31 Days of Fitness Challenge

Our 31 days of Fitness Challenge started today!  I asked my husband to join me in 31 days of physical fitness.  This includes but is not limited to: cardio, weight training, aerobic classes, yoga, and swimming.  I thought it would be a great way to keep each other motivated while I am away for a month.  The deal is we will skype our progress every night.  

So what do you think?  Will you join in the July Fitness Fun?  We would love to hear your progress and learn what keeps you motivated!  The goal here is to get off the couch and away from the TV.  Enjoy Summer and all it has to offer.  We did a 31 day yoga challenge a few months ago and I truly enjoyed reading your progress and seeing your inspirational pictures.  Don't be shy!  We are in this together and here to support each other. 

I hope you will be joining us! 
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Inspiring Yogi, Kendall Covitz

Hello everyone!  

Please take a moment to check out my fellow Yogi, Kendall Covitz, founder of On An Inhale http://onaninhale.com/blog/  


You will find helpful nutrition and yoga articles written by Kendall.  She is truly inspiring and I believe you will benefit from her uplifting resources.  

~Namaste
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Yoga and Men

Why Men Need Yoga...

Weight loss:

Certain yogasanas are specifically aimed to stimulate the lethargic thyroid gland in order to increase the hormonal secretion.  Thus, yoga acts upon metabolism of our body, increases metabolic activity and helps in reducing weight.

Relaxation:

Conscious relaxation trains your muscles to release their grip when you do not use them.  This relaxation keeps the muscles responsive to the signals from your brain telling them to contract so that you can perform all the countless tasks of a busy day.

Muscle Strengthening:

Since, the yoga postures are almost akin to resistance exercises they help in building muscle mass.  Yoga's principle of using body weight as resistance helps to strengthen and tone up the entire body.  Consequently, calorie burn occurs at a higher rate because the muscle tissues' metabolic requirements are much higher.

Sexual Performance:

According to scientific studies, men with premature-ejaculation problems lasted three times longer during sex after 12 weeks of practicing an hour of yoga daily.  Yoga movements strengthen your pelvic muscles, explain the researchers, and stronger muscles improve your control as you approach orgasm.

Better Digestion:

Yoga postures help balance your body.  Some yoga poses, when performed correctly, massage the endocrine glands and the digestive system which improves digestion.  Yoga is a natural exercise for everybody.  We have been doing yoga right from the time we were babies if you really think about it.

And it's just plain SEXY!

Be sure to check out our Yoga clothing and mats for men on www.serenitylifestyleandgifts.com Like our Facebook page & save 10% today!

Why I am so passionate about Yoga

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I often get asked the question, "why am so passionate about yoga?"  Yoga has helped me find my power to heal myself, physically but also mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  We all have our unique story about our practice and this is mine.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with Antiphosphlipid Antibody Syndrome (APS); an autoimmune disease in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them.  One of the biggest hurdles I have had to face with this disease is 4 miscarriages.  

It was during that time I attended my first yoga class; (which was outdoors) with BYS Yoga in Pittsburgh, PA.  The class was led by Kristi Rogers, whom I absolutely admire.  She is amazing and if you have the chance to practice with her, do it!  I didn't have a clue what I was doing.  I didn't even realize I was supposed to take my socks off!  Kristi was so helpful and patient with me.  I definitely struggled through some of the poses but I left the class with a sense of strength and calmness.  

Recently I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.  I started a 6 week course of medications along with bi-weekly blood tests last week.  I am also being tested for M.S. and Lyme Disease.  Today my hair started falling out from the medication.  


Why am I telling you this?  Because Yoga has been my saving grace.  It's been a constant in my life.

There are days when my body feels like it’s been replaced by someone who has never set foot on a yoga mat though.  I practice supine poses, forward folds and breathing.  Maybe a few twists will help and eventually I may work into the “harder stuff”.  Sometimes the easy stuff is the hard stuff.  I hate those days because they start with such pain but I’m also grateful because those can be beautiful practices that come to mean the world to me.

I understand how my body mirrors my mind and my heart.  Sometimes I am in pain and need comfort.  Sometimes I’m in pain and need to find my voice or my power.  My mat tends to let me know what I need.

That is when yoga becomes Yoga – a personal practice.  I am so grateful to the masters who have come before me and who have taught my teachers and through them, me, but I am not them.  I may never achieve Iyengar’s more advanced asanas.  I may never Gravity Surf for what seems like hours.

But I have poses that challenge me to grow, stretch, become stronger and more balanced.  I have Yoga and I am so happy with that!

~Namastewww.serenitylifestyleandgifts.com 

Journaling for Stress Management

Journaling is a term coined for the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of one’s life.  Journaling, as a stress management and self-exploration tool, is not the same as simply recording the happenings in one’s life, like keeping a log.  To be most helpful, one must write in detail about feelings and cognition's related to stressful events, as one would discuss topics in therapy.



Journaling allows people to clarify their thoughts and feelings, thereby gaining valuable self-knowledge.  It is also a good problem-solving tool; oftentimes, one can hash out a problem and come up with solutions more easily on paper.  Journaling about traumatic events helps one process them by fully exploring and releasing the emotions involved, and by engaging both hemispheres of the brain in the process, allowing the experience to become fully integrated in one’s mind.

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Unlike more physical stress management techniques such as yoga or exercise, journaling is a viable option for the disabled.  And, although some prefer to use a computer, journaling requires only a pen and paper, so it’s less expensive than techniques that require the aid of a class, book, teacher or therapist, like techniques such as biofeedback or yoga.  Journaling does not release tension from your body like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and other physical and meditative techniques, however. But it is a great practice for overall stress reduction as well as self-knowledge and emotional healing.

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Spring Equinox Sale at SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com

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Spring Equinox is celebrated as the first day of Spring, when day and night are equal in both hemispheres.  All of nature is stirring now and showing signs of activity after the Winter sleep.  Buds are bursting on the trees, Spring flowers are coming out and seeds are germinating.

The power of the Sun is increasing, the days are lengthening and the nights are shortening.  We begin to feel empowered to reach out for what we want and to take risks, strike out on our own, go for walks and connect to the Earth again.

We can use the potential and fertility of this time to create opportunities for positive change in our lives and in the world.  At this point we are poised between opposite forces, light and dark, receptive and active, unconscious and conscious, inner and outer.  These can be united within us so that we are whole and balanced individuals.  This gives birth to actions that come from the heart.

In the past the fertile Earth goddess Eostre was honoured at this time in celebration of new life and gestation.  Dragon processions celebrated the emerging active energy of the earth and eggs were used as a potent symbol of new life and rebirth.

Use our 10% off Discount code today on your favorite items, SER4.  Offer ends 4/1/13

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Common Yoga Q & A

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Q: Which class should I take?
              
A: Yoga is varied and with any luck, it can become a life-long practice.  If you are brand new to it, we recommend a Beginner class.  If you are athletic and have previous yoga experience, something more intermediate will benefit you.  Hot Yoga is a class fit for all levels of experience where the heat is turned up to 95+ degrees.  If you love the heat and are well-hydrated, this is a great class for beginners and intermediate students.  If you have taken yoga for several years, feel free to try Power Yoga, our another advanced class.  There are many paths to many goals.  We hope we can help you along the way.

Q: Do I need my own yoga mat?

              

A: Most studios will allow you to use one of their mats as long as you make a small donation.  I highly recommend considering purchasing your own mat though.  It's great when you can own your own magic carpet. It is also wise to bring your own towel to lay on your mat and wipe up your sweat.  Used mats can harbor millions of germs and bacteria.  Here is a great inexpensive mat     http://serenitylifestyleandgifts.com/item_136/Yogi-Mat-Carry-Strap.htm      

                              

Q: When should I arrive for class?

              

A: As early as you can.  You should leave a 15-minute buffer before class time just in case you get stuck at that light that never seems to change or that traffic jam that appears out of nowhere.  This way you can still make it to class on time.  Some yoga studios lock the door after the class starts so make sure you arrive on time.  Evening classes tend to fill up fast so consider an even longer buffer if your class is after 5pm.

Q: Can I do yoga if I'm pregnant or menstruating?  Can I do yoga if I have an injury?

              

A: The best person to answer these questions is you.  In yoga, you learn to respect others but more importantly YOURSELF.  If you want to try the class and experiment with how you feel, please do so.  Everyone's body is different.  If you feel your injury will not allow you to stay in the room and try most of the poses with modifications, it may be best to take another week off.  There are many different views on pregnancy or menstruation.  The best person to ask is your physician.

Q: Can my child take yoga?

              

A: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian at all times.  Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to attend Hot or Power Yoga classes. 

Namaste...

