The message of gratitude can sometimes get lost as the holiday decorations come out and the marketing machine of consumerism has one thinking thoughts that have moved beyond the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie to contemplation of festive Egg Nog. Let’s look at what gratitude is and living in a state of gratitude as we move through the season ahead.

Gratitude is an emotional state of appreciation and thankfulness.  This is often confused by a consumer-driven emphasis placed on needs and wants. It is interesting that the Thanksgiving holiday based on gratitude is juxtaposed with the consumer driven frenzy of current-day Christmas.  When thinking about the two holidays I am amazed at the range of sensations that arise within me. Emotions range from calm to overwhelm while physical responses run the gamut from deep breathes to a clenched jaw.  Moving into the season of stress light, it is important to incorporate practices that will foster a sense of gratitude that encourages balance and calm.  Here is a look at three simple gratitude practices…

Gratitude Journal:

My personal favorite gratitude practice is the gratitude journal. For me, it is a beautiful way to begin each day. It sets the tone for the day ahead and reminds me what I am grateful for, what went well the previous day and makes me walk through my day consciously looking for things that fill me with gratitude.

Gratitude Share:

We have a family gratitude ritual with our children on the nights we are able to incorporate family dinners into the rigorous extracurricular schedule.  We go around the table with each person mentioning something they are grateful for. This could be something that happened that day or a continuous circumstance that they are thankful for.  There are some nights where they aren’t excited to share anything and instead revert to “I’m thankful for mom’s dinner”. Regardless of what is shared it gives my husband and I a good barometer for where they are mentally.  It also instills the practice of being consciously connected to gratitude.

Gratitude Tablescape:

A few years ago we began a tradition during Thanksgiving Dinner to write what we are grateful for on the family tablecloth.  I found a neutral ivory linen cloth (you can use a tablecloth or runner) and some fabric markers to begin this tradition. We would write the one thing we were grateful for during the past year, sign it and date it.  The fabulous thing about this tradition was that each year you could look back and see what your thoughts were in previous years and it also made you think of what truly filled you with gratitude that was important enough to place on the cloth for your future self to see.  I am also able to see what thoughts inspired my beloved grandmother, with her wisdom and grace.  This reminder warms my heart and makes me thankful for the years of love and guidance given by this beautiful angel who now watches over our Thanksgiving Dinner.

Including the practice of gratitude in your life can help to move you from overwhelm and stress to a state of blissful balance. Daily, weekly or yearly habits and traditions can consciously connect you to gratitude, which is directly linked to a sense of happiness and wellbeing… the perfect gift during the holidays.

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XOXO

Picture credit goes to http://buyerselect.com/blog/fall-home-decor/

As the holidays draw closer, it is important to make sure you find ways to support and nurture you.  With the holiday frenzy it is natural for your emotions and anxiety to be in a heightened state.  This coupled with holiday celebrations that encourage an extra peppermint martini, scrumptious cheese buff or decadent chocolate cake have an impact on your waist line and psychological state.  Your home environment plays a key role in supporting you during stressful times, or it can further deplete you on all levels.

Let’s look at ways to have your home help you during the holidays…

Colors have a tremendous influence on your psychological and physical state.  Research has shown that color impacts your body chemistry including heart rate, hormone production and cortisol levels.  These control your mood, energy level and weight.  Psychological studies have demonstrated that color has an effect on your mental state. This has a direct bearing on your level of happiness and satisfaction in life.  Understanding color and utilizing it to support you is important during every season but can be even more critical during the holidays.

During the holidays there is a palpable frenetic energy of excitement and anticipation.  This can be, in part, attributed to the colors that surround us during this season of celebration.  When I think of the holidays, pictures of red and green or silver and cobalt blue come to mind.

Now let’s look at the psychological & physiological impact of these colors…

Red:  Red ribbons, ornaments and packages ‘deck the halls’.  The question is how does red influence your overall mental and physical state.  Research has shown that red is associated with power, passion and aggression.  Power images that come to mind are the red power tie or the red carpet. Psychological studies have determined that red increases aggressive behavior and anxiety. Physiological studies have shown that red increases heart rate and hunger.  Restaurants understand this phenomenon and use it to encourage their patrons to order and consume more than they might typically. It is no wonder that we tend to eat more and feel anxiety during the Christmas Season when we are surrounded by the color red.

