Join US from Wanderlust to Love Your Body Day this Sunday.

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending Wanderlust, a 3 day yoga retreat with my daughter Dana. Words cannot adequately express what this time means to me. It is so important to make time to connect with yourself and your loved ones if you want to better serve and feel optimal health. 

Here’s a taste of our experience and what I hope to bring to you this weekend at the Love Your Body Day Yoga festival @ Reston Town Center inNorthern Virginia.  Sunday 10-5pm

We described the weekend in 3 words: 

Accessible + Versatile + Customizable = Transformational 

Three good qualities for your yoga practice, both on and off the mat.      

There truly is a yoga practice for everyone. Whether you were a returning veteran with PTSD or a retired Cirque de Soleil flyer looking to rehab your body, a hiker, a water enthusiast, mother, daughter, father or son, you could find yourself a class that was both accessible and challenging. We even heard Joel Salatin speak on sustainable food and “kitchen chickens” of which I want two!

SUP Yoga Yogaqua

Three things that I will be bringing from Wanderlust to Reston this weekend and sharing in my booth:

1. A new anti-aging skin care company that blends Ayurveda with molecular science with ingredients so clean and pure you can eat. Come hear and see for yourself.  Complementary to Bausc on my website. 
2. A beautiful custom designed yoga mat (minus common toxic ingredients)
3. A custom designed mala with healing gemstones and amethyst pendant to use for meditation and to balance your energy.

I will also have a booth this weekend with The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders where you can:

1. Learn about our Integrative Wellness Program that includes nutrition, coaching, yoga and meditation and
2. Discuss the 5 R’s of functional medicine in the Speakeasy tent in a panel on Yoga and the Gut. 
3. Participate in yoga dance and a 30 minute talk on the Seven Steps to Optimal Health. 

I’m bringing some of my Wellness Inspired Network with me in the form of a developing Directory. I will have my book and my usual sample of chocolate and strawberries and turmeric tea. You can sign up to receive my second book which is currently in editing and layout. 

We have so many choices each day regarding what we eat, think and the actions we take.

Come learn something new, make some new connections and have some fun. Yoga is an inside job, only you can do the work, but it can be decadently delicious inside and out!

Carpe Diem,

Lisa

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYT

Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker, and coach with a mission to inspire and empower others to feel their best at any age. Her book, Savvy Secrets: Eat, Think & Thrive outlines seven steps that are fun and transforming. Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement, the International Health Coach Association and the Wellness Inspired Network. When she is not coaching, speaking or writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance at every opportunity.

My twin sister's husband Dan, the father of my two nephews, passed away 1 year ago. In fond memory of him today, I want to thank him for probably saving my life. At the very least, a serious wake-up call nicknamed the silent killer.

I had started  a new job which felt heavy on my shoulders. I had resisted being a cancer coach and my brother in law, who didn’t believe there was anything outside of conventional medicine that could be done for him, was dying of his own cancer.  On his first night before hospice, as I was up all night with him,  as he obsessively tested his blood pressure I decided to take mine and discovered it was 187/132.  I called an MD friend with his PhD in pharmacology and complementary medicine to see what he could offer me to bring it down and he said, “call 911”  When I didn’t call 911 the next day he gave me a loving lecture on the meaning of integrative medicine, i.e. taking the best of both conventional medicine and complementary and alternative and traditional medicines and mind body therapies and bringing them all together.

So this last year I’ve been on a mission, “healer, heal thyself.” 

The cardiologist said, Lisa just face it when everyone gets older, they get high blood pressure and need medication.  I said, “I agree that medicine can be life saving in the short run but I’m not going to accept this as a given for long term therapy. I want to know the root cause.  I want to know why is it high and what can I do about it? 

1.  Yes, I’m passionate about my job and have a propensity to over function
2. Yes, my genetic snps predispose me to both hypertension and difficulty eliminating toxins and stress hormones
3. Yes, despite all of this, I’ve been addicted to stress and the adrenaline rush.  Like many born Washingtonians, I wear stress like a badge of honor.  I’m not taking just one more certification program; I’m currently enrolled in three!

