On Surrender

Inspiration: To be at peace with what is.

Below is the channel for the week from the Cosmic Path. I was going to post this yesterday, but something told me to wait......I believe this needed to come through.

"This energy of this week offers you the opportunity to see who you really are. This energy has to do with Surrender. When you surrender – so much of the universal flow will come into play which will allow you to see how simple life really is. When you hold onto things you block the universal flow and prolong the agony. Leave life alone in the sense that when you manifest something – create it in your mind and then let it go. Let it go for the Universe to decide what to do with it. It is in letting go that the Universe can actually take over to resolve the best possible outcome. So Let Go and Let God this is the natural Universal Flow…"

I remember reading about surrender in my first new age book when I was 29 years old. The book was Deepak Chopra's "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success". Great book. It is a quick read outlining seven principles of living harmoniously.

Surrender does not mean to give up. You do not give up you intention or you desire. You accept things as they are right now. This requires TOTAL and complete acceptance in each moment. A feeling of peace will overtake you with the knowing that all things will happen at preciously the right time.

There are moments, I have been able to do this. Usually it is when all other attempts and extreme worry have ceased to provide a desired outcome. When nothing is working and you tried your best, this is really the only alternative.....Otherwise, one can make themselves physically, mentally and emotionally ill. Right now, I ask the universe to please help me to surrender to the deepest dreams of my heart. I know you can hear me now.

Caroline Myss speaks about this. She says:

"Your job is not to make the outcome happen. Your job is to get to the door and not kick it open. You are in charge of the ingredients...." As I now scribe this, it is bringing me some peace. There are many things I have been doing my best to make happen on a physical level.

I invite you all to join me collectively, in surrendering the deepest wishes of your heart. May you all have a "peaceful" day full of ease.....:)

Namaste,
Denise

Listening to the body

Inspiration: To listen to what my body is telling me and not what the ego wants me to do.

The body. The physical, emotional and spiritual. Today I would like to address the physical body. For many, many years I have used exercise as a way to mask my real feelings. Until recently, this has served me well. I would train really hard. Both endurance and strength training in the same session. Sometimes lasting two hours. Mind you, I am not in training for any event. This was for my sanity. I needed to rechannel.

So about two weeks ago, I felt real fatigue set in. Now that I am listening more my body is telling me what it wants. I found myself doing some yoga and walking. In this time, I found myself crying intensely. The floodgates were pouring out. For my hopes, dreams and desires I have yet to see. I finally gave myself permission to just cry. I am still giving myself the opportunity. I feel teary-eyed almost daily. Sometimes just out of the pure beauty and synchronicities I have been experiencing.

Today, I am really doing my best to listen. It is a beautiful day in NYC. These days I used to love to run in Central Park. I am still healing from a foot injury so I think it is best to wait. Years ago, I would just tape my foot and go. Not anymore. It is not worth it. I choose to be in my body and feel what I need to. This evening I will take a yoga class. This form of physical movement provides me with the greatest form of healing possible.

I hope you all listen. Not just to the body. But to all life's messages. :)

Have a very "peaceful" day.

Warmly,
Denise

Patience

Inspiration: To graciously await all the miracles that lie before me.

Patience. How many times have people said "Just have some patience." Then internally you start to get more agitated that what you desire to happen is not. The act of patience, like anything else, requires discipline. The "I want it now" attitude will only further exacerbate the situation.

Patience is a great teacher. It shows us where we are holding on too tightly. Wayne Dwyer has said "Infinite patience produces immediate results." Then there is no more wanting but the allowing for your desired outcome to occur at precisely the right moment.

Patience also cultivates tolerance and compassion, for ourselves and others.
It expands our sense of ego isolation saying "Now".We become more kind. This transfers into ever area of our life. When confronted with a challenging situation ask yourself' "What am I to learn here." There is always a gift in an uncomfortable moment. It is just a matter of one's perception.

So the next time you are find yourself standing in a slow moving, long line somewhere, this is an opportunity to practice; ........Breathing also helps. :)

Warmly,
Denise


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Intuitive Couseling

Inspiration: To continue to be in awe of the psychic abilities of others.

What does the word intuitive really mean? According to the dictionary, one meaning is:direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process.

