“BECOME A DIFFERENT INDIVIDUAL”

Meet Mike ANZOVINO, ISSA CFT
Mike has been passionate about athletics and fitness for well over 40 years from playing sports as a child, to training athletes and power lifters. Now his passion is helping the average person build strength and flexibility through body weight exercises, functional movement patterns and weight training through functionality. He is also a practicing martial artist and incorporates that into his training as well, just to keep things interesting.

Mike wasn’t always on the straight and narrow path.  He says, “As I got older, around my thirties, I  got in with the wrong crowd, and fitness fell to the wayside. I ate badly, didn’t train and I LOOKED IT (I was up to 215 lbs)! One day I woke up and said, “WHAT AM I DOING?” From that moment on, I threw myself back into training, I got back down to 185 lbs, and I feel like I’m in my twenties again!” This experience gives Mike the empathy towards all of us who get off track the encouragement that through the right training and support it is possible to find your way back to health.

Over the years, Mike has done extensive research on training theories, nutrition, supplementation, herbs and weight management. Through his own wellness journey, he feels his purpose on this Earth is to help others. Now being an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, he has the knowledge and expertise to help one reach a higher state of wellness.

“My goal is to teach and educate my clients on how to make a complete lifestyle change. Come join me, have some fun and let’s take this wellness journey together.” Mike Anzovino

The Post-Holiday Season: A Compelling Time to Find Balance

The holiday season can be a time that we become more aware of a loss of personal space, feeling deprived, unrequited love, feeling stressed, hopeless, a lack of control, unable to cope and perhaps an insatiable craving that no amount of chocolate can satisfy.  And herein lies the great paradox of “The Holiday Season”:  Love and togetherness mingled with resentment and competition.  What is it that causes us to take otherwise normal behaviors a bit too far, forcing our bodies to desperately try to find balance.  And what better opportunity for us to practice finding balance than in this season of extremes and contradictions.

This year, instead of trying to regain control by imposing a strict New Year’s resolution, practice being a little kinder to yourself.   Consider these resolutions instead:

  • Be open and question all your beliefs and assumptions in order to uncover your fears
  • Be insanely brave and start feeling all your emotions as they arise, instead of repressing them
  • Be creative and discover what you love aside from things or people
  • Trust that doing all these things will eventually lead to finding balance in an uncertain world.  It is possible.

Below are some areas to begin your personal exploration to finding balance:

Giving and Receiving – Start by observing how we may overgive/underreceive or undergive/overreceive in different situations.  In the next post, we will explore the soundness in such actions as our bodies are really just trying to get our needs met.

Togetherness and Solitude – Loneliness affects every one of us at different points in our lives.  It has a definite purpose and the sooner we understand and embrace it, the sooner we no longer fear it.  That is the moment that we are able to carve out our special niche in this world.  In the meantime, just be mindful of when you need to take a break and perhaps go for a walk amidst all the togetherness or take time for yourself.  Practice being a good listener.  Notice when you may be judging, criticizing or offering unwanted advice.  Sometimes, just showing up, is the most wonderful gift we can give to someone.

Hope and Logic – If we keep hoping for something to occur, we will never be at peace.  At the same time, if we never take risks, we may live with regrets.  The balance lies in getting to know ourselves and discovering any illogical fears or self-limiting beliefs that we may have.  Once we do this, we can trust ourselves and others.  Even if the outcome is not as we may have hoped, we are enlightened enough to see how this was a necessary next step in reaching our ultimate goal.

                        Healthful Eating and Guilt-Free Indulgence – Guilt may be one of the hardest feelings to release.  Similar to loneliness, we may have to acknowledge and sit with it for a little while first.  From this point of acceptance however, we can accept that cravings are actually a blessing.  Cravings or guilt may indicate that we are stuffing down our emotions in an effort to avoid pain.  The long-term pain and suffering from years of doing this is far greater than the short-term pain in acknowledging, understanding and releasing feelings or beliefs that do not serve us.  Trust that your body ultimately seeks to nurture and nourish itself, so that we may lead long, happy lives.

Action and Inaction – When it comes to exercise, if it’s not fun, then it’s no wonder we don’t stay with it very long.  And since when does exercise have to feel like a burden.  Of course, there are days when we lose sight of our purpose.  At times such as these, maybe our bodies are calling for a less strenuous activity that day or week and we should take heed.  Similarly, this mindfulness of when to act or when not to act may occur in our social interactions.  There may be times when we can practice just being a good listener or giving a situation space, instead of feeling like we have to take action.   Through practice, we will get the balance right between action and inaction.

Connecting and Disconnecting – In today’s world, we are more connected, yet more disconnected than ever.  Deep-down all humans need connection and a sense of belonging.  We are not meant to seek it in people or things, however.  We find it through connecting with ourselves.  We look to our supposed weaknesses and that is where we find our strengths.  We explore our obsessions and turn them into passions.

In the coming weeks, we will explore each of these areas in order to gain an understanding of why humans behave the way we do today.  This allows us find balance through accepting ourselves, which is the link that allows us to truly experience growth.  New Year’s resolutions can have the effect of trying to control a behavior.  When we fail, it’s simply because we do not give the human brain and body any credit in having a sound purpose in every action we perform.

The path is different for each of us.  The Energy Movement Center offers the opportunity to try different classes and workshops, explore different concepts that may or may not speak to us and feel a sense of connection to each other that we are all in this together.  Opening our minds and hearts and breaking down self-limiting beliefs and fears, we begin to notice how much fun we can have and how many wonderful things we can open ourselves up to.  We may not know the future, but we can get to know ourselves and in doing so, find the balance that we seek.  Happy New Year!

