Embrace Everything

Embrace Everything.

Last night in yoga our wonderfully inspired and courageous teacher invited us to try something new in our life and embrace everything. Initially this started in our practice but it extends much further off the mat...
So often we are told to just "let it go". If you feel angry/frustrated/basically any negative emotion - we are encouraged to shake it off, remind ourselves of what we can be grateful for and try to just be present in this very moment. And I do believe that is a wonderful goal to achieve that feeling of just being present in your breath and body for that very moment... However if it means we are merely squishing all those negative chitter chatters into the corner of our brains, or bodies for that matter, then is it really productive? 

I guess we have to be honest with ourselves. If we are feeling totally zen and rose coloured glasses then we are lucky to be in the space where we can simply let go and be and enjoy that ride =) But if we are having a cranky pants day as Mum calls it, (and let's face it we all have one at least once a week) then maybe the most loving thing we can do for ourselves is to embrace it. To embrace all our past hurts, to embrace all our past loves, to embrace all our mistakes, to embrace all our achievements. Let's be clear that there is definitely a clear distinction between "embracing" and "sitting in our own crap". We can move from our frustrations to a place of pity and self-loathing or we can move from our frustrations into a place of acceptance by allowing ourselves to feel it, cry, run, whatever and eventually release it. 

Because that is how we move into our own power. 

I have really been relishing my yoga practice of late and I think it is because it is constantly reminding me of how powerful I can be in my own body and mind if I let myself go there. I am at a point in my life where I am starting again from the ground up and  building foundations from new once more- it's scary! By using my physical strength I am able to ground myself and also gain confidence that I can keep moving forward. When life feels rocky I don't uproot and sway frail-like in the wind, I step strongly onto my feet, feel those ups and downs in my body and remind myself that I am strong enough to go through it all.

This also ties hand in hand with a thought I had the other day about goal-setting. At the beginning of every year, I like to read over my previous years goals/intentions/affirmations and then write a new set for the coming year. Many people do this, and also many people feel like it is a load of fluff. Whatever floats your boat =) 
While reading and writing I realised that each goal was a little path of my year's journey. A life goals list should not be a bullet point list that you can tick off week by week. Because those goals that we feel most proud of achieving are the ones with the best back-stories! I could see a thread running between almost every intention I had written and how they all came together to teach me the valuable life lessons I needed to learn last year, and also a few that were still ongoing. I could see how an intention I had written that seemed quite simple at face value actually came up several times over the year so I had the opportunity to really truly embrace that lesson in my body and step forward past it even brighter than before. The Universe served me opportunities that helped me find the confidence in myself to work through what I needed to ultimately embody that intention. Very often, those opportunities may have seemed tough and maybe even unfair but they certainly made me start walking my own talk! 
If you are open to it, I invite you to write out a list of intentions for your 2013 and as your are doing it be kind and gentle to yourself. Don't write "to lose 10kg" if you are just going to berate yourself everytime you eat a cookie =) Instead embrace that you are a fluid being and word it more in a positive and accepting way such as "to see myself as a strong, healthy, fit, and sexy individual". Choose goals that invite you to learn more about yourself and discover all your sides. Take a chance on you!

The need to be... What?

Why do we divide ourselves into a 'new' self and an 'old' self and constantly feel the need to reinvent and restart even better than before? 
Why do we judge our old selves as if they were not good enough and hard to relate to? 
We are all on a journey through this life and as a result are constantly evolving and changing and that is awesome and definitely something to be celebrated but the self we are changing from should be celebrated just as much as that self is who we learn from. And unless we are committing acts against humanity we really have no reason to place a negative label upon ourselves and pressure ourselves to change because of unworthiness. 
It makes me sad and frustrated to feel a division between our evolving selves from the past. Because ultimately we are the same being, right? 
So whether we are a painter or a plumber, 6ft tall or 4ft short, wearing evening gowns or tracksuits we feel the same emotions right? 
Therefore we have no right to beat ourselves up for being either or. No right to judge ourselves for choosing a certain path because we are no greater or no less because of that decision. And that means that we will feel the guilt and hurt we inflict upon ourselves just as much whether we are 4ft or 6ft. We will feel the love and joy of life just as much. Certainly there are times in our lives when we feel the joy or the sadness greater overwhelming one another but I don't believe that is a result of whether we are a painter or a plumber. That is an external circumstance. Those choices come about because of an internal shift. Whether we are enjoying or resenting ourselves in this life is not dependant upon our external circumstances but rather a result of a decision we make to either shift our view on ourselves or our environment. We become healthy and happy not by merely exercising every day and eating salads but because we find a deeper purpose and connection within ourselves to life. We make a decision to contribute to something greater. So we are exercising not to look good in a bikini but instead to have more energy and strength in life to fulfil anything we set our minds to doing. So we can laugh and play with children. So we can walk along the beach and really appreciate the colours of the sunset. So we can wake up each morning with an excitement for everything the day will bring. 

