A PURPOSE REMAINS CONSTANT FOR LIFE

KEEP IT REAL.

HAVE FUN PLAYING.

UNDERSTAND.

BE IN TUNE.

BE PATIENT.

DON'T GIVE IN.

FIGHT.

TRUST.

LOVE.

BURN CALORIES BY DRINKING WATER

Many diet books recommend drinking plenty of water to cut hunger and create a feeling of fullness. But did you know that , drinking water also increases metabolic rate slightly and burns more calories. German researchers found that drinking 500 milliliters of water (about 1 pint) increased resting metabolism by 25 percent- so about 20 extra calories for 60 minutes. Drinking 50 milliliters of water or 500 milliliters of saline (mildly salty water) had no effect on metabolism.

Water increases calorie burning by diluting the blood going to the liver (portal circulation) and by turning on the sympathetic nervous system (the body's fight-or-flight system). The cells have very sensitive methods for regulating fluids in blood, cells and the space between cells. Water intake activates this system, which increases caloric expenditure. Drinking extra water has little effect on weight control and could be dangerous...just like anything. You must find the right balance that works for you and how water plays into your everyday activities. The 20 calories you expend processing the water is equivalent to jogging for two minutes. But again...don't forget, excessive water intake can cause hyponatremia (water intoxication), which can be deadly.

So remember to stay hydrated each and every day...do not go overboard on your water intake especially if you are not active. Water has and will always be vital to your survival. It participates in almost all the chemical reactions in your body, it helps cool you, and moves vital fuels and hormones to your muscles and tissues. Just be aware that just like anything else...there have been known cases of people drinking too much water and dying from these decisions. BALANCE IS THE KEY TO EVERYTHING IN THIS LIFE! So be ACTIVE and DRINK YOUR WATER!!

Journal Clinical Endocrinolgy Metabolism, 92: 3334-3337, 2007)

BOTH SIDES UP

Exercise balls have been around for more than 100 years. The balls that can turn simple exercises such as crunches into core-building exercises that work many of the major muscle groups of the body. Why are exercise balls so effective? They are effective because you must stabilize your entire body to do the exercises.

The BOSU Ball (a half ball mounted on a platform) has some similar properties as a regular exercise ball. What makes this piece of equipment so unique is that it also requires muscle power for balance, but provides enough stability so that you feel comfortable and don't get injured. This piece of equipment helps build strength and endurance in the major muscles of your legs and trunk that will tone you up and prevent back pain. The BOSU can be the ultimate challenging exercise tool...you can challenge yourself by doing several upper and lower body exercises on both sides of the BOSU Ball...each side has a different component (one side being soft and where the half ball is located/the flip side being hard...the black platform side) that makes each exercise different, unique, and challenging.

Always mix things up. If you haven't tried using a BOSU Ball...give it a try. There are so many possibilities available to you when you use this unique piece of equipment.

IDEA Personal Trainer, Feb., 2003.

The Moon And Venus- September 8, 2013

A lazy mind will never grasp the true spirit of morality. Out of the conscience arises morality. Morality comes from having inner discernment of what is right or wrong for yourself. It involves making choices that are best for you and for the advancement of the whole...EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. Thank you for checking out my slideshow. 

Preventing Injuries For Young Female Athletes

Sports build fitness and confidence in young women. Competitive athletics can result in serious athletic injuries that have lifelong consequences. Girls get five times more anterior cruciate ligament injuries than boys. Injuries to the vital knee ligament can cause a lifetime of pain, arthritis and instability. Orthopedic scientists think that women sustain more knee injuries because of muscle imbalance in the lower body. Women have stronger quadriceps muscles, but relatively weaker posterior leg muscles (hamstrings and glutes). Also, women are more stiff-legged when they run and jump. Active young women can prevent serious knee injuries by developing the posterior leg muscles through weight training and functional-high levels of fitness. Many girls benefit from specialized speed- and power- training programs. So train those hamstrings and try to incorporate exercises that work the smaller muscles in your legs (the muscles that will help assist the larger muscles and will help you from getting injured.