Teacher of the Month: Ella Mocna

If you haven’t been to Ella’s 10 am Friday morning class  at EMC, I encourage you to take this class. Ella teaches a style of yoga called Jivamukti which is basically yoga that connects us to the Earth.
Those new to yoga – and many seasoned yogis –  are probably familiar with chanting an Om or two at the beginning or end of class. Some people don’t care for this aspect or even shy away from yoga because of this. At its essence, however, it is a powerful unifying aspect – more like singing a hymn in church or a cheer at a major league sporting event. Simply put – it  creates community.
Ella begins her class with a Sanskrit chant in a call and response format.  Without delving deep in yoga philosophy, the Sanskrit language is directly related to the vibration and tonal sounds of the subtle energy it represents. Understood as such, chanting can be seen as a tool to invoke the meaning of the words – somewhat like creative visualization with sound.  By beginning with a short chant in class, the subtle energy of each individual has already begun to change before students get into the more familiar and understood energy of asana (the physical posture) aspect of yoga practice.
After chanting and pranayama (breath work) the class moves into to a vinyasa  flow and Ella guides her class well. Yoga instructors make assists according to students needs. Sometimes it’s alignment – what the student can’t detect themselves , sometimes it could be to show the student how much more is possible – even though their own muscles or mind can’t take them there yet  and other times it to let you know you are on the right path. Ella is confident with her assists and in tune with each of her students –  if you are uncomfortable, opting out of being assisted is always an option.
Though Ella’s class and style might be just a little be different than what you are used to in your regular practice, she comfortably brings in an awareness to your own sound energy.

Yoga
Fridays 10a-11:15a

 

Recipe of the Month: Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4                                                                                                                     

Ingredients:

2-3 apples

2-3 peaches or pears

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 cup raisins

juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup walnuts or nuts of your choice

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

2 tablespoons honey

 

Directions:

1.   Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks.

2.   Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins.

3.   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

4.   Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft.

5.   While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

6.   Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.

7.   Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!

Food Focus: Natural Sweeteners

Who among us doesn’t love sweets? The sweet flavor releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical responsible for our sense of well-being and contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not all are created equal. There are side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, and from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Since refined sweeteners have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, they can spike blood sugar, which can often lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. Instead, using naturally and minimally processed sweeteners can reduce cravings for sugary things.

Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the amounts of other liquids.

Raw Honey

Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have a different flavor depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals and vitamins.

Agave Nectar

Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a “sugar rush.” It has a delightfully light and mild flavor.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks. Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.

Adapted from “The Cane Mutiny,” New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.

 

 

Deconstructing Cravings

The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I’d like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs.

The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs.

No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body’s cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance.

The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body:

  • Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.
  • Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.
  • What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?
  • When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.

GATES OF POWER

Over the last couple of months our group has been exploring the Gate of Emotion and Gate of Dialog. Emotions raw and spoken can be very powerful, fearful, liberating, fascinating , scary, exciting, shameful, encouraging,  and destructive if not checked on.  We are learning how the 4 Magic “E”s, Experience, Explore, Express and Empower can lead us to understand our feelings and where they are coming from. Truly experiencing what we are feeling by saying, yelling, screaming them out loud in a private place we are able to experience them in order to find a way to explore where they are coming from. That ways we can better express them to empower us.  We are learning through the Gate of Dialog how to do this by committing to opening up a true dialog with ourselves and others.

Join us on Saturday, August 17th or Saturday September 7th at 10 am to find out how the Gates of Power can empower you to be an emotionally balanced and expressive person.

Recipes of the Month: Teas

Sun Tea

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 24 hours

Yield: 2 liters

Ingredients:

3-4 tea bags of your choice

water

Directions:

1.   Fill an extra-large mason jar with water, add 3 or 4 of your favorite tea bags and cover with lid.

2.   Place in sun for one full day and let the shining rays pour in heat and energy, bringing out the wonderful tea flavors.

3.   Sweeten if so desired with natural sweetener and serve at room temperature or cold over ice.

Note: Garnish with mint leaves or lemon wedge.

 

Ginger Drink

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 24 hours

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh ginger root

2 quarts water

juice of 2 limes

maple syrup or agave nectar to taste

Directions:

1.   Thinly peel the fresh ginger, grate and mix with water in a large saucepan.

2.   Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Cover the pan and turn off the heat; leave

for 24 hours.

3.   Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve.

4.         Add the lime juice and maple syrup or agave. Stir until dissolved. Serve chilled.

Food Focus: Water

Most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily dose of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies deserve daily. In the summer, when we tend to play hard, sweat and spend prolonged time in the sun, drinking plenty of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.

To start your day right, set a large glass of water by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. Drinking water first thing in the morning pulls out toxins from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. Having a bottle of water close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed and then waking to use the bathroom disturbs your peaceful night’s sleep.

What about quality? Some people like bottled water, while others prefer filtered water. The key is to like the taste of the water you are drinking, and the water should agree with your body. If the taste of plain water is unappealing, experiment to see how you can make it tasty and drinkable. Try adding a few mint leaves, a wedge of lemon, a sprig of parsley, slices of cucumber, a twist of lime or a squeeze of orange to make water more tempting, or to jazz up your routine. Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables contribute to the hydration process. So, splash in the waves, swim in the sun, drink plenty of water and enjoy the summer fun!

Relaxation and Exercise

Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation.

The body loves to move. Even though our body is healthiest when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word “exercise”. Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices – it’s simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you’ll sleep better at night.

Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a nap in a hammock and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, a lake or a kiddy pool, can be relaxing and rejuvenating.

Whether you are relaxing, exercising or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy the rich elements of sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring.