Share the (Self) Love during Heart Month
February is American Heart Month and a time to cherish those we love. What better place to start than with ourself? Practicing a little self-love this month will keep us moving in the right direction in 2019. We are always running around caring for other loved ones and sometimes forget ourselves. I’m not just talking about getting a massage here and there. By truly taking care of our mind, body and soul – we can get into balance. With another full moon on Feb. 20, the energy will be at an all-time high and prime time to take advantage of aligning those chakras and taking deep breaths to reset.
1. Saffron & Sage: This one-of-a-kind health and wellness center in Little Italy offers unique services like fire cupping and energy work to keep the flow moving and the body healthy. Their sanctuary setting and expert practitioners also guide you through breath work and restorative and yin yoga classes to reconnect the body to the heart and reduce stress. Mindfulness meditation and journaling provide creative outlets as a way of expression and healing. Attend the full moon circle or try a class or service today. Email [email protected] for more info and a special newcomer rate.
2. Yoga & Meditation: Warrior your way into the weekend on Saturday, Feb. 16 atop Symphony Towers at the University Club. This free class with 180-degree city skyline views will be an experience that you will never forget. The class taught by Jenn Butler from Yoga Fits Me, will end with a calming meditation to center your thoughts around loving kindness and appreciate the hearts that keep beat inside of our chest! Donate $5 to wear red in honor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign that helps fight women’s No. 1 killer – heart disease. Sign up by emailing [email protected] to reserve a spot today.
3. Hike for Heart: We’ll hit the trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a fun hike with views of the Pacific. We will pause along the way for different body weight movements like squats, lunges and tricep dips, using the nature around us. Terra Crosby from Saffron & Sage will lead the scenic workout and complete the hike with a guided meditation on the beach to reset and clear our minds for the day ahead. Cost: $20 with an additional $5 to wear red in honor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign that helps fight women’s No. 1 killer – heart disease. Sign up by emailing [email protected] to reserve a spot today.
4. Take time this month to reconnect to your heart and your purpose. Slow down and check in. A powerful way to do this is finding “Peace in your Pulse”. Just by meditating on your pulse as Gabby Bernstein describes in “Miracles Now”, you can calm your mind, balance your brain hemispheres, and recalibrate your nervous system. Through this simple meditation you can develop your ability to concentrate. It will also help you control your reactions to all situations and bring calm to even the most scattered mind.
Sit in Easy Pose (crossed legged on the floor) with a slight neck lock, which means your chin is slightly down and your neck straight. Lightly close your eyes and focus on the space between your eyebrows (the third-eye point).
The mantra is Sat Nam (which means “truth identified”).
The hand position (mudra) is simple. Place the four fingers of your right hand on your left wrist and feel your pulse. The fingers are in a straight line, lightly pressed on the wrist so you can feel your pulse in each fingertip. One each beat of your pulse, mentally hear the sound of Sat Nam.
This meditation is suggested for 11 minutes, but you can experience great benefits in just one minute. Practice this meditation daily to develop your intuition and calm your mind. (Thanks Gabby)
Finally, go ahead and buy that piece of dark chocolate – it’s good for the heart!
Love & Peace,
Angela