Molly and the Hoola Monsters

Turning dreams into reality... this project has been a long time coming.  So excited to finally share it :)

Choosing Self Love in Relationships

This morning, my dear friend Shawnee Faye Hunter, inspired me with these words:

"When people choose to talk about other people in a negative way, I have learned not to participate. I understand that they are not happy with themselves or they are jealous of the other person. Either way, I send prayer and love their way, allowing them to open up to their own freedom. (You can do this too, don't fall into the trap). Gossiping is poison and will rip your insides out, then pour them on the ground filling your space with darkness. When you choose to spread rumors, you give up the power you are so worthy of. WAKE UP AND CHOOSE LOVE!!!!!!! YOU ARE WORTHY OF SELF LOVE."

Her message came to me at the perfect time.  Just this week, I cut ties with an individual who I wasn't communicating well with.  I started to notice that I was consistently feeling drained after spending time with this person.  I began to question the reasons why we hung out, until ultimately - the decision to cut ties became crystal clear.

Making the decision to sever a toxic relationship can be tricky.  I like to be liked, and I kept thinking about the circumstances that led to our conflict.  I felt compelled to reach out to this person.  Instead, I handled it in silence...  it was hard.  I'm not usually one to bite my tongue.  I meditated on it and refrained from communicating.  I realized that I am not responsible for what others say and do.  I am, however, fully responsible for my own thoughts, actions and reactions.  For this reason, I am making a conscious effort to be careful with my words.  And like my mom always said, "If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all."  Instead, I silently sent this person positive vibes and well wishes for a happy, healthy life.

Some relationships are toxic, and they can come in the form of friendships, romantic partnerships, business interactions... they can pop up almost anywhere.  Let's love ourselves enough to take notice when a relationship no longer serves us.  Let's refrain from gossip, hateful games, and spreading rumors.  While it can be difficult to cut ties with people who don't align with this mentality, it's for the best. We can send them love and peace and just go our separate ways.  And if we catch ourselves slipping into old patterns, just STOP and choose the positive path.  

I am making a conscious decision to surround myself with like minded people.  My friend circle is a sacred space, and I believe that friendships should be based on love, trust, honesty and mutual respect.

Sending love to you today and well wishes for healthy, honest, loving and fulfilling relationships...

Dreams DO Come True

"My loving truth shines for all to see" - Deepak Chopra

This year, so far,  has been one of massive transformation.  I'm taking notice of thought patterns and belief systems that no longer serve me, and I am replacing them with positive affirmations for the greater good.  Sometimes I slip and forget.  And when that happens, I do my best to identify what new possibilities exist.  Take Facebook, for example:  I'm guilty of posting updates and/ or pictures and then falling into ego-centric loops.  "Is what I said acceptable?" "Do I look ok in that photo?" "Who's commenting and what did they say?"  There have been times when I neglect to be present with the people around me because I'm glued to my phone or computer.  By recognizing these behavior patterns, I am now able to stop them, in the moment, and re-focus my attention.  Being present NOW is a powerful place to be.

Daily meditation keeps me centered, and I've been doing a lot more yoga.  Reading spiritual books such as Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" and "Awakening to a New Earth" have been wildly transformational.  This year, I also completed Gratitude Training (my dad affectionately calls it a love cult)... it was definitely a positive, life changing experience.  Of course, Purium entered my life this year too, and pumping my body full of greens and plant-based goodies is keeping my energy level high.  I start every day with either LOVE or the Power Shake.  I like to blend it with half a banana, almond milk, sprouts and natural peanut butter...  it makes for a powerhouse breakfast, and it's especially helpful on days when I'm entertaining/ teaching lots of kids.

I've had the opportunity to attend food healing workshops, and some long-term changes have been made.  I've been off dairy, processed soy and caffeine for months, and I'm consuming lots of healthy raw, organic, vegan food.  REAL food.  Food that comes from Mother Nature.  I feel energized, clear minded and productive as a result.

New people have entered my life too.  Creative, intelligent, dependable, loving, supportive, amazing people.  People who show up and do whatever it takes to help out.  I'm blown away by their love, support and generosity.  Blair Welcome:  I swear, you are an angel on Earth.  I have so many people to thank and acknowledge, and I can't wait to do so at our DVD release party... stay tuned for details on that  :)

To bring you up to speed:  For a couple of years now, I've dreamed of creating a children's hoop dance DVD.  And it's finally happening!  Production began on Monday, and I couldn't be happier with the way things are coming together.  My business partner and I have a great relationship, and it's been a pleasure working together.  We filmed at two locations on Day 1, and there was a moment that brought me to tears.  I looked around at one point and realized there were more than 50 people on set.  They were all there (family members, friends, students, production team, cast members) supporting my vision and turning my dream into reality.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Lights...  Camera...  Action!

