This week seems epic! First on Monday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. Today,The Man, Barack Obama is inaugurated into office. All of these momentous events are taking place in the same week as my birthday. These events are woven together with the underlining theme of over-coming obstacles, stepping up to the plate, personal responsibility, and change.
There is no better time than today to make a public announcement and allow you all to hold me accountable to my word.
I commit to doing the following in the next 90 days:
1. Amp up my self care:
-Do Yoga Asana practice at least 4x a week
-Do strength training at least 3x a week
-Lose 8lbs (I willingly allowed myself to gain weight this holiday :). I enjoyed every bite, he he)
-Eat mostly unprocessed, whole foods that make me feel good, and energetic.
-Drink 8 Glasses of water
-Write a daily gratitude journal
-Have daily meaningful connections
-Have daily meaningful touch
-Doing at least one thing from my "this makes me happy list" daily
3. Blog once a week
4. Write a monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe: The Infectious Wellness Newsletter
5. Release a new YouTube video for my Infectious Wellness Channel weekly
6. Help out at the very least 30 people and work one on one with at least 3 private clients a week. Check out: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/com/1000126653.html
7. Teach Monthly workshops with at least 5 to 10 students that attend regularly. Check out the Infectious Wellness Meetup Group
8. Teach at Om Factory
9. Hold Headstand for at least 6 breaths consistently
10. Be more attentive and supportive to those I resonate with and love by actively listening and encouraging them to move forward.
11. Read daily:
-Finish reading Sadie Nardini's Book "Conscious E-Commerce"
-Read "Breaking Loose From The Money Game"
-Read "The Laws of Simplicity"
12. Spend more time with my loved ones
13. Mastermind and surround myself with inspirational and successful people who have been there done that.
14. Turn all of my goals into games and play daily!
So here it is all out in the open for you all to hold me accountable!
Make your own personal public announcement. Stay accountable. Feel free to post your goals for the next 90 days here under the comments section, or email me and I will help you stay accountable too :)!
To evolving, play, and support!
With love,
Yelimar
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Welcoming 2009 feeling truly inspired!
Happy New Year My Dears!
I hope you all enjoyed the end of year festivities and that the new year is bringing you some welcomed change.
I personally want 2009 to be F.I.E.R.C.E.: Fearless, Inspiring, Energetic, Real, and Exciting! I want to lay everything out in the open to start anew on this journey.
Welcoming 2009 with Om Factory!
I brought in the new year with the blessed opportunity of Karming at Om Factory in Mid-town! It peacefully lays on the 17th floor of building number 265 on West 37th Street. The space in itself is welcoming, bright, and crisp. This studio emanates a true sense of community, lightheartedness, love, and play. I feel more productive and inspired just by being there.
Faramarz and Emily Conradson, founders of the space, are incredibly sweet and supportive. They are examples of my philosophy of "Infectious Wellness". Their being and the space they've created infects my spirit with inspiration, joy, and gratitude. Instead of being infected by the negativity that is all around us, I am choosing to infect myself with viral wellness. Happiness is contagious you know: http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20081204/happiness-is-contagious I am surrounding myself with people who have it going on and inspire great feelings of love, support, and growth in my heart.
I will be at Om Factory on Mondays from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Come on in to feed your body and soul with some yoga, and come say hi while you are at it :)! I am there often so you might just catch me on any given weekday evening. It would be my pleasure to meet you, chat a bit, and welcome you with a hug.
Hope to see you around!
Love,
Yelimar
I hope you all enjoyed the end of year festivities and that the new year is bringing you some welcomed change.
I personally want 2009 to be F.I.E.R.C.E.: Fearless, Inspiring, Energetic, Real, and Exciting! I want to lay everything out in the open to start anew on this journey.
Welcoming 2009 with Om Factory!
I brought in the new year with the blessed opportunity of Karming at Om Factory in Mid-town! It peacefully lays on the 17th floor of building number 265 on West 37th Street. The space in itself is welcoming, bright, and crisp. This studio emanates a true sense of community, lightheartedness, love, and play. I feel more productive and inspired just by being there.
Faramarz and Emily Conradson, founders of the space, are incredibly sweet and supportive. They are examples of my philosophy of "Infectious Wellness". Their being and the space they've created infects my spirit with inspiration, joy, and gratitude. Instead of being infected by the negativity that is all around us, I am choosing to infect myself with viral wellness. Happiness is contagious you know: http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20081204/happiness-is-contagious I am surrounding myself with people who have it going on and inspire great feelings of love, support, and growth in my heart.
