But I was reminded recently (by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead in an interview with Terry Gross) of how music is experienced differently when we’re listening to the same piece repeatedly – how we notice different nuances each time – the depth of the music is revealed a little more as we continue to listen, because so much of our experience with music is based on our mood in that moment, what activity we’re engaged in, and how much attention we’re paying to the song. Since then, I’ve been taking some time to look back over my old archives of music… you know… the stuff I bought on cassette, record or CD. I was reflecting that when music wasn’t digital, we digested it very differently than we do today. I would listen to an album over and over again, learn the songs intimately, and know exactly what to put in the music player depending on what I needed from my music in that moment of time. These days, I’m much more apt to head on over to my streaming service and pick a compilation of songs, many of whom I may never have heard before. And even if something sparks my interest, if I don’t stop in the moment and make note of the song (which I usually don’t) then it’s gone, and I may or may not hear it again. Now I’m not saying one way of experiencing music is better than the other. I think they both have their amazing attributes and both have drawbacks as the user. But it’s been fun to notice over the last couple of weeks as I go back and forth between these modes of my experience and how it’s enhanced or not. Ok… so you may be thinking, “Kia, this is great, but seriously… random conversation here!” And yes, it is. But I couldn’t help it. Today I was searching through my albums of old and came across something I hadn’t listened to in decades! And I’ll be honest… I’ve been rocking out at my desk ever since (seriously… I’m currently on song #13 of the album). What is it you ask? Arrested Development: 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of… And guess what!? The songs are still awesome! Plus, it makes me feel like I’m back in college again (ok… maybe not quite… you get what I’m saying).  Do you have a favorite way you like to use music in your life? An album or artist of old that you haven’t experienced in a while? Drop yours in the comments… let’s make a music thread and revive some old favorites!
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On this International Women's Day, I just wanted to take a moment with you and celebrate the badassery of women. And yes! This is officially a word in our American dictionary now... 😆 bad·ass·er·y /ˈbadˌasərē/ noun INFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN
I have to be honest *|FNAME|*, I'm loving scrolling through social media today and seeing all the emails in my inbox celebrating the accomplishments of women and how far we've come, how much more we're being recognized for our influence, accomplishments and yes, general badassery. It also makes me think of how many women are pushing themselves so hard, to accomplish so much, to help so many, and forgetting that they themselves deserve the love, attention and compassion that they show others. In fact, my oldest daughter and I were baking last night and watching an episode of "Queer Eye" on Netflix (judge me if you like, but it's an awesome show! 🎉). This particular episode was all about an amazing woman in Austin who has started a farm for rescue animals (domestic and farm) and combines that with bringing kids with special needs to the farm to help them feel empowered and connected as they help the animals in need. It's animal medicine at its finest and beautiful example of how helping others often helps us too. It's such a magical place, and such a powerful thing that this woman is doing for so many. But she was nominated for the show because even though she encouraged others to take care of themselves, reminded them that they were worthy of love, care, attention, and time... she never gave the same to herself. She was so worn out, and her body was so tapped, that she would burst into tears at the smallest thing. Her nervous system was so taxed that she was barely hanging in there and she became defensive at the slightest suggestion that this situation was not sustainable for her. She just continued, 24/7, 365 days of the year to do this work because she felt so called to it AND felt 100% responsible for all of the children and animals that could possibly need her and her farm. It was an enormous weight that she was carrying around! One of the reasons I love the show is because those 5 amazing men have such a gentle, yet firm way of helping people see just how ok it is to care for themselves. To find that moment of fun and lightness each day. And they certainly did that for this woman as well. The best part? Is if she can continue to allow others in, to relinquish some of the control, to care for herself even half as much as she does for others, her ability to expand and help more animals and children will grow exponentially. Caring for ourselves is ALWAYS a win-win! Sometimes we just need a nudge and loving hand to help us get started. ❤️🙏🏼 So on this International Women's Day, how are you both celebrating the amazingness of women in general and also the amazingness of YOU!? And more importantly, how are you caring for YOU today? Here's me caring for me 👇🏽. Taking some extra time to explore new trails near my home with my favorite trail companions. (I may have even taken a few detours by accident and it became an extended trip! 😆) It felt amazing! Sending you love, vibrancy and the reminder that you are just as important as any of the other very important things in your world. And you deserve to be celebrated too. 🌟 xx Kia P.S. In keeping with this theme, I'm leading a group of women starting next Monday (March 14) on a 2 week reset to give their energy, vitality & body a reboot. If it's been a while since you've given to yourself, you're invited to come and join us. 