Life gets busy and we forget to take care of ourselves. From time to time, we all need a loving reminder to pause, breathe and take a few minutes for ourselves. Especially if you are a mama or work in a healing capacity, the tendency is to give, give, give until there is nothing left. But, let's admit it -- there's nothing pretty about a goddess who is worn out physically and spiritually. As the old saying goes, when you take care of yourself first, you can better take care of those around you. Here is an opportunity to take back control of your life. Spend 2 minutes breathing and visualizing yourself healthy, happy and nourished.
If you missed out on our first two Mermaid Meditations ("acceptance" and "confidence"), you can check them out here:
This third Meditation in the series builds on the last two. Once we have accepted and forgiven ourselves, we can re-build our confidence and begin to take care of ourselves again.
Meditation: Self Care
Mantra: I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MYSELF
Affirmation: I nourish my body with healthy foods, my mind with positive thoughts, and my soul with uplifting relationships.
This two-minute meditation is designed for those days when you need a reminder to prioritize yourself first. After listening to this mediation and repeating the mantras, you will feel inspired to put your health and well-being first in your life and take better care of yourself. You will feel energized with a new-found sense of self-love and a renewed dedication to yourself. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down with dim lighting, turn off all distractions, and simply follow my voice as I guide you through this journey. Namaste!
[if the embedded video isn't working, click here instead]
Have you been feeling more energized lately? More focused on your goals than usual? If so, you are perfectly in sync with the cosmos!
This early November Full Moon brings the ambitious energy of Taurus into full effect. Typically, the last two months of the year tend to get lost in a haze of holiday gatherings and over-indulging, with more focus on letting loose and less focus on our goals. However, this year is proving to be much different! The opposite energy is circulating right now -- a fierce, determined, Taurus-influenced energy is encouraging us to do the opposite of years past. During this moon cycle, your drishti is on point. For all the non-yogis, that means your gaze or your focal point is spot on. Keep your eyes focused on your goals over the next two weeks. Don't be deterred by a bustling social calendar. Now is the time to indulge -- in your work, in your passions, in anything you have been aspiring towards all year long. It could finally be yours, if you choose to harness this potent, steadfast Taurus energy.
The perfect yoga pose to practice under this full moon is a posture that truly challenges you. One that makes you dig your hands down into the earth, find your roots and learn how to fly. For me, this is handstand. Some other perfect challenge poses for this particular moon are:pincha mayurasana(forearm stand), koundinyasana(hurdler's pose) and titibasana (firefly pose).
Taurus is an Earth sign so don't be afraid to practice outside. Now is the ideal time to feel the sand (or grass) between your toes and re-establish your connection with mama Earth.
For those of you that are feeling unclear on your goals, unsure of the next step to take in your career, relationships and/or life in general, don't worry -- we've all been there! I encourage you to soak up this determined Taurus energy and start to focus on what you really want out of life. The answers will come if you take time to listen. Even if you're life isn't making total sense right now, understand that everything is unfolding as it should, and there is indeed a higher purpose.
If this speaks to you, please take the time to experience our latest Mermaid Meditation. Janalyn Yanover and I created a series of seven meditations, inspired by the sea. This is number two. The "confidence" meditation will align you with your divine purpose, give you clarity and that push forward to continue to pursue your goals and dreams.
I am trusting that I am exactly where I'm meant to be in my life at this very moment. I have faith that the Universe will take good care of me on my journey. I release the need to control or over-think the way my life is unfolding. I have faith that the Universe has my back.
California mermaid yogis Janalyn Yanover and Mandy Burstein take you on a 7 week journey through your self, back to your self. Inspired by the ocean and all things divine, these meditations will help bring you clarity and purpose, when it's hard to see the light. Are you ready to dive deeper?
Meditation #1: Acceptance
Mantra: I AM ENOUGH
[ if video isn't loading properly, click here instead ]
This two-minute ACCEPTANCE meditation was designed for those days when you just don't feel content with yourself or "good enough". We've all had those days! This meditation will build you back up to remember your natural state, your greatness and that tomorrow is a new day, a new opportunity to shine.
California mermaid yogis Janalyn Yanover and Mandy Burstein take you on a 7 week journey through your self, back to your self. Inspired by the ocean and all things divine, these meditations will help bring you clarity and purpose, when it's hard to see the light.
Are you ready to dive deeper? This is only the beginning...watch the introduction here:
The energy surrounding the full moon is powerful and potent. Each month, we are offered a new opportunity to unplug and re-charge our spirits with the healing energy of the full moon. Lots of times, you will hear yoga teachers or healers sayharness the energy of the full moon- but many people have a hard time wrapping their mind around what that means. I've been studying the moon cycles for the past four years, and what I've learned is that under a full moon, the collective energy of the Universe is super-charged, at a higher intensity than normal, so there runs the risk for miscommunication, confusion and general misunderstanding in both personal and business settings. It's generally advised not to negotiate contracts or make any big business decisions on or around the full moon. Instead, this 3 day period allows us the opportunity to pause and reflect.
The photo I chose here is of the first full moon of this year ~ January 16, 2014. I was leading a yoga retreat down in Mexico and this big, shimmering moon rose above us as we ate our welcome dinner on the hotel rooftop. I had just finished leading the first yoga class of the trip, it was a deep restorative practice that united our energy as a group. Suddenly, this gorgeous moon came up and captivated our hearts. We all knew it would be one to remember.
So, here we are. Six months into this year. Looking back to your first full moon of 2014 - where were you? What was going on in your life? I'm sure there have been some big shifts in your life, hopefully for the positive, but either way, take a pause to notice what's changed. Good, bad or neutral...one thing's for sure - you've come a long way, baby! Tonight's the night to acknowledge the growth and plant the seeds for what's to come. I invite you to expand this mini-meditation into whatever you need. Repeat each mantra just once or multiple times each. Above all, just breathe. The Universe wants to heal your soul and focus your mind under this full moon. Close your eyes and be open to whatever comes up!
breathe in : I AM HERE
breathe out : I AM NOW
repeat three times
inhale : GRATITUDE
exhale : COURAGE
repeat three times
I am grateful for my past, courageous in the present and excited about the future.
