 I’ve been practicing yoga consistently for 4 years now, and I can’t imagine my life without it. After a 20 minute sunrise meditation, a few yoga poses readies me for the day ahead. Participating in small-group yoga classes several times a week is one of the things I look forward to – to learn new things, and benefit from the instruction of a wonderful teacher. Being in the presence of like-minded people is an added treat! Yoga poses can be done anywhere: at home, in a yoga studio, in the office, out on a hike, wherever I happen to be (even in an airport, waiting for a plane!) The best thing is it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or what body-type you have. Yoga is for EVERYONE. What are you waiting for? Give it a try. Namaste, Zushka © 2016 ZUSHKA BIROS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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 As an avid hiker, this article that I found on lifehack.org today made total sense to me. I’ve been hiking almost daily for the past 6 years, and it has improved my life in many ways. Being surrounded by hiking trails, it is difficult to get bored. Even when I’m away from home I still find hiking trails, like the Mount Tamalpais State Park trail during my recent visit to San Francisco, and the Muir Woods trail in Mill Woods, CA.
“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves,” wrote John Muir in Our National Parks. Clearly, John Muir understood the intrinsic value of spending time in nature. Along with Muir, many of us recognize that hiking in nature is good for the body, mind, and soul. Walking through the woods while observing colorful birds and foliage, smelling the aroma of spruce and pine trees, and listening to a soothing running stream simply clear our mind and make us feel good. Lucky for us, doctors agree. Study after study shows there are many mental health benefits to spending time hiking in nature.  Photograph courtesy of Bonnie Miller (bonmiller.com) I started belly dancing 4 years ago as a way to learn how to accept my belly. I was trying different methods to overcome my negative body-image, with my belly being my biggest concern. I decided to give belly dance a try – for the exercise and for acceptance of my body. I quickly learned how belly dance came to be: History of Belly Dancing – Considered the oldest known dance by some experts, the roots of belly dancing were planted in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and northeastern Africa; some sources claim that the pyramid builders in ancient Egypt were belly dancers. Regardless of when it began, belly dancing was traditionally performed for other women, usually during formal events like fertility rites or pre-marriage ceremonies. African women performed in marketplaces, earning coins for their dowries. These coins were sewn into their costumes for safe-keeping. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that belly dancing began to appear worldwide at public events such as carnivals and fairs. What I found was, not only was it fun to learn the isolations and routines, it formed a bond with other belly dance sisters. Many of us were struggling with our own types of insecurities with our bodies. By practicing together each week, I noticed a change in me – I saw the beauty in the dancer in the mirror. Every one of us were majestic belly dance goddesses. Today I still dance; not as frequently as I used to, but I still feel the belly dancer spirit inside of me. I love dressing in the costumes and practicing to some of my favorite belly dance music. Belly dance is great for women of all sizes and ages. I highly recommend it! © 2016 ZUSHKA BIROS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 This is where I've called home for the past 6 years. Not only is Sedona one of the 7 vortex locations on the planet, it is where I spend my days hiking, walking through oak creek, above it all in a glider plane and being a part of this metaphysical community. Can a place change your life? I think so. It is impossible to stay the same once you are surrounded by the majestic red rocks and healing energy of this place called Sedona. Today I celebrate my 6th anniversary of living here - my home. Check out this short video clip which was posted on visitsedona.com's Facebook page here: Sedona © 2016 ZUSHKA BIROS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 Inspired by a YouTube video I recently viewed, I decided to try something new this year for Lent. I chose to end the self-loathing of my body. I have suffered with an eating disorder for most of my life. Although I am healthier now, I still struggle every day with how I view my body.
I have met lots of women who suffer with the same affliction. Our society, our world, distorts women's views of themselves. We are subject to so many varieties of unattainable expectations of what we are supposed to look like. The damage that we women do to ourselves is horrendous. For me, it goes far deeper than this. I am putting myself out there, sharing this Lenten journey with you in my daily blogs. Why would I share such a personal and intimate self-healing with you?  I woke up to gray cloudy skies this morning. For a writer, this is the perfect day to write. For me, I've decided to blog on my laptop from the comfort of my bed, drink a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and take a look through the stack of books on the nightstand that I've been meaning to read. Eva Cassidy's CD is playing, incense is burning and I am basking in the gratitude of a lazy day. My calendar is clear, no meetings to attend or laundry to wash. My day is filled with good food, a cozy little house, plenty of reading material and a soft place to lounge. I'm sure I'll go for a leisurely walk this afternoon, even if the skies decide to break open. There's something magical and serene about walking in the rain. Stopping by my favorite little coffee shop, I'll meet up with friends and enjoy the quietness of the day. What are you doing today? Check out my latest book, The Secret Butterfly Trail, on Kindle today for just $2.99 - it's an easy read, perfect for a quiet Sunday (or any day.) Enjoy this day! © 2016 ZUSHKA BIROS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 During my time of self exploration and learning how to love my body during Lent, I came across this TedTalks presentation by model, Cameron Russell. She shared opening and honestly about herself, which most women relate to. Click on the photo below to watch the video. Thank you, Cameron, for sharing your experience, strength and hope. © 2016 ZUSHKA BIROS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 What Are You Grateful For?Definition of grateful: The feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.
I start each day with my gratitude journal. It's on the nightstand next to my bed. Every morning I grab it right after I'm done meditating and write a list of at least 10 things I am grateful for at that moment. I keep my list simple. If I repeat the same thing each day, that's fine too. (One of the things I am grateful for each morning is the sunrise.) Today's Gratitude List:
 5 Eating Disorder Stereotypes Worth Rethinking
(Original article by Julia Black) Sufferers of eating disorders are often met with victim-blaming, cattiness, or awkward silence. Many people tend to assume that eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are rooted in vanity and self-absorption, but some interesting new studies are beginning to suggest that eating disorders may be a more complex phenomenon than we'd previously thought. Eating disorders may not be one-size-fits-all, and the factors causing them aren't always what you'd expect. Here are five myths worth rethinking.  What does it mean to be confident?A confident woman knows herself. She sets her own boundaries, pays her own bills and knows how to change a tire. A confident woman walks into a room with her head held high, takes each step securely and makes eye contact. She chooses her words carefully, lives her life deliberately and is mindful of her emotions.
A sexy woman has many qualities, with confidence being at the top of the list. Sex appeal is more than being sensual and seductive. When a woman exudes confidence, her sexy side can't help but expose itself. Be bold today. Make a choice to be courageous. Start by standing up tall, make your way out into the world and don't settle for less. You know what you want, now go out and get it. |
