(es), dilemmas, and problems in our lives. I want to share my secrets and tools I have found that help me combat the fiery balls of fire life throws at me and how I walk fiercely through the burning flames unscathed. That’s not to say I am superhuman, scars were left but I have continue to survive, become stronger and remain unbroken by whatever tries to harm me.  With my post entries in this blog, I hope to inspire and help others find their inner and outer strength to lead their own personal Health and Wellness Journey in becoming happier and healthier. Maybe some will even reach what I call “Triquetra” (complete synchronization of the Mind, Body, & Spirit ) to find their Ultimate Reality/Truth.  

How did this journey come to pass? Well, there was a ton of negativity surrounding me - my job, people, etc. It got to a point of no return and I knew something had to change. This summer I have gone through a trying and inspiring transformation. I am developing: 

-         a Disciplined Mind

-         True Independence

-         Becoming Healthier (both Mind and Body)

-         Combating my Illnesses

-         Rebuilding and Boosting my Self-Confidence

-        Found Incredible Ways to Cope with Stress and Issues/Problems

-         Stronger Connection to my Intuition

-         Rediscovered Myself  

-        and now leading a more Balanced, Healthier and Happier Life

Even the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services believe in the importance of the mind-body connection; which they say focuses on the “The interactions among the brain, the rest of the body, the mind, and behavior and the ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, experiential, and behavioral factors can directly affect health.”  Continuous research is being conducted to better inform healthcare providers and implement into modern medicine. Check out this link for more: https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/viewfactsheet.aspx?csid=102

Again, this journey has not been easy and it will never be over. But that's the best part! Life is nothing but a journey! It's up to you to design your journey's path! I am loving every moment with no regrets to any of the hard work and effort I have put into it. Living in the moment is my goal everyday! There's not a better feeling than grabbing my life by the horns, taking back control of my life, and redesigning my journey to fit the lifestyle I want to live.

The most crucial key is your MIND. Along the way I will be posting all the essential tools I utilize to build, grow, maintain and strengthen my mind and why the it is the KEY.

My personal journey is by no means the right way or the only way, but simply methods to assist anyone who desires to create their own journey!  I hope you will join me!

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve. – Napoleon Hill

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Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have by commenting below or emailing me at heather@mindisuniverse.com