BE BRAVE

As an Integrative Health Coach, I have read many books on Wellness, Coaching, Integrative Medicine, Spirituality and Health, Self-Help Books… The list goes on.

All of them have given me insight and I am grateful for the knowledge, the professionalism and research that supported my education.  However, with all of the inspiring authors I have read, Cheryl Strayed is an author I love and just keep coming back to. 

I happened on her book, Tiny Beautiful Things, years ago and gained advice on love and life from Dear Sugar.  A friend recommended it, so I bought and was so surprised by what I was reading (much different then researched data and self help) that when I would read it, I would sit with what I read and just process.  Sugar is Cheryl Strayed.  “Dear Sugar” consists of short letters that she wrote as an anonymous online advice columnist for “The Rumpus”.  I love that she was real and talked about all of life’s lows and highs, the “HARD” and the unthinkable.  She always closed her columns with life insight and honored the participants asking for advice by thanking them and acknowledging their courage in asking for support.

No judgement- just real life experiences that remind us that we all are not perfect, there really is no Facebook perfect life.  The reason we are here is to learn to navigate life and to do so with a community of support- not alone!

This book led me to recommend her book Wild to my book club (Firefly Book Club). We loved it and I suggested we all hike the Pacific Coast Trail!  (that idea got vetoed, but it is still out there J)

Next, I picked up her book – BRAVE ENOUGH.  It consists of quotes she has lived by, loved and used to help her navigate life.  She also swears in her writing, which is something I like, because I don’t swear and when she writes it, it feels so good.  In this book, she states why she wrote it:

“The best quotes don’t speak one particular truth, but rather to universal truths that resonate-across time, culture, gender, generation, and situation-in our own hearts and minds.  They guide, motivate, validate, challenge and comfort us in our own lives.  They reiterate what we’ve figured out and remind us how much there is yet to learn.  Pithily and succinctly, they lift us momentarily out of the confused and conflicted human muddle.  Most of all, they tell us we’re not alone.  Their existence is proof that others have questioned, grappled with, and come to know the same truths we question and grapple with, too. I hope this book serves that purpose for you.  ”

— CHERYL STRAYED

It is important to believe that can trust that life will support you. No matter what your choice, it is your choice, I encourage YOU to make one…even if it is not perfect ~ BE BRAVE!                        

Kerri Weishoff

Integrative Health Coach and Mindfulness Teacher

I had the chance to meet CHERYL STRAYED in person in 2017 (thanks to my friend Lisa Williams)!  It was a thrill, she spoke in Chicago as part of a book tour, it was sold out and I tried desperately to get a ticket in many ways.  I went to her show anyway without a ticket and miraculously I was given one ~ for free.  I even got all of my books autographed (again thanks to Lisa).  It was a true reminder to me to follow your heart, notice the synchronicities, follow your instincts and yes BE BRAVE and most importantly Go For It! 

Back on Track: Detoxifying from Summer

With the joy, warmth, socialization, festivals and fun of summer~ comes more unhealthy eating, drinking, stress, fatigue, and skipping routines.  Our bodies LOVE routine, so the waning of summer also brings back the steadiness of structure.  As we get back to our roots and recover from the summer holiday, we can use this transitional time to prepare our bodies for a healthy autumn.

heal your gut: Before your body can handle a real effective detoxification, the digestive tract needs to be addressed. Are you feeling bloated after eating? Do you get cramping or see changes in your bowel patterns? For baseline indigestion, bloating, belching and flatulence a daily dose of fermented foods and probiotics may do the trick.  If you are struggling to get digestion under control- invest in your health! Our nutritionist will get to the root of the problem with you and help you find the right foods to heal your gut.

sweat it out : Studies have shown that perspiration contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic.  A well-hydrated work out or sauna session can activate your lymphatic system and help you sweat out some of that bad stuff.    

go green : Green vegetables have a high inventory of nutrients.  Many of the body’s detox processes are linked to having adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.  Start cooking with generous amounts of spinach and cruciferous vegetables to maximize your detox nutrients.

citrus boost : Vitamin C is an immune booster.  It helps the body produce an antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and also enhances digestive enzymes.  Because we cannot produce our own vitamin C in the body, eating adequate sources in whole foods or supplements is vital to better immune health. Start and end each day with a glass of warm lemon water!   (strawberry, acerola cherry, citrus fruits, papaya, black currant, kiwi, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, melons, and dark leafy greens are great food sources)

controlled breathing : Oxygen is a critical component of natural detoxification.  Controlled breathing: a deep, 5 second inhalation through the nose followed by a long exhalation through the mouth- you will achieve a full oxygen exchange, swapping incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.  This supercharges your lymphatic system to ward of toxins, pathogens, and waste. Integrate this controlled breathing practice several times per day.

drink more tea : Green tea leaves are withered and steamed, rather than fermented, so it produces a beverage that is rich in compounds that eliminate free radicals.  Start your day with a cup of green tea and a squeeze of lemon. 

assess your water quality: It is not just about quantity! Ditch plastic bottles of commercially packaged water and invest in a stainless steel bottle.  Update your water filters or start using one for all of you water needs at home.  Tap water can be full of chemicals used to clean the water- but also add more to the chemical load in your body.  Drinking filtered, cleaner water will help your body flush out waste at the cellular level and also support the GI tract and kidneys as they flush out those toxins. How much water? At least 1/2 to 3/4 your body weight in ounces.