Beautiful Mantra

I am happy even before I have a reason. I am filled w light, even before the sky greets the sun or the moon. Dear Companions, We have been in love with the divine for so-very-very-long... What can we now do but forever dance. - dance with our bodies and with each other. (unknown author - this quote was shared by a sweet Yogini by the name of Clara Roberts-Oss , via her live-stream video "Groovy Hips Vinyasa", found on www.myyogaonline.com) Breathe and blossom, Melissa

My Dad always said " Wash your feet!"

Every night before bed my Dad would say, "Goodnight, Melissa. Don't forget to wash your feet!" Part of it was an inside joke but really, he meant it! Dirty feet alway disgusted him. After today, I have just had enough of looking at tired, calloused, and black feet in those disgusting cheap flip flops. UGHH! I was downtown returning from a great day at the beach, revering in the amazing warm breeze off the water, when I glanced down next to me; there was a clean-cut guy standing beside me who had the grungiest feet that I've seen in while! I was tempted to instruct him on scrubbing and disinfecting secrets but I decided against it. "Mind your own business" I muttered to myself, and regale your tips to those who may actually care! Our feet carry us through the day in many a grungy places. Especially now, wearing flip flops, sandals, and even going around bare foot both inside and out, we carry layers of dirt, pollution, bacteria, and fungus all the way into our beloved homes and into our beds! YUK, right? As important as washing our hands during the Influenza/Flu season, washing and caring for our feet should be your priority this season. EVERYONE benefits from a foot scrub and soak. Tired & sore feet, dirty feet, swollen ankles and feet, pretty feet, smelly feet, Pregnant feet, Young and Old....try it. You'll love it. And, don't forget about following up with a lotion foot massage afterwards! First off, take a good look at your feet. Top and bottom. Take note of blisters, sores, dried gum (yes, that happens), moles, callous, ripped skin, redness, etc. If you notice anything that you don't recall you had any responsibilty of inflicting, please see a foot specialist (Podiatrist or Chiropodist) or your family doctor. Tis the season for Athletes Foot, Fungus infections, Infected toenails (from bad pedicures and clipping your nails too short), Infected Blisters, and the dreaded Wart. Otherwise, you need a good scrub, wash, soak, and rub with lotion. Now doesn't that sound good? Set yourself up with these essentials and then set your alarm for 20 minutes, then ENJOY.

1. Large Basin, Tub, or any deep and wide bowl filled with some soft polished rocks in the bottom
2. A few towels
3. Relaxing music
4. An extra pillow or two...one to lean your back on and another to place on your lap so you can rest your arms on - relax those shoulders and deep breathe!
5. Mix your favorite scrub in a ceramic bowl and place it near your feet
6. Have your favorite foot lotion or oil near-by
7. Bring your Essential Oils of choice

There are many options and recipes for a foot soak therefore I will leave you with one of my favorite sites to peruse through and find one that suits your needs. www.diy-stress-relief.com/foot-bath.html I will always be here to answer your questions or concerns and to help you tailor a mix especially for you and your condition. Simply, enjoy and relax.

TIP: LEAVE NEAR YOUR BATHTUB at all times.....

• Glass jar filled with Sea Salt or White Sugar
• One type of Essential Oil, or a bottle of reputable/organic essential oil mixed tincture
• Small plastic bottle of oil - Organic Sesame, Jojoba, Grapeseed, or Olive Oil

When scrubbing your feet, to avoid a slip or loss of balance, please sit on the side of the tub.

BE PREPARED:

Open all bottles of oil as well as your jar of salt or sugar.

Grabbing a handful of sugar/salt in one palm (about 1/2 cup)... add 3-5 drops of Essential Oil AND then a few drops of Carrier Oil. With the water running on low, run your free hand under the water, grabbing a small amount of it in that palm....drop small amounts of the water to your other palm holding the scrub - creating a moistening;...JUST enough to see a 'paste' form. Mix it gently with a free finger. Then, get scrubbing - one foot at a time.

You'll feel goosebumps, tingles, even some sensitive areas. Just make sure to cover it all...even your toes, cuticles, nails, heels, and even your shins. Go slowly and don't use too much pressure. Let the scrub do it's work, naturally. Gently. The oils will soon penetrate your tired feet and its healing benefits will be absorbed into your system. Inhale the wonderful Aromatherapy, calming your senses and releasing tension.

After a few minutes, run your feet and hands under the water, or in the shower.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO SLIP...

THIS WILL LEAVE A FILM IN YOUR TUB OR SHOWER AND IS DANGEROUS.

After you have rinsed off, dab your legs and feet dry. Then, rub in the excess oil that is left on the surface. Follow up with a lotion massage.

Feel how soft and healthy your feet are. And, your hands, too!

Breathe and blossom

Namaste,

Melissa

May is a month of Change

I want to share a wonderful Mantra that I just read to help guide you through the changes of the month of May. Om Shanti. "OM..let go"....breathe out and let go. Do you realize that we spend most of our lives controlling and projecting into what we want and how we think things should go? So "let go" and find freedom in releasing expectation and desire and allow yourself to simply TRUST. Realize that the more you hold on and try to control you will create more tension and resistance inside and out. Breathe....and blossom. Namaste Melissa Taken from www.anandashala.com/may-newsletter An amazing style of Flow Yoga...a must-try.

WHO are my readers?

It appears that many people have been visiting my Blog. That's great! My intention is to create a 'converstation' area whereby my visitors can extend their questions and comments in relation to how Reflexology, as well as other holistic modalites that I offer, can help to influence their concerns for a healthy body/mind and lifestyle. This is how it works: I write a POST, then you log on and read it REGULARLY and make your comments heard by pressing the button in blue below the Post that says, "make a comment".

Your comments, questions, and requests for more information on a particular illness, holistic modality, etc... is extremely important to me. How can I help you if I don't know what's on your mind? Even if it's just to say hello.

I am curious, though, as to why there seem to be more 'voyeurs' than communicators? Please leave your mark. Pose a question...make a comment on one of my blog entries. I want to hear from you! Otherwise, I am simply writing and posting to myself! My goal is to educate and motivate all who wish to be more proactive and preventative with regard to their health, as well as for their extended family, friends and children. How can I help? What do you want to know more about? Try me. If you want to keep it private, please feel free to e-mail me at the "email" button on my profile, and I will respond to you quickly. Your privacy will be respected. Who are my readers?? Namaste, Melissa

Oh, The Holidays

Happy Holidays, everyone! I love this time of year. The twinkle lights, the smell of fireplaces, and mmmm yes, the sweets! I really appreciate the thoughtful holiday/New Year's wishes and generosity of my clients and friends - as well as my daily encountering acquaitances. No matter what religion or backround that we all come from the hugs were bountiful! It's a shame that the whole world doesn't revolve around this unconditional love on a daily basis. Peace and love to all. Now, let's talk Relaxation & Recreation during the holidays. It is extremely important to be practice mindfulness and find some time during each week, if not each day, to experience stillness. Too often people become tired, depressed, stressed, or ill because they are often working too intensively for long periods of time without finding comfort in their downtime. Interestingly, according to Buddist tradition there are six qualities (or virtues) a person should have if he/she is to lead a healthy life. These are patience, optimism, generosity, wisdom, discipline, and stillness. The most beneficial of these is stillness. There are strong therapeutic effects if you practise being still. Calmness, creativity, balance, greater breath and awareness to name a few. Also, when the mind is clear and calm healthier choices are made. One is able to easily transition into the next phase of their day or evening once stillness is experienced. The days off during the holidays are an ideal time to experience this stillness by unwinding and perhaps exchange a relaxing foot treatment with a partner or family member. Set the mood, change into some loose and comfortable clothing, perhaps even take a long hot aromatherapy bath first. Sit within a comfortable space in a relaxing position. Breathe deeply and slowly. Feel the tension leaving your body with every exhalation. When you feel that your mind is clear, try to focus on a relaxing picture such as a single flower or perhaps just the space between your eyes. Allow the gentle touch on your feet to cradle you in your stillness. Be aware of how calm you are. Now, hopefully, you have the energy to return the favor! (Just not on an extremely full tummy, please!!) Enjoy each moment with your family and friends, or simply time on your own. Breathe and blossom, Melissa

April 1st and spring is in the air. I always find it amazing how the turn of the season has it's effect on people. The days are longer and the sun is warming up our faces as we start and end our busy days at work. Smiles cross the faces of those whose gaze was down for those long 4 months of the cold windy winter and a spring is in our step as the days grow longer. Today, I was reminded of what it felt like to be a kid again. Remember the days of returning to school after March break and how energized we were knowing that spring was around the corner? Then, when April 1st turned the calendar, so did the practical jokes. We pulled them on everyone including our teachers, parents, friends, and siblings. Now, my co-workers were going all-out on each other and the texts were flying out in the air waves as jokes and schemes played on our most childish naivete. I was privy to one of those such pranks by a friend. I felt so foolish but the playfulness was enticing!! I then turned around and did it to my mother - and boy did she ever fall hard! When I told her that it was just an "April Fools" joke, we burst out in the most belly-aching laughter that brought tears to our eyes! IT FELT SO GOOD! We then reminisced of the days when my brother and I were young and how my Dad would even get in on it! The house was full of laughter and life took on such a light and playful air. My tip of the day/month is enjoy each ray of sunshine and fill your lungs with laughter. Your mind, body and soul with thank you and so will those around you. xo Melissa Breathe and blossom

Winter Tips

I would like to share with you some great winter advise for those who are beginning to feel the lethargic blues and S.A.D. symptoms. As well as those who USED to be active over the last few months (including myself!) and are looking for some advise on how to get moving again despite the weather conditions. I happen to love the outdoors in the winter. Dressed accordingly, power walking / running is my thing for this city-dweller. I would love to partake in snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing, though. That's on my New Year's resolution list! However, throughout the year, I am an avid Yogi. I take Iyengar and Sivananda yoga. Both are Hatha yoga based and they contribute to a healthy lifestyle and mental attitude. Check out this site for some Yogic Winter Tips. Try it - trust me, you'll love it and you'll be begging me for more info in the future! http://www.yogawiz.com/yoga-tips-for-winter-care.html Enjoy! I'll follow up at the New Year mark! I'll be waiting for your comments. Best wishes to you all. Namaste, Melissa