featured – Salubrity and Soul

ayurveda, balance, bloggingfundamentals, Community, empowerment, encouragement, featured, Food, gratitude, Healing, Health, hiking, holistic, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, meditation, nature, nature enthusiast, New Beginnings, poetry, recipes, selfcare, Spirituality, tips, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Sutras

Salubrity and Soul…The redux

May 1, 2023May 9, 2023by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

A ring of the doorbell in the middle of a warm summer’s night. A couple of songs playing on the radio, one after the other, on the way to the emergency room that now every time I hear again will forever take me back to that moment in time when I was hoping that all that I was experiencing was just a crazy bad dream. An unanswered prayer that I now have a greater understanding of and immense gratitude for. A dark night of the soul and a healing journey that led me back to my yoga practice after a long hiatus. A spiritual awakening. A promise kept and a divinely guided idea that I felt compelled to share. All – the birthing of Salubrity and Soul, the blog, and now Salubrity and Soul Yoga – coming soon.

Today I re-welcome you to Salubrity and Soul, the blog. Formerly a grief blog, but now a space where I sometimes share tidbits of my healing journey, perspectives on life, spirituality, gratitude, my love of nature, but mostly all things yoga, meditation, wellness and wellbeing related.

Salubrity and Soul celebrates the whole self – mind, body, heart, and soul and thriving within a wellness of being – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Whether you are a veteran Salubrity and Soul reader or are new to this space I thank you for stopping by, and I appreciate you taking time out of your day to read my posts. My hope is that you find the content here helpful and as always I look forward to connecting, learning and sharing with you.

Also, before I end this post I would like to remind you that you can connect with me on Instagram at @salubrityandsoulyoga, and soon you will be able to also connect with me on Spotify on the Salubrity and Soul Yoga podcast where you can listen to content from this blog as well as find meditations, short yoga sessions, weekly affirmations and more while on the go or whenever you’re just short on time and don’t have time to read the blog. Thank you for reading.

Until the next time…

I’m sending you light, I’m sending you love

and as always

Take care and be well,

– Carol

balance, bloggingfundamentals, Earth Day, Exercise, featured, Flexitarian, Health, hiking, holistic, Lifestyle, meditation, nature, rituals, self care, tips, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga

13 Activities To Do For Earth Day

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

Happy Earth Day 2021!

I hope that you were able to get outside today to enjoy a little bit of our beautiful planet’s natural offerings. I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy a short hike today, which as you may already know, I love doing. I am glad that the weather is warming up and that, albeit slow, we’re all moving toward doing our best to get Covid-19 under control so that we can all get back to our definition of “normal living.”

Going outside to enjoy nature is just one of the things that I do to celebrate Earth Day each year; and I’ve compiled a list of 13 of my favorite Earth Day activities to share with you. These are also great everyday selfcare activities to do during any time of the year as well. Enjoy!

Visit a state or national park (physically or virtually).
Go hiking.
Do a little earthing or forest bathing.
Go for a walk in your neighborhood (solo, with someone, or walk your dog.)
Watch a sunrise or sunset.
Make a herbal face mask or hand scrub instead of buying one.
Take a bath instead of showering to save water.
Turn off your electronic devices for the day to save energy, and digitally detox at the same time.
Enjoy plant based meals all day.
Repot your plants that need it, divide those that have extra growth and start new plants and give them to family and friends as gifts.
Cut flowers from your garden or buy them to bring nature’s beauty into your home space – just because.
Make your own herbal tea with fresh herbs and plants such as chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, or peppermint.
Meditate, do your yoga practice or any other exercise outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.

balance, bloggingfundamentals, empowerment, encouragement, featured, Flexitarian, Health, holistic, Inspiration, Joy, Lifestyle, meditation, Personal Development, Personal Growth, selfcare, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

March 17, 2021March 16, 2021by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

Life is generally good, right? I think that most people would agree that life, even with it’s disappointments, is okay. In fact, more often than not, it can be pretty amazing.

Today might be filled with happiness, joy and excitement; while tomorrow “could” bring sadness or pain – and that’s okay. It’s okay because living isn’t about having everything work out for the best all of the time, as much as it’s about being able to make it through the rough times; and to do so with a healthy mind frame and not allowing our disappointments to define us.

We expect too much sometimes, I think. We also tend to become complacent in our ability to not let our egos get the best of us. It’s easy to believe that things will always be the way that they are – especially when things are going great. Of course, this may not be true for everyone.

Well, 2020 should have taught us a thing or two. It should have reminded us of our lack of control. The control that we tend to thing that we have, when truthfully any semblance of control that we thing we have is actually quite minor.

