We are ONE

This was the name of the concert that HBO pulled together for the inauguration last week. What a show! I found it moving on so many levels. I spend a lot of time in my head but found that this past week, I was in my body feeling inspired and overwhelmed with emotion. I am so proud of our country (even the people who didn’t vote for Barack Obama allowed a peaceful transition which doesn’t happen in many parts of the world) .

I think the reason Obama is such a phenomenon is because he reminds us of our greatness, the wholeness in all of us. Believe it or not, many of us are afraid of our power. And for the past eight years, our country has been operating out of fear versus the hope, ambition and optimism that founded this country and the democracy concept in the first place. But we learned that playing small doesn’t work very well. Let’s move on – and fast!

It’s clearly time to step into our individual power and call upon our strengths. It’s a great way to be a Patriot! In Obama’s inauguration speech, he clearly explained that it’s not just about him – it’s about us too. And we have a lot of work to do.

So I ask you, where are you playing small in your life? Where can you make better choices so you feel whole, confident and ready to change your part of the world?

To get started, I suggest looking at what we in health counseling call your primary foods. Primary foods are what feeds your soul: Career, relationships, spirituality and physical activity. These are equally important as what you feed your body. When these things are balanced in your life, you feel that oneness, that wholeness that we crave more than chocolate.

So just start with ONE change. Maybe it is your diet. That will definitely aid in your confidence, energy and mental clarity. Or maybe it’s being a better friend or trying that yoga class you always thought about.

I know for me, once I got my nutrition right, I gained the energy and chutzpah to jump off the corporate ship and hang out my own shingle doing something I passionately believe in. I’ve never felt more alive in my life. I never knew such small changes would add up so big.

So whatever changes sounds exciting to you, go for it. And instead of thinking “What do I have to lose?” think “What do I have to gain?”. It will be a new era for you and our country.

And if you need some inspiration, check out U2 at the ONE concert:

Women’s Holistic Health Workshop

Ali recently met with members of the Younger Women’s Task Force, a nonpartisan group that provides empowerment programs for women in their 20’s and 30’s. She was an engaging guest speaker at our Women and Holistic Health event, as she shared her personal health experiences and knowledge in the field. Having had my own experience with illness and the benefits of healing food, I knew Ali would be a great asset to our program. Our members raved about her too!

What I love about the philosophy of her practice, as shared by her school, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, is the exploration of healthy eating in relation to other aspects of life, particularly relationships and spirituality. Ali is supportive and nurturing and whatever one’s goals are with nutrition, he/she will be in great hands with her!” ~ Jen Reger, Chapter Director for the Younger Women’s Task Force