Is living in a BIG city cancerous?

I sometimes wonder if living in a big city makes us sick. Cities can exude overpopulation, crime, heavy traffic, stress, anger, smog, dirty roads, and have constant flow of high paced living. Would that not effect your health? Of course people who do live in big cities might have to gain some balance through the use of positive activities such as exercise, going on vacation, attend social gatherings, or go to a dance class.

Take a look at two pictures I found online. One is a satellite image of Los Angeles and the other is an image of a liver cancer cell line:

 

How do these two images reflect each other?

 

My challenge for you is:  Reflect and write down the areas in your life that are out of balance. Brainstorm three possible solutions for each area that would help you come to balance again.

See ya soon everyone!!

 

Loving you all,

Cindy

 

Resources:

1. http://www.treatgene.com/hepg2-cell-line/

Travel like a yoga bag

Ever wish that you didn’t have to bring so much stuff with you when you’re traveling? I will tell you right now that you totally can keep it light! It’s possible! Have you ever had those times when you had no idea what to pack? Or, has it ever taken you more than three hours to pack? For some travelers, packing can lead to a big ol’ headache! No bueno!

When I am on the road or flying somewhere, I try to pack as LIGHT as possible! Meaning, I only bring the bare minimum necessary items. The intention is to keep what I pack down to practical uses and to things I need for the intended style of adventure.

I planned a trip to visit my friend in Las Vegas. No No…this isn’t going to be a post about packing for a party. The trip was to spend three days with my friend and go hiking. What will I need:

• 3 pairs of shorts
• 5 tank tops
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 pairs of socks
• one pair of  trail running shoes
• A set of pajamas
• Bikini (just in case)
• A pair of pants and a sweater
• Small toiletry items
• Leave the dress at home.

While thinking about what I was going to bring with me on my trip, I knew I wanted to pack everything into my yoga mat bag! Not a backpack or duffel bag, but yes, a yoga mat bag! Yoga is a big practice in my life and I wanted the way I pack to be reflective of my practice. Packing lightly is also a reminder to myself that I am already in abundance of all there is in my life.

So yes I packed all my belongings into my yoga mat bag, and I also brought my small hemp back-sack with me to carry my wallet, water, ID, lotion, chap stick and a few other small traveling items.

There I was, standing in the airport with both my back-sack and yoga mat bag on my back. It wasn’t heavy at all. I am a fan of carry-on items! Keep it simple! You’ll be going in and out of the airport quickly and with such ease!

I also had no problems during the trip losing or organizing my belongings. All I had to do was keep everything in my yoga mat bag while I was out for the day hiking. The back-sack was great on trail for bringing energy bars, a sand-which, and to hold water.

Here is a picture below of my gear while I was waiting at the San Francisco International Airport.

Cool bags huh? =) The yoga mat bag is made through Michael Franti’s clothing company, Stay Human! The back-sack is by Kathmandu Imports! Both totally organic and eco-friendly. I’ve provided the information below for those who are interested in the bags!

Yoga Mat Bag: http://www.stayhumanstore.com/animalprintcanvasyogabag.aspx

Back-sack: http://www.kathmanduimports.com/index.jsp

I also do not use a purse; just to give you another idea of how I try to keep my days simple. I do suggest if you are having a hard time packing, just try to keep it simple. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress. Plus you will feel a lot lighter and free while you are traveling with fewer items!

My challenge  for you is: Go through your backpack or purse and take out the things you do not need. Travel with it for a day and see how it makes you feel. Going on a bigger trip? Try to pack under 30 lbs. =) See how it makes you feel and then let me know!

See you soon!!

=)

-Cindy

Choice, love, passion.

“The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion”. — Nadia Boulanger

When making that first leap on your path, make sure you have made your choice to do so very clear. Ask yourself why you are making this choice and make sure you understand why. If it is important and clear cut, you are ready to take action and move forward.

Every action we embark on in life, do we do it because we have to? Do it because you love to do it. We naturally feel alive with our choices in life when we lead with love. Gain for yourself a sense of purpose while being guided by love.

With love, there is passion. Having a passion for everything you do in life makes for an even more exciting and fulfilling sense of well being. Without passion, your fire for life choices will tire you out. The passion will make choices more meaningful to you.

The greatest gift we have as humans is the gift of choice. We are able to choose at our own will. Choose wisely with love and passion and you will feel confident in your path. Good choices are made when we choose with love and passion.

In my life, I refuse to do anything if I don’t love it or if I don’t have a passion for it. This includes choosing a job. I once went in for an interview for a marketing position at a firm in San Francisco. After hearing an hour about what the company was all about, working 9-5, and what my job tasks would entail, I knew right away I didn’t have a passion for it. I used to have a job working for a private internet company as a marketing sales representative, and boy did I not like it. It was a money driven business that I had no passion for. Though both jobs provided pay that was pretty good, but I’m choosing my happiness over money. I am shooting for well being and having a job that isn’t going to help me get there, is not a good choice.

My challenge for you is: Pick a few things in your life that you are involved in right now or want to do in the near future. Are you doing it out of choice? Do you love it? Do you have a passion for it?

Asking yourself these questions daily will definitely help you make better decisions. You will start to notice how better you will feel about yourself.

Loving you all.

See you soon!

-Cindy