I talk about the Superwoman/Superman Complex because I know her so well; I have a first hand, personal relationship with her.  I suffer from the myth that I can do it all, all the time, and fly with no rest and Superwoman power.

This past year, I spent a good portion of time beating myself up asking, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get my blood pressure down?”  This is the cartoon I took to my Doctor which is so me!:

Seriously, I finally had to let go, take my own advice, and ask, “What’s right with me? What is my loving heart trying to tell me?”  My heart was saying, “Slow down.  It’s not your job to be the savior, or to “fix” or even heal anybody”. The body heals itself (see below). I can merely be a guide and help remove the obstacles. I had to learn to honor everyone’s journey and choices in this life.

So this past year I got serious, really serious. I could no longer ignore the symptoms and stuff the issues in my tissues.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

1.  I followed my own seven steps, starting with an honest personal assessment.  What is it that I really really want? Who is it that I want to serve? What’s my heart telling me? I cried and I danced….alot.
2. I hired a coach and a mentor in functional medicine.
3. I did micronutrient testing and discovered I was lacking in several key nutrients and minerals for heart health. Despite my healthy food, I was still deficient. I began a targeted supplement program.
4. I committed to turning off the computer and going to bed by 10pm and took supplements for sleep.
5. I did all kinds of baseline conventional and functional cardiac tests. Discovered I was in metabolic chaos and late stage HPA axis dysfunction.
6. I addressed intestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis.
7. I finally addressed the heavy metal toxicity that was identified years ago. I was off the chart for toxicity.
8. I developed my own yoga and meditation practice. (Giving myself this time was really one of the most challenging, and rewarding gifts)
9. I gave up my nightly 1-2 glasses of wine and chocolate. (not easy for either myself or my husband). I had to kick the sugar cravings…again!
10. I took much needed vacations and co-facilitated a retreat focused on play, self-care, and yoga dance.  I’m even more committed to the value of play!

I’m developing more self-compassion; I’ve had to learn patience, that this is a process.  Long-term sustainable change takes compassion, time and patience. It's not hard or complicated, and if I can do it, so can you. Managing stress is imperative if you want to lose weight or heal from any dis-ease. 

This is an ongoing practice for me; I’m far from perfect. It took me a good year and my pressure still creeps up to borderline high under too much chronic stress. I’ve improved my total LDL by over 40% and my last micronutrient test; I had improved all of my nutrients, minerals and amino acids with the exception of Vitamin D and magnesium. (Stress eats up magnesium and exercise increases the need for vitamin D too.) I guess I’m just going to have to become a snowbird to make it through winter!

Do you spend so much time caring for others that you find it hard to prioritize YOU? I offer a weekly support group at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Bethesda, Maryland that is just as important for family, friends and caretakers to attend as it is for patients. If we cannot find balance in our lives, we will become ill. As my own health coach and guru says, “Optimal Health is not complicated. We just need to Maximize, Minimize & Prioritize.” 

This is how the body heals naturally from within. Doing it consistently is the challenge and where a health coach can be invaluable. Call me if you'd like to discuss if we are a good fit to work together. Carpe Diem!

With Love & Gratitude,

Lisa
PS

My Friend Luzy Perez is having her last sprouting class for the year today! She will be traveling to Thailand to help her son with his growing business. Please join her if you can!

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYT

Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker, retired RN, certified health coach, and yoga teacher.

Her book, Savvy Secrets: Eat, Think & Thrive: Seven Steps to Optimal Health is a self health book to enable healing from within. Her goal is to inspire wellness and to help others look and feel their best at any age.

Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement, the International Health Coach Association and the Wellness Inspired Network. She is the mother of four adult children, a Grandmother, and believes that optimal health should not be a secret! When she is not coaching, speaking and writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance at every opportunity.

