I believe, I believe, I believe!

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  The title of this blog should be sang in the tune of Donkey from Shrek!  (that should get your day going) 

I hope April is treating you well on Day 2.  For me it WAS a good day... since I am in Taipei Tuesday is almost over.  But before you get fully going into your day and I go to sleep I wanted to share this recent daily inspiration I received from Peaceful Daily.  

I am personally going through some wonderful changes which involve being in the dark and being open to the experience.  Maybe you too will be inspired but the words below. 

Believe What You Feel

On this day, Morrie says that he has an exercise for us to try. We are to stand, facing away from our classmates, and fall backward, relying on another student to catch us. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, and we cannot let go for more than a few inches before stopping ourselves. We laugh in embarrassment.

Finally, one student, a thin, quiet, dark-haired girl whom I notice almost always wears bulky, white fisherman sweaters, crosses her arms over her chest, closes her eyes, leans back, and does not flinch, like one of those Lipton tea commercials where the model splashes into the pool..

For a moment, I am sure she is going to thump on the floor. At the last instant, her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly.

“Whoa!several students yell. Some clap. Morrie finally smiles. “You see”, he says to the girl, “you closed your eyes, That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too – even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling."

- "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom

See you Soon! 

Taj 

photo from: http://www.google.com.tw/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1214&bih=684&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=trust&oq=trust&gs_l=img.3..0l10.111896.115173.0.115545.18.18.0.0.0.0.170.1111.11j4.15.0...0.0...1c.1.7.img.iRhNtiZX1CM#imgrc=CHkjUCJ1ZwlvVM%3A%3Buc26d4tU93p-lM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flogopond.com%252Flogos%252F8bab01d7928fe9f35c4d3135163aef7a.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flogopond.com%252Fgallery%252Fdetail%252F48624%3B325%3B260

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I've always loved this story and when I received it tonight in my email, I said "Hey why not share!"

I'd bet money that everyone reading this blog has SOMETHING going on in there life.  Some things are bigger then others and some more pressing.  But I also guarantee that you, yes you, probably give to much credit and attention to the little things.

I've recently dealt with a dear friend being told he has cancer and must have surgery ASAP! While at the same time watching my my best friend - my Grandma - struggling with a bad shoulder that needs to be replaced.  Can you say OUCH with me.

But at the end of the day, both he and my grandma helped me to realize in more ways then one there is so much to be grateful for, so much to cherish in life and not time like the present to enjoy the ones we love.  My dad was known for saying "Time waits for no man" and he was so right. Stop trying to get this done, followed by that before you have the TIME to love the ones you're with!

I value you my readers, followers and sharers of my blog! Each time you awake to another day of life... Remember my motto:  Live, Love, Laugh and have Fun being you!

OH and Don't sweat the small stuff!

Now enjoy the story, I've a feeling you've read it before.  It never hurts to be reminded!

See you soon.

Taj

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.” “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” 


 Photo:  http://www.google.com/search?q=Sweat&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=d9VMUf65FqTk4AOv94HgDw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1214&bih=684#imgrc=GL05p1TG9USBmM%3A%3BCong2BlHmqBotM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4chandata.org%252Fimages%252Fthreads%252F375152_sweat.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4chandata.org%252Ffit%252FAnyone-have-proolem-with-sweaty-balls-Like-I-sweat-down-there-ridiculously-I-shower-daily-Like-30-minutes-out-of-the-shower-I-know-a375152%3B1122%3B1277

March Madness and I don't me NCAA

Wow its March 2013! 

I can't believe my last post was Feb 4th... really. Somebody, anybody please tell me where is time going and why is it moving so fast?

I recently became a subscriber of the Peaceful Daily message.... honestly I don't even know how, but I have been enjoying some of the things they are sending me and I thought:  Why not share them with you!

I've never explored numerology but I do believe in the power of cycles and letting go! Funny things is as I read this email and as I sit here typing to you, I am planning my schedule for Spring 2013.  I will be letting go of past relationship so I can make room for the future.   Its true you have to give up something to get something.

What are you willing/ready to give up and get in return?

LET GO AND LET LOVE IN

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Energetically, this month will come in like a kitty cat and go out like a ram.

The Universe is conspiring to help you love yourself. The keys to happiness are forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude. You have an opportunity to practice these spiritual arts all month long. March is the 3rd month of the year. 2013 is a 6 Universal Year (2+0+1+3 = 6), and March 2013 is a 9 Universal Month (3 for March + 6 for 2013 = 9).

In numerology, 3, 6, and 9 encourage emotional sensitivity and expression. Since 9 is the last of the single digits, it is considered the end of a cycle. They say a cup must be empty before it can be filled. You must love your past in order to let it go. You must let go of your past in order to make room for a joyous future.