We should always be open to “other” possibilities. Why? Because that is what helps us transition better when thing do not go our way. At any time, even the healthiest person can suddenly become chronically ill. Or, that well-to-do friend of yours that you thought was so blessed and fortunate can suddenly lose everything. Or that job that you thought that you would retire with could suddenly go out of business.

When disappointments happen they can leave us feeling sad, angry or regretful that we couldn’t have done more to prevent whatever happened from happening. The key though is not to ruminate over disappointments when they occur. As difficult as that might be – just don’t do it. Please don’t do it, unless you’re looking for more disappointment.

We have to be willing to accept the life that we have been given, regardless of whether or not we approve of the outcome. You have to just keep moving forward.

Now, there may be disappointing situations that call for you to contest or dispute, because there are many things in life that we must fight for – but I am not talking about those type of disappointments. I am talking about the ones that we absolutely cannot control.

When life throws a little disappointment your way you don’t have to forget what happened, (you need to remember as that will be connected to your personal growth), but you do have to learn to accept life’s disappointments.

Once you learn to that, then you can conquer anything. When faced with something disappointing I like to remember the phrase “God doesn’t give us anything that we cannot handle.” It always helps me to keep things in perspective. So, if you’re experiencing something less than favorable and you feel that the sky has fallen – try remembering that phrase and see how that works for you. Also, stay strong, keep the faith and know in your heart and soul that all will be well in the end. All you have to do is learn to accept whatever is making you feel that way or, if you are able to change the situation – change it. All else is madness and who wants that?

Thank you for reading.

Until the next post.

Take care and be well.

change, empowerment, encouragement, featured, Healing, Health, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, New Beginnings, New Year, self care, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness

New Year, New Outlook

March 3, 2021March 2, 2021by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

Happy 2021! I hope you are well. My goodness! It has been a few months since my last post and I have missed Salubrity and Soul, all the tasks that come with blogging and… you! If I could have avoided my absence I surely would have done just that, please know that it was justifiable. Without over-sharing, let’s just say that I needed to take some time off to care for myself, spend time with my family and recuperate from the year that was 2020. Truthfully, my decision to take a break from Salubrity and Soul, (and other things as well), was highly influenced by my physician. I had to either eliminate or reduce anything that I was doing in my life that could induce stress or that contributed to a sedentary lifestyle. Unfortunately for me, blogging happened to be in that category. Now I am moving into the second quarter of this year cautiously, carefully, but fervently.

“A candle that has been blown out provides no light. Let selfcare be your fuel, and watch yourself glow brightly again once the flame has been re-lit.
– Salubrity + Soul

I must say, it feels good to be heading into the new year with a sense of calm, peacefulness, hope and healing.

I’ll close with a few words that reflect something that crossed my mind several times over during the last four months, which is that we always have a choice in the way that we decide to frame our personal narrative when faced with something unexpected. Moreover, we always have a choice when it comes to our view of how good or bad things really are; and whether or not we want to accept some responsibility in whatever it is that we’re experiencing.

We can grab the reigns of our life, hold on tight, and be the heroine, (or hero), but the choice is always only ours. In order to overcome anything, the decision to keep showing up over and over again is what is most important.

I want to remind anyone who may be experiencing a rough time and who may be feeling as though they need a break that it is okay to rest. It’s okay to go where you’ll find peace and the opportunity to restore your energy and health because that is exactly what you’ll need to remain in your power. Think balance. You don’t have to completely stop what you’re doing, because we should always be moving in ways that empower us in good ways, and that allow us to function and be the very best version of ourselves as much as possible – unabashedly. But, never forget to care for yourself. Nothing is more important than you. Nothing. Remember that.

Thanks for reading.

Until the next post.

Take care and be well.

Blessings.

– Carol

balance, Bereavement, bloggingfundamentals, Community, empowerment, featured, firstfridays, grief, Healing, Health, holistic, Inspiration, joy, Life, Lifestyle, meditation, New Beginnings, self care, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga

A Lovely Day

November 8, 2020November 8, 2020by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

Hello everyone!

It’s been a while.

I am in an extremely good mood today. I’m in such a good mood that I felt compelled to make today the day that I would return to the blogosphere after yet another hiatus.

Today is light-filled. But, more than that it is joy-filled for many.

I didn’t expect to see what I observed this morning, which was exactly how much joy is being pushed and rebirthed into the universe until I walked into my family room this morning, turned on the television, and watched the news as people from all walks of life danced and sang in the streets all across America.

It didn’t take long for me to begin dancing and singing along with them with happy tears pouring from my eyes and down my cheeks. It was a beautiful sight to see. It was definitely one of the most wonderful feelings I’ve ever felt.

I am probably not the only person who may have felt the stagnation depart from the soul of the United States of America, ( extra special emphasis on the word “united”), because isn’t that the promise of our nation? Isn’t that what we love about it so much even though we have our left and right sides?

