There's A Universal Truth For That

When it comes to a crisis in the public relations industry, you're taught to stick with the universal truths. Don't fluff public statements or press releases with what could have or should be done. Stick with what has and will continue to be true instead. This lesson is much applicable to the crises-prone cycle known as life. Whether it's a break-up, new job opportunity or emotionally straining time, know what truths you stand for and amplify the hell out of them.

What are universal truths? Universal truths are beliefs and/or values that you choose to live by. They are statements about yourself and your perspective on life that are displayed through your actions and words. They are anchored principles that do not shake or dismantle under any circumstance. The best universal truths are applicable to any situation because that's exactly what they're used for: your approach(es) to life.

Today I'd like to share 5 of my most used universal truths. I encourage you to develop your own universal truths to see how life transforms around you and how you transform life.


1. Take a deep breath. Then take another.
My mama taught me to think before I speak. I daresay yours taught you the same. Of course this advice is unfathomable to a child, but there's wisdom in this maxim. The ego often speaks before the heart, so take a deep (literal) breath before jumping to conclusions or making decisions. The extra oxygen to your brain will allow you to think lucidly and concisely, which will come across in your response. We take about 20,000 breaths a day, so it's a fairly useful habit anyway. It takes practice, but replace your "ums" and stutters with a complete inhalation and exhalation. The pause will hardly be noticeable and quickly forgotten with your stellar response. As Anna Nalick says, "Just breathe."

2. Expect nothing, receive everything.
You're probably thinking, "Of course! If you don't expect anything, you won't be disappointed in anything you receive." Well, kind of. This is not to say don't set goals, but instead allow situations to occur naturally. What's the last event or circumstance that you forced? Did you receive what you wanted out of it? Are you happy with the outcome? Chances are that you aren't. If you decide to fill your basket with brown eggs only, there's no room for anything else. You have predetermined your fate by limiting the possibilities. Be open and you will receive.

3. If you can't change it, change your perspective.
I consider this one of the most valuable and frequently used truths. There's plenty of things I want to change from the legalities of medical marijuana to my cat's vengeful littering in the bathtub. This is NOT to say that political advocacy and cat training are useless, but short-term approaches can often be as useful as long-term approaches. If I alter my perspective of medical marijuana use, my opponents' viewpoints clearly surface. This allows me to advocate the health benefits of cannabis with others' fears or concerns in mind, thus making my argument more convincing to both sides. Perhaps this isn't the best example. In other words, situations that you have no or limited control of are danger zones. They challenge your well-being and clarity of thought all because they aren't congruent with your point-of-view. Changing your perspective can alter your attitude, thoughts and opinions so that you are working towards a goal with a positive purpose, not an obstinate objection.

4. Under-promise and over-deliver. 
One of my bosses taught me this one. It's way, way, way easier said than done. With that being said, perhaps try saying little to nothing at all. I'm going to use a cliché here: Actions speak louder than words. Making promises is an incredibly memorable practice for both the promiser and the promisee (yes, I coined those words). A promise is a powerful word that contains even more powerful intentions. Promises are sometimes easier to recall than one's actions, so let your actions act as your promises and never disappoint. 

5. Laugh about it. 
Lately I've seen several articles about the oldest people alive--all over 100. Want to know what each and every one of them says their secret is? Laughter. Laughter is a physical, emotional and mental medicine. Laughter literally boosts the immune system, triggers the endorphin system, elevates pain tolerance, stimulates circulation, reduces stress-related hormones, improves respiration and the immune system, and increases virus-killing cells. Another cool fact? We laugh 30x more in social settings than when alone.* It's not a terrible idea to let out a giggle or full-on explosion of laughter as part of your daily regimen.

How can you apply laughter to real-life situations? If I find myself in a stressful situation, I ask myself, "How is this situation funny right now?" I may not laugh, but I'll crack a smile or pay more attention to my exhalations (which is known to release toxins). If anything I realize how temporary or insignificant the situation is and allow myself to level out my emotions and make better decisions.

*Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-awesome-facts-about-laughing-and-why-you-should-do-it-more.html

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Stretch of the Month: Hip Opening

Shakira said it first: my hips don't lie. Have you ever squatted or bent over to find yourself feeling suddenly angry or frustrated? Not to sound like an anti-depressant commercial, but you're not alone. The anatomical significance of hips is evident, but the emotional implications are not always. Hips can be thought of as a basin for negative emotions. We women especially store years of frustration and negative emotions in those junk drawers known as hips. I've attended several hip-opening yoga classes and almost every time afterwards, I witness a woman or two crying with both relief and gratitude. I have to admit that Pigeon Pose sometimes makes me feel like I need to scream and just let it all go. So I do.

