Breathe and be happy

We humans have anywhere from 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day.  But according to some research, as many as 98 percent of them are exactly the same as we had the day before.  That's where meditation comes in.  It has nothing to do with being "new age" or anything like that, it's just pure facts that with meditation you get to observe your thoughts.  I like to start my yoga classes with a light meditation, it shows that even two to five minutes make a huge difference in a practice and setting a nice intention for the asanas.  Teaching my yogis that they can do this anytime and it's the best way to start the day.

A few minutes is all that it takes.  I like to do this in the morning as soon as I wake up, and when I don't, I see a huge difference in my day.  So I sit at the edge of my bed, make sure that I'm relaxed and comfortable, sometimes still having my blanket over me.  I gently close my eyes, and take a nice long deep breath.  I put a slight smile on my face and say to myself "today I will have a great day and I will be of service and be productive", or "Everyday and in every way I'm getting better and better", or "Today will be the greatest day of my life and I will find many things that make me laugh and smile".... You get the point, and feel free to create your own intentions for your meditation practice and day.  So just this simple thought and breath you are changing the flow of the day.  You actually start seeing experiences that make you happy and naturally more relaxed.  Of course the more you do it the better things get.

So sit, smile, and breathe.  Instead of being your thoughts observe your thoughts.  Notice how your body is feeling and know that you are a creator and are a beautiful powerful person.

When you get deeper into the practice you can incorporate some visualization techniques and focus on your desires.  Ask for what you want.  Know that this is already happening. You are in charge.  You don't have to know how this will come about, but use the visuals, feelings and thoughts you have about having it will bring all the answers.  Strengthen your rich brain.  By rich brain I mean use it for positivity, good feelings and success in all aspects. You have one life and you deserve to feel great.  Start your morning right and be in the moment.  Notice the difference.

Namaste,

Michaela

Believe and Receive.. more than you could ever imagine

All the things you want are already in you.  When you bring your attention to these things (in meditation) and attach a good positive feeling to it and release it into the universe everything shifts.  Those things that you are wishing for start showing up in your life, or bring you towards them through different circumstances.  Since you are connecting to that thought, that single step, is showing you that you are ready to receive.  Now of course all the things that we wish for have to be believable and achiavable, but don't  limit your self.  Sometimes better things come to you, things that you couldn't even imagine because experiencing what you wanted is so much better than just imagining it.  Believe in miracles.  You are a miracle.  Believe in yourself.

Connect to yourself with meditation.  Find a few minutes in the day, preferably as you wake up and just focus on your breath.  Take beautiful long breaths and smile and know that you will have a wonderful day ahead.  Send love and gratitude into your day.  When you connect like this, believe me when I say, you will notice amazing changes in your day (life).

Im off to have an amazing day my self... Happy Holidays everyone. This is the season to wish and believe.

My handsome nephew with Santa.  

Merry Christmas my loves!! 

With love, 

Michaela

My Inspirations

During my lovely journey I have came across amazing mentors and positive guides.  I want to share with you who they are so you can be enriched by their wisdom and tips.  I reccomend looking them up and seeing what catches your eye.  Follow your inner guidance, whether it is reading a certain book or coming across a certain website or a youtube video.

Gabrielle Bernstein- Inspiration for women.  Meditations. Herfuture.com 

Tony Robins- I love his powerful speeches

Abraham and Esther Hicks- A beautiful couple helping millions with Law of Attraction

Rhonda Byrne- The Secret

Don Miguel Ruiz- The Four Agreements- A practical guide to personal freedom (book)

Kelly Howell- Manifesteverythingnow.com

I am thankful for these wonderful people who continuously inspire me.  

Namaste

Life Happens

We all get busy and sometimes loose track of ourselves.  We don't work out as much, or eat healthy the way we should, or just simply don't take time for ourselves.  It's a part of life and fortunately it is not the end of the world (even though we think it is).  Maybe it's the optimist in me, but it's also being realistic.  We can be so hard on ourselves at times, but we all know our limit.  When we reach that limit it's time to get to the real YOU back.  This happens eventually and when it does all you need is a few shifts and you can get on the right track.

First off, forgive your self.  Actually take a moment for your self, take a deep breath, close your eyes and have a gentle conversation with your self.  We all do it, but most times it's not the right conversations.  In the process of forgiving and letting go, we make space in us for thoughts that serve us and guide us towards a better life.  Every big goal starts with little steps, making it easier each time you move forward.