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Wishing you a Peaceful Holiday

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Plenty of people miss their share of happiness.  Not because they never found it- but because they didn't stop to enjoy it." -William Feather

The holidays are upon us.  Feel the happiness?

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the buying, the travelling, the events, that stress and exhaustion can overpower the joys of the season. Well, this season take a moment (or several) to stop and enjoy!

Where is happiness?  Difficult question to answer.  It is different for everyone.  But, one common thing is that it lies in moments.  From the most mundane to the extraordinary, it is there in each and every one.

You see, there really is no need to search for it.  Just be present and enjoy!  That is the best gift you can give yourself.  Stop and enjoy!  Enjoy each and every moment for what it is.  For, that is where happiness lies.  See it, feel it, live it and share it!

 

 

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Happy Holidays & Namaste.

Choose the right Yoga Mat

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A comfortable mat is an essential part to make your Yoga practice successful.  A successful practice would be one which would:


~Enable you to follow a range of yoga positions, meditation poses and relaxation pose
~Make your yoga session complete, comfortable and satisfying
~Help you realize the true potential of each yoga position - both physical and mental - which is the true purpose of the postures


At SerenityLifeStyleandGifts.com we offer a high quality variety of Yoga/Pilates Mats for our customers.  If you need help selecting the perfect mat please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are more than happy to assist you.

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~Namaste

Help with Meditation

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There are two types of meditation - Active and Passive


Active meditation relates to activities of everyday life such as walking, working, eating etc.  This in fact is the aim of Yoga, to experience a meditative state in everyday life which has the effect of increasing performance manifold as the work is done with more efficiency and energy. 

To achieve active meditation, passive meditation is required which involves taking time out to be seated and perform Meditation Techniques or practices.  This is called passive as it involves withdrawing ourselves in calm, sitting postures to achieve a meditative state that can help us in our active life. 

The aim of all passive meditation techniques is to still the mind from wavering and distracting thoughts and gradually make it one pointed.

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Passive Meditation Techniques though of many kinds, essentially have the same modus operandi:


Part 1: Introversion: Involves seating postures and awareness on an object.  This has the effect of calming the mind and making it 'receptive' to see what's inside.

Part 2: Introversion leads to the free flow of thoughts, visions, complexes, memories etc. from the lower mind.  Our passions, fears, doubts and desires arise and we are now in a position to observe these and remove the undesirable content from our minds forever.

Part 3: Having observed the lower mind, we are now in a position to explore the subconscious realms.  It is here that real meditation begins.  Our limitless storehouse of energy and knowledge starts manifesting itself.

Part 4: Self realization: As these stages are transcended, supreme bliss is attained.


*Choose a time when you are not likely to be disturbed.
*Settle down in a place which has fresh air. If you so desire, having some incense around you will relax you. You may sit in any of the meditative poses depending on your comfort level, and to stay in that pose for a desired duration of time.
*Begin by learning to focus on something non-threatening. This will relax you, break your stress response.
*Concentrate on a subject that appeals to you- it could be a flower, a word, or the flame of a candle.
*Notice how your thoughts wander. Don't attempt to control them. Observe them with detachment.
*Within a few weeks, you will notice a marked difference in your capacity to focus. This is the stepping stone to awareness.

Namaste
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Monoi de Tahiti Massage Oil

One of the most effective and popular uses of aromatherapy is massage with essential oils, which combines the healing power of touch and the therapeutic power of scent.  In addition, beneficial oils are absorbed into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.  For this reason, SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com only uses natural, nontoxic ingredients of the highest quality in our aromatherapy massage oils.


This exotic blend of coconut, gardenia, and other fragrant extracts will transport you to an intoxicating tropical oasis of relaxation while acting as a powerful moisturizer for your skin, restoring its natural softness and elasticity and fortifying it against sun and wind damage.

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Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, Monoi De Tahiti.  This product does not contain animal byproducts and has not been tested on animals.

Namaste every day www.serenitylifestyleandgifts.com

Gratitude and Thankfulness

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Since being diagnosed with an incurable disease I have decided to make a conscious effort to practice gratitude in some small way every day.  When I do, I feel much more connected with the flow of life, instead of isolated and alone in my own struggles and fears.


Gratitude can be a powerfully transformative practice.  Practicing gratitude can actually improve our emotional and physical well-being.  Extensive research in the routine of gratitude and thankfulness has found that people who keep weekly gratitude journals had fewer physical symptoms, exercised more, had a better outlook on life and were more likely to reach their goals. Individuals with neuromuscular disease who practiced daily gratitude "have more high-energy positive moods," felt more connected to others, and felt more positive about life.


