Dayum it's HOT - um, thanks!

It's almost 7PM and it's 98 degrees out there. I feel like I'm back in Davis, CA. Luckily I was inside all day, and my apartment is comfortable. It's been a long week and there's lots to be thankful for.

1. air conditioning. At work, on the subway, in my apartment.
2. lots of catering leftovers
3. Good feedback on an upcoming wedding ceremony and a consultation with a new couple for Monday
4. One of my co-workers for making me a pomegranate margarita to take home after a long week
5. Amy Height for my first guest post on her blog

Feel like sharing? Please do - in the comment section below.

The Chakras Explained - CROWN

After starting this series of posts last December, we finally reach #7 - the Crown or Sahasrara in sanskrit. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head or hovering just above. This energy center holds our aspiration, spirituality, inspiration and wisdom. While our Root connects us to the strength of the Earth, I like to think of the Crown connecting us to the world around us - both people and things. Yes, this is the most woo-woo of chakras, but that's where the inspiration and wisdom come from. You know you can feel it, you just may not be able to express them in the groundedness of words.

If you have empathy for others, a strong connection to a higher power (dare I say 'god') or a sense of balance in your subconscious and conscious self, there's a good chance that Sahasrara is open and healthy. But if your head is 'in the clouds' most of the time, you find it difficult to see the 'big picture' or have sensitivity to light and sound, your Crown may need a little cleansing. So, how do you do that, you may ask? You know, open your mind? With many people walking around staring at electronic devices, we've become a little self-centered. So, first off, PUT YOUR SMARTPHONES and E-READERS AWAY. Look up and be present in the world.  If you still feel disconnected, here are some ways you can balance your crown.

1. Meditate. Sit quietly with your eyes closed and bring your energy and awareness to the top of your head - your crown. As you breathe, allow an imaginary cord or a series of tendrils to extend out into the universe. Know that you are not alone in the world, but part of the wonder, strength and power of those around you.

2. Volunteer. There's nothing that can help bring perspective than giving your time to help others. Choose a population or a cause where you are passionate and ask them how you can be of service.

3. Surround yourself with VIOLET. The color most associated with Sahasrara is violet. So wear violet clothes, borrow or buy some amethyst jewelry, or if scent is more your style, dab some lavender essential oil on your wrists and temples.

4. Do yoga. When teaching a class that focuses on the crown, I make sure to do headstand (or a beginner variation) and everyone's favorite Savasana (corpse pose).

5. Try a little AFFIRMATION. Write "I am complete and one with divine energy" on your bathroom mirror or above your word space and read it aloud each time you see the phrase.

As we know each of the chakras are paired with a gland in the body and the crown is no exception. Sahasrara is ruled by the pineal gland. It is located in the brain and produces several important hormones including melatonin, which influences sexual development and sleep cycles.

How open is your crown? Anything work to help balance yours? If so, please share below in the comment section.

Gratitudes A to Z: Give me a C, a bouncy C!

The dog days of summer have really taken a toll. Lots of catering work, temps in the 90s and a little jaunt to the Maritime Provinces of Canada left little time or energy. I have not tackled the alphabet gratitudes weekly, nor have I been blogging regularly. While this week is crazy, I do plan to have daily office hours the following week - with regular blog and social media posts. Watch out!

In the meantime, here's a little gratitude in the 'C' Department

Cats: I really do think I'm a cat whisperer. There, I've said it. While I have my own cat, Maximillian, there's something about the cat energy that I find immensely fascinating. Amazing focus, the ability to turn on a dime. They usually laid back and cool - a quality for which I strive.

Cameras: While there's nothing like the naked eye and fully taking in an experience, the camera can at least capture the moment and help you remember.

Chocolate: Gosh, I love it. I was raised on milk, but have come to appreciate dark over the last few years. Perhaps it's because of all the supposed health benefits, but truthfully I don't care. A simple piece of chocolate can make everything better. And if it's covering an espresso bean, all the better.

Coffee: I started drinking coffee working at the now defunct Lamb's Theatre here in NY during college. I started drinking it light and sweet and iced at the beginning of the summer and drank it hot and black by the end. Now, I'm a coffee snob. Perhaps it's due to my time on the West Coast, but I am picky. I like brewing it myself in my french press with a little soy milk. I am not an addict, but I do usually have coffee every morning.

Computers: They really have changed our lives, non? A little email, a little streaming TV, social media and the ability to write, save and file documents - all at our fingertips. Amazing.

Candles: While I don't have a lot of 'stuff' anymore since I live in a super small apartment, I do still have a number of candles. I like them for their sense of ritual. Bumping up the ordinary for something special. An extra glow, perhaps some scent - it somehow allows time to slow and be more present.

That's all I can think of right now. But I will continue to add if others pop up. Feel free to add yours in the comment section below.

Happy Friday thanks!

A driver just pulled up in front of my building and is blasting their stereo so loud. They keep teasing by lowering it, but it starts back up as they change the song. It's difficult to be thankful for anything since I cannot really hear myself think. The breeze coming in from the window is so nice, but I think I am going to have to close it and turn on the air to drown it out. I just put in a noise complaint, but I doubt anything will be done about it.

I'm doing my best here, but I should be able to eek out a few gratitudes.

1. performing yet another wedding this morning!
2. my friend Amy for taking care of Max and making herself feel at home while I was away
3. a good bit of catering scheduled for next week
4. cooler weather and a lovely breeze
5. a great trip to Nova Scotia and PEI

Now you. Have any gratitudes to share? Please do so below in the COMMENTS section.