Below I have included an image of an exercise that you may want to try when training to strengthen the small muscles in your legs. It is called Over And Backs (as you can see I have her using a cane- I like using the cane because you can challenge yourself by adjusting the cane to go higher after mastering a certain height level). When doing this exercise, find your center point. Keep your shoulders and hips squared in front of you. Contract your quads and  point your toe. Go over the top of the cane tapping the floor and then going back to the other side (try not to rest as soon as you tap, try to go continuous and make sure you watch your form). Do not to bend your knee when doing this exercise. Always keep your quad engaged even when you tap the floor. Over and back= 1 rep....try to do 30 reps and then graduate from there. Exercises like these are effective when your reps are higher. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a wonderful day. :)

The Washington Post, September 11, 2007

The HIDDEN SECRET Of Yoga

Do you know what the hidden secret of Yoga is? Give up! Me too...lol. Just kidding. Yoga is a tried and true method for maintaining strong, flexible joints and muscles, good posture, and MUSCLE ENDURANCE. That's right, good ol' muscle endurance. Nancy Coulter-Parker of the Yoga Journal (Mar./Apr., 2003) claimed that yoga builds endurance because it trains you to breathe more deeply and efficiently. And if you really think about this for a second...she is absolutely right. It teaches you how to breathe, which in turn will help you to perform better in the gym and/or outside the gym. Slow, controlled breathing as practiced in yoga will not necessarily have an effect on the way the lungs deliver oxygen to the bloodstream during exercise and doesn't effect oxygen consumption...BUT, it does give your body a different technique in breathing. 

The one thing I find interesting in my job is how people have a tendency to hold their breath or they are unable to breathe probably...especially when the exercise is a difficult one. It is important to breathe when you exercise, but I believe it is important to be able to breathe in many forms. It helps your body to adjust and to adapt to each exercise independently and helps in the process of creating your "STRONG" body (your temple). Yoga increases muscle strength and endurance, which can help you from running out of gas during the day. Remember, you don't work as hard when you have fit muscles, so you aren't forced to use your energy reserves during daily tasks. Yoga is a terrific form of exercise for muscle and fitness...so if you have the opportunity to do yoga, definitely give it a try. Never limit yourself! ALWAYS allow yourself and your body to experience all different forms of exercise.  

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day. :)

The Russian Cannonball

"The kettlebell is the ultimate tool for extreme all-round fitness. It has been proven that no other single tool does it better."

What is a super effective tool that will help you build strength, endurance, flexibility, and core strength all at once? What is a form of training that will not only improve the appearance of your physique, but it will give you strength and mental toughness that you didn't even know was possible? THE EXTREME KETTLEBELL!

The kettlebell is a russian cast iron that looks like a cannonball with a handle and provides you with a very effective way to build muscle and supports the body to work as one unit.

*Accelerates- the development of All-Purpose Strength

*Boosts- your physical resilience

*Builds- your stay power

*Ensures- the correct blend of strength and flexibility

*Hacks- your fat off

*Gives your independence- makes you as strong as you want anywhere, anytime

I believe that it is important that you understand the benefits of this training and how it works. I frequently get the question, how is a kettlebell different from a dumbbell? First, kettlebells are much harder to handle, and in this case, harder is much better. KB handles are much thicker then DBS, which will give you a vice grip in no time. It is an outstanding grip, wrist, and forearm developer. Also, if you notice that the weight of a DB is equally distributed, while the weight of a KB is not. The off centered weight of a KB will force you to use more stabilizer muscles and work the targeted muscles through a longer range of motion. The thick and smooth handle combined with the ballistic nature of many exercises loads the grip like rock climbing. It is also an amazing type of training because it gives you infinite freedom of lifting...offering wiry strength, explosive agility, and never-quitting stamina.

Next, kettlebell training offers an increase in shoulder flexibility and stability. Its offset center of gravity maximizes shoulder strength, flexibility, and health. It not only helps to improve shoulder strength but it has been known to help people with back problems...making the back more resilient. It conditions your back from every conceivable angle, statically and dynamically. And as a result, many chiropractors are using kettlebells with their patients for rehab.

Another interesting fact about kettlebell training is that it gives you the benefit of getting stronger without getting bigger. Many women have taken up this type of training all around the country because it helps them tone and lose fat without over developing muscles. Another interesting point is that it is a definitive tool for developing hip thrust (the power generator in all athletics)...remember that a jump, a kick, and a punch all come from your hip.

So if you get the opportunity, do not rule out this type of training. I think that you will be pleased with the variety and effectiveness that it brings to the table. Overall, your results will be endless. Kettlebell training is considered to be "one of the most effective means of strength development" representing " a new era in the development of human strength-potential."

Mahler, M. Kettlebell Training Article. Bodybuilding.com.