I will be at Om Factory on Mondays from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Come on in to feed your body and soul with some yoga, and come say hi while you are at it :)! I am there often so you might just catch me on any given weekday evening. It would be my pleasure to meet you, chat a bit, and welcome you with a hug.
Hope to see you around!
Love,
Yelimar
Monday, December 29, 2008
My Commitment To You In 2009!
We are just two days away from the year 2009! Can you believe how quickly this year flew?
For some reason today I am feeling a bit anxious about it all... a feeling of resistance. I have momentous ideas for next year. Ideas that are palpably knocking at my door yearning to be birthed into this existence to help the masses. I care so much about you. I am wanting to support and inspire you in living your potential because I know you have the power to influence so many lives. We are not one of many, we are many in one, many expressions of this one life of which we all play a part in. I see what grand responsibility comes with this, and I am taking the plunge. I don't know how it will happen, and where it will lead me but here goes...
I am taking a huge breath here. Deep breath in... I am exploiting how public this is to state this. I commit to YOU, and to myself in taking firm and consistent baby steps forward everyday to make this happen. Nothing great was ever accomplished by being comfortable. I commit to stretching myself for you and for my own well-being.
I leave you with this quote by Martha Graham. You might of heard it before but this time read it to your self.
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is on a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
Let these words' feelings and emotions reverberate in your heart. Note if you feel resistance inside of you? Close your eyes. What are you resisting? Has this resistance helped you in the past? Is it still helping you now or is it something that is no longer serving you? Take time to feel around and see what comes up for you.
Let us make this an open dialogue. What are you resisting in your life? What would support your growth?
Wishing you clarity, health, and abundance this new year.
With love, and much reflection,
Yelimar Rodriguez HHC, CYI, TYB
For some reason today I am feeling a bit anxious about it all... a feeling of resistance. I have momentous ideas for next year. Ideas that are palpably knocking at my door yearning to be birthed into this existence to help the masses. I care so much about you. I am wanting to support and inspire you in living your potential because I know you have the power to influence so many lives. We are not one of many, we are many in one, many expressions of this one life of which we all play a part in. I see what grand responsibility comes with this, and I am taking the plunge. I don't know how it will happen, and where it will lead me but here goes...
I am taking a huge breath here. Deep breath in... I am exploiting how public this is to state this. I commit to YOU, and to myself in taking firm and consistent baby steps forward everyday to make this happen. Nothing great was ever accomplished by being comfortable. I commit to stretching myself for you and for my own well-being.
I leave you with this quote by Martha Graham. You might of heard it before but this time read it to your self.
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is on a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
Let these words' feelings and emotions reverberate in your heart. Note if you feel resistance inside of you? Close your eyes. What are you resisting? Has this resistance helped you in the past? Is it still helping you now or is it something that is no longer serving you? Take time to feel around and see what comes up for you.
Let us make this an open dialogue. What are you resisting in your life? What would support your growth?
Wishing you clarity, health, and abundance this new year.
With love, and much reflection,
Yelimar Rodriguez HHC, CYI, TYB
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
One Last Time...
It was cold outside, and I had many excuses not to go to the 5:45pm Level 2 Yoga class at Sonic, but this was no ordinary class. This class held great meaning for me. It was Jonathan Fields' last time teaching class. I was a bit nervous.
Jonathan Fields is an amazing being. He quit his high stress job as a lawyer to find his own path. He opened up several health and fitness businesses, and amongst them he built one that took on more meaning than just a mere business. It was a home to explore growth, evolve, bloom, play, and build a community. This dear place ignited my heart and spiritual growth, and took me to levels I could not have imagined.
I received my Teacher Training at Sonic Yoga-Center for Yoga Studies in late October of 2006. It was such a life altering experience. I was introduced to a new way of life, and an innumerable amount of new experiences. Since Sonic's creation, along with Lauren Hanna co-owner, they have cultivated a beautiful community of knowledgeable, well-rounded, and inspiring teachers. His understanding of the body, his love of kinesiology, and the mind body connection made his classes and teaching style so powerful. Lauren's understanding of the subtle body, and the more esoteric Eastern philosophy brought a different dimension and balance to our training.
Once I graduated their program I no longer stepped foot into their classes. I would do anything to avoid any of the senior teacher's classes. I felt embarrassed; not good enough to be in one or their amazing classes.
