"Start where you are"

This really moved me waking up to this morning; Elisabeth Gilbert had a conversation with Reverend Stephen Phelps and she posted this on Facebook:

 Human suffering is often caused by a feeling that we have "missed our path"—that we were meant to be somewhere else by now, but that some great injustice or cosmic mistake has placed us, instead, right here, exactly where we DON'T WANT TO BE. In such circumstances, we often become paralyzed by grief, or overcome by resentment, longing for that which has not come to pass in our lives. Reverend Phelps said that true peace begins when we accept that the path where we are now standing is the only road there is, and the only road there ever was. It doesn't mean you have to stay there forever, but it means "This is where you are right now". It is not an act of passivity to make that acceptance, but the opposite—an act of honesty, and a commitment to living within the real. Only when we have dropped the imaginary and accepted the real can we being our true journey—shaping and healing our lives in a positive way. I was very moved by this. It reminded me of the Buddhist instructor Pema Chodron's simple and beautiful teaching: 

  "Start Where You Are"~

with love Camilla

Blending vs. juicing

Often people ask me the benefits of juicing and what the difference is between blending and juicing.

I make a juice or smoothie every day and every once in a while I do a cleanse between 3-6 days where I only drink these amazing juices to clean out my system and I feel AMAZING!!!!!

                  Benefits of Juicing!

1. People sometimes ask me why they should juice when they could eat the vegetables or fruits. When you extract the juice from the vegetable all you are left with are beneficial micronutrients. Since your body doesn’t have to break down any components like insoluble fiber, your body is quickly absorbing micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and much more from the juice. That’s why often you get instant energy after having a juice!

2. Juicing also allows you to consume the needed vegetables and fruits that your body craves and needs for optimal health. If you find it difficult eating raw vegetables and fruit, then juicing is perfect for you. With juicing you are also getting a wide variety of different vegetables into your daily intake. 

3. Juicing is a way to change the way you eat and will change the way you live. After you juice for a week, you will see and feel instant results. Often after the first week of the , my clients tell me how much more energy they have, how their skin has improved and how much overall mental clarity  they have. 

                 Blending vs. Juicing

Blending simply combines all the ingredients you place in your blender, leaving the pulp and fiber intact.  Fiber is a great addition to your diet and can help prevent against many diseases. Unlike juicing, consuming blended drinks makes your body work harder to  digest the ingredients.

Juicing separates the pulp from the vegetables and fruits, leaving only juice behind. With juicing you are still consuming beneficial soluble fiber like pectin. Juicing also helps with the removal of toxins from your body and also aids in weight loss. 

Both are beneficial and should be added to your diet. I personally love juicing and have seen and felt the difference since juicing.

     How long can juice stay good for?
The answer really depends on what juicer you are using. If you are using a centrifugal juicer you should drink it immediately or within the first 10 minutes. If you are careful you can store your juice in air tight containers and place them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you are using a masticating juicer, your juice is often good for 24-48 hours. 

If possible  buy organic vegetables 

lovelove Camilla

Thank you Mr Banana!!!

Bananas became my best friend this weekend as I spent two days with food poisoning and it was the only thing and still is my stomach could bare.

                                                                   

Facts about my friend banana:

Banana –Immune boost!!!

According to Japanese Scientific Research, full ripe banana with dark patches on yellow skin produces a substance called TNF (tumor Necrosis Factor) which has the ability to fight abnormal cells.

Yellow skin banana with dark spots on it is 8 times more effective in enhancing the white blood cells then the green skin version. White blood cells are involved defending the body of infectious disease and foreign materials.

Benefits:

Bananas are terrific heart healthy food.

Filled with potassium, which is a mineral for proper

function of all cells and organs of the human body.

Great source of Magnesium,Vitamin B and C.

Naturally fat,- cholesterol and sodium free.

Eating 1-2 bananas per day increases immunity.

 Organic is recommended since the pesticides are in the soil as well so even of you peel  the banana a small about of chemicals will still be inside.

Enjoy!!!!

