little buddha

Be wise, disciplined and non-violent and you will find peace. Be aware both night and day, continue your practice, and you will attain Nirvana."
- Buddha

Just Breathe

I encourage you dear reader to take a moment to breathe. The breath of life is so essential to our very existence, yet we take it for granted. In many religious texts and philosophies, the breath is paramount. So how did we, the ever evolved, super intelligent, techno savvy Beings flat out ignore such an intricate aspect of life? Yes my friend it is that simple, Just Breathe. If we practice (two or three times a day) the fine art of relaxation breathing, then we would be more coherent, have the ability to deflect stress, and generally be more calm throughout our daily lives. I dare you to try it, practice relaxation breathing and tell me you don't feel better or see improvement almost instantly, cause ya know what??? You'll get addicted, wonder why you never lived this way before and you, my dear reader will be a believer that just breathing can make a difference.

Relaxation Breathing 101 - It's all in the technique

1.  Breathe in the nose (for 3, 5 or 6 seconds)
2.  Hold for the same amount of seconds you breathed in (3, 5, 6)
3.  Breathe out of the mouth (double the seconds, to get all the stale air out of the lungs), placing tongue to roof of mouth while pushing the air out.
4. Repeat for 5 minutes (when comfortable move up to 10, 15, & 20 minutes)

*when first doing this technique, you may feel light headed or your pulse may change. Just take a normal breath or two, then continue with the relaxation breathing. REMEMBER I am not a doctor and this is NOT medical advice.

Just enjoy, Just relax, Just breathe

xox
Ursula

Y B +?

I'm choosing this lifestyle because I know it is the path to true enlightenment and happiness. It's not for everyone and it's not the ONLY way to get there, but it's my way. This is a blog about the journey, my journey. So, why did I choose the title B+ (be positive)? Because I think with a positive attitude towards life can bring about whole wellness and blissfulness, ie be positive = be happy. (Do you hear the words to that over played song... Don't worry Be happy? me too!) Also, it's my blood type (consisdence? I think not) In some cultures your blood type is as important as say, your zodiac sign (astrology is a hobby, maybe I'll post my sign and other personality profiles in later posts).

I have struggled with my weight since becoming pregnant with my first child in 93. Since 2004 I have been on a serious health conscience kick. I've been smoke free since December 2007, I've kicked the sugar addiction (although enjoy dark chocolate every now and then), I enjoy Yoga and Tai Chi. Yet... I'm over weight (according to my BMI, I'm morbidly obese). I lost my mother in 2005 due to complications related to cancer, which I honestly believe was brought about by her lifestyle of poor health. I consume mostly water (save for my love of coffee and occasional vitamin water or sobe water) and recently (last year at this time) I spent 2 months exercising daily only to GAIN weight. I woke up one day between Thanksgiving and Yule 2010 with severe (heart attack like sympotms) crushing heartburn with pain, so fat and flabby I had difficult breathing and totally disgusted with myself (borderline depression). I thought to myself, why am I not happy and healthy? The fact that I'm an uber control freak and queen of micromanaging and president of the multi-taskers r us club, why in the hell can I not get control of weight??? Truth be told, I wasn't happy and I am not in control and I wasn't eating the right foods for me. (dear reader please note.. RIGHT FOODS FOR ME)

Two books changed my course FOREVER..Eat Right for you Blood Type by Peter J. D'adamo and  Add More ~ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein and ultimately inspired this blog B+. I'm down 18 pounds (a nod must go out to Weight Watches; online Points Plus for giving my a jump start for the first 3 months) and am happier and on the road to being the healthiest me I can be. So you may ask, Y B+? I say... Y Not?

To B Healthy

My weigh in this morning is 182 (down a pound from last week, sweet). I'm still enjoying a mostly vegetarian diet. This week I am GOING TO EXERCISE!
B +,
xox
Ursula