Happy New Year

It’s already February; where did those 31 days of January go? I haven’t even made my 2013 resolutions yet! Luckily, being of Asian/Chinese decent, I get a second chance to celebrate a New Year. Chinese (Lunar) New Year is on Feb 10th this year. Now, I really have to buckle down and get started on 2013! I invite each of you to think and act on your 2013 goals and dreams.

The snake is the 6th animal sign of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. People born in the year of the Snake are seen as wise, logical, intuitive, introspective, and dedicated. 2013 is the year of the black water Snake; it is going to be an exciting year for many. Hence, most of you will not want to be rushed or stressed this year. Peace, tranquility, and rest will provide strength in the Year of the Snake. This is a good year to explore adding a relaxing activity to your wellness program, such as mediation, Tai Chi, or a stress-relieving acupuncture session. 

In Chinese culture, the Snake is often seen as the healer of the physical body, and represents a shift to a more spiritual path. The Chinese zodiac repeats every 12 years; however, the specific combination of animal and element occurs only every 60 years. So, I invite each of you to take advantage of this energy and go within yourselves and think about shedding the bad of years past and start anew in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2011!

Happy 2011! Whether you make New Year resolutions or simple goals for the New Year, we all think of the year to come and all the possibilities it may bring.

My wish for all of you in 2011 is to simply live in the present. With the hectic lives we lead, we never truly live in the moment. We are always trying to plan our next move, and do not take note of what we are experiencing right now.

So, humor me for a second and step away from your computer to go get that orange that is sitting on your counter. You know you’ve wanted to eat it; so just go get it. Oranges in Chinese tradition are seen as good luck so they are given out during the New Year. Before you cut into it or peel it, hold that orange in your hands, feel the weight and texture. Really look at that orange. Breathe in the fragrance. Then, dig your fingers in and peel back the skin. Is it juicy? Is it dry? Does the orange scent fill the room?

Now take a slice of the orange and put it in your mouth, just let it sit on your tongue for a second and slowly chew it. Is it sweet? Is it sour? Does it consume all your taste buds? Did it make you wrinkle your face? Chew it slowly and enjoy the seconds; empty your mind and truly savor it.

Remember this method of eating and enjoying food the next time you have a craving for a piece of cake or something that is not on your eating plan Enjoy food; don’t feel guilty about loving food. Mindful eating is the start to mindful living and leads you down the path to a healthier life, which is essential to surviving in our high-stress world.