Health 101: Bernadette Janet

My girl gets deep in this Health 101 on silencing the inner critic in order to live your best life. Health is as much about attitude as anything else. Read on, and feel the awesomeness!

How would you define healthy living? Healthy living all depends on the way your attitude towards life is structured. A person's mindstate can often determine what choices they make in life. A positive perspective has a ripple effect on the body. From our choices of food, our ability to find ways to challenge our bodies, and most importantly, how we see our own reflections. I am a glass half full kind of girl, and I live that way as it has the healthiest effect on my outlook on life. Were you always healthy, or was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier? I was not healthy as a teen, but as a young adult I started to notice that African American women were often stereotyped as unhealthy and overweight. As a result I started to run/walk Lake Merritt in Oakland daily. I wanted to dispell the myth. As a result I became a lifetime runner. Later I suffered a spinal injury from an epidural and had limited use of my legs. Through this I discovered the beauty of yoga and I used it to nurse myself back to health. I am now a running yogi and I am thankful for every run and every downward facing dog completed. What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others? Silencing your inner critic is crucial. I don't think that there is anything more game changing than that. Often we walk through life hateful of ourselves. We all possess an evil inner critic who's favorite words are: can't, ugly, unworthy. I always like to recognize when I am being to hard on myself and instead of aquiescing to it, countering it with love speak. Thinking of all the ways that critic is dead wrong and living in the glow of my awesome. What is the one natural product or practice you can’t live without? Shea Moisture EVERYTHING!! I love every product I have tried from this brand. It is all natural, smells delish and it is one of the African American owned companies for our beauty and skin. I typically have curls for days so I coat my hair in their curly conditioner. Also my daughter has started to struggle with pubescent skin issues, and I swear by their black soap and toner. LOVE THIS BRAND!! What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self? Wow that's tough!! Multiple things come to mind, but never stop being FEARLESS is what I think I would say. I think in our 20's is when your self doubt can be an inhibitor to your greatness. I recognize now that as I was growing I became a little less fearless and spontaneous, and I wish I would have continued with being a little more brash and taking the unconventional risk. What makes you hella fresh? How long do you have here . Just kidding. Lately I have learned that the freshest thing about me is that I have learned to listen to people before opening my mouth to speak. Hella Fresh leaders to me are quite measured in their responses, leaving them open to not judge others immediately. This allows them time to really openly consider other peoples feelings. It really makes a difference in every aspect of my life from child rearing to business dealings.

Where can we find you in the webosphere?

I do a lil sanging on the side.  

This is a link where you can find my page:

http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/jahnaa

ReverbNationwww.reverbnation.com

Work In Progress Wednesday: Words to Live By - Desiderata

"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

-from Desiderata

I love that quote, and recite it often in times of uncertainty and strife. It reminds me that I am loved, there is a power greater than myself, and I need to be at peace with my journey.

For your pleasure I written the Desiderata in entirety. Enjoy!

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
~Max Ehrmann 

What words of wisdom do you live by?  Do Share!

XOXO,
Riss

Health 101: ShaktiMama

As someone, who sees herself as a work in progress, I seek inspiration, motivation, and education from others. I created this feature called "Health 101" to share information with you about healthy living. As illustrated by the different interviews, health comes in many forms. 

I am pleased to be able to share this interview with Ieshia Ali aka ShaktiMama, a world traveling Yogapreneur, and my personal yoga crush. Read on, and expect to be as in awe of this wonderful woman, as I am! 

How would you define healthy living?

Authenticity. Taking the time and doing the work to discover who you are as Light Being on planet earth and how you fit into the sum total of life. I feel we are all a piece of the puzzle and must take personal responsibility to be a positive contributor to the sum total not just our individual selves. This requires open honest internal dialogue followed by courageous and creative actions to live your most authentic self. When we do not honor and own our authenticity we rob the world of beauty. The beauty of a Light Being who is not stressed out or mentally imbalanced because they are trying to fit uncomfortable molds or ideas of who society or family think they should be. Authentic people tend to make wiser choices about sustainable living. Sustainable living (methods that encourage alkaline body, relaxed mind, eco-friendly environments) is good for the individual (self) and the world (collective) energetically and physically.

