One of my greatest sources of nostalgia comes from the scent of lavender. My grandmother used to grow lavender plants in her yard when she lived in my town, Topsfield.

Photograph by Stuart Miles

Every time I get a whiff of lavender, I’m brought right back to riding bikes with my brothers on her street in the summertime. And so, you can only imagine my happiness whenever I use my lavender essential oil.

Aside from smelling the glorious aroma, lavender is the most versatile of all the essential oils. Because it is an adaptogen, it assists the body in adapting to stress and imbalances. It aids with relaxation and tranquility, which is of particular use to me during a hectic day when I need to sneak away for a nap (and need to actually fall asleep!). Lavender’s balancing properties also boost stamina and energy – great for a quick pick-me-up. This god-like oil can also benefit the skin (acne, allergies, burns, bruises, cold sores, rashes, scars, sunburns… the list is endless!) Lavender also benefits the circulatory and respiratory systems, in addition to digestion. Clearly, I could write for days on the benefits and many uses of lavender – for me it’s in fact an essential essential oil.

Which of its countless benefits will you enjoy? Get your lavender or any of the other 300+ essential oils here. Or better yet, contact Michele at (212)-889-4986 or MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com for a personal consultation to help you discover your own essential oils for your specific needs.

BTW: Think all essential oils are created equal?  Think again.  Oils can suffer when made with heat, just as cooked food loses energy and benefits. Young Living’s essential oils originate from a unique process of cold steam distillation which allows for a preservation of “nature’s living energy.”  How awesome is that?

P.S. “LIKE” us on Facebook to get tips straight to your News Feed!

By Lauren Searles

Related posts:

1. Give Great Vibes to Your Valentine
2. 5 Mother’s Day Gifts Guaranteed to Make Her Smile
3. 7 Tips & Tools to Reduce Stress, Disease While Increase Abundance

Photograph by Ambro

PLUS, instead of inhaling your lunch, come exhale your stress.

Here’s what’s in your doggy-bag to take back to work:

• better focus and concentration
• more energy and flexibility
• increased creativity to solve problems
• calmer mind and a smile on your face

Here are the details:

When: Weekly on Thursdays, 12:15 -12:45 PM for 5 weeks
Come any week: May 17^th, 24^th, 31^st, June 7^th, and 14^th.

Where: 10 Park Avenue, corner Park Avenue and 34th Street, Suite 3D

Cost: FREE

*NO prior experience needed!
*Yoga mats are provided!!
* Don’t worry it’s not so vigorous where you’ll need a shower.
*Space is LIMITED, so save your spot and register!

To register for any or all of the weeks, email MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com.

P.S. Don’t worry if you miss a class. You can attend any one or all five. But you must register to save your spot.

P.P.S. “LIKE” us on Facebook to get tips straight to your News Feed!

Related posts:

1. 40 Days Global Yoga- $0 Cost to Everyone
2. 2012: Lose Weight, Reduce Aging, De-Stress, & Increase Love
3. After 1-Minute People Said, “Wow.” Imagine How You’ll Feel in 1-Hour

Like last year, I started stressing days before about what gift would be the best for my money. Then I got to the flower store late and was left to weed out a withering, semi-alive bouquet.

So by the time I saw my mother, I was frustrated with my horrible Mother’s Day preparation that had me in a “leave me alone” attitude.

But, now I think back to all the wonderful things my mom has done for me. Starting with hours of painful labor, caring for all my cuts and scratches, commiserating with all my heartbreaks, and cleaning mounds of dirty smelly laundry, she has always been there for me.

So instead of giving those cliché cards and gifts that don’t show my full appreciation, I found gifts that put a smile on her face and I think can do the same for your mom.

1.) A compassionate idea is to help out those in need in her honor. Some charities I donate to are:
Heifer International
Big Brother/Big Sister of America
Doctors Without Borders
Oxfam America

2.) The power of aroma affects mood and provides a little lift whenever needed. Some of my favorites are Hope, Joy, Inspiration and Motivation. They’re “delicious” and make you feel like a million bucks!

3.) Guess what put a smile on Oprah’s face on her last birthday? Snatam Kaur’s music!  My favorite CD is Liberation’s Door.

4.) If you’re a yogi like me, why not share a Private Session with your mom? I have found it to be a great way to connect and raise vibrations together.

5.) There are a growing number of people, who are no longer willing to accept “business as usual.” They’re looking for a NEW business model for success where they experience the “sweet spot” in business (and in life) that blends passion and purpose with profit. If that’s your mom, we recommend this one- Conscious Entrepreneurs!

Wishing you and your mom a truly happy Mother’s Day!

Sincerely,
Gabby Potievsky

P.S. Let us know how these gift ideas worked out for you.

P.P.S. “LIKE” us on Facebook to get tips straight to your News Feed!

Related posts:

1. Gifts that Keep On Giving
2. Happy NEW Year
3. My Dog

“Love one another and

you will be happy.
It’s as simple and as difficult as that.”

~Michael Leunig

P.S. Please pass this to anyone you care about by “liking” my Facebook page. It has events, great health tips, and yummy recipes.

Related posts:

1. After 1-Minute People Said, “Wow.” Imagine How You’ll Feel in 1-Hour
2. 2012: Lose Weight, Reduce Aging, De-Stress, & Increase Love
3. Creamy Wrap Recipe with Avocado and White Bean

Serve with tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole for an indulgent, satisfying yet nutritious dinner. Make extras for a delicious and portable lunch!  (From Eating Well)

Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wrap

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, (or a dash of chipotle pepper with an extra dash of cider vinegar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 4 8- to 10-inch whole-wheat wraps, or tortillas

Preparation

1. Whisk vinegar, oil, chipotle chile and salt in a medium bowl.  Add cabbage, carrot and cilantro; toss to combine.
2. Mash beans and avocado in another medium bowl with a potato masher or fork. Stir in cheese and onion.
3. To assemble the wraps, spread about 1/2 cup of the bean-avocado mixture onto a wrap (or tortilla) and top with about 2/3 cup of the cabbage-carrot slaw. Roll up. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut the wraps in half to serve, if desired.

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele

Michele Risa
BEYOND body mind spirit NYC
www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

P.S. Please pass this to anyone you care about by “liking” my Facebook page. It has events, great health tips, and yummy recipes.

Related posts:

1. Savory Low Fat Recipes- Avocado & Corn Salsa
2. Heavenly Recipe from the Mediterranean
3. Another Win-Win Recipe: Sweet Carrot Salad

You know if you continue doing what you’re doing, you will certainly end up with the same results. And you know if you invest your time and money in a quick fix, you’ll be back to where you are just as quickly and wasted both your time and money.

So if you’re ready to break through what’s really holding you back

and finally exchange old sabotaging habits for nourishing ones, then our 30 Days MORE Self Care will enable you to do just that.

In 30 days, you will make your life a lot easier as you shift from going after what you want, to attracting what you want. To accomplish that, you will learn the real secret of attraction- to love yourself. Many of us “know” this; few of us live it. And not conditional love. That doesn’t last. Rather unconditional love, the authentic and forever kind.

With this incredible love, everything you do will be touched (and changed) by it. Specifically we will:
* Week One: Strengthen your body and/or lose weight at your pace.
* Week Two: Slow down aging, increase focus and concentration, and see how to master your mind.
* Week Three: Reduce stress- the cause of physical and emotional angst.
* Week Four: Experience greater self love.
* Week Five: Celebrate your achievements (guaranteed*)
* Plus, you’ll use Kundalini Energy to propel you forward. “Kundalini Energy is one of the most underutilized energies for manifesting prosperity. This energy when focused correctly can be used to bring love, light, prosperity and even Spirit into your life.” And you’ll learn how to use sexual energy to create magic in your life. (More on my website.)

In summary, this is a program where you feel good about yourself, and build a plan, realistic goals, and a lifestyle that enable you to be healthy, happy and fit for the rest of your life. Isn’t it time to give yourself MORE?