A simple life

  Just got back from a week vacation in a small town in Mexico where I found my paradise.
It was a simple, relaxing but yet the most fulfilling trip. We met the most friendly, happy people I have ever met. They have so little but where ever we went we came across people with huge smiles on their faces. “No problema” seemed to be a mantra, nothing was a problem.  Reminded me that the less we have the less we have to lose.
We made a point to go when it is low season, no big luxury resort, no tourists and no shopping...(that one is usually hard for me) the weather report said thunderstorm, rain all week.
So I left my expectations at home and prepared to sit under an umbrella in the rain reading a book and stay in a little hut in the jungle.
From the beginning to end it turn out to be the most amazing vacation I have had in a long time!!
Someone told me a while ago;  "who ever is right in front of you is the most important person in that moment". Oh so many inspiring stories I have heard from people who live a life for me unimaginable, makes me want to simplify my life even more.

                      Peace and love

                          Camilla

Release the beast

"Be wild and crazy and drunk with Love,

If you are too careful, Love will not find you".~Rumi♥

I love this quote so much by Rumi

Every once in a while it’s good to get a reminder to be a little wild and crazy. To unleash whatever gets caught up in responsibilities, routines, the roles we take on and we even put our spirit behind bars because that’s safer.

Wild and crazy doesn’t mean being reckless and immature. No, it means allowing ourselves to be exactly who we are, expressing our truth and being free. No worries about future, no dwelling of past, truly experience NOW.

When we live our truth we enhance our creative power, our imagination can begin to dance and we open the door to live in love. I know it sound so cliché but I also know when I live in fear I get moody, tired and I feel separated from other people.

Questions to ponder:

When was the last time you did something wild and crazy?

What is hindering you to do so?

Are you doing something everyday you enjoy?

See what comes up when you ask these questions, don’t make them to complicated, maybe wild and crazy for you simply means going out for dinner rather then cook tonight, driving up the mountains or maybe you want to play really loud music and sing on the tops of your lungs, I love doing that!

The point is to shift and raise the energy from where it is to a higher level and when you do so, enjoy it!!!!

love love

Camilla

12 Symtoms of Spiritual Awakening

I came across these "12 symptoms of Spiritual Awakening" and it made me smile. Each of these couldn't be more true and when I experience this connection it feels like my spirit is giggling.
What could be more healing then that?


1. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
2. Frequent attacks of smiling
3. Feeling of being connected with others and nature
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation
5. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of ability to worry
8. A loss of interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in judging self.
12. Gaining the ability to one without expecting anything.

love and peace

Camilla

It's all about attitude isn't it?

Phyllis is her name and she has no idea I am writing about her, well soon she will because I am about to send this to her. I know she hear this all the time but I don't think she can ever hear it to much what  an inspiration she is to me and to so many people she come across. So who is she?
Well, a few years ago she stepped into my Yoga class I use to teach on Saturday mornings and she showed up every week for a long time. She was always early, which I love because I can never be late myself. The very  first thing she did was getting into a headstand. So what is so special about her?
Well, she is 88 years old but she looks and acts as if she is in her sixties, or if I compare her to some people, even fifties.
She began practicing  Yoga when she was 84, going to say it again, she began practicing when she was 84!!!
WOW, what more do I need to say?
She always told me that age has never stopped her doing what she wants to do and I can only wish I will have this attitude when I turn 80.  At age 84 she also began dancing Tango and is now performing with her 76 year old partner on the weekends. 
We become our thoughts, we hear this over and over and I know it sounds cliche however it is true. Whatever we believe is what we will create. Would I like to be able to do a headstand when I am 88? Heck yea!!!
But more then anything I would love to be able to look back on my life and feel I did most of the things I wanted to do and I did my best with what I was given
So to age well? I believe taking care of the body is essential, Yoga is something ANYONE can do at any age! And the benefit is not only for the  body but also the mind. 
So next time you THINK you are to old to do something you would like to do, see how you FEEL rather then focus on the number. Phyllis, I love you and adore you, thank you for the gift of proving that with a good attitude you can reach the stars!!!

With love

Camilla

Eighteen rules for living

At the start of the new millennium the Dalai Lama issued eighteen rules for living.





    1.Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.


3. Follow the three Rs: 1. Respect for self 2. Respect for others 3. Responsibility for all your actions.


4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.


