Wellness tips, recipes, special events and more!
Happy New Year!
Like me, I’m sure you’re hoping the year ahead will be your best to date. The start of a new year is often a time when we start to think about how we can make it different and better than the year before.
Some events that take place during the year we cannot choose or control – they are not under our circle of influence, they just happen. However, we do have a circle of influence and can exercise choice in planning and creating our thoughts and energy so our new year manifests in a positive and rewarding way. Have you started your new year’s thinking? What does it encompass?
Emotions matter
One very important thing that can make a difference in the new year is taking care of your emotions. Why? We are all emotional beings and when we take care of our emotional baggage we feel nurtured, empowered and energized to command our lives and we feel a deeper sense of control, joy, fulfillment and balance. Not being in touch with our emotions is not being able to manifest to our true power. So how do we connect with our emotions and take care of them? This calls for ‘Manipura activation’.
Activating our Manipura
Manipura is our third primary chakra. It is believed to be our emotional center and our center of power. So, how do we go about activating our Manipura? Let’s start by focusing on what we can influence in our lives to support our emotional expression and create the energy we need for the New Year. Here are some suggestions:
1. Create personal power through thoughts
Thoughts are a form of energy. To plan for a positive 2016, we need to engage in positive thoughts around health, joy, happiness, compassion, wealth and success.
Positive thinking leads to more positive experiences in life whilst negative thinking leads to negative events and sets the scene for innumerous health issues.
A great book to read at the beginning of this year is “It’s the thought that counts: why mind over matter really works” by David R. Hamilton PhD.
2. Let go
Feelings of anger, bitterness and disappointment with self and others are often easy to hold on to but ultimately, such emotions create negative vibrations in our minds, bodies and all our tissues. Diseases involving the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and intestines are just a few signs that manifest when we hold on to negative energy. The works of Louise L. Hay and Alicia Rocco depict how our emotions can affect our bodies and health. It is imperative that we address our emotional states in order to improve our overall health.
Letting go takes effort and commitment. Working with Affirmations and therapies such as Bach Flowers Remedies, Essential Oils and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can help you to tap into your subconscious mind and release old emotions that are holding you back.
3. Find peace within
Often, our happiness and contentment in life is empowered to others. We live on emotional roller-coasters. When others are well, we are well. When others are unwell, we are unwell. How much power do we want to give way? How much can your heart, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and other critical organs endure emotional instabilities?
Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation techniques can help you be present and aware of events – as you still want to live plentifully – but in such a way that you observe rather than engage unnecessarily. This will help you to preserve your wellbeing and personal energy.
Peace lies within you, you just need to find it.
Remember, thoughts are a form of energy and the energy you send to the universe is the energy you get back. Set yourself up for success and let the universe support you to fulfil your wishes. Nurture positive and pure thoughts, nurture your emotions, and increase your chances of a more balanced and fulfilling 2016.
My heartfelt wishes that you create a peaceful and more balanced life in 2016!
Recipe of the Month
Our emotions and energy levels are highly impacted by our food. ‘Heaty’ foods (hot in nature) can generate fire in our system and our liver (the organ where we store our emotions) and produce intense emotions such as anger, irritability and anxiety.
Hidden food intolerances are known to have the same effect on the body, according to research published by the Food Intolerance Network, a community of over 11,000 members worldwide.
It is important, therefore, to choose the right food to balance your emotional state.
This healthy recipe uses almond milk – a homemade lactose-free milk alternative that boasts fewer calories than other milks (if unsweetened), and is free of cholesterol and saturated fats. Coupled with Superfoods such as Goji berries – lauded for replenishing the body when it is tired or stressed – this delicious treat will leave you feeling balanced and high on positive energy!
ALMOND MILK WITH GOJI BERRY TWIST
What you need
1 cup of almonds (soaked 8-12 hours, or overnight)
2-3 pieces of soft medjool dates (pitted and soaked for 15min)
½ banana
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of soft goji berry (soaked for 15min)
Pinch high mineral raw salt
3 cups high quality mineral water
Method
Step 1- Almond Milk – In a high-speed blender, blend the almonds and water to prepare the almond milk.
Using a nut milk bag, or fine strainer over a bowl, pour out the almond milk. If using a nut milk bag (highly recommended), squeeze the bag gently until most of the milk is in the bowl and you are left with the almond pulp in the bag. Reserve the pulp.
Step 2- Goji Berry Twist – In a high-speed blender, blend the almond milk and remaining ingredients. There is no need to strain again, unless you would prefer not to have residuals of dates and goji berries in your drink.
What do you do with the leftover almond pulp? Get creative, that’s what! Either add it to your salad or mix it in with a little olive oil, oregano and himalayan salt and enjoy a delectable dairy-free cheese.
Enjoy, invite friends to join you, and here’s to your health!
January Events
25 January Kirtan at Alive Wellness
Monthly devotional Kirtan sessions where voices unite for powerful healing to take place. Together we help our body soothe and release emotions through the powerful sounds produced by ancient sacred mantras.
Manipura in the Media
SCMP: Male work-life balance
Men feel pressured to show commitment to their work: How Hong Kong dads battle to balance work and family. Cristina highlights the importance of supporting fathers in their quest for work-life integration.
Ignition Coaching: A step closer to work-life integration
If you recognize the need to achieve positive work-life integration in your life, start with three simple steps this New Year. Cristina offers guidance to support a healthier, happier lifestyle.