Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - 10:15 PM - Life Coaching Blog

Greetings!

I'm on vacation so I'm taking a break from daily blogging.

I did want to share great news for those of you who are interested in MIndfulness Meditation!

Living Stress Free is offering a Mindfulness Meditation Retreat September 7-8, 2013, in Canandaigua NY.

Here's the link for more information.

Enjoy your week/weekend,

Marilyn

Benefits of Drinking Water

Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 2:00 PM - Life Coaching Blog

My computer is running again, so I'm back to blogging:)))

It's very hot here in Rochester and the air conditioning doesn't work anymore in our house. So ... I'd like to talk about water today! Here are some random suggestions regarding water and how it can help you feel better and look better.

I drink 10-20 ounces of water as soon as I wake up. We all dehydrate during the night and need to replenish upon waking. If coffee is your first drink, it's dehydrating you more.

I drink 8-16 ounces of water before going to sleep, for the same reason - hydration.

Did you know if you drink 16-20 ounces of water before each meal it will help you lose weight?

Drinking lots of water in general will help you lose weight because it keeps everything flowing and moving on the inside.

I've heard experts say we should drink half our body weight in water everyday. I'm sure most of us don't, but that's how much would be good for us. Incredible!

Don't forget our bodies are 70% water so we need to change that water frequently! Imagine if you went swimming everyday in stagnant water? yuk:(((

I just read that drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent, which will help prevent cavities!

If you want soft, supple skin and you moisturize it regularly you are only working on one side of your skin. Drinking lots of water will hydrate your skin on the inside. Better results.

And don't forget, if you enjoy alcoholic beverages, drink a glass of water in between each drink. There's a good chance you won't get drunk this way.

Make water your best friend.
Have a great Sunday!
Marilyn

Don't Take Thoughts Too Seriously

Sunday, June 17, 2013 - 9:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog

I've had a lot of challenges lately, but I learned something about my mind I want to share because we all have experienced this, I'm sure.

Just because I think something does not mean it will occur.
Just because I make a decision, after carefully weighing both sides of the decision, looking at the pros and cons, using my problem solving skills, what I decide means nothing in the end. There is a greater intelligence that makes decisions.

I made a firm decision about a difficult issue last week. I did a great job contemplating all sides.
However, the end result of the situation was not what I decided and I had no control over this course of events that decided it. Did I get mad? No. I found it fascinating.

My message? Don't take your thoughts too seriously.
They are helpful and necessary for many things, but attachment to anything we think can lead us astray.

My computer died today, so I'll send blogs as I'm able.

Cheers,
Marilyn

Mindful Sunbathing

Saturday, June 15, 2013 - 9:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog

Today I realized why I've always enjoyed sunbathing. It's a mindfulness practice. When I lay in the sun, I feel the warmth on my skin, I feel the breeze on my body, I listen to the birds singing. I can smell the fragrant air, I feel the chair beneath me, I surrender to nature's abundance. Most importantly, I do not think about anything. My mind rests. I experience my experience of surrendering to the sun.

The most fulfilling way to live life is to practice this in all activities.

Click Here for more on this subject

Warm regards,
Marilyn

Thoughts are the Music of the Mind

Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 10:45 PM - Life Coaching Blog


If you perceive the notes/melody/sound quality of music as the same matter and energy of thought, an interesting transformation happens.

The notes you hear in music are the same as the thoughts that arise in your mind.

When you listen to music, fully experience it.

The melody, lyrics, and rhythm are vibrations of energy.
Once you can experience music this way, transfer that knowledge to your mind.

Thoughts are just vibrations of energy that form rhythmic patterns, fascinating melodies and interesting lyrics.
However, they rise and fall just as music is listened to and released.

Thoughts are the music of the mind.

The critical awareness is that all music has rests ... pauses ... silence.

Our mind contains "thought music" with many rests. To live stress free. cultivate the rests.

Love and light to you,
Marilyn

One of the most helpful things you can do for others

Wednesday, June 12. 2013 - 10:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog

One of the most helpful things you can do for others is listen to them - listen to them completely, without judgment.
Do not divide your attention while listening.
Listen with your heart.

A natural response will arise without thinking or planning it.

Trust.

Warmly,
Marilyn

The Inner Flame

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 - 8:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog

We choose to overwork, over stress, over parent, over think .. and our inner flame diminishes.

To keep our inner flame shining brightly, we must honor it, nurture it and protect it by spending time with it.

Practice meditation. Go inside. Stop doing and practice being.

Marilyn

This stuff really works!

