Think POSITIVITY!

"What we think, we become"  -buddha

  

What have you been thinking lately?  

Do you project to others the person you want to be?  

It's hard to be positive ALL the time, but does it hurt to try?

Boone Dawdlein'!

Yesterday Susan Toth Eggener and I volunteered for the Boone Dawdle, a T/F fundraiser!  The Dawdle was a ride from Columbia to Rocheport.  Along the way there were fun surprises; an advice booth, a rolling sangria/beer bar, trolls, and MASSAGES!  Moon Valley Massage Therapy set up a tent at Katfish Katy's (the halfway point on the Katy Trail) and gave free 5-10 min massages to anyone interested.  There were so many great people out there.
Later in the evening, we met fellow Dawdlers at Le Bourgeois Winery for wine, dinner, live music, a movie and a beautiful sunset.  A truly magical event!

Allow good things to happen to you!

Sometimes I get so into the things on my to do list, I forget to welcome spontaneity into my schedule.  Today my Mom stopped by my studio for an appointment.   We just kept on talking,  then decided to skip our session and go get some iced tea.  At first I felt guilty for not doing what I said I was going to do.  But then felt better after I realized Mom and I hadn't had any alone time all summer. We both enjoyed the tea and we both enjoyed a break in the schedule,  it was quality.  

Sisterly Love

My sister Anne is moving to Kazakhstan for a 2 year stint with the Peace Corps.  She's lived in Columbia all her life, and is now moving to the opposite side of the globe.  This morning I was thinking of her leaving and I teared up over my breakfast.  Family and friends are going to miss her very much.
Anne has a blog too!  You should visit it, she's a very eloquent and honest writer.

Listen to yourself and others!

Hearing is something most people have, listening is a trait we could all work on.  Often when I'm "listening" to someone, I find myself distracted by my own inner dialogue.  

 Listening is meditation; a practice in being present.  

In meditation, you concentrate on your breath or a special mantra you say silently over and over again.  If a thought arises during meditation, you gently set it aside and return to your breath.  This practice is a way of honoring oneself.

   This practice can also be effective with listening.  Honor your friends by being  fully present when listening.  Concentrate on what they are saying and how they are saying it.  Recognize when your own thoughts arise, gently set them aside and return to listening/honoring your friend.                                        

Is it any wonder the Buddha has large ears?

Prenatal Massage

It is a delight to massage pregnant mothers!  Its a way for them to be nurtured before a life changing event that will surely keep them busy for several years.  I give side lying massages to help relieve low back and leg pain and increase awareness of the body, allowing a deeper connection between mother and child.   I like to think the baby feels the benefits of the mother relaxing as well.  Some benefits can include, improving sleep and lowering anxiety.  Even after the baby is born, new mom's benefit from any kind of massage to help the body's natural healing abilities after giving birth.  Do you have someone in your life who's pregnant or just had a baby?  Honor them with the gift of massage!

epsom salt and sore muscles

As a massage therapist many people come to me seeking relief for their sore muscles. In addition to getting regular massages, taking epsom salt baths are a great way to unwind after a serious workout.  Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate; a mineral that aids in the release of lactic acid that builds up in muscles during strenuous use.  Taking a mineral soak can relieve stress and help muscles recover quickly. After your next workout,  enjoy an epsom salt bath and feel your aches melt away!

You can find Epsom Salts at you local grocery store or pharmacy.