Your Daily Dose of Chi is a lifestyle blog that provides resources for anything pertaining to health and wellness with an added benefit of encouraging spiritual growth. My desire is for this information to transcend all boundaries and be accessible to all.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Yoga pose of the day!
Friday, July 15, 2011
TGIF: Thank GOD it's Friday!
Are you in acceptance of the things you cannot change? Are you tapping into the courage that resides within you to change the things that are actually in your control? Finally, are you utilizing the wisdom that you have so that you know the difference?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
My eco-find of the week!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Random personal training info that's good for you...
Self-myofascial release is a stretching technique that focuses on the neural system and fascial system in the body (or, the fibrous tissue that surrounds and separates muscle tissue). By applying gentle force to an adhesion or "knot," the elastic muscle fibers are altered from a bundled position (that causes the adhesion) into a straighter alignment with the direction of the muscle or fascia.
When I "foam rolled" the "knots" I found on/in my calves, IT band, adductors, piriformis and lats, I laughed...literally. I tend to laugh when I'm in pain. It was painful, but the good kind of pain. My fascia was breaking apart which is the good news. So out of pain, comes good. That usually seems to be the case anyway. I realized a few things (a) sometimes my friends know what they are talking about and (b) that I am a convert. So, the key takeaway here is that I encourage you to get your own foam roller...even though I still need to order mine!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
What is Yin yoga?
Suitable for almost all levels of students, Yin yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis and lower spine.
The Yin schedule at Vegas Hot! Yoga & Pilates is as follows: Mon-Thurs 830-10pm, Fri 2-330pm, Sat 7-830pm and Sun 1030am-12pm. Come get your stretch on!
Monday, July 11, 2011
10 Superfoods that Have a Positive Impact on Youth and Aging
Despite medical technology and the ability to have plastic surgery and various cosmetic procedures, every day that passes adds another day to life. Many people try to incorporate common sense strategies to maintain optimal health which can effectively slow the aging process. One of these strategies is to eat a healthy diet of clean foods that deliver significant nutritional value.
The following are a list of 10 superfoods that can slow down aging and deliver significant health benefits:
- Low-fat or fat-free yogurt because it is high in calcium, plus it usually contains a significant amount of protein and potassium.
- Eggs are amazing because they are versatile, cheap and chockfull of protein.
- Nuts may be high in fat, but it's good, heart-healthy fat which can actually help lower cholesterol so you're in the clear. Think moderation even though nuts add value because of their protein, high fiber, and antioxidants.
- Kiwis are also full of antioxidants and they are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E.
- Quinoa is now readily available, high in protein, fiber, and iron. It's an interesting, old-school grain.
- Beans are the magical fruit...they contain protein, carbs, magnesium and potassium. They provide insoluble fiber which helps to lower cholesterol and soluble fiber which keeps you full for longer.
- Salmon has a high omega-3 fatty acid content which benefits your heart. Plus, this fish will help your skin and hair glow...naturally.
- Broccoli tastes good, is able to be prepared in many ways and is widely available. Eat it raw or steamed and you'll get your vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, plus some fiber to fill you up and help control your weight.
- Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. They make great baked fries...you can put away the salt because their natural flavor is amazing.
- Berries are high in antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories and provide just enough sweet deliciousness so that you drop the bag of candy and dig into the berries instead.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Nutrition 101: Planning meals for the week
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Is Physical Activity the Key to Never-ending Youth?
Doctors and other health care professionals recommend several courses of action to maintain optimal health which in turn slows the aging process. Common suggestions include, but are not limited to, maintaining a skincare regimen which includes daily sun protection, not just during summer months, eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activities such as cardiovascular exercise, weight training, yoga, Pilates, intramural sports and/or martial arts.
Is physical activity the 'fountain of youth'? Walk into any Las Vegas gym and it's clear that despite the fact that Las Vegas is the 4th ranked fattest city in America, gym memberships are being sold at a staggering rate. Many people tend to feel lethargic and tired when they miss out on their workouts, sometimes depression sets in when more time is spent sitting on the couch than being active. Many people feel younger when they exercise regularly.
There is a billboard that can be seen on the I-15 southbound ramp. The man pictured is in his 70s, but has the body of a 40 year old. His claim: his physical activity has successfully slowed his body's aging process. While it's possible that this man engages or participates in many of the vices that exist in 'Sin City', it's clear that he is very active physically, this it appears his 'fountain of youth' is flowing in abundance.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thank GOD it's Friday!
The winds of change blow through our life, sometimes gently, sometimes like a tropical storm. Yes, we have resting places - time to adjust to another level of living, time to get our balance, time to enjoy the rewards. We have time to catch our breath.
But change is inevitable, and desirable.
Sometimes, when the winds of change begin to rustle, we're not certain the change is for the better. We may call it stress or a temporary condition, certain well be restored to normal. Sometimes, we resist. We tuck our head down and buck the wind, hoping that things will quickly calm down, get back to the way things were.
Is it possible we're being prepared for a new "normal"?
Change will sweep through our life, as needed, to take us where we're going.
We can trust that our Source has a plan in mind, even when we don't know where the changes are leading.
We can trust that the change taking place is good.
The wind will take us where we need to go.
Today, help me, God to let go of my resistance to change.
Help me be open to the process.
Help me believe that the place I'll be dropped off will be better than the place where I was picked up. Help me to surrender, trust and accept, even if I don't understand.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
My eco-find of the week!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeStudio
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Is meditation the key to youth?
Meditation has the ability to transport the one who is meditating to another place. Despite the noise, glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, many have found a sense of peace, serenity and an inner youth with continued mediation and quiet contemplation.
While there is a definite allure on the Strip, many Las Vegas residents have discovered that removing themselves from the clubs, black jack tables and/or buffets allows them to focus on what is really important to them.
How do you meditate? Some say a mantra repeatedly as they try to clear away thoughts that have taken up residence in their heads. Others read a passage from a spirituality-based book such as the Bible, The Buddha Book or a specific meditation book.
Where you meditate is also important. Author Elizabeth Gilbert recounted her memories of meditation in her memoir “Eat Pray Love” during her time in India. While it is not necessary to travel across the globe to visit a mediation cave as she did, thousands enjoy the opportunity to go to faraway lands to quiet overactive minds.
Las Vegas has several places that are suitable for quiet contemplation. Red Rock Canyon provides a quiet and serene place for solitude. Not only is it absolutely breath-taking, once there, it feels distinctly “non-Vegas like.” Vegas Hot! Yoga & Pilates is now offering a new yoga class that incorporates breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques which aims to help manifest balance and harmony. Finally, every year Canyon Ridge Christian Church has a Prayer Week which includes a number of contemplative exercises including The Prayer Path which is a Christ-centered labyrinth experience. This allows for prayer and meditation at each station.
Research supports meditation as a stress reliever and is often used in conjunction with conventional treatment options to help with anything from anxiety to depression to high blood pressure. Experience has shown that the aforementioned health issues can spiral out of control causing a youthful person to age dramatically. As a result, it appears that the West is finally realizing what the East has known for thousands of years, meditation provides significant health benefits which can include slowing down the aging process.