Yesterday I humbly walked into my beloved home studio and was greeted by the brilliant gem Jo. I gave her the most sincere and heart felt hug. I was overcome with emotion. Jonathan was at her side behind the desk. I greeted him and quickly went off to change. Class was starting soon. As I walked into the dimly lit classroom, class had begun. I laid out my mat quietly. Stood at the foot of it, brought my hands to heart center,closed my eyes and set up the intention of humility. Inhale, raised my arms up high. Exhale, allowed my body to melt forward into Uttanasana. Inhale, prepare. Exhale, step back into plank. As I tuned in to my body and initiated my movements with my breath I felt my body grow warm and my mind steadfast. I allowed Jonathan to facilitate my practice and boy was I ever so grateful. As class wound down we moved into hip-opening poses, eased into long forward folds, and gently laid into sivasana. Tears began to fill my eyes, and overwhelming emotion took over my body. I cried, cried in gratitude, in surrender, and in forgiveness to myself.
See two years ago, I voted myself unworthy of my senior teachers and denied myself the opportunity to grow and study from the best. We must accept ourselves, come to peace with being terrible at what we do and humbly take steps forward to learn. Our prides and egos do not allow us to feel comfortable in exposing our imperfections and lack of mastery especially in front of those we see as superiors and those we feel accountable to. In doing so we punish ourselves and block our path to growth. This realization washed over every cell of my body and all I could do was cry. The biggest service we could give ourselves is the gift of acceptence and humility. Allow ourselfs the gift of vulnerability. Allow ourselves the position of student and receiver in everything that we do, even when we are the giver. We must understand that life is our teacher. Our titles, ranking or experience don't matter. They don't divide us from one another. Everyone is our teacher, and we are teachers to those around us. May we all humble ourselves and allow our beings to learn and play regardless of if we think we are worthy. We are greater in our capability to grow, learn, and love that we all know.
I have come a long way, and have a long way to go. There is growth in me and I will remain green.
I leave you with one thought. Have you ever denied yourself the opportunity to grow because you felt you were unworthy, or not good enough? That is an excuse! An excuse not to try harder and an excuse to resist growth. It is fear of failure. The truth is We Can Not Fail because every second is an opportunity for change. The only way you will fail is if you quit. Don't quit. It is our divine right to grow, live and explore.
I deliver this to you with my heart on my sleeve and heartfelt tears. Please do feel free to share your stories, leave your thoughts, or comments. I always love hearing from you guys :).
With all my love, gratitude, and surrender,
Yelimar
Spotlight on Jonathan Fields for spreading infectious wellness to the world:
Please do visit Jonathan Fields' blog and website:http://www.careerrenegade.com/
He is a health & fitness industry entrepreneur, author, blogger, yoga instructor, and kick ass coach on how to take on the quantum leap of changing your job for the life you want.
His new book "Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Want" will be in stores in 2009! He is giving early bird discounts if you want to check it out.
Jonathan Fields is an amazing being. He quit his high stress job as a lawyer to find his own path. He opened up several health and fitness businesses, and amongst them he built one that took on more meaning than just a mere business. It was a home to explore growth, evolve, bloom, play, and build a community. This dear place ignited my heart and spiritual growth, and took me to levels I could not have imagined.
I received my Teacher Training at Sonic Yoga-Center for Yoga Studies in late October of 2006. It was such a life altering experience. I was introduced to a new way of life, and an innumerable amount of new experiences. Since Sonic's creation, along with Lauren Hanna co-owner, they have cultivated a beautiful community of knowledgeable, well-rounded, and inspiring teachers. His understanding of the body, his love of kinesiology, and the mind body connection made his classes and teaching style so powerful. Lauren's understanding of the subtle body, and the more esoteric Eastern philosophy brought a different dimension and balance to our training.
Once I graduated their program I no longer stepped foot into their classes. I would do anything to avoid any of the senior teacher's classes. I felt embarrassed; not good enough to be in one or their amazing classes.
Yesterday I humbly walked into my beloved home studio and was greeted by the brilliant gem Jo. I gave her the most sincere and heart felt hug. I was overcome with emotion. Jonathan was at her side behind the desk. I greeted him and quickly went off to change. Class was starting soon. As I walked into the dimly lit classroom, class had begun. I laid out my mat quietly. Stood at the foot of it, brought my hands to heart center,closed my eyes and set up the intention of humility. Inhale, raised my arms up high. Exhale, allowed my body to melt forward into Uttanasana. Inhale, prepare. Exhale, step back into plank. As I tuned in to my body and initiated my movements with my breath I felt my body grow warm and my mind steadfast. I allowed Jonathan to facilitate my practice and boy was I ever so grateful. As class wound down we moved into hip-opening poses, eased into long forward folds, and gently laid into sivasana. Tears began to fill my eyes, and overwhelming emotion took over my body. I cried, cried in gratitude, in surrender, and in forgiveness to myself.
