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The-Kind-LIne

The Kind Line

This month, I want to share a resource with you – the Kind Line.  The Kind Line is a toll-free number you can call 24/7, as often as you like, to listen to a recorded message of kindness.  The messages change weekly, last about 1.5 minutes, and are concise, complete, intelligent, soothing, and land right where you need them to.  The Kind Line was created locally by Lexi Soulios,  a Transformational Guide and Freedom Lover.  Lexi helps people move beyond traumas of their

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Guarding Against Inflammation

Guarding Against Inflammation

I recently attended a seminar on inflammation led by nutritionist Beverly White, PhD, RD from Oregon State University.  A resident nutritionist for several assisted living facilities, Beverly works to reduce the systemic inflammation that underlies many of the health issues that affect her residents.  She also tours the country lecturing to health professionals about the role of inflammation in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic heart disease, lung and kidney disease, arthritis and auto-immune disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and even Alzheimer’s and other neurological

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LOL Inner Massage

LOL = Inner Massage

I’ve been craving laughter.  As a teenager, almost anything could send me into fits of hysterics – the side-splitting, cheek-challenging kind that left me exhausted and panting at the end. I was constantly shushed in school for giggling, and almost got kicked out of an assembly when a friend and I burst out laughing every time the speaker made exuberant and explosive “p” sounds into the microphone. Those were the days! I recently saw Twelfth Night at the Oregon Shakespeare

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Love That Body

Love That Body…Something Borrowed

Some of the comments my clients make about their amazing bodies are downright cruel, especially lately.  Is it because the sun is out and clothes are coming off?  Is it because people are spring cleaning and want to get healthy?  Or is it because they have injuries, want to lose weight or push their limits? Whatever the reason, people are cursing their bodies.  There is nothing wrong with wanting change, unless beating oneself up is involved.  I try to steer these self-condemners toward healthier thoughts, though admittedly, I sometimes treat myself the same way.  Getting strong,

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Not Exercising Enough? Try Barre 3

Not Exercising Enough? Try Barre 3

I’ll never forget a sign I discovered at the bottom of a stairwell which read, “Stairs:  the poor man’s plastic surgery.”  Whenever I lack motivation for moving my body, the sign’s message tickers across my brain.  However, between busy workdays and various projects, I don’t always have the time or energy to drive somewhere for my exercise and yoga.  Thankfully, I recently signed up for Barre 3’s online fitness program, and it’s saving me – money, time and health-wise.

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Tight Psoas

A Tight Psoas Can Cause More Than Back Pain

Interestingly, research is showing that in addition to causing physical issues, a tight psoas can affect psychological health and anxiety levels, and can even cause breathing problems.  Here is an excerpt from an article found on The Mind Unleashed website: “The psoas major muscle (pronounced “so-as”) is often referred to as the deepest core, or as yoga therapist and film-maker Danielle Olson states, the “muscle of the soul.” This core-stabilizing muscle located near the hip bone affects mobility, structural balance, joint function,

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Foot Stretches for Sore, Tired Feet

Foot Stretches for Sore, Tired Feet

Happy New Year, Everyone!! I am on vacation right now, ringing in the New Year at a tango festival in San Diego.  Talk about sore and tired feet!!  I am taking 12 tango classes over four days and dancing every night.  When I booked a hotel that was “within walking distance”, I didn’t realize that meant just under a mile from the venue.  During a break, I mentioned to a fellow dancer how bummed I was that massaging one’s own feet doesn’t feel

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Anxious? Try Echinacea Angustifolia

Anxious? Try Echinacea Angustifolia

Dealing with anxiety is no joke. The world is perceived differently in an anxious state; relationships, decision-making, self-care, and the ability to work or leave the house are often affected. And like Charlie Brown, some anxiety sufferers develop a secondary form where they are anxious about getting anxious.  To compound things, the commonly prescribed medications often have side effects or are addictive.  Regular massage is excellent for calming nerves, lifting morale, regulating the fight-or-flight response, and relieving muscle and emotional tension.  Chronic, generalized or social anxiety can also benefit

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Sciatica & Tight Hip Flexors

Sciatica & Tight Hip Flexors

According to Garry Adkins, NCTMB, CMI, sciatic nerve dysfunction affects nearly 40% of adults at some point during their lives.  Many of those with sciatica pain actually have piriformis syndrome where the piriformis has contracted around the sciatic nerve.  Another cause of low back, sacroiliac and sciatic pain can be a rotated pelvis.  While working with professional athletes, Garry found that including treatment of the hip flexors at the front of the body helped relieve and eliminate sciatica and low back pain for the

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Flying-Solo-Sugar-Dragon

Flying Solo After the Whole30: My “Sugar Dragon” is Alive

Little by little, my sugar dragon has been taking over.  How?  By adding cream and honey to my tea, taking a bite of dark chocolate at a yoga retreat, experimenting with Truvia in my decaf, and eating sausage and bacon cured with sugar.  These little trials led to croissants with butter and jam over coffee with a girlfriend and a hamburger and killer vanilla milkshake at the Greensprings with a guyfriend.  Yum.  For sure, but these evolving indulgences keep resulting in an unhappy belly, all-day yawning after sleeping well, and crazy sugar

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