Being Mindful
Weekend Wellness: Mindful
The words “mindful and present” has come up in my coaching calls quite often this past week. Not only in the aspect of the clients being mindful and present, but ME remembering to be present and give my full and dedicated attention to each person.
In our busy lives, we tend to jump from appointment to appointment. It might be a morning of getting the kids out the door, the dog walked, navigating through traffic, working on returning emails, scheduling upcoming appointments, packing food for the day, reading through 10 texts, packing your workout clothes, going to the bank, stopping at Whole Foods to get your ginger shot (oh, wait, that’s just me) and this is all before 9 am. Imagine, then your coworker comes up to you and wants your opinion on something important and while you are trying to help them, you are also scanning your calendar worried about a deadline and seeing the phone light up with in incoming call, checking out the phone number on your phone and wondering if you should answer it or let it go to voice mail. At the same time a text comes through from your spouse asking a question, meanwhile your stomach is growling and you are day dreaming about lunch…all while you are nodding and pretending to help your coworker. How present and mindful are you?
Situations happen like this all the time…to me, to everyone I know.
How often do you bring your phone to a lunch with a friend and check your messages constantly? Can you even remember after the lunch half of the conversation?
When you go for a hike, do you feel the need to bring your phone? Maybe you do because you might have something urgent happening, but do you “jolt” and feel the need to respond when someone texts you when situations are not urgent?
How much do you notice on those hikes about nature, your body, the company when you have your mind is constantly checking off what you need to do later in the afternoon?
About a year ago, my husband asked if on our anniversary if we could spend the day in nature, around town, doing everyting we wanted to do, but never once checking our emails or phones. We (gasp) didn’t even plan anything in advance, nor did we check the internet for any “information”. Now, this is easily done when a person is in the boonies and there is no cell service or WiFi (or TV) but when you have it everywhere and to say “no” to it, it was truthfully quite challenging. At the end of the day, I still remember feeling a sense of liberation. We actually scanned magazines and sat side by side just listening to the sounds of nature. We were mindful about just “being”.
My point…you are aware in every sense of what’s going on. You notice what’s around you rather than being disracted continually. You become present.
One of my personal favorite places to become present is in yoga and on my bike. It’s truly just “you”. Your mind, your body. But “yoga” for example is outside of the class as well. Being engaged in what’s going on in that moment either by yourself or with others can completely change when you are able to remove the distractions of before or after what is currently happening in that space of time.
This is big stuff…yet it’s quite simple. Just like my anniversary a while back, create mindfulness about being present, then let the distractions go when it’s not necessary. Leave your phone in your car or purse (or similar) when you dont absolutely need it. Look into your friends eyes when you are spending time together and really truly listen. Take time to smell, taste, sweat and feel what’s around you fully without considering what you need to do in 5 minutes.
I too, need to work on this. When I do, I find I am more relaxed and grounded.
Try, just test this out in little moments like lunches, meetings, walks and even driving. I bet if you do this a teeny bit more daily, your mood and actions will reflect a sense of connectivity with what matters most to you.
Tammy Parkinson
Body Firm Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching www.mybodyfirm.com
408 896 2639
30 day challenge beginning January 18!
The beginning of the year is a perfect time to refocus your intentions. We’ve created 6 to hone in on, embodying fitness, nutrition and the spirit. You can choose all 6, or just 1. Ask your trainer or Tammy for more details:
5 hours of workouts in a week (1 at Body Firm)
100 oz of water daily
Eat 5 colors of fruits and veggies a day
Say a positive mantra each day to yourself
walk 6,000 steps daily
Make sleep a top priority for 30 days
There’s a prize if you can complete your goal to yourself. Let’s do this!
Give the Gift of Health and Wellness
What do you give a person who has everything…except perfect health? You give them the gift of health!!! 🙂
Here are some options at Body Firm:
One on one nutrition consultations
One on one personal training sessions
Massage
and so much more….!
Call or email Tammy to find out more.
408 896 2639
tammy@mybodyfirm.com
Happy Holidays!
Independence
Last weekend most of us celebrated Independence Day. A representation of the freedom we have as citizens of the United States of America. We are fortunate, indeed.
Independent living has other meanings as well. From my perspective in the Health and Wellness field, being independent can unfold into much more than being able to choose if we want to eat out or eat in…it’s how we choose to embody and empower our health and wellbeing. If we are active, we most likely have the independence to walk, maybe run, cycle, swim, stretch, hike, and in general “move”. If we eat healthy we might have the independence to steer clear (for the most part) of medications**. If we do both, we might just have the freedom to go where we want to go, when we want to go, how we want to go. The options are endless if we choose to stay committed to our health.
