Songs to get you hyped for Spring!
Want more? Check out EAT STRETCH NAP Founder Cat Aldana's Spotify below and sign up for our weekly newsletter for playlists delivered to your inbox!
Listen now!
Songs to get you hyped for Spring!
Want more? Check out EAT STRETCH NAP Founder Cat Aldana's Spotify below and sign up for our weekly newsletter for playlists delivered to your inbox!
Listen now!
by vpk® by Maharishi Ayurveda
For many of us, it can be difficult to unwind — especially after a long day of answering emails, attending meetings, taking phone calls, taking care of kids or pets, and battling traffic on the way to and from our jobs. Finding the “off” switch once we enter our personal sanctum — home, at the end of the day, can be challenging.
The advent of technology and electronics that multitask our schedules is great in one way: they provide some efficiency and ease in checking off those ever-increasing priorities from our to-do lists. However, they can also spur a disconnect between mind/body/spirit, and potentially aggravate Vata and Pitta — turning us into scattered, unfocused versions of ourselves (especially in the all-but-inevitable event that something digitally malfunctions!).
To counteract this chaos, we can integrate a balancing Ayurvedic Evening Routine. It's an invaluable practice after a busy day. New routines can be challenging to integrate and maintain, so try not to get overwhelmed — that would defeat the purpose. We can stay flexible and take it easy, integrating each practice step by step until we’ve developed a balance that feels right. The goal is to relax and recharge, not do more than we comfortably can, so just take it slow.
Click here to read the rest of this article on creating an evening routine to unwind + recharge.
Akasha is the Sanskrit word for “ether” - one of the five elements. The Akashic Records are an energetic database where all past, present, and future possibilities are held. An Akashic Record Reading is a soul reading - it’s a prayerful process of tapping into the Akash to access your soul’s unique vibration, history and purpose.
Here is a message from the Akashic Records to help support you during the current Full Moon in Virgo. Full Moons are a great time for gratitude, reflection + appreciation of what’s present and true for you in this moment.
Enjoy!
xx
Cat
You don’t have to do it all alone.
“Stop.”
“Take a deep breath.”
“Cherish the moment…”
These are all things you hear and say you’ll do,
But find it to be too simple to work.
Simple works.
Enjoy the simple things,
And watch your life become a miracle.
Sing.
Laugh.
Dance.
Play.
That’s all there is to do anyway.
Through my deep, personal practice of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, I am able to access the Akashic Records easily and with clarity. Being able to quiet my mind enough to do something like this is why I’m so passionate about leading EAT STRETCH NAP Retreats! We are capable of so much internal wisdom and knowledge, it’s up to us to uncover it. If getting an Akashic Record Reading done is something you’re curious about, email me at cat@eatstretchnap.com and let’s talk! Or you can book a session with me here.
by Rachel Helfferich EAT STRETCH NAP™ Contributor // Chicago // everglownutrition.com
How much time do you spend worrying about the future, or stuck in the past?
Do you spend all day in your head, without connecting to your body + listening to its needs?
Raise your hand if this is you! (Trust me, I’m human + get caught in this cycle, too.)
However, not being present is a dangerous cycle that hinders our body awareness, increases stress + can be exhausting. A simple way you can practice being more present is by connecting with your body.
Here are 5 strategies to cultivate more present moment awareness by anchoring into your body.
My therapist once shared this with me + it really stuck. Each time you open a door + enter a new space, silently repeat this mantra to yourself: “I am responsible for the energy I bring into this room.” Observe how this brings your awareness back to your body in the here + now.
This isn’t about exercise to burn calories or fit into last year’s jeans. This is about movement with a focus on what feels good to you. Maybe it’s cycling to your favorite music + feeling the strength of your legs. Maybe it’s paying attention to your feet on the ground as you walk home. Perhaps it’s treating yourself to a restorative yoga class. Whatever you choose, pay attention to how your body feels in movement.
Take a hot bath or shower, lather yourself with lotion, + wrap yourself up in a cozy robe or blanket. Slow down for each of these practices. Pay attention to the warmth of the water, the softness of your skin, + the texture of the blanket wrapped around your body.
Of course, I had to mention mindful eating! Since we eat multiple times a day, this is a no-fail strategy. Next time you eat, pay attention to the first bite, middle bite, + last bite of food. Engage all senses + pay attention to the full flavor, texture, + mouthfeel of food.
Before bed, allow time for head-to-toe relaxation in the form of a body scan. Gently move your awareness along each part of your body, noticing the full-spectrum of sensations. Release tension from your muscles + send breath to the areas in need of extra attention. Download this audio recording to try it for yourself!
What strategies stand out to you?
Choose one to practice today. Enjoy a greater feeling of connection to your body + the present moment.
Want an email reminder on how to be more mindful each week, sign up for the Cat List + get an email every Thursday with playlists, pep talks + ways to be more mindful. Sign up here.
For more by Rachel, visit everglownutrition or follow her @everglownutrition on Instagram!
A smooth, soulful playlist to help you create your at-home yoga practice or chill at home on Sunday to. This blissful playlist will allow you to be fully immersed in the present moment.
Want more? Check out EAT STRETCH NAP Founder Cat Aldana's Spotify below and sign up for the next Sunday Stretch at Ace Hotel Chicago.
Listen now!