Kim @ Patchoulimoon Holistics and Yoga

Sressed lately?? It could be a lack of exercise!

2012-01-04T10:04:00.002-05:00

I've noticed something lately, a pattern. Whenever my daughter is off school I get anxious. Panicky. Maybe even depressed. It's too easy to blame her not cooperating BUT she's a really good kid. For a 4 year old, that is. I have waaaay less patience when she's not in school. Here's where the pattern comes in. Working out. I don't get my cardio in when she's off school. No sitter and my values are getting in the way of my workouts.

When you google the benefits of cardiovascular activity you will find, among other things, it helps with stress and anxiety. I'm wondering what came first though... the anxiety or the lack of cardio...?

Yes, yoga and meditation helps but I believe n balancing cardio in there as well. AND there are so many other benefits, such as, weight loss, more energy, and better sleep.

After having this 'aha moment', I realize this has been happening my whole life! Not sure how I could have missed this but no matter, I'm going to do something about this NOW.

Why ELSE would you want to do cardio?? Further reading: http://exercise.about.com/od/cardioworkouts/a/cardio_exercise.htm

New Year Resolutions - 2012

2012-01-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Whatever you choose to call them.. goals, resolutions.. most of us have something to strive towards to make the year the best it can be for prosperity and growth.

I'm noticing that each year is better than the next, with my desires usually coming true. Last year's blog post is prime example of this: http://www.phyoga.blogspot.com/view/timeslide#!/2011/01/resolutions-anyone.html

Whatever you choose to call it, focusing on the things that mean most to you will ensure the new year is a great one. Coming up with a great plan will make a higher success rate for things such as weight loss

I'm choosing this year to focus, even more, on health and fitness - by connecting with some inspirational people and replacing some poor choices with better ones. (I'll elaborate more in a later post)

What is your focus going to be?

Willow’s Birth Story..and more than three years later.

2011-03-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

Willow’s Birth Story

My labour was supposed to be 3-5 hours long, "joyful, flowing, & relaxing” according to what I visualized. I read that now and laugh! It was none of those things.

Yoga has made the biggest impact on not just my pregnancy but my life in general. I can’t imagine how anyone gets through their day, pregnant or not, without it. My baby is very calm because I am. My labour was much calmer than most as well, I believe. I was told that not every woman can have complete, calm conversations at 7 centimetres dilated.

HypnoBirthing also had a huge impact on my pregnancy, labour and birth. It gave me more confidence in my beliefs and helped me to have a much more positive pregnancy in a world that is full of people trying to tell us to trust in the system and not our body. It helped to give me the confidence to fight for what I wanted in my child’s birth experience and to believe that I could do it no matter what everyone else around me was saying.

My two best friends, Chris (my fiancé) and Theresa, helped me through labour more than I could ever describe Instead of the peaceful home-birth, after 15 ½ hours, I agreed to go to the hospital. I was getting very tired and there were special circumstances, we later found out. Our baby was ‘on the phone’ as a doula friend put it. Her head was tilted in my pelvis and the umbilical cord was wrapped repeatedly around both ankles. My midwife, Stacey, gave me the confidence to keep pushing throughout the 4 hours when I would have given up. Doctor Clarke was amazed at my progress and Chris had to tell him that I love to prove people wrong. From the very beginning of the surges until my daughter was born was almost 30 hours.

In the end, I gave birth vaginally, with an episiotomy and a vacuum had to be used, 2 ½ weeks past my estimated due date, to a very beautiful baby girl. Willow Kathleen Belanger Mills was born October 11, 2007, weighing 7 pounds 1.2 ounces.

Kim, Chris & Willow Mills

Frankford, On

March 7, 2011

There was a lot of chaos in our life after Willow was born. We were lucky that my husband could take Parental Leave for the whole nine months but I can't even imagine the kind of stress we would have felt if he hadn't since we were stressed to the max even with him off.

We had a midwife, so we were lucky enough to have home-visits for the first while to be sure Willow was doing well and the breastfeeding was on track. I have yet to meet someone that had the identical situation to us (or even close), everyone's situation is different, but it was all so stressful. With sleep deprivation, afterall, everything just seems to fall apart. There was tension between me and my husband since he was doing everything for the three of us and the two dogs and three cats we had...and I seemed to be doing nothing but nursing non-stop. I know someone else might have had it even worse than us but wasn't it supposed to be lovely and joyful when you bring your newborn home?

People always seemed to be giving advice that didn't apply to us... "be sure your mom comes to stay with you." Um, I don't have one. "Sister, cousin..." Nope. No support, no help. Nobody seemed to understand. Even the ones who said they understood would then talk about their kids staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house for the weekend. Ugh.

Recently, I read about a Doula course and was shocked to find out that there was more than one type of Doula. Postpartum Doula. I had no idea. I didn't feel I needed another support person at the time of labour and delivery, already having my husband and midwife there but, wow, how amazing it would have been to have a someone AFTERWARDS to support and assist us! And wouldn't it be great to do this for someone else?!

I've heard, from people who have people over to 'help', that they are sometimes no help at all. News flash: It isn't a help to merely hold the baby when there is dishes piling up, beds to be made, sweeping or vacuuming to be done. And SLEEP... you can never have too much of it!!

So, my Postpartum Doula training begins this month and I am excited. Excited for the possibility of an occasional baby-fix adding to my Mom & Baby Yoga baby-fix, but also for the possibility of changing a new parents' situation, for the better.

Find out about Kim's upcoming Postpartum Doula services here: http://patchoulimoon.com/postpartum-doula-c897.php
Find out about Kim's Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga classes here: http://patchoulimoon.com/yogac468.php
Find out about just a few of Kim’s pre/post natal products here: http://patchoulimoon.com/shopnows302.php?cID=4

New additions to the family!

2011-02-28T12:57:00.000-05:00

The day before Family Day, My family and I took a trip to a local pet store called “Teri’s Pets”. I used to work in a pet store, for Teri, actually. I always loved the birds... the peace of their song, the beauty in their feathers and lovely motions. I can’t believe I never owned one!

My husband really liked the Conure but at $800 that wasn’t going to happen. Not to mention they are noisy! So, we compromised – on Zebra Finches! We got two, male and female and called them Fred and Fiona. Always a joy :-)

Resolutions anyone?

2011-01-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

2011... it’s here. A whole new year. I think most people do the ‘New Year’s Resolution’ thing but I don’t wait for a whole new year to change something or start anew. Each day is brand new, too. Each new minute, each new breath, for that matter, is an opportunity to start over.

In this new minute what do you want to manifest for yourself? For today, for tomorrow, for ‘sometime’ in the future...? It’s a lot of fun to think about what you could bring to your experience in the near and far future! Here’s my list right now...

~An SUV for happy/roomy car rides that we can also bring our dogs

~To teach yoga 4+ times a week

~To do Reiki at least once a month

Hmmm... since I’m always working on my list it seems to be pretty short.

How about yours?? Please share!

Be Blessed,

Kim

Yay, a flood!

2010-12-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

When my hubby came home early from work I was pretty excited. 5 minutes later when I found out that the downstairs of our home was filled with 3 inches of water I was more grateful than excited!

This meant not only my husband’s workshop and our storage space but also my yoga studio and shop. A whole lot of water but I looked at it a little differently than most, I think. Winter 1999 there was a big fire in the apartment building I was living in, I lost almost all my possessions and I didn’t have renters insurance. Fortunately, I got all my pets out of the building. I was also homeless for 3 days afterwards and had no choice but to stay at a local strip club, the first night, where the strippers had rooms above the bar (yikes, I know!) and then the next 2 days with some relatives. I had no clothes except the pj’s I was wearing and ducky boots. I came to realize that even a bed is a luxury that I would never again take for granted.

So, when this flood happened (being the 2nd since we’ve lived in this home) it wasn't really a big deal and I thought, “wow, I could do some cleaning up, organizing and decluttering... AND I could have a SALE!” What a great opportunity.

That was last Wednesday and it looks great now! The workshop needed a good cleaning and my studio needing some decluttering. The sale went over well, offering a sale on everything in the studio including things that hadn’t been affected by water.

Maybe next year I’ll have a ‘no-flood’ sale!

Paying for your time

2010-11-29T11:23:00.000-05:00

If you can’t seem to make time for yourself maybe you should consider paying for it occasionally. It doesn’t have to mean hours and hours away or hundreds of dollars either. Normally, I will take ½ hour at a very inexpensive salon about once a month or so for a pedicure. This pedicure normally doesn’t come with much of a foot massage but at least it’s time to just BE and in the end my toes look great. Not to mention it’s fast and I don’t need an appointment. Just fits my schedule.

Today, however, I’ve been saving a while and happen to have a 3 hour window to relax child-free. This time will be for the manicure and pedicure that I am getting at a special price, an express facial and the time it will take to drive there and back (had to be very close to home). So, a lot of things packed into that time but so worth it. Worth it for my sanity and to be the very best me.

Celebrating in advance

2010-11-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

One night last week my family and I celebrated. We celebrated the possibilities. Possibilities of a new experience, a new ‘item’ in my husband’s ‘vibrational escrow’ (his manifestation bank account for the future).

He gets job offers quite frequently but lately they have hit closer to what he really wants for his life. The offer was, to start, $26/hr, full benefits and a living allowance for when he’s not close to home. That was the problem. The job would take him away from home (far away) for 8 days at a time. For now that is not right for him but the offers are getting closer and closer to what IS right for him and so we celebrated.

The Law of Attraction wants us to feel like we already have what we want. Wants us to feel the joy of already attaining it and not doubt that it’s coming. So we celebrated with lobster, with fresh halibut, a lovely salad, with a great desert and sparkling grape juice. Just like it already happened. Because it has….iIt’s there waiting. :-)

(c) kimbelangermills.com 2010

Fat Ass

2010-11-16T13:18:00.001-05:00

Sunday I ran in a race. This was my 5th race of my 2 year running career and the kilometres go, in order, like this... 5k, 21k, 7.5k, 10k, 7.5k. This being the 2nd time I’ve done the 7.5k ‘Fat Ass Batawa Trail Run’ - I loved even more!

Here’s the link for the 1st time I did it HERE and another link for the race HERE.

Last year, a month after running a ½ marathon, I was just under an hour. This year, with almost no outdoor running, my time was 1 hour, 2 minutes and 47 seconds. Not too shabby but if I had known how close the times were I might not have taken 2 snack breaks where I actually stood around looking at scenery and then to take the picture shown here of the finish line at the top of the ski hill.

This race is a lot of fun with coke and m&m’s offered mid-race and cookies and chilli at the end. The people are a lot of fun and the trails are actually chosen for the mud and danger being a priority! I did yoga twice after the race and had no sore muscles the next day. YAY! Good times, next year a must.

(c) kimbelangermills.com 2010

Power in doing nothing

2010-11-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

Sickness. Where does it come from? Luck of the draw? I doubt it. I know someone who told me that she gets pneumonia every year. Every year!! To me that is a sign. A big sign that something needs to change. Eat better and do less. Sounds so simple doesn’t it? It should be but it’s not.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “we human be-ings not human do-ings”. Why do we keep doing, doing, doing? We feel pressured to not be seen as lazy or maybe we’re competitive and want to do more than the next guy... whatever the reason it’ll get you nowhere.

Do, do, do... just get ahead and then, wham! You get sick. I am not immune either. Relaxation is my passion but I still do too much for whatever reason. And, yes, I’m sick right now. It’s rare for me but I was just thinking the other day, ‘when is it MY turn for a break’ and then sickness hit. Almost a blessing I guess – only if I had a little more balance I could actually enjoy my nap this afternoon. There IS power in doing nothing, in relaxing and doing what gives you joy. Don’t let anyone (even yourself) tell you that you’re lazy when it’s balance you seek. That’s not lazy, it’s wise.

October 31st

2010-11-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

My family celebrates Samhain on October 31st with a feast and gratitude, very much like Thanksgiving. We also light candles in honour of loved-ones passed.

Our daughter doesn’t really ‘get’ Halloween and doesn’t eat candy but for most there’s trick or treating... and that’s what I did growing up as well. I have magical memories of being in Cold Lake, Alberta, putting a costume on over top of my snow suit with a few feet of snow by now. Receiving free candy and being able to eat as much of it as I wanted... pure joy!

But, the joy doesn’t just stop with the children. Parents get to see the joy of their children’s faces and feel the magic in the air, just as it was years ago for them. People past the point of small children or just child-free adults get to join in the festivities as well. Decorations, handing out candy, going to or throwing parties... the magic of childhood lives on.

Schedule yourself in

2010-10-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

Ever notice that you are go, go, go all week and look back and think... where was the ‘me’ time?? Have an adjenda/daily planner? (because everyone should) Open it right now. Check out the week ahead, find some blank space and circle it. Then write something in there. “Have tea ALONE” or “Take a bath” or “Go get a pedicure” and don’t let anyone else have that spot. That is YOUR spot.

So many of us are a slave to time and calendars. Make your adjenda work for YOU. YOU are the most important thing in that adjenda because if you take a back seat everyone else, in your life, are not as balanced as they could be either.

If you were a celebrity with a manager he/she would get fired real quick if you found that you were over-scheduled and stressed out all the time. Plan for you. And ENJOY a joyful life.

Promoting breastfeeding, locally

2010-10-04T15:24:00.000-04:00

Every year the Quinte Breastfeeding Awareness Network holds a Breastfeeding Brunch. The first meeting I ever attended was just prior to their brunch and I was very pregnant ... over my EDD (estimated due date) actually so I didn’t make it to the brunch.

I DID attend the next year, however, and was pleasantly surprised to have won a door prize! This year was their 3rd annual brunch, my daughter was almost 3 years old and I, once again, won a door prize... AND... I am STILL breastfeeding!!

Willow and Marshall at 2010 Breastfeeding Brunch

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a midwife to assist in breastfeeding questions and challenges. QBAN is a great group for promoting awareness and the importance of breastfeeding, locally. Find them on Facebook HERE. The Quinte Natural Moms Group is a also a great group of woman who accept and support the breastfeeding mom. Find them on Facebook HERE or check the ‘free’ page of my website to find Mama Meet-Up events.

Running a 10k and a decision to make

2010-09-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

Sunday I ran a 10k to help raise money for the Belleville hospital. Did you know that it’s the hospital’s responsibility to raise the money for their equipment? I didn’t. So, this was the Quinte Mall Rock and Roll Fun Run. A ‘fun run’ because it wasn’t timed and the ‘rock and roll’ part was exactly that... there was bands playing along the route. Fun eh?!