And so, if our 'old' selves are the catalyst for these changes that bring hope and joy, then surely we can't berate and undermine them, because we need them to show us the way into the light. Without them we wouldn't appreciate all that we have achieved. We would have no benchmark. 
So I want to celebrate each and every part of myself. Because I am whole. I am made of dark and light. I am old and new and I accept every part of myself. I truly believe it is so incredibly important for all of us to start acknowledging ourselves. Because when you start talking to yourself with love and care you realise how often you actually do the opposite. Now, more than ever. We are coming into an amazing time and we all need to start seeing ourselves for the amazing human beings we are. Look at yourself in the mirror and send yourself infinite love and gratitude. You will feel silly, guaranteed, I do! But keep saying it, keep telling yourself and eventually you will believe it. Let's bridge the gap between old and new and just choose to accept ourselves today =)

One of my favourite songs, enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUFs_1vKYlY

The world is changing because we are deciding it is changing...

The world is changing because we are deciding it is changing...

It is such an amazing time to be on Earth right now. There is so much going on and around us though that we can become scattered and caught up in it all very easily. And when we hear about all the disasters, riots, and wars in the media we can begin to wonder whether it is such a great world after all and if indeed things are getting better or just worse... But that is merely our perception. What we believe, we see. So if we all start believing and seeing the world as a vibrant, healthy, life giving, and loving place then we will begin to see it that way in reality. I know you are thinking that it can't possibly be that simple and how does that stop war but I believe with every fibre of my being that it is true and I invite you to try taking a hand at creating a new awesome world with me...

We make the decision to change. We make the decision to grow.

All we need to do is open ourselves up to new possibilities. Listen to people from a perspective you never have. Take a different route to work. Try a yoga class, turn your ego off, and let your body surrender to movement. Surprise your friend with a batch of homemade cookies and some flowers.

Because if we open up to new possibilities in our own lives then the world will follow suit. It's the basic law of attraction. What we create, we receive in return. Why do some people flourish in the darkest of situations? Because they believe in the light and that they deserve the very best for themselves. If I could wave my hand and bring peace to war-torn countries I certainly would but there are bigger powers at play and so I decide to at least create a world for myself that is filled with love, gratitude, and acceptance in the hope that that energy begins to spread and reverberate energetically around the whole planet.

Shield yourself from negative people and negative situations. We all get caught up in it from time to time and that is ok because from hardships we learn and grow, but often we unknowingly pick up others negativity which is not conducive to our lives and growth. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable and unworthy, remove them from your life. Make the choice to surround yourself with people, situations, places, and work that supports, nurtures, and encourages you to be the best you can.
Make the choice to fill your home and self with things that will heal and nourish your body and spirit.
Expand your knowledge base and awareness of the earth we are living in and how to support it the best we can. Make a choice to detox your life from the clutter of media, major corporations, and social norms. Create your own way.

How liberating is that =) Let's all inspire each other!

Dear Future Me...

Today as I walked to the train station I thought about writing a letter to my future self, in say, 50 years time. I thought about questions I would ask myself now and what those answers would reveal to my future self, but also what insight they would give to my present state of mind...

- What is the one word you use most often to describe yourself to others? In seemingly passing conversation, do you refer to yourself as "silly", "lazy", "pudgy", "not as good as"... or do you describe yourself as "awake", "energetic", "considerate", "beautiful"...

- What's the first thing you think of when you wake up? The very first instinct when you get out of bed? Do you check in with yourself and calibrate or just rush ahead and go?

- When you step out of the shower, do you look in the mirror at yourself? Do you like what you see?

- What is the one thing you do for yourself that makes you feel grounded and connected to life and everyone in it? When was the last time you did that?

- How often do you physically touch another person? What is your first reaction to when someone hugs you?

- What part of yourself do you try to cover up? Why? No, seriously and honestly, why? What are you afraid of that part showing to the world?

- When was the last time you cried?

- Do you try to emulate a vision of someone else in your own self?

- How does the word 'freedom' make you feel? Is it far away or at your fingertips?

- When was the last time you switched your phone off?

All of these questions, when answered honestly, showed in clear light for me how I was seeing myself at the current moment. Of course they are ever changing, as we are ever changing, but right now what was highlighted for me was my 'self talk'. Why was the first instinct to myself a negative one? When did I step over the fence from love and acceptance of myself into harsh judgement and unreal assumptions?
What am I gaining by feeding these 'not good enough' thoughts into my mind, body, and spirit? Do I realise the impact and consequences having these thoughts has on me and my relationships with others?
So today I will write out some mantras, some words, to remind myself to LOVE above all else. And hopefully I don't have to wait until I'm 80 to see the truth of beauty and love in this life!