Have you ever heard of an intuitive counselor? What do they do? Is it for real?

Let me begin by explaining what I perceive it to be . An intuitive counselor has insights and knowledge beyond the concept of what we see with our eyes. They have the ability to discern information from a "higher" place. They are channels of information that work with the highest parts of ourselves, always assisting in the greater good. An intuitive or "psychic" has the innate ability to give us information about ourselves without any prior knowledge. The information can be very specific at times, almost twilight zonish".( is that a word?) You are amazed that another can tell you only what you know to be true.

I have been truly blessed to have the opportunity and the privilege to work with Elana Kilkenny for the past five years. I have seen my world "turn on its head" and have transformed myself from who I was to the woman I was destined to become. Her continued love and support have seen me through many a challenging time. She is a grounded "psychic" who lives in the real world. She is down to earth, amazingly sweet, kind and downright on !!! To follow is a more detailed profile of this wonderful woman and the work she does.
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Elana is an inspirational psychic, healer, Feng Shui designer, and spirited teacher. She offers intuitive counseling sessions to find creative and practical tools to assist you in fulfilling your life’s purpose. Her work does not center on prediction, however at times it may be part of the process. Known to her clients as a “grounded psychic”, Elana stays away from theory and focuses on being proactive, assisting you to build a stronger connection to your own intuition and spirit. Intuitive counseling and energy healing sessions create a safe and supportive environment to explore who you are and who you want to be. Elana assists you to hone and empower your own intuition and growth.

Each session is individually tailored to accommodate what is most vital for you at that time. Intuitive counseling focuses on the root of your issues in order to facilitate a deeper and more empowered healing. Different energy healing techniques are often used in a session to assist you to go beyond intellectual awareness to emotional connectedness and balance. Recognizing that many of her clients have difficulty experiencing and cultivating joy in their lives, Elana often brings elements of joy and play into sessions. Since each session is guided in the moment there is a broad range of techniques that any given session may include. Here are just a few:

Intuitive guidance and information
A variety of hands-on energy healing techniques
Chakra balancing
Specific behavioral suggestions
Physical and tone techniques for grounding and vitality
Past life processing with a focus on empowering your present
Identifying and healing patterns/obstacles that may be blocking you

Who Would Benefit From A Healing Session?
If you are feeling stressed, overworked, or “stuck”
If you desire a more balanced and peaceful life
If you desire a deeper emotional connection to self
If you have patterns in your life that are blocking you from living your highest potential
If you are in a major life transition (marriage, divorce, moving, career change, loss, etc.)
If you have health issues, healing sessions can be very helpful as a complement to other medical and holistic treatments
If you want a powerful complement or alternative to traditional therapy

Sessions are available in person and by phone. To schedule an appointment or for more information please contact Elana at 212-873-1190 or at elanakilkenny@yahoo.com.
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It is the most priceless gift you can give to yourself. True healing from one of the most talented woman I know. The best investment is in oneself. Then collectively, we can change the world......:)

Namaste,
Denise

On Consistency

Inspiration: To stay the course until the manifestation occurs.


I recently sat through a workshop at a gym I am affiliated with. When the speaker mentioned the word "consistency" a light bulb went off and I knew I had to write something. He of course meant it relative to exercise. I understood it to encompass everything...

Whether is is exercise, relationships, health or well-being, we all must be consistent in our choices. This takes focus, discipline and practice. For me personally, the exercise is the easiest part. The consistency for me is living and breathing my truth.

Much of this extends to family which has been a challenge all of my life. My initiative counselor has been telling me the importance of this for : YEARS. I would heed the guidance for a bit and then revert back to what was easy. Mind you, what was easy did not ultimately serve me. So once again, here I am, struggling to be consistent. Mind you,it is a bit easier if you have the support of a coach, therapist of alternative practitioner.

For those desiring to achieve a physical change in appearance, this too takes a lot of discipline and consistency. Take small steps. Each day awake and say "Does my body need to move today?". If so HOW? What modality would be best? A walk, yoga, a gym class, you choose. If the body is telling you to rest, then rest. My suggestion, is to do some movement at least a few times a week. Remember, it does not have to be "over the top" challenging. One day at a time. Moment to moment.......