To start a race everyone gets a race kit. Companies sponsor races so we get some really neat stuff! This is my Forth race and this time I got a ball cap, a nice pen, a cool stapler among other things.

Unfortunately, my husband was on a month of midnights and school was cancelled for two weeks for my daughter. Therefore, little to no training and I found it a bit of a struggle.

Although I did finish this brings me to the decision. I am supposed to run a ½ marathon a week after this fun run. The fun run was 10k but the ½ is 21k!! Ugh, I am not feeling the joy in it. Last year I ran 8k at the ½ without stopping at all... this year I had to stop just after the 2.5k mark. So, I stressed about it for a while and then... decided to not do the ½, even though I paid for it. I am just not ready. And the joy is non-existent... and it’s all about the joy, right?

So, the day prior I’ll pick up my race kit, complete with t-shirt, and I’ll wear the t-shirt... in memory of the year that I was just too busy to prepare for the ½ marathon. Now, begins the preparation for the next race, the “Fat Ass Trail Run” in November! ;-)

Gluing it back together

2010-09-22T19:59:00.001-04:00

My writing has been irregular lately... late or non-existent. I try to only write when feeling aligned so that should explain it in a nutshell. To further elaborate...

My husband, bless his hardworking soul, normally does 10+ hours a day, a minimum of 50 hours a week which is hard enough on our family... BUT for the past month he’s been on MIDNIGHTS! A friend recently commented that he should be careful not to get burnt out. HA! If not him then certainly ME!!

So, the second recent thing to ‘rock my world’ is that once a two afternoon a week break for me has been cancelled. My daughter goes to school those times and it’s been a HUGE blessing. But no more. Cancelled for at least two weeks.

Both those things are enough for me to handle... add anything else and I start to fall apart. A rainy day means the dogs can’t be outside which means they whine all day inside and keep the sleeping husband awake all day. The YMCA turns us away because their ‘Kids Kare’ is at capacity is now devastating news to top off the rest of it.

The solution is normally easy. Gratitude is the glue that holds it all together. However, it’s hard to think of what you are grateful for when you have someone talking non-stop in your ear way to loudly for a house that is supposed to be silent because the hard-working Daddy is trying to sleep.

Right now though, my daughter is in bed and I have 5 minutes alone - so NOW is the time.

I am grateful for....

~A husband who works hard and tells me he loves me every chance he gets
~A beautiful healthy daughter
~Very loving and affectionate pets
~My work
~A nice home
~More than one vehicle for each of us
~This will be the last week of midnights for my husband
~Healthy food in our refrigerator

It’s that easy. All is well once again.

Just say "NO!"

2010-09-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

Maybe it’s because it’s my daughter’s 2nd day of school, maybe it’s because I’ve had some much-needed family time lately... I had an ‘aha’ moment today. I arrived home and was about to start making supper when I realized what a perfect day it’s been. In a nut-shell... no rushing.

Maybe my standards have been too high, in the past, for some areas and not high enough in others. I expected that the house was cleaned (including the bathroom) three times per week, garbage gathered and outside twice a week, work and gym time 3 days a week...bla bla bla. Other things then suffered. It was a constant battle to try to have more ME time, time alone, meditation time, yoga time, time to try to quiet my mind. I would be tense that the house wasn’t clean enough for me, that I didn’t get enough time for this, that and the other thing. Tense, annoyed, frustrated, lacking joy. Generally lacking balance.

So, here’s where the ‘aha’ moment came in. I noticed how happy I’ve been the past few days. My living room has filthy carpets but I’m relaxed. I’ve only been working 2 days per week but I feel joyful. I’ve been late with my writing but feeling aligned. Why not lower my standards on cleaning and raise my standards on my happiness?! A house can be super-duper clean but if you are tense and angry with loved ones what’s the point?! All that really matters is that YOU are happy.

How have I been affected by this newest ‘aha’ moment? If the house gets cleaned, great, if not... oh well. Same as my writing. Who do I have to answer to if my blog gets out on Tuesdays instead of Mondays? Nobody. It’s really a relief! No pressure. What if I did have someone to answer to? My first priority is to be happy and after that, as long as I do my best, that is their problem! Happiness really IS a personal choice. Choose what you love first. Personally, I love relaxation. No more taking on too much. New motto... “just say no”!!

'Back' to school

2010-08-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

It’s my daughter’s first time in school. Yikes! She’s almost 3 and so smart and busy as I am sure anyone with kids can understand. I try to keep on top of things with activities but she has become so self-confident and independent over the past 6 months that we thought school was the best option. We are so lucky to have a Montessori school 5 minutes from our home so it works out perfectly... for me and her. She will stay at this school until she is ready for grade 1.

I am going to keep a list of suggestions or ideas from her teacher as to what we can do to encourage learning. Also, a list of things to promote balance for her in reading, sports, learning about new places... maybe there will be another Facebook group in my future, who knows.

Within this year she will celebrate her 3rd birthday, see new places such as the Peterborough Petro glyphs, restart gymnastics, start soccer, hopefully learn to swim, learn her abc’s and numbers....

Are there any recommendations out there? Places to see in Ontario? Books that are a must-read for a 3-year old? Links? I will post many of the recommendations to the Facebook group “Quinte Natural Moms Group” to start and see where it leads. Or, feel free to join and add your own favourites.

I hope your summer was grand and those with kids have a very happy and productive school year!

Be Blessed,

Kim

(c) 2007-2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Friendships - coming and going

2010-08-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

Nothing is forever. Friends come and go as needed, where you or they, are in life. Family is sometimes like that as well. Oh sure, a friend or family member might stick with you your entire life but the relationship evolves or changes as you both do. As you both grow. Maybe there are some people who don’t grow and then their relationships are always the same. Although, I don’t think I know anyone like that... maybe because I am so interested in growth and only attract others interested in growth.

I’ve had friendships dissolve, only to rekindle later in life. I believe we were on too different a path, but the Universe brings us together again when we are on a similar path. Personally, I am a low maintenance, positive, independent person and since like attracts like... that’s what I attract. Be the best ‘you’ you can be and you will attract similar people. Remember that: "like attracts like".

But, what if someone shuns your friendship or love seemingly suddenly – whether it be a friend or family member? Maybe you don’t even know why.... but who cares?! Who’s business is it anyway who someone else’s friends are? Of course, you will feel something. A loss. Confusion maybe? Let yourself feel it and then let it pass, knowing that another person... a more like-minded person will appear in your life. You don’t have to have bad feelings towards the other person, just let it go. Not thinking in a ‘lack-full’ way - hoarding every person you ever come into contact with - but in a way of abundance and fluidity. Abundance doesn’t mean you never let things go but that you are certain that when one leaves another will surely find itself to you and you will attract more positivity and lightness to your life. ♥

(c) 2007-2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

An adventure to remember

2010-08-16T09:17:00.000-04:00

We had the weekend planned out but when we didn’t receive desired weather we decided to go with the flow of things... a day of paddling turned into a day of gardening and yard work with a short walk in the woods. It’s a good thing we were prepared to just go with the flow because that’s not exactly how it went!

My husband, 2 year-old and I went to the Bleasdell Boulder for a short walk in the woods. It being close to our home we thought the trip would be barely noticeable in our day but I would still get my ‘nature connection’. The trail expanded.... and someone forgot to update the trail markers, it seems. Combine that with an adventurous husband who doesn’t like to actually stay ON the trails... what we thought would be a 20 minute walk turned into a 2.5 hour hike... did I mention our 2 year-old? She did very well as her daddy only had to carry her about 1/3 of the way.

What an adventure it was! I, of course, only got a few mosquito bites and our daughter fell on the gravel trail a few times so got scraped up knees and hands (no tears though). My husband, on the other hand, decided (without telling me) that it was a good idea to try running down a 15 foot embankment while holding our daughter. The rocks under his feet thought it NOT a good idea and sent him sliding down on his butt with a bruise for his troubles and some scrapes and a tear in his new North Face shorts. I guess that’s what he gets for not consulting me (hehe).

Our daughter was fine and from then on in the day asked him repeatedly if they were going to be sliding down any more hills later. Being so young, she probably won’t remember this adventure for long. Fortunately, we took pictures with our Blackberries. A magical day frozen in time....the embankment, the plants and flowers, beautiful trees, an old truck in the middle of the woods, the laughter, the carrying, the hand-holding, the critters, new bridges over tiny little bodies of water... the love. ♥ ♥ ♥

Stress? It's your choice

2010-08-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

Stress is a big topic yet I remain positive, for the most part, not because I don’t have stress but because of how I decide to live my life. One of my favourite affirmations (by ME) is, “I am always aligned and balanced because that’s what I choose”.

Here’s my list of ways to remain positive each day, despite regular ‘stressors’.

Journal

Use essential oils (on self and around the house and car)

Take time to read, for pleasure

Reiki

Yoga

Meditate

Breathe deeply

Run

Work out at the gym

Be out in nature

What about you? Do you have a ‘list’? I would love to read it! phdirector@gmail.com

Be blessed,

Kim

(c) 2007-2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

An Inspired Life

2010-08-03T07:52:00.000-04:00

I’ve been asked so many times how I turned out so well considering what I grew up with... It’s a way of life, for sure, and I give the credit to journaling. But then a whole lot of other things happened within the span of three years that I am quite certain would have any ‘normal’ person going to a counsellor or taking medication.....

From 2003 until 2006 I was bombarded with ‘things’. I don’t think I had learned about the Law of Attraction back then but, boy, was I attracting craziness. Here’s the list: my dad died, I got married (not a ‘good’ thing), got separated/divorced, began a new relationship, got laid off from my job, my mom died, started school, relocated homes, had to take care of my mom’s arrangements and will, got engaged, got pregnant, had a miscarriage, my dog of 13 years died.

I am certainly not complaining, my life is pretty amazing! My point in telling all of that is to show what a person can work through when they have the right tools. Of course, if I had known and been practising the Law of Attraction I am quite sure I could have avoided a few of those things but what kept me from running, screaming to the nearest doctor for meds? Reiki, meditation and my journal.

If you really think that it’s a bunch of fluff just take a look at me. Here’s the proof. I’ve known people to have two of those things happen be enough to get drugs to help them cope, and then it just made things worse.

What about yoga, you ask? Back then, I wasn’t a yoga teacher - but yoga, to me, is a form of meditation and if I was to go through any ‘craziness’ at this point in my life I would definitely incorporate yoga! Just another great ‘tool’ to living an inspired life.

(c) 2007-2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Thinking backwards

2010-07-26T08:52:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought that you would like to have or do something but put it out of your mind because you don’t know how to go about it? You’ve got to ‘think backwards’.

First, whether it is having more money, starting a business, finding love, whatever... you have to figure out your intention. I would like to... be a writer, for example. If that is your goal you set the intent and then think of a process, starting small and staying positive. What would it feel like? To start small maybe start blogging or send out a newsletter. Set the intention of what you would like your message to be. Remember that you have the freedom to change your mind at any time.

What about having more money? Setting that as an intention, first. Be open and positive! You can have more money if you spend less, right? Record everything you spend. Label each thing as ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’. A being most important such as mortgage and food and C being least important. Cut from C wherever possible... maybe put your satellite on hold for the summer or cut out a few little extras. Saving money is still having more money.

Want more joy in your life? Make that your intent and then think in small steps. What do you like? Eating ice cream while walking by the water? Do it, maybe as a treat to yourself on Friday nights after a long week of work. Do you like an extremely clean house? Set aside $60 a week to have someone come in and clean once a week. Maybe while you eat your ice cream while walking by the water. Hehe...

It’s all about the intention for the end result. If it still boggles you then set the intention and let it go. The answers will come. You will attract it if you stay positive about it. Don’t stress, obsess or depreciate the situation (as opposed to appreciate).

How will you ‘think backwards’?

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Gossip

2010-07-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Absolutely everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone has their own from their own perspective. Someone else's thoughts/feeling/opinions are really none of your business just as yours are not their business. As far as who is 'right'....

"Everyone thinks they're right. So, the question isn't who's right or who's wrong. The question is, who is most in alignment with their Source? And who is the most allowing? And whose life is really going the best, most of the time?" ~Abraham

There is really no 'victims' so one cannot be a 'victim of gossip'. You could CHOOSE to see as the gossip as a blessing. A unique chance to learn about what type of person you are. Now, that is truly an aligned way to live....

Be blessed. ♥

Moms with Tots Yoga

2010-07-12T09:46:00.001-04:00

I started out with Mom & Baby Yoga, when my own baby was young enough to be my ‘model’. When she was almost a year old and able to go without breast milk for a couple of hours I included teaching Prenatal Yoga.

Suddenly, my daughter was a toddler and I wasn’t sure what to do with her so that she could come to class but not be bored. I really wanted to do yoga and see other moms of toddlers. So, I tried a class where the toddlers were doing yoga, since my daughter love doing yoga “like momma”. I had them crawling on the floor hissing like a snake and growing tall like a tree reaching out towards the sun. That’s when I found out that when toddlers were together they want to play together and explore, not do yoga.

It was a stressful class, for me anyway, wanting everyone – toddlers and moms alike – to benefit from the class but feeling stressed and pressured instead of relaxed and joyful. That’s when I got the idea of ‘Moms WITH Tots Yoga’ instead of ‘Mom AND Tot Yoga’. Still not as relaxing as I would have hoped but in other areas more beneficial than I even imagined!

Moms with Tots Yoga is a class where moms get to meet and support each other, stretch and feel safe and secure about their tot playing close by. A mom can feel good about her child joining her in the yoga class, cuddling, nursing or even having a snack. What I love most about the class is watching my daughter, Willow, talk to another mom while someone else’s tot is crawling up on me and smiling into my face while I am in a yoga position. The confidence and trust my daughter has developed from me taking her to my classes has grown in leaps and bounds like no other experience has taught her. As a parent, this is pure bliss.

Click HERE to learn more about Moms with Tots Yoga.

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Summer –Pleasure or Pressure? Make it more positive!

2010-07-05T10:31:00.000-04:00

Summer is a great time for relaxation. But, if you have kids who are usually in school and now off and with YOU full time you may be feeling the pressure. Pressure to make it fun for everyone... everyone except yourself.

