Growing Younger Gracefully Blog

Combating Loneliness for Women Over 60: Rediscovering Our Joy

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:22:07 GMT

Do you feel lonely? Many of us do, even if we don’t want to admit it.

Combating Loneliness for Women Over 60: Rediscovering Our Joy

By Sheena Nancy Sarles

Do you feel lonely? Many of us do, even if we don’t want to admit it.

The Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory illuminating the dangers of loneliness. “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”

Loneliness is a deeply human experience that can affect anyone, particularly wewomen over 60, as life transitions like retirement, empty nesting, or loss of loved ones can diminish our social connections. Loneliness is the emotional pain of feeling disconnected or isolated, even when surrounded by others. For many, it can feel like an invisible barrier to joy and fulfillment. Yet we can find meaningful ways to combat loneliness and rediscover our purpose and greater happiness.

Understanding Loneliness

Loneliness is not just about being alone but about lacking meaningful connections. It can manifest both emotionally and physically, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, or even health issues such as higher blood pressure or weakened immunity. Recognizing loneliness is the first step in addressing it.Sometimes the hardest part is finding the self-motivation to make adjustments. Maybe give yourself one small commitment a week to try something, anything, that makes you feel just a little less lonely.

The three keys to building to reduce loneliness:

1. Relationships keep us grounded and bonded to each other.

2. Service, from formal volunteering to informal small acts of kindness, is about helping each other.

3. Purpose gives our life a sense of direction and meaning.

Together, these elements form the triad of fulfillment.

Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness

1.Reconnect with Interests: Rediscover activities you enjoy or try something new, such as painting, gardening, or learning an instrument. I am taking beginner piano lessons. Engaging in opportunities you enjoy boosts confidence and provides places to meet like-minded people.

2.Join Social Groups: Community centers, book clubs, fitness classes, or religious groups are wonderful places to connect with others who share similar interests.

3.Volunteer: Helping others not only contributes to a sense of purpose but also introduces you to people with compassionate hearts.

4.Leverage Technology: Video calls, online classes, or social media can help you stay in touch with family and friends, or connect with others globally, such as Sixty & Me!

5.Adopt a Pet: Caring for an animal can provide companionship and bring daily joy,

Finding Joy

Joy can come from gratitude and connection. I start and end each day with three thoughts of gratitude. Start a daily gratitude journal, savor moments in nature, or seek out small pleasures like a favorite book or a warm cup of tea. Remember, building relationships and prioritizing self-care can reignite your sense of purpose and help combat loneliness.

Life after 60 can be filled with many vibrant opportunities for connecting with others, embrace them!

THE 3 M’S OF AGING WELL: MOVEMENT, MEDITATION, AND MOTIVATION

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:59:28 GMT

As we age, maintaining our holistic approach
to health becomes increasingly vital.

Embracing Our Well-Being ~

Movement, Meditation, and Motivation for Women Over 60

By Sheena Nancy Sarles

As we age, maintaining our holistic approach to health becomes increasingly vital. For women over 60, integrating movement, meditation, and motivation into our daily routines can lead to many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. These pillars of wellness are essential for enhancing quality of life, promoting longevity, and ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling existence.

There is a great deal of information on healthy aging as we ‘boomers’ are meeting the challenges of growing older. We want to live fully and enjoy our blessings. While we know that the are more days behind us than ahead, let’s keep moving forward as best we can. There is no magic elixir for aging, if there were, we would all be drinking it, A LOT!

My journey in this fascinating and sometimes challenging chapter has taught me that Movement, Mediation, and Motivation are a lifestyle choice. These are not new concepts, but they are worth repeating in a renewed perspective

Movement ~ The Foundation of Physical Health

We are in these physical bodies and we need to move. We might not have the energy or the knees to do what we did 20 years ago, but we can still move. It doesn’t matter if you walk five minutes a day or run a marathon, your bones, muscles, heart, and cells are calling you to move, move, move!!!

Regular physical activity is crucial for women over 60 to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health. As our bodies age, we naturally loses muscle strength and flexibility and have a higher risk for falls and fractures. With regular movement, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, we can meet these age-related changes.

Many people have found that their aches and pains may be present, but moving seems to diminish those trouble spots. I do believe that many of our aches are just our bodies telling us that our sedentary choices are not serving us to our highest good. So stroll, walk, run, dance, swim, kayak, bike, practice yoga, or find something (ANYTHING!) that you enjoy and immerse in it as often as you can.

Strength and Flexibility: Strength training exercises a few times a week can markedly improve your muscle mass and strength.Weightlifting or resistance band exercises are great choices. Flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, help maintain the range of motion in joints, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

Cardiovascular Health: Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming enhance cardiovascular health by improving heart function and circulation. Regular aerobic exercise lowers the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, which are more prevalent in older adults.

Mental Well-being: Physical activity is a powerful mood booster. It releases endorphins and oxytocin the body's natural feel-good hormones, which help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular movement also promotes better sleep, which is crucial for overall mental health.

The very best exercise is the one you will do!

Meditation ~ Nurturing the Mind and Spirit

Meditation offers amazing benefits for mental and emotional well-being, making it an invaluable practice for women over 60. As life slows down, the mind often remains busy with worries about health, family, and the future. Meditation provides a sanctuary of peace and clarity amidst the noise.

So many of us think: I can’t sit still. I have too much to do. My mind is too busy. My favorite is, I tried meditation once and it didn’t do anything for me. That is like going to the gym once and saying I didn't lose five pounds, it doesn’t work for me. Practice is the key!

Stress Reduction: One of the most significant benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Regular meditation practice lowers cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. This reduction in stress helps decrease the risk of stress-related illnesses, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

Cognitive Function: Meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function, enhancing memory, focus, and mental clarity. It encourages the growth of grey matter in the brain, which is associated with processing information and emotions. Cognitive decline is a common concern.

Emotional Balance: Meditation cultivates emotional resilience and balance. We observe our thoughts and emotions and witness without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and inner peace. This can be particularly empowering for women over 60, as it helps us navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany aging.

Meditation takes practice, so start a gentle, short, breath and stillness session today!

Motivation ~The Drive to Thrive

Motivation is the driving force that propels any of us to achieve our goals and live life to the fullest. For women over 60, staying motivated is essential, although not always easy, for maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle.

Goal Setting: Setting small, realistic and achievable goals is a powerful motivator. Whether it's learning a new skill, pursuing a hobby, or committing to a fitness routine, having clear objectives provides direction and purpose. Celebrating small victories along the way reinforces the motivation to keep going. Remember “The Little Red Engine’… I think I can!”

Social Connections: Maintaining social connections is a key factor. Participating in group activities, such as fitness classes, book clubs, or volunteering, fosters a sense of community and belonging. Our social network can provide emotional support and encouragement, making it easier to stay committed to personal goals.

Positive Attitude: Cultivating a positive mindset is crucial for motivation. Practicing gratitude, appreciation for the even the smallest blessing, focusing on strengths, and embracing a can-do attitude can help overcome challenges and frustrations. A positive outlook not only boosts motivation but also enhances overall happiness and life satisfaction. A gratitude practice I recently cultivated is not only to name what I am grateful but to add the why. I am grateful for my body that can walk with ease because I get to smell the flowers along the way.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha

In Conclusion ~

For women over (and under!) 60, the combination of movement, meditation, and motivation forms a powerful triad for holistic well-being. Regular physical activity ensures a strong and healthy body, while meditation nurtures the mind and spirit. Motivation drives growth and engagement, fostering a fulfilling and vibrant life. By embracing these practices, women can navigate the challenges of aging with grace, resilience, and joy.

“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

Betty Friedan

DO YOU SHOW SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DELICATE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:08:30 GMT

Protect, Nourish, and Tone the Delicate Skin Around Your Eyes!

DO YOU SHOW SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DELICATE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES?

BY SHEENA NANCY SARLES MARCH 20, 2024 BEAUTY

As we age, we notice how our skin changes in appearance and texture. We can attribute the look and feel of our skin to our lifestyle, our nourishment, our genetics, and our skin care regimen. Wrinkles around the eyes may develop as the skin ages, due to it losing the ability to renew itself. Certain essential oils and products may help to diminish those wrinkles in the eye area.

However, whatever product you use, remember to apply it by very, very, very gently dabbing or patting. Never rub, pull, tug, or use anything stronger than a light touch from your middle or fourth finger. Your index finger is just too strong for delicate application.

Wrinkle Categories

We may have one or more types of creases under and over our eyes, each of which occurs due to a different cause.

Dynamic Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles form from repeated contraction of muscles underneath the skin. They typically develop between the eyebrows and on the forehead. Crow’s feet, which are wrinkles near the outer corners of the eyes, are also an example of dynamic wrinkles.

Static Wrinkles

Static wrinkles remain visible even when the facial muscles are at rest. They form as a result of exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition.

Wrinkle Folds

Another type of wrinkle is the wrinkle fold. This is the age-related sagging of facial structures that usually develop in the grooves between the nose and mouth, but they may also occur underneath the eyes.

Prevention

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but people can take steps to prevent them. Home remedies such as placing slices of cucumber on the eyes or applying banana face masks, are popular, but there is no scientific data to support these, although they feel good and can ‘plump’ those areas of delicate skin for a short period of time.

Other methods include:

Wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day.

Avoiding sitting in direct sunlight.

Moisturizing gently with organic products every day.

Only gently patting the under and over eye area.

Quitting smoking, if relevant.

Eating a healthful, balanced diet.

The Good News

The good news is that some studies suggest that polyphenols, chemical compounds found in foods and essential oils, can diminish the appearance of eye wrinkles. The four main categories of polyphenols are:

Flavonoids, found in colorful fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine.

Phenolic acids, found in the seeds, skins, and leaves of fruits and vegetables.

Lignans, found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Stilbenes are abundant in peanuts, grapes, and berries.

We can all do our own research, experimentation, and applications to see what enhances our particular delicate eye area skin texture. From my own experimentation, I found that combining certain organic essential oils reduces my dry, creased, and loose eye area skin.

My Organic Growing Younger Gracefully Eye Serum

GYG Organic Eye Serum is a unique formula of:

Castor Oil

Rich in polyphenols, Castor Oil penetrates the skin and has been shown to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and elastin. Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin hold onto water molecules and helps to sustain hydration over a longer period of time.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed Oil rejuvenates the skin naturally, nourishing while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under eye area where dark circles appear.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil carries antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can hydrate the under eye area, reduce inflammation, and potentially lighten dark circles.

Almond Oil

Almond Oil can help to lighten the dark circles under the eyes and reduce puffiness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it. These naturally occurring ingredients may also help contract the dilated blood vessels that are causing the discoloration.

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oilcan help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. It can be used morning and evening to reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging. Gently dabbing (never tugging or rubbing) helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and has a draining effect. Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types.

Helichrysum Oil

Helichrysum Oil tightens and tones the delicate skin around the eyes, quickly absorbing to remove puffiness, and supports plumping to give your eyes a fresh vibrant look.

We have all tried different eye care regimens over the years. Some worked, others didn’t. Whatever you decide to do for your eye area, just remember – always be gentle!

Are Your Eyes Sparkling?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:34:13 GMT

Are Your Eyes Sparkling?

The delicate skin around our eyes needs special care and attention

Are Your Eyes Sparkling?

The delicate skin around our eyes needs special care and attention

As we age, we notice how our skin changes in appearance and texture. We can attribute how our skin looks and feels to our lifestyle, our nourishment, our genetics, and our skin care to our mature skin. Wrinkles under the eye may develop as the skin ages, due to it losing the ability to renew itself. Certain essential oils may help to diminish wrinkles in the eye area.

Most importantly when applying anything to your under or over eyes, always use very, very, very gently dabbing or patting. Never rub, pull, tug, or use anything stronger than a light touch from your middle or fourth finger. Your index finger is just too strong for delicate application.

Wrinkle Categori es.We may have one or more types of creases under and over our eyes, each of which occurs due to a different cause.

Dynamic wrinkl es form from repeated contraction of muscles underneath the skin. Dynamic wrinkles typically develop between the eyebrows and on the forehead. Crow’s feet, which are wrinkles near the outer corners of the eyes, are also an example of dynamic wrinkles.

Static wrin kles remain visible even when the facial muscles are at rest from exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition.

Wrinkle folds are the age-related sagging of facial structures that usually develop in the grooves between the nose and mouth, but they may also occur underneath the eyes.

Home Remedies such as placing slices of cucumber on the eyes or applying banana face masks, are popular but there is no scientific data to support these, although they feel good and can ‘plump’ those areas of delicate skin for a short period of time.

Prevention

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but people can take steps to prevent them. These include:

Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day

Avoiding sitting in direct sunlight

Moisturize gently with organic products everyday

Only gently pat the under and over eye area

Stop smoking, if relevant

Eat a healthful, balanced diet

The Good News

The good news is that some studies suggest that polyphenols, a chemical compound in foods and essential oils can diminish the appearance of eye wrinkles. Polyphenols are a micronutrient found in many plant-based foods. The four main categories are:

Flavonoids found in colorful fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine.

Phenolic acids found in the seeds, skins, and leaves of fruits and vegetables.