Cobalt Blue: Blue candles, gifts and ornaments shimmer and shine.  Blue tones have a variety of effects on your psychological or physiological state.  Depending on the shade of blue you choose determines the impact on you.  For this article let’s specifically look at the bright shade of cobalt blue that is displayed this time of year.  Cobalt blue is associated with strength, power and superiority.  These can be empowering colors if they are in alignment with your inner being.  They can also have the reverse effect and be dis-empowering if you have negative associations to power or don’t truly own your own personal power.  It also has a physiological impact on the body and the hormones associated with hunger.  The good news (unless you are hosting a party where you are hoping your guests will eat your delicious dishes) is that blue sends messages to the brain to refrain from eating.  This is a great color to incorporate if you are hoping to lose weight.  Blue can also create feelings of aloofness, sadness, loneliness and depression.  This is not a great color to use if you tend to become melancholy during the holidays.  Becoming aware of the impact of blue can help you navigate this season.

One simple strategy to help you find harmony during the holidays is to have one or two spaces in your home that do not have holiday trimmings.  This allows you to have a serene sanctuary to nurture your soul, and uplift your spirit during this beautiful but sometimes overwhelming season.  Your bedroom might be a great space to ditch the holiday decorations so that they aren’t the first thing you see when you wake in the morning and last thing you are thinking about before you nod off to sleep. Creating soothing spaces will help you to create inner calm & peace and allow you to shine your magnificent light during this season of celebration.

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XOXO

It is only a few days after Halloween and the Christmas decorations have already hit the shelves and front displays of stores.  Seeing a Christmas tree in a store window this Halloween made me think of how easy it is to live our lives in full-throttle future mode. The, “What am I going to do next”, instead of enjoying and marinating in the current moment of now.  As the leaves fall, the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop we begin to anticipate the holiday season ahead and all that means emotionally, mentally and physically.  Overwhelm created by a growing to-do list can leave you frazzled and stressed.  Thanksgiving flows into a whirlwind of holiday festivities, which can pack on the pounds from unhealthy party fare.  Late nights, holiday shopping, decorations and cards that need to be sent, can leave you exhausted and weary.  It is important to look at ways to tame tension, overcome overwhelm, and put perspective back into a season that was designed to celebrate love, hope and joy.

After a long run last week I was enjoying contemplative time on my back deck. I noticed that there was an unusual cacophony of sound all around me.  Typically in the early morning hours it is a quiet and serene space where you can hear the rustle of squirrels in the leaves, and the symphony of birds calling to one another. But, on this particular morning, I could hear a variety of construction sounds from heavy trucks buzzing, jackhammers drumming and voices shouting to one another.  Initially I was annoyed that my peaceful morning ritual was disturbed from the intrusion of harsh sounds. Then I realized; this situation was similar to the reality of life in today’s day and age.  We are constantly bombarded by influences outside of ourselves vying for our attention. One minute we are doing one thing, and in the next moment we are distracted by something else.  This scattered energy leads to overwhelm and anxiety.  As I sat contemplating the sounds around me, I realized that I could place my attention on the singing of one or two lovely birds, and my centered concentration allowed the other sounds to dissipate into the background.  This dissolved my frustration and angst and brought me back into a grounded state of harmony.  The next time you are feeling overcome by overwhelm remove the superfluous distractions and focus in on what is really important. This will help you move with ease and grace during this season of over-stimulation, to-dos, and anxiety.

One way to overcome overwhelm is to prioritize the tasks ahead.  The most effective way to do this is to take a moment and put pen to paper and create a list of all the to-dos that need to be accomplished in the days to come.  Prioritize and create deadlines for each task.  This will help you to focus and stay on track. It will also ease the worry associated with not knowing whether you have enough time or days to complete what needs to be done.  You will be able to see what is essential to be done, when to do it and have the ability to cross it off the list when it is completed.  This will motivate you to stay on course and eliminate the anxiety and overwhelm.

If the anxiety and stress don’t have you running to the cookie drawer, holiday gatherings filled with fat laden hors d’oeuvres and calorie dense cocktails can have the button pop off your pants or the cute little dress feel a bit too snug.  It is important to balance those fun festivities with healthy, nutrient dense eating during the less social times.  Everything in moderation is key.  But, when you do overindulge (and we all do it from time to time) give yourself a break and jump back on the healthy eating train.