Make Love

Make Love

Today doug and I are leaving for a much needed vacation. There are natural rhythms to life that we must heed for optimal health. Even rescue dogs need time for positive social interaction and relaxation. After 4 hours of working they need to stop for rest and play or they suffer both in poor performance and depression.

Those that work the night shift often suffer from both depression and obesity. There is a natural and powerful diurnal rhythm, which is why getting to sleep by 10 pm can yield greater rest on overtaxed adrenals as demonstrated in adrenal stress tests. 

Eating local and seasonal food is another way to find harmony and balance in the body and ensure diversity in the diet as well. As I explain in my soon to be released cook book, diversity in the diet is the #1 differentiator in a study on the 20% of women with BRAC 1 and 2 mutations who did NOT get cancer. Yes, we really can positively prevent and protect the body from cancers and reoccurrence through the "chemotherapy" on our plates! We discuss this and more, every Wednesday in our nutrition support group at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Bethesda, Maryland.

This is further proven by personal stories of Radical Remissions that I've been posting about this month. If you or a loved one has cancer or is concerned about the rising cancer rates and want to know about prevention this is a must read!  BTW, today is the last day to get 30% off of Dr Turner's online transformational course. To quote her, "If we are going to win the war on cancer, then shouldn't we be studying those who've already won?" For more information click HERE

I believe we need a new paradigm, one on making love instead of war. I'm awed and inspired by one story of a radical remission thriver, a 45 year old Japenese CEO who was sent home to die with hospice after undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, all the big guns that conventional medicine had to offer.  What was one of his secrets that helped him heal against all odds? In addition to drinking pure clean water, breathing exercises and meditation, he decided to start sending loving messages to his cancer. He says, 

"When I returned home, I tried to find the reason I was suffering from cancer, and I realized I created this cancer myself. I created it because I worked so hard and I didn't sleep. I created it! So, I thought this cancer was my child. And I sent love to my cancer, and pain decreased and I could sleep fine. The next morning when I got up, my mind, my head, my brain was so clear that I didn't use any painkillers...So, I stopped painkillers and instead of that, when I had pain, I said, "0h, thank you very much for saying you are hurting. I love you, my child." I touched this (points to his kidney) and said to my cancer, "I love you, I love you, I love you." And pain decreased. That's why I sent love to my cancer always, from morning till night...Unconditional love, that's unconditional love. I said to it, "Thank you very much for existing."

In my private coaching I always say, "Ask not what's wrong with me, but what's right? What loving messages is your body giving you from ease to dis-ease?" Just like an unhappy child, the more you ignore, the louder one gets!

So vacations are essential. Giving your mind, body and spirit time to rest, digest, heal and repair are essential for optimal health and wellness. You can now bet what I'll be doing on vacation☺️ Carpe Diem!
With Love & Gratitide,

Lisa

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYT

Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker, retired RN, certified health coach and yoga teacher. Her book, Savvy Secrets: Eat,Think & Thrive; Seven Steps to Optimal Health, is a self health book to enable healing from within.  Her goal is to inspire wellness and to help others look and feel their best at any age. Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement, the International Health Coach Association and the Wellness Inspired Network. She is the mother of four adult children, a Grandmother, and believes that optimal health should not be a secret! When she is not coaching, speaking and writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance at ever

Help Make History!

The Dali Llama once said that it is Western Women who will heal this world and I so believe this. It is now time for new leaders who will make the change needed in this time of great dis-ease in our environment, evidenced by the pandemic of chronic, autoimmunity, and cancers.  We need leaders that are full of integrity, compassion and connection to self, our planet and to each other.

Please join me and 100 women leaders who have pledged to bring water to one million people on the planet who currently do not have access to safe clean water. The goal is to Carpe Diem and have this done by March 22, 2016 

Click Here for more information.

Water is one of our most vital resources. See this past blogpost on how it affects everything from your energy level, to your thyroid to cancer prevention. 