See two years ago, I voted myself unworthy of my senior teachers and denied myself the opportunity to grow and study from the best. We must accept ourselves, come to peace with being terrible at what we do and humbly take steps forward to learn. Our prides and egos do not allow us to feel comfortable in exposing our imperfections and lack of mastery especially in front of those we see as superiors and those we feel accountable to. In doing so we punish ourselves and block our path to growth. This realization washed over every cell of my body and all I could do was cry. The biggest service we could give ourselves is the gift of acceptence and humility. Allow ourselfs the gift of vulnerability. Allow ourselves the position of student and receiver in everything that we do, even when we are the giver. We must understand that life is our teacher. Our titles, ranking or experience don't matter. They don't divide us from one another. Everyone is our teacher, and we are teachers to those around us. May we all humble ourselves and allow our beings to learn and play regardless of if we think we are worthy. We are greater in our capability to grow, learn, and love that we all know.
I have come a long way, and have a long way to go. There is growth in me and I will remain green.
I leave you with one thought. Have you ever denied yourself the opportunity to grow because you felt you were unworthy, or not good enough? That is an excuse! An excuse not to try harder and an excuse to resist growth. It is fear of failure. The truth is We Can Not Fail because every second is an opportunity for change. The only way you will fail is if you quit. Don't quit. It is our divine right to grow, live and explore.
I deliver this to you with my heart on my sleeve and heartfelt tears. Please do feel free to share your stories, leave your thoughts, or comments. I always love hearing from you guys :).
With all my love, gratitude, and surrender,
Yelimar
Spotlight on Jonathan Fields for spreading infectious wellness to the world:
Please do visit Jonathan Fields' blog and website:http://www.careerrenegade.com/
He is a health & fitness industry entrepreneur, author, blogger, yoga instructor, and kick ass coach on how to take on the quantum leap of changing your job for the life you want.
His new book "Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Want" will be in stores in 2009! He is giving early bird discounts if you want to check it out.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Get back into gear with a Juice and Smoothie Feast! Think of it as a 48hr spa day for your inners. Reset your body. Provide it with super nutrition. During this period you will nourish your body with whole foods that are packed with a serious nutritional punch while giving your digestive system a little break from processing solids. Because you will be eating whole foods, your blood sugar levels will remain on an even keel. This will reinstate your body's natural needs and surprisingly enough your cravings will change from wanting chemicalized, artificial, junk foods, to whole nutritious food. It's like magic! Your energy levels will improve greatly.
This is not a fast! You will have to make sure to eat an adequate amount of calories during your day. I would highly recommend adding nut butters, flax oil, coconut oil, unsweetened nut milks, avocados, spirulina, and blue green algae to your smoothies. These will fuel your body with the protein and healthy fats you need to feel satisfied longer. It will give you focused energy and the adequate caloric intake you need so that your body does not go into a starvation mode. Have 16oz drinks at every meal or sip until you are feeling satisfied. (*Coconut oil is a saturated fat but is great for you. I will write an article on this soon!)
During the Juice and Smoothie Feast you will use fresh vegetables preferably organic, a little fruit, and water or nut milks to make the base for your drinks. To sweeten your drink skip the sugar and add an apple instead. If you must, use molasses, stevia, honey, or agave nectar.
Here is a sample menu on the Juice Feast!
Breakfast:
Drink a cup of water upon rising with a squeeze of lemon
Yeli's Favorite Avocado Berry Smoothie
1 Small Hass Avocado
1/2 of Nut Milk
1 cup of Berries of your choice or mix it up
1 tsp of Nut Butter
Unprocessed Sweetener to taste
Nutritional Boost Options: Hemp Protein, Flax oil, Spirulina, Blue Green Algae, Powdered All Natural Green Powder Mix
Decaffeinated Tea/ Room Temperature Water
Lunch:
Green Drink
Juice the following:
1 big hand full of Spinach
1 big hand full of Kale
1/4 inch slice of fresh Ginger
The juice of a Lime
1 Cucumber
2 stalks of Celery
Add any of the above listed Nutritional Boosts.
Double this recipe to make a 16 oz serving
If the flavor is too intense:
1) water down your juice with nut milk
2) Add a tablespoon of nut butter and add the juice of two apples
3) Add a tablespoon of nut butter and a bit of unprocessed Sweetener to taste
Decaffeinated Tea/ Room Temperature Water
Dinner:
Follow the Green Drink recipe and mix it up!
Options:
- Substitute Kale and Spinach with any alternate greens you'd like to use: Bok Choy, Collard Greens, ect.
- Your choice: add the juice of a Beet or Carrot
- Add which ever nutritional boost you'd like
Optional Yummy Sweet Treat
Sunset Delight: (the color is amazing!)