Speaking of jumping, it helps to balance out the extra calories with more movement.  A college friend and I met for dinner on a recent excursion to New York City.  She is an avid fitness guru and over dinner we were discussing different types of exercises that benefit the body.  She was trying to convince me that I should take up jumping rope because it gives you the most benefit in the least amount of time.  Between giggles we both came to the conclusion that I might need to leave the jump rope aside and stick to running, paddle boards and yoga after our memories were prodded and we remembered a time when I fell off a step in a step class (I admit that I am not the most fleet of foot).

Regardless, as long as you are moving in some way, this will stimulate your metabolism, sweat out toxins and help to avoid some of the weight gain that can accompany the holiday season.  If all else fails, you are welcome to join me for my January Fresh Start Wellness & Detox Program where I will help you Remove toxins and inflammation from overindulgence, Restore your body to its optimal vitality, Release extra weight naturally, and Rejuvenate your body, mind & spirit that can become easily depleted during the holiday frenzy!

I know that you have just put away the orange and black decorations, and it is hard to fathom a discussion related to the red, green, silver & blue decorations to come.  But, as you will see when you head to the mall, or go online to an Internet retailer the holidays are just around the corner and it is better to be prepared to meet the challenges that this season can bring with a plan of prepared action which will help to tame the tension, overcome the overwhelm and enjoy the splendor of this season of love.

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**Special Note: “Thank you to the Joene’s Garden Blog for the Holly Berry picture in Fall!”

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Have you ever had an experience that was less than pleasant and realized looking back that it was part of a greater plan packed with valuable lessons?  These moments can be golden nuggets that shape the landscape of your life. They can help you adapt and mold your life into a richer and more fulfilling experience, something even greater than you thought possible.

For me, I have always been aware of the great impact that my environment has on my wellbeing. This understanding lead me down the path of combining my skill set of interior design and psychology which allows me to help others create homes that nurture and support their experience in their inner and outer world.  This integration builds a solid foundation that one can come home to, to be nurtured, re-energized and rejuvenated.

This summer, the golden nugget was a new found appreciation of how deeply rooted we are in our space. I often teach that our homes are a direct reflection of what we are experiencing in our inner world. We also hold our spaces in our subconscious, dwelling on clutter that needs to be dealt with, doors that need to be painted or window treatments that need to be created. We expend an inordinate amount of unconscious energy on our homes, especially when things are less than harmonious.  On the flip side, our homes can revitalize our essence and help us meet the demands of things on the other side of the door. But, what do we do if we don’t have a space to call our own, are transitioning from one space to the next or are continuously on the move?

I have had to examine this question before when we moved from one state to another.  That relocation helped guide me in creating a systematic strategy to make the transition smooth and effortless for my family. The change flowed with grace and thankfully the acclimation process was relatively calm and uneventful for all.  This was achieved in part because of my need and efforts in creating nurturing spaces within our home.  I knew it would take me a bit of time to complete the full-scale house project of setting up, re-configuring and designing to my standards.  Instead, I made smaller “safe-havens” for each person in the family. Everyone had a space that would rejuvenate their being so they could go forth into their new world like explorers on a courageous expedition meeting new friends, teachers and unfamiliar territory. This “safe-haven” gave them a place to feel connected and rooted so that the barrage of new experiences wouldn’t leave them feeling dizzy and out-of-balance.

This summer we decided to accommodate all of the busy schedules comprised of heavy work travel, sport training camps and an assortment of sporting tournaments. We attempted to spend as much time as we could each week at our little cottage by the Vineyard Sound.  Little did I realize that going back and forth from our main home to our tiny cottage could be so depleting. What I recognized was that I was missing the deep seeded need to feel connected or rooted in my space that gives me support, comfort and a daily injection of calm and harmony. The back and forth left me feeling uprooted and disoriented. I realized that this lack of grounding was at the center of my angst and feelings of imbalance. It made me wonder how individuals and families who constantly relocate, need to move or are in transition maneuver the transitioning landscape. How do they maintain a balanced state and what solutions could be utilized to create a sense of rooted grounding and comfort.