To make peace with your past, you can bless it. Say a prayer, forgiving yourself for any missed opportunities, love lost, or anger provoked. Let the waters of forgiveness wash over you like gentle rain from heaven. Send gratitude to all the people in your life who were essential to you becoming the amazing person you are today.

Thank yourself for all the love you have created and positive energy you have generated. As you head into spring, the new YOU will be ready to emerge more colorful, blissful and radiant than before. 

by: Kari Samuels. 

Like what you read above? Feel free to log onto Peaceful Daily for more. 

Taj

It's up to you!

Do you remember this game?

Tonight was rather chilly but that did not stop 25 people from showing up to my yoga class.  :)
There was no plan, I didn't arrive to the class with a mapped out set of moves or specific sequence for tonight.  I walked in introduced myself, said hello and then lets go!

We started in child's pose and I selected the song 'Om Shanti' by Sharon Gannon to lead the practice.  Everyone breathe in the word Shanti which means peace.  Lets give ourselves permission to find peace within our breath, within each move we take as well as peace of mind tonight.

So after a quiet moment and a few deep breaths we start moving.  The play list is on shuffle because sometimes I just like to see what we get. The next song was Anthony Hamilton and Jill Scott 'So In Love' about 30 seconds into the song Anthony says "I'm so in Love with you."  I tell my class to bring love into their bodies, to feel love for themselves the same way they do for that special someone, a spouse, partner, friend, parent, child, pet etc.  You should have that same feel good feeling, those butterflies in your belly kind of love about yourself.  Allow your facial expression to let that love shine all over your face.  And right as I said it a view people smiled, their eyes lit up, I even got a few chuckles.

Peace and Love became the theme of the class which lead to lots of hip and heart openers. Taping into our first and fourth chakra's.  Releasing stress from work, family, friends, daily activities, emotional buildup, etc etc aka LIFE! 

As I brought the class to an end 'Ordinary People' by John Legend began to play.  I stressed the words of the song, Take it Slow - literally honoring my class for being willing tonight to slow down.  To find a deep appreciation with their minds and bodies for who and what they are.  I gave them permission to let go of judgement.  Asking them to breath in the words Let an out the word Go.

Especially being in NYC- talk about competition, lots to do aka distractions.  I asked are you always on the go? Do we try to live up to certain expectations or can be allow ourselves to be "ordinary"?  There is nothing wrong with ordinary.  Is your life like being on a NYC subway train, watching the sights zip by?  Taking time to slow down, we're able to cultivate more self love and peace.

Right before Savasana, final relaxation, I put the class in a big heart and hip opener, Reclining butterfly. As they lay legs/hips open, arms slightly over head heart and chest open to the sky I asked each student to close your eyes.  Go inward and remember that feeling of Love and Peace that we started the class with.  Lie here and except vulnerability, be willing to just BE.  Be accepting of the opportunities that the body has revealed tonight and the gifts the universe has to offer.

At the end I received some thank yous, great class and a just what I needed.  It always makes me feel good to give my class what they need especially without know exactly what that is when I walk in.  But tonight was deeper for me and one person in particular.

One of my students rode the subway with me home.  She expressed her gratefulness for class and how she needed it. Then she vocalized how her BFF  said  "I'm worried about you."  So of course I asked why is your BFF worried about you?

She did her best effort in explaining but then finally just said, "I have to admit when you mentioned the word vulnerability today it hit my heart, I instantly opened my eyes and could not close them again.  My BFF said today that I was running from myself.  Honestly I am afraid of myself and my own emotions.  I try to keep people at a distance because its better that way.  And I don't know what to do."

Keeping people at a distance huh - Is that really better?  As she approached her stop I said remember what I said in class tonight.  You have to find that in-love feeling for yourself.  Once you love yourself unconditionally then you will be willing and open to loving someone else and vice versa. Then vulnerability will not be so scary.  The very thing we run from is what we need to work on.

As the trained pulled off I wanted to yell: Own it! Live it! Be in love with yourself girl!  Not the vain in love but in love with who you were before. In love with what you have become now and be willing to love what you will become as life continues.

Lets take a moment to say I love you! 

Have there been mistakes, sure!  But instead of thinking Mistake... I think of it as life experience.  A learning opportunity. Life is a journey and every step we make is another lesson in learning more about who we are at this moment and will mold us into who will become in the next.