Maritime Thanks!

I am currently taking my first vacation in a few years. It's completely well deserved and long overdue. Quite a few thanks to make.

1. My parents for including me in their Canadian tour
2. Amy Banks for hanging at my little hobbit hole, keeping Maximillian company
3. sunny days on the water. Nothing like spending time in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
4. work for when I get back
5. having good hair days - even without my usual hair products

That's all for now. I need to head back to whale watching, eating fresh oysters and lobster in Cheticamp. Bon soir!

Dog days Friday Gratitudes!

Last night as I came home I grabbed my mail from the box and pulled out a letter from the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, VA. I put in a petition to officiate the wedding ceremony for my friend Jamie from grad school and it was DENIED. I just about freaked out and didn't sleep well last night. I woke up early and after 3 phone calls, I finally got to a clerk who basically said it was a dead issue. Two minutes later Jamie returned my phone call and I passed the news on. She took it well. Much better than expected. It's days like these that make me 1. consider a more in-depth ordination process and 2. miss my uncle, the rabbi.

Here are things I'm grateful for this week:
1. air conditioning on public transportation
2. my friend Amy for agreeing to stay at my place to watch Maxie when I'm gone
3. the last bits of catering work before a break in July and possibly August
4. time to do laundry
5. the time I did spend with my uncle. I will channel his energy and insight as I perform my first wedding ceremony with major Jewish elements in a few weeks
6. spending time with my beautiful nephew on Monday
7. connection with more wedding professionals this week and teaching a few of them yoga in the Park

Have something you're thankful for this week? Feel free to add it below in the COMMENT section.

GUEST POST: Finding Your ‘Why’ When it Comes to Food

The following is a post by holistic health coach, Amy Height. We met for iced tea on a hot day as she just moved up to Upper Manhattan. We talked about our past in the arts and our current passion of motivating people to live healthier lives. Welcome Amy!

FINDING THE 'WHY WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD

There are countless factors in play when it comes to how we eat. Making a change to diet or lifestyle can be daunting; so much so, in fact, that most of us elect to remain inactive, opting for ease and familiarity rather than challenge or change.

For many, the desire to make a change is rooted in "what things will be like" on the other side. Inaction is the paralyzing fear that the sacrifice, the work, the effort won't be worth it. That we will fail, or worse, miss out on something good -- and that won't be worth it either.

If these worries are holding you back, consider instead the impact of making this change across our entire life. What will making this change mean for you? What will you gain from it?

Do you want to lose 10 pounds? Do you want more energy? Do you want to prevent disease? Do you want to be able to run up the stairs or pick up your kids or finally rid yourself of digestive upset? You can. You just need that ONE CLEAR REASON in mind to push you forward. What will that change mean for you? What will it add to your life? Moments of envy, frustration, doubt, or desire will be far more bearable when we have a big-picture motivator to keep us moving in the direction we intend.

In my practice, I work a great deal with people looking to overcome emotional eating and rebuild their relationship with food. Changing food habits means we need to get in touch with why we eat the way we do. This means considering why we associate certain foods with certain situations, looking at the connection between food and mood, and tuning into the signals our bodies provide. It can be overwhelming. There is a lot of information there, both physically and emotionally. When we start to look closely at our choices – really give ourselves space to think about the choices we make – we begin to find opportunities hidden in our patterns that will permit us to break through. The key is taking a step off the ledge, acknowledging that we wish to make a change, and choosing to actively do so.

Keeping that goal in the forefront provides constant motivation and a rubric against which we can assess our choices: is this in line with where I want to go and who I want to be? Will this choice guide me closer to that goal? Know that you can make any change you want to, and that your reasons for doing so are valid, strong, and impactful.

If you’re looking for a clear place to start, these five ideas may help to stay motivated when it comes to making changes to food:

- identify your trigger foods: these are the things you can't turn down and the ones that usually leave you feeling less than great. Start to make the connection between mind, body, and food.
- find substitutions you enjoy: the more good stuff there is in your diet – and your life in general – the less room there is for the more undesirable stuff. ‘Crowd out’ foods that don’t fuel your body with a variety of ones that do (and ones you enjoy).

- keep your big picture goal in mind: post it somewhere you will see it often (perhaps the wallpaper on your smartphone)
- don't deprive yourself: when you choose to partake in a treat, allow yourself to enjoy it fully. Guilt only exacerbates feelings of deprivation – and that’s not what we’re after! Flexibility and balance will serve you far more effectively.
- surround yourself with people and situations that support you: again, ‘crowd out’ negativity with as much positive energy as you can find. How do these interactions nourish you in ways food cannot?
- be open to new things: embrace adventure and exploration with your food.
- remember that there is not one diet that works for everyone: be open to tapping into your body’s intuition. It will tell you what it needs.

Each time we take action, we must first make a decision. Set that big-picture intention, keep it in mind, and maintain a strong attachment to it to guide the decisions you make. Then let things unfold as they will and revel in how great you feel for doing it.

Amy Height is a holistic health coach, yogi, runner, blogger and sometimes-stage manager living in New York City. She is a huge fan of ethical eating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, working with clients to incorporate good for them/good for the planet practices into each day. She spends much of her free time experimenting in the kitchen, on a constant mission to reestablish her own relationship with food while helping her clients to do the same. She is a contributor to alittlemoregood.com and regularly blogs about food, life and positive things at her website, www.fromthegroundupwellness.com.