Were you always healthy, or was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier?

For the most part, my parents were Black Panther Bohemians from California. Socially aware and politically active citizens who moved our family to Seattle when I was very young. California and Washington state influence, from vegetarians to strong Asian inspired diets and medicinal remedies started me on the road to whole living. As a high school athlete, gymnast, physical exercise was a constant and I learned to fly and focus as a gymnast. These skills have sustained me through my life thus far. To keep it real, there was a sketchy experimental period in my college days, some not so good habits and indulgences. I smoked cigarettes as it was not yet a horrific abomination as is today, yet I knew it was bad for the body. I credit my introduction to yoga and distance running for helping me cut the cravings. Yoga practice with all of the lovely pranayama (breath work) increased my lung capacity, which fueled my running. It was a powerful combination for decreasing the cravings and eventually stopping the habit.

What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?

 I coined a phrase, “mind tricks the body.” I truly believe that it is our mind that colors perceptions and defines our experiences physically and mentally. Learning to tame the mind with a faithful yoga and meditation practice helps the individual heal the body by becoming in tune with subtle changes and differences and correctly distinguishing pain form discomfort. If you’re not willing to be a little uncomfortable you will never experience an authentic and glorious state of being mentally, physically or spiritually. One must be willing to name the pain, experience it and finally transcend it! This is true for extra squats in the gym, 2 additional minutes at the end of your daily run, or looking inside our own mind and confronting the baggage and blockages that keep you bound to old scripts and habits that don’t serve you well. My mom use to warn, “where you find your mind, you will find your behind.” Yes, mind tricks the body for positive or negative outcome. 

What is the one natural product or practice you can’t live without?

Coconut oil! It’s great for the hair, body and to cook with. Love it for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties, the saturated fats are good for the heart and hips…. definitely worth investigating. I keep non-GMO organic bottles in the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen!

What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Never give away or turn your tools over to anyone else to sculpt your life. No one can craft or create a better life for you than yourself. The answers will come from within when you seek in silence and allow the mind to be quiet and receptive. Follow your intuitions, it is your God given GPS.

What makes you hella fresh?

Love this question! Drumroll…… I would say like my girl Lauren Hill put it, “I have diplomatic immunity and every community.” I’m a cosmic bohemian of the Jedi Federation who has traveled the world and every place I’ve been I have been able to make a friend or two or 10…. I discovered this about myself when I took a summer and studied in Spain and traveled Western Europe. The travel bug bit me and I haven’t stopped yet. I learned If you can make friends, you have the priceless skill which will attract an abundance of resources and assets. But you gotta be a friend to make one.

Where can we find you in the webosphere? 

Follow me here:

FB: Shakti Yoga Trip

Instagram: @ShaktiMama

Twitter: @ShaktiMama001

Webpage: shaktimindbodystudio.com

Try It Tuesday: Powdered Peanut Butter

Yes, you read it right powdered peanut butter. This stuff has made me a peanut butter convert. Before using it I was not the biggest fan of peanut butter, but now "I put that ish on everything!"

To make the peanut butter into powder they squeeze all the oil out, and then dehydrate it. What's left is a powder that you can mix with water (or the liquid of your choosing) to create peanut butter the consistency you prefer. You can also just add it straight into your smoothies, shakes, sauces, etc. The possibilities are endless! My favorite way to use it is in the following dip:

You will need:

• 4 Tablespoons powdered peanut butter (I used PB2 with premium chocolate, hence the brown specks) 
• 1 cap (cap not cup) almond extract
• 1 cap vanilla extract
• water

Simply mix it all together, adding water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. You can use it on apples as I have, or anything you like. I am thinking, this would be really good with bananas.





*Notes on the peanut butter powder:

• If you allergic to peanuts, don't eat this!
•  I like PB2 brand powdered peanut butter. I have found it at Target, Whole Foods, and on Amazon. 

Happy Dipping!

~Riss

Try It Tuesday: Buti Fitness

"Two booty pops, two booty circles." No, this is not audio from Miley Cyrus's choreography sessions, but what you hear as you are encouraged to pop that booty for fitness sake during a Buti Fitness class. Buti is a blend of yoga, tribal dance, plyometrics, and yes booty popping.

Buti was created by trainer Bizzie Gold when she was trying to add some spice to her yoga practice after having a baby. What she came up with is a challenging, fun, sexy workout not for the faint of heart. Don't let all the booty poppin fool you, Buti is a serious workout with down dog push-ups, planks, killer ab work and the like worked in with yoga poses, tribal dance, and booty shakin' fun. The beauty of the Buti is that it has yoga at its core, which means it is really all about you and your inner space. Most likely, you're not going to be an expert after one class, but will gain strength of body and spirit with continued practice.

My experience with Buti has been a good one. I bought the 3 DVD set, and love the workouts. To my surprise the 25 minute workout is now free for all on Youtube. If you're looking for something to spice up your workout routine (and possibly your relationship), give Buti a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed, out of breath yes, disappointed no. 

Here's the full 25 minute workout for free: 

If you want to know about the Buti and its creator, you can go to her Facebook page.

Be Hella Well and Get Your Tribal On,
~Riss

Have you tried Buti? Thoughts? Questions?

"Make Your Own" Monday (MYOM): Simple 3 Ingredient Sugar Scrub

No need to spend money on store bought body scrubs, that are loaded with preservatives that can harm your body, when you can simply and easily Make Your Own. This easy recipe can bring about great changes. It's fast, simple, effective, inexpensive, and safe enough to eat! (Please don't eat it, though.) 

Exfoliation (getting rid of dead skin) should be a part of your self care routine. Why? Our skin is our largest organ, and it is constantly exposed. You lose skin cells constantly, and without proper exfoliation your skin can look lackluster and ashen, not to mention the dirt that your soap misses. Using a scrub a couple of times a week is one of the easiest ways to take care of your skin, and give it its rightfully glowing appearance. You can whip this one up in less than 5 minutes using things you probably already have around the house. Let's get started! 


You will need:

• 1 cup of brown or raw sugar
• 6-10 Tablespoons of coconut oil (This oil is amazing for your body, if you don't have any, then: olive, grapeseed, or almond will do. However, when you get some time I recommend you get you some of this amazing stuff. If you don't know about it, read this article to learn more)
• Essential oils (optional) I used 10 drops of lime and 5 drops of peppermint (Smells like Coco-Mojito)

Here's what to do:
If the coconut oil has hardened, simply melt it. Then add the coconut oil to the sugar, and mix. I encourage you to stop after 6 tablespoons and check the consistency. Then decide how much more to add. Store bought scrubs tend to be oil-heavy; you should choose the consistency that you like. I tend to add just enough to coat the sugar without having it swimming in oil. Once its mixed to your liking, you can add in the essential oils you like. (If you don't have any of these on hand the coconut oil smells fantastic on its own.) That's it you're done. Now go spoil yourself with this simple yet amazing scrub. 

For best results, use the scrub in the shower. After rinsing with your cleanser, use the scrub to exfoliate and condition the skin. Apply a handful of the scrub to wet skin and massage over the body. Be present. Really take the time to luxuriate. You can massage in a circular motion, or do long strokes on your body and circle around your joints. After you're done with the scrub, rinse away all the dead cells and dirt, and rejoice in the baby soft skin you have just revealed! But do be careful. Oil + Water = A Hella Slippery Shower Floor. Again, be present! 

This recipe makes enough for about one treatment. I recommend making it as needed. Keeping a huge jar of this stuff in your shower invites bacteria to the party as they live in water and thrive on sugar. You don't want this. Also a caveat: be careful using this scrub in your intimate area. If you want to exfoliate "down there" use clean exfoliating gloves. Sugar and salt are no nos in your most delicate of areas. 