Although my daughter isn’t in school just yet our trips to our vacation spot isn’t as relaxing as it could be if we had more space. The constant chatter of a two-year-old; the constant whining or barking of our two dogs, at an out of the norm place for them; add hubby to the mix and... well... I would rather be at home, frankly. Two minutes of alone time is better than none at all!

Be sure to have down time, even when vacationing. Not doing, just being. You need to turn your brain off which doesn’t mean sleeping. You will sleep better if you take that ‘no-brainer’ time.

Take a walk alone, do yoga alone, sit and just breathe – alone..... quiet your brain no matter where you are. Many times you’ll need to schedule it but just be sure that your partner and/or children are aware that you need it and intend to take that time. If YOU forget about YOU then chances are that so will everybody else.

Have a great summer, everyone!

Blessings,

Kim
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

1st generation for positive school experience

2010-06-28T08:58:00.000-04:00

My husband and I HATED school, as did my parents and their parents. It wasn’t just being cooped up indoors for too many hours or the subjects but bullying and violence between the students as well as between students and teachers.

My dad always told me if I wanted to go to college or university he would pay for it. No worries. Ya, right! Why would I want to further my torture? Not only did I HATE grade school and high school but it was part of my father’s abuse, too. Yelling, belittling.... why put myself through that for another 3 or 4 years?!

So, I took a break and after a few years decided to try college. Friends seemed to like it and I wasn’t living at home anymore, so why not? Although I didn’t finish the first time I went (I’ve since gone to college another 2 times) I loved the experience! It really showed me what I was missing all those years where other kids didn’t have abuse involved. I saw respect between students and teachers and among themselves. It was awesome! I could see that if I had gone to different grade or high schools, or maybe at a different time, that showed mutual respect and lacked violence that I may have liked it and continued to college or university right away. Maybe.

Regardless of what happened with past generations, we have a daughter now and I won’t have years of her life wasted on fear, depression and negativity because she doesn’t like what her life is all about. School is such a big part of a child’s life.

The first change (from how I was raised) was taking her to my yoga classes so she could see babies, toddlers and other moms. She loves it and tries to talk the other mom’s ears off. Another was taking her to quick ‘sitter’ sessions at the local YMCA where she was only there an hour or two and speaking of the Y... we put her in gymnastics there as well. Now, she feels accepted, like she belongs and has a group of people that she likes, feels safe with and can look up to. More things my husband and past generations didn’t have.

Now, for the school. We are blessed to have a Montessori school about 5 minutes away from our home. At this school there will be less students per teacher for individual attention and nothing but the upmost respect. Never any yelling or belittling and fortunately it will be in a home-setting so our daughter won’t feel overwhelmed. There will be music, lots of outdoor time and learning made simple. We visited there last Thursday and not only did our daughter love it and not want to come home but my husband loved it, too! I already knew I would like it as I had heard so many positive things about the place.

So, the ground-work has been laid. My husband and I will keep a positive attitude about it and I will volunteer when there are class trips. We’ll try to incorporate some things that she does at school into our home as well so she can do well and feel good about learning. Life is all about being positive and attracting more positivity and love to your life, I believe. What a great way to live and I'm proud to be raising another deliberate creator!
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Positivity Prevails

2010-06-21T06:28:00.000-04:00

You don’t realize how positive you are until you see the contrast of someone negative in your experience. I am a child of chronically negative parents and a ‘recovering’ chronically negative person, myself. I didn’t realize how truly positive that I have become until recently when I was exposed to some ‘Negative Nellies’. Now, I think I would say that I am more of a chronically positive person and it feels great!

Everything is habit. There is the habit of looking for things to help you to feel great and there’s the habit of looking on the ‘bright side’ and there’s the habit of just smiling and shrugging when those around you seem negative and complain.

I’m not saying to never be negative or down, that would just be fake. Just don’t stay there! You have a choice. It’s not about other people, it’s about YOU. YOU are your business and others are their own business. It feels great to be more on the positive side... light, airy, free.

The choice is yours. Choose and see how it affects everything in your experience. Feel free to let me know how it ‘feeeeels’.....

Blessings,

Kim.

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Knowing it’s all about NOW

2010-06-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

I probably have this realization a few times per year... and then it starts to slip away and the ‘aha’ moment hits me again. All that really matters is NOW. I’m not talking about the past as in a month, a year or even ten years ago. Your last breath no longer matters. It’s all about this one. I know it, but it’s easy to forget.

I think maybe the future matters more than the past. Not much more but it does. I don’t take a whole lot of stock it – only to think of, right now, what I want for the future. Keeping in mind that things can, and most likely will, change.

Being joyful in the now but having desires for the future... I would love to take an Alaskan cruise and also to see the East Coast, someday, far in the future. For right now, though, I am happy with the way life is headed. Very happy. Are you? Change is only a breath way... or a thought.

What are your thoughts? You can comment here or email me.. phdirector (at) gmail.com

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

The Terrible Two’s –Really?

2010-06-07T08:10:00.000-04:00

When my daughter, Willow, turned two I thought that maybe not every child went through ‘terrible two’s’ but then she got closer to two and a half and I believed it! I heard a lot of, “I don’t want to!” “I don’t have to!” “NO!”... along with grabbing things from me, kicking, screaming, and hitting I chalked it up to boredom and kept her so busy some days that she fell asleep at night before the end of two songs on the radio. Still, most days I was exhausted from the constant battles and putting too much effort into what I got done each day.. Not very joyful but I kept telling myself that it was just a phase.

Then, on a list/organizing website I noticed lists for toddlers’ responsibilities and a ‘caught ‘ya being good’ list so I’ve been trying it now for about a week and I think it’s working!!

On the list are things such as: puts own toys/books away; helps momma with chores; eats well; puts own pull-up in garbage; gets herself dressed; helps bath herself. She is so proud when we go to the fridge to put a checkmark on the list and add up the checks at the end of the day. Positive reinforcement... an amazingly fun and easy solution!

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

R & R anyone?

2010-05-31T08:19:00.003-04:00

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’ve ever seen the movie ‘Marley and Me’ then you know all about our dogs. Unruly, high maintenance but very cute and sweet at the same time. Add a toddler to the mix and I had an idea of how our first camping trip in over 3 years would go but being a `glass is half full` kind of gal I hoped for the best... a relaxing, stress-free high inspirational weekend. What I got was a lot of the expected but still some inspiration.

It took me three days of buying things for our new trailer to organize us, the dollar store was a big help. The one thing hubby and I couldn’t seem to get was a 30 amp plug for him to re-do the 15 amp plug that the previous owners put on the 30 amp cord for the 30 amp trailer – a fire hazard. An RV centre and two Canadian Tires didn’t have it which meant no power for the trailer. Also, when we got there the o-ring for the tap to the trailer was no good so this meant we had to go outside each time we needed to use the water to turn it on and off again. The bathroom was good to go, though, so I was happy as a clam about that. That’s all I was really worried about.

My husband works a minimum of 50 hours a week so having the trailer to prepare and move was stressing him out. He was an, um, ‘unhappy camper’ to say the least from Saturday morning until we got home Sunday morning. Which means that I was less than happy, too. Probably the majority of the weekend’s problem right there. The drive there and back was the most joyful part of the trip, for me, since we took separate vehicles.

Our daughter, Willow, was pretty good for us but the dogs... well, I laugh about it now but was mortified at the time... Willow went to sleep with only about 20 minutes of nursing since she was so exhausted and the dogs the same. It was our lab, Winnie, who decided to sleep on her bed for the first time. Our spaniel chose to sleep on our queen-sized bed. Perfect. We actually thought we might get a good nights sleep!

Here’s where the chaos begins. About 2:30 AM I heard the tag jingle on his collar as our lab shook and then our daughter saying, “NOOO” (she must have gotten stepped on or licked) and then, “Mommy I want you” she cried. With no power for the trailer it was pitch black in there. So, I brought her to our room thinking she would nurse and go back to sleep..... oh no. The lab followed, of course. Think about what a lab’s tail looks like – long and strong. It can clear a table. He’s a happy boy and was even happier at the prospect of getting into bed with all of us. The silence of the trailer park was defining but the sound of his tail banging on the metal screen door at 2:30 was enough to wake the dead!! Not just once or a few times but I had to leap out of bed to grab his tail repeatedly and every time I let go it happened again... the panelled walls too.

Winnie

Queen bed, yes, but space for two adults, a toddler, a spaniel and a lab – NO. Not to mention hubby was STILL not too happy. So, my day began then. I took everyone to the kitchen to let hubby sleep.

Willow's first sleeping bag

I did mention inspiration, didn’t I? Seeing how happy Willow was running around the campsite, playing in the dirt, with the pine tree on our site and with her new sleeping bag; reading to her from my Harry Potter book at 3:00 am via flashlight and the beautiful view on the drive home of the rock, trees and deer made it all worth it and hopeful to do it again - with better results.

The way home

We've come a long way, baby!

2010-05-25T08:18:00.000-04:00

I only camped once when I was a kid. My Dad was NOT a camper but more of a hotel type person. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I started going, first with my cousin and then with boyfriends, sometimes in the back of a covered truck and sometimes in a tent. When married to my ex-husband I used to go with his parents, sleeping in a tent (by this time I had my own) and with my two small dogs while they were in a small house trailer. I always wanted one like theirs’, it seemed like an apartment on wheels.

When the new husband came along (and some inheritance) I bought my first trailer. It was a really nice tent trailer with a pop out on the side. It was beautiful, for a tent trailer, but a whole lot of work for my husband! We used it only one summer before my daughter was born. With a Cocker Spaniel and a Lab it was even more work... not to mention we were afraid that one of the dogs would go through the screen if we left them inside at all.

We really love camping but not so much the work so we up-scaled this year. I sold my beloved tent trailer, with all the memories of camping: a couple of days after a miscarriage, with my beloved terrier (Candy), later our Lab (Winchester) when he was just a pup, pregnant with our daughter (Willow) and even getting thrown out of a site, being told we were too noisy! I sold it for $3200.00 and took that money to pay for another trailer and a seasonal campground for this year.

Then, came the big task of finding the ‘right’ trailer for our family. We looked at a few not-so-gently loved and some neglected beyond repair. Finally, we went to Carl Cox in Belleville. On his website we saw one that was $5900.00 that was such a nice trailer and perfect for us but with the $3200 we got for the ‘old’ trailer it certainly wouldn’t cover the new one and then where would we put it if we couldn’t pay for the seasonal site? So, I didn’t understand why hubby (Chris) wanted to go look there. I felt that it was a big tease with all those beautiful trailers we couldn’t afford but when we got to his first lot there was one marked ‘$3500 – as is’ but looked worth so much more than that. It was a steal at that price, still, not affordable for us so we went home. I thought about it all night, kicking myself for not talking to the owner and offering... something. What does an offer cost me? Even if we had to take a bit out of our savings to buy it, it would be worth the investment.

So, the next day we went back in hopes that he was hanging around his garage since he was closed, which was located between his business and his home. He was. He was playing poker with some friends, actually, so I guess I interrupted his game. He was going from the business back to the garage when I asked the big question, “what would you take for the trailer marked $3500 in the other lot?” He said, “$3500 if that’s what’s marked!” Ugh, that was no good for us. “Too bad, I have $2000 CASH in the car, right now.” He told me he would be right back so I felt hopeful. A few minutes later he yelled out the business door... “give me $2300 and it’s yours” WOO HOO!! I couldn’t believe my luck! We later found out that this trailer marked $3500 on the window was the one that he had on his website for $5900!

A couple of people, older men who have done a lot of trailer camping in their lives, both told us that it was worth at least $6000 and we got a steal of a deal but when we got it home we realized it for ourselves. Nothing was wrong with it at all! Being marked ‘as is’ usually means that something is wrong with it so I expected the air conditioning, at the very least, to not work.

It’s a beautiful trailer! At the front is the living room, with a pull out couch to make a bed, then is the kitchen with a fridge, stove and table which also makes a bed. The bathroom is next complete with sink, toilet and shower... I’m not even sure they ever used them since there’s no mildew or signs of water. Last is the bedroom with tons of closet and drawer space and a queen sized bed. Aaaah... we’ll be camping in style! I’ve come a long way from tent camping with the ex-in-laws to this beautiful 29 foot cottage on wheels...

The first eBook experience

2010-05-17T08:53:00.001-04:00

Well, it took a year of my life to complete my first eBook, but “Prenatal Yoga for Body, Mind and Spirit” is finally ‘out there’.

I took my yoga teacher training almost completely pregnant for that entire year and had to do my own research on what to do or not to do. I had to research the modifications for someone pregnant so not to hurt myself or my baby. This kicked off the desire to write my own eBook for others who are pregnant.

From 2008-2010 experience was gained from teaching Prenatal Yoga and the last year of teaching it I was writing, I had a photographer come to my home to take pictures of most of the poses, and did research on my ‘team’. Besides a photographer, I have a business coach and an editor.

A pretty good accomplishment for anyone, really, however for someone with a toddler and no child-care, a pretty HUGE accomplishment, I believe! Yes, I certainly have a little extra pride knowing that I accomplished my goal with a child in her bed, early mornings, most of my writing time. Hopefully, this first eBook will act as a template for the second eBook... “Mom & Baby / Postnatal Yoga for Body, Mind and Spirit”.

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T07:23:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. We celebrated it the whole weekend but more-so on Saturday. We decided to NOT have the usual great weekend we normally have but make it equally great, just different, by going to Peterborough. For shopping and looking.

I recently told my husband of my wishes to sell our tent trailer and buy something we can take to a seasonal campground and leave there. It would be more of a cottage for us. A place that our daughter and I can go when Daddy is working or a place that we can just pick up and go to when we want to just get away. Even in the winter.

So, on the way to and from Peterborough we looked for trailers for sale, we looked for campgrounds with seasonal sites and we talked about what would be the best of both to find. Once there we shopped at Costco and talked about how nice it would be to be closer, maybe a campground between our home and Costco, for easier access. We also had dinner at the Red Lobster, which would definitely be another perk of living closer to Peterborough.

“Who fed me from her gentle breast

And hushed me in her arms to rest,

And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?