Warmly, Denise

Success

Today, just a brief inspiration from one of the many gifted authors and spiritual teachers around today.

From Dr. Wayne Dyer:

Success is an inside job.

Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating-these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything you do.


May you all find great success in all your endeavors.

Warmly, Denise

Organic Foods

Inspiration: To be as pure and open to healing as is possible.

About a year and half ago, I was asked to change my eating to include mostly organic foods. At the time, I was diagnosed with some female "stuff" and was willing to do almost anything. Previously, I had thought eating organically was a bunch of "crap", a way for the markets/farmers, to make more money. Was I wrong. The idea of pesticides and pollutants was foreign to me. Like I said, I was not a believer.

It is true, that organic is a bit more costly than regular produce and other items. Since, I do my best to eat organically, I feel a huge difference in more emotions. I feel calmer, more serene. The food even tastes better. Try eating a regular cucumber and an organic cucumber side by side. It is clear there is a difference.

Many diseases, including cancers, have been healed by changing to a more organic way of living. When the body is fighting for it's life, it cannot afford to have further stress and pollutants ingested. Below is a short list of some foods I found that should be organic, and some that are okay not to.

DEFINITELY buy these as organic. These are listed as the worst twelve in terms of pesticides and residues.

Peaches, Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes (imported), Carrots, Pears,

Here are the CLEANEST fruits and veggies-the regular kind are OK to buy:

Onions, Avocados, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mangos, Asparagus, Sweet Peas, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Papaya, Watermelon, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes

Always think in color......That is what makes life vibrant !!!

Namaste, Denise

Adrenal Burnout Syndrome

Inspiration: To relinquish the need to control the trajectory of my life path.

In my prior post, I had mentioned the adrenal glands. I feel this warrants a deeper explanation of the importance of these little (or big) guys. The adrenals are triangular shaped glands that sit on the top of the kidneys. They are made up of two parts:

Outer Region- Adrenal cortex. This area secretes hormones that effect the body metabolism, chemicals in the blood and some other essential body characteristics. This region is essential for life.

Inner Region- Adrenal Medulla. Not essential for life. However, this is the coping mechanism which handles our physical and emotional stress. The secretion of the hormones Epinephrine (adrenaline) occurs here. This increases our heart rate, facilitates blood flow to the brain and muscles (causing relaxation) and helps to convert glycogen to glucose in the liver. Another hormone secreted in Norepinephrine ( noradrenaline). This has little effect on the smooth muscle, metabolism or cardiac output. But it does have effects on increasing blood pressure.

Okay, enough of the science. Any kind of excessive stress can deplete our adrenal glands. Whether it be financial, family, work or relationships; the list goes on. In addition, a large majority of our diets are low in nutrients required. These include Vitamin B-complex,Vitamin A,C,E to name a few. Stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol break these glands down even more.

When we add the stress of "intense" exercise to the equation, the situation only increases in magnitude. I have done this once again. The way I have handled "STRESS" is through intense and elongated exercise. The hormones above were released, giving me a false sense of feeling good. Last week, I felt depleted, agitated and annoyed. I did not even want to turn on the TV or listen to music. Withdrawal is also a sign. I am doing my best now to nurture my body. Yoga and walking seems to be assisting me at this moment. Sitting quietly too...:)

However you tend to handle the difficulties of day to day living, please be conscious that there are long-term effects on our bodies. Adrenal burnout is not resolved overnight. It can take years. Just because you sleep for a few nights does not mean it has gone away. Be kind, loving and patient with yourselves.

Namaste,
Denise

Honor the body

Inspiration: To be true to what is.

I was always very strict about my fitness and food regime. For years it is safe to say it was an addiction. When summertime would roll around, I would have to be thin and muscular. I usually happened to get there. The funny thing is that I was never happy. All of the underlying feelings would really be at the surface then.

This is one of those times. I have again, rechanneled my feelings into exercise. This past week, I even fought what by body was telling me. I noticed that my toe nails were getting thinner. Then a couple of days later one happened to break off. I knew this was not a good sign.

