Lifestyles
The center of the world begins with the center of our individual inner being. Practicing yoga is a journey into self-realization. The more you practice yoga, the more you become aware of not only yourself, but also of everything around you. When we follow certain daily rituals that promote health and well being, we eventually transfer that positive energy beyond the self into those around us, and the world.
My 40 Disciplines for Beauty is a comprehensive list of tips to heal and enhance your inner and outer self.
The Eco-Community focuses on living an ecologically friendly lifestyle that helps to heal and preserve our immediate environment and the natural wonders of our world.
Like attracts like. Positivity draws in more things that are positive. Negativity draws in more things that are negative. These are the basic Laws of Attraction.
“Nothing tastes as good as feeling good feels,” says my friend David Wolfe, author of “Eating for Beauty.” The practice of yoga has much more to do with becoming aware of the things we do, the thoughts we have, and the choices we make, rather than the asanas or postures we practice on a mat. The greater practice of yoga is the realization that we are all connected. By taking care of ourselves we take care of each other.
Sharing my “40 Disciplines for Beauty” will hopefully connect you with yourself and will help you live a healthier life. My approach has little to do with focusing on addictions. Instead it deals with replacing negative habits with good ones. I genuinely wish you success in your journey toward becoming your most beautiful you.
My 40 Disciplines for Beauty
Let’s Start with the Feet. In Chinese medicine they are regarded as maps of the body, our connection to the earth and the Hindus. Consider them sacred. If you live near sand dunes or a beach, one of the best ways to exfoliate your feet is by walking barefoot in the sand. Work on spreading your toes, and bringing intelligence to the part of the body that is farthest from your brain.
Paint the Toenails using nontoxic, natural polish purchased at your nearest health food store. Get a pedicure and really treat yourself. Trade off with friends, do them yourself or go to a nail salon. Be grateful for your feet and acknowledge them when you bring them up to your face during a yoga practice.
Care for the Ankles and Legs. Sometimes they are regarded as too thin or thick. However, the joints of the ankles allow us to have mobility in our feet. As we spread and open the feet, we energize the ankles, and then the rest of the legs. Remember to exfoliate, wax and moisturize.
The Knees are especially important because they bear a lot of weight. This part of the body carries a great deal of stress, especially if the hips are tight. Massage your knees with coconut oil until you penetrate the tenth skin.
The Upper Legs, also known as the quadriceps, consist of the hamstring muscles and side hips, which are the strongest, largest muscles of the body. These muscles are the powerhouse for the rest of the body, and affect metabolism as well as endurance. Strengthening these muscles can burn body fat and increase our stamina for everything we do in life.
The Hips are the largest joints in the body and need special care. Be sure to massage this area with good oils. Avoid sitting in a chair with one knee crossed over the other as this constricts the flow of energy. Take time to scrub with salts and a loofah, and be sure to say positive things about your hips and not be critical
Back to the ListThe Bikini and Groin Area, the intimate area of our body, deserves attention just like the rest of us. Consider the options of waxing, highlighting with lemon juice and sunlight, which leads to the most important thing: SUN and SALT and BATHING. The area at the base of the spine is home to the first chakra, the root chakra (wheel or energy center).
Back to the ListThe Lower Abdomen is home to many vital organs. For both men and women, this area can be healed by learning to soften, relax, and open. Place your hands on the abdomen and make sure that your breath is saturated in this area. Gently massage this area from right to left to remove any stuck toxins. Flax seeds and lots of salads can also help you detoxify. This is the home of the second chakra (the sacral chakra), which represents sweetness.
Back to the ListThe Area of Our Solar Plexus and Our Navel, or bellybutton, is where digestion begins. Eat a high fiber diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables. In some cases, colon hydrotherapy is beneficial for constipation or chronic digestion problems. Acidophilus products are excellent for digestion problems, and to obtain and maintain a healthy amount of good bacteria. Also, a gentle massage helps. Place your left hand on your right side and go up, across and then down, moving in a circle and going in the same direction as your large intestines. This is the home of the third chakra (the chakra of the radian gem). The color that we want to visualize here for balance is yellow. The element is fire.
Back to the ListThe Kidney Rub, one of the Tibetan five rites, is performed on the backside of the body, right underneath the lowest ribs. Make a fist and rub up and down in a quick motion 36 times to nourish this vital area that governs your hair, passion and fearlessness in the world.