Lignans found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Stilbenes are abundant in peanuts, grapes, and berries.

Since necessity is the mother of invention, I created GYG Organic Eye Serum, https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com, with all organic essential oils to diminish lines, reduce puffiness, increase hydration, and bring a vitality to my dull delicate skin that I am eager to share with you.

GYG Organic Eye Serum is a unique formula of:

Castor Oil, rich in polyphenols, penetrates the skin and has been shown to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and elastin. Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin hold on to water molecules and helps to sustain hydration over a longer period of time

Grapeseed Oil rejuvenates naturally, nourishing while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under eye area where dark circles appear.

Coconut Oi l carries antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can hydrate the under-eye area, reduce inflammation, and potentially lighten dark circles.

Almond Oil c an help to lighten the dark circles under eyes and reduce puffiness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it. These naturally occurring ingredients may also help contract the dilated blood vessels that are causing the discoloration.

Avocado Oil can help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles It can be used morning and evening to reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging. Gently dabbing (never tugging or rubbing) helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and has a draining effect. Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types

Helichrysum Oil tightens and tones the delicate skin around the eyes, quickly absorbing to remove puffiness and supports plumping to give your eyes a fresh vibrant look.

As a woman over 60, solo entrepreneur, and creator of GYG Organic Serums, I am proud to offer GYG Organic Face, Eye, & Body Serums with no chemicals, no preservatives, and no corporate overlords . GYG Organic Serums is just me creating plant-based, clean, organic, handmade, blessed, and made with love. For more information, pleas visit https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com.

Sunscreen is your Friend!

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 22:01:18 GMT

Summer! Sunshine! Sunscreen!

Now is the season of warm sunny days, sand in your toes, lots of outdoor fun and.....SUNSCREEN!

Here are a few hints to keep you safe from the harmful effects of the sun's rays that can damage the skin on your lovely face and body:

First apply GYG Organic Facial Serum and GYG Organic Body Serum as a base so your skin is nourished with organic ingredients and let your sunscreen sit on top, not in your pores.
No product is truly “waterproof,” and none protects your skin for more than 40 to 80 minutes.
Don’t forget your lips. If you put lipgloss on your lips that does not have sun protection, you’re sizzling them.
Always opt for a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB to protect your skin from ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays that increase your risk for skin cancer.
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. For best protection, apply one ounce of sunscreen to every part of your body exposed to the sun. Invest the time and care in yourself. Reapply, reapply, reapply. That’s paramount!
Liberally apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside as your skin can take up to a half-hour to absorb the protection.
The best protection is a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and shade!

To keep your skin protected, nourished, and GLOWing,

wear GYG Organic Body Serum under your sunscreen.

Melanoma and Me

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 02:00:45 GMT

Melanoma and Me...

My Melanoma Experience

I have been on quite a journey, more like a roller coaster. If only one person reads this and takes action to investigate one's own skin, then I have helped.

BACKGROUND:

I am a life-long student of health, well-being, proactive care of body, mind, and soul, author of "GROWING YOUNGER GRACEFULLY: Your Guide To Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz", creator of GYG Organic Facial & Body Serums, and architect of Yoga for Living with Loss. I am usually immersed in how to age well, live well, and be well. I always considered myself to be vigilant about my good health, even a little prideful that I take no medications, walk 5-10 miles with ease, teach and take a variety of yoga classes, and am physically active biking, swimming, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and full of energy and optimism.

Instantly, my world turned upside down.

INVESTIGATION:

At the end of the summer, I noticed a small discoloration on my left, fifth toe and toe nail. Was it beach tar from my many swims at the local beach? If it came from my sneakers on my long walks causing friction, I got new sneakers. I applied tea tree oil, scrubbed, and didn't think it was cause for concern. In my yoga practice, I take each toe and move it in the six directions of flexibility; front/back; side/side; twist/twist. So I am very connected, aware, and touching and massaging my feet and toes all the time. My class commentary was that since my father was a podiatrist, my homage to my sweet Dad was our attention to our feet. This discoloration never hurt, never got bigger never got smaller, never bothered me. Was it a bruise? Was it just discoloration? I touched it, studied it, tried a few topical remedies, and was waiting for it to disappear. It did not.

At the end of my annual physical, I remembered to ask my wonderful doctor what she thought of this discoloration. She suggested I see a dermatologist. I got an appointment as soon as I could which was two weeks later. I saw a physician's assistant who looked at it with a bit of alarm and that was when I sensed this was a little more than I thought. He had me see another dermatologist that very day. This second dermatologist was one I had tried to see initially but she was unavailable for a new patient until November. I saw her that afternoon at the first dermatologist's insistence. I am forever grateful!

Dr. M. took a biopsy, stitched up that incision, and gave me my first full body scan. She took off a few basal cells and said the biopsy result would be back in a few days. I had never had a full body scan from a dermatologist before. We should ALL be checked!

DIAGNOSIS:

Three days later my result report was filed in my patient portal from Massachusetts General Hospital. I could not understand it, my dermatologist was not in her office, no one called me back, I was distraught because I did see the scary word: melanoma. I sent my lab report to a friend, who is a physician. She called me back to say I had Stage 2 melanoma and gave me an overview of what was ahead. This was at 3pm on Friday and no one was going to call me back over the weekend, although I certainly wish they had. I had already invited friends for a dinner party, oh. Cancel or continue on? I had all the food made, the table set, and a huge wrapped up biopsied toe. So they came. I told the what was going on. It was a night I have no recall because I was so distracted and trying to process it all. I was keeping it very private because I was mentally spinning. I had no time to figure out how I was going to move forward. I had not told my family yet. I was scared. I felt so invaded. That was the spark that ignited my processing. It was not a secret so much as a very private matter until I had some time to absorb the un-absorbable.

On Monday, my deeply apologetic dermatologist called and said she would get me to a melanoma surgeon as quickly as she could but it was possible that I would have a four week wait. UGH! Not so, three days later a scheduler called and I had an appointment in a week with Dr. T. , a renown surgeon and Harvard professor with a fantastic reputation. Even the scheduler said that he was highly regarded and sought after so I was definitely lucky.

I spent the waiting time researching all the possible options the surgeon might present, trying not to panic. I spoke with a friend who previously had melanoma. I talked to anyone I could that I felt safe around.

MEETING THE SURGEON

Just entering MGH again, after so many times with my husband Phil, who had a heart transplant almost five years ago, and now it was for ME! Taking the elevator to the Yawkey 7 was just intense. What was ahead now that we are here? As soon as we checked in, a young resident approached and asked if I would participate in a search study. I completely broke down. I saw the huge, glaring, bold lettering of this area, Cancer. I was in disbelief and truly overwhelmed. Phil was awesome, took me out to the hallway and totally took over as I just cried. Then my name was called....time to meet Dr. T.

His assistant was a lovely you woman who gently took my vitals and my blood pressure was higher than I have ever tested. Yes, I was stressed! I put on a gown and waited.

Dr. T. is a lovely man with a gentle manner. He gave me a thorough exam all over and then explained what was next. Fortunately, my niece, Staci reminded me to record the visit. He said that in order to completely remove the melanoma, he needed a clean margin. He drew it out. The clean margin was much larger than my infected toe. The toe would need to be removed. WHAT?????

He told me that this would not affect my activities, unless I was competing in the Olympics on the balance beam. He said to remember three things: 1. It's curable 2. It's curable 3. It's curable. He would perform the surgery and remove lymph nodes in my groin to see if the cancer cells had traveled. He said other information but all I heard was that my toe was going to be removed. I could not comprehend it. When I did, all I could do was cry. When I heard what he was saying all I could repeatedly ask..."Am I going to lose my toe?" He said yes, then continued talking of which I heard little of and then repeated my question. Yes, I was going to lose my toe. If the cells had spread, there was medication. We would know that after the surgery pathology report. What a shock! He said he would schedule the surgery soon and it might take a few weeks so not to worry. He wanted it at the most a six week wait. Oh boy! Within a few days, the surgery was scheduled the very next week.

WAITING

So I had from my March 14th visit with Dr. T to six short days later for my surgery on March 20th. It was all so fast, which was good to get it resolved. And it was almost too fast to get my head around. I spent a lot of time meditating and asking for all my melanoma cells to go to my toe and to be released upon surgery. I had Rieki, a massage at a Spa, an amazing Qi Gong healing, many tears, and great fears. I did tell my inner circle, my sons, other family and then more people about my circumstances. My situation was not a secret but just very private as I was processing, processing, processing.

It was like a pebble in a pond, each ripple was a bigger circle. I was very discerning about who I told because I wanted to protect my very fragile emotional state from any harsh, inappropriate (to me), horrified reactions. I really only told a few people and waited for others to reach out to me in a normal manner. I did go to a friend the day before and prefaced it with please do not react in any kind of hysterical manner. I did not want that energy. As I prepared, I looked and looked at my toe that was going to be removed. I said goodby and blessings, but I was frightened. I had no idea what to expect.

Those five days were a blur of getting ready. Getting food together, getting equipment from friends, and trying to stay calm. I had visualized that I would go downstairs in the morning and come up at night. That proved totally unrealistic.

I cried a lot. Phil cried with me. We were scared. We were unclear of what was next. I spoke often my kids, a few times with the grandkids, friends, and those who I chose to share my feelings with.

I spoke a lot to my family. My brother, his wife Mikki, and even my newest niece, Dr. B. I cried, I shared, and I was looking for guidance anywhere I could. My amazing support system was totally there for me and so very helpful in perspective and just holding the space for my tears and fears.

The days were counting down. I was deeply meditating and visualizing all my wayward cells were all going to my toe to be removed. I talked to my toe a lot.

I had a two hour Qi Gong session the day before. It was fantastic. At the end she said to me,"Say yes to any offers of help, food, etc." A dear friend asked me if I wanted to go to to a museum for distraction but I realized, listened to my body, and just needed quiet. Phil and I went about our usual dinner, watch TV, and be calm. We were getting up early for the day ahead.

BEFORE THE SURGERY

We got up, I took my shower, ate nothing and got in the car. I felt like I was going through the motions but this was not really my life. It was surreal. Got to the correct area, surgery, and could not even check it through my tears. Phil took care of it all. I went to nuclear medicine and waited. Finally I was called in. In nuclear medicine, a nice resident, had the best compliments for Dr. T. The nurse said 'Oh too bad about your pinky." And I was, "Please don't say that, it's hard enough." The resident injected me, painfully, with radioactive liquid that would show where my lymph nodes were to be removed for pathology. They told me to be still for 20 minutes. I said no problem...and then they started to talk to me. I told them I was going into a deep meditation and asked not to be engaged, and it was fine. I am so grateful that I have a meditation practice to allow me to focus on my breath, not the sensations.

Then we went back to the surgical floor and waited and waited and waited to be called. At about 1pm, we went to the pre-op area where Phil was with me all the way. I had a COVID test, put my clothes in a bag, waited and cried. I was overwhelmed with so much unknowing.

Then it was time... Said goodby to Phil, tearfully - yes lots of that! The nice transport guy took me to the pre-op area next to the OR, which I thought I would see before anesthesia. The resident of Dr. T. came in and started to chat while the anesthesiologist was also talking to me. He asked the resident to hold off and we spoke. The resident asked if I had any questions and said it must be hard to lose a part of my body, and it is. Then Dr. T came in. He placed the geiger counter on my leg to check that it was all in order and he could map my lymph nodes.

Dr. T was always very reassuring and calm.He told me the surgery would be a few hours. I asked him to say a little blessing over my toe, thank it for all the fun of yoga, dance, walks and take all the bad cells with it. He asked if I wanted him to say anything special, I said no, whatever he felt like saying. A lovely OR nurse was by my side and I asked her the same thing. Then the anesthesiologist returned. As I was asking him a question, I didn't finish the sentence. I woke up in recovery about four hours later.

POST OP

I think I was shaken awake by the nurses. I told them to call my husband and I was out of it!!! The nurses quickly got me up, helped me use crutches, gave me discharge orders, and when Phil came soon thereafter, I was put in the backseat with pillows for the ride home. It was obvious that I would not be able to make it upstairs so Phil called our neighbors, who were patiently and helpfully waiting on the porch. One had my leg, another held me under my arms, and who knows what else. I went up on my bum, got into bed and that was that!

RECOVERY

Phil so tenderly arranged the foam leg rest, my pillows, and gave me the meds I needed. I slept and I cried for so much. I cried because my body was so manipulated with heavy bandages on both my foot and my groin. I cried because I lost my toe. I cried because my body was filled with anesthesia. I cried because I did not know what was ahead. I cried for the loss of my healthy body and spirit of well-being I so cherished. I cried when I spoke to my family. I was overwhelmed by emotion and physical discomfort.

Friends brought dinner the first night. Another friend came to my room with dinner the next night. I don't remember much, just her loving voice. Meals, messages, cards, and flowers started flowing in. I slept in the same bed with Phil but was so aware that I didn't want anything to touch my foot.

I was using a walker, not crutches, as I felt it was easier to hop. Phil was by my side every minute day or night. He had to pull my pants down so I could use the toilet. He made sure I had water, pain meds, and his company that was so vital! I could hardly take a sponge bath as I was pretty immobile.