We are heading into a busy few days of filming, and I'm feeling healthy, inspired and loved.  I believe that working with children is part of my life's purpose.  The goal of the DVD is to instill a message of creativity and self confidence, while encouraging kids to follow their dreams.

I also believe that a bright light shines within each and every one of us.  We all have big gifts to share, and when we tap into our creativity and passion, possibilities are endless.

Dreams DO come true!

Transformation Day 10

Beer & Meat Lovers Pizza to Celebrate Success

JUST KIDDING!  I went to see Umphrey's Mcgee at Jannus and afterwards, the boys wanted pizza.  I thought this was the perfect photo opportunity for my Day 10 blog ;)

I'll admit that the pizza smelled good, but the grease running down my arm when I took the picture was reason enough to put it down.  Plus, I'm going on three months without dairy, and I feel good about that.  I'm sure that I'll have a beer from time to time, but I wasn't in the mood last night.  I was feeling naturally energized and high on life.  It was actually really liberating to be at a show and not drink.  I danced... A LOT.

Earlier in the day, I vended my handmade hoops at the Saturday Morning Market. It was Salenna's birthday, and I'm grateful that she chose to spend part of it working with me.  Molly, along with fellow students from my kids class, came to help out also.  The weather was amazing... bright, sunny and perfect for hoop dancing.  We did pretty well in sales too!

Hanging with Miss Molly

So, this is it!  I've finished my 10-Day Transformation.  It went by quickly and felt so much easier than the first time around.  It was important for me to complete the cleanse in excellence, and I DID IT!  I acknowlege myself for that.  I'm also down a solid 12 pounds, from the time Purium entered my life.

Before leaving the market, I stocked up on fresh organic veggies: kale, beets, carrots, sunflower sprouts, onion, and bok choy.  I also picked up some raw local honey, 2 fresh coconuts and pickles (gotta have my pickles).  I came home in time to meditate, take a quick nap, and then get ready for the concert.  I was going strong energy-wise and thinking about all of the changes I've experienced over the past 10 days, as well as my commitement to maintain results.

Organic Veggies from Market

Speaking of making changes and maintenance, I've received some feedback about my cleanse being "hard core," and the word "vegan" seems to be intimidating for some.  Whatever we choose is completely up to us, as individuals.  I choose not to put labels on my way of eating.  I was a carnivore for many years, and then I gradually started to cut out meat.  This was an 8-year process.  I've also gone back and forth between "vegetarian," "pescatarian" (eats fish), and "vegan."  Ultimately, I've decided to eat as clean as possible, and for me, that means no dairy, no processed food, no caffeine, no GMOs, no binders, fillers or preservatives, and no meat (with the exception of wild caught fish, once in a blue moon).

My dad is preparing to do the cleanse, and he has no intention of cutting out meat long-term. I'm certainly not here to pass judgement.  My intention is to raise consciousness about food addictions and unhealthy patterns to support my friends and family in living happy, healthy lives.  I am also committed to leading my example. Listening to our bodies and do what's best for our health and well being is the ultimate goal.  Empowering people to be the best versions of themselves is what I'm here for :)

I'm heading out for lunch with a friend at Leafy Greens, and I'm really excited about it. It will be my first sit down meal in 10 days.  This morning, I had L.O.V.E. blended with beet, carrot, raw honey, apple, a little fresh coconut meat, water and ice.  It kept me going strong until about 2:30 p.m.  The power of greens is amazing.  Here's a great book if you are interested in learning more:

The Green Foods Bible.

Until next time...

Sending Love,
Abby 

Transformation Day 9

The irony of life amazes me.  We think we have things figured out, to a certain extent, and then something happens to shift perspective.  I wrote about happiness last night, and I woke up feeling grungy.  I took my master aminos, as scheduled, and began my guided meditation... There are about 5 minutes of inspirational messaging on each audio file. Today's was all about surrendering the needs of the ego to the needs of the spirit. Ultimately, it was about loving one's self.