These were my thoughts, which I realized could help with any turmoil, or transition that is happening in one’s life…

1. Safe-Haven

When moving into a new space it can be beneficial to the psyche to select one area and make it comfortable, aesthetically pleasing & inviting. A spot where you can take a deep breath and re-calibrate. With the upheaval that comes with moving I usually suggest making one’s bedroom that space. We spend so many hours a day in that room that it is important to make this space great. Additionally, it is the last space you see as you close your eyes which has an impact on how restful your sleep will be.  And, it is the first area you see upon waking which can set the tone for the day ahead.  Simplify this space and make it a clutter free zone void of boxes. Think serene and supportive. This will ground you in your new space and help you connect to your inner calm.

2. Clear the Clutter

During a move or a transitioning state, items are typically packed up in boxes. Hopefully those boxes are organized and labeled (we will save the how-to’s of that process for another day) which will help you to navigate with little effort and less energy than if things are haphazardly thrown together. Keeping moving boxes out of your special “safe-haven” area gives you breathing room. Moving boxes or any clutter on the to-do list can cause anxiety and stress.  Keeping one space clear from clutter or boxes will give you a sense of calm while in that space. Yet, another reason to make your sleeping area that space.

3. Close to Your Heart Objects

Pictures, mementos or a favorite stuffed bear are all items that can create a smile.  Placing a few of these items around your new or temporary space can bring joy to your inner being. Include items that have joyful memories associated with them so that happy hormones are triggered in your body by your unconscious. Notice your feelings or your family’s reaction to whatever items you choose. Make sure you don’t pick things that leave you feeling melancholy about your last home; this will have the reverse effect.  Bringing objects that are close to your heart into your new space will help your new space become more connected to your heart.

These are a few solutions to help you feel grounded and calm during times of transition. Your space can support you as you move through your life experience. Why not utilize its impact to give you support, comfort and a daily injection of calm and harmony.

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

It is hard to believe that the long, lingering days of this steamy summer are beginning to disappear replaced with the need for sweatshirts and blankets to keep warm in the chill of the evening breezes.  Every year at this time I contemplatively look back at the summer sad to see it go but soothed by the many memories created as I watch my children frolic in the ocean, enjoy summer friendships and am able to pause to take a deep breath from the frenetic activity that consumes the three seasons to come.  With a few weeks left before the schedules and commitments began I want to take a look at some simple ways you can embrace the blessings the remainder of the summer has to offer.

Summertime gives us so many splendid gifts to create harmony in our lives. It shares with us an abundance of fruits and vegetables that promote health. Warm days allow us to enjoy the outdoors and breath fresh air, which is good for our body and soul.  It is also a time of rest, rejuvenation and connection.

I often think of the saying “the lazy, hazy days of summer” when wistful flashes of clam shacks, sand between the toes and the smell of suntan lotion come to mind.  It brings me back to my childhood when life not only seemed slower but moved at an entirely different pace.  Those were the days before cell phones, smart phones and iPads.

In those days, people enjoyed the art of connection and communication without the distraction of texting or email alerts. Going to the beach was a cacophony of sounds, textures and visual splendor.  Waves crashing, seagulls squawking and children laughing as they were tumbled about in the sea tickled our ears.  The visual impact of the blue sky with puffy white clouds that were forever morphing into new shapes, the golden sand that warmed our feet and the sparkling water that danced in the sunlight.  Smart phones didn’t pull our attention and awareness away from the natural magnificence around us. Today it is easy to hear the beep, ring or tapping of fingers on a touchscreen to remind us that we have one more email or call to make.

Last summer, I watched a teenage couple walking down the beach. Instead of holding hands or chatting about whatever it is that teenagers chat about these days, they both walked along heads bent down over their phones while their fingers furiously navigated their technology. Initially I giggled at the idea that maybe they were texting each other.  But, those feelings swiftly turned to sadness knowing that they were missing out on truly connecting with each other and connecting to their incredible surroundings.

I invite you to be in awareness of the many gifts that the summer season offers. Take the time to slow down, breath the fresh air, taste the succulent red ripe strawberries and listen to the symphony of birds.  Incorporate the cadence of the lazy, hazy days of summer into your routine and power off to rejuvenate and restore your connection to the world and the people around you.

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO