​Little did we know a year ago, we would not be given the choice whether to hop on the 'hot mess express' train of 2020, or not.  At times, it feels like we were all given a one-way ticket through a tunnel of darkness. 
 
 
In this darkness, we have collectively experienced, loss, grief, and pain on many levels.  For many of us, our hearts and spirit feel broken.   I believe, there is a divine order happening on our planet, and in our individual lives.  All of what we go through is no secret to God, universal conciousness, mother nature, the label does not matter, and the way I see it, how can we deny, that 2020 has been one huge awakening to acknowledge this higher power on some level in our lives?  Clearly, we are not in control.
 
 
The way I see it, this powerful energy of change hopped in the driver’s seat to break us all open.  Open to seeing what and who truly matters the most to us, individually and collectively.   Open to be confronted with our own limiting belief systems.  Open to realize that judgement, anger, and fear only lead to separation.  Our hearts and lives were broken open to give us time and space with each other, and experience our true nature of oneness, which is always rooted in Love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.
 
 
There is purpose in the pain.  This a holy instant in our lives, for us to plug into our spiritual nature, discover our hidden gifts and talents, and remember, we each have a unique and meaningful purpose here.  It is time to leave all that no longer serves our highest good on the altar and allow ourselves to be transformed.  We can come out of this more loving, compassionate human beings, rooted in service, rather, than a ‘what is in it for me?’ mentality.  Ultimately, when we live and breath from the space of loving kindness, we raise the vibration in our own lives, our communities, and the planet. 
 
 
 As we ride into a new year, the fuel that will keep us moving is hope and gratitude.  I carry hope in my heart for new beginnings and a brighter future for all of us, and gratitude in my soul, for the resilience we did not even know we had, that keeps us going.  As we ride into a new year, I believe we are coming around a corner, and there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.  Focus on the light my friends.  Never give up.  We got this. 

This will be one of, if not, the most memorable year in all our lives on this planet.  We have faced a global pandemic that has affected each one of us, in different ways.  The one thing we have all been given, is the time to return home.  We have been given a chapter to stop the hustle and bustle of our hurried lives and be with each other.  We have been given a break in our daily routines, to do things differently.  The universe has hit the pause button, giving us space and stillness, to also return to our home within.  How have you used it?

 
This moment in time, holds the opportunity to be the most powerful chapter in our lives, by becoming the match that lit the internal flame that burns inside of each us, yearning to tap into our higher self, our soul’s purpose, and bring more meaning into our lives.  We have been given a chance to arrive at this fork in the road and reflect on the one behind us.   We can take stock, do a complete life review, and ask ourselves pivotal questions about how we have been living, which direction we want to move forward in, and who is coming with us.
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And, as all things do, this moment in time, shall too pass.  I believe now is the time, to look at your old self standing at the end of the road behind you and see him or her holding out their hands before you.  This moment is an offering to yourself.  An offering to review, renew and recommit to what is working, and release and let go of what no longer serves your highest good. 
 
Which road will you choose?

 
WORK – Many of us lost our job.  Now what?  First, I think it is important to ask, “did I even like my job?” Were you fulfilled at the end of the day?  Or were you coming home drained, stressed out, and mentally or physically exhausted.  Or, if you were happy, were you giving it your best? Were you showing up fully with a positive attitude?  Could you have taken action to learn a new skill, grow, and expand?  Now is the time, to dig deep, and allow those dreams and talent you put on the back shelf, to be pulled to the forefront of your mind.  What have you always wanted to do? Learn? Discover?  Get creative and start doing what you love, in some way, however big, however small, each day.  Take this chance to try something new.  It is better to try and fail, then fail to try.
 

YOUR INNER CIRCLE – This is a big one.  It matters who you surround yourself with.  Visualize yourself surrounded by the circle of people you spend the most time with.  How do you feel when you are with them?  Do they have a positive outlook, or do they live in a victim mentality? Do they speak with integrity, or do their words carry a low vibration?  Are they kind, loving, and humble?  Or are they narcissistic, and driven by ego?  Do they take care of themselves, mind-body-spirit, or are they lazy, and unmotivated?  Do they inspire you to be better? Do they encourage you to grow and share your gifts and talents?  Does your partner support you and your goals?  Do you feel light and happy with them, or are they energy vampires, that leave you feeling drained?  Do you have fair weather friends, who disappear when the going gets tough?  It may be time to tighten up our inner circle, or create boundaries with those who will ultimately hold us back from becoming our best self.   Close the door on wrong relationships, telling the universe this is no longer acceptable, and watch the door open to the right ones.

 
YOUR OUTER WORLD – Our home, should be a space where we enjoy dwelling, filling us with happiness, peace, and serenity.  We should find comfort and feel good in our surroundings.  Look around you.  Is your home tidy and organized?  Or is it a hot mess?  Are you holding on to clutter, letting your belongings become dust collectors?  Do you step over dirty laundry, as you leave the bed unmade?  Our outer environment reflects our internal environment.  If your home, is filled with untidiness, disorganization, and scattered junk everywhere, chances are, your mind is most likely filled with anxiety, stress, and disorganized thoughts, that leave you feeling out of control, or unmotivated with no direction.  The big U is giving us all a chance, to clean house, and feel better inside and out.

 
YOUR HEALTH – At the end of the day, how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally, significantly, determines the quality of our life and level of happiness.  Without optimal health, our quality of life, our work, and our relationships suffer.  How do you feel?  Are you doing the best you can to take care of yourself?  Are your thought patterns positive or negative?  It is up to us, to make healthy choices in the way we treat our bodies, mind, and spirit.  Take inventory of what you choose to feed your body and mind.  Self-love is essential to our wellbeing, as it builds confidence, resilience, increases self-worth, cultivates a positive attitude, and ultimately allows us to experience healthy relationships, especially the one we have with ourselves.

 
YOUR FAITH – If there is one thing a global pandemic has given to every human on the planet, it is the realization, that we are not in control.  Many of us go about our lives, almost on auto pilot, moving from one thing to the next, without barely breathing.  This year, we can take a deep breath.  We have the time now to be still.  Stop moving.  Sit with ourselves.  Become conscious of what is in front of us in the here and now.  And more importantly, we have time to get quiet, to connect to what lies deep within us.  There is an internal peace so powerful, that we experience when we open ourselves up to the universe, our creator, source of Love, and surrender to our higher power, which I call God.  No matter the label, this awakening is happening all over the world, I believe, to return each one of us home, to our original state, which is the energy of Love and oneness, in which we are all connected.  Are you connected to your spirituality?  Do you pray?  What do you believe?  We gain a tremendous amount of strength and resilience through having a daily sadhana, or spiritual practice.  The universe is calling for us each to hold space for ourselves, to open our hearts to this divine connection, whether its through nature, or meditation, or a book you were guided to read.  Imagine the world we could live in, if each one us takes the call, and returns home to Love, Peace, Kindness, Forgiveness, and Compassion for all.
 

At the time Covid-19 hit, I had already begun the internal discussion with myself, as to what my next step as a Yoga teacher was.  I had taught at the same studio, same day, same time, for five years.  I LOVED my class.  I loved my sweet students, who were so dedicated, and open to however class unfolded each week.  I loved the sacred space, the smell of incense, and the beautiful community we shared together.
 
As much as I cherished my class, I knew I was slowly approaching the next step in my journey as a teacher.  My intuition kept nudging me that it was time to challenge myself, to grow and expand in a new way. 
 
In yoga we learn the practice of vairagyam, or detachment.  The only thing constant in life, is change, and the practice of living, and working towards our dreams and goals, without being attached to any particular result, is not easy.  I struggled with the process of letting go of my class, of seeing my student’s blissful faces after savasana, and having this outlet to serve my community.
 
When we hold on to things, people, or circumstances, that have reached their maximum growth potential, sometimes the universe steps in, giving us the push forward we may not have wanted, but our soul was ready for and needed.  I was and still am so grateful, for the opportunity to help others on their yoga journey, that if Covid-19 did not happen, I probably would still be struggling with the decision to try a new adventure.
 
As the pandemic spread, yoga studios all over the world, had to close the doors to their students, and yoga community.  It all happened so fast; I think we were all in shock.  It felt like, almost immediately, one by one, teachers were online streaming their classes, and creating online studio spaces, not only to continue to share the powerful transformational practice of yoga and meditation, but also, for the owners and teachers who solely depend on revenue from classes, it was about survival.
 
A few months passed, before I heard the studio, I taught at was ready for a “slow opening”.  I had mixed emotions.  Part of me was excited, and wanted to keep going, even six feet apart, wearing masks.  In my heart I knew, it was time for me to shift gears, and move in a new direction.  I felt it in my soul.  That is when I pulled up my YouTube channel, I had started a few years ago, but was not quite ready for back then, and decided to give it a chance.  This time, I was ready.  And here is why.


I LOVE TEACHING – Teaching yoga, has been a huge blessing in my life.  It has helped me use my voice, build confidence, resilience, and help others open up to discovering their highest self.  Witnessing students grow, let go of limiting beliefs, cultivate self-love, and reach their full potential on and off the mat, is so fulfilling and meaningful.  Guiding others on their yoga journey, and spiritual path is my dharma, which gives me deeper purpose and meaning to my life. 
 
REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE – Since I was moonlighting as a yoga teacher, my full-time job, limited me to committing to only a few classes a week.  Fewer classes mean reaching fewer students.  YouTube currently has over 1.8 BILLION active users.  Reaching more people, means helping more people. Even while I am sleeping.  I am in.
 
MY WORK IS MY LEGACY – It was not in the stars for me to have children of my own, to pass down the experiences, lessons, and wisdom I have gained and will continue to gain along this journey of life.  It is important to me, to share all my divinely inspired creative ideas.  My channel allows me to express all the love and light that flows through me from the universe, out into the world forever.  How cool is that?
 
SEVA – SELFLESS SERVICE – The practice of selfless service, or seva, is the essence of living yoga.  It is the art of giving of yourself, from your heart, without expecting anything in return.  Giving my time and energy to guiding others through their own personal yoga journey, is the most fulfilling way for me to share my gifts, and give to the greater good of my community, and now, thanks to YouTube, the world.  

The “new normal”, still does not feel normal.  
Amidst this global pandemic, the collective sadness, weighs heavy on our hearts.
There are no words to convey the heartbreak, of those who have lost loved ones, or those who are suffering.  

The only words that arrived in my heart this morning came in the form of a poem.
This is my global hug for the world.  Keep the Faith.


Keep Me Where The Light Is
 
Keep me where the light is

I don’t want to look anymore

But I want to stay informed

Difficult to remain hopeful, while many suffer

We must

We can

Keep me where the light is

I don’t want to look anymore

Make it stop

And you shall renew the face of the earth

Is this our renewal? A great Awakening?

I don’t want to look anymore

But I must

I can

Climb up out of the pit

Bring them up with me
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And keep us where the light is
 
 

While quarantining at home, have you slacked on your normal beauty routine?  Do you climb out of bed, after hitting snooze three times, and log in to your WFH life?  Are your yoga pants walking around on their own?  Do you brush your teeth and take a shower around lunch time?  Is your makeup collecting dust?  And tell the truth.  When was the last time you did your hair?

This has become the norm, for a lot of people during this new stay at home lifestyle.  What is it about losing the structure of a “normal” go the office kind of day that causes us to lose motivation to take care of ourselves?  If this resonates with you, I am here to help!

My experience has been different.  I have stuck with my normal, get up, get dressed, do hair and makeup routine.  And although I rarely leave the house during these social distancing times, I even continue to wear perfume every day!  It has helped me feel good and stay connected to my inner Goddess. 

My morning beauty routine is a ritual that helps me feel feminine, alive, and ready to face the day with a smile.  When we smile, we cannot help but be filled with positive energy, and right now, we could all use more of that!

My advice?   KEEP IT SIMPLE.  A few minutes of self-love goes a long way.  Here is a list of five of my current favorite and affordable, go to beauty products.  Give them a try, and remember, your inner Goddess is still there, and ready to shine! 
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AT HOME FACIAL MASK – Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Mask – If you have dry skin, this is a must have mask!  This easy to use 100 % hydrogel gel mask contains hyaluronic acid, and leaves my skin hydrated, smooth, and soft, every time I use it. 
 
VITAMIN C SERUM – Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum – This has become my first go to serum morning and night.  Vitamin C helps boost the production of collagen, the main protein in the structure of our skin, which gives it elasticity and strength.  It is also anti-aging, as it helps soften any existing fine lines, and prevents new ones from forming.
 
MINERAL MAKEUP – Jane Iredale Pure Pressed® Base Mineral Foundation – I was lifelong liquid makeup kind of gal, until I gave this mineral pressed foundation a try.  It gives my skin an even toned, matte (my preferred look) finish.  It feels so light on the skin and has the added benefit of having a built-in sunscreen of SPF 20 or 15, depending on the shade.

BRONZER – Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder – My favorite multi-purpose product in my makeup bag.  I use it to add warmth and give my skin a glow.  I even use it as an eyeshadow, for a healthy summertime finish all year long!
 
MASCARA – Loreal Voluminous Original Mascara – No matter how many different mascaras I have tried throughout the years, I always go back to this one.  It gives my lashes enormous volume, and length, and is smudge resistant.  If I were stranded on an island, and could only bring one makeup product, this would be it. 
 

This is by far, the strangest time of my life.  Like all of us, I’ve never experienced anything like the wrath of Covid-19, and I am trying to wrap my head around all the different feelings that arise each day.  I have never felt such a loss of control, and although I do not consider myself a “control” freak, it leaves me with a sense of uncertainty, that is quite uncomfortable.  This all seems so surreal.  I’ve never gone this long without seeing my family, or worked from home, and I am navigating this new “normal” as best I can. 
 

How long will social distancing go on?  Will they find a vaccine?  How many souls will be lost?  Will students be going to school online indefinitely?  Will working from home, be the new normal?  Will we ever feel safe greeting each other with a handshake?  As of right now, I know, I don’t feel comfortable going back to an office space.  Do I need to think about the possibility of changing directions in my work life?  I like you, have so many questions.  None of us have all the answers.

 
                      “When you can’t look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark.”
                                                              - Alice in Wonderland

 
They will come in time.  As a yoga and meditation teacher, I want to show up for my students, friends, family, as a source of strength and support. In order to do that, I choose to focus on what I am grateful for each day.  When fear begins to arise within me, I consciously choose a more positive thought.  One positive thought can shift the energy of your entire day.  And when you raise your vibration to one of gratitude, joy, laughter, love and peace, like a wave in the ocean, it flows outward, and touches those around you, the community, and the planet.

 
There are heartbreaking stories, we are all witnessing all over the world right now, and I understand how easy it is to fall into a state of anxiety, and even depression.   This is a devastating time.  I, like you, am moving through each day, one breath at a time.  I know we will get through this.  I believe in a higher purpose for all of this, that we may never fully understand.  I place my complete trust and faith in my higher power, my creator.  We are all a part of this universe, being connected by this virus for a reason.  Maybe it’s to return us all home.  Home to each other, and home to our hearts, giving us the time and space, we need to nourish our relationships with each other, ourselves, and spirit.

 
If you are struggling with the ability to shift your focus away from fear, and return it back to love, here is a list, of how this historical pandemic of Covid-19, has made me more grateful than ever.  May it help turn you toward the light within this temporary darkness.

 
OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL – I love working from home.  The hustle and bustle of each day of waking up, hurrying to get to work on time, deal with traffic, feeling rushed all the time, has stopped.  And I love it.  I feel more productive and less stressed.  I can walk outside, feel the sunshine and breath, instead of walking down the hall in an enclosed office space for a bathroom break.  Although I do miss some personal interaction with coworkers, as an empath, I am super sensitive to the energy around me, so working without distractions, and other people’s energy, leaves me feeling much calmer overall.

 
CREATIVE JUICES ARE FLOWING – With more time on our hands, we can tap into our creative mind.  My creative juices are flowing with ideas for my yoga path, and ways to share and teach.  I am finding more time to write my book, I’ve been working on for way too long, and have been able to pay attention to my surroundings, and work on house projects. I’ve even cooked a few meals!! And I’m not one to spend too much time in the kitchen. Lol. What are you curious about?  Now is the time to take that online class or start that creative project you’ve been sitting on for too long!
 

TALK TO ME – More time at home, means more time with whomever you live with.  This is our opportunity to really get to know each other on a more intimate level.  You may be surprised the things you learn about your loved ones, now that you have more time to talk to each other.  There are many people who may realize that they have been so busy with to do lists, they have let the relationships that mean the most, go to the back burner.  Now is the time, to pay attention to each other.  Listen. Learn from one another. Discover and commit to new goals together.

 
KEEP THE FAITH – We are not in control.  This can be a frightening realization for many people who live life according to their “plan” and schedule.  Our hands are off the wheel.  Who do you turn to in a time of loss or despair?  This chapter is saturated with an opportunity for self-inquiry, and to awaken to our higher self and higher power.  What do you believe? Do you have faith? Dive deep, sit with yourself, and utilize this time to open to your spirituality, create a sacred space in your home for meditation and prayer, and ask for guidance.  Follow what moves you, what touches your heart.  You will be guided to the right teacher and place.

I recently came across mind blowing social media statistics.  Facebook alone, has an estimated 2.45 BILLION registered members, who are active each month.  Instagram, not far behind with an estimated 1.0 billion registered members, with 500 million stories being posted daily.  Wow!!  Read those statistics again. 
 
Social media is Not. Going. Anywhere.  With that said, my own experience with social media has been a bit of a struggle.  After completing yoga teacher training, I was eager to share all things Yoga. I felt completely uncomfortable at first, not sure of what or how much to share online.  Having tried a few sites, I settled on Instagram.  I found it artsy, creative, and inspiring.
 
It also brought up a lot of fear and insecurity, especially in the world of Yoga.  Seeing amazing posts from other teachers with way more experience than I have, caused a lot of fear of being judged, of being not good enough, and of not doing enough. 
 
Like it or not, we must admit, social media is an extremely powerful tool.  We can connect with others all over the world.  Our youth are growing up with social media being their number one avenue of communication, and receptivity.  It allows each one of us to create, teach, share, and inspire one another.
 
Unfortunately, where there is light, there is darkness.  The world of social media can also be a huge trigger for many people, who are in a vulnerable space.  It is very easy to fall into the comparison trap, bringing up an enormous amount of negative thought patterns.  This is detrimental to the well-being of those who suffer from anxiety or depression.

I believe it’s a huge opportunity, to shift others away from the darkness back to the light, by sharing kindness and miracles.  According to the book, “A Course in Miracles”, a miracle is a simple shift in perception, from fear to love. 
 
How can we use social media for miracles?  I’ve come up with the following questions to ask yourself before logging in.
 
WHY AM I SHOWING UP?

What is your purpose for creating your profile?  For your latest post?  Getting very clear on what is motivating you to show up, will help you be aware of who is running your social media profile, your higher self or your shadow self.  Are you offering a service?  Hoping to inspire, educate or uplift others?  Or is it ego-driven?  Are you looking for reassurance by getting more “likes”, that you are good enough? Pretty enough? Strong enough? Fit enough? Smart enough?  What is the purpose of your post?  Be mindful of comparing your life, with other people’s peak moments shared online, which can leave you feeling discouraged and less than.  It can be helpful to take a break and log off for a while.  Reevaluate, and log back in when your intention for being online is clear.
 
AM I ADDING VALUE?

