“We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.” -Richard Scott
How’s it going?
It’s been a whirly, swirly couple of weeks in my home. Maybe you’re feeling it too and we’re circulating in a collective eddy of “spring-to-summer” transition together.
The approach of summer always brings an uptick of squirreliness for me. Wrapping up the school year with award ceremonies, final performances, celebrations, and commencement rituals leaves little breathing room on my calendar.
And as summer adventures, camps, weddings, and family gatherings come into view, the logistics to sort out and decisions to be made make my head spin. My brain pumps out thoughts at a dizzying pace. And on more than one occasion last week, I caught myself mildly paralyzed in the kitchen unsure of what to prioritize and where to place my focus. Simply TOO MUCH information and responsibility coming down the pike to stay balanced and oriented.
It’s an exhilarating time…with “stress-inducing” undercurrents.
We all need moments of ease as we move through transitions including the shift in seasons. Time to pause, breathe, and reorient. Time to care for ourselves so we can keep moving forward in a clear, joyful, purposeful way.
How do we create balance within ourselves while living an engaged, vibrant, connected life? How do we participate in this beautiful dance without compromising our well-being?
I’ve been exploring this for years.
A Quest for Balance…and Ease
Many of you know that eight years ago, my family left Idaho to live abroad for three years. At the heart of our choice to strike out on this adventure was a desire to expand our horizons and experience different cultures. To step way out of our comfort zone and awaken to life in a deeper way.
Not long into our journey, it became apparent that we also set out to restore balance in our life. We were over-committed and needed to hit the pause button, mend fences and set stronger boundaries. Separately, I was on a mission to care for myself the way I’ve spent years encouraging others to care for themselves. And I did.
I woke early most mornings to meditate or journal. I attended yoga and spin classes every week. I even made time for monthly massages and painting dates with my daughter. Life felt balanced and calm. I was less rushed and more present with the people right in front of me.
I still worked…holding space for others to care for themselves by teaching yoga and creating retreat experiences. My new routine made me more passionate than ever about the importance of this work in a driven, frenetic, and at times, chaotic world.
Fast forward to the present moment, five years since our return to the States, and I still struggle at times to maintain all that I put in place on the road. How quickly life presses in on us in this country!
More tools, please!
Lately, in hopes of gleaning new wisdom from ancient practices, I’ve been exploring the habits shared by those that live the longest, healthiest, happiest lives on earth. The people that live in one of the world’s Blue Zones.
The Blue Zones have been on my radar since 2012 when the company I worked for invited me to lead a retreat on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, one of the five Blue Zones. My curiosity deepened when my family moved to Costa Rica in 2015…and continues to grow as I return each year with adventurous yogi-travelers.
Many of you have felt the Blue Zone magic firsthand while on retreat. It’s hard to articulate, yet palpable. A rare gift derived from the potent concoction of healthy, nourishing food, movement, restoration, connection, and introspection.
Blue Zone Secrets..that aren’t so secret
What I’m learning from Dan Buettner’s book “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” is nothing new or surprising at all. No quick-fix solution. No special supplement or expensive cold-plunge tub to buy. In fact, Dan’s research simply reinforces all that I learned in college studying Exercise Science/ Corporate Wellness. They are habits and practices that I’m confident you know and probably knew at age 10. (except for the research about wine consumption.🍷😊)
Power Nine: healthy life habits of the Blue Zones (This list looks familiar, right?)
- Physical Activity Daily
- Social Connection
- Stress Management
- Plant-centric Diet
- Eat until 80% Full
- Enjoy moderate wine consumption. (1 or 2 glasses per day)
- Family First
- Spirituality
- Sense of Purpose that gives your life meaning
Steady and Strong
So what is the secret to reaping the Blue Zone lifestyle reward of a happy, healthy, long life?
Not surprisingly, the answer is Consistency. Showing up day after day, making good choices, and prioritizing your self-care. (including creating space for stress-reducing activities even in a busy week)
To encourage you to consistently carve out time for self-care this summer, I’m excited to unpack the Blue Zone habits with you in greater detail as we march into the busiest season of the year.
You deserve the time it takes to stay healthy, strong…and sane. And those around you will benefit from your example.
If you don’t believe me, please reach out. I’m happy to remind you again and again and again…😄
And, if you’re feeling tight, stressed, overwhelmed, or out of balance, but don’t know where to start or you’ve been circling the yoga mat, but can’t seem to land, I’d love to help find spaciousness and relief through yoga and mindfulness.
STUDIO TEN (short for Tener. Get it?)
Join me on STUDIO TEN, my online yoga studio and practice yoga at your convenience using the Online Library of 150+ classes, both active and restorative, with filters to easily choose a class to fit your needs. And new classes and content are added weekly.
All levels are welcome here!
To sign up, take a peek at the studio, or try one of the “Free Sample” classes, go here: STUDIO TEN
Tener
Want more self-care reminders and inspiration? Receive new posts by email, sign up here: STAY CONNECTED