On day 3, the cleaners were coming so I moved, initially, to my office/guest bed so they could clean our room. Then that room became my 'Recovery Sanctuary.' I would sleep in our bed at night and move to this room during the day. As so many people brought and sent flowers, my desk became the 'Recovery Garden' that my dearest friend, Jean, was in charge of maintaining! I was surrounded by healing from friends and family, but most importantly, was under Phil's super attentive care.

Then a miraculous path was laid before me, and I took a deep dive. I had sent a massive email with my "Mourning to Light' broadcast. Dr. Anna Yusim responded that she needed some of my GYG serum and to check in. I told her briefly what was happening. She suggested I go to Joe Dispensa's website to poke around and look for a healing session. I found one the next day. I signed up, sent my photo, wrote of my healing need, and the next morning at 9am I was in the zoom healing. About 30 or so healers were on the zoom. There were six of us getting healed in groups of two for about twenty minutes each. During my specific time, my picture was on the screen with the other person designated. I don't know if everyone participated or select ones. It was a meditation recorded by Joe D. I don't know if I heard this from the meditation or from my own inner voice but what I heard was..."Find your inner healer and find your inner mystic." WOW! It was quite powerful.

My next step was google "Inner Mystic" and there is where I found Rabbi Simon Jacobson and his awesome discussions. I became an instant follower and have listened to as many of his teachings as I can, usually one a day. I just love the teachings, the Judaism, the deep dive into the mystical. My biggest takeaway to date is to see the world from the inside, spirit or soul, to the outside world. Not to see the outside world and how it might relate to my inner being, quite profound to me!

This led me to listened, study, meditate, and seriously journal my feelings, experiences, explorations, and epiphanies. And I continued to find more and more teachings on heal-in spirit, and more. I do appreciate the many videos and Web site easily available. I was not going anywhere so this was quite engaging. I looked at the stairs and they as accessible as the North Pole. I was immobile.

GRIEF:

My grief was a constant source of revelation and sorrow. I could not look at my disfigured foot. 48 hours after the surgery Phil needed to change the dressings on my fifth space and my groin. He most tenderly took care of the groin. The he took care of my foot. As he was removing that dressing, I went into my grief. I went so deep, so completely immersed, so totally in my body that I cried as never before. I deal with grief a lot. The grief of death of a family or friend is very much in the mind and the heart.

This bodily grief was so much different. I was totally in my body and at the most vulnerable, sad, overwhelming, and deepest place. It was a cellular level grief for my lost toe, a part of my body, my disfigurement, my loss. Just as tree roots support and 'speak' to each other, I felt the same thing. It was as if my cells were grieving for the loss. I was, as Phil told me, wailing as he had never heard. We both cried and cried. He held me and gave the space to just immerse in my loss. Then, and I have no idea how long that was, I was calm. I felt like I had cracked open. I felt lighter. I felt more peaceful. I felt that I had somehow released my deepest grief. I could now get on with this business of recovery. It was a profound moment that continues to affect me. I have had other moments of grief and loss, but none as deep.

It has been a very slow process for me to actually look at my foot, my fifth space, my newly designed body. I am slowly, with a prayer I wrote, with self-compassion, with a little pity party, and just feeling better, accepting what has occurred.

My Prayer to My Fifth Space:

Dear 5th Space,

Welcome to my body. We will be lovingly connected. We will find emotional and physical balance together. You are a gift and I will continue to receive your offering.

Lovingly,

The Rest of My Body

My loss, grief, and sorrow took up all the space within and around me. With each day of feeling stronger, that space is getting smaller, and I am resuming more of who I am aside from this most pivotal experience.

SPIRIT:

With my grief has come my existential crisis. Is it all random? Did I trigger this? What is my responsibility for this? Is there some meaning in all this? Is it just bad luck? Is there a message? I continue to ask with these questions from within. In my deep dive into the spiritual essence of my situation, I have a few insights. First, anytime I have gone to a medium, channeler, or seer, I am alway struck of the same description of my spirit guide. It is a man, well-groomed, closely associated with me. There are other descriptives and they all point to my father. My dad was also a podiatrist. My sister and I often said, 'Feet are our bread and butter," and we laughed. Also, in most of my yoga classes I focus on feet, verbally paying homage to my father. Is this a message from him. "Here is your challenge, notice it, take care of it, and be rid of it?" Could be.... and I would like to think so.

In my meditations, I call and thank my guides, my angels, the Divine energy, my beloved parents, my sister Susie, and best friend, Kaiya to guide me, protect me, and surround me. I believe that they do.

I have learned to look at this reality from the inside out (my inner mystic) rather than the external world influencing my internal world. I am a spiritual being having a human experience, not a human being having spiritual experience. That opens me to very wide exploration.

PAIN:

The groin incision was uncomfortable due to its location. I was hopping on a walker so that was a bit painful. My foot was throbbing at the surgery site. I was taking heavy medications. I was in la la land and enjoying it. I really immersed in pain as a sensation to be explored, not to be quickly dismissed and stressed about. I refer to my surgery sites as tender, rather than painful and they have greatly diminished in scope and intensity.

SUPPORT:

Hours before my surgery, I had a wonderful healing session. After that, she sat me down and told me to say 'YES!" Accept any and all offers of food, help, support. My natural instinct is to say not to bother, I am fine. But I did accept any and all offerings, and it has been fantastic! The outpouring from friends and family has been so beautiful. Close and not so close friends jumped right in to bring food. I am evidently well-known for a certain type of cuisine. We received lots and lots of vegetarian soups...hooray! Every text, call, card, flower, food, and visit gave me the love and energy to know I was cared about and cared for.

Having Phil as the most loving, gentle, attentive, and wonderful caregiver has been a true blessing. Yes, I cared for him during his recoveries. But this felt much more dependent, and I was. He ran up and down the stairs many, many, many times. He brought me tea in the morning and learned how to make the best cup of coffee for me. His over attention to detail, could be called OCD, is most appreciated in every respect.

MOVING ON:

Each day is brighter. I am able to walk more, do more around the house, feel less dependent and vulnerable, and get back into a productive and active lifestyle. I will incorporate what I have experienced and learned as I move forward. I am not sure of how I can share and help another but that is my next goal.

Yoga Substantially Reduces Age-Related Mental Decline

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:49:54 GMT

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GYG Tip: Sound of Calm

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:49:48 GMT

The Sound Of Calm..... With Shervin Boloorian

Listen and Relax

We all experience some type of stress, anxiety, and frustration these days. A simple release can come from listening to joyful, peaceful, melodic sounds be it music, sounds of the waves, birds singing, or whatever delights you.

The ways that your body reacts to various sounds and vibrations can have an uplifting and calming impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Sound frequencies can slow down the brain waves and bring about a deeply restorative state that activates the body's own self-healing.

A few benefits from sounds that heal ....

Deep Relaxation

Clears emotional blockages

Boosts your health

Supports mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being

LISTEN HERE

ANTI Anti-Aging

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:46:07 GMT

Here is fantastic message about ANTI anti-aging
from Margaret Manning at Sixty & Me

Here is fantastic message

about ANTI anti-aging from my friend Margaret Manning at Sixty & Me.

Margaret appeals to influencers and others to celebrate our aging, not hide just as I do in my book "GROWING YOUNGER GRACEFULLY: Your Guide To Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz." https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com/

Aging doesn't need a 'cure', it is to be honored, cherished, and revered!

Are You Using Harmful Skin Care Products?

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 21:21:15 GMT

GYG SERUMS

Contain Only Organic, Botanical Essential Oils i

I want to share this informative article from The New York Times that alerts us that many personal care products contain harmful chemicals.

You won’t find ANY in GYG Face & Body Organic Serums.

Read The New York Times, February 15, 2023 HERE:

Many Personal Care Products Contain Harmful Chemicals. Here’s What to Do About It. Take these small steps to lower your exposure.

Please check the products you are using for harmful chemicals….

and toss them.

You have no worries with GYG Organic Facial & Body Serums.

I use only all organic essential oils of Grapeseed, Vitamin E, Lavender, Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Rose. I hand make, bless, and create each bottle of GYG Serum in small batches to nourish, hydrate, protect, tone, and brighten your beautiful skin!!

Get Your Trusted GYG Organic Face & Body Serums HERE !

Navigating Grief in Our Bodies

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 17:12:41 GMT

While grief and loss are universal, our own grief is very personal.

NAVIGATING GRIEF IN OUR BODIES

by Sheena Nancy Sarles, April 1, 2022

As we age, we are more exposed to death, loss, grief, and mourning. We feel our losses deeply and we seek some kind of accessible comfort through our tears. Those tears form our river of grief.

Grief Is Like a River

While grief and loss are universal, our own grief is very personal. No one can really know what we alone are feeling. In my own experiences with the deep loss of my parents, my best friend, and, most of all, my big sister, I know the river of loss quite well.

Like a river, sometimes my grief is deep and still, or ferocious like rapids. I swim with it and against it. Sometimes I am next to it, or floating, or just witnessing the flow. My grief is always with me in some manner because it is part of who I am now.

For me, connecting my grief with my chakras offers me an emotional, spiritual, and physical outlet for my pain. The chakras are the seven main energy centers in our subtle bodies. I found that gentle yoga connected to my chakras allowed me to be present, feel my feelings, and continue to survive, and even thrive while immersed in my grief.

I invite you to take a conscious assessment of where your grief settles and congests and using these ideas, become aware of how you can find release and even comfort on your journey of grief.

Grief Manifesting in Your Bod y

When I feel fearful, ungrounded, or unstable, I know my grief is in my first, ROOT chakra at the base of my spine and perineum. I breathe in and visualize the color red. I stretch my legs out, grounded on the earth and move my feet in flex, arch, and circles. I am safe right here and right now. I repeat “I AM.”

When I feel stuck, disconnected, unmoving, or with a low back ache, my grief is in my second, SACRAL chakra in the hips and lower back. I move my hips in a cat/cow or make hip circles in a sitting position. I breathe in and visualize the color orange. I am connected to the others. I repeat “I FEEL.”

My belly can become congested, and I feel no motivation to do anything. That is my third, SOLAR PLEXUS chakra between the navel and lowest rib. I practice gentle abdominal sit-ups and activate my belly with deep breaths visualizing the color yellow. I am in the world and able to participate. I repeat “I DO.”

I am heartbroken. I feel so lonely. I am so sad and my grief rests right on my fourth, HEART chakra in the center of my chest. I open my heart with hands clasped or reach my arms behind my back, give myself a good hug, then open my arms to the sky. I am grateful to have loved and been loved. I breathe in the color green, take a walk in nature, and listen to my heartbeat. I repeat “I LOVE.”

A weak voice or sore throat is my fifth, THROAT chakra around my neck holding my grief. I cannot speak or express myself. I practice gentle neck rolls, sing aloud, and find comfort in any creative way to communicate to another. I visualize the color blue and breathe into my throat. I repeat “I SPEAK.”

My sixth, THIRD EYE chakra manifests my grief in headaches or blurry vision, between and just above my eyebrows. I cannot see clearly as my two eyes look out and my third eye looks inward. I open my eyes as wide as I can, and l move my eyes to each number in a big clock, counterclockwise, and follow my thumb as I move it to the extreme right and left. I breathe into my eyelids and visualize the color purple. I repeat “I KNOW.”

My seventh, CROWN chakra is the white light, like a halo, hovering above my head. I can feel the energy of my beloved when I close my eyes, see their faces, and trust their divine energy is nearby. To access their love, I breathe in the white light above, around, and within me. I repeat “I UNDERSTAND.”

Becoming Aware

When we are aware of how our bodies and minds respond to our grief, we can find some comfort in the messages delivered by our chakras. We can move, breathe, visualize, and know that our grief and loss are also our love. We can navigate our losses without getting lost through our chakras.

Here is a brief introduction to Yoga for Living with Loss:

Please visit my website where you can find my Yoga for Living with Loss Video Series, Yoga for Living with Loss blogs, workshops and weekly zoom classes.

What does your grief feel like? Do you imagine it is like a river, or does it have a different shape? Does it change with time?

Let's Have a Conversation!

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Sheena Nancy Sarles is the passionate founder of Growing Younger Gracefully™, creator of GYG Organic Facial and Body Serums™, author of “Growing Younger Gracefully: Your Guide to Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz,” and a lifelong student of well-being. Please visit her at www.GrowingYoungerGracefully.com

Breathe Your Way to Calm

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:41:58 GMT

Your BREATH is always available to calm, enhance,
and bring tranquility to any moment!

YOUR BREATH -

Always begin and end each breath exercise with a few full abdominal breaths

ABDOMINAL CALMING BREATH : Inhale to inflate belly - Exhale to deflate belly - first any length that is comfortable.

Slows heart rate; increased blood flow and circulation, increases energy, increased focus and concentration
Increases elasticity of lungs and diaphragm
Fully oxygenates all the cells and keeps telemeters longer

BREATHING ONLY THROUGH YOUR NOSE: 5 inhales/5 exhales

Soothes the body and mind
Directly effects the nervous system, filters and warms the air before it gets to the lungs.