Unity is what results when sagacity, impartiality, and the sweetness of empathy are honored and practiced.

And here we have it. Unity wins. Goodness and love prevail. Hope is restored and those who have may have felt as though the sky was falling can feel comfortable enough once again to just close their eyes, take a long deep breath inward, exhale the past and allow their hearts to become lighter again.

Let’s sit with with this feeling for just a moment,

and be grateful for this precious day,

smile,

and let the healing begin.

With love and light,

Until the next post,

Take care.

balance, bloggingfundamentals, campaign, Exercise, featured, Health, holistic, Inspiration, Lifestyle, meditation, National Yoga Awareness Month, selfcare, spiritual, Spirituality, tips, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga

Happy National Yoga Awareness Month!

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

I’m excited this month because September is the anniversary month of my yoga journey. I am also excited because it is also National Yoga Awareness Month. National Yoga Awareness Month is an annual campaign that was created in 2008, by the Department of Health and Human Services that was designed to acknowledge and share the many health benefits of yoga.

During the month of September, there are often an abundance of offerings involving yoga related activities that can be found. As a result, it is a good time to find discounts and promotions on yoga classes, equipment, supplies, clothing, and the like.

Some of my favorite ways to celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month include:

Participating in a yoga challenge.
Trying a new style of yoga.
Making a commitment to your yoga practice.
Taking a yoga class. (Many of which, now, can be taken virtually).
Purchasing a new item to help you in your yoga practice.
Getting to know more about yoga by reading a book covering the topic of yoga.
Practicing an asana that you find challenging.
Sharing the benefits of yoga with others.
Taking or sharing photos of your yoga asana progress.
Strengthening the non-asana part of your yoga practice.
Practicing yoga with a friend.

For anyone looking to begin a healthier lifestyle that includes implementing a yoga practice, this is a great month to begin.

I hope that one or more of the ideas that I have presented help inspire you to try yoga, if you have never done so.

Or, perhaps assist you in finding ways to strengthen your yoga practice. Namaste.

Thank you for reading.

Until the next post…

Take Care.

balance, featured, Health, Lifestyle, meditation, self care, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness, yoga

How I Fell In Love With Yoga

September 7, 2020September 7, 2020by Salubrity + SoulLeave a Comment

My yoga journey began in 2013. It started with an exercise video that included several ashtanga based yoga sequences that were designed to build strength and increase flexibility. I truly enjoyed those yoga sequences, and remember performing them with so much ease. Later, I attended classes at a yoga studio and at a fitness center. My interest in yoga eventually waned with each passing year, and I began pursuing other interests; such as hiking. I know now, in retrospect, that those ashtanga asanas weren’t designed for anyone just beginning a yoga practice. So, when I look back at that time I feel extremely fortunate for that experience.

It wasn’t until the end 2019 that I would rediscover yoga, and learn that I didn’t know as much about it as I thought I did. Never, in a million years did I ever expect to be as intrigued with yoga as I am today; after making the decision to pick it up again and deepen my practice. My decision to do so arose from my intent to find a way to manage the grief that I was feeling after losing my son. That led me to begin taking courses that would help me learn about the foundations and fundamentals of yoga . It turns out that was one of the best decisions that I have ever made for myself.

There was a time when I once thought that yoga only consisted of performing complex asanas (poses), maintaining a “certain look”, or living a specific way. For some, it may be just that, but that is not all that it is. Yoga is so much more.

Besides asanas (poses), yoga is also comprised of meditation and pranayama (breathing). In fact, the word yoga means “to yoke” or join together in Sanskrit. Moreover, according to Pantanjali, the father of yoga, it is about mastering the stillness of the mind, understanding the nature of reality and the true nature of self.

The asanas (poses) are actually just one part of what makes yoga… well…yoga. They are the part that assists in the creation of strength, flexibility and balance. The other components of yoga are related to mental focus, personal and spiritual ethics, and using the breath as a life force. All of which, once practiced daily help increase resilience, compassion and a connection to your higher self and source.

A lot has changed for me personally since 2013 including my levels of physical activity and flexibility. But thankfully, yoga is very forgiving. It doesn’t demand perfection. It only asks that you continue to show up on your mat daily, and when you do show up, that you meet yourself wherever you are, and create space for where you are trying to go. I love that so much.

Thank you for reading.

Until the next post..

Please take care.

References:

Satchidananda, Swami, Sri. (2018). The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali . Integral Yoga Publications.

Easwaran, Eknath. (2007). The Bhagavad Gita. Nilgiri Press.

balance, Community, empowerment, encouragement, featured, friendship, grief, Healing, Health, Inspiration, Life, loss, pandemic, Personal Development, Personal Growth, self care, togetherness, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness

How Are You Doing? A Message of Hope and Solidarity.

March 30, 2020March 29, 2020by Salubrity + Soul4 Comments

As we have all been affected in one way or another by the coronavirus, (COVID-19), as it is known as a novel disease; and as a virus by the name SARS-CoV-2 I just wanted to take a moment to check in on you and say that I hope that you are doing well. I hope that your loved ones, too, are doing well. If it happens that you are not doing well or someone that you know is not, or has not fared well as a result of of this pandemic my heart goes out to you and please know that even though you may not know it, there are people who are thinking of you and praying for you every day. I am one of those people. What we are experiencing right now is heavy to bear, but it is something that we will overcome.

I would like to remind you of the importance of being present – especially when life may seem to be unraveling at the seams. Let me share with you a quote by R. Wayne Willis, author of Hope Notes which says, “To grow some hope, take a hope-full step. That first step is the most difficult.” There are times in our lives when cultivating hope can be a hard thing do, but in reality we should never really expect it to be something that will happen overnight. Some things need time. So take it day by day if you need to. Keep the faith and know that we will all get through this together.

If there is anything even the slightest bit positive about what we are now forced to endure, it the opportunity to come together as one as we work through our concerns, fears, losses and patiently await resolve.

As always, thank you for reading.

Until the next post…

Please take care.

ayurveda, balance, featured, Food, Healing, Health, holistic, Lifestyle, recipes, rituals, Uncategorized, Wellness

Aromatic + Curative CCF Tea

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020by Salubrity + Soul4 Comments

I drink a lot of tea. I love tea and I love trying new teas even more. Whether hot or cold, it doesn’t matter, I enjoy both; but I do have a little more of a soft spot for hot tea. Are there any other tea-lovers out there?

I often drink tea throughout the day every day, and there are times when I will even forgo a cup of coffee and replace it with a cup of hot tea instead, (caffeinated of course), to help get myself going in the morning. A cup of black tea or Earl Grey will usually do the trick in this instance.

Otherwise, I prefer decaffeinated or reduced-caffeinated based teas such as green tea, rooibos, tumeric, mint or some other herbally blended tea.

The first Ayurvedic recipe that I tried when I began my journey with ayurveda was a tea recipe known as CCF Tea. The CCF stands for the spices and herbs we know as cumin, coriander and fennel.

If you’ve ever had tumeric tea, the taste of this tea is somewhat reminiscent of that tea. It’s aromatic, slightly “spicy”, and to some it might be a bit pungent or bitter, but please don’t let that description sway you from trying this tea or from getting acquainted with its healing benefits. It is a very delicious and refreshing beverage.

CCF tea helps me tame my food cravings in-between meals, but it is also beneficial in that it nourishes tissues in the body, helps to keep your digestion system running smoothly, reduces inflammation, increases mental alertness, aids the lymphatic system, eases muscle spasms, may help burn fat, helps alleviate menstrual cramps, helps with the flow of breast milk, helps remove waste from the body and aids congestion.

I am including a recipe in today’s post for CCF tea. This recipe is more of a homemade version and calls for the addition of the 3 individual spices (plus 1 additional one), some of which you may already have in your pantry.

However, you should know that this tea blend can also be purchased in one single package from just about anywhere that you would normally buy your tea for anywhere between $5 – $12.

I happen to use both methods, depending on whether or not I purchased the prepackaged blend beforehand, and thankfully I was able to find a really nice brand that is both inexpensive and organic.

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy tea time!

Thank you for reading.

Until the next post…

Take care.

featured, Inspiration, joy, Life, nature, Personal Development, Personal Growth, quotes, self care, soulwork, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Wellness

Finding Joy

March 10, 2020March 9, 2020by Salubrity + Soul3 Comments

“And here is the key: As long as you are letting your joy be your guiding light, then you can always stay in balance.” – Abraham Hicks

Not to sound cliche’, as I am saying this straight from the heart and with the utmost authenticity – “Spring is in the air!”

Yes! it’s in the air, and I am completely elated because springtime is the one season that lights a spark within me. I guess you could even say that springtime fill me with joy – real joy.

I used to think that it was solely because of the warmer weather, the unfurling plant life, the reemergence of all of the lovely colorful flowers, increased daylight, chirping birds – and I can not leave out the ladybugs and butterflies (just to name a few of spring’s most heart-warming assets.)

But, I have have come to realize that my feelings about spring go much deeper than those things just being things. They are things that awaken me to my core. I am humbled by them, and I am grateful for the benefits that I receive from them as they please all of my senses.

Ever energizing and euphorically interesting and otherworldly – springtime is the season that time and time again always brings me back home.

Where do you find joy?

Thanks for reading.

Until the next post…

Take care.