Back to the ListThe Heart is the sacred symbol of the pulse of life. If we close down and don't protect ourselves in healthy ways, we are faced with depression, anxiety and life-threatening problems such as heart disease. Keeping the shoulders integrated and in alignment helps this area remain available and open. Apply lavender and rose essential oils to the chest and heart area. Wear comfortable, natural fiber undergarments, which allow the skin to breathe. This area is the place of the fourth chakra (the heart chakra).
Back to the ListThe Throat is important because it is through this instrument that we express ourselves. There are many things that we can do to enhance and take care of the throat. Singing is a wonderful way to open and keep the throat clear and vibrant. Or try reciting beautiful poetry, chanting, praying, and laughing. Consume raw honey mixed with fresh-squeezed lemon juice to sooth the throat. Gargle with salt water to help throat infections. Massage your throat from time to time as it is a common place to hold fear. This is the fifth chakra (the purification chakra). By expressing ourselves and being mindful of not hiding things inside - but letting them out, even on paper - we can stay clear.
Back to the ListThe Mouth is the opening to the throat. It is an important area that mirrors much of how we present ourselves to the world. We can floss, brush regularly and eat mouth-freshening herbs and gum-strengthening foods. Celery, apples and carrots, mint tea and chlorophyll are great breath fresheners. It is important to take the time to see the dentist and to invest in good dental work, if necessary.
Back to the ListTongue and Teeth. As a part of Ayurveda's daily cleansing routine called Dinacharya, the ancient texts recommend scraping your tongue with a metal scraper in the morning prior to brushing your teeth. This helps remove built-up toxins that have accumulated on the tongue from the previous day.
Back to the List
The Eyes. Did you know that "bags under the eyes" can be a sign that the kidneys are under stress? A way to remedy this situation is to drink a quart of nettle tea to help clear puffy eyes. Also, look at the foods you eat because you may have allergies. Eyes also correspond to the liver. The forehead corresponds to the small intestines, the cheeks correspond to the lungs, and the chin corresponds to the reproductive area. We are given clues to what areas may be out of balance. Drink lots of water, keep your inner body clean, and your face will shine brighter in gratitude.
Back to the ListTreatments for the Face. Facials are one of my favorite beauty rituals. Do it yourself or have someone do it for you. Here are some tips on how to do it yourself:
Clean the face with a good, non-chemical face wash. Watch out for products with mineral oils, synthetic colors, fragrances or preservatives.
Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells if your face is not overly sensitive.
Massage your face with clarifying oils to moisturize the skin, and then wash again to improve circulation.
Steam your face over a hot pot of water. Add purifying herbs such as rosemary and lavender, or use towels soaked in hot water to get your skin open and soft for approximately 20 minutes. Then with clean hands and two tissues - cover your fingers completely - remove the clogged pores.
Use yogurt as a facial mask because mud can dry the skin. Also use a little acidophilus and a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. A freshly blended papaya has enzymes that digest dead cells and avocados are moisturizing. Aloe is soothing, but can be a bit drying unless mixed with other moisturizing ingredients.
Always finish your cleansing with a splash of cold water to tighten the pores. Even if you use a good moisturizer, a spray of rose water can be wonderful.
Facial Acupressure. Press your cheeks, temples and chin while watching your favorite television show. One thing to remember is that it is best to sleep on your back. If you sleep with your face smashed into a pillow, it can result in permanent facial lines.
Back to the ListFacial Exercises. Tension causes lines and ages us. One great way to keep the face from freezing into one position is to move the jaw from side to side and in and out, which helps remove jaw tension. Another tension reliever is to stick out your tongue and stretch the mouth open. Smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning, so go back and forth between the two exercises to relieve tension and relax the muscles.
Back to the ListEye Exercises keep the eyes strong, the vision good, and the brain balanced. Look side to side, up and down, and diagonally. Roll the eyes halfway, and then in full circles in both directions.
Back to the ListForehead, or "the third eye," is a gateway for intuition. It is through this area that deep relaxation takes place. In Ayurveda, there is a treatment called Shiradarah, in which warm oil is poured over the forehead for a 30-minute period. This area is the home of the sixth chakra (the chakra of knowing and perceiving.
Back to the ListThe Crown. Take care of this area by massaging the scalp with jojoba oil or shea butter. This stimulates and increases circulation. This area is home of the seventh chakra, our connection to our higher selves.