RELAXATION/PRESSURE REDUCING BREATH : (After 5 abdominal breaths) Focus each inhalation on a tense area of your body. Imagine with each exhalations the tension streaming out of your nostrils

Relieves targeted ache or pain tension and stress,
Reduces high blood pressure, lowers pulse, releases endorphins that produce feelings of general wellbeing and relaxation

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING : Close right nostril and inhale 2 counts, close left so both are closed and hold for 4 counts, exhale through left for 4; Repeat other side: Activates calm, harmony, and balance.

Left Nostril breathing to right brain: To calm, get to sleep, reflective, cooling, feeling
Right Nostril breathing to left brain: For clarity and focus and more energy, thinking, heating

COOLING and HEATING BREATH: Cooling: Inhale with tongue curled up. Feel the menthol of the cooling. Warming: With closed mouth inhale and feel the warmth, let is spread through your whole face and body. Exhale cold air through your mouth.

Use the cooling and heating breath whenever you need it!

CLEANSING BREATH: Inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale through a puckered mouth as if your were blowing out a candle 3 times. Inhale deeply, drop chin to chest, and think of all the tension you are releasing and exhale with neutral chin.

This secret weapon helps you meet any challenge. Releases carbon dioxide from the lungs. Do this periodically during the day to keep the lungs from filling with tension.

BREATH OF FIRE: Inhale and quickly exhale pulling abdominals in.

Reduce stress
Improves digestion/elimination
Strengthens abdominals

BREATH OF JOY : Inhale with arms overhead, inhale with arms to side, inhale with arms overhead, deep exhale forward with deep knee bend.

Awakens your whole system.

For more information: Sheena Nancy Sarles www.growingyoungergracefully.com SheenaSpirit@gmail.com

Sixty and Me Applies GYG Organic Facial Serum

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:14:47 GMT

GET YOUR GYG GLOW as recommended by Margaret Manning of Sixty & Me!
WATCH HERE

Normally, I would put on daytime makeup, but the holidays are drawing near, and I thought it’s time to do something fun. So, let’s do a sparkle look and disregard all those comments about whether or not women over 60 should put sparkly things on their face or fingers.

To prepare for a holiday dinner, I would first consider what I would wear. I’d probably go for a dress or blouse with a scoop neck. Then I would choose a necklace and start with my normal makeup application. In the end, I’d add a few little touches of glitter and sparkle.

Let me first mention that all I have on my face right now is a facial oil. This is something I wear all the time. In the last couple of years, I’ve tried facial oils of all kinds, and I’ve discovered some great ones.

Today, I’ve used one called Growing Younger Gracefully, which I discovered in Bali. It’s created by a lovely woman, Sheena Sarles, and I love it. So, the facial oil goes on first, and I let it sit for a few minutes, to get absorbed in the skin.

Resilience

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:15:09 GMT

Resilience and Aging

Resilience and Aging.

See the YouTube Video HERE

By Sheena Nancy Sarles

Does aging enhance or diminish our resilience?

The dictionary definition of resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness; the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity.

As we meet our aging, we need to develop our resilience to meet the challenges we face. We do have difficulties not faced before.We experience more losses, we experience diminished capacity, reduced finances, and on and on.

Yet what we do know from our experience and wisdom is what the renown Buddhist Nun Pema Chodren says, “No feeling is permanent.” Now we know, that this too shall pass.

But how can we create sense of resilience when there are times that we just don’t feel the capacity to recover quickly? It doesn’t just happen because we want it to. Resilience is a practice just like meditation or learning a new skill. We can’t just call on resilience because we want it. Resilience becomes part our inner voice that tells us we can come back.

In my life, I have faced many of the challenges that we all share. I have lost loved ones, my parents, my best friend, my sister. I have had financial problems. I have had things just not go my way for a variety of reasons, as most likely so have you. How long can we put it all on hold? Do we sit, do nothing, mope, beat yourself and immerse in self-pity? NO!

I think resilience is also being in the process getting from one set of circumstances to another. I love the quote and podcast from entrepreneur, Marie Forleo, “Everything is Figure Out-able.” So let’s figure this out!

Here are Seven Keys to Resilience:

1. Begin with a clear perception of the situation. Ask yourself the tough questions and answer honestly. What role, if any, did you play in the difficulty?

2. Become more self-reliant. Others can help and support but the real work of resilience is counting on your own strengths to bounce back.

3. Offer support to those who are in a similar situation. The more others need your strength and support, the more developing your resilience is needed.

4. Find your motivation: You need to develop the ability to take charge of the situation, to take charge of the problem. You need to stand up and do whatever is necessary to get back on course.

5. Resilience is creative. With resilience, you can look at a situation and creatively determine the best way out. You are enterprising in your approach toward starting over.

6. A resilient person has humor. You may cry until you start laughing, but a sense of humor is so important when turning your life around. You’ve got to take your goals seriously, and you’ve got to take yourself seriously. But at times, you’ve also got to be able to laugh at yourself and your situation.

7. A resilient person has a strong sense of morality. Whatever you do to get back on your feet, make sure it’s moral. Make sure that your upcoming success is of service, and not at the expense of, others.

The more obstacles you face and overcome, the more times you falter and get back on track, the more difficulties you struggle with and conquer, the more resiliency you will naturally develop. If you are resilient, there is nothing that can hold you back.

All About Resilience

Adversity is a fact of life. Resilience is that indescribable trait that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties or failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.

Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make a person resilient, such as a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback.

Research shows that optimism helps blunt the impact of stress on the mind and body in the wake of disturbing experiences. And that gives people access to enabling cool-headed analysis of what might have gone wrong and consideration of behavioral paths that might be more productive.

Resilience is not some magical quality. It takes real mental work to transcend hardship. But even after misfortune, resilient people are able to change course and move toward achieving their goals.

Practice resilience. We can and do come back from our adversities.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Rumi

Rituals

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:05:32 GMT

Rituals are actions that symbolically connect us.

The Importance of Rituals: For Comfort in Grief or In Your Days

By Sheena Nancy Sarles

Rituals are actions that symbolically connect us to something that is meaningful. Rituals can be comforting, express feelings, bring about a sense of closure, or keep an important part of the past alive.

Rituals mark time as well as create time. Rituals give us structure in our social world by designating a beginning or an end: Baptism, Naming, Christening, Bat Mitzvahs, Graduations, Engagement, Marriage, Divorce, Birthdays, First day of school photos, Proms, Retirement parties, and of course, funerals, and memorials.

GRIEF RITUALS:

I create Rituals around my losses. As we come to this age, loss and transitions are more prevalent. We transition from that of a young mother, wife, new career to grandmother, single, retired. These are some of our losses. We also experience the loss by death of friends, family, and those whose presence we enjoyed, authors, celebrities, or global leaders.

When we create a Ritual around loss, we honor both ourselves and those who are remembered.

The phases of Rituals in Grief are:

Separation from what was -

My life is now without my spouse, sister, child, friend

Transitions from what was to what is and will be

One step at a time as we navigate the void

Adjusting to the ‘new’ normal

Living alone, not seeing our beloved, new label (widow, orphan, etc.)

We need Rituals because with our loss, we can feel that our lives are out of control, filled with deep grief and chaos, and loss of balance. Rituals can restore that sense of control. For example, if everyday we wake up and create a ritual of finding one memory of our loved one, we honor them and ourselves, and it can be the same memory every day! I often think of my sister and how she loved to get in a warm pool backwards down the ladder and upon entering the waters, saying ‘Ahhhh’ with her eyes closed. She was so happy and that brings a smile to my heart.

Creating a Grief Ritual does not have to be complicated.

Think about (or write down): What is the meaning of your ritual? To bring you comfort; to create something consistent in your chaos; to relieve your stress

Decide when the ritual will take place: Once a day when you wake up or go to sleep; once a year on the anniversary of the event; or anytime

Decide where the ritual will take place: In their favorite chair, by the beach, at a restaurant, in your of place of worship, again anywhere.

Decide who participates: Sometimes, the ritual needs to involve another person or group such a close family. Other times, it can seem more meaningful to do it alone

Create the actual Ritual: Drinking coffee from their mug; going to a special setting, or simply any space that you define as sacred. Any Ritual can be seconds, hours, and whatever meets your needs and desires.

RITUALS GRIEF AND CHAKRAS

Each of your Chakras, the subtle energy centers that engage within your emotional, spiritual, physical, and nervous bodies, holds a key to your Rituals. Wear something, eat something, do something that connects you to your loved one.

ROOT: The first Chakra located in your lower extremities, perineum, coccyx are where we find support, grounding, a sense of stability and trust. The ritual of taking a conscious walk, feeling your body grounded, or massaging your feet can bring grounding and trust.

SACRAL: The second Chakra, located in between your pubic bone and navel, offers the flow and connection to your beloved by consciously moving your body through dance, yoga, walking or whatever gives your body some flow.

SOLAR PLEXUS: This third Chakra, centered between your navel and lowest rib, honors yourself and is the inspiration to commit to Rituals. Here is the fire of your motivation to create and sustain your Rituals.

HEART: The fourth Chakra, located in the center of your chest at your actual heart honors the love that never ends. Photos, memories, and knowing that in death, the relationship does not end, it only changes.

THROAT: At your throat is your communication of your creative energy. Rituals are creative communications between you and your beloved such as writing them a letter, creating fine art, cooking their favorite dish, or whatever expresses your connection.

THIRD EYE: Just between and above your brows, is your sixth Chakra. Rituals provide insight into flow of your grief. As your two eyes looks out, your third eye looks inward to honor your insight, intuition, knowledge and brilliance. Your Rituals opportunities are as vast as your imagination.

CROWN: Just above the crown of your head hovers this seventh Chakra. Rituals acknowledge the divine aspect of your connections through mediation, worship, dreams, and unbounded thoughts.

Not only does a grief ritual help you heal as you regain steady emotions, it gives you and other friends and family an opportunity to remember and reflect on your loved one’s life. Having a regular ritual to remember them and honor their life is essential in a healthy grieving process.

DAILY RITUALS:

We have daily Rituals that provide a sense of comfort and continuity. When I awake, my first Ritual is think of three things I am grateful for. Then I rub my hands and touch the earth to start my day literally grounded.

Your Rituals might include how you make your coffee, taking a walk first thing, or reading the news (watch out that this doesn’t get you stressed!)

My skin care Ritual is first and last thing is to look in the mirror, say “Thank You” and then using facial acupressure to apply with love, care, and awareness, my facial serum (GYG Organic Facial Serum!) Every morning I splash cold water on face seven times - it feels great. I bless my food as a Ritual. I try to make as much of my day as sacred as possible by creating a Ritual around what could also be viewed as mundane. I give my small pleasures and necessary actions some meaning.

Here the Rituals of some great artists and thinkers: The rising-at-dawn bit came from Ernest Hemingway, who was up at around 5.30am, even if he'd been drinking the night before; the strong coffee was borrowed from Beethoven, who personally counted out the 60 beans his morning cup required. Benjamin Franklin swore by "air baths", which was his term for sitting around naked in the morning, whatever the weather. And the midday cocktail was a favorite of VS Pritchett (among many others).

Create a Ritual that you commit to once a day or once a year or anytime, that brings an inner smile to your being. Rituals offer comfort, creativity, inspiration, and presence.

What you do with awareness becomes living fully in the present. Isn’t that where we all strive to exist?

I invite you join my tribe at https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com and enter drawing for you to win One-ounce bottle of GYG Organic Facial Serum and get a free Facial Acupressure video.

Sunscreen and Protection with GYG Serum

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 15:34:14 GMT

MATURE SKIN AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS: DO THE BENEFITS TOP THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE?

BY SHEENA NANCY SARLES JUNE 15, 2019 HEALTH AND FITNESS

If you’re like me, you love the sunshine that the summer season has to offer – especially after what has been a very dreary spring for many of us.

Sunscreen in Your Bloodstream?

Recently, though, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study revealing that the chemicals in sunscreen seep into your bloodstream after just one day. Instead of sitting on top of your skin, those chemicals get absorbed in the bloodstream.

Remember when we used a reflector (horrors!) to speed up that tanned face? Or maybe you slathered baby oil all over to attract the brightest rays of summer right to your face and body, like I did. Well, those days are long gone, thankfully.

Summer Skin Care

Now we know the basics of summer skin care for our mature, yet glowing skin:

Wear a hat;

Stay out of the harshest sun between 10am and 2pm;

Long sleeves and long pants are the best protection;

Stay in the shade.

And the #1 summer skincare routine is the daily and multiple application of sunscreen… right? Yes, but with a new appreciation for how to best protect your face and body from both the sun and the chemicals in sunscreen.

The Research Around Using Chemical Sunscreen

After conducting their research, the scientists found that using sunscreen the approved way for just one day (applying about 1 ounce every 2 hours when in the sun) increased the amount of four chemical sunscreen active ingredients – avobenzone, ecamsule, octocrylene, and oxybenzone – in the bloodstream to levels the FDA says triggers the need for more testing, potentially raising concerns.

“The fact that an ingredient is absorbed through the skin and into the body does not mean the ingredient is unsafe,” says Theresa Michele, M.D., director of the FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products and one of the study’s authors. “Rather, this finding supports the FDA’s call to determine the safety of sunscreen ingredients for repeated use.”

While our skin isn’t a sponge, it’s certainly taking in some ingredients that we apply to our bodies and transporting them further down into the body where they may or may not make it into the bloodstream.

Benefits of Sunscreen

With or without the results of this study, however, we must never stop using sunscreen. Sunscreen is important to apply every day, and throughout the day. The best sunscreens offer a myriad of important benefits, such as:

Shielding us from the harmful UV rays.

Lowering our risk of skin cancer.

Preventing premature aging of our skin.

Preventing sunburns.

Layer Your Sunscreen on Top

The question still remains though, of how to use sunscreen without having it seep into our skin. After all, it’s supposed to stay on it if it is to protect us.

The answer is simple. Apply your sunscreen as the outermost layer of protection.

When we apply sunscreen on top of a face or body serum or moisturizer, we build an additional layer of protection. So, when the sun shines upon us, our first layer of skin protection is the sunscreen with all of its SPF.

Then, since the sunscreen sits as the outermost layer protecting our skin, the layers beneath do not allow it to get absorbed into our body.

The sequence that works for mature facial skin is this:

First goes your nourishing and hydrating facial serum, applied using some simple facial acupressure techniques.

Then comes your moisturizer.

Follow by applying your make-up.

Finish with your sunscreen.

For your lovely mature body, first apply a toning and hydrating body serum or moisturizer, then follow with your sunscreen. Also, explore mineral sunscreens that will nurture your skin with natural ingredients. For example, Vive Sana Daily Protezione SPF 30, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40.

Last by not least, always clean your face and body before bed. Never sleep with anything on your skin but your face and body serum or moisturizer. Let your pores refresh with the rest that is so vital to your whole body.

Sunscreen absorption into the bloodstream is a relatively new concept, and I’m sure more studies are in progress. Still, we should keep in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different, and we all react to chemicals and beauty products differently.

On every gorgeous day, and each and every day, protect your skin with care and enjoy your summer!

How do you protect your body in the summer? Do you use a sunscreen? Which one is your favorite? Please share in the comments below!

THE AUTHOR

Sheena Nancy Sarles

Grief Can Take Our Breath Away. Bring Yours Back

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:52:39 GMT

From the website OPEN TO HOPE

Our grief literally takes our breath away. We weep so hard that we cannot breath. We meet the shock of our loss with a gasp, a gap in our breathing. A lump in our throat blocks our natural rhythm.

Our breath is our voluntary and involuntary link to life itself. It is what keeps us alive, and the loss of breath is what takes our loved one away. Our ever-present breath can help us to navigate this difficult journey of grief and mourning.

Grief is our immediate response to our deep loss. Mourning is our ongoing and endless process of living with our losses.

BREATHING FOR CALM

How can we breathe in a manner that brings us a sense of calm when our swirling grief is overwhelming and pervasive? Unconscious breathing is usually very shallow. We ‘lose’ our breath when we we feel anxious, fearful, or any kind of stress. The breath of vitality is when we breath with thoughtfulness.

Deep breathing can oxygenate the blood that nourishes our entire body. When we are under stress, our breath can be quick and shallow. Intentional breathing will help calm us. Greater oxygen flow to the brain will help us become more focused and alert.

A breathing technique can relieve stress and it is available throughout the day whenever we feel tension.

CONSCIOUS BREATH

Breathing with any kind of consciousness gives us the opportunity to fill our lungs and our bodies with ease at the moment. The instant we focus on our breath, not managing or analyzing it, we immediately calm ourselves. When we breath deeply, we give all of our organs the nourishing breath of life. By practicing a variety of breathing techniques, we can learn to control our stress, our grief, and our ongoing journey of loss.

Breathing is what we do ever minute of our lives. Through our breath we can relieve stress, strengthen our lungs and abdominals, increase our circulation, clear that incessant, and mostly negative self-talk, and so many more benefits to our physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies.

BREATHING TAKES PRACTICE

Breathing through our grief takes practice, awareness, presence, and commitment. Once we learn a certain breathing practice, we become aware of how we feel as we breath and how it impacts us for this moment and the moments that follow. The awareness of the breath brings immediate calm, even in our deepest struggles.

Since we can only focus on one thought at a time, just focusing on the breath relieves our stress for that instant. Being present brings us into the now. As Deepak Chopra states, “There is now, and everything else is in your imagination.”[1]

The commitment to a breathing practice gives us a tool to meet or grief and any of our challenges. I think of it as having a special assistance in our back pocket. By practicing a variety of breathing techniques when we are not immersed in our stress, we will have the breath we need and want when we need it most.

We cannot learn it as easily when we feel like we are falling off the cliff. But if we already have it, it is easier to access and readily available. We just have to remember that we know it. Being committed to a breathing practice, daily, weekly or whatever, will provide huge benefits in the moment of need.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES TO RELIEVE THE STRESS OF GRIEF

As you enter a breathing practice, remember to be comfortable. Practice sitting on a pillow, in a chair, or lying down. Be present to what nourishes without any strain.

Practice for a few minutes or as long as you can.

Releasing Breath: Inhale through the nose with lips together for a count of 4. Exhale fully with an open mouth for the same count of 4. The inhale brings in new fresh, oxygenated breath, the open mouth exhale releases stale, carbon dioxide. Emotionally we bring in the fresh and release the old.

Three-part Breath: Inhale to fill belly, fill the ribs, fill the chest. Exhale to empty to chest, then empty the ribs by knitting the ribs together, and empty the belly bringing the belly to the spine. Try to keep the count in the same cadence as you inhale and exhale. Practice a variety of counts to experience what works best for you. However, never, ever strain.

Calming Belly Breath: Incorporate a comfortable count for an even rhythm. Inhale with lips gently together and envision filling your belly front to back and side to side. Exhale for the same count pressing your belly to spine as it empties.

Invite/Let Go Breath: With lips gently together, inhale through the nose and invite in all the words that you want to feel: love, happy, ease, peace, I’m OK, or whatever yo choose. Exhale what you don’t want to feel: depleted, anxious, stressed, miserable, lonely, isolated. The words have power.

Body Scan Breath: Inhale and focus on specific parts of your body, those that feel fine and those that don’t. Start with each toe, move to the legs and knees, on to the hips and belly. Continue up the spine, each side of the ribs, the chest, the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands on each side. Relax the neck, jaw, cheeks, eyes, forehead, and the skull. As your focus on each body part, breath in and out to be aware and release any tension in that specific area.

Grief and Gratitude Breath: Inhale to say what you are grateful for all that the relationship brought to you. Exhale to send that message of gratitude to that person’s spirit. We only grieve deeply when we have loved deeply.

When grief and mourning take us out of the present with regret, worry, and sorrow, remember the breath. As you practice, you will usually drift off the focus and into other thoughts. That is perfectly human of you. I appreciate the teaching of 1) being aware of your breath. 2) Notice that you have drifted with self-compassion. 3) Return to the practice without judgement.

The best thing about a breathing practice is that it is always available for you, anytime, anywhere. Just inhale and exhale to meet yourself whereever you are.

Sheena Nancy Sarles is the creator of Yoga for Living with Loss, a weekly zoom class and a seven-part video series based on grief and its impact on each of our main chakras physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Contact SheenaSpirit@gmail.com to receive the weekly link. Visit Yoga for Living with Loss at https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com/yoga-for-living-with-loss.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GLOWING FACE

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:52:36 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

From Sixty and Me

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GLOWING FACE: WHAT’S IN A FORMULA?

BY SHEENA NANCY SARLES • NOVEMBER 4, 2020 • MAKEUP AND FASHION

The first consideration is the source. Make sure anything you put on your skin is organic and sourced from a reputable distributor. I personally stay away from those oils manufactured by large corporate entities where the goal is profit over purity.

Oils, Creams, Serums

What type of product is best for your skin? It depends, though face serums, because of the concentration of their active ingredients, are thought to be very effective in targeting specific concerns.

Dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky explains, “The concentrations in serums are meant to penetrate the skin faster and easier than creams because they’re not diluted with moisturizer.”

I am one of those people who really like to dig in and understand the science of creating basic recipes. I make my own ghee, ricotta cheese, pesto, etc. just for the fun of it. That’s just me!

In that same manner, I have researched, experimented, and tested a variety of essential oils for my own use. I am aging, so after years of trying many products, here is what I have found to work best for my normal, aging, sometimes dry, wrinkled at the edges skin.

Please be aware that a small percentage of people may be reactive to various essential oils so always test a small area before a full application. I like to combine oils and use a solid carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, to deliver small, diluted amounts to my skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Organic grapeseed oil, processed from the seeds of grapes, is great for cooking. It is also a fantastic base for facial products as it makes the skin softer, more elastic, and evens out the skin tone.

Additionally, grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin and helps to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays. You can use this alone or as a base for your own ‘formula’, as I do.

Vitamin E

Organic Vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals that form because of environmental factors such as pollution and unprotected sun exposure. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and healing agent. “Basically, it’s an all-around ‘workhorse of a vitamin’,” as board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban calls it.

“Vitamin E is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can be soothing and help calm the skin,” she says. “It’s also good for hydrating skin, and serves as a moderately effective natural barrier to the sun.”

Lavender Oil

Organic lavender oil naturally reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, detoxifies, and cleanses the skin. It is another effective source of antioxidants. Lavender can soothe inflamed skin by reducing redness, swelling, and itching. And a dose or two of lavender oil is known as a soothing and calming aroma.

Frankincense Oil

Organic frankincense oil can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections such as discoloration as it stimulates the growth of new cells. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.

Helichrysum Oil

Organic helichrysum oil is not well-known. However, it’s a very effective anti-microbial and antibiotic skin formula ingredient. Helichrysum oil is treasured for its fantastic regenerative and protective benefits as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Rose Oil

Organic Rose Oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and tissue regenerator. It not only moisturizes, it’s “often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ or the ‘queen of all oils’. This oil is great for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Rich in gifts from mother nature, Rose Oil helps promote beautiful, radiant skin.”

These are the organic essential oils that I have formulated into my own GYG Organic Facial Serum and see the best results on my own skin. I have normal, slightly olive, and acne-free skin. I highly recommend that you select a few oils that have the properties that best suit your own skin qualities.

There are benefits and side effects to all essential oils, however, so doing your own homework is essential.

Other Essential Oils

Other Essential Oilsthat might be just right for you include:

Argan

Cedarwood

Vetiver

Neroli

Geranium

Marula

Grapefruit

Peppermint

Copaiba Oleoresin

Tea Tree

Roman Chamomile

Ylang Ylang

Organic Palmarosa

Lemongrass

Morning and Night

I use my GYG Organic Facial Serum in the morning, after I splash my face with cold water, then I apply sunscreen on top. At night, after I cleanse, I apply another small dose of the same serum, always incorporating facial acupressure for best results.

Moving Through Grief

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:37:28 GMT

Marblehead Home & Style, April 2021

page 30-34

Moving Your ROOT CHAKRA to Navigate Your Grief

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:42:00 GMT

Navigating Loss without getting Lost

MOVING YOUR ROOT CHAKRA CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE YOUR GRIEF

BY SHEENA NANCY SARLES • FEBRUARY 12, 2021 •

In our Sixty and Me community, there is grief, loss, and transition. Our loved ones pass on; we lose jobs, homes, relationships, our youthful bodies, and more; we transition from who we were at 20, 30 or 40 to an older and wiser version of ourselves.

We can meet our losses with awareness and the wisdom already in our bodies, minds, and spirits. Using the chakras as our foundation, we can witness our imbalances and move, physically and emotionally, towards harmony. Even as we grieve, we can seek and manifest a new state of balance.

About the Chakras

Within your body are the seven main chakras, or energy centers. These chakras maintain a harmonious balance that preserves and restores our overall health, no matter our age.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word literally meaning “wheel.” These wheels have a circular or spiral shape, represent a spectrum of colors, and are located along your spine. Each energy center or chakra has a number of specific qualities and vibrational speeds. The chakras integrate the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of our lives.

Root Chakra

Our first chakra is our Root Chakra. This vital force of energy is the Muladhara Chakra. It is the foundation of the physical structure of the body and is located at the base of the spine between the anus and the genitals.

The word Muladhara is composed of two Sanskrit words – Mula meaning “root” and Adhara which means “base” or “support.”

The Root Chakra is based on the earth element and radiates the color red. Red is powerfully linked to our physical and emotional needs of survival, safety, and self-preservation.

Balancing the Root Chakra creates a solid foundation for opening all the other six chakras. When our Muladhara Chakra is balanced, we experience stability, confidence, energy, and strength.

The Physical Element of Muladhara

Food, water, shelter, and survival are our primary needs. The main focus of Muladhara Chakra is to satisfy these basic needs.

Overeating, hoarding material items, and greed are a few negative expressions for survival. When our basic survival needs are not met, our Root Chakra becomes dysfunctional, causing a disconnection from our earthly values.

Root Chakra and Grief

Grief, like all of our emotions, is meant to move through our bodies, not get stuck. Anything that threatens our safety or survival impacts the first chakra.

In grief, we lose trust that life can continue without our beloved. Our safety is in doubt without that person. Will my basic needs all be met? Will I have what I need for food, shelter? Did this beloved being provide my security?