Do I ever look back and think "man if i knew then what I know now I wouldn't have or would have done XYZ."  Of course I do, but if I knew then what I know now I wouldn't be where or who I am today!  The same way taking on a new language or sport isn't easy at first.  The more time we put in to it, aka the more we practice the better we get.  But you have to be in it to win it.  Which means in order to grow, to know love and peace you have to be willing to experience!  Being willing leads to being open, being open leads to understanding and understanding leads to love.

Don't let past experience or thoughts of what people "think" you should be or have done define you.

Like Shakespeare said: To thine own self be true!   Life is stage, you can be the star of your production or the best extra ever! 

And like I told my student: When you love yourself - then you can willingly and openly love someone else and more importantly be open to except their love in return.

We are never going to be perfect which means we are always working at being the best we can be at this moment and moment to moment things change, we change, transform, evolve if you will.

At the end of the day Love Yourself is the Secret as spoken by my dear friend Robert.

And when you have Love you have Peace!

As typed from my mind and inspired by my students.

Taj



photo:  courtesy of Facebook - I honestly have not idea where it came from. But I am going to print this out and put at my desk.  :)

THANK YOU!

Hey Everyone, WOW what a month!  I am super excited to say both events that me and my team of fellow Crunchers hosted on Sunday Feb 19th and Feb 26th SOLD OUT! We have not only raised awareness but raised money and I have kept my promise of adding an additional $1 for every reader and friend you made some donation to the cause.

 THANK YOU!  

Thanks for buying apparel, donating at the gym, attending our events and more.....  Lets do it again next year!

Stay tuned for more great info from me!  I have several topics we need to address.

Taj

photo:  www.loveyourmuscles.com

Valentines Day!

Wishing everyone a day of self love and appreciation!  Let today be a time to reflect on YOU, literally the most important person in your life.  Remember you matter so do something nice for yourself!

Today can be the start to many days of self love.... You shouldn't have to wait for 1 day a year to feel special.  Make Valentine's day EVERYDAY!

For those joining me today at Crunch, not only will you get a AWESOME workout, but I have a special treat for you too.

Have a great day!

See you soon.

Taj 

Love Your Muscles!

Hello Folks and Happy February! I am sure each of you reading this blog has seen some commercial or  noticed the seasonal section at your local store promoting the either dreaded or looked forward too holiday Valentine's Day!

Well I challenge you to take a new approach to LOVE this month.  Starting with Love Your Muscles!  Its a charity event put together to support ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.  It comes in many forms such as: 

• Muscular Dystrophy 
• Lou Gehrig's Disease  

CRUNCH has been a HUGE supporter of the Charity Augies Quest which was started by Augie himself, the Founder of most of the gym equipment who use:  LifeCycle.   Unfortunately this fitness guru has ALS  and we are doing our part for the entire month to raise money for a good cause! 

How can you help?  EASY - Log onto Love Your Muscles and learn more about ways YOU can help us to make a difference.   

• Make a simple dollar donation
• Buy specially packaged Personal Training Sessions 
• Attend one of our 1-3 hour workshops

Speaking of workshops: looking for a totally awesome way to spend a couple hours this Sunday gearing up for LOVE?  Check out the Relax and Breathe Workshop dedicated to yoga and a bit of mediation.  Trust me I am sure we all need a little more breathing and relaxing in our lives.  Or maybe you want to escape all the lovey dovey folks.  I'd join you if I wasn't going to be in FL running a Half Marathon on the same day. 

SOOOO.... Please go in my place, Sunday Feb 12th 1-3pm at the Ft Greene Crunch! Bring a Friend or your LOVED one and tell them I sent you!  :)  Can't make it this Sunday we have TONS of other workshops across the country, yes from LA to Miami.   Log on and join a workshop near you.  

For every one of my followers that makes a donation or attends a workshop I will add an additional dollar to my own donation. But you have to email me so I can keep track.  If I had Donald's money I'd go bigger, but I have 180+ followers.  :) 

Keep in touch!  And see you soon. 

Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt220/4343621338/sizes/s/in/photostream/  

Day 27 of New Year New You

Happy Friday!  Its the last Friday of the month!  Doesn't it seem like you were just reading Day 1 of our challenge yesterday?  Well before you get sad because you realize Jan 31st is really around the corner, keep your head up we are still taking it one day at a time and you NEVER know what I might offer for Feb. :)

So let's get started with Day 27:

Fitness:
OOOOMMMM!  Treat your body to a yoga class today!  Usually take yoga on Friday? Then try a different type like:

• Bikram
• Ashtanga
• Iyengar
• Prana Power
• Kundalini 

Allow your body time to find repair and restoration.  For some the body might just embark on a new experience and way of working out those tired muscles.  Never did Yoga before?  No problem, just let he instructor know you are new and I am sure he or she will be glad to help you out.