5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.


6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.


7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.


8. Spend some time alone every day.


9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.


10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.


11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.


12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.


13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.


14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.


15. Be gentle with the earth.


16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.


17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.


18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.


"I have red these so many times and it's interesting how each time I end up feeling drawn to a different rule, number 4 to me hit a nerve for some reason today....you?"
with love


camilla

Good Morning life!!!

We live in a time where stress is a part of our everyday life, as a matter of fact we are so used to living in some kind of stress that it becomes our story. Even if we are not stressed one day we find something to stir it up and BANG,  we go from feeling good to stress ourselves out because that is all we know how to live.

I catch myself all the time with this and mainly when this happens is when I don't start my daily routine with meditation. Think about how the day will be if you jump out of bed, running around crazy, planning the day, drinking coffee to wake up and letting the day begin with having the thoughts already taking over, doubt, stress, never feeling there is enough time, worrying about stuff you have no control over, etc etc etc....... You are setting the tone for how you're day will look and I promise you by the end of the day you are so exhausted you crash into bed and barely remember what you did through out the day. Oh how much we miss out on the simple beauty when we get caught in this rat chase!!

SO, instead of being paralyzed with fear of "doing nothing" which is what a lot people feel when they think about meditation and there is NO WAY they can find time just sitting..... Trust me, I go trough phases when I battle an internal war about this.

But we all have 2 min to roll out of bed sit down and just breath and find our center......2 min!!

Then, when you get use to that, you go to 5, then 10, maybe even 20min.....hah!!

Try it, brake you're habit, see if you feel any different, see if you're day, you're story, you're thoughts will be calmer, more positive and clearer. The way you process information trough out the day will change if you begin the day with clarity. Negative phone calls, emails, interactions with people will have a complete different outcome.

Below are some simple tips I use, I know you have all seen them before but it's always nice to get reminded. 

                             ~DAILY MOTIVATIONS~

MEDITATE: Preferably sit for meditation for 5-10min, connect to breath.  Bring your self fully to the present. Let go of anything unnecessary. Notice any doubt, worry or stress, this is the mind being in the future. In this moment bring your breath down to belly and remind your self of the good stuff. 

BREATH: count each inhale to 8, hold count 8, then exhale out without counting.  Repeat twice, and then go up to 10. 

 MANTRA: some days we feel might might need something, ask for it! Repeat a word over and over you feel you want to receive: peace, courage, strength, love, health, clarity...etc.....       

 ATTITUDE:  it is always good to look at ourselves from outside in, would you want to  hang out with you?  

JOURNAL: each day write down all that you have accomplished, write down all that you are grateful for. Look at you’re day and evaluate the good and the challenges. Look at what you can do different.

 PLAY: when was the last time you had fun? I mean, REALLY FUN!  Do something EVERY day that you love, something that makes you’re spirit giggle.    

YOGA:  3 sun salutations, practice 15-60 min every day, stretches, abdominal work.        

HEARTBEAT:  get you’re heart beat up every day, go for a walk minimum 20min.       

BRAIN:  Stimulate it!!  Avoid to much TV, take  class and learn something knew, read; find books that inspires you, gives you daily affirmations etc.....      

PEOPLE:  surround yourself with people that inspire you and lift you up.  Notice how you’re body reacts to the different energy people will send off.    

BODY:  treat you’re body as if it is you’re child or someone you really love. You would only want the best for this person; you would never do any harm to the people you love.    

FOOD:  food has energy, we call this PRANA. Choose to eat as much organic as possible, processed food and frozen food has no energy, and less nutrience. We want to eat food that is fresh and makes us feel good. Eat less with every meal but eat regularly. We actually don't need to eat as much food as we think we do. Never go more then 4 hours without food, this will mess up the metabolism. Look out for sodium, trans fat, saturated fat and any kind of processed food. Eat breakfast and avoid eating a big meal after 7pm. I highly recommend green tea rather then coffee. 
Remember these are suggested guideline to follow every day. It might seem overwhelming but they really a very simple and can become a part of you’re daily routine. 