In grief, our ability to enjoy basic sensory pleasures is deeply diminished. We may feel a sense of guilt when we find ourselves enjoying life, that we may somehow betray the memory of our loved one who can no longer experience these sensations or pleasures.

After a traumatic loss, our sense of stability and safety in all realms – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – can be severely compromised. Our ability to feel connected to anything or anyone can be greatly diminished.

When we are bereaved and traumatized, we often feel disconnected from our social circle or family; misunderstood, ashamed, rejected, unsupported by those whom we previously considered our most accepting and supportive network. Our root supports us and when it is shaken, we can feel unmoored.

In our grieving process, being aware of our Root Chakra opens a window into why we are feeling the way we do, the physical impact of our grief on our bodies, and how this foundation of our being is so dramatically impacted.

There is no time limit on mourning, no ‘right’ way, no easy process, no singular process. The only way is through, and the only way through is to go in, as unpleasant as that may be.

When loss occurs, a startling event or an expected ending, our bodies react, and we respond. In our Root, where we are grounded, loss can literally ‘knock us off our feet’. We might revisit our roots of religious practices that we haven’t embraced for years.

There is a good chance of finding primal comfort in the customs of our ancestors regarding grief such as funerals, wakes, shiva, and mourning rituals.

When a close relative passes, many cultures hold to outward symbols and acts such as ripped clothing, attendance at daily religious services, or wearing certain colors. All of these show the world that we are not who we were before this event.

Grief has changed us, and we need to be treated with kindness and compassion. In our current times, most people hardly take a day, much less a month or a year, to really be in their grief. Yet this is where we truly are. We are not fine. We are hurting.

By witnessing these physical and emotional manifestations of our grief in the Root Chakra, we can then attend to them with a deeper understanding. We aren’t crazy. We are grieving.

In our grief, we might experience such a loss of trust and security that we cannot physically find our balance. Our feet and legs might ache with this ‘ungroundedness’. We might experience lower back pain, digestive and elimination disorders, teeth and bone issues as they are the solid parts of our bodies.

Balancing Our Root Chakra in Grief

Mindful awareness is a tool for healing the first chakra. A balanced Root Chakra can provide emotional strength like letting go of fear and anxiety. This results in feeling grounded and secure. Stabilizing the foundation of the body is important to sense completeness.

The chakras are always changing and shifting as emotions and internal and external changes occur in our very dynamic existence. We seek balance and harmony all the time. As we become more aware of a chakra out of balance, we can look inward and see our imbalances, and then we are able to bring greater harmony back to our bodies, minds, and spirits.

When the Root Chakra is functioning optimally, we feel grounded, secure, and at ease with the world. But when it is imbalanced or blocked, several signs can manifest, from constipation to back pain and fatigue.

For a person who has imbalance in the first chakra, it might be hard to feel safe in the world and everything looks like a potential risk. The desire for security dominates and can translate into concerns over the job situation, physical safety, shelter, health. A blocked Root Chakra may turn into behaviors ruled mainly by fear.

A deficient Root Chakra can manifest as excessive negativity, cynicism, eating disorders, greed, material gain, excessive feeling of insecurity, constantly living in survival mode.

Other manifestations might include behaviors that are fearful, anxious, restless, and unsettled; this along with chronic disorganization, poor boundaries, poor focus, and financial difficulties, feeling unloved, sexually inadequate, frustrated, shy, unsure.

An excessive Root chakra can manifest in obesity and overeating; bossy, domineering character; big ego, greed, violence, cunning, hoarding, sluggishness. Such people are lazy and their fear of change might turn into greed and paranoia.

Unlocking and Opening Mudlahara Chakra

Identifying and working with our chakras on the grieving journey offers insight and opportunities to move with it. There are several ways to unblock your Root Chakra.

Gentle Yoga

One of the ways is a meditation that focuses on grounding. Practicing any type of very gentle yoga regularly encourages physical and mental strength of the body.

Balasana – Child’s Pose

Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs. Let your whole body relax. Notice how it feels to be completely supported by the ground beneath you. Welcome this balance of surrender and support to carry you through your practice.

Tadasana – Mountain Pose

Stand tall with your weight evenly distributed side-to side, front to back, and from head to relaxed toes. Allow your feet to be grounded, your legs to be steady, your spine extended with a natural curve, your shoulders and face relaxed.

Tadasana provides strength to the spinal muscles, improves your posture, and restores the body’s natural alignment. Practicing this asana regularly expands your mental awareness by experiencing calmness and peace of mind. Balancing and relaxing in the Mountain Pose allows us to feel centered and focused.

Savasana – Corpse Pose

Rest your entire body comfortably on the floor. Extend your arms and legs outward from your torso evenly and symmetrically. Mentally scan the body from head to feet, gradually releasing each body part and each muscle group.

With each exhalation, imagine each limb getting a little heavier and spreading out a little more. Let yourself be fully supported by the earth beneath you and let go of all tension in your body. Remind yourself “I am safe, I am supported” with each inhale and exhale.

Affirmations

Repeating positive affirmations helps set intentions to break old habits and create new ones. Some positive affirmations that can help strengthen your Root Chakra are:

I feel safe and secure.

I have deep roots.

I am grounded.

I am at peace.

I trust

I take care of my well-being.

I am open to all possibilities.

I have everything I need.

I am grateful for my life.

Connect with Nature

Nature Therapy is one of the most effective ways of healing not only the Root Chakra but our whole being. As we spend more time indoors due to modern work culture, we lose our connection to nature and earth.

Lack of exposure to nature can be toxic and mentally draining. This creates anxiety, lack of self-confidence, and blocked Root Chakra. Sometimes, the only therapy that we need is spending time walking in rejuvenating nature.

The feel of the grass beneath your feet, the smell of the ocean breeze, the sound of the chirping birds, and a moment of solitude underneath the shade of a tree bring peace and harmony.

Summary

Grief is first felt in our Root chakra. When the Muladhara Chakra is awakened and energy is flowing freely, it brings positivity in all aspects of our lives. In grief, it is blocked.

A healthy and balanced Root Chakra creates a strong connection to our earthly instincts. It improves our overall confidence and increases our sense of self-worth. The energy of the Muladhara Chakra allows everyone to harness courage and perseverance during challenging times in aging and grief.

Yoga for Living with Loss

Yoga for Living with Loss is a practice dedicated to meeting the grieving process through gentle yoga integrated with a study of the chakras. While most grief therapy is talk, our bodies also respond and can become congested with grief.

Gently moving our grieving bodies through simple yoga practices with presence, awareness, breath, meditation, and movement can help us to navigate our losses without getting lost. Yoga for Living with Loss offers a safe and private place to find some comfort on this most sacred and heartbreaking path.

You can find more information at www.GrowingYoungerGracefully.com.

What feelings has your grief unlocked? Do you feel blocked or overwhelmed with emotions? Have you tried a meditation or movement practice to help bring you closer to a semblance of balance?

Find Your Island of Calm and Self Sooth

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:22:53 GMT

Join us Jan 28 for a zoom Experiential Workshop with Meditation, Yoga, and QiGong

How do we live in our bodies in these uncertain times?

Constant stress is overwhelming. Our personal challenge is to manage, sooth, and comfort our nervous system so we can settle down, ground, and be present.

Finding your personal Island of Calm offers SIMPLE and ANCIENT practices of YOGA, QIGONG and GUIDED AWARENESS to help you self-soothe and come home to yourself in the present moment. These practices lower your stress response, boost your immunity and help you heal.

Please join us for this session on

Thursday Jan. 28th from 9:15 to 10:30am

Zoom Event $18.00

Reservations appreciated by Tuesday Jan. 26th

Please have a mat, a pillow, a blanket and a chair. You will be stretching, moving and sitting and if desired, lying down.

*If you are unable to attend the LIVE workshop you may still sign up and access workshop through February 4th.

Reservations appreciated by Tuesday January 26th.

REGISTER HERE

Grief, Yoga and Chakras

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 20:26:03 GMT

Grief, Yoga, and the Chakras: Yoga for Living with Loss

By Sheena Nancy Sarles

One of the loveliest lessons we have learned as we reach our sixties and beyond is that life is full of surprising twists and turns. What may have been a passing fancy becomes a life-long passion and major fork in the road. I once had a yoga instructor who spoke of having a helicopter view of our lives. If we thought we were in a ‘traffic jam’ of life, our helicopter view would show us an unencumbered road ahead. And so the journey continues. In my twenties, thirties, and forties, I was active as a dancer, an athlete, and busy meeting the demands of a working mother, wife, and social being. In my fifties, the leaping and twirls of the dance seemed to be a bit harsh on my body. A friend suggested a yoga class and I was interested in anything that wasn’t as boring as the step machine. You offered me movement, challenge, music, community, and more. I was instantly and deeply devoted to developing a yoga practice which continues to this day.

Then, just as I was beginning my yoga journey, my dearly beloved father passed away. In my grieving, I found a tiny piece of solace in my yoga practice where my wonderful teachers offered Buddhist and Yogic teachings along with breath and movement. When my mother passed away five years later, I was able to find a source of comfort in my yoga study. As I practiced the asanas, the physical practice, I immersed also in the teachings and the meditation. I could spend time with my parents spirit in a new way that was certainly very sad, but also comforting. I was introduced to the concept that in death the relationship doesn’t end, it just changes. Wow, that was an epiphany for me!  Then in 2015, I experienced my most devastating losses. My husband had to undergo a scary and difficult second open heart surgery. He has since had a heart transplant and is doing really great now, whew. My very best, soulful, and magnificent friend of 40 years, Kaiya, passed on after a 17-month journey with glioblastoma. I was crushed by her death. Three years earlier, my fabulous, and wonderful, big sister, Susie, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Susie succumbed a short four months after Kaiya. My two best, intimate, confidants, mentors, and personal cheerleaders were gone from my physical life. The two strong, amazing women I had leaned on and learned from were gone. The emptiness was bottomless.  

And then there was my yoga. My yoga practice held a space for me for grief, presence, solace, stillness, and movement. I immersed in yoga as the tears flowed during my teacher training and continued studies. I found the study of the chakras, the seven main physical, emotional, and spiritual energy centers to meet my mourning in a way that opened a passageway for me. For example, when I felt ungrounded, unsafe, and untrusting I looked into my Root Chakra, my Mudlahara. I found I could put myself on the earth, breath into my root, and practice gentle yoga that was focussed on my feet, legs, and lower spine. I could breath into that space, say affirmations that I was grounded, visualize the color red, hold my hands in a configuration, a mudra, that connected me to the earth, and I was present. I learned to tend to my grief, not avoid it. I learned to go through my grief to get to the other side, not around it. I learned how to be still, be present, and how to activate my Root chakra. I felt a bit more comforted from it. I went through my initial grief and my continued mourning studying and applying the practices of each the seven main chakras, the rainbow bridge, as it is called.

I joined a local hospice support group of Grief Writing.What color was my grief? What animal was my grief? I wrote letters to my beloveds. The others in my group were as deeply grieving as I was. They were also deeply bent over, stiffened by their grief, congested, and unmoving. I spontaneously encouraged the group to gently move in their chairs and breathe with consciousness. They felt better! Much to my surprise, I was then asked to lead a class of yoga to ‘heal’ grieving. I said that there was no healing to our grief. We needed to learn how to live with our losses. I was then inspired to share what I have, and continue to learn, about the truly never-ending grieving process. The synergy of my passion for the study and practice of yoga and the chakras, the journey of grief from the passing of my loved ones, life’s many transitions, and my desire (Divine intervention?) to help others led to my creating Yoga for Living with Loss as a style of practice.

Since then, I have created and led Yoga for Living with Loss at CareDimensions in Danvers, MA. I continue to teach via zoom once a week and now have created the Yoga for Living with Loss Video Series.

Grief is such an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual roller coaster that our grief can easily become congested in our physical bodies. Through a variety of breathing practices, gentle yoga movements, a deeper understanding of how our bodies react to grief, an examination of our specific chakras, meditation, and our need for connection to others, Yoga for Living with Loss helps us to navigate our losses without getting lost. 

From my off-handed agreement to join a friend at a yoga class, I have developed a meaningful practice to support whoever I can in their journey of grief, mourning, and resilience. Yoga for Living with Loss is now my life’s work.

For more information and to access the Yoga for Living with Loss Video Series, please visit www.GrowingYoungerGracefully.com. and contact me for any comments, questions, or discussion.

Here is the link for the Introduction to Yoga for Living with Loss: https://youtu.be/p4ktRaAjufE

Six Directions of Spine Flexibility

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:32:10 GMT

SIX DIRECTIONS OF FLEXIBILITY
WATCH HERE

Make your Intention for 2021 to be YOUR year of Self-Care. 

Resolutions can feel self-defeating. Rather, I invite you to create an INTENTION, an awareness to a quality you'd like to cultivate for yourself.  2020 has been a rough year with all the political, economic, global pandemic, and personal stress we’ve all encountered. As we move into 2021, we are entering a new phase. It’s scary, hopeful, and unknowing.