My Mother.” ~Ann Taylor

Well, we didn’t find a trailer or a campground but good times were had by all on Saturday. Sunday, we thought we would have a leisurely day of going to the gym and cleaning up our tent trailer to prepare to sell, but it ended up not to leisurely. I was inspired to put the ad on Kijiji early, just to get the views started on the site. Wow, what a response! Almost 100 views in about 8 hours. After about 4 hours we got an email, the family came to look, agreed to buy it and are coming today to pay. I think I’m still in shock that it went so quickly. Not to mention sad. This trailer was our first and we camped in it with my little dog, Candy, before she died and then again with our Lab when he was just a puppy. We camped in it just after I had a miscarriage and when I was pregnant with our daughter. It was our first time at Algonquin. It will definitely be missed!

Mother’s Day 2010 will certainly be memorable. It was the beginning of memories to come, of more camping and outdoor fun. It was memories of the end of a time, of the past of good times and sunshine.

2008 Camping at Prince Edward County

Coco and Winchester shown with trailer

“You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.” ~William D. Tammeus

I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day. Full of love and memories. As always, feel free to share.

Back to Reiki

2010-05-03T10:13:00.001-04:00

I took a break from Reiki for a while. Life just got too busy with my business and being a wife and mother. I also have been focusing on exercise lately, so Reiki has taken a backseat. I used to do it every morning for my own daily spiritual practise. It’s been missed.

I gave my first full Reiki session, in about a year, just recently. Just the mere thoughts of doing again was enough to re-awaken the energy. My hands felt very warm, tingly and like the energy was going to burst from them. That is, until I did a mini-treatment on my husband, then it subsided.

My client lay on the massage table, fully clothed, and I moved my hands in the positions either on or just above her body. A cleansing sweep was done near the end and lots of grounding. Nothing unusual happened during the treatment of the client....afterwards, though, was pretty amazing... for me, anyway. My hands felt unusually soft after the treatment and I became unusually ‘sensitive’... more vibrationally ‘aware’. I felt that my aura was brighter and I craved the closeness of my daughter, our pets and plant life. I felt more calm and in the moment.

My feelings are that I will do more Reiki this year than ever, although I am totally unsure of how that will happen with very limited childcare and time. No matter though, I just know I will attract it.

Learn more about Reiki with Kim or email for your own Reiki appointment: phdirector@gmail.com

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Swing anyone?

2010-04-26T08:34:00.000-04:00

From the time I was about two or three years old until I was nine I lived in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada – on an Air Force base. This was the best place in the world for a child to grow up as far as I am concerned. Maybe it was just because we lived only three doors down from the school grounds entrance and our backyard backed onto the school property or maybe it was because I had lots of friends around me who also loved to be outside. Being an Air Force base, at this time, it was a very safe place to live. Whatever the reason, I absolutely LOVED it!

I spent most of my life outside in those days and try to do the same now... even in winter I try to find as much to do outside as possible. There’s a book by Richard Louv called “Last child in the woods” where he talks about his belief in the issue of nature-deficit disorder. I haven’t read it yet but it’s high on my list of books to read next!

I definitely want my daughter to spend as much time outside as she can get. We have a 3 seasons room, which is a screened in area of our neck, with a roof. We can be out there rain or shine. As of the fall, we also have a completely fenced-in backyard. I really wanted a swing set for her, just like I had in the ‘good old days’ and as of yesterday she has one!

It was almost ritualistic the way that it went up, with the five of us out there... Willow, my husband and our two dogs. I tried to help my husband, grouping like things together, keeping Willow and the dogs out of the small pieces and letting the dogs chew up the big cardboard box that it came in. There was even a bon fire to burn the box when we were done... another one of my favourite things to do! I’m hoping that this ritual will be a sign of all the amazing fun to take place in our backyard for years to come.

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Stressed?

2010-04-16T17:59:00.001-04:00

Given my profession, I’m often asked what to do about stress. My #1 answer? Breathe! When you are feeling stressed about something you automatically tense up, breathing becomes shallow. My favourite breathing exercise is called the ‘3 Part Breath’ and for good reason... you breathe in 3 parts.

Sitting or laying comfortably place your left hand on your stomach and right hand on your chest. As you inhale your abdomen and then solar plexus and then chest rise. As you exhale they each fall in reverse. Chest, solar plexus, abdomen.

Another exercise is to make a tight fist as you inhale... exhale, release the fist

Here’s some yoga poses to try, while wearing comfortable clothes.

Child Pose: from your hands and knees, with your knees together, sit back on your heels. Bring your chest to your thighs and forehead to the mat. Your arms are along your sides, with palms up. Relax and breathe deeply through your nose.

Rag Doll Pose: while standing, take a step to the side to stand in a wide stance. Inhale your arms up, exhale hinging forward at the waist. Hang. Relax. You could grab the insides of each arm and rock back and forth. Be sure you head is hanging loosely. Breathe.

Here’s something to think about... think of what the lack would be that you are focusing on... lack of time? ... lack of money...? I believe that is what stress is all about – lack. Focus on your abundance instead! The abundance of love around you! The abundance of beauty around you!

Be blessed,

Kim

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Ever wonder what it feels like to be maced?

2010-04-12T08:38:00.004-04:00

I have never been afraid of dogs. I have a diploma in Animal Care and worked at an Animal Hospital for a while. Not to mention, I’ve been around dogs for a long time and have two now – one being a Yellow Lab. But, I moved to the country when my mom died and then in 2008 started running. That’s when my fear of dogs began.

On a few occasions I’ve been chased by unfriendly dogs where the body language was clear. They meant business. One occasion I was running with a friend and her dog and two large dogs, in a pack situation, charged us from quite a distance off their own property and bit my friend’s dog. I had another run-in with the same dogs while on my own. I was their focus at that time. Every time I had a problem I called police or animal control, who did nothing. But the last time I called the police and was crying and screaming into the phone for them to help me. They sent nobody. They did, however, call my useless animal control person. He, in turn, called me to ask who the dogs belonged to and their address. Oh, and that was the next day. As I said... useless. I believe he did give that family a ‘warning’. Great eh?

Although I love to run outside I figured that my running days were pretty much limited to a treadmill after all this. Then, I felt some hope from this defeat/victim feeling.... ‘dog deterrent spray’. Seemed the perfect solution! It’s legal, small enough to carry and only lasts about 15 minutes, I’m told. Just be sure to be upwind, I understood. Was it that simple? No!

I was nervous right from the start but I feel that everyone has the right to run safely in a public place. I took the spray outside with me and decided to spray it into the grass to put it to the test. Checking the wind, of course, first.

I sprayed. It was a cloud, not a stream, that I saw shoot out just as the wind changed to swirl around me. I turned my head quickly away but not quick enough. I got some in my right eye, nostril and side of my mouth. Ugh, not nice. Now that I’ve felt the affects could I do that to an animal that threatened my wellbeing? Yes, definitely. However, I’m not sure I could take the chance of endangering myself further by the possibility that I spray myself at the same time! My skin still was still irritated an hour and a half later and although I washed my hands twice it was still under my nails when I scratched my eye.

I still went for my run but was nervous and only lasted about 20 minutes. I kept looking around me and didn’t get to enjoy it. Why should I have to be scared and feel like a victim? Why, when something happens, do I have to be the one to get into my car and find out where the dog lives and give the animal control person all the information? It’s like being victimized again!

Back to the treadmill, I guess.

What's your movie preference?

2010-04-05T09:34:00.002-04:00

Funny, dramatic, scary, tear-jerker, adventurous.... what’s your movie preference? Mine is definetly funny. I only like happy endings. I watched a movie last night that was pretty good until the end, when the main person died. Leaving wife and child. Ugh. I was still bawling a half hour later.

Then, I started thinking about the Law of Attraction. It takes only 16 seconds of feeling a certain way to attract more of how you are feeling. Ugh, again. I wish movies had something on it stating: “warning, this movie will make you feel crummy” or “warning, this is a very feel-good movie. Expect to feel a high for at least a day.” Wouldn’t that be nice? Only, it’s not possible for someone else to tell you how you will feel. So, it’s up to us to police our feelings to deliberately attract our magic.

So... what’s your movie preference? Will you chose diffently now that you are thinking of what you are attracting?

Blessings,
Kim
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

It's your choice.

2010-03-29T09:13:00.012-04:00

I had decided what to blog about today but changed my mind when a friend asked some questions on Facebook. She asked if anyone had ever witnessed violence, any type. I have. Words can be violent. Anger is a type of violence, in my opinion, even when you don’t end up striking out at someone.

Maybe there’s people out there who haven’t witnessed some kind of violence but most likely you have. Sarcasm meant to hurt; words meant to hurt; loud, angry voices.

Growing up, mostly with my father, I witnessed an angry, loud and hurtful voice on a daily basis. He was rarely ever happy at home. In front of others it was a different story, of course, but not at home. I know it was because he didn’t feel in control of his life and he blamed others constantly. Especially me. It was my fault that he was miserable at home and that he and my mom couldn’t be happy because he didn’t want kids. He told me he loved his car more than me because his car never hurt him. Sounds childish doesn’t it?

That was just a couple of things I can remember him telling me. There was other things too, like, he had to clean the bathroom after each person took a shower. Once my mom had to use the bathroom really bad but was afraid to anger him. She was very uncomfortable and I took it upon myself, at the ripe old age of twelve, to defend her.

I know that my father’s life, growing up, wasn’t easy. Lots of alcohol and abuse in his home. But that’s not an excuse! If he was around now I would tell him that he has choices. He has nobody to blame but himself if he isn’t happy. Minute to minute you have a choice.

How has my life been impacted? I have little tolerance for those who complain about their ‘crappy life’ and don’t do anything about it. I don’t tolerate shouting... heck nothing other than loving voices in my home. I don’t allow anyone to tell me what I ‘should’ do. I have high expectations for each day. Joy, joy, joy.

We each have a choice in how we turn out and how we’re living. If you don’t like your life, change it. If you want to be respected, you have to demand it. Expect the best for yourself and you will most likely get just that. No victims, just a whole lot of choices.

(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

Staying Connected

2010-03-22T15:53:00.004-04:00

Everyone seems crazy busy these days and I’m no exception. It’s sometimes hard to stay connected to loved ones but with all this modern technology it sure does help!

I love my family dearly but since my mom died in 2006 I find it very hard to stay connected and often feel ‘out of the loop’. It doesn’t help that the majority of them live nearly an hour away. A couple of my relatives have cell phones and we like to text each other to stay in close contact but this weekend I had a great idea, I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before.... I started a Facebook group for my large family to tell of recent updates, ‘happenings’ and share pictures. How fun is that?

What do you do to stay connected with loved ones? I would love to hear your thoughts... phdirector@gmail.com, facebook or leave a comment here...

Blessings,
Kim
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

My newest and biggest want right now...

2010-03-15T09:51:00.002-04:00

Unless you are new to my blog and don’t know me, you know that I am a huge believer in the Law of Attraction. I believe we all deserve what we want and we should want a lot of things.
Lately, I’ve been focusing my energy (sending positive energy) to my newest and biggest want. I am going to be renting permanent business space, studio space, in Belleville very soon. My friend is opening a new space called “By the Moon” and I’m pretty happy about it. Happy for my friend, Michelle, and also happy that I will have a nice studio space that is designed to be open and used for Yoga and Pole Fitness classes.

But, here’s where my ‘want’ comes in... I want to rent one of the therapy rooms from her full-time. That’s my newest and biggest want. But, not just rent it... rent it without going into debt to have it.

One of the things to do to achieve your ‘wants’ is to focus, positively, on it and to ask ‘why’. Of course, answering why in positive ways and not focusing any energy on lack. So, why do I want this therapy room? To have more space for product, to have total availability for Reiki and private Yoga sessions. To feel pride in a space that I can add little decorating touches all my own. To have space I can store my extra yoga mats and massage table.

The next step is to feeeeeel what it would be like to have it. Ask yourself, what do you want... and why. Feel positive about it and watch it roll in......

Blessings to all,
Kim
(c) 2010 Kim Belanger-Mills. All rights reserved.

Celebrating International Woman's Day

2010-03-08T12:42:00.010-05:00

Saturday we attended the International Woman’s Day – Body, Mind and Soul Symposium as a vendor. It was a lot of fun with mostly women at the event... my husband was one of just a handful of men. So much fun! There were so many vendors and so many rooms... all beautifully decorated by Lynda Akey from Memory Lane in Tweed.

My friend, Michelle Stroud, was there, too. She is the one I take my pole dancing classes from and will be opening a business called “By the Moon”, just next month, I will be renting space from her in Belleville when the renovations are complete.

With so many woman and so many interesting things to look at it was lots of fun! Not to mention, one of the organizers was also a vendor for her photography business. Photography by Gail, owned by Gail Paquette, had a Vintage Photo Booth for anyone who wanted a picture or two in 1920’s garb. Having the pictures taken were a lot of fun but seeing the finished product brought tears to my eyes.

Here’s a few that were taken of me and my daughter.....

Next year is a must. Maybe we’ll have pictures taken each year so we can track her growth. Hopefully, next year I’ll be able to attend the woman’s-only pyjama party as well! Hope to see you there!

Blessings,

Kim

Hitting the reset button...

2010-03-01T20:59:00.004-05:00

Things are a little different this time...I normally write in the morning when I am fresh and before my daughter is up for the day. I didn’t get that chance today. I, also, didn’t have the best day.

If you are part of my Facebook group, “Feel The Magic” you know already, I am a BIG advocate of having time for yourself and making it count. But, what if you are at work or have people (or kids) around you all day so you can’t get this quality time for YOU?

I’ve said in the past and I’ve seen others post it on their Facebook status update.... "where’s the reset button?!" If at work, you might be able to sneak away to the bathroom, to just breathe. Maybe if you have kids you could do the same. However, if you have a toddler at home this might be a little tricky. Hang on... it WILL get better. Your spouse might give you a break or you might have to wait until everyone is in bed but it CAN happen. Things won’t get as bad as they could if you know and believe it.

I am definitely a believer. Today, I got locked out of my car. My daughter grabbed the car keys just as I shut the door and hit the lock button. She was still in the car. I was panic stricken! I had no purse, no keys, no cell phone. If I went for help she might hit the unlock button and let a stranger into the car. This was one of the longest two minutes of my life. Worse than last week when she locked me out of the house in a snow storm, wearing practically nothing.

I knew it would get better. And it did. And here I am now... fine. Better than fine. Calm, happy, peaceful.

Whether it is during the chaos or at the end of a bad day, take that time. Hit your reset button. I may be invisible but it IS there.

Blessings,
Kim

Home Sweet Home... or not??

2010-02-22T11:36:00.003-05:00

I’m sure you’ve heard: “Home Sweet Home” or “There’s no place like home”…… but what if your home is dirty and cluttered? If you have a child and/or pets this could be more of a place of struggle and stress looking at the home you only wish you could feel relaxed and loving towards.
My home was usually pretty tidy and clean… when I had a husband who was never home (now ex-husband) and one small and medium sized dogs along with three cats and a full-time job outside the home. Yes, I had to vacuum every other day but it certainly wasn’t as hard to keep up with as it is now.

Now, I work a lot from home, have a toddler, a large and medium sized dogs to go with the three cats. Oh, and a husband who is almost always home when he’s not working 50-70 hours per week. When he’s not working his crazy hours I am certainly not going to expect him to clean house !

Picture this: you have just cleaned a room and gotten to the end, only to look back at it with a smile on your face, and what do you see….? The room looks the same as it did before -or even worse - and standing in the middle of the clutter, toys, dust and dog hair is the toddler and two dogs. They each seem to have grins on their faces. They are proud of their accomplishments. The accomplishment of UNdoing all your hard work and you burst into tears. Again.

This was me until I hired a house cleaner. Now, Monday is my favourite day. It’s the hardest working day of the week. I work for four hours on cleaning my home alongside the house cleaner, doing business work that I can’t get done when alone with my daughter and I am exhausted at the end of it… but so is my daughter. She falls asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow. And when I leave her room on Monday nights I walk into each room of my home, with a smile on my face.

Have a great Monday everyone ! I know I will.

Comments? Feel free to leave one here or email me phdirector@gmail.com

(C) 2010 http://www.kimbelangermills.com/

To eat meat or not to eat meat.....

2010-02-16T12:25:00.002-05:00

I call myself a vegetarian. I haven’t eaten beef or pork or even chicken since 2000... only fish since then, actually. With the exception of one bite of 2 different kinds of wild meat a couple of years ago... until last night. I had moose meat hamburger on my spaghetti.

I know people aren’t going to understand my decision and that’s ok. I didn’t become vegetarian, or call myself that, to impress anyone or prove anything. I use my intuition to decide what to eat, or not, at the time. Any time I don’t it’s usually a bad decision.

I first started thinking about being a ‘veggie’ when I was hearing more and more about the chemicals that animals were ingesting for personal gain. Growth hormones, antibiotics in the food.... certainly doesn’t benefit ME or the animals so who is benefitting and why?? It seems to all revolve around money. Later, I learned about the treatment of many (I dare say most) of these animals and decided I made a good decision.

People have asked me, in the past, why I didn’t decide on organic meats and poultry. I tell them that I used my intuition when deciding... I actually meditated on it and got the feeling that I should just do without, with the exception of fish. So, that is what I did and I’ve never regretted it. Those who made the decision without using their intuition or being in alignment may have had a different outcome but, for me, there was no negative repercussions.

Since becoming a vegetarian I married a hunter. Kind of a funny situation some may think but it works out quite well, actually. I learned that if man doesn’t kill wild animals at some point they become over-populated and get overrun with disease. Also, my husband is an ethical hunter meaning that he doesn’t empty the gun trying to get one shot to stop the animal. He actually aims, only taking the shot if he believes that it will kill the animal so not to cause suffering. Being Pagan, he uses his intuition to decide whether or not it’s the ‘right’ thing for him to do.

To eat meat or not to eat meat? Is that the question? Maybe the question is... has the animal had a good life? Or, does this feel right to me right now? Do you use your intuition? Or, do you do what society (or your parents or other family or friends) tells you is right for you?

These questions can extend to other things besides meat. Do you eat too much junk food and then feel sick? What about alcohol or even coffee? Something to think about....

Blessings,
Kim
(c) 2010 kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.

YOU...

2010-02-08T08:06:00.008-05:00

I really believe that your own opinion of yourself is the only one that matters but if you were to describe yourself what would you say? Would you be kind, smart, confident, funny, giving, inspirational...? What type of person do you want to be and what do you think others would say?

Last night I saw a post on a friend’s Facebook status that I found interesting. It read, “let's see how forthcoming my Facebook friends are. Leave a 1 word comment that you think best describes me. It can only be 1 word. No more than 1 word. Then copy & paste this post on your wall, so I can leave a word about you. This should be interesting... !”

I don’t normally add these types of things as my status update but was curious this time. What I got was unexpected. I guess I expected my closest friends to comment... but they didn’t. Instead... very new friends, very old friends, clients and people in between did and I was honoured by their descriptive words: energetic, thankful, caring, peaceful, Earthmother, kind, honest and friend. Looking at each of those words I am speechless. Yes, I believe I am each of those things, but for others to see it as well....well, that is what makes me speechless. And proud. And grateful.

Give five words that YOU think would describe you... and then five words that OTHERS would describe you. And then compare the two lists. You might surprise yourself.

Blessings,
Kim

Long, medium or short?

2010-02-01T08:28:00.004-05:00

Hair. A shallow topic, I know. However, hair is such an important part of our appearance and something that everyone has to deal with. Someone once told me that our beliefs are like a house built around us... each part of the structure are like the structure of a house and when one peace falls apart we are really shook up. I think it’s the same with our hair. Many people, like myself, keep the same style for years. While others can change it drastically and often.

This summer I got my bob-with wedge haircut that I’ve had for about 9 years (from very long - middle of my back, that I also had for many years) cut off to very short.

I blogged about it then as well. Maybe it was just the place I was at wanting less hassles in my life... but I want a change and want it longer this time! My life must be ready for more care for me, maybe.

Long, flowing and sexy; medium-length, cute and bob-ish; short, sporty and no-nonsense..... which do you prefer??

Blessings,

Kim

Replies can be made to this blog via comment box, Facebook or email phdirector@gmail.com

Ginger or Marianne?

2010-01-25T10:04:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine teaches Pole Dancing classes and has Pole Parties for different occasions. She’s also the same friend, I wrote about, who does Reflexology. I thought the Pole Dancing for fitness sounded like a great idea and was delighted to find out that it fit in perfectly to my already too-busy schedule.

I was a little nervous, at first, since I don’t see myself as the sexy type but more the girl-next-door. I’ve taken Belly Dancing in the past so I knew not to have any concrete stereotypes about the type of person taking the class but could I be sexy?

Right from the first few minutes of getting to class I noticed that we were all different shapes and heights and by the end of the class I learned that there is one other runner, besides me, and one person has her own pole at home but has never taken a class.. All women looked totally ‘normal’.

We were first taken through some moves like the ‘sexy walk’... yes, thankfully, we were shown how to walk in a sexy way as I wouldn’t have had a clue about that –he he! We did some stretches to warm up and also had time on the pole, learning how to spin on it. This, however, did cause some bruising for a few of us. It was definitely a good workout! My muscles, specifically my shoulders, were sore for a couple of days afterwards. I haven’t talked to any of the other ladies yet but I am sure I wasn’t alone there.

After the class I needed to put gas in the car and I wondered if it would come up that I had taken a class that night. I would have no problem mentioning that it was a Pole Fitness class since it doesn’t bother me to shock people, generally, but then I wondered if he or she would think I was a stripper. Which, of course, brought me to thoughts of... why would I care?

Sexy is not a bad thing and people shouldn’t associate it with being a bad mom, a bad wife, or the reason that someone is single. We shouldn’t be afraid of it but be proud of our body. Belly dancing is becoming more socially acceptable but since a dancing pole is so closely related to strippers should it be something to be feared? I say NO to that. No judgement.

Remember the show “Gilligan’s Island”? One girl was sweet and more of the girl-next-door type and the other more worldly and very sexy.... I think each one of us has the ability to be both all wrapped up in one... and be proud of that!

So, what about YOU... are you a Ginger or Marianne... or both?!

Blessings,

Kim

PS Thinking of taking a Pole Dancing class or having a party for a special event? Let me know... I'll 'hook you up' LOL.

Reflexology

2010-01-18T09:04:00.011-05:00

The definition of ‘Holistic Health’ is health of body, mind and spirit. Some actually spell it ‘wholistic’ because you are treating the whole of yourself. Being a Certified Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master and Certified Yoga Teacher I use meditation and affirmations, Energy Balancing, and Yoga for my body, mind and spirit. But, I don’t want to stop there! Variety helps us to not become stagnant.

Last Tuesday I tried Reflexology and WOW! My palm chakras were active for the rest of the night, right through to the end of the next day because of it. Let me tell you how my session went... I laid back with my feet up, my Reflexologist first wiped my feet down with cooling witch hazel and then pressed on the pressure points on my feet for about an hour, and used a foot scrub at the end. The pressure points each represent different points in the body and the only ones that were sensitive to me were the sciatic points. I used to have sciatic trouble as a teen and then even more trouble during pregnancy. Thankfully, I had Yoga to set me right every morning.

Other benefits of the Reflexology treatment were a great night’s sleep, relaxation (I actually felt my feet were more relaxed), great balance and sense of calm and the activated palm chakras I mentioned before.

I loved it so much I am going to go back on a regular basis! So, if you are looking for new ways to nourish your body, mind and spirit... try Reflexology!

Blessings, Kim.
PS

If you are in the Belleville or Quinte area and want to try MY Reflexologist call Michelle 613.242.6780. $25 a session for a limited time!
Also, I am currently offering Yoga classes but hope to have Reiki and Private Yoga sessions available again this spring! 613.398.0028
If you are looking for tools to aid in meditation I sell music, singing bowls, meditation beads and more at my holistic Shop `Patchoulimoon Holisitics`! 613.398.0028

Carol Kathleen (Badgley) Belanger, Jan '49 - Apr '06

2010-01-11T08:21:00.004-05:00

Today is my mom’s birthday. She would have been 61 years old today but died April 4th 2006.

She died young and has now missed so much. She missed me taking yoga training and working solely for myself as well as running my first half marathon. She missed the marriage to my amazing husband... a man she loved before she really met because he was such a good friend to me. She missed the birth of her granddaughter.... who she would have loved and spoiled like no other.

My mom was more of a best friend than a mom. She was so young at heart and laughed a lot. She was one of eight siblings and the only girl and her brothers fondly nicknamed her ‘kakleberry’ because of her laugh... a laugh which I have most likely inherited as I’ve inherited her love of laughter as well as many, many other traits. She was always the life of the party. Any party... even my sleepovers as a kid.

My mom always wanted her own home but my dad was against it. It was the only big purchase she made after my dad died and when she died I had a service for her in her own backyard. Family stayed for the service, friends came and went all afternoon and all discussed fond memories of her life.

Another thing she always wanted was a pet. She loved all furry creatures and ‘acquired’ two cats when she bought her house. They didn’t stick around long after she was gone. I guess they knew things would never be the same again.

Moms may not be perfect. They might not even seem to be trying their best sometimes but I don’t know of one that wouldn’t leave a hole in a child’s heart if she was missing.

I love you mom.
Kimmy.

Manifesting for 2010

2010-01-04T07:55:00.002-05:00

I believe that you attract what you have in your life. You alone are responsible for it... but that means you also get sole credit for what you have whether it be relationships, money, possessions or whatever. If you take action to get something it should be aligned action. This is why ‘resolutions’ often don’t work. I prefer the term ‘manifestations’.

Think of this difference: “I resolve to be healthier and lose 20 lbs for 2010.” Verses: “I intend to manifest great health and a fit body for 2010.” Which sounds more joyful?

I would love to hear what you intend to manifest for 2010! I find it very joyful to hear all the lovely, positive things that will happen for the future. The things people think about, talk about, and visualize. Remember, what you give your attention to is drawn to you... so, let’s talk about all the positive manifestations for this grand new year!

I’ll start....

I intent to manifest...

More positive thinking
Better health and fitness than ever before
Only positive people into my life
Newer vehicles
More financial abundance
Beginning an affirmation journal
A regular routine of reading my affirmation journal when awakening and going to bed

And you?? Feel free to comment on this blog or email me at phdirector@gmail.com

Many blessings for 2010!
Kim

Thoughts on ‘Julie and Julia’

2009-12-28T08:42:00.003-05:00

I watched the movie ‘Julie and Julia’ Saturday night and found it inspirational. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s about a woman who blogs about Julia Childs who was a huge impact on not just bringing French cooking to America but one of the first woman chefs.

I found it inspirational because of the similarities of the lives of the two women and myself. Julie blogs, they both do something they’re passionate about even through difficulty, and they are both married and have very loving, successful relationships.

Inspirational because they both started from scratch and became very successful. I won’t tell you what each of the woman’s success was but it made me ask myself (again) what the desired result would be from my blog.

I want people to get to know me from my blog to feel more comfortable to take my classes if they are in my area and if they aren’t....? I am in the process of writing a book about Prenatal Yoga for those who don’t have something like that in their area. Eventually, writing books on each of the other classes that I teach as well, such as Mom & Baby Yoga.

And then there’s the sense of peace that everyone deserves. I would love to write a book to help people, especially women, find that peace in their daily life. You can’t possibly have peace 100% of the time, if you are a living human being, but you can live there most of the time.

“Julie and Julia”. If you blog, if you are a women with goals, if you are passionate about something in your life... this is the movie for you. If you would like to check out the REAL blog about Julia Child, find it HERE.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

2009-12-14T10:08:00.006-05:00

I’ve recently found out that US Congress voted to not say “Merry Christmas” on radio and television. Being Pagan I was, at first, pleased by this decision as I am pretty tired of people trying to force their beliefs on me and as you read on in today’s blog you’ll see why.

Someone I know and love made a comment on her Facebook page about the US Congress decision and the fire was lit! Non-Christians were called “bigots and fools”! People from larger, multi-cultural areas will LOVE this beauty......“The ones that have taken this upon themselves to complain about this holiday, HAVE NO PROBLEM GETTING THE DAY OFF PAID FROM THE PLACE THEY ARE EMPLOYED!!! Talk about being a hypocrite! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL .. enjoy your paid day”

Ok, my husband and I are NOT paid for ANY holidays but we aren’t Atheists, we do have holidays of our own as do other religions who aren’t paid for those. Here’s another beauty, “I personally enjoy saying merry Christmas to all... you don’t like what ya see here get the ------ out”. So, who’s calling WHO the hypocrite here? ?

