Words are powerful

How do you talk about yourself? Which words do you choose? When you come in for acupuncture - are your hamstrings say, tight, inflexible, awful?

The first thing that needs to change is the way you talk about yourself.
Your word selection.
You need to choose some new words and new phrasing.
Your back and your shoulder don't want to be called tight, they just want some love, that's all. How about this instead: I am learning. I am opening up. I am becoming more flexible. I am giving these places some much needed attention.
Better, yes?
This does not just apply to certain muscles learning to become flexible - this also applies to your digestion, emotional well-being, sleep, etc.

Learn to talk nicely to and about yourself. Choose words with care and intent.

Can you think with me for a second about what we could really do if we stopped telling ourselves that we couldn't? If we changed old habits of self talk, and rephrased our way to victory?

I challenge you to listen to the way you describe yourself, out loud and in your head.
Stop yourself mid-sentence if you have to, back up, and restate your claim.
Words are powerful.

In Health & Harmony,
-Dr. Nic

2011

The most common resolutions are easily broken. People are simply set back by the dramatic goal setting that the New Year brings. And don't even think that I am telling you not to aim high - because I am.
I just want to add a few tiny goals that you can set for a much shorter period of time.... try them on for size and see how they feel....


My current mini-resolution is:
HUG & TOUCH MORE.


It’s easy to see that hugging, and touching would boost the tenderness in your romantic relationship. However, physical expressions of affection can strengthen all sorts of connections.

Interesting fact: to be most effective at optimizing the flow of the chemicals oxytocin and serotonin – which boost mood and promote bonding – hold a hug for at least six seconds.

And touch is important even with strangers -- studies show that subliminal touching (touching so subtle that it’s not consciously perceived) dramatically increases a person’s sense of well-being and positive feelings toward you, the toucher.

We think we act because of the way we feel, but often, we feel because of the way we act. By acting in a loving way, you prompt loving feelings in yourself.


Hugs,
-Nicole

Updates

Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that I will be taking off the days between Christmas and New Years, returning to work on Tuesday January 4th, 2011.
January tends to be a very busy time for my practice. With the new year, people are often wanting to make a shift in their lifestyle or just wanting to try something new and different (insert: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine).
I urge my regulars to book way in advance to avoid disappointment! We have made so much progress together, let's keep the good Qi flowing! :)

I hope to see you soon...
Light & Love,
-Nicole

Momentum

"Momentum thrives on you.

It is the water, the earth, the wind and the fire of your being. It embodies the elements of a life lived fully and on your own terms. It can fill your heart, sooth your soul, propel your body forward and, if you let it, momentum just might make you feel like you can do anything – and then likely, you can and will."-Katie Tallo

Please, pretty please take the time and give this a read:

http://zenhabits.net/momentum/

every smile is a direct acheivement

Last weekend I became a certified Zumba instructor. For those of you who are not familiar- think of Jazzercise with a Latin flavor: instructors dressed in bright skittles-colored clothing dancing repetitive Latin moves to super fun worldly music. As soon as the course started, a goofy-grin spread across on my face, unfading... Zumba taught me not to take life so seriously (and really, I am not an overly serious person to start ;) to let loose, relax and just be happy in the moment.

Once the mind is relaxed, it can be creative in any way you choose.

Find a outlet in your life where you can be creative, free, and most importantly- smile.
Don't know where to start? Maybe Zumba is for you!!! Art classes, meditation, yoga, tai qi, dance classes, writing workshops, spiritual retreats, maybe something sports orientated (running for me feels like creative expression... well... some days...)

Creativity is maximized when you are living in the moment.


Food also makes me smile.
Ok, so I rave about the health benefits of KALE to many of you, if not allllll of you.
"will Nicole quit it with the kale!?!"
uhhh no, i will not. :)

Kale with Peanut Dressing

I bunch of organic kale, chopped

1 organic carrot, julienned

Peanut Dressing:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup filtered water

2 tablespoons tamari

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon agave nectar

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional but recommended!)

Steam kale and carrots lightly, top with dressing.

No excuses. Eat it!

Much love,

-Nicole

Vegan pumpkin cheesecake

Because I've been talking about it and now you want some too ;)

http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2009/10/gluten-free-pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe.html

thai fish cakes

Hey there! What a lovely October we are having. I had an awesome run this morning under the stars - so clear and fresh. Ended the run with the sun starting to poke its sleepy head up. It's gonna be a great day!!

So I rarely post any meat-inspired recipes, but since I just received this little jem from a patient yesterday, I thought I would share :) Haven't tried this one out yet, but just looking at it makes me salivate!

Thai Fish Cakes:
1/2 red pepper
1/3 c cilantro
1 garlic clove
1/2 inch slice ginger
2 tsp red curry paste
1 tsp grated lime zest
1 tsp agave nectar
1 1/2 lb fish of choice (salmon, halibut, tilapia, etc)

Pulse the above in a food processor and shap into 12 3in patties.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a pan and cook for 1 min each side until brown.

Dip in a mixture of: 4 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp wheat-free tamari, 1 tbsp agave nectar, 1/4 red pepper flakes.

Enjoy them and let me know how these yummy cakes turn out!

Health & Happiness,
-Nicole