One Simple INTENTION I would like to share is for flexibility of body and mind. When we move the spine in the SIX DIRECTIONS of flexibility, physically we increase our mobility, massage our organs, improve posture, increase lung capacity, and enhance stability. With mindful awareness, we can also bring flexibility to our responses to life's many challenges.  

Take a few minutes in your chair or on the floor and move your spine:

Arch and round ~ Lateral Side to side ~Twist side to side. With each practice, you can feel flexibility in your life.  

Namaste

Tips for Meeting Grief at the Holidays

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:32:33 GMT

Grief and the Holidays

Yoga for Living with Loss Tips for dealing with grief and loss during the Holidays

Expect that you will feel extra vulnerable at this time.
Expect that your mood will swing erratically.
Expect that your social needs will change from one minute to the next.
Expect that your sleeping and eating habits will not be consistent.
Expect that those around you will try to cheer you up or leave you to deal with the grief in your own space. Don’t be afraid to share what your needs are with your support network.
Allow yourself to cry if you feel the tears coming on.
Realize that you will be feeling many emotions and thoughts including being angry at your loved one for leaving you.
Don’t be afraid to opt out of holiday festivities because you do not feel like celebrating. You are not obligated to participate.
Exercise as much as possible as a means for facing and healthily distracting yourself from the loss.
Reach out to others when you need to talk about your feelings about the loss

Essential Oils for your Glowing Skin

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 13:01:34 GMT

Essential Oils for Glowing Face: What’s in a Formula?

The seasons are changing and, for those of us entering the colder climates, this is a time to assess the best products for our particular skin. Essential oils offer a variety of topical applications to meet your needs.

The first consideration is the source. Make sure anything you put on your skin is organic and sourced from a reputable distributor. I personally stay away from those oils manufactured by large corporate entities where the goal is profit over purity.
Oils, Creams, Serums

What type of product is best for your skin? It depends, though face serums, because of the concentration of their active ingredients, are thought to be very effective in targeting specific concerns.

Dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky explains, “The concentrations in serums are meant to penetrate the skin faster and easier than creams because they’re not diluted with moisturizer.”

I am one of those people who really like to dig in and understand the science of creating basic recipes. I make my own ghee, ricotta cheese, pesto, etc. just for the fun of it. That’s just me!

In that same manner, I have researched, experimented, and tested a variety of essential oils for my own use. I am aging, so after years of trying many products, here is what I have found to work best for my normal, aging, sometimes dry, wrinkled at the edges skin.

Please be aware that a small percentage of people may be reactive to various essential oils so always test a small area before a full application. I like to combine oils and use a solid carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, to deliver small, diluted amounts to my skin.
Grapeseed Oil

Organic grapeseed oil, processed from the seeds of grapes, is great for cooking. It is also a fantastic base for facial products as it makes the skin softer, more elastic, and evens out the skin tone.

Additionally, grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin and helps to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays. You can use this alone or as a base for your own ‘formula’, as I do.
Vitamin E

Organic Vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals that form because of environmental factors such as pollution and unprotected sun exposure. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and healing agent. “Basically, it’s an all-around ‘workhorse of a vitamin’,” as board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban calls it.

“Vitamin E is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can be soothing and help calm the skin,” she says. “It’s also good for hydrating skin, and serves as a moderately effective natural barrier to the sun.”
Lavender Oil

Organic lavender oil naturally reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, detoxifies, and cleanses the skin. It is another effective source of antioxidants. Lavender can soothe inflamed skin by reducing redness, swelling, and itching. And a dose or two of lavender oil is known as a soothing and calming aroma.
Frankincense Oil

Organic frankincense oil can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections such as discoloration as it stimulates the growth of new cells. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.
Helichrysum Oil

Organic helichrysum oil is not well-known. However, it’s a very effective anti-microbial and antibiotic skin formula ingredient. Helichrysum oil is treasured for its fantastic regenerative and protective benefits as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Rose Oil

Organic Rose Oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and tissue regenerator. It not only moisturizes, it’s “often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ or the ‘queen of all oils’. This oil is great for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Rich in gifts from mother nature, Rose Oil helps promote beautiful, radiant skin.”

These are the organic essential oils that I have formulated into my own GYG Organic Facial Serum and see the best results on my own skin. I have normal, slightly olive, and acne-free skin. I highly recommend that you select a few oils that have the properties that best suit your own skin qualities.

There are benefits and side effects to all essential oils, however, so doing your own homework is essential.
Other Essential Oils

Other Essential Oilsthat might be just right for you include:

    Argan
    Cedarwood
    Vetiver
    Neroli
    Geranium
    Marula
    Grapefruit
    Peppermint
    Copaiba Oleoresin
    Tea Tree
    Roman Chamomile
    Ylang Ylang
    Organic Palmarosa
    Lemongrass

Morning and Night

I use my GYG Organic Facial Serum in the morning, after I splash my face with cold water, then I apply sunscreen on top. At night, after I cleanse, I apply another small dose of the same serum, always incorporating facial acupressure for best results.

Key to Happiness

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:01:28 GMT

These are most challenging times....to put it mildly. 
We must look within to access calm, happiness, and ease.  Try these happiness-inducing habits in your life:
Compliment Yourself
Say something nice to yourself RIGHT NOW! Any shift you can make to feel happier is the present goal.
Give Thanks
The power of simple gratitude on a regular basis by saying three things you are grateful any time brings happiness.
Practice Kindness
Neuroscience research shows that when we do nice things for others, our brains light up in with pleasure.
Give Up Grudges
When we forgive, we feel better about ourselves and experience more positive emotions.
Get Physical:
Regular physical activity increases happiness and self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and can even lift symptoms of depression. The best exercise is the one you DO!

These are most challenging times....to put it mildly. We must look within to access calm, happiness, and ease.  When you regularly rest your mind upon worries, fear, and anger your brain will gradually take the shape and develop neural structures and dynamics of anxiety, stress, and negative feelings. Or you can consciously choose to see the good in yourself and others and letting go of constant stressful thoughts. Your brain can then gradually take the shape of calm, strength, self-confidence, and inner peace.  Take a good look at what is beneficial to your thoughts and what is not serving you. Then know that any shift you can make to feel happier is the healthiest and most gratifying habit you can practice. The mystics say that we are born happy and then develop unhappy habits, thoughts, and actions. Try these happiness-inducing habits in your life: Try these happiness-inducing habits in your life:
Compliment Yourself - Say something nice to yourself RIGHT NOW! Any shift you can make to feel happier is the present goal.
Give Thanks - The power of simple gratitude on a regular basis by saying three things you are grateful any time brings happiness.
Practice Kindness - Neuroscience research shows that when we do nice things for others, our brains light up in with pleasure.
Give Up Grudges- When we forgive, we feel better about ourselves and experience more positive emotions.
Get Physical- Regular physical activity increases happiness and self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and can even lift symptoms of depression. The best exercise is the one you DO!

*Reprinted from “Growing Younger Gracefully: Your Guide to Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz” by Sheena Nancy Sarles, å

Massage Your Ears for Relaxation

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:52:50 GMT

Massage Your Ears...

Easy and Available Stress Reliever…. Located in Your Ears!

These are challenging times and we are all seeking ways to relieve our stress. Our
stresses are very high with our over 60 high risk for the coronavirus. We are stressed at
the local, national and global chaos. We are distanced and emotional about the future,
and on and on. So, we are always seeking ways to relieve our stresses. Here is a
simple stress reliever and always available. Massage your earlobes...Yes, that's right!
The ear contains more than two hundred pressure points that influence different areas
of the body and the psyche. WOW!
Massaging your earlobes is great to relax, rejuvenate and release natural endorphins
into your body, making you feel happier, more alert, and best of all, less stressed. The
ear lobes contain many nerve endings that are related to various parts of the body.
When the earlobe is stimulated, the body responds. If you have her had acupuncture,
the therapist usually find spots to stimulate in your ear lobes. When we are thinking
hard, we might naturally rub our ear lobes.
“Your ear lobes are energetically linked to your brain. When you massage the right ear
lobe it stimulates the left brain and pituitary gland. When you massage the left ear lobe,
it stimulates the right brain and pineal gland, giving you a whole brain experience.
The ear contains more than two hundred pressure points that influence different areas
of the body and the psyche.” 1

Move the energy in your whole body

When you massage your ears, you can move the energy in your whole body. The
massage can stimulate your cells and ignite detoxification. You can also improve your
circulation that enhances immunity We over 60 need all the immunity building we can
access. Just massaging our ears can bring relaxation. Anytime we focus on any one
thing, our mind and our bodies relaxes a few notches.
Amazingly, when you apply strong, but not painful, pinch to your ear in specific
locations, you can diminish some pain around those particular muscles in spasm. The
release of your natural pain killer, endorphins, in specific locations in your ears have
been found to relieve some body discomforts. For example, pressing and then rotating
the pressure point at the little flap closest to your head, can relieve tightness around
your jaw relieving tinnitus, ear infections, earache, tension headache, and migraines.
A yoga teacher once told me that the ear is shaped like a fetus, the lobe is the curled
feet, legs, and organs; the middle of the ear is the spine; and the top of the ear the neck
and head. When each part is massaged, you are massaging those parts of your body.

Many Benefits

Here are a few benefits of your own ear massage….it’s worth a try!
Detoxifies and stimulates the body’s systems
Relaxes the body and the mind
By releasing endorphins, you will trigger a feeling of happiness
When you stimulate your sense, you enhance your immune system
Your skin quality will improve from the blood circulation
You will relax your jaw, tongue, and facial muscles
Improve your focus, attention as well as listening comprehension
You will enjoy the relaxing sensations from your own touch of massage

How To

There are many ways to massage your ears, here are a few:
• Pinch your ear from the top to bottom and from the bottom to the top. Pinching
stimulates the ear nerve endings and will increase blood flow to the area making
you feel more alert and awake.
• Rub the soft indentation just behind your ear lobe to stimulate relaxation
• Press your hands over your ears and release to awaken your hearing
The great appeal of the ear massage is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, any
length of time…and feel less stressed and a little happier.
Happy Ear Massage!

About the Author:
Sheena Nancy Sarles is a lifelong student and practitioner of well-being in body, mind,
and spirit. As she became aware of her own aging, she began her personal
investigation of what ages us, what we can do to meet our aging with grace and vitality,
and what simple tips and tools we can use to support us. Sheena has curated her
studies and practice in “Growing Younger: Gracefully: Your Guide to Aging with
Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz. She is the creator of GYG Organic Serums™ for
Face and Body, Founder of Yoga for Living with Loss™. More information at
www.GrowingYoungerGracefully.com

Keep yours EYES bright!

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:20:59 GMT

Wearing a mask hides your smile, so keep your EYES bright!

The EYES have it!
Your Mask, Your Eyes, Your Sparkle!

Now that we are all wearing masks that cover our expressive smiles, our eyes reveal our presence. Most of our emotions are seen in and around our eyes,

Here are a few tips for keeping your eyes smiling, bright, clear, and expressive of the sparkle that is YOU!

Using your organic moisturizer, eye cream, or facial serum (GYG Organic Facial Serum!) on very, very, clean hands, apply FACIAL ACUPRESSURE to your eye ares. Press, tap, or circle enough to feel some pressure but never to the point of pain.

    UNDER EYES: From the inner eye out, tap lightly about 5 times with two fingers to diminish any puffiness
    ABOVE EYES: Gently tap under eyebrows from inner to outer eye to bring circulation to eye area
    EYEBROWS: Gently pinch eyebrows from inner eye out to lift and stimulate
    TEMPLES: Press and make 10 circles in each direction, then press as deeply as is comfortable to stimulate eye area
    THIRD EYE: Press and circle between brows to open your 3rd eye for greater 'insight' and relax your face
    TAP: Tap entire face from jaw to forehead to release facial stress
    PALM EYES: Rub palms together to create heat, cup eyes with palms, and feel the tension melt
    EYE CIRCLES: Strengthen eye muscles by making big circles and stretches side to side and up and down.
    HANDS OFF: Try not to rub your eyes during the day.
    LOOK: See the beauty in your day!

The eye is the window into the soul.

Guest Blog: Three Steps to Living Well

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 13:22:34 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Three Steps to Living Well Through Everyday Self-Care

Everyone has things in life they have to do: a job, a home to maintain, and making sure your basic needs are met. However, many of us do little more than meet these basic requirements. The problem is that your physical and mental health suffers when you avoid self-care, which means doing more of what your body needs. These habits may not be easy to change, but taking small steps to be more intentional about self-care is a great start.

Step 1: Reach Out to Resources

Self-care is for yourself, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to accomplish by yourself. Whatever your responsibilities are, there’s a good chance that you feel stressed at times, and the idea of squeezing one more thing into life may seem impossible. This is why, as simple as self-care should be, we can all benefit from resources that make it easier.

For example, physical activity is one of the best ways to take care of your body, and research has shown that it also lowers stress and depression while boosting your cognitive abilities. But even when you understand the importance of exercise, many of us still lack motivation and time. If time is short, consider starting an at-home workout routine by picking up some inexpensive equipment like some free weights and resistance bands. Seniors (and others) can also benefit from exercising along with fitness videos and Wii games.

Another solution is to invest in a fitness tracker. Wearable fitness trackers have been around for a few years, but the latest models have greater functionality and connectivity than the earlier generations. In addition to tracking your steps, these devices now track all kinds of workouts, and they help keep track of your overall health with features such as heart rate monitoring. The benefit of all this information is that it can be an excellent way of tapping into your intrinsic motivation. Plus, it helps you stay more active throughout your day, even when you do activities like gardening or walking.

Step 2: Redefine Relaxation

We all encounter stressors in life, and while you can’t always avoid them, you can take time to relax your body and mind to manage how stress affects you. However, that doesn’t mean you have to do traditional relaxation activities. These are certainly helpful, like practicing yoga or meditation, but relaxation can come from so many more sources. Mind Body Green describes relaxation as anything that “restores your energy and brings you joy.” In this sense, you may get more relaxation from something active, or even a hobby like reading or knitting. Relaxation can even be as simple as listening to music while you drive to work or do chores around the house.

Redefining relaxation can also help you sleep better, which is another crucial self-care practice. Combined with these other practices, using natural remedies is an incredibly simple way to boost sleep habits even more. Try using lavender aromatherapy at night or sipping some chamomile tea to catch those ZZZs naturally.

Step 3: Take Back Your Time

This last step sounds the most basic, but in reality, it can be the most challenging. The best way to take better care of yourself is to say “no” sometimes. To do this, start by creating what Psych Central calls a “no list” to have a physical reminder of the things you intend to stop doing. In a world where so-called success seems to be measured by how much you accomplish, not doing certain things becomes an essential part of self-care.

You may be surprised by just how much of an impact you can see from an act so simple as saying “no.” We often talk about self-care as if it’s something extra — something you can live without but that’s nice to have, such as a luxury. In fact, self-care is a practice you can’t overlook if you truly want to be your best self.

Just Breath

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:30:28 GMT

Stress Reliever for these times.....Just Breathe

Simple and Immediate Stress Reliever
We're isolated, bored, scared, doing too much, doing too little, unsure, and longing for a calmer experience. We may be worried, depressed, stressed, frustrated, anxious, and missing physically connecting with family and friends. My magic wand can't change what it is but....it has been studied, measured, and shown that you cannot feel any of those anxious emotions when you simply BREATHE!
Here is what you can do right now:

    INHALE through your nose for a count of FOUR
    HOLD the full belly breath for a count of TWO
    EXHALE for a count of FOUR
    HOLD the empty belly for a count of TWO
    REPEAT for 3 minutes or more..

17 Seconds is All it Takes

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:04:48 GMT

17 Seconds is the Secret to Calming Your Mind

You can rewire your brain to enhance your well-being with this easy and fantastic new habit.

When a thought comes to you, you have 17 seconds to make a choice. If you can replace a negative thought within 17 seconds, that thought holds no impact. If you can replace any negative thought with something positive in a mere 17 seconds, your mind will begin the transition from a negative state towards a positive state.

Over time, your brain will form new neural pathways, which strengthen into habits through the repetition and the practice of visualizing, feeling, and acting.

3-2-1 GO!

Replacing a negative thought with a positive one within 17 seconds changes your brain from a negative path to a positive one. Give yourself the 17 second habit of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Namaste.

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:56:24 GMT

Lemons on the Inside... Lemons on the Outside

The healing power of lemons are amazing...

First thing in morning, before your coffee or tea, make your self a cup of warm water with just a few squeezes of fresh lemon. *

MORNING WARM LEMON WATER BENEFITS

- Boosts your immune system as the Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, the defender cells that attack bacteria and viruses

- High in potassium to stimulate brain and nerve function and controls blood pressure.

- Pectin fiber fights hunger cravings for weight loss

- Flushes your digestive system for a happy liver and lymph system

- Freshens breath

RUB LEMON RIND ON YOUR HANDS

- Massaging hands with the remaining morning lemon rind cleans and strengthens nails.

- Rubbing the rind on the back of your hands hydrates and can remove sun spots and discoloration

*(CAUTION: Don't drop the entire wedge into your cup unless you throughly clean the skin, many hands may have touched it....yeeck!)

Travel Tips

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:46:06 GMT

January is here and many of us will be TRAVELING*

Traveling is fun, tiring, exciting, frustrating, and a lot of other things. The challenge can be the actual getting there and back. I know. We live in Massachusetts, visit our children in San Francisco and Buffalo, and spend time in Bali and other parts. When you travel, it is really important to maintain healthy habits through the joys and stresses of travel.

Your Nourishment : Pack your own! You will be in enough transition from travel, so don’t add the stress of inflammation to your digestive system. Airline food is not a reliable source of good nourishment.

Move : Make sure you get up and walk around every 30-45 minutes taking a few laps up and down the aisle. Here are a few moves you can practice in your seat:

Airplane Leg Lifts: Inhale and expand your belly while slowly lifting one bent leg at a time as high as comfortable. Exhale, belly to spine and slowly lower. Lift one at a time for 10 and lift both legs at the same time for a strong core. Don't let your feet touch the floor in between.

Airplane Knee Circles : Lift one or both legs off the floor. Inhale and exhale as you circle each leg from the knee down in each direction.

Airplane Twists: Place both hands on the same armrest with legs slightly bent to the opposite side, feet just off the floor. Twist your upper body in the opposite direction from your arms. Inhale and exhale slowly. Repeat on the other side.

Airplane Half Moon : Extend your arms over your head. Hold your right wrist with your left hand and lean to the left, elongating the body and feeling the stretch down your right side. Switch sides and repeat.

Natural Rest: Stay away from alcohol, sleeping pills, and medications that can make you too groggy when you do get there. I bring a sleep-inducing tea, wear an eye mask, and headphones with sleep-enhancing meditations, music, or white noise, and my own neck pillow.

Hygiene : Generously sanitize your personal area: seat tray, arm rests, menus, or any public surfaces. These areas are brimming with bacteria and germs. Place a napkin on your tray table before using it.

Hydrate : Drink lots of water. DO NOT drink water from the airplane faucet filled with bacteria and many toxins.

Air vents: Direct them away from your face.

Travel Socks: Wear socks. The abundant germs on airplane floors is really unpleasant. (Also, don't go barefoot through security.)

Menus : Whenever you pick up a menu anywhere, you hold the germs of anyone who has also come before. More germs on the menu than on the toilet handle. Clean your hands before and after reading your cuisine choices anywhere you read a menu, not just airlines.

Pillows and Blankets: Cover airline provided items with something of your own. Wear layers.

Breathe : Slowly inhale through your nose to expand and fill. Slowly exhale through your nose to empty and soften. Stay present and focused to access ease and release stress.

*(Reprinted from “Growing Younger Gracefully: Your Guide to Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz”.Order yours HERE )

Wishing you happy, exciting, relaxing, rejuvenating, and safe travels!

GYG Spa Facial for YOU!

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:49:26 GMT

The GYG Spa Sunday Facial For YOU!

We're home. We're safe. We are physically isolated. There might be days we stay in our PJs, or maybe wearing the same sweats and tops day after day. Did you actually wash and style your hair today? Is anyone wearing nice clothes, makeup and earrings just because? We are all a bit (or more) stressed by the virus, the worry, and the unknown.

However, we need to feel as good as we can, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Let's celebrate our personal well-being by giving ourselves a Spa Sunday...just because we can. Do you have an hour or so.... Let's go

1. START your Spa Day with a warm bath filled with Epsom Salts, an essential oil, play some soft music, and light a candle in the bathroom.

2. LIE down give yourself a long massage with GYG Organic Body Serum or your other favorite body lotion

3. Next, gently WASH your face with warm water and your cleanser.

2. STEAM by filling a bowl with steaming hot water, drape a towel over your head, and place your face just above the steam for 5 or 10 minutes.

3. MASSAGE your face gently with a mix of a dab of cleanser and a good pinch of baking soda to exfoliate, then rinse thoroughly.

4. MIX up a mask from the kitchen and gently spread all over your face, keeping away from eye area:

Spread mayonnaise over your face

Mix the juice of 1/2 lemon with a tablespoon of honey

Apply one beaten egg,

Mash 1 tablespoon milk with 1/4 ripe avocado

Blend 1 teaspoon lemon juice/1 tablespoon honey/1 tablespoon yogurt/1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Combine 1/2 ripe avocado/1 teaspoon plain organic yogurt/ 1 teaspoon of honey

Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar & 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil

Mix together 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 2 to 3 drops of lemon, 1 teaspoon of honey to brighten and hydrate

Then...

5. Rub all over your hands and feet with a mix a pinch of sugar and a bit of any oil to cleanse. Rinse, pat dry and massage with GYG Organic Body Serum or moisturizer...so soft!

6. Magic time. Put on calming music, lie down, and let your mask do it's magic for 20 minutes. Think of everything you are grateful for.

7. Rinse to remove the mask with warm water (never hot), then a splash of cold water, and apply GYG Organic Facial Serum (or your other favorite moisturizer) using Facial Acupressure (see video below)

8. Enjoy! Put on your favorite whatever - earrings, shoes, scarf, accessory and enjoy the rest of your Spa Saturday doing whatever is pleasurable to you.

I would love to hear how your day went...send me a note and you might just get a surprise in the mail! We may not be able to go out, but we can sure stay IN!!

Apply your GYG Facial Serum or your moisturizer using Facial Acupressure.

Clean, plant-based GYG Organic Facial Serum is available in One oz and One-half oz glass droppers to brighten, hydrate, tone, and protect for that GYG GLOW!

ORDER HERE

Hand-crafted with Organic oils of Grape seed, Vitamin E, Lavender, Helichrysum, Rose, and Frankincense

Growing Younger Gracefully Blog

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Do you feel lonely? Many of us do, even if we don’t want to admit it.

THE 3 M’S OF AGING WELL: MOVEMENT, MEDITATION, AND MOTIVATION

As we age, maintaining our holistic approach to health becomes increasingly vital.

DO YOU SHOW SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DELICATE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES

Protect, Nourish, and Tone the Delicate Skin Around Your Eyes!

Are Your Eyes Sparkling?

Are Your Eyes Sparkling? The delicate skin around our eyes needs special care and attention

Sunscreen is your Friend!

Summer! Sunshine! Sunscreen!

Melanoma and Me

Melanoma and Me...

Yoga Substantially Reduces Age-Related Mental Decline

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GYG Tip: Sound of Calm

The Sound Of Calm..... With Shervin Boloorian Listen and Relax

ANTI Anti-Aging

Here is fantastic message about ANTI anti-aging from Margaret Manning at Sixty & Me

Are You Using Harmful Skin Care Products?

GYG SERUMS Contain Only Organic, Botanical Essential Oils i

Navigating Grief in Our Bodies

While grief and loss are universal, our own grief is very personal.

Breathe Your Way to Calm

Your BREATH is always available to calm, enhance, and bring tranquility to any moment!

Sixty and Me Applies GYG Organic Facial Serum

GET YOUR GYG GLOW as recommended by Margaret Manning of Sixty & Me! WATCH HERE

Resilience

Resilience and Aging

Rituals

Rituals are actions that symbolically connect us.

Sunscreen and Protection with GYG Serum

MATURE SKIN AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS: DO THE BENEFITS TOP THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE?

Grief Can Take Our Breath Away. Bring Yours Back

From the website OPEN TO HOPE

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GLOWING FACE

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Moving Through Grief

Marblehead Home & Style, April 2021 page 30-34

Moving Your ROOT CHAKRA to Navigate Your Grief

Navigating Loss without getting Lost

Find Your Island of Calm and Self Sooth

Join us Jan 28 for a zoom Experiential Workshop with Meditation, Yoga, and QiGong

Grief, Yoga and Chakras

Six Directions of Spine Flexibility

SIX DIRECTIONS OF FLEXIBILITY WATCH HERE

Tips for Meeting Grief at the Holidays

Grief and the Holidays

Essential Oils for your Glowing Skin

Essential Oils for Glowing Face: What’s in a Formula?

Key to Happiness

Massage Your Ears for Relaxation

Massage Your Ears...

Keep yours EYES bright!

Wearing a mask hides your smile, so keep your EYES bright!

Guest Blog: Three Steps to Living Well

This is a subtitle for your new post

Just Breath

Stress Reliever for these times.....Just Breathe

17 Seconds is All it Takes

17 Seconds is the Secret to Calming Your Mind

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons

Lemons on the Inside... Lemons on the Outside

Travel Tips

January is here and many of us will be TRAVELING*

GYG Spa Facial for YOU!

The GYG Spa Sunday Facial For YOU!

As we age, maintaining our holistic approach
to health becomes increasingly vital.

Are Your Eyes Sparkling?

The delicate skin around our eyes needs special care and attention

The Sound Of Calm..... With Shervin Boloorian

Listen and Relax

Here is fantastic message about ANTI anti-aging
from Margaret Manning at Sixty & Me

GYG SERUMS

Contain Only Organic, Botanical Essential Oils i

Your BREATH is always available to calm, enhance,
and bring tranquility to any moment!

GET YOUR GYG GLOW as recommended by Margaret Manning of Sixty & Me!
WATCH HERE

Marblehead Home & Style, April 2021

page 30-34

SIX DIRECTIONS OF FLEXIBILITY
WATCH HERE