Thankfully, I have open-minded, loving, Christian friends who are considerate enough to take note of the fact that my family is Pagan and wish me a happy Solstice, congratulate me when we have a nice celebration and not only do they NOT wish me a Merry Christmas but they don’t EVER say “get the ____out”! For those loving friends I am truly grateful and it is because of those loving friends that I changed my mind about celebrating Congress’ decision on putting the stopper in ‘Merry Christmas’ and instead will be hopeful for Canada to someday include MORE religious beliefs to their plate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could hear about other loving religious celebrations when they come up? That would be the most loving response I can think of regarding religion right now. And that’s really what it’s all about, right? Not about who's beliefs are right or wrong but loving each other!

Here’s what Stats Canada has to say about religion in Canada...

Overview: Canada still predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant
Roman Catholics: the largest religious group in Canada
Growth in Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism
Increase in those reporting “No religion”

Stat Can link found here: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/companion/rel/contents.cfm

Research on Paganism in Canada said this, “Paganism is Canada's fastest-growing religion, according to Statistics Canada. There are 21080 declared pagans in Canada.”

Saying no to ‘Merry Christmas’ is (in my opinion) not about ‘poo poo-ing’ someone’s religious beliefs but being fair to those who believe differently. YES, it IS possible for others to believe differently from you. It’s called ‘individuality’. Maybe take the time to find out about your friends and neighbours before saying it! Wouldn’t THAT be the LOVING thing to do? If I had a Hindu friend I would surely not say “Happy Winter Solstice”, instead I would find out more about what he/she celebrates.... I would maybe ASK! Now that would be intelligent, meaningful conversation that (hopefully) your friend would appreciate.

Here are some more links of interest....

I am not about to give a religion or history lesson here on my blog, but as I said, my little family is Pagan and if anyone is interested... for us that means a 10 day celebration of Winter Solstice or Yule where we try to celebrate by doing something small each day to welcome back the light as the daylight grows longer and be grateful for this season and loved ones.

Wishing each and every-body peace, love and blessings in this and every life celebration.

Kim
PS feel free to leave a loving comment. Thanks! XX

Gym Membership

2009-12-07T20:08:00.001-05:00

So, I constantly write about the importance of ‘Time for YOU’ but when you have a busy life, kids, and little support to do just that, it can seem overwhelming of just where to start.

I’ve been thinking of re-joining a gym for the past year but child care is an issue for me and my husband, not wanting to leave our daughter with just anyone. Today I took the plunge. It seems like a lot of money but when you break it down it really isn't.

I decided on the local YMCA which is only $17 per month for unlimited child care. Right there, it’s a good deal!! Then, take into consideration that she’ll be enrolled into a weekly program that’s included in her membership... well, it makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked into this sooner. Then, there’s the classes I’ll be taking. Normally, one class is about $120 for two months but I’ll be taking two classes plus using their treadmills, ellipticals, and whatever else I can fit in. Another big bonus is that my husband and I can have some child-free time. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that it’s a rare occurrence for us.

It all starts tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted as to how it is going but I’m really nervous. Willow has only been left with one of my friends and nobody else, besides mommy and daddy. I am trying to look at it another way... Willow is an only child and only goes to my friend’s house once a week. I want her to grow and have stimulation and joy in her life. Wish us luck!

Blessings,

Kim

Princess for an evening

2009-11-30T07:59:00.006-05:00

It was my uncle's 50th suprise birthday party on Saturday night and although my daughter had a fever since the previous night we went anyway. I hadn't been to a family event in about 15 months or even visited a famiy member in nearly as long. Of course, I missed them!

I always felt like the black sheep of the family... living in Germany and then Alberta until I was nine because my father was in the Air Force. Then later, I avoided family events because they always seemed to involve alchohol and my parents didn't get along when they drank. Now, it's me who almost never drinks and then my mom passing away in 2006 certainly didn't help.

So, off we go... a 45 minute drive to get there... I wasn't disappointed. Abundance of hugs and kisses. Countless times I heard, "it's great to see you"; "wish we could see you more often"; "I can't believe you're actually here"; "your daughter is so precious"; "your daughter is so sweet"; "you've got yourself a great guy there". I almost felt like it was MY event! Willow must have been feelin' the love, too... that fever she had broke while at the party even though she was up way past her bedtime and didn't have a nap!

If you have a family like this consider yourself lucky... and if not, just imagine what it would be like to be treated like a princess for an evening. Maybe you have friends who make you feel really special. Focus on them instead. That's really what it's all about isn't it? How people make you FEEL!

Blessings,
Kim

A night out!

2009-11-23T12:31:00.003-05:00

Something very rare happened this weekend... my husband and I got to go out child-free. This is the 2nd time in over two years!! Why, you might ask...? There is only one person that she is comfortable staying with, and us leaving her with for that matter. But, at least we have one, and for that we are very grateful!

My husband's workplace was having their Christmas dinner on Saturday night and we had a pretty good time. We stayed until our maximum time and really enjoyed only being the two of us in practically forever. The next day felt different, too. More relaxed, more happy.

If you are one of the lucky ones who has multiple people to sit for you take advantage of it. You will be a better wife/husband, parent, and friend. And then, there's always your sanity (hehe).

Blessings,
Kim

My 3rd Race...

2009-11-16T14:10:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, November 15th, 2009 I ran my first trail race. It was the Fat Ass Trail Run in Batawa. So, this makes my 3rd race... 2 road and 1 trail. Trail is much more fun but let me tell you... this run, which was 7.5 k for me, was just as challenging as the 1/2 marathon I did last month!

The 'Fat Ass' is mostly up hill... up a ski hill that is and there's lots of rocks and tree roots. And speaking of trees... there's lots of those, too. Fallen trees that is, to go over and under. Oh, and those rocks and tree roots I mentioned, hidden by wet, slippery leaves. Speaking of slippery... there was a giant puddle in the middle of it all.

I wore a brand new pair of trail runners and glad I did. I wore a brand new pair of gloves and didn't need them. With all those hills a body heated up pretty darn fast.

I ran it in just under an hour, which is darn good for a person who doesn't train. Had no injuries, thankfully, and only got one foot wet in previously described 'puddle'.

Would I do it again next year? Oooooh YES!!

'The family that plays together, stays together"

2009-11-09T12:58:00.003-05:00

I don't know who said it but it's been quoted twice to me within a week. My husband and I love the outdoors and that is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to have a child... to share that passion. We hike, bike, roller blade and more... and hope our daughter will love all that, too.

This past weekend my husband finished fencing in our back yard. What an awesome feeling! We are finally free from the fear of our daughter sneeking away, our dogs getting out, or an unfriendly dog coming on to our property.

So much fun was had on Sunday running, chasing and playing, by both 2 and 4-legged family!

What do you do as a family to 'play together'?

Blessings,
Kim

Are you an encourager?

2009-11-02T10:26:00.003-05:00

I read someone's article on being an extreme encourager and I recalled telling my friend Bob, years ago, that I wanted to be a yoga teacher. He immediately said, " You would make a great yoga teacher... you look like one already!".

Aaah, the encourager. Do you know someone who you can't wait to tell your news? Someone who thinks whatever thoughts you have are great ideas? Someone who 'knows you can do it'.... whatever 'it' may be?

A lovely thought isn't it? Do you know a person like this? Are YOU an encourager? I hope so! Thank you, in advance, for blessing me (and others) with your comments and emails......

Namaste,
Kim

Permission to start over

2009-10-26T22:08:00.001-04:00

As a Meditation Teacher I teach people to start over when they are meditating and a thought comes in. Don’t beat yourself up... just start again.

I don’t believe life is “trial and error”. There are no errors. “Try and try again” or “try and begin again”. So, why do we beat ourselves up again and again when we become out of alignment?

I noticed today that I would get annoyed and then get annoyed at myself that I let myself get out of alignment. It’s just a viscous cycle. Everyone who is alive gets out of alignment once in a while, no exceptions. So, give yourself a break... and begin again.

Blessings,
Kim

Question for you....

2009-10-19T20:56:00.001-04:00

I have a question for everyone... Do you schedule housework into your day? I’ve only recently come to the conclusion that I need to schedule it or it either doesn’t happen or I rush around like a crazy person to ‘squeeze’ it into a day that is already far too busy... and then am not the nicest person as a result. I certainly don’t remember my mom scheduling it... what about you?

Blessings,
Kim

Under the weather

2009-10-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I was feeling ‘under the weather’ and it ended up being a great day! I cancelled all the plans I had and stayed home with my daughter. It seemed to be like a reset button... from go, go, go to slow, slow, slow. The next day was even better! Even though things seemed slower and more relaxed I got more done, somehow, and then I could really feel the gratitude for everything and everyone in my life.

It seems like more and more is added to my week so a random day off is just what the doctor ordered!

Blessings,
Kim

A big life goal achieved

2009-10-05T15:42:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, (Sunday, October 4th, 2009) marked a life-goal achievement for me that was pretty big. I ran my first ½ marathon at the Prince Edward County Marathon.

I’ve only been running for about a year and only had one race under my belt, which was a 5 km run, so this was a big deal for me. Not to mention, with not really any training to speak of. I ran 4 km two days a week for the past three weeks.

A friend asked me today how I felt now that I’ve achieved this big goal... proud and powerful. I feel definitely feel powerful. I have always been in such awe of others that could run that distance.

While running I had a chance to ask someone how long she had been a runner and her response was inspiring. She ran her first ½ marathon when she was 55 and her first full marathon when she was 65. She thinks she may stop at 70. I love that!

I started with walking after my daughter was born in because, despite what people tell you about breastfeeding helping for weight loss, I was gaining weight instead of losing. So, walking turned into running and I was hooked!

Now, a year later, I’ve also taught a ‘Runner’s Yoga’ class and can’t see how anyone who runs (or any athlete for that matter) can do it without yoga!. I can run farther, faster and have less aches and pains. I went from running only 4 km runs to over 20 without any major recovery needed and no injuries.

The number of people who are just onlookers cheering you on is astounding. I never thought of that before yesterday’s race but I tear up even now when I think of it. People who stand in front of their houses with umbrellas for hours, ringing bells and telling you what a great job you are doing. It’s truly amazing. It made me feel like a celebrity and so very, very grateful.

At about the 16 km mark my husband, daughter and in-laws were waving and taking pictures. I was so proud to have my family there. I wish more people could have saw them waving. I also wish my own parents had been there to see me. Next year I’m hoping my husband will run it with me and years from now maybe our daughter will want to do it as well.

Nearing the end of the ½ an OPP officer told me I was almost there... just another 400 metres to go. It didn’t feel that way and even though I could see it, it sure seemed far away. My friend, Tiki, was there watching and ran the last couple hundred metres with me. That helped me to pick up my pace a little. Although I don’t yet know my time I think I finished in just under 2 ½ hours. As soon as you cross the finish line someone takes your race chip (for timing), and puts the metal on you. Tiki grabbed the complimentary food and drinks for me and guided me through the crowd.

Such a proud day. A day to remember for the rest of my life.

Blessings,
Kim

Why not you?

2009-09-28T15:41:00.002-04:00

I love to journal. Journaling is a great way to spend time with your True Self, to become or stay aligned. If you’ve been journaling for a while then you know what I am talking about. Besides journaling there is also a more public version –blogging. Anyone can blog... why not you?

Blog to let others know about your special talent or just connect with the outside world. Maybe you’re having a great adventure or maybe you feel like you have the most boring life ever but want to share some insights with others. Just do it! You never know who’s life or how many lives you might touch.

How to begin? Search for free blog, or click on start blog at the top of this page, and follow the instructions. You may want to do a little preplanning... what types of things do you want to talk about, a catchy title... that sort of thing.

Good luck and keep me posted!

Thanks for your comments. You never know who your comments might help or inspire!
Blessings,
Kim

Manifesting your dreams

2009-09-21T13:13:00.003-04:00

Isn’t the Law of Attraction a wonderful thing? I’ve wanted a fenced in backyard for a long time. I never thought we could afford it since we have a pretty large backyard. However, as soon as I stopped focusing on the cost, focusing instead on the fence and how much fun it would be to watch our dogs and daughter play safely out there, a chain link fence complete with top rails, poles and caps appeared, for FREE!

So, September is the month for the fence. We not only got the fence this month but we also manifested HELP with the fence. My husband and uncle have been hard at work for 2 days this month and my husband was out there again last night. It should be done by Samhain (Oct 31st)!

Now, I just have to focus on a garage...

Taking the Plunge

2009-09-14T14:01:00.003-04:00

Today I took the plunge... I registered for the Prince Edward County ½ Marathon, which is 20.96 km. Scary, right? Yes, unless the goal is just to finish. I have been going back and forth on this goal... to run it, walk it or not do it at all! But, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do so I’ve decided to just take the plunge. How can I regret it if my only goal is to make it across the finish line... right??

Your Connection

2009-09-07T21:36:00.002-04:00

The long weekend has come and gone. Sometimes, between trying to catch up with work and time with family and lots of plans to be busy means neglecting time for connection to Spirit, your True Self. You may even try but if it’s rushed it may not seem to help and you can be left feeling annoyed (with yourself more than anything) and lacking energy. I am no exception to this... until, last night, I came across my rose quartz wrist mala. It was a reminder to love myself enough to spend time for me.

Need help with your connection? Check out my website http://www.kimbelangermills.com/ for products and services to feed your body, mind and spirit. There’s a new page on the site, check it out here. Also, if you are a member of the Facebook group Patchoulimoon Holistics Yoga and Holistic Health, there’s a new topic “what’s your reminder to spend Time for YOU? Make a comment here: http://tiny.cc/CQBYJ

Be Blessed,
Kim

A Family Vacation Day in 2009

2009-08-31T07:22:00.004-04:00

As the summer comes to an end we are trying to make the most of the nice weather and our weekends together. Yesterday (Sunday) we went to The Lang Pioneer Village.

It was so nice to see our daughter run from building to building. My husband got some great pictures and I was over-joyed at the fun had by all!

I definitely have an outdoor oriented family as being outside is usually our main goal for every season, except winter. We describe ourselves as ‘tree-huggers’ and even named our daughter after a tree “Willow”. I think she’s already a ‘tree-hugger’ in training....

Our One Year Anniversary

2009-08-24T07:36:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was my one year wedding anniversary. One year married, three and a half years together and we will have known each other for six years this coming October. Most of the time it feels like we’ve been together for decades because we know each other so well, work so well as a team and are so close. Other times though, it feels like we were just married last week.... fresh and exciting and so in love.