Back to the ListHair Care. Hair should not be striped of its oils by washing it too often. Many hair stylists recommend shampooing every four to five days, conditioning the ends. Use conditioners often, especially when you we it, and brush the oils through the hair. Also, oils such as olive, coconut, and jojoba or shea butter can be used as deep conditioning treatments. These treatments can occasionally be left on overnight. Eat foods such as seaweed, black sesame seeds, green leafy vegetables like kale, and raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds to help the hair grow stronger and faster.
Back to the ListThe Entire Body. Soak in a soothing bath to replenish and relax completely. Use fresh herbs or teas in the bath, or add 10 drops of essential oils, which are both healing and antibacterial. Try peppermint for energy, grapefruit stimulates the movement of blocked energy in fat cells, chamomile is used to relax, and eucalyptus can be used to purify. Other ideas include Epsom salts for tired muscles, or milk and honey for luxury and softening. Raw oatmeal, tied into a washcloth and placed in the tub, soothes and softens the skin and is good for psoriasis. Avoid getting overheated; if you feel faint, splash our face with cool water. Adding a bath pillow, candlelight, a bowl of washed grapes, and organic juice or wine are favorite touches of mine.
Back to the ListSkin Health. Our skin is governed by the health of our lungs and large intestines, so breathe deep and drink plenty of cleansing water. For beautiful skin, avocados and olives provide healthy fats that rebuild the collagen of your skin. Radishes, cucumbers and greens provide healthy minerals. If you want a healthy glow, rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and squash are excellent, and they also help the skin be more resistant to infection.
Back to the ListSkin Treatments. For soft, glowing skin try a dry brush skin massage. This is excellent to do before getting into the shower or bath. It strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, moves lymphatic congestion, and exfoliates the dead cells. Simply use a dry brush and gently massage the skin in a circular motion toward the heart. Using a good salt, sugar or loofah scrub in the shower is similar to a dry brush skin massage, and can also leave your skin-feeling super soft.
Stream baths are another great treatment: they open your pores, are great for your skin, and safer than a sauna. They are very hydrating and are beneficial for people with congested lungs or breathing problems. Add essential oils such as eucalyptus to enhance the healing qualities of a steam bath.
It is a tradition in many cultures to end a shower with cold water. It is refreshing and invigorating, and helps to close and reduce the pores.
It is best to moisturize your skin when it is still slightly damps from your hydrotheraphy session. Again, with moisturizer or lotions, avoid mineral oils, synthetic fragrances and dyes. Everything we put on our skin is absorbed through our cells. With certain lotions you can add essential oils. My favorites are rose, vanilla and ylang ylang. My all-time favorite skin treatment is cold-pressed coconut oil.
Relieve Stress and Rejuvenate. Here are a few ideas to relieve stress and rejuvenate your body:
Bury yourself in the sand or have a friend help you. Allow the minerals from the earth to deeply nourish and revitalize your being. In Japan, this is done as a stress-relieving treatment for businessmen.
Take a hike in nature.
Bike or walk to work if it's close.
Put your feet up if you have a break at work. Use a wall, a chair or even your desk, and breathe, breathe, breathe! You will increase circulation, digestions, help prevent varicose veins and wrinkles, and improve your overall mood. Ultimately, you will get more done if you take small breaks.
Take the time to watch the sun set. Seek out tension in your body and learn to let it go. You can use massage or tense the area more, so that you bring more awareness there and learn to let go. Breathe into the tight sports.
Try a Thai massage. Someone will put you in yoga poses and encourage you to let go.
Soul Relief. Cry when you need to because the eyes are the windows to the soul. Pain and suffering in your body are released through crying which clears your soul. So let it go, cry and allow yourself to be free and in the present.
Back to the ListEmotional Release. Laugh!!! Hearty laughter uplifts the face, makes the cheeks rosy, the eyes shine, and also strengthens the stomach, caresses the heart, and oxygenates the blood.
Back to the ListPositive Thinking. Focus on what you like about yourself, such as your eyes, skin, hair, body, teeth or legs. Positive affirmations are statements about positive things, which create more of the same. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Back to the ListBeing Responsible. Take responsibility for your actions. Be active and create a strong reality without being a victim. When we can claim responsibility in everything that we do, we can truly begin to transform.
Back to the ListBreathing in sunlight is one way to nourish yourself. Breathe in the breath of life, the beauty of a rose, the warmth of an embrace, or the smile of a child.
