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Welcome to EmmeNation
Where mind, body and spirit meet

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Absolute Best Gazpacho from the Lake Austin Spa

Nothing better to kick start feeling healthy by eating fresh, good tasting foods...at the end of the summer. No time than the present to begin and boy oh boy are you in store for a treat.


Watermelon Gazpacho

12 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
1 ½ cups peeled, seeded cucumber, coarse chopped
¼ cup each red, yellow and green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup fennel bulb, chopped
½ cup green onion chopped
1/3 cup chopped mint
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cranberry juice
½ cup lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons Tabasco
3 tablespoons olive oil


Pulse all together in a food processor, keeping some texture.  
Chill.


freezes really well also...

In the eye of the storm...

http://crazysexylife.com/2010/what-i-learned-in-the-eye-of-the-storm/

Monday, August 30, 2010

Incredible Mayor...

You have to see this to believe this!  http://www.wimp.com/citymayor/
Talk about building self esteem for many generations of people.
What a lucky town and what a role model for all of us!

Making Space For You

In the early morning when the birds are beginning their chorus, I can find a 30 minute window to have as my own.  Although I'm not an early bird, I know my day flows so much better when I bring this practice into my life, almost miraculously. 


"I don't have the time!" "Meditation is hard." "How can sitting in one position for 30 minutes a day help with my body image?"  I really don't have an answer other than by doing this I feel the the negative self talk dissipate into being purely in the present (in the moment) which is safe and totally undeniable for one's self acceptance.  I make the time because it's so darn effective.  Also, if I feel I need a change, it all starts at home, inside of ourselves, never in what we buy, what diet we try, body we want to emulate or home we occupy.  But right here.

I'm find if I miss a day, I'm more scattered and unfocused, not on track.  So for both my personal and business life, I feel this tool is incredibly helpful to keep me at my best.  (my reactions are less dramatic, and no matter what is thrown at me, I am finding the space I need to think more clearly than over reacting on the spot)

Try it for yourself.  Mark the time out for yourself, let your family, loved ones know..."Mommmm's in session" and let those you live with know so you won't be disturbed.  I set my digital egg timer so I don't have to worry about time running away.

You may want to start small, say 10-15 minute chunks.  Then work up.  You'll be amazed how you begin to look forward to this. Once you feel all the mindless chatter and unimportant thoughts leave being replaced by increased focus, peace and clarity, you open yourself to boundless acceptance and joy. (just to name a few benefits).  This is your journey and will have either similar or completely different results, it's up to you.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Zen and the art of yoga and shoveling dirt!

Started my day with getting to yoga class. The first Saturday in a very long time. Tight hamstrings!! Forward bends now feel like I'm beginning all over again. My periformus muscle injury from 8 months ago will take time to heal...a matter of my ego saying I could do a bind (when you twist like a pretzel and clasp your hands together, at least try to with out falling over) when in fact, I should never have gone as deep as I should. Going back a few steps is the price I have to pay, honoring time to heal.

Life is really taking one step at a time, being present and not letting everything get you tied up in the enormity of it all...and giving ourselves time to heal.

Right now, I'm working on focusing on what is right in front of me instead of being caught up with the big picture. (so many people have creative ideas, but very few actualize their dreams because doing the actual work toward the goal is the hardest part). This is just like building a better self image or applauding one's body for all it does.

I know I feel better mentally when I work out regularly, even when I don't have the time, I must make the time. Additionally, by preparing fresh fruits and veggies in ways that are not only visually pleasing but tasty is the key for me to stay at a healthy weight (as well eating balanced portions numerous times during the day, a variety of foods and not leaving out occasional good for you sweets)...lastly, remembering that "The Big Picture" (especially when rebuilding life/career/romantic relationships) can't be achieved unless we take steps toward it. Not to let fear push away opportunities, open doors, and basically not allowing myself to get in my own way.

It takes time and effort to see what greatness we already possess and even more determination to see ourselves as the best YOU/WE/I can be.

My goal with this blog is to share how I try to achieve life balance. This will be my real journey and it's function is to throw out a life line, to make you feel less alone along this never ending body image and self esteem road to self discovery. No one has this mastered. In fact, it is a life long series of lessons of trial and error.

It is my hope that my journey to improve my own body image and self esteem will spill over not only to my family, personal life and career, but will motivate a spark in you, to challenge what life throws at you and find answers that suit you and your life best.

Next, eating lunch and shoveling mulch around my front yard!