You may not be aware that 100,000 people die each day on this planet due to lack of clean water. How do we solve this crisis? With a $50 donation (or whatever you can give). Just fifty dollars will bring water to 100 people for 10 years!  My goal is to raise $5,000 over the next three weeks. So will 50 people donate $100? Or 100 people donate $50 or maybe 1,000 people will give $10. I will be so grateful for each and every donation.

For those that donate over $100, I will donate a 30 minute health coaching assessment. Ask me any questions and receive a one on one strategy session for you or a loved one. If you’ve received any benefit from my blog posts then please consider joining me in this worthwhile cause. 

Go to www.thewaterbearers.org to see the 100 amazing leaders that have stepped up to make history. Never before has a group of diverse women across the globe formed to create a goal to meet this vital need. Won't you please join us? 

With Love and Gratitude,

Lisa

PS

If you happen to be in NYC this weekend, then join me tomorrow morning or Saturday morning at Whole Foods Columbus Circle, NYC for a book signing or Saturday evening at the New York Open Center for a taste of Carpe Diem Dance and connection with authors and Institute of Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches. The New Self Health Movement & IIN

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYTLisa is an author, inspirational speaker, retired RN, certified health coach and yoga teacher. Her book, Savvy Secrets: Eat,Think & Thrive; Seven Steps to Optimal Health,is a self health book to enable healing from within.  Her goal is to inspire wellness and to help others look and feel their best at any age. Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement, the International Health Coach Association and the Wellness Inspired Network. She is the mother of four adult children,a Grandmother, and believes that optimal health should not be a secret! When she is not coaching, speaking and writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance at every opportunity.

Celebrate the Roadblocks

Someone I love dearly just received feedback on her functional diagnostic test results. Her clinician said her results were the “highest I’ve ever seen.” In other words, off the chart, and not in a good way.

I told her she has two choices. She can beat herself up or she can celebrate!

There is no judgment here. Just face the facts, if you are not 100% satisfied with where you are, then no worries. Carpe Diem, seize today, to change the roadmap.

You choose how to react. Recognize that you can either lament, “What’s wrong with me?”  OR you can celebrate the body’s natural ability to heal from within and recognize what’s right with you!

What is your body trying to lovingly tell you? Recognize that your signs and symptoms are the body’s only way to communicate with you.  The test results are merely a signal to change course.

If you are stubborn like me, or a type A Washingtonian that has been bred to “power on” and ignore these messages, then you might have to have more serious wakeup calls before it sinks in.  (Yes, I know this all too well!) I used to have migraines every Christmas Eve after doing all the shopping, wrapping, cooking and cleaning.  Now I’m learning to delegate and to lower my expectations of perfection.

Are you overwhelmed? Are you trying to do too much? What can you do to alleviate the stress you are feeling in your mind, body and spirit?

If you suffer from chronic dis-ease or malaise then try something new.  Take personal responsibility and make a commitment to the most important person in your life…YOU!

Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Recognize that there are many healing opportunities every day.  For instance:
• Address nutritional deficiencies and discover what diet is the right one for you. (Hint, forget the many marketing myths.)
• Commit to resolving sleep issues.
• Identify the right exercise program for you for optimal healing.
• Explore different ways to breathe and
• Learn how to plan, shop and cook for yourself.  
2. Ask yourself what you can do each day that is yummy, nourishing and delicious. What life affirming choices can you make each day?
3. Find someone who can help you uncover hidden stressors, work with you to co-create a custom plan for your own roadmap, and help you when you stray off the beaten path.

 

Enjoy the holiday season and let me know if you are interested in joining me in an online Kick Start Program to support you.

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYT
Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker, retired RN, Certified Health Coach and Yoga Teacher. Her book, Savvy Secrets: Eat,Think & Thrive; Seven Steps to Optimal Health, is a self health book to enable healing from within. Her goal is to inspire wellness and to help others look and feel their best at any age. Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement, the International Health Coach Association, and the Wellness Inspired Network. She is the mother of four adult children, soon to be Grandmother, and believes that optimal health should not be a secret! When she is not coaching, speaking and writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance at every opportunity.