So I reached out to my acupuncturist and he prescribed herbs. He told me my adrenals were very fatigued. This is called a kidney deficiency in Chinese Medicine. The adrenals are responsible for our "flight of fight" response to stress. When we are extremely stressed and put further stress on the body, it creates a weakened environment, physically speaking. This is about the fourth instance in the last 1.5 years that I have been on herbs for one thing or another. The body is a great teacher. If we do not pay attention it speaks louder and louder.

It is now almost summer, and there is "pressure" from both ourselves and the media to get into shape now. Please continue to honor your body and what it is telling you. Once you get to your desired outcome, you are really left with your feelings and emotions. They do not "miraculously" dissolve because you are thin.

Be good to you..... Warmly, Denise

Transformation

Inspiration: To bloom like a butterfly.

Last night I went to a group mediation class at the Cultural Center in NYC. This is a place that hosts events on a monthly basis. The last time I was there was in December 2007. I was “guided” to go again yesterday. I had a feeling I would see some familiar faces and experience something surreal.

Amongst the 40 or so participants, two women who were there have helped me in my journey. One woman named Debbra, helped me to change my dietary habits when I was faced with some female issues in 2007. Elana, my gifted intuitive counselor I have been seeing for years, was also present. It was no coincidence they were both there.

At the onset, the host, a gentle, vivacious initiative named Tony Leroy asked us all to pick a tarot card. This is something I have minimal experience with. I asked Debbra, who was nearby what the “Prince of Swords” was. She said it was getting past the mind chatter. Cutting through the crap so to speak. The night was filled with insights and two guided meditations. The second one was long so Tony asked if anyone wanted to sit on the floor. I complied. During this meditation, I could not find stillness but “resistance”, a lot of it. The subtle words came through “to heal”.

Afterwards, we went around the room and Tony asked each of us what images or messages we had. I did not have any except resistance, resistance, resistance.I happened to be the very last person in the room to be asked this question. I was tired and it was after 10 pm. I was extremely surprised to hear his response. He got really silent and then said "I see a man standing behind you.
I was like “okay here is a message from someone, great!" He asked if I had a fraternal relative that had passed. My reply was no. He said this person was really, really, sorry and apologized for attempting to make me into someone I was not. Tony again asked if there was some relative who had been trying to do this. Again I replied with a definitive "NO". Then it hit me. There is only one person who I could recall. This was a man I was briefly married to.

I was crying, my heart was ripped open, in public no less. All the private sessions and in public I hear this great apology. If you are reading this and are a bit confused, this was the individuals "higher self" that was apologizing. It was not the physical, life person. A higher self can be called soul, or spirit, that is beyond the physical realm. This part is connected to the greater Oneness that exists beyond time and space. Afterwards, both Debbra and Elana confirmed it was in fact this man's Higher Self.

I thanked Tony for the information and he gave me a big hug. Great guy !!!!
As I left, the floodgates continued to pour all the way home (which was only two blocks). I felt an opening and releasing in my heart center although I was very sad. Sad for the past, my choices and where I am now.
Only when we allow whatever messages or teachings to come through that are painful can we truly feel whole. Today, I feel a bit raw but excited about the possibilities that exist for me now. Continue to honor all of your feelings. The most painful ones bring us to great healing.

May you all experience great transformations.

With Love,
Denise

Children's Birthday Party

Inspiration: To continue to be inspired by the miracle of a child.

Working with children is something I have been “guided” to do for a long time.

Children are an opportunity to see the innocence that exists in our world. Looking into a child’s eyes, one can see the promise and the light. It makes me feel that age has no boundaries. . Last year, I completed the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training. It is time to put my training to good use.

Most recently, I was given the opportunity to host a children’s birthday party. This was at Club H Fitness in Hell’s Kitchen. It was sheer joy to watch the little ones as we played yoga games, ran obstacles courses and just had fun!!!! WE celebrated with good food,
cake, face-painting and temporary tattoos. Even some of the parents played along .:)

Here are some photos from that “magical” day:









For any additional information, please feel free to contact me at denise@clubhfitness.com.

Embrace the child within. Warmly, Denise

Living in the MOMENT

Inspiration: To experience each moment without any future projections.

