I can’t believe it’s been over 3 weeks of following the Primal BluePrint diet. I love it and feel amazing! :) My weight is down 13 lbs and I have another 8 days to go in my challenge. The weight has fluctuated up and down on the scale which is okay. I know it’s more about inches, strength and energy levels. I’m happy to report there has been progress in all of these areas. I’m down an inch and a half on my waist and nearly 2 inches on my hips. :) I will have a full report with pictures at the end of day 30!
In studying for my Nutrition and Wellness course I have become more intrigued with wanting to learn more about Yoga, meditation and various relaxation techniques. My life has been very chaotic with work, taking care of the family, and studying that lately I have been feeling a little stressed out. I also realize that I tend to focus more on the future instead of being present in the “now”. I tend to drift to the past and beat myself up over past mistakes. I’m reading two books at the moment which are helping me out a great deal. The first one is Eckhart Tolle’s – The Power of Now. The second book is “The Mindfulness Solution. Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems” by Ronald D. Siegel. I’m fresh into these books but they are already presenting me with ideas and techniques to help lower my stress levels and appreciate the “now”. No more “I will be happy when I get, x, y or z” or “I will be happy when I do x, y and z.” Appreciate today for what it is and live like there is no tomorrow. In terms of weight loss I think this is a very critical message. I know for myself I used to think and believe that I wouldn’t be happy or appreciate my body until I saw a certain number on the scale or could fit into a certain size. I wouldn’t buy nice clothing until I hit that spot. Why should we put off feeling our best NOW? We are alive today and we should appreciate what we have today. We should love and care for ourselves every day! Don’t put things off until tomorrow that you can accomplish today. Love yourself today. :)
Anyhow, I will be blogging more about this on a regular basis and hope everyone will enjoy following my progress. I don’t want to sound preachy as I know it’s not for everyone. I just find it’s already helping me out a great deal and I’m a happier person because of it.
I hope everyone is doing well. I promise to blog more later!
Labels: Books, Nutrition and Wellness
Looking forward to hearing more about both books :) Totally agree about trying to shift the mindset about "I will be happy when x" or "I won't buy any new clothes until x" --- definitely how my mind worked too, and yet I never reached the point. I think there's something to be said for balancing things out and enjoying now (while still acknowledging the past and planning for the future).
Some good stuff coming your way Kimmy. There isn't a future or a past, there is only now (now has an understanding of the past and future). And, it isn't about having it all now, it is about just being now. Eventually you want less and less and find more and more in that less-ness.
I suggest you check out Mairi Campbell's yoga classes in Montague. She is one of the finest yogis around and she'll be starting a new session the first week of May. I also teach yoga 3x/week and lead a QiGong practice group. There are many excellent yogis on the island.
When you're finished with Tolle you might want to check out Pema Chodron's work.
Thanks Wendy :) I'm on the waiting list with Mairi Campbell! I'm hoping to try a few classes before my jaw surgery on the first. :)
Can a beginner join your classes in town? Where is your QiGong practice group classes held?
Wow, 13 pounds! I have only lost 4 pounds on my primal journey (17 days in), and I seem to have really stalled this week--and I have no idea why. I am of course having my slip ups, so I'm sure that has something to do with it, but they aren't frequent! (Ok, I had Taco Bell on Tuesday. It was calling my name!) You don't look like you have much to lose, so how did you possibly lose 13 pounds??
Yoga is amazing. I want to start doing Crossfit, but in the meantime Yoga is my main form of strengthening exercise. I too have The Power of Now (next book to be read) and I think being present and mindfullness are really helped by the practice of yoga.
I started working at Lifetime Fitness in March and find it to be more than just a gym. Many people have started joining this gym recently, and it has become the new "trend" in my area. From seniors to teens to young children, Lifetime Fitness has become a major center for not only working out but for a sense of a community. Although there may not be a sense of community within actual neighborhoods or subdivisions, places like these allow for people to come together and feel that sense of belonging in the community and get to know more people. Lifetime Fitness allows for people to individually workout if they want or have several group activities and events to bring groups of people together.Group Fitness classes are very motivational and give people the feeling that there are others there with them with the same goal in mind.