The older I get, the more I crave balance. Ecstatic pleasure, joy and happiness are always great, but too much of a good thing is exhausting! And I’ve had enough stress, frustration, loss and sadness for my liking. I have come to realize, however, both of these polar opposite ranges of emotions are the very threads of the tapestry of our lives and finding the muted, soft, blending colors of my life is what I most crave these days. I used to always say I was content….being content. That can get boring….so we do need the highs and lows (and they are inevitable), but finding and residing in that comfortable space in-between, is what I lean into most these days.

Whether its my diet, my workouts, my social life, my digital intake…..ALL of it needs balancing and sometimes requires a complete detox and a fresh restart. Since my autoimmune diagnosis in 2017, I have maintained, for the most part, a much more mindful and healthier lifestyle. That being said, I often find myself riding, and maybe even pushing the limits of what I’ve learned through continuous research, experimentation and adjusting the healthiest options are for me, based on how my body feels and how well my energy levels are maintained. I have become very intuned with my body, mind and energy and have been fully medically supported by my Neurologist who still monitors me annually. I am currently four years in remission with very little “signs/symptoms”, most, if not all, I feel could just be related to the natural aging process.

After my auto-immune diagnosis in 2017 (which has halted with a holistic lifestyle) I experimented with several “diets”. I found what works best for me is a whole foods diet (aiming for grass fed animal products and avoiding gmos, processed and modified foods, as much as one can). I now think of my “diet” as nutritional fuel that runs my body, aiming for anti-inflammatory support, micro-nutrients, complete protein, fats and fiber with a heavy focus on brain and nerve health. I obviously leave room for being a social being….hence a need for detox to re-balance periodically, but I have also learned to love the foods that fuel me and actually crave them. And I actually love cooking, so I’m constantly creating new ways to incorporate nutrition into every meal.

I recently streamlined my supplements and have a pretty consistent routine that is serving me well physically and energetically. I have planned an in-depth blood panel in the next few months, as I have never had one, other than what our insurances allows through regular physician visits, which doesn’t dive into complete nutrition and deficiencies, inflammation markers, and hormones, all of which are important. I have modified my supplements over the years, started new ones and discontinued others. I’ve often taken breaks from certain supplements to see if (or what) I notice and then navigate from there. At the moment, at almost 59. I’m feeling pretty healthy and optimized….so I am anxious to see what my blood tests show.

My digital intake is always in need of detox. For years, I claimed “I don’t watch series, I don’t watch tv”. That was only true for a short stint, while I was studying hard to complete my yoga and breathwork training. The last couple years….I’ve watched (and admittedly loved) more than a few series, podcasts, and junk tv…..and often find myself scrolling for the next fix. I often fall asleep with something playing, and god knows what my subconscious is being fed. When I start to feel overwhelmed, stressed or super self-critical, I know it’s time get off social media and turn off the television and give my nervous system a refresh. Sometimes I misplace my phone and panic for a quick second and then just enjoy NOT having it lol. I love those moments. I love my music on my daily walks, but somedays just the sound of nature and the birds is what I need. When I sleep in complete dark and silence….and I have found I always wake so much more refreshed and even energized.

My yoga practice has been at its peak and been nil’ over the past few years. I recently signed up for a mobility course have been re-inspired, have been more consistent with my own practice and bringing more functional and intuitive approach to my teachings. My favorite personal practice is to turn on whatever music (or podcast/show I’m in the mood for) or, again sometimes just silence, closing my eyes, connecting to my breath, slowing and breathing deeper and tuning inward and feeling what my body is asking for. If we close off to the noise outside and enter our body consciously and intentionally, it knows what it needs and moving in that flow is a feeling I haven’t experienced before in any physical workout. I have experienced greater mobility, strength, balance and getting lost in time with a much deeper connection with myself and my place here on earth, and ultimately a greater connection with Spirit. Universe. God.

So, when the noise and the feelings get too heavy, or my energy starts feeling stagnant or negative…..that’s my signal to renavigate. Change course. Do a detox cleanse. Feed my cells a nourishing meal. Turn off the television, put down the phone, get outside and reconnect with nature. Move my body. Sweat. Write. Somewhere, somehow……all the time. It’s what grounds me. It’s what keeps me moving toward my next goal. It’s not always easy, but it is easier when I listen to my body and treat her like she’s asking for.

If you’re looking for more energy, more focus or a little renewal… reach out! My passion is sharing these practices and helping other feel their very best.

Namaste, Cindy

p.s. my favorite yoga pose for balance: Tree pose, in Sanskrit ~ Vrksasana

• Improves balance.
• Opens the hips.
• Strengthens the ankles, legs and spine.
• Lengthens the spine.
• Improves focus / concentration.