A powerful way to cultivate gratitude is to focus on what is really happening in our lives, rather than falling into the traps of complaining and drama.  The basic practice of Naikan, which translates to "inside-looking," consists of asking oneself three questions every day:  "What have I received today?  What have I given?  What trouble have I caused?"  While Naikan doesn't deny the difficult parts of our lives, it puts things into perspective. 


I ask myself these three questions every night while meditating on my meditation cushion. http://serenitylifestyleandgifts.com/item_149/Zafu-Meditation-Cushion.htm


Make thank you, your mantra every day.
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Honoring the Place in You

SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com is as eclectic and inspired as its owners. We offer attire for both men and women. On our site you will find beautiful, culturally diverse items. We are always on the lookout for something fresh, environmentally conscious and spirited in style.

 

At SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com we believe that it doesn’t hurt to feel good on the outside while working on the inside! Happiness is giving more than you receive. Make peace with your mind, make peace with the world, find Serenity.

 

Dr Ted. and Carmela Steliotes have shared the desire to create a dynamic convergence of physical/spiritual health, art and community for many years. They have been deeply involved in the health and wellness community.

 

 

Namaste everyday.

 

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Beat The Holiday Stress...Shop From Home

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Beat the Holiday stress and endless lines at the mall!  This season support a small business and shop online.  We are all about providing convenience to our customers.  Where else can you do your shopping at midnight wearing your birthday suit?

Crowds force us to do a hurried shopping most of the time.  For me grumpy or irritating people and those who smell bad are a huge turn off.  Crowds also create a problem when it comes to finding a parking place nearby where you want to shop and going back to your vehicle later loaded with shopping bags.

SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com gives you the opportunity to shop 24 x 7 and also rewards you with a "no pollution" shopping.  We offer a unique variety of items that come directly from the manufacture.  We guarantee your shopping experience with us will be a peaceful one.

Happy Holidays and Namaste
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Philosophy of Kindness

Today make a conscious effort to practice kindness www.serenitylifestyleandgifts.com

Chakra Healing

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There are seven basic chakras, and they all exist within the subtle body, overlaying the physical body.   The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, and developmental stages of life.

 

Chakras are centers of energy that connect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. It is through these centers that we are able to receive, transmit and process vital life force. The chakras correspond to specific aspects of our consciousness and to the various glands of the endocrine system. In the natural healing arts such as yoga, meditation, siddha medicine, ayurveda, pranic healing, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and shiatsu, great importance is placed in balancing the energy flow of these centers. Physical pain or disease is an indication of a blockage or weakness in the chakras.

 

At SerenityLifestyleAndGifts.com we offer all 7 Unscented Chakra Candles for your healing needs.

 

FIRST CHAKRA, or base or root chakra, is located at the base of the spine or coccyx. Primary color: RED.

SECOND CHAKRA, or navel chakra is located in the lower abdomen or navel area. Color: ORANGE.

THIRD CHAKRA, or solar plexus chakra is located above the navel and below the chest. Color: YELLOW.

FOURTH CHAKRA, or heart chakra is located at the center of the chest. Primary color: GREEN and secondary color: PINK.

FIFTH CHAKRA, or throat chakra is located at the center of the throat area. Color: BLUE.

SIXTH CHAKRA, or the brow or third eye chakra is located between the eyebrows. Color: INDIGO (royal blue).

SEVENTH CHAKRA, or crown chakra is located at the top of the head. Color: VIOLET or the combination of all colors: WHITE.

For more info on Chakra and healing please leave your comments below.
~Namaste www.serenitylifestyleandgifts.com

Bringing a Sense of Peace to you

Bring a sense of peace into your world with SerenityLifestyleandGifts.com!

Our soothing candles and aromatherapy will help you de-stress after a long day and our artwork and pottery will add a serene, peaceful feel to any room. Relax and meditate on one of our colorful yoga mats, or rejuvenate your practice with a new Yoga DVD. 

 

Our goal is to offer you the best products to help bring serenity into your life and home.

We also offer organic and eco-friendly products, beautiful gift baskets and peaceful decor for your home. Check back with us often as we are continually searching for quality products to add to our collection.

 

Peaceful living with SerenityLifestyleandGifts.com

 

~Namaste

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