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Meditation

Athletic Performance/ Mindfulness/ Videos/ Zesty Adventures

Recipes for a Zesty Life: Mindful Movement

Everyday Mindfulness

I think our society puts a lot of emphasis on maximum effort and charging ahead. Whether it’s business, relationships, or sports—have you ever noticed that the more force something, the more difficult it can be to achieve? Clear thinking can’t possibly happen and good decisions can’t be made unless you—pause—and be present and mindful in that stillness. Much like golf, the most efficient way forward is to let go, release the tension, and stay calm.

It’s common to slip into a semi-conscious state when doing activities such as walking, driving or weightlifting—the body is moving but the mind is thinking about something different altogether. When this happens, you move away from the present moment, away from the direct experience of life.

Most people rarely think about how they hold their body. But the ability to tune into the way your body moves, will allow you to do everything with more grace, strength and balance.

The body is very wise: it often tells us how we are, even before it becomes obvious to us mentally. Unfortunately we’re so caught up in thought, that we hardly feel anything anymore. Our life takes place in the head.

Try this mindfulness exercise:

Take a deep breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth. As you breathe out, close your eyes. Notice how your body feels. Starting at the top of the head, gently scan down through the body, noticing what feels comfortable and what feels uncomfortable. Does that area feel relaxed or tense? Energetic or tired? Feel the weight of your body on the chair or standing on the ground.

 

Happiness/ Mindfulness/ Wellness/ Zesty Adventures

Riding The Rapids: A River Meditation

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The river runs through us

Think of your life as a river. The surface rippling with thoughts; sometimes rapids throwing spray into the air; other times mellow and meandering. There are moments where we get so caught up in the turbulence of these ripples that we panic, we struggle, and we’re unable to breathe.

If thoughts are like the ripples on the river, we can learn to rest on the bank and watch them coming and going, but never chasing or getting swept away in them. Continue Reading…

Health Tips/ Vegan/ Wellness/ Zesty Adventures

Zesty Aging: It’s all downhill from here

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Ah fiddlesticks, my knees hurt

Like our bikes, our bodies tend to break down as we age. But wait! I’m here to tell you there’s no reason to swap your mountain bike and Toyota Tacoma for Backgammon and a beige Camry just yet!

Before you throw in the towel and take a nap on the davenport, know that just because you’re 50 years old on paper, doesn’t mean you’re 50 biologically. If you’re eating healthy foods and doing things like riding your bike, there’s less biological aging taking place in your body—honest to Pete! Continue Reading…

Breakfast/ Health Tips/ Meaning & Passion/ Zesty Adventures

Zesty Morning Routine

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Purpose is an incredible alarm clock

Your alarm clock beeps. You hit snooze a few times before rolling out of bed to swipe your self-worth feed, rush through a shower and skip breakfast before heading to work, already late…

If your morning resembles a hurricane, you might consider developing a Zesty Morning Routine. Each morning is an opportunity to start fresh and become fully awake in your life. There’s no need to design an overly complicated routine, but being a little more mindful will go a long way. It will also help you begin to wake up with purpose and energy from knowing what you want to do and why.

Continue Reading…

Meaning & Passion/ Wellness/ Zesty Adventures

Zesty Meditation: The healing power of solo bike rides

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The body benefits from movement, the mind from stillness

The cool light of morning casts shadows across my bed as I open my eyes. It’s 5am and Kula noses up for her morning snuggle and more importantly, to tell me it’s time for her breakfast.

Passion is the best alarm clock. We follow our usual routine of a Ginja Ninja Smoothie and a bit of work at the computer before the call of the forest quickens our pace and we set off for the trails. Continue Reading…