Dates & Time: 30 Days, every Wednesday, May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Location: Conveniently via Tele-Seminar, weeks 1-4; 10 Park Avenue, corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street, week 5
Price: Only $165 (or if you prefer, just 4 weekly payments of $45).

Free Class: Monday, April 30 from 6 – 7 PM to “test drive” 30 Days MORE and experience it. Sign up that night OR bring family or a friend- a life changing and long lasting gift- and it’s only $145 each.

Space is limited to 11 people so don’t miss making 2012 the best year ever. Yes, you still can. Simply hit reply and write “YES to MORE” in the subject line.

* Just maintain your 30 Days MORE Self Care practice and we guarantee results or your money back. As always, you have my total support to make what you want happen.

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele
Michele Risa

BEYOND body mind spirit www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

P.S. Please pass this to anyone you care about by “liking” my Facebook page. It has events, great health tips, and yummy recipes. Both of us will thank you.

Related posts:

1. 2012: Lose Weight, Reduce Aging, De-Stress & Increase Self Love
2. 7 Tips & Tools to Reduce Stress, Disease While Increase Abundance
3. How much WEIGHT do you want to lose WITHOUT the STRUGGLE?

So we decided to invite everyone to a free class to “test drive” the program. Can you imagine how you’ll feel in an hour?

This class will provide you with yoga exercises for the six most common problems- lower back, digestion, focus, immune system, energy, shoulder and neck. Plus, you will receive written instructions so you can do them at your desk or anytime you need them.

And if you want to keep making powerful changes in your life- changes that really last- you’ll have a chance to join our 30 Days MORE Self Care program that starts Wednesday, April 25^th.

You’ll feel immediate results because it combines the power of Yoga, Breathing, Meditation, Affirmations, and Reflexology. And since it takes 30 days to change a habit, our 30 Days MORE Self Care program ensures your results will last.

Are you ready?

Date: Monday, April 23^rd
Time: 6- 7:00 PM
Location: 10 Park Avenue, corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street (2 blocks east of the Empire State Building and ½ block from the 33^rd Street stop on the #6 train.)
Cost: FREE

To RSVP, just hit Reply to this email or call me at 212 889-4986.

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,

Michele

Michele Risa

P.S. Please pass this to anyone you care about by “liking” my Facebook page.  It has events, great health tips, and yummy recipes. They’ll thank you and I

BEYOND body mind spirit www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

Twitter:@BeyondBodyYoga

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/beyondbodymindspirit

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelerisa

Related posts:

1. The American Feel Better Minute- Stress Relief
2. You’re Invited to a Celebration
3. Free Lunch? (Yes, Really!)

If you’ve ever wanted to find a program that finally creates true happiness that lasts and makes your life journey easier, come and hear about it first hand from those who are experiencing it.

Date: Thursday, April 12^th
Time: 6- 8 PM (healthy, healing, yummy food will be served at 7:30 with decadent champagne)
Location: 10 Park Avenue, corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street (2 blocks east of the Empire State Building and ½ block from the 33^rd Street stop on the #6 train.)
Cost: Be our guest

You’ll have the opportunity to “test drive” the program and enjoy a celebration-night-only discount for signing UP!  Details below.

To RSVP, just hit Reply to this email or call me at 212 889-4986.

P.S. Please pass this to anyone you care about by “liking” my Facebook page.  It has events, great health tips, and yummy recipes. They’ll thank you and I will, too.

**************************************************************************************************************

30 Days MORE Self Care

Have you ever felt:

• Stressed out or depressed?
• Tired and lack of energy?
• Want to create true happiness that lasts and make your life journey easier? (Really!)
• Discouraged by not staying on track?
• Fed-up with all the failed weight loss programs you’ve tried?
• Frustrated by aging?

The 30 Days MORE Self Care is a program where you feel good about yourself, build a plan with realistic goals and start living a healthy and happy lifestyle for the rest of your life.