Your Thirst

I came across this question along with this quote and I just had to share it with you. I believe that most of you will appreciate it and find its true meaning for YOURSELF.

How can you tell the dreamer from the dream?

"I've been having this recurring vision...In it, there's this fish tank--it calms me. I see a small speck floating on the water, and I look closer, it's me...I'm atop the waves. There's water as far as the eye can see, yet I can't drink. Not a drop. I taste salt in my mouth. I taste the bile. My thirst is great and it hangs around my neck like a chain. Eventually the weight drags me under. I'm drowning...I struggle, flail, kick... Then suddenly, I sense the familiar cold, hard hand of iron. I grab hold and pull myself up. This world is a vast sea but one thing remains fixed, constant...This iron. This calling. This THIRST."

The Center Of Your Universe

LISTEN UP EVERYONE...I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE AND I AM GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN.  

Do you know how important your abdominal muscles are to your overall health?

Did you know that when you are doing an activity, your abdominal muscles help stabilize your body during start-and-stop movements. This is important because if you have weak abdominal muscles, it is your joints that will absorb all the force--putting too much pressure on them.

Did you also know that when you run, bike, play a sport, or even just walk...it is your core that is the essential muscle group used to perform all these activities. Your core strength gives you the power to perform. So for example, if your golf swing is weak, strong abs will improve that. Researchers have found that abdominals fired first among all the muscles when playing sports or doing any activity.

SO WORK THAT CORE! KEEP IT STRONG AND HEALTHY! IT IS THE CENTER OF YOU!

YELLOW BEE...Suspended Two-Bar Swing

Always find creative ways to train. Don't feel that it is necessary to train a certain way or the way everyone else trains. FIND YOUR OWN WAY AND BELIEVE IN IT. Like many of the qualities of a BEE- purity, wisdom, courage, creativity, selflessness, diligence, and illumination...Think and take on the characteristics of the bee. JUST BE...YOU!

Always,
Dofitness

Tips For Flexibility Training

When it comes to "The Big Three" of exercise--cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training--it’s pretty clear which one can get overlooked. After all, while we prize cardiovascular and strength training for their role in helping us lose weight, build muscle and get fit, the benefits of flexibility training are less immediately alluring. 

However, as the population ages, more of us are learning to appreciate the rewards of stretching. Staying limber can offset age-related stiffness, improve athletic performance and optimize functional movement in daily life. Research shows that flexibility training can develop and maintain range of motion and may help prevent and treat injury. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine has added flexibility training to its general exercise recommendations, advising that stretching exercises for the major muscle groups be performed two to three days per week. 

How can you include an effective flexibility workout in your fitness program? Here are some guidelines: 

1. Think in Terms of Serious Flexibility Training, Not Just Brief Stretching. Squeezing in one or two quick stretches before or after a workout is better than nothing, but this approach will yield limited results. What’s more, generic stretches may not be effective for your particular body. The more time and attention you give to your flexibility training, the more benefits you’ll experience.

2. Consider Your Activities. Are you a golfer? Do you ski, run or play tennis? Do your daily home or work routines include bending, lifting or sitting for long periods? Functional flexibility improves “the stability and mobility of the whole person in his or her specific environment,” says physical therapist Deborah Ellison. She recommends an individualized stretching program to improve both stability (the ability to maintain ideal body alignment during all activities) and mobility (the ability to use full, normal range of motion). 

3. Pay Special Attention to Tight Areas. Often the shoulders, chest, hamstrings and hips are particularly tight, but you may hold tension in other areas, depending on your history of injuries and the existing imbalances in your muscle groups. Unless you tailor your flexibility training to your strengths and weaknesses, you may stretch already overstretched muscles and miss areas that need training. 

4. Listen to Your Body. Stretching is an individual thing. Pay attention to your body’s signals and don’t push too far. Avoid ballistic stretching, which uses bouncing or jerking movements to gain momentum; this approach can be dangerous. Instead, slowly stretch your muscles to the end point of movement and hold the stretch for about 10 to 30 seconds. Older adults, pregnant women and people with injuries may need to take special precautions. 

5. Get Creative. Varying your flexibility training can help you stick with it. You can use towels, resistance balls and other accessories to add diversity and effectiveness to your stretching. 

6. Warm Up First. If you’re stretching on your own, don’t forget to warm up your muscles before you begin. Walking briskly for 10 or 15 minutes is a simple way to do this. 

7. Find a Flexibility Class That Works for You. Classes that include stretching are becoming more popular and more diverse. Some combine cardiovascular and strength components with the flexibility training; others focus exclusively on stretching. 

