Author Archives: Stephanie

Stillness Speaks

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Returning recently from 10 Days of Yoga & Meditation at Kripalu, Stephanie is feeling BLISSED OUT. While away, Steph spent some time in complete silence: no talking, texting, or email. In the space of silence, walking the beautiful grounds at Kripalu, not only did a sense of rejuvenation take place, Stephanie “heard” herself and nature once again!

The ability to be with our self, with our own thoughts and feelings can be scary at first. Yet with practice, it is completely re-energizing and clarifying.

You might be thinking, how can I do this at home? It’s easier than you think!  Call it TAD: Take A Day. Take a day (or even 1/2 a day) to be in complete silence. Disconnect. Go for a walk, a hike, enjoy the outdoors. You might want to bring a journal to record anything that comes up. In the stillness maybe you notice that your senses come alive or that answers you have been looking for “arise”. Have fun with it.

Remember: Giving our self time to be with our self in stillness is a necessary gift.

B Complex For Energy

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Want To Feel GREAT? Give Me “B” Complex!!
People often ask Stephanie, what are the best vitamins to take to FEEL GOOD, HAVE ENERGY, MANAGE STRESS?

Steph’s answer: B Vitamins! Everyday life (with its stress, toxins) puts great demands on our bodies for extra B vitamins. The B vitamins act as co-enzymes and are indispensable for metabolism. It is hard to name a system in the body where B vitamins are not needed. They are part of the immune system, the creation of red blood cells, reproductive system, brain, and energy production. At the Sanctuary, we call them the “happy pill”.

Not sure which ones to take? No worries. We love the Shaklee B-Complex. It contains all 8 of the B Vitamins, in the amounts we need and can absorb. And, what it says on the label, is actually what is in the bottle. You can check them out here.

Yoga & Sex Yes

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Yoga & Sex, YES!

We know yoga tones our body, helps reduce stress & increases our energy. Did you know that yoga can also help put the sizzle back in your sex life? How? Yoga poses increase circulation & help our body relax, 2 factors important for a healthy sex life.

Certain poses actually bring enhanced blood flow more directly to the regions of our sex organs. For example, in Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) we allow the inner thigh and groin muscles to stretch while increasing circulation in the pelvis and opening the hips. This pose fosters deep relaxation.

Here’s how to do it: Sit with knees bent and the soles of the feet touching (put cushions or blankets under knees for additional support). Lie back until your upper back and head are resting on a cushion or blanket. Gently rest your hands flat on your belly, palms down or alongside your body. With each inhalation & exhalation allow your body to completely let go & feel supported by the floor. Stay in the pose for 3-4 minutes.

Repair Your Skin While You Sleep

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Skin Cell Renewal
Spring is the season of renewal, rebirth, restoration & revitalization. A few weeks ago we talked about the importance of shedding dead skin cells & exposing the fresh, new cells underneath. But did you know there are products that can actually help skin regenerate itself and stimulate skin cell renewal, while you sleep!? Our Super Moisturizing Night Treatment contains a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid, as well as powerful anti-oxidants and Retinol-Vitamin A. The combination not only hydrates and softens skin, but repairs and regenerates skin cells. Damage caused by dryness, the sun, environmental stress, even laser skin treatments, will be repaired during the night. The treatment significantly reduces redness and irritation, maximizes free-radical scavenger action, and even combats acne by stabilizing sebum production. All skin types benefit from this product – talk about beautifying while you sleep! Love that :)

Shiatsu Explained

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Shiatsu Explained
Many people ask us – what is Shiatsu massage & what makes it different from other types of massage therapy? Shiatsu is a style of bodywork developed in Japan – “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure. Shiatsu’s goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy (or “chi”) throughout the body. During a shiatsu session, the client typically wears loose clothing and lays on a mat or massage table while the practitioner uses their fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians – similar to acupuncture but using fingers instead of needles. Unlike acupuncture, Shiatsu massage also incorporates breathing, rocking, stretching and joint rotation for a more whole-body approach to restoring energy balance. The idea is that adjusting chi helps the body heal itself from a variety of conditions, including headaches, depression, fatigue, premenstrual syndrome and digestive problems, and many, many more conditions. Call us to book your Shiatsu Session today: 914.337.9356

Why Soy Wax Candles

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Ever wonder why soy wax candles are becoming so popular? Simply put, they’re better for you, your family, & your environment. They are non-toxic & clean-burning, meaning they don’t emit soot & carcinogens into the air you breathe. Soy wax has natural oils that mix well with fragrant oils, allowing soy candles to hold their scent far better than paraffin wax. They also burn slower & cooler than paraffin wax, so you’ll get more use out of them than paraffin candles. And soybeans, unlike the petroleum used to make paraffin wax, are a renewable resource, making them environment-friendly in every sense of the word :) Next time you’re at the Sanctuary, check out our selection of Soy Wax Candles. They make great gifts too!

Your Thoughts Become Your Life

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We have been speaking a lot lately about the power of our thoughts and their impact on our choices, and in turn our life. As we awaken to & embrace the idea that we are responsible for our life, we can’t help to look at the choices we have made to get us where we are. Doubtful?

Perhaps this video by Dr. Emoto on the effect of emotions on water will challenge your beliefs.

After viewing it you might just say, “If our thoughts can do that to water, imagine what our thoughts can do to US.”

Jumbles

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More over ripe bananas? No worries! My dear friend Ronna passed along this YUMMY  recipe to me.

Ingredients

2.5 bananas, overly ripe

2 cups oat flour

3/4 peanut butter

A coupe handfuls of your  favorite chocolate chunks.

Mix all together.  Drop onto cookie sheet.  For crispy outside and chewy inside, make jumbo size. Bake 15-18 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove and cool on wire rack before storing in airtight container, up to 3 days.

Mango Coconut Mahi

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The lightness of this fish allows for this slightly decadent coconut sauce. It is truly yummy & so simple. Note, this recipe based on 2 servings.  

Ingredients

2 Mahi Mahi Fillets, Thawed

6oz Low Fat Coconut Milk

2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped

2 Green Onions, chopped

2 Garlic Cloves, chopped

1 Small Tomato, chopped

1.5 Tbsp Butter

4 Mango Slices, chopped

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan saute butter, onion and garlic for two minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for two minutes. Add coconut milk, mango, cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir, turn off heat and let sit. In a baking dish place fish and pour coconut sauce over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until fish is fork tender. Serve with quinoa and spinach salad.

 

Massage for Insomnia

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Insomnia is a serious problem in America today. Many who seek treatment for insomnia are immediately prescribed some type of medication that comes with a host of problems, side effects, risk of dependence, and increased tolerance.

Many people have an idea about the benefits of massage: stress reduction, improved circulation, lower heart rate/blood pressure, it even boosts immune system. Many people have also experienced what a great sleep aid massage can be. Not only does massage bring on a deep state of relaxation, but it treats many of the causes of insomnia, including migraines, pain, and muscle & joint stiffness. And-Did you know regular massage has been scientifically proven to effectively treat insomnia (significant trouble either falling or staying asleep) by changing the neuro-chemistry in the brain? Why? Insomnia is associated with a lack of serotonin. Massage increases serotonin levels which is needed for our bodies to produce melatonin which influences the sleep stage of our circadian rhythm.

So, if you’re looking for a healthy, non-addictive, side effect-free way to improve both the quality & quantity of your sleep massage may be one of your best options! View our Massage Offerings Here.