Back to the ListBody treatment is spa day. Spend a day being pampered at a nice relaxing place, or have a day where you do things for yourself that make you feel nourished. Consider getting a facial, conditioning treatment, scrub or bath while sipping great teas. Or fast for the day on lemon, cayenne pepper and maple syrup diluted in water.
Back to the ListNail Care is about giving yourself a natural manicure and pedicure. Start with pushing back cuticles rather than cutting them. When you cut cuticles they grow quickly. To do this, soak them first in warm water and lemon, which softens them. The lemon also helps whiten your nails. Press them back with a soft towel or tissue, then file and buff.
Use a nontoxic nail polish for healthier nails. For problem nails, eat foods high in silica such as seaweed, green leafy vegetables, celery and unskinned cucumbers.
Start the day with a healthy drink rather than coffee. Yerba mate is an amazing alternative to coffee and contains a stimulant called mateine. It is similar to caffeine and has 154 minerals and antioxidants. Coffee can be toxic for the liver, and may remove good bacteria from your colon. Yerba mate restores the health of your digestive system. It also increases circulation and your overall mood.
Back to the ListSpring Cleansing. Detoxify the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, lungs and intestines to remove wastes in tour body. Try this recipe to help shed pounds, and clean and detoxify the body:
Combine 1 cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 1 inch of ginger root, and 1 clove of garlic. Then add 1 tablespoon of high grade, stone-pressed organic virgin olive oil. Blend everything together and drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait at least half an hour, and then consume your favorite herbal purifying tea. Use a tea that contains mint to prevent garlic breath. Add nettles (high in iron and good for the kidneys) and red clover to purify the blood. Drink this for about 10 days, eating as you wish throughout the day, but avoiding bread, pasta and dairy products. Then take three days off, and repeat twice if you choose to. Do not exceed this regimen for more than 30 days.
Another way to purify is to fast, which has been known to cure diseases. When we give our body a break from constantly digesting food, our body finally gets a chance to heal. Fasting can even mean allotting time to avoid foods that could be potentially toxic. Use this time for focusing on deep levels of healing and possible creative insights. The most important fast should be to avoid negative thinking. So, put that at the top of your list!
Back to the ListReplace Bad Habits with Good Routines. Avoid habits like smoking that are bad for your body and replace addictions with things like eating more fruits and raw vegetables, chewing on cinnamon sticks, and drinking tea out of gourds or bombillas.
Back to the ListGuidelines for Successful Living. Here are some thoughts about having more peace, harmony and balance in your life:
Ask for guidance when you need help or advice. It may be from a teacher, a friend, a mentor or someone you admire, like a guru or famous author. You will be surprised when you are open to receive answers, your request for guidance will be what you need.
Give thanks and be grateful for what you have. It becomes a chain reaction because when you are grateful you have less to complain about. It is hard to have gratitude and still be in misery or have the feeling you are lacking something.
Have goals, write them down and do what you need to do toward manifesting them. The dreams and goals should be tangible and real. Write them down and start taking the actions necessary to achieve them. Perfect health, a perfect job, a perfect trip, and a perfect partner are all possible when you write them down and become more conscious of what you want
Opening Up Your Consciousness. A few ways to get in touch with yourself:
Write down your dreams. When we become more aware of what is in our subconscious, it helps us to unravel some of the blocks and fears. We also can ask for guidance and possible solutions before going to sleep. This may open us up for the answers in our dreams. Pay attention to your dreams as they can tell you more than you realize.
Upon rising, write in a journal for pure flow of consciousness. This is not for anyone to read or for you to even read again. Write down your feelings, thoughts, desires and goals. Write down how you aspire to be that day, and the people that you would like to come into contact with. By writing things down, they are given power and a place of solid reality. Write, write and keep writing!
Find a hypnotherapist who will help you visualize and connect with your innermost beauty. This process helps us create new messages while eliminating the old tapes in our minds.
Other Tools to Heal and Expand:
Music is healing on a deep cellular level and has the ability to harmonize our body. As the universal language of sound, music is a source of constant inspiration and beauty.
Fill your mind with beautiful literature and art. Open yourself to things that are not already mastered; expand your potential
Travel can be uplifting and healing. Visit special places such as hot springs, mountain resorts and spiritual grounds. Look for new places that provide rejuvenations and healing.