8. Stretch Yourself--Mind and Body. Did you know that your emotional state may affect your flexibility? If your body is relaxed, says Ellison, it will be more responsive to flexibility training. Listening to music and focusing on your breath can help you relax as you stretch. You may also want to explore yoga or exercise inspired by the work of Joseph Pilates. In addition to stretching, classes in these disciplines may include relaxation, visualization and other mind-body techniques designed to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. 

9. It’s Not Just for Wimps. Forget the idea that stretching is just for elderly, injured or unconditioned people. Many Olympic and professional athletes rely on flexibility training for peak performance. 

10. Do It Consistently. It does not help to stretch for a few weeks and then forget about it. Integrate regular stretching into your permanent fitness program. For inspiration, look to cats and dogs--they’re dedicated practitioners of regular stretching!  :)

Children And Exercise- The Balance

Making exercise a priority is a challenge for everyone. And for parents it can be especially difficult to find time to workout because of the full plates that they often juggle. Now that summer is here the juggling act becomes even more tricky with kids home from school and involved in extracurricular activities.

But, finding time for regular physical activity is so important that it should be a priority placed on your calendar, just like your kids' softball game. A parent needs to exercise not only for themselves, but also for their kids benefit. It's important to set a good example. If your children never see you engage in fitness or if they hear you complain about working out, then they are going to have a negative image of exercise. Let them know that you workout to stay healthy, to be strong and to have more energy and stamina (so you can keep up with them).

The big question is how to make it a priority that fits in your schedule. Well, it's actually easier than you may think. With a little planning you can find ways to incorporate workouts into the time you spend with your children. Regardless of what age your children are, there's a way to find time to workout (often even with your kids)! Here are some tips based on the age of your children.

Age: Infant through Pre-school
. Fit in exercise time while they are napping. Try a home exercise video, walking or jogging (if you have a treadmill), jumping rope.
. Occupy them for even 15 minutes with a video or toy while you do some toning exercises like squats and tricep dips. . Grab your stroller and go for a brisk walk. Or, buy a jogging stroller for more flexibility. With a jogging stroller you can walk faster, jog or even run at a fast pace. And, for veteran rollerbladers, you can even use the stroller for some skating time.

. For younger children, you can use a back carrier to transport them while walking. This can burn even more calories as the extra weight makes it more challenging.
. Turn on some music and dance together. Toddlers love dancing, especially when their parents joins in.
. Push your kid on a swing. And, after every push complete one squat.
. Use an infant carrier or bike trailer to enjoy a bike ride together.

Age: Grade School
. Try rollerblading or skating together.

. Spend an afternoon at a park with a playground, but don't spend the whole time relaxing on the sidelines - join in on the fun. Spend some time swinging to help workout your legs. Try making it across the monkey bars - even just once (it's a great upper body workout and you'll be amazed that your kid does it with such ease). Try some pull-ups using a bar on the playset. Do some tricep dips on a nearby park bench.

. Play catch with a ball or get a small group together for a kickball or softball game.
. Make Saturdays family bike outing day.
. Involve your kids while you strength train. Let them count your reps out loud for you and/or clock your rest time in-between sets.
. For pool outings, don't just spend time soaking up the sun. Walk back and forth in shallow water while your kids have fun splashing about.
. On rainy days that force you inside, walk or run up and down the stairs. You might even make it a contest to see who can finish 5 complete rounds the quickest.

Age: Teenagers
. Register for a fun run (or walk) event and spend time together training for the event.
. Purchase a family gym membership and workout together weekly.

. Play tennis or basketball together.

. Consider joining a community volleyball or softball team that includes enthusiasts of all ages.
. Don't just sit and cheer your kids at their sporting events. Every few minutes do some walking   or jumping jacks or squats.
. Implement a daily family walk each day before or after dinner.
. Work together in the yard raking leaves, planting flowers, trimming trees.

So, with all the above recommendations, you no longer have the "I'm a parent - I don't have time to workout" excuse. If you implement these activities for just 30 minutes three times per week, you can easily burn an extra 450 calories or more! Plus, working out sets a great example for your children that will teach them at an early age how important (and easy) it is to make physical fitness a part of daily life. Exercising with your kids also provides the extra bonus of spending quality time together. So don't let another day go by. Enjoy each and every day, get children involved, and still work out.