1 Beet
3 Carrots
1 Green Apple
The juice of one Lemon
A thumbnail of fresh Ginger
Please note: I do not recommend this Juice Feast for diabetics. Please consult with your doctor. If you are allergic to nuts please do omit the nut milks, and nut butters from the ingredients. Perhaps oat or rice milk is a better option for you.
Where Can I Find All the Necessary Ingredients?
You will find all the ingredients you need at your local Health Food Store. The two I highly recommend in the city are Fairway on 74th and Broadway and Westerly's Health Food Market in Hell's Kitchen on 8th Ave. You can always go to Whole Foods but they tend to be expensive.
Conclusion:
Again the point of this liquid feast is to super nourish you with whole unprocessed clean foods so that your body can go back to craving the good stuff without the need to use will-power. Make sure to stay hydrated. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of water a day. If you must eat something solid for your sanity, then try snaking on raw veggies, fruit, or nuts but not too many of them. A handful a day of nuts should do.
I hope this lightens your spirits and helps you get back on your way. Take care of yourself and what you will give off to others will be more genuine and powerful.
With much love, peace, and gratitude,
Yelimar
Please do post here and tell me how it goes, or if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
This is not a fast! You will have to make sure to eat an adequate amount of calories during your day. I would highly recommend adding nut butters, flax oil, coconut oil, unsweetened nut milks, avocados, spirulina, and blue green algae to your smoothies. These will fuel your body with the protein and healthy fats you need to feel satisfied longer. It will give you focused energy and the adequate caloric intake you need so that your body does not go into a starvation mode. Have 16oz drinks at every meal or sip until you are feeling satisfied. (*Coconut oil is a saturated fat but is great for you. I will write an article on this soon!)
During the Juice and Smoothie Feast you will use fresh vegetables preferably organic, a little fruit, and water or nut milks to make the base for your drinks. To sweeten your drink skip the sugar and add an apple instead. If you must, use molasses, stevia, honey, or agave nectar.
Here is a sample menu on the Juice Feast!
Breakfast:
Drink a cup of water upon rising with a squeeze of lemon
Yeli's Favorite Avocado Berry Smoothie
1 Small Hass Avocado
1/2 of Nut Milk
1 cup of Berries of your choice or mix it up
1 tsp of Nut Butter
Unprocessed Sweetener to taste
Nutritional Boost Options: Hemp Protein, Flax oil, Spirulina, Blue Green Algae, Powdered All Natural Green Powder Mix
Decaffeinated Tea/ Room Temperature Water
Lunch:
Green Drink
Juice the following:
1 big hand full of Spinach
1 big hand full of Kale
1/4 inch slice of fresh Ginger
The juice of a Lime
1 Cucumber
2 stalks of Celery
Add any of the above listed Nutritional Boosts.
Double this recipe to make a 16 oz serving
If the flavor is too intense:
1) water down your juice with nut milk
2) Add a tablespoon of nut butter and add the juice of two apples
3) Add a tablespoon of nut butter and a bit of unprocessed Sweetener to taste
Decaffeinated Tea/ Room Temperature Water
Dinner:
Follow the Green Drink recipe and mix it up!
Options:
- Substitute Kale and Spinach with any alternate greens you'd like to use: Bok Choy, Collard Greens, ect.
- Your choice: add the juice of a Beet or Carrot
- Add which ever nutritional boost you'd like
Optional Yummy Sweet Treat
Sunset Delight: (the color is amazing!)
1 Beet
3 Carrots
1 Green Apple
The juice of one Lemon
A thumbnail of fresh Ginger
Please note: I do not recommend this Juice Feast for diabetics. Please consult with your doctor. If you are allergic to nuts please do omit the nut milks, and nut butters from the ingredients. Perhaps oat or rice milk is a better option for you.
Where Can I Find All the Necessary Ingredients?
You will find all the ingredients you need at your local Health Food Store. The two I highly recommend in the city are Fairway on 74th and Broadway and Westerly's Health Food Market in Hell's Kitchen on 8th Ave. You can always go to Whole Foods but they tend to be expensive.
Conclusion:
Again the point of this liquid feast is to super nourish you with whole unprocessed clean foods so that your body can go back to craving the good stuff without the need to use will-power. Make sure to stay hydrated. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of water a day. If you must eat something solid for your sanity, then try snaking on raw veggies, fruit, or nuts but not too many of them. A handful a day of nuts should do.
I hope this lightens your spirits and helps you get back on your way. Take care of yourself and what you will give off to others will be more genuine and powerful.
With much love, peace, and gratitude,
Yelimar
Please do post here and tell me how it goes, or if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
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