Here is a few things I do everyday that ensure I feel my best....

- Wake up with gratitude
- Read something uplifting
- Listen to something educational
- Do a form of meditation... observing the thoughts
- Being compassionate with myself and others
- Helping out whenever I can
- Eat fruits and veggies
- Stay active (walking, jogging, yoga)
- Write
- Dress for the occasion and feel great
- Relax

Positive life starts from within.  I promise you once you take care of your mind and body, everything will be wonderful.

Xoxo,
Michaela

Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Butter

I have been in love with coconut oil for quite some time.  I love anything beneficial for your health and has multiple purposes.  Coconut oil is one of those things, and is always on my top ten things I need in my pantry.  You can use it for beauty care (hair oil, body oil, cuticle cream....), cooking, baking, I put it in smoothies.  I make the best chocolates using coconut oil (instead of butter/dairy) and they taste divine!!   

Coconut oil contains absolutely no trans fats. Although many people mistakenly believe coconut oil is dangerous to health due to its saturated fat content, close to two-thirds of its saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are actually health promoting and they are antimicrobial, easily digested for quick energy, and beneficial to the immune system.

Since I like to experiment with yummy vegan dishes, I have seen that a few recipes call for coconut butter.  So on my trip to Whole Foods I picked some up.  I have not tried it yet but have looked it up and found nothing but great reviews.  This week I'll try to make my chocolates with that.  

Coconut oil is JUST the oil that is extracted from the meat.

Coconut butter is the whole meat of the coconut pureed into a creamy butter.Coconut meat (by nature) is approximately 65% oil.

Most likely you can find both of these in your health food stores, or stores such as Whole Foods.  If you don't have those around you, you can order them online.  Sometimes you can get a better deal that way.  

Nourish your body and you will live a happier life. I hope you have a wonderful and vibrant day!! 

XoXo, 

Michaela

Halloween 2013

What a fun Halloween this year.  I love anything vintage, and totally enjoyed dressing up in 1920's costume.  It's so elegant and luxurious, it's totally my thing. I actually wouldn't mind dressing up like this a few times a month.  I love the headpieces, make-up, dresses and pearls.  I say don't wait for Halloween for a chance to dress up,  once in a while it is fun to add fun pieces to your everyday wear that give you a certain feeling (sexy, flirty, fun).  Experiment, enjoy life and make it exciting and full of laughs.     Hope you had a Happy Halloween too!!!

Walk with a purpose

I love to walk.  I sometimes wish I loved to run as much as I like walking, but I came to peace with the fact that I'm not into running.  With that said, I don't force myself to run, unless of course I get inspired to jog like a half a mile and continue walking the rest of the way.  On average, I walk 3-4 miles, three days a week.  I have my favorite spots that I frequent, but I'm open to new places as well.

Today's post is about not just walking, but walking with a purpose.  As much as music inspires my life, I prefer to listen to podcasts, meditations, lectures and other conversations that interest me.  For example, I listened to an interview about how to forgive and let go of "things" or energy that doesn't serve you anymore.  Listening to it made me put my thoughts and energy into motion and I literally felt like I was leaving all the negative stuff behind and walking towards a better life.  I am a very happy, positive person but I still find that I constantly have to work at that.  With time, things get easier and I accomplish being happy faster than when I started my journey a few years ago.  The thought of that puts a smile on my face, knowing I have so many amazing things and experiences to look forward to.

I focused on walking towards my future, having a successful career and a smooth move to NYC. It only took me a half hour but I already feel so much better about my decisions.  Now will I have to go out there and walk with my thoughts some more? Of course, but I'll do it gladly.

Every action that you do, make sure you do it with a positive attitude... You will receive so much in return.  Namaste everyone.

XoXo,
Michaela

Welcome to LifestyleForGood

I am thrilled to share all the things that thrill me, keep me motivated and most of all keep me healthy and full of love.  As I sit here in Barnes & Noble, thinking about how to go about this blog I realize that I want this to be a simple joyous experience for myself and the reader.  I breathe in love, and breathe out love.

Have a fantastic day everyone!!

xoxo,
Michaela

Meditation before going to bed.

Tonight I am grateful for tomorrow.

As I fall asleep tonight, I will focus on appreciating what tomorrow has in store for me.  I will let go of any attachments to expectations I have for myself, and surrender to the moment.  I smile as I feel and think these thoughts.  All is well.  Everyday and in every way I am better and better, and so it is.

Sweet Dreams!!