As I settled in, something happened... the guided meditation audio file began to skip.  I also forgot to put my phone on silent.  It started ringing just as I was slipping into the zone.  I stayed in meditation, and I let the phone ring.  I was doing my best to stay present, but I was clearly distracted.  Moments later, a very loud motorcycle drove by, and again, my concentration was broken.  I kept bringing my attention back to the experience as best I could.  Towards the end, I had tears streaming down my face, and I wasn't sure why.

I then spoke with my sister on the phone, and the discussion was heated. She thought I was trying to push my views on her, and I thought she wasn't listening.  It's amazing how one thing affects another and so on... I followed up with a compassionate message soon after we hung up, and all is well.

The cleanse has taught me be responsible for the choices I make.  I created the distracting situations this morning.  I brought them into my experience, and now I'm taking a look at that.  I very well could have turned my phone off.  I could have placed my computer on a more stable surface.  And without the first two distractions, maybe I would have been so deep in meditation that I wouldn't have even noticed the motorcycle?

Is it possible that I was avoiding the messages coming through the meditation because it was something I didn't want to hear?  Something I was avoiding?  And I now see that I could have called my sister later in the day, when I wasn't so emotionally charged.

I believe that we are creating every moment of every day.  We always have choices, and when we stay present to those choices, we become conscious creators.  I think we also need to embrace the times when we create things that we don't want.  By looking at them as learning experiences, we grow.  A wise friend once said that breakthroughs come from breakdowns.

The mental benefits of cleansing the body are exponential.  We are breaking old, automatic patterns and this carries over to all areas of our lives.  It's some powerful stuff, and I think the name Transformational Cleanse is spot on.

I went about my day, and food-wise, I was feeling good.  I wasn't hungry, and it took me a while to finish my first Power Shake.  I also managed to pull myself out of the funk.  My friend Shante stopped by, and we hung out for a bit while I worked on hoops for the Saturday Morning Market.  What a perfect way to end my cleanse.  I love that my last day falls on a Saturday when I'm vending at the market. I can't wait to buy organic veggies from Worden Farms.  On my shopping list:  sunflower sprouts, strawberries, local raw honey, kale, zucchini, carrots, romaine lettuce, coconuts, bananas, onions, beets, bok choy, and whatever else looks fresh and amazing.  I'm planning my meals for the upcoming week because I am determined to stay on track.

I just returned home from my weekly gig at Casa Tina's and I'm going to crank out a few more hoops before my 5:30 a.m. wake up call.  I'm coming into the home stretch.  Tomorrow is the big day: weigh in.  I wonder how much weight I've lost?

More tomorrow....  Sending love to you in the meantime.

XOXO,
Abby

Transformation Day 8

"Think peace. Think love. Read good books. Watch funny movies.  Surround yourself with positive people." - Dr. Mike Wohlfeld (Naturopathic Doctor)

Studies show that the happiest people are also the healthiest.  This  may explain why I've been running around like a kid and smiling non-stop over the past few days.

I had an amazing day, starting with morning meditation.  I then had some inspirational meetings, to connect with friends and keep the creative juices flowing.  I worked on hoops after that and returned customer emails before heading out to teach. My kindergarten and first grade group had lots of questions about my green drink, and they wanted to take turns using the blender bottle.  This led to a discussion on healthy eating, and I was actually really impressed with their level of awareness.

I gave up caffeine after my first 10-Day Transformation, and I have more energy than ever before.  It's a different kind of energy, too.  It's not the rapid heart beat/ fast crash kind, like I used to experience after two cups of coffee in the morning.  This energy is pure and sustained.  It feels amazing.

The transformation I'm experiencing with the cleanse is not just physical, either. By fueling our bodies with whole, nutrient-dense food, we fill ourselves with joy.  And that joy spreads when we interact with others.

I had a great conversation with my friend Heather today.  She's on Day 1 of her cleanse, and I'm so proud of her.  She's in the right frame of mind and is totally committed to creating amazing results.  I'm excited for her.  I also encouraged her jot down questions and take full advantage of her call with Dr. Mike.  Purium is the only health company I know of that offers free advice from a Naturopathic Doctor, as well as $50 gift cards for first-time customers.

Another benefit is the fact that there are no binders, fillers or additives in any of Purium's products.  I did some research about that, and I'm now determined to make sure that my food is as clean as possible... including spices and seasonings.  From now on, I'm checking labels to make sure there's no bleach and no processing.  I learned that good salt has color due to naturally occuring minerals.

Education is key.  The Purium website offers so many great articles and educational tools.  I'm also flipping through my books and researching recipes on a daily basis...  here are a few of my favorites.  And if anyone has raw "uncook" book suggestions, please share :)

In closing, today was a breeze.  No cravings. No hunger pains.  Just pure positive energy and joy.  Only two days left of my cleanse...  it's a little bittersweet.

Sending love & light your way,
Abby

Transformation Day 7

In many spiritual traditions, fasting (or cleansing the body) is considered a sacred practice.  In fact, almost all nations and religions incorporate some form of fasting.  The link to food and temptation can be seen throughout history.  It's been said, that by practicing a regimented cleanse or fast, we can rise above the level of the body and matter to connect with our inner wisdom.  This is definitely one of the reasons I've embarked on this 10-Day journey.

I've realized my power in the resistance to temptation.  I see that I'm capable and deserving of great health, and my body is now thanking me for it.  I feel like I'm falling in love, and I'm embracing my self worth.  My eyes are clear.  My mind is sharp. I like the way I look.  My heart is full.  These gifts are well worth a few days of discomfort...

There's a transitional period when the body clears itself of toxins.  I'm drinking the same Power Shake that I drank on Day 1, but it tastes different to me now because my body is no longer acidic.  It's clean and healthy, and I love the energy and taste of my greens. The Power Shake sounds way more appealing to me than a bag of chips, and that's the absolute truth.  I now relate food to feeling and energy. You are what you eat. I get it now. 

I remember what it feels like to drink too much and then pig out on greasy food the next day.  I'm not interested in that anymore.  That's not to say that I won't enjoy a glass of wine with friends.  The difference is that I now listen to my body, and I don't intend to overdo it.  However, if it happens, I will forgive myself and get right back on track. As long as we do our best, there's no reason to feel bad.

Meditation is an important part of my transformation.  I've written about it often over the past few days, and today, I'll explain why...

For many years, I've been using the phrase "movement meditation" and "flow" in relation to hoop dance, and its many benefits.   Flow is a transcendent state of being where we have a tendency to lose sense of time and be completely absorbed in the experience.  It happens other ways too (writing, creating art, playing music, sailing and practicing yoga, to name a few).  While movement meditation is where I discovered flow and freedom, silent meditation was foreign to me until recently.  

I started experimenting with silent and guided meditation about three months ago, and it's become an extremely important daily ritual.  At first, it was difficult.  I was distracted by my thoughts, and I had trouble staying present.  But, like most things, the more we practice, the easier it gets.  This is directly related to the cleanse experience in that the first few days were the most difficult.  And with focused intention and commitment, breakthroughs come.  I had a few days of discomfort, and then I broke the cravings, and it became easy.

I believe that meditation is one of the most important healing tools on the planet.  Inner wisdom lives in each of us, and it can be found in the stillness.  After meditation, I feel refreshed and open to unlimited possibilities.  I feel like I can be, do, or have anything that I imagine.

And today, I choose to have great health.  I also intend to maintain my results.  I still haven't weighed myself, because weight loss is not my primary motivation.  My "skinny jeans" are now loose on me, though, and it feels good.  I will weigh in on Day 10.  Meanwhile, I'm getting laser focused on what my eating will be like when I come off of the cleanse.  I love being a vendor at the Saturday Morning Market, and I definitely look forward to picking up fresh organic whole foods this weekend... I especially miss my sunflower sprouts :)

I'll start each day with L.O.V.E.  Lunch will be some kind of delicious salad, with lots of fresh veggies like peppers, sprouts, and avocado.  I'll pop a few Master Aminos before my workouts, to build muscle and increase energy.  I'm thinking squash with quinoa, bean salads, homemade soups, roasted veggies and lettuce wraps are all great options for dinner.  Snacks will be things like fresh fruit, raw cashews, cucumbers with almond butter and carrots with hummus.  And I'm definitely sticking with the Apothe Cherry before bed.

I look forward to experimenting with raw vegan recipes too.  I keep hearing about Vida de Cafe, and I can't wait to try it.  Their menu looks amazing.

So, as I bring Day 7 to a close, I am grateful for today.  I'm feeling inspired and motivated to continue on this path.  I also look forward to supporting family members and friends who are interested in taking their health on in this way too.  If you are one of these people, feel free to send me a message and let me know how I can support you.

Sending love your way,
Abby