To celebrate our one year of marriage, on Saturday, we chose to go back to the city that we were married in (Kingston Ontario) with our daughter, for a little shopping and dinner. Trail Head, Lululemon, Costco and Red Lobster. It was lovely, of course! So relaxing. Then, Sunday (the actual day of the anniversary) we stuck close to home and puttered around the house and yard until after supper when we took our daughter to the park. A perfect weekend. So very relaxing!

The camera had three sets of batteries and none of them worked so here’s a little look back at a year ago yesterday.....

(From left to right) Me and Willow, Me and Chris, Willow and Auntie Theresa, Me Chris & Willow

Letting Go

2009-08-17T07:39:00.006-04:00

Lately I’ve been on a de-cluttering binge... our home, the studio, and now myself! Letting go of as many things as possible that take my time and energy, including my hair.... at least 6 years of the same hairstyle meant time for a change.

Above is the before picture

What about you... do you do any regular de-cluttering for your home, your place of work or even yourself? Or do you wait and do it all at once for a giant cleanse?

Here's the new 'do' .......

Please leave a comment here for others to benefit from or email me at phdirector@gmail.com.

Be blessed,

Kim

Balance

2009-08-10T08:07:00.003-04:00

Isn’t technology great? I just got a new laptop yesterday and we got wireless high speed this week, too. With all this technology I’ll be able to do more than ever, faster and in more locations! But that means I’ll need to try to find more balance in my day.

Krishna Das is a great musician. I not only sell his music but listen to it during some of my yoga classes, in the car as well as at home. Now, I will be able to listen to him on You Tube and meditate at the same time! Enjoy.... http://tinyurl.com/lfbslt

What do you do for balance?

Be blessed,
Kim

A Day of Perfection...

2009-07-31T14:56:00.006-04:00

Ever have one of those perfect days? One of those days where it seems like nothing could go wrong? I am having one of those days today.... a compliment from a friend, great food, fun with my toddler, a lovely bath, a wonderfully hot shower, watching butterflies from the screen door of my bedroom as I type this, all while listening to Enya.... the list is endless. Only got three hours sleep but I can’t tell.

Maybe it’s because I finally got the first edition of my new free ezine out and the sign-ups are effortlessly pouring in... or maybe because my entire life seems to be lining up perfectly... who knows... but I don’t dare take a nap, I don’t want to miss any of it!

Have a blessed day!

Kim

For Expecting Parents!

2009-07-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

I've been blogged about! Lisa, a former yoga student posted this blog post. Enjoy.....

Posted by Lisa Boudreau on July 21st, 2009

I adore children. I think it’s because I’ve always really enjoyed playing. As an adult “playing” is frowned upon because we’re supposed to be…well grown up. Whether I was babysitting as a teenager or just playing with some of my younger cousins, I remember having a blast. Getting down on the ground and being silly with this little curious person whose expressions were always so priceless and innocent would make me feel great. So when I get asked what to you like to photograph the most I have to say babies and children!

Today I celebrate my daughter’s 7 month birthday. Granted the celebration includes the normal routine of bottles, playtime and naps – with no difference to her – but I know today is special!

So in honour of her, my little powerhouse of personality and independence, I wanted to give some suggestions for expecting parents! Of course, most are from my own experiences but isn’t that the best teacher?

1. Yoga
I did Pilates for many years however when I became pregnant I had to take it down a few notches simply because my body did not bend the way it used to anymore! I started looking into other ways to stay healthy and fit while with baby. I started taking daily evening walks and I came across prenatal yoga. It was so relaxing and I kept a lot of flexibility while pregnant. I found it was a great way to stretch all the important muscles and it taught me to pay close attention to my breathing which also helped with those crazy contractions!

I took classes with Kim Belanger-Mills of Patchoulimoon Holistics in her home studio. She’s a great teacher and I used to lay in bed after class , still hearing her calm voice in my head. I think Savanna loved her voice too because in class she would be bouncing around in my stomach. So Mom’s to be (and hey, even dad’s) let some yoga into your life: http://www.patchoulimoon.com/

2. Read about baby
I loved doing this with my fiancé. We’d read about how the baby was growing at a certain point in the pregnancy or about where baby would be in the coming months. I read so many books on birth that I lost count. But I found it so reassuring and comforting to have an idea what my body was doing and what it was going to do. I knew that I wanted a calm and natural birth if possible so I read lots of positive books. This put me in the right mind frame and it help ease a lot of the fear once labor had started. Birth has happened since the beginning of time, in every creature to walk to earth…how much natural can you get?! Sure I was still nervous and scared, but it could have been worse had I not prepared myself with knowledge. Read up!

3. Lots of Downtime
I’m a doer. I don’t sit still, ever. However with a human being created inside of you it’s a good time to learn how to stop. I did a lot of relaxing walking when I was pregnant with a good friend. This made me stop and take time to focus on me. I was able to just stroll outdoors, enjoy the surroundings, views, and conversation. I also did a lot of reading and watching movies. My body got to rest and I came to appreciate the downtime. It was nice not to scramble about or to listen to my mind run a mile a minute.

4. Pampering
I was always an active person even as a kid. I loved sports and I rarely ever spent all that much time on pampering myself. When I was pregnant I was awed at the changes in my body. I didn’t think it could do half of the things it was doing! So I found that while I was pregnant getting my nails done and my hair done kept me feeling great. It felt good to have someone take care of me and to know that even though I can’t see them my toes look awesome!

5. Memories
I really loved my pregnancy. It was smooth and it was a very emotional time for me. It is something I always want to remember. I want to remember how she used to do somersaults in my belly just as I climbed in bed for the night. I want to remember how round my belly was and how it felt to wrap my arms around it. We captured all of that in beautiful maternity photos that I still look at today. It is a wonderful memory to have a keepsake of. And now I am proud to offer maternity photos shoots to those who wish to remember it as well!

10 Sure-Fire Ways to Feel Bad About Your Self: how many do you do?

2009-07-21T15:36:00.002-04:00

By Joyce Lee
Many women are masters at feeling bad about themselves and about the circumstances of their lives.

They walk through their life with a heavy heart, a pessimistic attitude and a wagon full of problems.

Their relationships are complicated; they rarely love their occupations and are seldom at peace with their body/temple image.

They are everywhere and they do this day after day after day. It is a true art form and you can do it too if you like...

Simply follow these 10 Sure Fire Ways to Feel Bad About Yourself.

1. Look at yourself in the mirror and criticize your body.

Inventory your flaws. Look at your self naked and shake your head in disgust. Tell that little girl inside how unacceptable she is. Feel the shame.

2. Start your morning with a coffee and a "just below the surface" dialoguewith your self of your problems.

Stay stuck there. You have a huge list of problems: people you are struggling with, unresolved stuff from your past, situations that are troublesome. So much to work with. Roll up your sleeve and pick some.

3. Have a private internal bitch session with someone who has violated your perceived borders.

Tell them off in your head. Itemize their shortcomings. Take their inventory and point out the holes in their socks. Do this as you brush your teeth or on your way to work. Go over it and over it. Be self-righteous, indignant... go ahead... set the tone for your day.

4. When some innocent soul asks you how you are today...tell her how crappy you feel.

Talk about bloating, headaches, your cold, your stomach ache, constipation, flu, sore back, blood pressure... revel in it... after all... they asked...

5. Be on constant guard of your boundaries.

Violators are everywhere. Notice what everyone else is doing and make sure they don't step on your toes. Your fragile ego needs to be protected at all costs. No one must ever get one up on you. Ever.

6. Have 'friends' scattered everywhere through out your day to gossip with.

High quality friendships that encourage nitpicking about other people's faults. People you can trust to not talk about you behind your back.

7. Make sure you have lots of avoidance techniques in your personal toolbox.

Comfort foods or other mood altering activities to avoid taking responsibility for your circumstances.

8. Do Not... do not read any inspirational materials.

It will only confuse you with messages of empowerment and personal growth. Who needs that? Inner work is for women with nothing important to do. You are too busy to sit in quiet, looking inward. After all, you have errands to run and emails to answer.

9. Carry your unfinished business with you everywhere you go.

Your grudges, resentments, wounds, victim stories. You bought a whole set of suitcases with wheels for your baggage. You can take it everywhere. Who doesn't like luggage?

10. Worry, doubt, anxiety. 'Your constant companions."

Pretend everything is fine on the outside, but keep these running just below the surface of your awareness. Feel them in your heart and in your body. Create your day from this platform.

Don't you just love that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach? The ache in your heart? Why would anyone want to feel open and flowing and full of self confidence, approval and esteem?

So, there you have it.

A straightforward road map for spending the rest of your life feeling lousy. Look around at all the women in this exclusive club. Join the movement. Come over to the heavy side. Life is about suffering isn't it?

Just Kidding... but you knew that...

Take this advice and throw it out the window!!!

Do the opposites. Claim your right to a happiness! Embrace this opportunity to live a wonderful and joyful life as you... glorious you...

Namaste.

Do you need help with a problem? Do you want to make a life-plan? Do you want to use the law of attraction to your advantage? I can help.
info@joyceleelifecoach.com
©2009 Joyce Lee
http://www.joyceleelifecoach.com/

What has Kim been up to?

2009-07-13T11:56:00.005-04:00

Lots! Working on web changes (I’ll let you know when we’re a little farther along), preparing for new fall classes, writing a book, making preparations to be able to purchase from my website and preparing for the new Newsletter!

If you haven’t seen the sign up box on Facebook or this blog be sure to sign up to receive tips on yoga, meditation and more for body, mind and spirit!

Besides all the business ‘stuffs’ I’ve been boating, running and also gardening. I hope to have pictures on my blog of the stone border for our gardens soon.

Anyone else been super busy this summer and want to share? Feel free to make a comment or email me @ phdirector@gmail.com

Be Blessed,
Kim

My Own Issues

2009-07-06T09:08:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine recently asked what my issues are. I thought I would share my response, feel free to share your's...

I’ve been working on so many issues….

FEAR of absolutely everything, having panic attacks every day when in school; fear of my health; fear of my future… meditation and knowing the only time we ever have is NOW helps incredibly.

ANGER from things not doing exactly as *I* plan it or think it should be, anger that my parents didn’t even try to do their best, that someone is driving too slow in front of me, or whatever else that popps up… I’m trying to remember that this is how it is supposed to happen.

Life is a lovely and interesting journey, don’t you think?

Be Blessed,

Kim

So, do you journal?

2009-06-09T15:38:00.001-04:00

I LOVE journaling and been doing it since I was a teenager. Sometimes a pretty, bound, hard covered book, sometimes just a spiral bound notebook. But, I always do it and have a cedar chest full to prove it! Bad times, and more often good times.... all recorded.

Anyone who’s been doing it for a while knows the many, many benefits.

How about you? Yes, no... always wanted to but don’t know where to start? Been doing it for years but curious on how it could get better? I’ve got one for you! Check it out here. After all the years this one is the best I’ve seen. I was, proudly, the first to order it and I can tell you it was worth twice what I paid!

Happy journaling everyone!
Kim.

Training For My First 1/2 Marathon!

2009-06-01T12:37:00.007-04:00

I'm training for the Prince Edward County 1/2 Marathon and let me tell you, with a toddler it can be pretty challenging and sometimes discouraging. I have three days that I am able to run without her. I don't know if it's just me, but pushing a jogging stroller isn't easy! Then there's the added bonus that she gets bored after a while and, of course, the weather.

One thing that helps is that my husband occasionally comes with me. Not only do I love his company and that he's becoming healthier, it's a very good example for our daughter! The picture above is the three of us just this Sunday past on the trail close to our home.

Something else I find really helpful, since I don't get to run with a group, is my online running friends. They're great for encouragement, information (they have loads more running experience than I) and motivation. I also have a weekly running partner. It's amazing how much farther you can run with great conversation as a distraction!

Today my goal was 10k but had my daughter with me so it ended up being only 5k. Actuall, that's not bad, I think, considering when I actually do this 1/2 marathon I won't have a stroller to push but will still be able to do it with that little extra!

The Wheel Is Turning But The Hamster is Pooped

2009-05-28T11:47:00.003-04:00

Sherry, Stop. What Are You Doing?

Sherry had a morning routine. She didn't really choose it, she just evolved into it. Every morning she would get out of bed, flip her energy switch to go and keep moving until she fell back into bed at night, exhausted.

Her planner was as important as her wallet, and her cell phone seemed permanently attached to her right ear.

She was a regular at an up-scale coffee shop and was developing physical symptoms from too much caffeine. She commonly carried ant-acids and painkillers in her purse, kept some in the drawer at work and in her car.

Sherry had also slipped into a routine of regularly choosing fast and easy over healthy in her food plan. She often felt bloated and lethargic as a result.

Sherry was time deficient and over-stimulated. She was stressed, weary and operating well below her potential.

Oh Wise One
Your wonderful body is designed to let you know what you need to pay attention to. It's up to you to listen.

You can visualize a young girl who regularly stays up too late, eats too much sugar, doesn't like her vegetables, and has an organized activity every night of the week. You instinctively know what to change in her best interest. It's not about punishing her; it's about loving her.

The price tag
There are costs to not respecting body wisdom; stress, moodiness, tightness, headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, digestive problems, etc.

The Good news
Your body can be completely trusted to tell you whether you are smoothly and positively flowing your energies. The messages will be very specific. Listen up.

There are benefits when we do respect body wisdom; a sense of well-being, good night sleeps, energy, healthy digestion, soft and supple muscles in areas such as shoulders and neck, serenity, etc.

Sherry didn't want to suffer
Sherry didn't see much room for change in her life. She said she needed to run her business, needed her cell phone, and was not willing to give up coffee. She recounted her last 'health kick' and how miserable it made her.

Gentle change
Instead of imposing changes that feel punitive, the better approach is small changes that feel loving and wellness based. The energy behind the two approaches is noticably different.

Progress, not perfection is the ideal.

In the spirit of self-care, Sherry committed to a 2-week trial period of several small changes.

Cell phone off during meals and when driving.
Drinking only tea in the evenings.
To bed half an hour earlier.
No business obligations on Sundays.
Epilogue
These small changes made a tremendous difference for Sherry. She liked the specific time frame. It felt do-able. She noticed her body stress level decrease and her energy level increase. She was sleeping easily and right through the night.