Do The Body Right And Stretch

Three Amazing Remedies For You And Your Body

The First Remedy: Take A Body Break
Just for today, stop thinking of your body as something that must be whipped into shape and notice what you would like to do with it--lie down? Go for a leisurely walk? Make love? Sometimes just giving yourself permission to notice what's true for you can be an amazing way to find happiness--or at least peace of mind.

The Second Remedy: Oh, to Sleep
Having trouble falling asleep? Consider this natural aromatherapy remedy-a sleep potion made with, among other oils, lavender. Lavender is an adaptogen, which means that it can be stimulating or relaxing, depending on your energy needs. If you are tired, it will help you fall asleep.

In a small plastic spray bottle, combine 4 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops orange essential oil, 3 drops chamomile essential oil (another good sleep aid), and 5 ounces of water. Shake well. Spray sheets, pillow cases, and the air in your bedroom before sleep.

The Third Remedy: Get A Massage
We all know that a massage feels good on the outside (as long as whoever is doing it is skilled and sensitive). But it has positive internal effects as well. Massage has been known to boost the immune system and lower anxiety by reducing cortisol levels (a stress hormone) in the body.

For the massage to really work--for it to increase pleasure and decrease stress hormones--you need to feel comfortable and relaxed. Some people are concerned about being touched by strangers. If this is true for you, perhaps a friend or a loved one can give you a massage, and another day you can return the favor. Remember--this is about you being happy.

Ryan, M.J. Instant Health And Happiness. Pgs. 342, 343, 347.
Thanks Mom! Love You Lots!

Spray The Air And Find Your Peace

If the dark days of late fall are dragging you down, consider this little pick-me-up--an easy-to-make rose room spray. Besides being the scent of romance, rose (a symbol of the heart) is said to have antidepressant properties.

And don't forget, the fragrance and beauty of a rose is a reminder of the glory of PARADISE. 

Simply combine 4 drops of rose essential oil, 2 drops of bergamot essential oil, 2 drops of lavender, and 1 cup of water. Place in small plastic spray bottle, shake well, and spray the room.
Ryan, M.J. Instant Health and Happiness. Pg. 338
Lots of Love Mama!

Find Your Purpose

WILLPOWER
RECOGNIZING THAT THE POWER OF WILL IS THE SUPREME COURT OVER ALL DEPARTMENTS OF MY MIND, I WILL EXERCISE DAILY WHEN I NEED THE URGE TO ACT FOR ANY PURPOSE; AND I WILL FORM HABITS DESIGNED TO BRING THE POWER OF MY WILL INTO ACTION AT LEAST ONCE DAILY.

INSPIRING WORDS FROM BRUCE LEE

SO MY WORDS TO YOU ARE TO FIND YOUR WILL...FIND YOUR PURPOSE. BELIEVE IN IT...EXERCISE IT AND TAKE ACTION! DISCOVER EACH DAY HOW YOUR PURPOSE HELPS YOU AND SHAPES YOU. AND MAKE IT HAPPEN EACH DAY!

WITH LOVE...DOFITNESS

Give Your Body What It Deserves After A Hard Workout

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked is "What should I eat after I workout? Or why is a post workout meal so important?" The right post-workout meal will help you build lean muscle, repair your body, and ensure gains long after you've done your last rep.

ONE OF THE BEST DID YOU KNOW FACTS ABOUT YOUR POST WORKOUT MEAL IS THAT AFTER EXERCISE, MUNCH IMMEDIATELY--IDEALLY, WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF WORKING OUT--SO YOUR BODY DOESN'T BEGIN BREAKING DOWN MUSCLE TISSUE TO REPLENISH ITSELF.

Here is a list of good post workout foods you can choose from:
1. PB & J or Pasta- The perfect post-weight training repast has about 400 calories, with 20 to 30 grams of protein (to build new muscle) and 50 to 65 grams of carbohydrates (to repair old muscle). Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a small bowl of pasta with meat sauce fit that formula.

2. Pork Tenderloin- Lean meats are a great low-calorie source of protein, and scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, found that eating more protein may reduce the fat around your midsection. People who ate 20 more grams of protein every day than the group average had 6 percent lower waist-to-hip ratios.

3. Pineapple and Papaya- Both of these tropical fruits are loaded with bromelain and papain, enzymes that not only help break down proteins for digestion, but also have anti-inflammatory properties to speed up your post workout recovery.