Monday, June 10, 2013 - 10:15 PM - Life Coaching Blog

Hi guys!

I've been in a whirlwind of activity lately.  My job has me excessively busy, I'm inspired in all new directions on the website, I went to an amazing wedding Saturday and my husband Lou and I celebrated our 17th anniversary. However, I'm also overwhelmed with all that has to be done and not sure where to begin.

When pondering what piece of advice I can share with you tonight, I keep returning to the simple mindfulness practice of feeling the air go in and out of your nose. I've been doing this in the midst of the activities just mentioned, and it helps me stay grounded. I also can change my energy level and mood within 20 minutes just by sitting for mindfulness meditation.

This stuff really works!!!

Take time in your life to be mindful. Try learning a mindful meditation technique and practice a few minutes a day. Living Stress Free would love to help you learn the ancient method of mindfulness and support your journey. Contact me for more info.

Peace,
Marilyn

Why do we fidget?

Thursday, June 6, 2013 - 10:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog

Did you know that every fidget is a gesture to move out of being fully in the moment?

Watch yourself throughout the day. If you are completely at peace with the moment it is rare that you would be restless, antsy, fidgety, moving without reason.

If you notice you are fidgety, try to discover why. Was it too much coffee or are you uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, the company, the temperature in the room, etc.

Awareness is half the battle. The other half is to embrace the moment, even with the imperfections, frustrations and discomfort.

May peace find you always,
Marilyn

Rest

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - 10:15 PM - Life coaching Blog


Rest, the most underrated and significant factor to staying young, vibrant and beautiful.
Rest, the easiest and most effective way to counteract stress.
Rest, the obvious opposite of how most of us spend our days, and the perfect tool to balance our life.
Prioritize rest. Take rest breaks when possible, but at least three times per day. If you have to, use a timer! When the alarm goes off, make yourself rest. I had to do that, and it works.
Rest = Success

Warmest regards,
Marilyn

Experiencing a Prosperous Life

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 - 10:00 PM - Life Coaching Blog


Experiencing
a Prosperous Life


1. Practice contentment and satisfaction for what you already have.

2. Instead of looking for miracles, realize this moment right now is a miracle.

3. Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for everybody and everything, everyday.

4. "Stop the leak" - become more aware of unecessary output in any area of life whether it be money, energy, indulgence or worry. Live wisely.

5. Practice being fully present in this moment - mindfulness.


Wishing you the best of everything,
Marilyn

Mindfulness Weekend Retreats

Monday, June 3, 2013 - 10:30 PM - Life Coaching Blog


"When we are mindful, we show up for our lives; we don't miss them in being distracted or in wishing for things to be different. Instead, if something needs to be changed we are present enough to understand what needs to be done. Being mindful is not a substitute for actually participating in our lives and taking care of our own and others' needs. In fact, the more mindful we are, the more skillful we can be in compassionate action." - Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D. - The Courage to Be Present

My husband and I (Living Stress Free, Inc) are in the planning stages of our first weekend Mindfulness Retreat!
It is tentatively scheduled for September 7-8, 2013 in Canandaigua, NY, in the beautiful Finger Lakes region.

We would love for you to join us, or at least stay in touch with our Mindfulness Training opportunities.

CLICK HERE to SIGN UP for email notifications about this opportunity and our additional upcoming Mindfulness Training and Retreats.

Warm regards,
Marilyn

How to Keep Up With it All?

Sunday, June 2, 2013 - 10:00 PM - Life Coaching Blog


I'm starting to figure out how to live in a fulfilling way.

My work weeks are packed with total productivity and busyness, both for my full time job as a therapist and my Living Stress Free business. I try to squeeze in workouts, house cleaning tasks and numerous errands.

When weekends come, I balance this out with lots of "down-time". I am with my husband constantly. We go shopping together at the public market, choosing delicious foods. We come home and enjoy antipasta (meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, etc) and wine. We do some needed tasks for either the house or the business and cook a meal together. Sundays are more of the same, usually with a nature walk. If we have a fun place to go and have the money - we go! It's a nice way to live:))

This is a shift. I can't tell you how many years I felt guilty for not getting more done on weekends. Plus, there are sooooo many things that need to be done....

However, the fact remains - nobody can keep up with it all - NOBODY.

So, you might as well enjoy each day the best you can because we are only here in this life for a short time. What needs to get done will get done. Just get one thing done a day and be happy with that. If you can do more, do more. But if not - it's OK!

On that note, I'm going to have some ice cream;)

Best wishes,
Marilyn