Following her 2-week trial, Sherry decided that she would continue, and is looking at making some small healthy changes in her food plan.

The Most Important Piece
Changes made in the spirit of self-acceptance and loving care are the ones that last.

For Your Journal, for Your thoughts

What is my body telling me about the way I am living?
Where does my body experience stress, excitement?
When I am in certain situations, do I feel light, heavy?
What do the sensations mean to me?
Things to consider: (all free and easy to do)

Adequate rest
Updated healthcare appointments
Healthful, nourishing foods
8 glasses of water a day
Vitamin supplements
Time for play and creativity
Time outside, appreciating nature, fresh air

©2009 Joyce Lee
www.joyceleelifecoach.com

Runner's Yoga

2009-05-15T09:02:00.005-04:00

Now that I am a runner I don't know how anyone runs without doing yoga as well. The stiffness, tight shortening muscles.... yoga saves the day!

Many poses are helpful, such as Legs Up a Wall, Downward Facing Dog, Reclining Hand to Toe, just to name a few for stretching. Then there's the strenthening poses like Dolphin and Plank, which also work your core to avoid lower back injuries.

Besides runners, I've taught skaters and ballet instructors, who have all benefitted from doing yoga. Along with a great stretch, strenghtening and helping to avoid injuries, yoga is great for concentration as well as proper breathing. When your chest is more open you have more of your lungs available for more air intake. When you're running your heart out... who wouldn't want a little more air?

The new Runner's Yoga class begins Saturday, May 23-June 11. Click here for details.

Practical Secrets to Peaceful Productivity

2009-05-13T11:50:00.004-04:00

With permission from the author... I thought this was a great blog entry to share.... enjoy! Kim.

:-)

Overwhelm is one of the toughest things my coaching clients face. No surprise, of course. The people I work with - whether they're in my Platinum Mastermind, or my Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, or at one of my women's retreats - tend to have one thing in common: They're creative types with lots of great ideas and a deep desire to be of service in the world. (If you're reading this, you're probably that kind of person, too.)
Creative types are often challenged by the practical day-to-day stuff of life. To-do's, organization, finances, getting things done. NONE of this comes easy to them! Overwhelm becomes a way of life. Only problem is this:
Overwhelm leaves you emotionally drained, constantly feeling like you'll never quite catch up. As a creative person, you might have to accept that you'll be overwhelmed on a regular basis, but you can also take a few practical steps to overcome overwhelm. Here are five secrets I've learned along the way that have helped me get back on purpose in my daily life. 1 - Get out of the weeds If you've ever waitressed, then you know what it means to be "in the weeds." So much is happening so fast that you can't even pause to regroup. Many of us live our whole lives like this! We wake up and just start reacting.
If this is you, then it's time to get out of the weeds and into the habit of something I call Self-Summits. A Self-Summit is a weekly 30-minute practice - Sunday's are perfect! - during which you connect with your intentions, remind yourself of your goals, and get clear on your priorities. You look at the week ahead and:· List your top three priorities (not your 57 to-do's!) for the week. · Get clear on upcoming appointments. · Schedule your work-out time, your writing time, your downtime, etc. This one practice does wonders for keeping you on track. Even if your week doesn't work out
exactly as planned, this is better than not having any plan at all! 2 - Project vs. Task Is this your to-do list? --> "Re-paint house. Create website. Write book. Eat healthy." If so, then it's time to discern between a project and a task. A project is something big...like a website. It looms like a monolith on your to-do list, with its own foreboding theme song that plays every time you glance at it.
A task, on the other hand, is something you can actually complete. Like, "Write bio." Or "Call Photographer." Learn to break down your projects into tasks during your Self-Summits, and you'll reduce your overwhelm by at least 75%! 3 - Experience Completion I often make my clients set their weekly goals so small that they laugh at me. I do this because most of the creatives I work with have never allowed themselves the bold luxury of simply experiencing completion. When you experience completion, then you can maintain your motivation. When you are always running to keep up with your 73-item to-do list, then you are prone to overwhelm and burn out. Make your goals and your to-do list small so that you can revel in getting complete! Think of completion as an essential vitamin that makes you immune to overwhelm! 4 - Set the Timer This will sound so simple and stupid that you'll think, "Yea, yea yea. Got it. A timer. Duh." But hear me out!
Let's say you've scheduled 2 hours to write Chapter 4 of your book. Set the timer for 55 minutes, and write. Don't go one minute over or under. Take a five-minute break. Then set your timer for another 55 minutes. When the clock is running, you won't be as tempted to go downstairs to put the clothes in the dryer, or see if the mail has arrived. It's an effective mind game that keeps your butt in the chair and your focus on the task. Even my most skeptical clients have become believers in the timer. 5 - Eliminate All-Or-Nothing Thinking Many creatives see only two options: Either be fun-loving, chaotic, creative and spontaneous... OR
Be a totally boring robot who never experiences love or joy. This is called All-or-Nothing Thinking. It is also a "Limiting Belief." It is downright untrue and even destructive, and it will keep you playing catch-up forever! The trick to overcoming overwhelm is to play with these new habits. Tweak them so they work for YOU. Many people use all-or-nothing thinking as an excuse for not even trying. They give up on themselves way too quickly. Don't expect to be perfect when you first start digging out of overwhelm. But DO expect yourself to keep practicing these habits.

By Christine Kane

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at http://www.christinekane.com/.

Law of Attraction: Setting your intention - for a joyful day, week and life.

2009-05-11T13:25:00.006-04:00

Do you have a routine to start your day off right? Do you set an intent for a joyful day, week or life in general?

Today is Monday. I was just telling someone “I LOVE Mondays”! I try to make sure that I have no appointments or pressing obligations and make the day about journaling, yoga, meditation, play and having fun to set the tone of positivity for the whole week.

The law of attraction states that what you think about you will draw to you – wanted or unwanted. I love the weekend because it is family time but I don’t want to dread the end of the weekend or the beginning of the ‘work-week’ either. So, I make Mondays joyful and come into the week gently.
Many people are not as lucky as I to be working from home on this beautiful Monday morning. Many are not happy in general so how can you be joyful in the first place?

First, ask yourself what kind of day do you want? On a scale of 1-10..... a 10 right? What would a 10 look like?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 I wrote this on ‘Happiness’:

Happiness

If you ever think to yourself that you’re just not happy, whether it’s that day or life in general, you may want to remember not to think too far ahead. Life is just a series of moments. It’s just about that one moment.... so make it a perfect one!

Here’s a tip... first, you have to know what makes YOU happy. Then do THAT.

This is what I call MY “Prescription for Wellness”:

RUN, 2-3 times per week. Yesterday was amazing... I pretended that when I was breathing deeply it was like I was drinking in the fresh air and that my face was like a flower taking in the sunshine like food.

JOURNAL, daily. What I want and what I am planning to manifest. If there's anything negative in my life I put it here and move to focus on a solution and not dwell on the negative.

YOGA, daily even if it's just a few poses. Fortunately, I teach yoga so I get to do it for a minimum of 2 hours a week. This keeps my body flexible and my mind clear and calm.

TAKE A CLASS. This gets me out with other adults (I'm a mom to a toddler) and gets me doing something in the winter months. It's belly dancing right now.

GET OUTSIDE, a few times a week. Even if it's in the dead of winter just to shovel the driveway. I crave the outdoors and the sun.

SPIRITUAL REMINDERS. Books, cds.... I have a few books and get some cds on a regular basis that uplift me any time in my life, no matter what. I need to keep them close and listen to them often.

LOOK GOOD. I need to keep my hair cut, keep my eyebrows waxed, have facials.... to feel that I look my best to BE my best.

This is how I stay connected, whole and happy.

Blessings,Kim

Prenatal Yoga with Kim

2009-05-08T13:57:00.005-04:00

I have a Prenatal Yoga class 8-week session beginning again on Wednesday, May 20th at my Belleville location. I thought this would be a great time to answer my most asked questions and give a brief description of the class.

The first concern I usually hear is that the mom-to-be hasn’t done yoga before.... and that’s ok! Most of the moms I see have no experience with yoga. My Prenatal Yoga classes are set up for the mom to relax, prepare for birth, bond with their baby and ensure that pregnancy is a wonderful experience! Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace, only do postures that give joy and have fun.

To prepare for the birth of your baby we do a series of hip opening postures, breathing techniques and relaxation. To help make pregnancy a joyful time in your life we stretch our bodies in places that moms most complain about (to me) throughout pregnancy.

This leads me to the ‘most asked questions’ part..... I am often asked about sciatic symptoms so I do reclining hand to toe, which I found helped me tremendously. Also, leg cramps seem to be an issue for some so we stretch hamstrings with some forward folds. We do cat cow pose to strengthen backs and help to stretch ‘complaining’ backs. If there are any issues that come up with a mom's pregnancy I always do my best to not only find out what might be of assistance but to also try it out during class. I want to be the most support I can in this wonderful, but sometimes stressful time for a family.

I took my Yoga Teacher Training course throughout my pregnancy so I had to do research to be sure that I didn’t hurt myself or my baby. It ended up to be a lovely experience. I’ve now taught many Prenatal Yoga classes, as well as Mom & Baby Yoga classes (since 2008), in support of moms-to-be as well as recovering moms.... and loved every minute of it!!!

Click here to find out more about my Prenatal or Mom & Baby Yoga classes as well as Gentle Relaxation Hatha Yoga classes.

Be sure to check with your health care provider before beginning, as with any exercise routine.

"Supporing families, holistically"

Your Anger Metre

2009-05-07T13:21:00.010-04:00

Someone informed me today that not only has she read my blog (the ‘old’ one) but bought a book I recommended because of it! Yaaaaay!!

Since I am planning to remove the ‘old’ blog and replace it with this newer and cooler one, I thought I would re-post this blog entry. It’s from Saturday, November 8, 2008. The person meditating in the picture shown is ME, in the yoga studio, very pregnant! Comments are always welcome. Enjoy!

YOUR ANGER METRE

Someone taking what you say totally out of context, someone else getting intensely angered at a seemingly innocent comment, rude people, bad drivers, people expecting you to live your life the way THEY think you should... does it ever feel like people are trying to test your anger metre? It certainly does to me, lately.... and it’s only going to get worse coming into the holiday season!!

Here’s one perspective on anger..... Thick That Hanh teaches that anger is a form of disease and how can you blame or not have compassion for someone with an illness? But, if YOU are the one with the anger ‘disease’ why not treat it like you would any other illness? I used to have a really short fuse, road rage, the whole package! My husband and I were discussing it just last night and the fact that we’re both very different people than we were just a few years ago. Here’s what is turning it around for me and my husband.... Yoga, Meditation and, about 3 years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the book “Ask and It Is Given” by Jerry & Esther Hicks that changed my look on life and my beliefs forever.

Most people have heard that yoga and meditation reduces stress and calms the body. Know why? Breathing deeply, through your nose, warms the air and calms the body. Focusing your mind inward trains your brain to focus on one thing and have more of a clutter-free mind. Yoga and meditation take away the stress hormones that create the ‘fight or flight’ reaction.

I have heard people say that they’ve tried yoga or meditation a few times and it didn’t work for them but if you went to your medical doctor for a pill to take symptoms away, and didn’t take the pill, you wouldn’t expect the symptoms to go away. If you went to your naturopathic doctor for some herbs to cure an illness, and you were inconsistent in taking the herbs, you wouldn’t expect the illness to go away. Same with yoga and meditation.... you need to do it regularly for it to have an effect on you. It’s habitual. The more you do it, the better it works.

The Abraham teachings really hit home with me right from the first book I read, “Ask and it is Given” and I not only have all the books, I sell them now, too. I’ve also seen Esther and Jerry Hicks speak in person. You can get a daily inspirational quote from their website sent right to your email inbox and two years after I’ve been getting them I still am excited each morning to see what they have to say! Here’s their website: http://tinyurl.com/64nvxc

Regardless of how calm a person you turn out to be, some people are going to be even more annoyed with you the more in alignment that you are. Some would say, “You just can’t win!” but I say, “Those who are in alignment have already won!”

Mom & Baby Yoga

2009-05-04T08:36:00.021-04:00

I am hoping to have a Mom & Baby Yoga class start next week, here at the PH studio, and I'm pretty excited about it! I LOVE that class and if I could use the sounds of the giggling babies the class would be full every time at both locations.

I get lots of questions about the class and have even had a mom tell me that her husband asked her if we just sit around watching the babies do yoga! Too funny!

:-)

I tell moms that the time to start just about when they feel they are ready and have had a baby as young as 3 weeks in the class. For the baby the concern isn't 'too young' but 'too old'. When a baby can crawl, the last thing he/she wants is to be tied to mom.... they want to use their new skill and explore. So, about 3 weeks until crawling is the perfect age.

Another question I commonly get is what do you do in class? No experience is necessary at all....I have a breathing exercise to start with, some ab exercises, some hip openers (all the while baby is sitting/standing on mom), some baby time that focuses just on baby and some standing things where moms are standing while holding their baby. At the end of the class we do a calming meditation.

Moms are encouraged to feed/nurse and change their baby any time during or before/after the class. Meditation is the perfect time for feeding as it's a loving and calming way to end the class and assist for a very joyful ride home!

I LOVE this class and hope that I always have a class going! It's a lovely way to not only bond with your baby but relax, have fun AND see other moms. A wonderful social outlet!

In 2008 there was a nice article done on my class from Linda O'Conner at the Belleville Intel. Check it out if you like: http://tinyurl.com/ch8qa6

Do you love what you do?

2009-05-02T20:42:00.001-04:00

So, this is my first post on my NEW blog... woo hoo! I’ve done it before, on my website, but it wasn’t as much fun and certainly not as cool!

I’ve got lots to say but where to start?? Hmmm... I have my dream job, teaching yoga. I am certified in yoga instruction (Hatha Yoga) and teach Mom & Baby Yoga as well. My darling husband built a yoga studio in our home (in the Quinte area) and we call it “Patchoulimoon Holistics”, where I also sell holistic products. ‘Holistic’ meaning body, mind and spirit..... natural body care products, singing bowls, books, cds... that sort of thing.

I LOVE my life and would only change two things.... #1 - I’d like to teach more yoga and #2 - have more money coming in. Who wouldn't want more money?

So, that’s what I do.... what about YOU? Do you do what you love? How is it going???

Many Blessings,
Kim

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