No matter your age, sex or degree of flexibility, it's never too late to stretch your hip flexor muscles. You'll also find yourself with improved mobility, flexibility and stability by practicing hip-openers bi-weekly or so. Some of my favorite asanas that are guaranteed to do the trick are High Lunge, Lizard Pose and Lotus Pose. This week I'd like to share a stretch with you that I recently learned. It has done a wonder on my hip flexors and shoulders. Be aware that this an intense hip opener and may require moderate stretching prior to attempting. Also, please excuse my goofy facial expressions!

Hip-Opening Stretch

1. Sit with your feet crossed and let your legs fall to either side at about a 45 degree angle.

2. Place your thumbs under your pits and place your hands on your chest, fingers pointing upwards. 

Make sure your elbows are outside of your knees.

3. As you inhale, keeping your spine elongated, squeeze your legs together.Your knees can be used as leverage to push your elbows closer together. This motion should cause your shoulder-blades to push outwards and the front of your shoulders inwards. Hold this pose for 3 seconds as you hold your breath.

4. Exhale and release to the starting position. Repeat 3-5 times.

The morning after this stretch, I find my hips fairly sore from all the release, so please keep your body in mind when practicing. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If it does, try gradually increasing the number of repetitions of this stretch. After a few stretches, like Shakira, you'll start to feel it's right. ;)

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Earthbound Beauty Picks (With Ingredients You Can Pronounce!)

Woah, a blog post?! I bet you thought this blog was dead. Sorry for the unannounced hiatus, dear readers. The last few months have been jammed with 3 a.m. coffee and tea sessions, manic multitasking and a "too blessed to be stressed" mantra. Three months and 26 credit hours later, I am now a proud alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies! Now I'm itching to write my heart out and ecstatic to reconnect with you all.

What's next? My lease in the Magic City ends in July and I'm off to New England. Chris and I are taking a road trip this summer to narrow down our choices, although we are currently fond of Baltimore, Boston or New York suburbs. The decision ultimately depends on career opportunities, but we are open to suggestions. Comment below with your favorite city and something unique about it! What's something I should know about this city that I wouldn't be able to find online? No matter where we end up, green and gold will forever run through our veins. We'll also loudly and proudly exclaim, "Go Blazers!" whenever shot with a "Roll Tide." ;-) As for dropping the "y'all" contraction...well, we'll have to see about that one.

While preparing for the big move this summer, I came across mounds of beauty products. Makeup, lotion, hair serums, moisturizers, body washes, hair accessories, nail polish, and the list goes on... Worst off, I couldn't pronounce half the listed ingredients found in 90% of my stash that's now in the trash. If that's not a call for a new beginning, I don't know what is. I have since been minimizing and resorting to all-natural products. Bonus points if the product is multipurpose and only one ingredient! I only have 3 of my favorite beauty picks to share today, but I use all for multiple reasons and all three can be purchased for under $20. Here they are: 

Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone

Photo Credit

Cost: $5

Ingredients: Mineral Salts (Contains no Aluminum Chlorohydrate*)

It's embarrassing to admit, but I have terrible B.O. I have a fast metabolism and high energy due to my fiery pitta dosha (read more about doshas), so most deodorants last 3-5 hours. I've tried it all: stick, powder, gel, prescription, extra strength, men's, essential oil and coconut oil-based. Last week at Earth Fare I purchased a Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone. I never thought I'd be this excited about a product that controls body odor, but I finally found my match!

The 24-hour fragrance free Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone is well worth a try for $5. It must be moistened before use and glides on the skin, dries immediately, and leaves no residue. It also works well for foot odor. The best part is that it really lasts all day as advertised. After the end of a ten hour work day, I spent two hours practicing yoga. The next day it was 87°F and I spend three hours at Railroad Park and walked three miles. At the end of both days, there was no need to reapply. After two weeks of use, I have noticed a decrease in my body odor even without the deodorant stone.

*Aluminum Chlorohydrate is found in most deodorants. The FDA considers the use of this ingredient to be linked with Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer.