😘 If you'd like to learn more, reply here and let me know! Or you can check out the deets HERE. My heart has been heavy the last few days watching tragedy unfold in Ukraine, and it's especially hard when it feels like there's nothing I can do but watch from afar. At the same time, I'm getting ready to host a course this week geared towards releasing the unnecessary weight in our lives (physical, emotional and mental). The message behind the program is that even when life it hard, chaotic and stressful, we can still feel good, be positive and have the right kind of impact. Today, I wondered for about a second if it was right for me to be advertising this program, reaching out and encouraging women to step into their life health when there's more heartbreak to be seen at every turn. But after that second passed, I felt into the very real truth that this is absolutely what I need to be doing right now. Supporting others to find lightness, so that we can all have a little more stamina, energy and focus to create whatever positivity we can in our world and encourage that positivity to ripple out as far as possible. So here I am, ready to launch my "Lighten Your Life" course tomorrow in the hopes that if I can help even one woman find a little more light in the darkness of the world today, then I have helped to create a shift that can combine with others and make true impact. And I would love to have you join me. Let's create some light together... because it is only the light that can drive away the darkness. www.tinyurl.com/5DayAdventure ** Sunflowers incidentally are my favorite flower. They are also the national flower of Ukraine. I share them here in solidarity and from my heart.  Fresh citrus like grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, lemons, and limes are in season! As an excellent source of Vitamin C, citrus can help keep those pesky colds away or try this delicious Mocktail CARDI TEA 1.5 oz steeped decaf green tea .25 oz maple syrup .5 oz bergamot orange .5 oz lime juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg white Method: Dry shake all ingredients, then shake with ice. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a seasoned lemon slice. (Recipe adapted for Simply Wellness. Original created by Zachary Gross, Sen Sakana, New York City)
 It’s Fabulous Friday and National Hugging Day! 🤗 ❤️Humans thrive on physical connection, and hugging is one of the most powerful ways to show physical support.
Family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” 🤗Hugging Reduces Stress Levels. Studies show that hugs and other physical connections reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in the body. High levels of stress hormones can cause a whole host of health issues including sleep problems, skin problems, obesity, low immunity, and more. 🤗 Hugging Improves Heart Health. Frequent hugging and hand-holding can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. 🤗 Hugging Boosts Self Esteem. Touch is a powerful language that we can use to convey feelings of safety, love, and connection to a greater community. When we are feeling down or lost, a hug can help ground us and remind us that we belong. 🤗 Hugging Improves Relationships. Hugs can benefit all types of relationships for two main reasons. They are another form of communication that conveys messages and feelings that words can’t. It’s a deeper, more intimate level of connection that you simply don’t get from talking. The second reason is that physical touch causes the release of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which improves bonding and trust and makes people feel closer to one another. 🤗 Hugging Reduces Pain. When we hug, our bodies release “feel good” hormones called endorphins, and our circulation is improved. These two things are natural pain-relievers that can benefit people who suffer from chronic pain conditions. Where are you getting your 20 second hugs today? Even when you are a pretty healthy person and do 'all the right things' you can find yourself at the bottom of a pretty big hole in terms of your health when an unexpected illness or injury occurs. And if we don't take the time to really recover, it can lead to places that are hard to come back from. Have you ever been riding high because you're making such great progress on your goals? You're really doing it! Only to have life come along and pull the rug right out from under you? Yea. Me too. Holiday Season Survival Guide, Tip #1: How to spend your energy wisely this holiday season.11/9/2018
What is your goal for the holidays? Watch the video, take a moment to think about it and SHARE BELOW! When we share, it makes it over 90% more likely that we stick to it. Then we can use it as a guide for where to spend our energy. So don't be shy! Say it loud and proud!
Welcome to Simply Wellness Kitchen!  For this episode, I wanted to share one of our family favorites. It's what turned my kids onto salmon, and everyone gobbles it all up. This is a great dinner for one of those nights when time is short, but you want something light, nutritious and filling! The salmon dish is so versatile too... enjoy it with any number of your favorite veggies and sides. As always, have fun with it! Throw in your own ideas, tweak it to fit your needs. And let me know how it turns out! And don't forget, plug in your name and email below the video to get the recipe for yourself. Happy Cooking! Welcome to Simply Wellness Kitchen  Today I made up a new recipe with some lamb chops from our local Double Gum Tree Farm. They turned out amazing! And with kale, onion, garlic, potatoes and sweet potatoes from our local organic farms courtesy of Sage Roots, this qualifys as simple local healthy eating! My kind of cooking does not need to be followed exactly. Add in your own ideas or use some of these ideas but for a different recipe... just have some fun! I hope you find it useful. And please... watch and let me know your thoughts. If you'd like a copy of the recipe, take a look below the video. Enter your name and email and viola! Happy cooking everyone! |