A little side note: After writing this post earlier today I was discussing it with a near and dear friend who offered me an alternative view, a pearl of wisdom, and pulled me out of my rabbit hole (isn't that what friends are for?), which was: Why not stop questioning why I am continuously questioning myself  and simply let myself 'be' in the space I am in right now at this very moment. If I am searching to be the best person I can be and eliminate all negative thought forms surely that begins with simply letting go of the why and how and just accepting me now. No questions asked =) Hehe!

International Raw Food Day!!!!

Union Square Farmers Markets in NYC-
the best apples I have EVER tasted!

This Wednesday 11th July is 'International Raw Food Day'! For those of you who know me, I have a strong passion for the raw vegan movement and all its fresh, vibrant produce brimming with life! A wonderful raw vegan advocate is a woman called Karen Knowler who runs a raw food coaching company in the UK. Last year she launched International Raw Food Day and has put out a whole heap of info for people who are interested. The premise is for anyone and everyone to GO RAW for one day, that day being the 11th of July and to see how easy and awesome it actually is! Many people unknowingly consume vegan and raw foods without realising such as guacamole, salsa, fresh juices etc. and her one day guide proves just how easy and yummy it is to embrace even one day of raw food goodness. I really truly encourage you to check out her site and download the go raw for a day guide. And commit to it! It is one day out of your life and if you don't like it at least you tried but hopefully it encourages you to open a new door and maybe this one day extends to one day every week raw vegan...
Here is the link peeps:
http://www.internationalrawfoodday.com/
If you click on the go raw for a day link it should take you straight to an email link for your FREE guide YAY!


If you are still reading and haven't jumped into your car racing red lights to the nearest McDonalds lets talk raw live vegan food a lil bit =)
It has been a step by step journey for me to go raw, as it was a step by step journey for me to go vegan in the years preceding that, and by no means am I exclusively or dogmatically one way of eating - I merely chose this way because I feel good when I do so! I try to listen to my body and respond to it accordingly and I also believe that if a meal is prepared with love by those who serve it to you that is a precious gift. So if someone serves me a food I may not usually prepare for myself but it is handmade with such care, time, and love then I believe that food will still nourish me as I digest those beautiful thoughts that went into its preparation. As such I am not 100% raw because I know that my mindset, being the way it is, if I went 100% one way or another it would come from a competitive and negatively controlling thoughtform as opposed to an all accepting and loving one. So I instead try to focus on the amazing energy eating raw gives me and use that as a guide to choose the meals I do, rather than a set of rules to live by.


If you strip it right back eating your fruits and vegetables mostly in their raw state really does make sense - we want to absorb the most nutrients and life force from everything we intake right? And the shelves of every chemist are packed with vitamin supplements to help us increase that uptake of nutrients even further. So what about if we just eat these amazing vegetables in their freshest form? Surely that means that the most nutrition is intact in that present state? And we can bypass all the extra pills! So by consuming our leafy greens in their brightest green and crispiest form we are giving our bodies the gift of life. We are squeezing as much goodness out of those vegies as we possibly can.

And once you try this - the energy your body receives is amazing. After eating mainly raw for even a few weeks many people feel a huge difference in their energy levels, digestion, they are more alert, the colours of life are more vibrant, and as a result you start to really notice and appreciate all that goes into bringing those foods to your kitchen and table. And it really can't be boring because look at all the amazing colours at your disposal! When you plate up a meal that is filled with reds, purples, greens, and yellows that bounce right off the plate your senses are totally stimulated on all counts!


You don't have to change your whole life in one day, so how about just taking it slow and maybe just adding some fresh leafy greens to your next meal, using zucchini instead of pasta, adding a handful of greens to your smoothie, or chopping up some raw carrots and celery to have with your hommus?
Green leafy vegies in particular are extremely alkalising and you will find that most vegetables in their natural state are also. In opposition, all animal meats, dairy, sugars, processed foods are extremely acidic. And as acidic overload on our systems in known to be the root of many western diseases, it makes sense to add as many alkalising foods as we can to right this imbalance.


If you research raw food on the internet you will find a plethora of raw food recipes that are full of 'superfoods' and 300 cups of nuts, and actually contain very few veggies in them. They have their place too but are overwhelming. Eating raw simply means eating LIVE, so put those recipes aside and simply focus on eating as many LIVE and WHOLEFOODS as you can! Try to choose unprocessed versions of foods and eat as close as possible to it's natural state. Easy right?

California, Green Juice, Sunshine
Loving life =)

Looking in the mirror, what do you see?