Food:
Savor your food!  Slow down today and enjoy every meal, even the quick snacks.  We have taste buds for a reason.  Use them!  No eating in front of the TV, computer or while talking on the phone.  Have your meal in front of you and enjoy the flavors, maybe try to notice what seasonings were used especially if you are at a restaurant.

If you're doing the cooking, you should be savoring the fruits of your labor not woofing it down.  Its even nicer with a friend.  Share the experience.  Make it fun: Imagine yourself having that glass of Red wine in an Argentina Vineyard or sitting on top of a mountain over looking the ocean while you eat a Mango.

Taste buds do more then tell us we don't like something, they create memories.  Feel the textures, taste the flavor and enjoy every bite. Its been said good food can be "orgasmic!"

Well it has been said.......  :) So go there if you dare.

Self Growth:
Break away!  Did you know that 90+% of women sit around and have "fat talk" and I don't mean about other people.  How many of us are guilty of comparing diet trends, or our weight to our friends who just happens to be taller then you?  

Go ahead admit it, you have number envy! Are you competitive when it comes to your friends body image? Do you fall into the traps set out by main stream media and tabloids which happen to be sitting at the check out right next to the M & M's and Twix Bars.  Ironic!  Or worse have you allowed family to scar you with self body images that you can't seem to shake?

Misery loves company.  Nows the time for you to BREAK AWAY from the negative chit chat and surround yourself with positive outlooks. Don't get sucked into the "have nots" i.e. taking a compliment and turning it into a negative:  "Wow you look good" your response: "Really do you see this jelly roll." Stop agreeing with a friend who might say, "ugh I feel fat", and you say "me too".  You are just adding fuel to the fire and body bashing never gets us very far.

Smile! Take a compliment and remember that we have LOTS to be grateful for when it comes to our bodies, from head to toe.  Make it a LOVE YOURSELF day EVERYDAY!  So what if you put on a few pounds, on the bright side you aren't starving or missing meals.  :)

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/easypickle/16823755/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 12 of New Year New You

Ok here we go with Day 12!  I was talking to a friend about the blog and she said WOW I'm already 12 days behind.  Do I have time to catch up on things?  YES you do!

Following this challenge isn't hard at all so if you are reading this for the first time jump in and enjoy the ride.  We have 19 more days to go!

My Day 11: Made a donation to Susan G Komen, helped a new employee at Crunch, did my best to have no carbs...but Lunch got me. I was in a RUSH to an afternoon meeting, pizza was close and fast.  But Breakfast and Dinner were Carb Free.

Time for Day 12:

Fitness:
Lets go for a walk!  On your way to work, get off the train 1 stop before yours and walk the rest of the way in.  If you are at work reading this, get off the train 1 stop before yours going home and walk the rest of the way.

Take the Stairs ALL DAY!  No Elevators.  Ok unless you work on the 80th floor. HOWEVER take at least 5 flights, then jump on the elevator.

Driving to work- Park at the farthest end of the parking lot and walk to work and yes no elevator for you too.  If you're running errands after work do the same thing park away from the door and walk.


Food:
Since you went Carb free yesterday, today pick up some Power Carbs such as beans.  Beans are loaded with complex carbohydrates – the nutrient that provides energy to the muscles and brain. Just one cup of beans can provide 15 percent of the carbohydrates needed daily and up to 12 grams of fiber.  Plus, beans have the best type of carbohydrate for maximum energy.

 Some well know choices are:

• Lentils
• Black
• Red
• Garbanzo (Chickpeas)

Self Growth: 

Its time for a little L - O - V -E pampering! 

Schedule a massage, manicure and/or pedicure or a hair appoint for this weekend!  This weekend is our half way point of the New Year New You Challenge.  Why not reward yourself with some pampering.  

Here's a Spa deal that might me worth your time and money!  

OR

This Mani/Pedi deal

Take advantage of these great deals, treat yourself and enjoy. PS if you didn't GIVE yesterday... you can make it up by buying a voucher for a friend and sharing the LOVE! 

Enjoy!

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinlang/3382565021/sizes/s/in/photostream/

2012 New Year - New You!!

Here we go!

In less then 48 hours we will be embarking on another year, 2012!  WOW I can't believe it myself but its true and I am looking forward to new accomplishments, trips, fun with family, friends and more!

So as you get ready for either a super fun night out or a super fun night in, be safe and remember to come back tomorrow so you can get started on the 2012 New Year  - New You Challenge!

• New recipes
• Suggestions on things to eat on the run
• 2 Different 7 day daily meal suggestions
• Fitness challenges and tips
• Along with some great ideas for self-full moments

See you soon! 

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/schneeman/3340307208/sizes/s/in/photostream/