Relationship Confession: Dating Gym

I've casually dated many Gyms over the years. Some were on again-off again relationships. Others were one or two dates and then never to see each other again. Freshman year of college, a Gym and I lived right across the street from each other and we only got friendly a HANDFUL of times the whole year! (Admittedly, Cafeteria and I were real tight.)

Knowing this past experience of being noncommittal and unavailable, I am proud to announce that I am in a very steady and serious relationship with Gym!

We started hanging out twice a week last October. It was nice. Flexible. We took it slow. I bought some new athletic shirts so I felt good about how I looked for our dates. We bonded while listening to up-tempo beats. Then in January, we upped the commitment to see each other for a couple hours three times a week. I got some valuable words of weights wisdom from my exercise-relationship coach, Daniel Buron (this guy is an expert on fostering a healthy Gym Relationship!  Follow him on Instagram: @daniel_buron). I even said the big L word..... I Love you, Gym!!

Like all relationships, we still have our ups and downs. Some nights, the LAST thing I want to do is hang out with Gym. Some days, I feel so exhausted and tired that all I want to do is be at home, by myself, put my comfys on, and lounge in bed. But on those days, I know Gym is waiting for me. Gym is counting on me. And at the end of the day, Gym ALWAYS makes me feel better. I may be totally NOT into Gym when I arrive, but by the time I'm stretching out on the mat, get into the zone, and we do our thang... I am glowing with gratitude for having made the commitment and follow through to go (okay, in all fairness, the glowing part is probably the sweat running down my body, but you get the gist that I'm taking creative liberties here...). Gym gives me strength, endorphins, grounded-ness, endurance, flexibility, many mirrors to check myself out in (ha!), and confidence. I hope we stay together for the long haul.

Point to Ponder: how's your relationship to exercise?  What areas are going really well and where might you like to see improvement?

Need some new ideas to reignite the spark?  Tips on how to go on a first date with the weights?  Or just want a little motivation for the day to day?  Hit me up!  I'm your gal!  helen.buron@gmail.com
 OR just keep an eye on the blog to get updates (subscribing link coming soon…)… I'm feeling the need for some fitness expert guest blogs up in here!

Shamelessly silly Friday Date Night selfie! 

The Choice Is Yours!

Wowza.  Doesn't this look a little overwhelming and intimidating? (And there's about four other shelves with diet and cooking books!)  Vegan, vegetarian, paleo, juicing, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, ayurvedic, low carb, high protein, high fat, low fat...?

Where do we start and how do we wade through all of this information?

HINT: No diet is one size fits all.

Good news: your body knows. And I agree with part of that sign: "choose". Choose what works for you and what makes your body say "heck yes!"

HINT: it may be a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Instead of calling it a "diet", allow it to be a lifestyle.  What works for your body today might not work for you in ten years. Or even come winter time.

Second piece of good news: if you are still feeling overwhelmed, I'm your gal! Let me help you figure it out!  Hit me up: helen.buron@gmail.com

Peace Net: a tribute to Robin Williams & a vision for the world

Since learning of the passing of Robin Williams, I have been struggling to figure out how to express what I am feeling.  While I never knew him personally, I can barely look at social media without feeling great sadness for the loss of such a generous, creative being.

Evermore thanks for sharing your gifts and your life.  You have touched many and will be missed dearly.

The beauty in duality of being human is that with the inherent capacity to hold so much joy and light there is also the space to hold equal amounts of sorrow and shadow.  I know all too well how to put on a cheerful, light-hearted face when in reality there is much darkness underneath.  Robin Williams, thank you for reminding me, and reminding many, to reach out before your soul feels like it's too heavy or too hopeless to go on. 

The centering thought for my meditation this morning (I'm participating in Deepak and Oprah's 21-Day Meditation, which you can join here for free) was I am peace….Shanti hum.  I felt called to not only feel this for myself, but to dedicate my practice to Robin and all those who have been touched by the effects of depression.  And, while I meditated, I had a vision of peace.  All of us, everywhere in the world, being connected by our hearts with the strength and calm of peace.  I am peace.  You are peace.  We all are peace.  Connected.  Connected from the center of our peaceful hearts as if we were creating a peace net.  A net that could catch the ones who have lost their grip and just need to be bounced and supported and held in the peace net until they can again find their own light.  A net that is strong and supported by those who can feel that peace for others, knowing that when it's their turn to be caught, it will be there for them in their time of darkness.

So that is my prayer.  My hope.  My vision.  My deepest wish.  That we, the world, create a space of peace that cradles and honors the duality of being human.  Joy.  Light.  Sorrow.  Dark. Peace.

Gentleness & Tenderness

One of my favorite views from Spirit Fire Meditative Retreat Center in Leyden, MA

I was blessed with the opportunity to spend 5ish days last weekend with an amazing group of soulful, heart-centered people in the foothills of beautiful Massachusetts, which left me feeling nourished, nurtured, grounded, and loved up.  Being in that environment for a few days, where the trees were lush, the flowers were blooming, and the food was delectable, allowed the time for the boundaries and walls (put up in order to survive city streets and subway cars) to fall away as I was invited to turn inward during meditation and energy work.

Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, MA

What I found was that my heart needed a little attention and work.  A little lovin'.  A little huggin'.  A little cradling comfort.

Image from Journey of Love by visionary artist Rassouli

So many of us are caregivers and hard workers.  In a world that is so faced paced and go, go, go, push, push, push, achieve, succeed…….. I know I forget to honor my heart need.

And it felt so relieving and comforting to be granted permission to be gentle and tender with myself.  I realize I don't need permission from anyone to love myself, but being reminded was something I needed in this growing moment.  A reminder that it's okay to rest when I feel tired.  To do things that fill me with joy and pleasure, like watch the sunset, buy fresh flowers, or call a dear friend.  To ask myself, is this kind?  Is this gentle?  

And the same is true for you.  In case you need to be reassured that it's not selfish of you, I invite you to be kind and loving to yourself.

Point to ponder: (in your journal if you feel so inspired!) what types of things bring you joy?  What is one simple thing you can do TODAY that would show kindness to yourself?  Maybe it's taking a break to read a few pages of your favorite pleasure-reading book…or taking a hot bubble bath…or savoring a small piece of decadent chocolate totally guilt-free….. 
You know you best…. do you! 

One of my pleasures: having burgers for lunch with my brother!