What does it mean to live in the moment? We see this in many new age books and spiritual teachings. For me, it means to be a witness to my feelings and surrender any expectations of the future. This is a constant,ongoing practice. It sounds simple enough, so why are we not all doing it? It is easier to cling to our fears, disappointments, and unfulfilled desires than to embrace the Now. A wonderful book written some years ago is "The Power of NOW" by Eckhart Tolle. Also ,last year" A New Earth" which he also wrote, found its way to the mainstream Oprah audience.

Each moment of each day is an opportunity to embrace the joy of being alive!! Feelings are a natural extention. Breathe your way through knowing that each moment creates the next, which will ultimately bring us to our true calling.

Have a very "peaceful" day.

Best, Denise

Finding an Inner Sanctuary

Inspiration: To find the peace that only exists within.

How do you define peace?
For some it may be reading an amazing novel, for others a beautiful sunset. Whatever touches your core being can bring you to that state.

For me, it is easy to find peace as I feed the birds in Central Park. Their ability to exist in the moment with no agenda, soothes my very soul. At times, I am brought to tears depending on what I am experiencing. I especially love the "little" birds. They are the smart ones. Their small but significant innocence warms my heart. It is in the allowing that peace can enter. Striving to find it is futile.

Another practice that helps me stay connected is Yoga. During the class it is interesting to watch my mind wonder at times. I can tell for sure when we are in a balance pose and I fall over. I smile as a gentle reminder to be here now. Yoga is for everyone. All levels. It is about finding a class and a practice that is resonate for you.

I took my first yoga class at Equinox in 1996. It was Power yoga. At the time my ego was at a different place and I decided to take class after a long workout. I wanted to "meditate". Well the relaxation was about two minutes and the class one hour and fifteen. I laughed as I looked around not knowing what the poses were and these silly purple blocks. I thought to myself, "This is a complete waste of my time." I did not walk into another class until eight years later.
I am happy that I did and now it is part of who I am. I invite those of you that are reluctant to just surrender to the possibility of finding yoga as a healing sanctuary. Explore, stay open and breathe.......:)

Namaste,
Denise

How much exercise is enough?

Inspiration: To move in an authentic and nurturing way to my body.

Exercise. We constantly hear how we must exercise to stay healthy, fit and vibrant. For some of us this is an easy calling. For others, not such the case. Over my years as a fitness trainer, I have worked with a myriad of clientele. From pre-teens to older adults, I have been a witness to a lot of different situations.

Personally, I have been active my entire life. It was never an issue. Let's say I was a hyperactive kid. So my chosen vocation (second career) has suited me well. Over the years I have seen my exercise change to the condition of my physical body. Through countless injuries (and still counting), I have always found a way to move the body. It is one of the key elements that is necessary for a harmonious life.

Now,just a few questions for introspection and reflection.

How are you moving?
Are you moving consistently?
What is keeping you from feeling "vibrant"?

The media and the next "new" thing, does not make it any easier for us. The weather is now getting warmer and it is a time for us to "bloom". Like the butterfly that emerges from its cocoon. It is time to honor, listen and move the body in an authentic way. :)

Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise

On Gratitude

Inspiration: To be grateful for everything in my life right now.

What are you grateful for?

We tend to take things for granted. We focus on what is missing in our lives rather than what we already have. When you practice an attitude of gratitude, you are saying to the world "Thank you for all that I am and all that I have. " This elevates your vibration and the ability to attract people, events and circumstances into our lives in an eloquent way. When we complain, feel bad for our predicaments, we actually create an elongated situation of what we do not desire.
This is a difficult practice, especially when you do not "feel" grateful. It is best to focus on what we do have; health, good friends, family or whatever resonates for you.

This is something I recently started on a daily basis. This helps me feel better in the midst of whatever is going on in my external world. Since the weather is becoming much warmer, I find it healing to go to the park in the morning and sit. Even for just a few minutes and really say "thank you" for what is in my life. It is also nice to take a journal or writing tablet and scribe some positive affirmations of what you would like to bring in to your world. Just like everything else, it requires practice and discipline. But I promise, it feels really healing and over time your external world will change in a very positive direction. Time to go to the park. Have a very "peaceful" day.

Warmly, Denise