How am I contributing online? Am I leaving kind comments?  Am I letting the teachers, leaders, authors, and creators who I look up to and follow, know, that what they create inspires me? I work on this one myself.  How we interact online matters.  We need the balance of giving and receiving.  It’s so easy to fall into the habit of taking, by scrolling through our feeds, absorbing all we can without offering anything of ourselves.  But this is not fully utilizing the enormous platform of opportunity we have online, to raise the conciousness of the collective.  Show up in service.  Add value by sharing your unique gifts, and gratitude for the gifts of others.
 
WHO AM I FOLLOWING?

Take the time to review your following list.  Are you following profiles that uplift, motivate, educate, or inspire you?  Are the profiles you follow allowing you to have a positive mindset?  Or are they bringing you down?  Stealing your joy? Are you connecting with like minded people?  Pay attention to who you are following.  What we are feeding our minds, and thoughts with matters. 

What we think, we create.  Make the time you do decide to spend online this year, an inspiring, happy, fun and fearless experience.  Then watch the miracles happen.

Summer has always been my favorite season.  The sun is shining, flowers have bloomed, and we spend more time outside, enjoying all that mother nature has to offer. 

One of the most beautiful gifts, nature provides, is the benefit of aromatherapy.  After studying this ancient practice, of using naturally derived plant essences, to enhance ones health and wellbeing,  not only do I have a renewed, profound respect for what I like to call the spirit of nature, or essential oils,  I have also made it part of my everyday life.

 The question I am asked most often, about essential oils, is “How can I use them in my daily life?”
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Here are five simple ways, you can use the powerful practice of aromatherapy, and experience a more relaxed, peaceful, balanced, and uplifted inner spirit this summer!
 
Soothing Sun Spray
After a long day outside, this is an easy, refreshing way to cool down, or soothe a sunburn.  In a 4 oz. bottle, mix together 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel, ½ cup witch hazel, 3 drops vitamin E oil (optional), distilled water, and 20 drops total of your favorite essential oils. I like to use lavender and peppermint.  Keep it in the refrigerator or your cooler to help it feel even more calming and alleviate any skin discomfort.
 
Tranquil Salt Bath
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a wonderful home treatment, that has been used for hundreds of years, which helps to relax stiff muscles and loosen joints.  Adding in essential oils, enhances the benefits, which include aiding insomnia, relieving stress and anxiety, and can even treat certain skin disorders, such as psoriasis.  My favorite oils to use are lavender, rose, wild orange, and roman chamomile.  Mix about ½ cup of epsom salt, with 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
 
Hair Conditioner for Dry Ends
My hair needs a little extra care, during the dry summer months, especially at the ends.  A super easy way to treat dry frizzy ends, is with essential oils and coconut oil.  To add shine and softness to your hair, try blending any one of the following essential oils, with about ½ cup coconut oil, and cover the ends of your hair.  Leave it on either overnight, or for a few hours.  Wash and condition as normal, and your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and healthy!  Oils you can choose from are, lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, cedarwood, or clary Sage.
 
Lemon Diffuser Blends
If there is one essential oil, I had to name to represent the season of summer, its Lemon.  It is a beautiful, uplifting, cleansing, and purifying oil with many benefits.  It is used in many cleaning products, due to its ability to cleanse the air and surfaces.  When diffused, Lemon is known to improve mood, and increase energy.  Get creative, make a cheerful synergy, and make it a morning ritual, diffusing lemon, with your choice of wild orange, peppermint, lavender, grapefruit, or tea tree oil.  Use 6 -8 drops total.
 
Essential Oil Rollerball Blend
This is an easy way you can use aromatherapy on the go.  Make a blend of about 30 drops of your favorite essential oils, with a carrier oil of your choice, in a 10ml rollerball.  (I like to use fractionated coconut oil) You can make one to use for bedtime, blending lavender with patchouli, and massage it into the soles of your feet.  Or, make a morning wake up blend to take with you to work, such as lemon and peppermint. Massage it into the palms of your hands, and inhale for a round of three deep breaths, to get you going for the day!