4. Milk- The best sports drink may come from a cow. British researchers found that milk does a better job than water or sports drinks at rehydrating the body after exercise. Why? Because milk has more electrolytes and potassium. Also according to researchers at the University of Washington, 40 percentage more effective chocolate milk is at repairing muscles after a workout than plain milk.

5. Coffee- University of Georgia scientists revealed that taking a caffeine supplement (equal to 2 cups of coffee) after exercise reduces muscle soreness more than pain relievers. Caffeine blocks a chemical that activates pain receptors.

Do the little things such as eating a post-workout meal after each workout. Remember, you have a 30 to 40 minute window to put something in your system in order to rebuild, replenish, and repair. Give your body what it needs and your body will return the favor!
Zinczenko, David. Eat This Not That. Pg. 289.

Listen Up Ladies

The most important nutritional considerations for females engaged in sport activity and fitness training is an increased need for energy in the form of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to help fuel the working body. Females tend to be much more concerned about their weight than males...which in turn causes a major problem of inadequate caloric intake. The interesting irony is that female athletes/women who workout are far more likely to achieve the optimal body composition by increasing their intake of the appropriate nutrients than by enforcing unhealthy dietary restrictions.

It is important that as a female you understand that if you don't consume adequate calories to support training, you will constantly battle fatigue during workouts and also be more vulnerable to muscle injuries. Studies also show that it is estimated that two out of every three females who train walk around chronically dehydrated, which is a definite cause for concern since dehydration is the number-one dietary contributing factor to poor performance.

Also, it is common to see the micronutrients calcium and iron lacking in the female athlete's diet, especially when energy intake is suboptimal. First, to improve iron intake, females who train should include more animal protein such as lean beef in her diet. Next, many females who get caught up in the desire to lose weight often reduce their intake of calcium-rich dairy foods such as milk. In order to boost calcium intake, it is recommended that females consume 800-1,200 milligrams per day, female athletes should aim to consume three to four servings of dairy per day.

Please understand that your body is like a car, it needs fuel to run and it needs to be maintained properly. By providing your body with the right nutrients and fueling it at the right time, you will perform better and will feel better. I am a big believer in the more in tune you are with your body and the more you respect your body...the more your body will give you the results you desire. TRAIN HARD AND EAT SMART!

Brown, Kim. (2004). Fueling The Female Athlete. p. 44-45.

Create Your Flow

Flow has tremendous power to transform YOU and YOUR LIFE. You must not force or push...you must be aware and allow yourself to flow. Examine who you are and what you want. Stop living by other people's expectations and begin living by your own. Open yourself to new possibilities and ways of thinking. Listen to your intuition and follow what is said. 

It is at this point... "YOUR FLOW" will become your reality. Imagine a time when your life seemed rich and shimmering with possibility. Feeling so connected to something greater and vaster than you can imagine. The negative, pettiness, and worries of life seemed non-existent...instead something deep inside you was touched. This is the POWER OF FLOW and it becomes your way of life. Feeling excited and full of wonder, but at the same time calm and at peace. Feeling creative, productive, safe, comfortable, and complete. And each moment that you experience seems perfect in and of itself. Allow yourself to flow and experience life in a totally different way. Fill your days with meaning, purpose, and ease. 

Be Positive. Seek out the value in every situation, at every turn, emphasize it, and work actively with it. Through each experience, learn that in the positive side lies the potential for movement. Learn To Trust...In yourself, in God, in a larger plan...the bottom line is just plain trust. Trust enables us to proceed with absolute certainty into the unknown. Just Flow And Be YOU!

With Love, 

Dofitness

No Beginning...No End...Everlasting

A circle that is divided by a wave into two equal sections. One that is symbolized by water or earth and the other that is symbolized by fire or wind. A balance and union. All things in balance. To take on the idea to not resist nor embrace either side, but to accept both in perfect balance. Understand that one can not exist without the other. Peace and Chaos. Pain and Joy. Light and Dark.

Yin, as contraction, is the primal force behind all things that focus or pull inward. Darkness pulls in light, cold pulls in heat, emptiness - vacuum or void - pulls in substance.Yin is also seen in tranquility, peace, silence and depression.

Yang, as expansion, is the primal force behind all things that focus or push outwards. Light expands into darkness, heat radiates into cold, substance fills emptiness, and masculine looks out to the world. Yang is also seen in excitement, action, noise and destruction.

So understand YOU, YOUR LIFE, AND EVERYTHING AROUND YOU. Begin living your life in BALANCE, as a moving balance...like a wave that always comes back to the center.