This program brings actual results and answers unlike all those self-help books, seminars and quick fixes out there. WHY?

Because:

• There is 24/7 guidance and feedback through email, so you don’t have to go through this alone and you stay on track.
• Brings together the power of Yoga, Breathing, Meditation, Affirmations, and Reflexology.
• For easy access, meet via Tele-Siminar (plus a grand celebration face to face or via Skype if not in NYC.)
• Recordings of each session are available to listen to whenever you wish.
• Is a three-part program to finally experience the success you have always dreamed of.

Are you ready?

We begin April 25^th and continue for the next 30 days.
Dates: April 25^th – May 23^rd with group Tele-Seminars meetings on April 25^th, May 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th and Face to Face Celebration on May 23^rd.
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: 10 Park Avenue, corner of Park and 34^th Street
Price: $165 (or if you prefer, just 4 weekly payments of $45);
Celebration-Night-Only Discount: $125

Space is limited to only 11 people.

Finally Move Forward in Life & Replace Your Inner Critic with Inner Love by contacting us today:

www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com
MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com
10 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10016
(212) 889-4986

Related posts:

1. 40 Days Global Yoga- $0 Cost to Everyone
2. 2012: Lose Weight, Reduce Aging, De-Stress, & Increase Love
3. What Am I Supposed To Do With My Life & Other Answers

According to Jorge Cruise, when you feel stressed, you actually trigger your fight-or-flight response. Your body then releases a number of stress hormones, notably cortisol. These hormones are designed to help you better handle your stressor by speeding up your heart rate, dilating your blood vessels and shunting blood away from your digestive track so it can go where you need it: your muscles.

Your liver also makes fuel in the form of sugar (from stored glycogen), so you have enough energy to “fight” or “flee” the stressor.  However, today’s stressors aren’t dinosaurs or club-wielding cavemen – they’re more intangible, such as meeting work deadlines and paying speeding tickets. Your body doesn’t use the sugar your liver produces because you didn’t actually fight or flee. But your liver doesn’t know that and continues to trigger your brain to make you feel hungry.

The extra calories you end up eating – all in response to that stress – get stored in fat cells. If you chronically trigger your fight-or-flight response, your body will try to store up as much fat as possible, and you’ll gain unnecessary weight.

Do you feel stuck in this stress-response cycle?  Then here are two suggestions:

1)        Calm Amid the Chaos Video- Watch this inspiring video to help your mind refocus and make better decisions to the challenges confronting you.

2)       365 Yoga LIVE- Start your day with an injection of high energy and a clear vision.  Join our class that meets 4 times a week at 7 AM with easy access from your home.  Try it for 14 days free.  What have you got to loose?  Nothing but finally getting off the stress-cycle!

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele

P.S. Know anyone in the stress rut?  Forward this to them.  They’ll thank you.

Michele Risa
BEYOND body mind spirit NYC
www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

Related posts:

1. Why Sweets are Not so Sweet
2. How to Stay Your Wedding Dress Weight
3. 7 Tips & Tools to Reduce Stress, Disease While Increase Abundance

We’re one of 1,000s of yoga studios participating in a 40 Day Global Sadhana program.  The last program included a community of over 10,220 yogis from 75 countries around the world.

We’ll be your home base in NYC.  Here are the details:

When: Weekly on Thursdays, 12:15 -1:00 PM for 5 weeks; Come any week:  March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, and May 3rd.
Where: 10 Park Avenue, corner Park Avenue and 34th Street, Suite 3D
Cost: FREE

To register for any or all of the weeks, email MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com.

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele

Michele Risa
BEYOND body mind spirit NYC

P.S. Interested in cutting through all the external stuff coming in from around you?  Want to settle into your intuitive voice?  Would you enjoy being guided through life? These are the extra benefits to joining our Global Yoga practice.  Register Today at MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com.

Related posts:

1. Free Lunch? (Yes, Really!)
2. A POWERFUL 11/11 GLOBAL LINK UP
3. The Cost of Not Dreaming Is Higher than You Think