Think about those you know (maybe you are one of them) who has let their health fall to a lower priority. As a result, you might feel achy, you might need to control dangerous blood numbers with medication. Maybe you wake up feeling terrible before you even begin your day? Is that a feeling of freedom and independence?
I recognize that in many incidences, ** taking medications is vital, necessary, helpful and required, and for that I am grateful for the choice to do so. In some situations (and you and your doctor know what those are) you might feel better if one took control of their health and created a healthier body through tough work…work that appears hard that is, but offers outstanding results and in the end feels absolutely incredible. One might still need some medication, but I can nearly guarantee that with the right kind of nutrition, positive mindset and activity, you will feel a 1000% better. (even if one still needs meds)
Fighting for your right to feel great is worth a holiday! Winning the freedom to live a healthy life in mind, in body, in health is worthy of a parade with banners, confetti, and bands!
Make a stand for peace with your health so that you can celebrate YOUR independence from any forms of unnecessary dependancies which keep you locked into a backwards environment! Have your own fireworks show for your health next 4th of July!
To yours in Health and Wellness~
Tammy Parkinson CNC CLC CPT
Body Firm Personal Training and Nutritional consulting
www.mybodyfirm.com
408 896 2639
Adrenal Fatigue Seminar June 17th 2015
You’re Invited to a FREE talk at Pilates Sante in Los Gatos with Body Firm/ Tammy Parkinson
Fatigue and the role of the Adrenals
Wednesday June 17th, 6 – 7:30 pm by Tammy Parkinson
Do you often feel…
Tired (especially in the morning or afternoons)
Stressed (where you have a hard time coping or feeling a sense of balance)
Overwhelmed (can’t manage simple tasks you used to be able to)
Emotional (angry, frustrated, sad, exhausted…maybe all at the same time)
Inability to focus
Lack of enthusiasm….
You might be experiencing Adrenal Fatigue, or symptoms leading up to this. If this is ringing a bell with you, join Health Educator and nutritionist Tammy Parkinson of Body Firm in Los Gatos. Tammy will be addressing Adrenal Fatigue and how to gracefully and holistically work towards solutions to get your old self back.
Tammy Parkinson, CPT, ACSM, NASM, a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Life Coach, has consulted with hundreds of clients about becoming healthier and reversing the aging process. This is done by reducing body fat and weight, targeting hormonal imbalances and fatigue, eating for a youthful and energetic life, excelling in sports performance and improving quality of life.
Costa Rica! Let’s go in November 2015
Hello:
Writing to let you know about a very exciting opportunity to travel with Cindy Walker, Movement Therapist and Yoga Teacher and Tammy Parkinson, Owner of Body Firm in downtown Los Gatos ~ Nutritionist and Exercise Coach Extraordinaire. We make the most dynamic duo, have planned a trip of a lifetime, and are hoping you will join us for this amazing adventure.
We have searched high, we have search low, and believe we have found a slice of heaven in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
We are traveling next fall, the week before Thanksgiving, and have such an abundance of entertaining, educational and inspiring adventures planned, that it is hard to explain it all in one notification. Below Is but a taste of what we have in store should you decide to journey into this treasured land with us.
Beautiful Costa Rica rests between two continents and two oceans, the central point linking the North and South Americas, bordering Nicaragua in the north and and Panama in the south. The east coast meets the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean lines the west with an abundance of lush tropical rain forests, mountains, volcanoes, white water rivers and waterfalls in between. We are going to the north western coast about (10) minutes from the ocean. Truly ~ a slice of heaven! It’s no wonder the makers of Jurassic Park chose Costa Rica for their story location!
Situated just (9) degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica has a balanced (12) hours of daylight and (12) hours of night, with the sun rising around 5:30-6:00a and setting at 5:30-6:00p. North America’s winters coincide with Costa Rica’s summers, making it a perfect get-away in the colder months. The area of Costa Rica, (the Nicoya Peninsula) has been named one of the five Blue Zones in the world ~ where people here are said to live the longest and healthiest lives! A Votre Sante’. When you meet the local people of Costa Rica, you will be touched by their gentle and friendly nature, and how lucky they are to live in one of the most pristine places on the planet!
Somuch more to tell, but we know you are busy. Ring one of us if you wish to dream in the live!
Early Bird Registration is now through March 15 ~ $500 Deposit.
$75 off All Inclusive Price.
Registration (16) spots:
An Enchanting Costa Rica Yoga & Meditation Retreatw/ Cindy Walker B.A. RTY & Tammy Parkinson CNC, CPT, CLCNovember 14-21, 2015… a sanctuary for the soulCosta Rica ~ Guanacaste, Nicoya, NosaraAHKí Retreat is a magical, intimate and spacious facility located in a rainforest of Costa Rica. Infused with simple elegance, fabulous organic healthy food and serene accommodations, AHKí offers a new world of exploration and a perfect platform for exciting personal inner growth. At AHKí, you will find respite along your journey through life amongst the tranquil and healing surroundings of Costa Rica. This lovely space will create an environment that will enhance well being, deepen consciousness and strengthen our connection to the greater ~ mother earth.
Escape before the holidays to this inspiring and deeply transformative retreat with Cindy & Tammy. Perfect for anyone who wishes to explore an amazing country, dive into personal growth and exercise body-mind-spirit daily! There will be something for everyone on this amazing get-a-way ~ lots of yoga and meditation (many styles to explore), healthy aging and wisdom talks (live long and prosper), great locally grown scrumptious food, profound rest and relaxation, fun excursions and entertainment, creative play, luscious bodywork and as expected TONS OF LOVE!
All Inclusive Price Includes:
(7) Days/Nights Beautiful Accommodations(3) Health Conscious Meals + Snacks & BeveragesDaily Meditation PracticesMorning Yoga Classes (Vinyasa, Kundalini & Gentle)Afternoon Yoga Classes (Yin, Restorative & Yoga Therapy)All Transportation Fees to/from Liberia Airport & ExcursionsHealing Body TreatmentsExcursions to the Waterfalls, Rainforest, Ocean and more…Collage & Journal SessionsHealthy Aging & Wisdom TalksCooking Classes & Movie NightsSwimming, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Beach Romping…Love, Laughter & Support!
$500 p.p. Deposit per person (by March 30)
$2050 p.p. Triple Occupancy (by September 1) + Airfare
$2550 p.p. Double Occupancy (by September 1) + Airfare
Contact us to register for this amazing retreat:
(408) 234-6430 ~ cindy@y-tal.com ~ www.yogaandtheartofliving.com
(408) 896 2639~ Tammy@mybodyfirm.com ~ www.mybodyfirm.com
Namaste,Cindy Walker, B.A. eRYT
Movement Therapist & Yoga Teacher
(408) 234-6430www.yogaandtheartofliving.com Tammy Parkinson, CPT CNC CLC, Nutritionist 408 896 2639
Ageless youth through nutrition and movement, mind body and soul
Retreat in Costa Rica! Setting Intentions and growing younger
RETREATS
w/ Cindy Walker B.A. RYT & Tammy Parkinson, CPT, CNC
November 14-21, 2015
Costa Rica Guanacaste, Nicoya, Nosara
… a sanctuary for the soul
Escape before the holidays to this inspiring and deeply transformative retreat with Cindy & Tammy.
Perfect for anyone who wishes to explore an amazing country,
dive into personal growth, and exercise body-mind-spirit daily!
There will be something for everyone on this amazing get-a-way ~ lots of yoga and meditation
(many styles to explore), healthy aging and wisdom talks (live long and prosper),
great locally grown scrumptious food, profound rest and relaxation, fun excursions
and entertainment, creative play, luscious bodywork and as expected TONS OF LOVE.
AHKí Retreat is a magical, intimate, and spacious facility located in the rainforest of Costa Rica.
Infused with simple elegance, fabulous organic healthy food, and serene accommodations,
AHKí offers a new world of exploration and a perfect platform for exciting personal inner growth.
Using the ancient wisdom of Vastu Shastra to create a truly sacred space for yoga and spiritual retreat,
this special spot offers support for your spiritual transformation, growth, and overall wellness.
At AHKí, you will find respite along your journey through life amongst our tranquil
and healing surroundings of Costa Rica. This lovely space will create an environment that will enhance well-being, deepen our consciousness and strengthen our connection to the greater ~ mother earth.
Accommodations include two large cabanas, just a short walk from our main house, plus six, sizable, guest rooms that can accommodate up to (3) people per room. All rooms have ceiling fans, large windows, and doors, as well as plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow.
Each room has a private bath with a large unique and luxurious indoor/outdoor shower, and patios and decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys. These are NOT your typical cabanas, but gorgeous!
AHKí has a (750) sq. ft. covered, open-air, Yoga studio with a grand view of the ocean, mountains, and valleys as well as a landscaped courtyard with a swimming and reflecting pool.
There is a library – a media room where we will enjoy reading, films, and games.
Whatever your pleasure, there is plenty of space to simply relax and soak up the bliss at AHKi!
All-Inclusive Retreat Fees Include:
(7) Days/Nights Beautiful Accommodations
(3) Health-Conscious Meals + Snacks & Beverages
Daily Meditation Practices
Morning Yoga Classes (Vinyasa, Kundalini & Gentle)
Afternoon Yoga Classes (Yin, Restorative & Yoga Therapy)
All Transportation Fees to/from Liberia Airport & Excursions
A Healing Body Treatment
An Excursion to the Waterfalls
Collage & Journal Sessions
Healthy Aging & Wisdom Talks
Cooking Classes & Movie Nights
Swimming, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Beach Romping, Shopping and more…
Love, Laughter & Support!
$500 p.p. Deposit per person (by April 1)
$1550 p.p. Triple Occupancy (by September 1)
(Airfare to Liberia, Costa Rica not included)
$2050 p.p. Double Occupancy (by September 1)
(Airfare to Liberia, Costa Rica not included)
Contact us to register @ (408) 234-6430 or cindy@y-tal.com
Please Note: A form will be sent with instructions once payment is received.
Retreats are non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason,
we will issue you a credit towards a future event with us.
Beautiful Costa Rica rests between two continents and two oceans,
the central point linking the North and South Americas, bordering Nicaragua in the north
and Panama in the south. The east coast meets the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean lines
the west with an abundance of lush tropical rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, white water rivers
and waterfalls in between. It’s no wonder the makers of Jurassic Park chose Costa Rica for their story location! Situated just 9 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica has a balanced 12 hours of daylight
and 12 hours of night, with the sun rising around 5:30-6:00a and setting at 5:30-6:00p.
North America’s winters coincide with Costa Rica’s summers, making it a perfect get-away in the cold months.
Costa Rica’s year round temperate climate generally ranges from 70 – 85 degrees during the day
dropping down to 55 – 65 degrees at night, those numbers being a little bit higher in Guanacaste,
along the west coast. The area of Costa Rica, (the Nicoya Peninsula) has been named one of the five
Blue Zones in the world – where people here are said to live the longest and healthiest lives!
8th Annual NO desserts challenge through the holidays!
Body Firm’s 8th Annual “No Desserts” challenge
Here we are again! The beginning of the Holiday Season. This means baskets of candy everywhere, desserts at multiple functions and muffin tops above the belt line because of it!
So….how do we manage around it? We do our body Firm “no desserts” challenge.
Rules:
Start date October 24 through….
End date (choose one)…and you can “keep going” if you want
day after Thanksgiving
day after Christmas
day after New Years
For this time period, you will choose not to have any desserts. What are desserts? Anything which cannot act like a meal!
Popular foods you CAN have:
Fruit
alcohol
food bars
sugary cocktail mixers
Popular foods that are technically a dessert
frozen yogurt
candy
brownies, cakes, cookies (etc)
soda
Grey areas (you decide)
honey
fruit juice
dried fruit
If you cheat…
$50 goes in to the “kiddy” payable to the American Diabetes Association which I donate on everyone’s behalf in January.
If you would like to join in on the fun and not be the typical person who puts on 8-10 lbs between Halloween and New Years…email Tammy @ tammy@mybodyfirm.com
**THIS YEAR WE ARE DOING A 20 MINUTE A DAY ACTIVITY CHALLENGE TOO! JOIN IN AND CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS.
Free Seminar…lunch and learn Thursday, September 11
Dr. Cody Fowler of Symmetry Sports in the Body Firm Wellness Center and I are putting on a Free Community Lunch and learn at Body Firm about the causes of joint pain and home remedies to help along with nutritional foods to heall joint pain and inflammation caused by joint pain. This will be THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH @ 12:30-1:15 with a 15 min Q and A. Please come by EVERYONE is welcome …why? Because by 30, we’ve all had microscopic tears in our cartilage, the thin, rubbery tissue that covers joints and protects bones from rubbing together. We don’t feel these injuries because cartilage has no nerve endings, but over time they can cause chronic inflammation, which weakens and erodes joints.
Salmon is a great source of one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory compounds: omega-3 fatty acids. Choose wild salmon – farmed varieties have fewer omega-3s and sometimes none at all, says Beth Reardon, director of integrative nutrition at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, N.C.
Canned salmon typically comes from wild fish, so it’s a good low-cost option. Sockeye salmon also contains vitamin D, essential for healthy joints and bones.
Detox your way to health…for mind, body and environment
Have you ever wanted to do a detox but were scared off by the idea of juicing for 3 – 30 days? Well…that is NOT what our detox is about! We’ll address toxins not only in your body, but in your mind, home, environment and food~the whole picture.
In this 6 week course, you will learn, one week at a time how eliminate foods and products which are harmful and toxic and create a vibrant healthy body, home and environment.
Not only will your surroundings and mind be healthier, but our average weight loss in our course is 10 pounds! Easily
Our next series begins in late October, 2014; perfect timing before the Holidays! Your investment is $175.00 For more information, contact Tammy Parkinson, CNC. 408 896 2639 or tammy@mybodyfirm.com
It’s time to detox…the whole life! 