We all have those days where you get up and all you feel like wearing is a tracksuit, and then when you are walking down the street in that said tracksuit your brains keeps sending you pictures of yourself in a hessian sack (even if your tracksuit is pink and sparkly...)
When you just feel BLAH - out of touch with your mental self, and most definitely your physical self. You start to doubt your inner and outer beauty and see yourself on a downward spiral. Now for most people this leads to two paths - comfort eating, or restrictive eating. One is used as a means to soothe, calm, and quell those negative voices by making yourself feel special with 'special' foods. The other one is a used as a means to regain control of your life, to pull yourself out of your down space by taking control of your food and thus metaphorically, your life.
For some it is using alcohol or drugs to escape and create a new reality where life is good. Whatever the poison, it is all our mind trying to trick us into 'fixing' the situation, when it was our mind that got us there in the first place!


Why is it that one day you can wake up, look at yourself in the mirror and see a bright, shining, goddess of a woman, and then the very next day see an out of proportion, jaded, and fuzzy version of that same goddess? Logically, we can't have physically changed that extremely in one day but yet our mind projects the image that we have... That in 24 hours we have gained 5kgs and suddenly need to take count of all our sins in the last 2 weeks. If you step back it really doesn't make any sense. And everyone else around you sees you as the same beautiful person you always are. But as our thoughts and minds created the negative body images in the first place, our own thoughts are the only way out - no matter how many reassurances you seek and hear from outside people, until you rewire your own thoughts you will remain jaded.


Sometimes we let outside influences get to us. We pick up a copy of Cosmo and stare aimlessly at the endless pictures of airbrushed woman posing walking a dog down the street. If it took that much effort to get myself ready to walk the dog I would probably never leave the house! But we see these pictures and unconsciously discriminate against ourselves for not fitting the mould. We may be feeling down about a lack of focus or goals in our career and as a result berate and blame our appearance for our downfall.

But I truly, honestly, and genuinely believe that we do not need a certain physicality to succeed in life. I believe in nourishing, nurturing, and respecting my body by feeding it foods filled with life force and love, as well as giving it fresh air and using my muscles as they were built to be used. But that doesn't mean a specific look or build. It means going inside and making choices based on truly wanting the best for our selves as a whole. In loving ourselves so much that we can't help but treat ourselves with joy and goodness! We need to get out of our own heads (myself included!) and see the bigger picture of beauty. It is truly of our own making. Why is it that one person can be attracted to one and not another? Because our mind tells us what we classify as beautiful and what is not. But when we start to remove those classifications and see beauty as universal - in that it extends across merely physicality to the other states of being and life on this planet- we tap into that place of acceptance with ourselves and everyone around us.


If it is so simple as just making the choice to see myself as worthy of being beautiful why don't I just choose that everyday? I don't know, but I really don't see why I shouldn't at the same time!

Fearlessness

Sometimes we lose contact with ourselves. Sometimes we stand slightly a step outside and behind the light. And when that happens everything gets hazy. I noticed the other day that I have created a pattern for myself unconsciously - a cycle of ups and downs no matter where I am in the world. I am sure that in the beginning these were valid feelings that came about because of an actual event but now they seem to appear even without an actual reason. It is habitual and subconsciously it has become my way of operating or coping.These feelings of inadequacy that pull me down don't feel right, when I am there I don't feel like 'Allyce' and I know they are not really apart of my true self.


Because the real Allyce dives in head first. The real Allyce goes off to explore and finds hidden treasures. The real Allyce acknowledges these lower emotions and thought forms and doesn't judge them or get caught up in them but simply observes them as they move through and past her.
But it takes fearlessness to step back into life. Courage to go past the little 'woe is me' voices and jump into the unknown. Remember when you were a kid and you used to run and throw yourself into the pool without even a second thought? How rollerblading down a big hill was exhilarating even if you skated into a tree on the way?


Fearless.

Once you embrace it and feel it, oh man it is an amazing feeling. You can find freedom in your fearlessness. And I guess as always it has to do with surrendering right? Because you have to let go to have the courage to jump in. You have to bypass all those little no voices and take the leap anyway.

And boy I feel like my last couple of years have been all about jumping in the pool headfirst. Moving to live in countries that are out of our comfort zones, being in a job where it is constantly changing and unpredictable, and living away from your nearest and dearest for long amounts of time forces you to spend time with YOU and as a result every little deep dark corner of you as well =)


But if we choose to be fearless in that darkness, if we choose to step out of our little huts and into the great outdoors - wow, see how much there is to find and discover! We will all step outside at some point, but it is up to us how long we want to spend inside before we take that step. Yes of course it is scary, but if you acknowledge that you are scared and that it is unknown then you have already given yourself permission to move past those feelings and find MORE.
So I make the decision to choose simplicity, ease, peace, and most importantly, joy. And to find that I will step outside, off the ledge, and out into the unknown. Fearlessly. Because life is so much simpler when I don't cloud my head with ifs, ands, or buts and peace is found in the release of fear =)
GO!