One last thing, this is also AMAZING for your lips! Use it is a lip scrub, just be careful if you use a citrus essential oil as they are phototoxic, meaning they react to radiant light i.e., the sun. 

Be Hella Fresh and Hella Clean Clean, 
Riss

Do you regularly exfoliate? Sugar, salt, other? What oil do you like best? Comment. 

Feel Good Friday: Your Laugh + Kid President = Happiness

Feel Good Friday: Who are You Not to Be?

The other night I was fortunate enough to catch the movie Akeelah and the Bee on television. My seven year old daughter was with me, and I thought this was a great opportunity to inspire her. As we watched, I saw her light up, but also felt something in myself begin to stir. Here's the famous quote from the movie. Read it and remember your greatness. 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Williamson

 You can find this in Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles". I also love her book Illuminata: A Return to Prayer.(This is not Illuminati, please be clear.) It has prayers for everything from healing emotional pain to amend prayers, that seek to make amends to Native Americans, African Americans, and others who have experienced large scale injustice. If you're like me, and sometimes can't come up with the right words to articulate your prayers, this is a great ally. 

Announcing the HN Book Club!

If you know me, you know I think in books. "Did you read?" is probably the most used phrase in my vocabulary. I can't deny it; I LOVE books! They course through my veins and the lessons have help form who I am. I am a true believer in the power of story, and think there is nothing better in this life then the connections we can make through the sharing of our journeys and the journeys of others be they fictional or concrete. This being said I am starting an online book club. 

I have always wanted to be a part of a book club and figured that nothing could be better than creating one right here. 

Here's how it going to work: Every month we read one book. I will announce the book about a week before the month starts so you will have time to purchase, borrow, download, get the audio book (yes, audio books count!) or steal the book(Just kidding, if you do this you will def have a lot of time on your hands to read!).

 I will choose the first book, but hope that others will chime in with suggestions for subsequent reads. At the end of every month Hellanatural.com will host an online discussion of the book on this page of the blog. If you have already read the book, you are also invited to join the conversation. 

"No two persons ever read the same book" - Edmund Wilson

So who's coming on the adventure with me? In March we will be reading Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile. I have read really good reviews for this book in O magazine and Essence, so I think it will be a great first book.  I am putting a link to this below, but feel free to get it where you can. I will be downloading the Kindle version.

Happy Reading!
-Riss

- See more at: http://www.hellanatural.com/p/hn-book-club.html#sthash.h8XtPKsZ.dpuf

New Name, Same Awesomeness!

Greetings!
I am so excited to back in action. I have changed my blog's name to represent the changes I have undergone. The new name epitomizes how I feel. Hella Natural! If you don't know what hella means see the definition below I nabbed off www.urbandictionary.com:

hella

"Hella" is an all-purpose word. It has its roots deep in the soul (I meant to type soil, but soul works here too, haha) of Northern California. It means something along the lines of "very" or "really," but it's much more than that. It's not just a word, but a statement of cultural identification, of a long-standing bond of trust and respect for fellow Northern Californians, and of a mutual understanding between you and the rest of the world that you are from (or, in the case of anyone who has lived with kids from NorCal, that you are an honorary resident) NorCal. As the subtle innuendos of the word can only be understood by absorption, one must experience and be engulfed by it (as Northern Californians are from birth) to truly understand when its usage is appropriate. Hella is a word. It's a symbol. It's a way of life. Hella.

Correct:

This is hella whack.
I just ate hella brownies.
I'm hella going to the library this weekend.

Incorrect:
I'm going hella to the library

That being said, look out for new hella fresh dopeness as it relates to you, and I achieving supreme awesomeness through love for the mind, spirit, body, and hair (I know hair is a part of the body, but if yours is like mine, it is an entity all its own)! 

Love, Light, and Hella Freshness

~Riss