2. Coconut Oil

Cost: $5-10 

Ingredients: Coconut Oil

Most of my friends know my obsession with coconut oil. It's been used for nearly 2,000 years and is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. It was even used in Asia for hydration during WWII when water supply was low. Obviously it's pretty useful. I use it daily for many purposes, so I've compiled a list of my top uses:

• Moisturizer/Lotion/Hair Masque
• Polish (Wood, leather, etc.)
• Cleaning
• Oil Pulling (read more here)
• Hydration
• Lubricant
• Sunscreen
• Makeup Remover

Lavender 

Cost: $4-25 per oz.

Ingredients: Lavender 

2014 marks the year I fell in love with lavender. This year also marks the first time I've used real lavender. Before I've only been around synthetic lavender, which makes me nauseous and headache-prone—the opposite of what the flower is known for. The moral of the story is to spend a few extra bucks and go with the authentic herb or oil. 

Lavender makes a relaxing herbal tea that promotes relaxation and sleep. Its aromatic powers are enough for me, so I sometimes keep a sachet of the dry herb near my bedside for restless nights. It also blends well with lotions and moisturizers to minimize acne, skin irritations and sore muscles. I am extremely susceptible to mouth ulcers, so I'm thankful for lavender's anti-bacterial, anti-microbial anti-viral properties. My favorite use of the oil is a simple disinfectant spray I make (8 oz. water, 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of tea tree) to sanitize my toothbrush and Clarisonic. I haven't had a mouth ulcer ever since.

If  you've tried or plan to try any of my beauty picks I shared today, please comment and share your experience! If you haven't ventured off into the world of all-natural, minimalist personal care products, it's never too late to get hooked on a new beauty regimen. You'll likely find mineral salts, coconut oil and lavender listed on at least one ingredient label in your bathroom. Why not get down to the source and try one ingredient at a time to discover what truly works for you? I did, and now I am using less chemicals with more results. Best of all? My wallet is thicker and I feel (and hopefully look) fantastic!

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Core Intentions

What is at the core center of our artistic and individually unique practices in life?

For me, there are infinite reasons why I practice yoga: To balance my chakras, to reduce anxiety and stress, to truly understand my body, to become closer to my lover, to be in control of the energy around me, to expand my aura, to become more flexible, to physically see progress, to improve my digestive system, to strengthen my body, to focus my mind, to lengthen my spine, to stay true to my inner self, to build friendships, to release negativity, and to create all things beautiful and inspirational.

Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) variation

However, the center can be extremely difficult to find. Especially in the beginning.

When I began practicing last year, UAB CRCT yoga instructor Shawn Galin taught his classes something that I have continued to this day. Before each practice, instructor Shawn asked us to set an intention for the class. At first, I was a little confused and honestly a little intimidated by this simple task. Although, as a self-improvement freak, I immediately raced through the list in my head of all the things I wanted to improve on. For many months, my intentions were often trivial, college-girl desires such as, "I want to improve my grade in this class" or "I want to eat healthier." While these are undeniably healthy and productive goals to set, they weren't what I truly desired. In fact, it wasn't until I stopped asking myself what I wanted that I truly received it.

My first mistake was beginning my intentions with, "I want." Everyone wants something, but when you apply your desire to your practice, you will attain it. Wanting is superficial, but willing produces real-life progress! I finally understood this amidst a yoga high in a 105*F Bikram yoga class (perhaps influenced by my delusional state), which brings me to my next point.

Your body knows you better than you think; so, let it set the intention for you. This seems like a catch-22 because we are conditioned to set an intention before embarking on that mission. Don't be afraid to begin your practice without a single idea of what that intention is. Just be open to what your body tells you. If you are truly engaged in your practice, it never halts or ends; it can only begin. So what if you realize your intention in the last 10 minutes of a 90-minute class…or even three days after.  That intention is infinite, as is your capability to achieve it, as is the consequences it produces. Once, I asked a yoga instructor what influences him to guide a class. He simply responded, "My movements lead my words."

Bakasana (Crow Pose)

After I learned these two things, my body taught me the rest. For example, the concentration or depletion of energy from certain parts of my body revealed inner turmoil or strengths. Once I began setting intentions based on my body's reaction to my practice, all other facets of my life became simpler, more enjoyable, and more relatable. 

The best intention I ever set for myself is this: I will thank myself for all my hard work and dedication.

So, I pose these questions to you, dear reader. Is there a center to your practice? How do you set intentions? And most importantly, have you given yourself a "thank you" and pat on the back for all your hard work? Reader, I'd like to thank you. I'd like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to read this blog. I'd like to thank you for caring enough about yourself to have a practice and to set these intentions. I'd like to thank you for being YOU and for letting your light radiate wherever you are.

Shine on, beautiful being!

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