awareness

Bio-Individuality

Take your power back! Bio-Individuality simply means that we are all unique beings with unique needs. Have you ever taken the time to notice how you feel after a workout or a meal? It’s likely you have beliefs about the types of food and movement that are “good for you.” While previous belief systems served a purpose, transformation requires you to commit to evolving with your changing needs. Read on to learn more and contact me for a free session to discuss!

Bio-Individuality

Showing Up

What does it mean to show up? For ourselves? For the other? What does that look like? What consequence does it carry? What truth or lie? Is it understood? Misunderstood? What do either of those mean? Do they matter?

Lately these are the questions begging my attention. This is where my mind goes when I attempt to communicate and am misunderstood.. When I am intending to show up for the other.. When I am practicing noticing. Through this process of noticing and seeking I often begin to observe the shadow as she dares me to look her in the eye and better understand her inner workings, my inner workings. She wishes for me what I wish for myself, that I live my deepest desires. And, as scary as it may seem, I must look at her, see and understand her, in order to make my dream a reality.

My latest blog post takes a deeper dive into the art of showing up and why revealing more of our shadow is an integral part of that practice. Visit the blog for inspiration as you explore these ideas for yourself. And, as always reach out if you want some support. XOXO

Big Love ~Amanda

Showing Up

Finding Our Way

Is quarantine getting you down? Whether you suffer from a diagnosed depressive disorder or natural bouts of depressed feelings brought on by environmental stressors, the stay at home orders may be taking a toll. Scientists have now even coined the term “quarantine fatigue” for the challenging feelings some of us are experiencing right now. I’ve been open about the fact that I can struggle with depression from time to time and while Spring is usually the time of year when I notice a lift in my mood, the stay at home order here in Ohio has definitely brought on a second round of blues. In this post I share how I’m finding my way, including a piece of the last conversation I had with my psychologist (a very kickass woman I might add). Whether you are feeling a little blue, struggle with depression, or know someone who does I hope you find this post comforting, like a warm hug from a close friend. Big love!

Finding Our Way

There Is Hope

Life after trauma can be difficult. Days, months, or years may pass before we realize that we are being affected; going through life with unconscious triggers and mysterious illnesses. Then, we wake up. We realize that trauma is at the root of our pain and even if it feels there is no way through, there is hope. In this post I share a bit about my journey and a few tools that help me navigate.

There Is Hope

Ten Mood-Boosters I Swear By

Winter can be HARD… AF… especially for those of us with Seasonal Affective Disorder. While we’re told the holidays should make us happy, sometimes they get us down instead. The grey days can seem unending. Long dark nights can put a damper on motivation. However, after an extremely long, difficult winter several years ago, I decided there had to be a different way. So, I spent that Spring researching, educating myself on all the bio-hacks to up my mood the next go round, in hopes I wouldn’t go quite that dark again. What I’m sharing today are my tried and true mood-boosters.. the ones that carry me from Fall to Spring, when the days are shortest and often quite grey. May you find something that peaks your interest and don’t forget to share your hacks too. Simply comment on this post or share with me on social media.

Ten Mood-Boosters I Swear By

Why I Gave My Vegetarian Diet a Break and How I Leaned In To Meat

Hello there! In today’s post I’m sharing why I gave my vegetarian diet a break and how I leaned in to meat-eating. While this post is about my journey away from vegetarianism, the underlying message is about much more than food. It’s full of nuggets that will help you tune in to your own intuition, creating a more inspired version of yourself. I’ve also included a link to an older post, Nurturing Nourishment, that takes a deeper dive into the bigger picture of food sourcing, environment, and human health. I hope you enjoy both and pull from them your own inspiration! On that note, will you join me in committing to more mindful and intuitive choices this holiday season, whatever that looks like for you? Cheers and Happy Holidays! XOXO ~Amanda

Why I Gave My Vegetarian Diet a Break and How I Leaned In To Meat

Compassion

Compassion. So simple yet so complex. While most of us would probably say that compassion is a necessary good in the world, something we should extend toward all, it’s also likely that most of us don’t actually share compassion as often as we could. The reasons for this are vast - getting caught up in our own belief systems, so much so that we hold anger toward those that oppose us; getting tired of being hurt; feeling angry about life and all the wrongs done to us; on and on. However, the more research I do about compassion the more I see that none of these are reasonable excuses for withholding the very thing that most all religions call us to do- offer compassion to those in need. If you’re struggling with offering compassion in some area of your life this post will hopefully unwind your hangups with offering compassion when you feel it is not warranted. I also share philosophical reasoning behind why offering compassion ultimately works toward the good of all and I’ve even included a simple meditation for unlocking greater compassion in all our lives. I truly believe that releasing the judgment holding us back will improve our heart, health, and happy. It’s all connected! So read on to create greater synchronicity in your life, cultivating vitality and joy!

Compassion

Opportunity to Evolve

Sometimes an opportunity comes to be more of yourself than you knew existed. Maybe there was a snippet of the person you would become hidden in a secret longing or desire, a seed that would one day blossom into a beautiful rose. I had one of those moments this week. I have been grappling with a feeling of wanting to be more of myself in my partnership with Kevin. See, our relationship is a playground for my life’s big work and sometimes that means I get bogged down with judgment and fear instead of seeing the beauty in front of me. Committed, intimate relationship pushes at my edges and often beckons me to become a greater version of myself; something I both love and hate. So, I took some time to journal about my internal struggle this week, releasing thoughts and feelings and allowing new ideas to emerge. As I did this I could tell I was on the brink of discovering something life-changing in terms of our relationship; I just wasn’t sure what it would be or how it would come. Then, as my curiosity peaked, an opening came, and the Universe worked her magic. This experience was so powerful that I knew I had to share. So, I put everything on hold and prepared today’s post especially for you. I hope you find hints of magic for yourself and take on my challenge to see the good in others, even when they can’t see it in themselves. You can also hear more of my experience in my Instagram Highlight “Big love!” XOXO

Opportunity to Evolve

What Weekends Are For

It seems that everywhere I turn I hear “I’m so busy!” These days people seem busier than ever and in my observation all this busy-ness doesn't seem to be contributing to increased happiness; just the opposite. As work and community demands increase we must learn to say yes to what really matters and no to everything else. We’ll always have obligations that we don’t enjoy, so what I want to ask is this.. Are you making room for the things you do?

What Weekends Are For

Wake Up Before You Wig Out

Sometimes, it seems we get stuck on autopilot and before we know it the very things we put in place to make our life easier and more vibrant are actually causing panic and overwhelm. While I love a good routine (I am a Taurus after all) it can sometimes get the best of me. Maybe my body would benefit for (gasp) something other than Bulletproof Coffee every now and then. Maybe I don’t need to do the exact regimen my physical therapist laid out for me day in and day out. What if my body wants a break from a certain supplement? How do I handle it when my to-do list is too long and seems never-ending? What about all those obligations? It all comes down to presence.

Lately I’ve found myself feeling more overwhelmed than usual and a big part of the issue has been ME. I’ve been second guessing my intuition, trying to do too many things at once, and looking too far ahead on my schedule. Sure, I’ve had a lot to do and probably over-scheduled myself in a few areas, but that wasn’t really the problem. The bigger issue was that I was not paying attention in the moment and I was definitely not practicing presence. When I realized this I began to make adjustments and everything got easier. Would I put an adaptogen in my coffee? Follow my intuition. Long week of appointments and obligations? Focus on one at a time. Staying present makes a huge difference in my life and I think you’ll benefit too. It is one thing we truly can control and has many positive benefits, mental and physical health upgrade included. So, if you’re interested in bringing a little more ease to your day, read on to learn what I do when I’m feeling overwhelmed and how I come back to myself when I’m spinning out. Enjoy! XOXO

Wake Up Before You Wig Out

Tummy in a Tizzy?

Whether you deal with something as extreme as gastroparesis or are simply looking for ways to tame tummy troubles I’ve got you covered. While I’ve been pretty open about my struggles with gastroparesis I haven’t shared my full story and today I’m diving in. Read on to hear what got my attention, how I was diagnosed, what’s helped me the most, how I’ve somewhat tamed the beast, and what I do in a flare. You’ll even learn how you can create a new relationship with your stomach, including a little tidbit that may just help you enjoy your food even more - no guilt allowed! I’m so excited to be sharing all of these nuggets with you. Don’t wait, find out more now!

Tummy in a Tizzy?