It generally takes about 40 days to brake a pattern so in the beginning you have really want to make a commitment. Sometimes it’s good to ask ourselves “how bad do I want it” in this case, make a change in our life. :-)

"Live each day as fully as you can, love, respect and accept you’re self. Life is the greatest gift we have…..enjoy it"!!!!!

LOVE&LOVE

camilla

I left Anusara on paper but not in my heart.

I few years ago I had an accident that basically knocked me around for a while but yet, it turns out to be greatest gift sent my way and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As I am going trough my healing on so many levels one thing became very clear to me, life can change any moment and I do not want to live my life any longer from what is expected but rather what is my truth. Trough the healing I realized I could no longer remain certified within Anusara. I resigned with no hard feelings quiet the contrary I had made peace with all the confusion I had felt for so long but I could not find a way to stay aligned with the system of Anusara and what I mean by this was with John Friend. It was one of the most painful decisions to come to terms with but when I finally took the step I felt nothing but relieved and my teaching could finally align with the way I did my own practice and that was with freedom and joy. Anusara changed my life; simple as that and for that I am forever grateful. The principals of alignment I not only teach to my students (although out of respect to the system I no longer call anything by name) I also live by them and so many beautiful things Anusara taught me.

I am now getting reminded of the confusion and pain I felt going trough this and it saddens me so many are now in the middle of it, so I thought for that reason I will reach out.

This morning I posted the below note on face book, and it is from my heart. I truly believe this had to happen sooner then later for everyone to get reminded its about the Yoga, teachers will come and go but YOGA is here to stay, it’s not going anywhere.

The greatest teacher is life itself, this I have learned. YOGA is the map the navigates me to my voice, this I have experienced, my voice is my essence, this I have felt. When we find it pause, listen. It becomes truly magical.

We make choices, we believe and we let go. No one can blame us when we follow our own truth. We lay so much trust on teachers, mentors, "guru's" and even doctors and in the end they are all human. People make mistakes, they disappoint us, and when they do it sometimes hurt like hell. We get knocked down and we get back up hopefully learned something or do we? So the question is, how will we respond? Change is and should be exciting because it will open door to something new, something more powerful, bigger and maybe even better. People will come together or go apart this is the nature of life. So I look at all the crap that sometimes happens in life and I say to myself, thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach me the greatest lesson there is, to find my own truth.

 with love

 Camilla

hmmmm, any regrets?

Just red an article that brought up the question what people regret the most when they are looking back on their lives and are now dying.

This woman worked as a nurse wrote this piece, thought is was interesting.

1, Didn’t go after their dreams, they wished they would have lived the life they wanted to live and not what was expected from other people.

2, A lot of men said they wished they didn’t work so hard and they missed out so much on spending time with their children.

3, Seeing more clearly who their true friends were and not waisting time with the one's who they didn't really have things in common with anymore, people grow apart.

4, Wished they would have spend more time with their really good  friends rather then always coming up with excuses they're to busy.

5, A lot of people didn’t realize until the end that happiness is a choice, and that fear of change made them stay in situations that truly made them unhappy.

If you were 80 years old and you are looking back at you’re life, what would you see? Did you live the life you truly wanted? If not, what hindered you?

Interesting questions to ponder over, life is so precious and it goes by so fast, it can change in an instant.

with love

Camilla

"Anything is possible"

Via Tanya Lee Markul

on Feb 7, 2011

Anything Is Possible: a weekend with Camilla Bergstrom.

         

If we really want something, anything is possible.

Yoga has the potential to become something much more than just exercise, and for many of us this exercise is exactly where the journey begins. Our body starts to tone, strengthen, open and then all of a sudden we start to think differently. Eventually the connection is made: as we work on the body, we are working on the mind, the two inseparable

When we become aware of our bodies and connect to what is happening physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, anything is possible, according to Camilla Bergstrom: when we are in sync, when we are in harmony with mind and body, we experience the strength and confidence that will lead to the feeling of I can do this and eventually the wisdom that goes beyond it.

Camilla’s 11-hour weekend workshop tested this theory. Students were offered an opportunity to find their boundaries by examining the thoughts behind the seemingly challenging or impossible. As Camilla put it, ‘the first step is to become aware of our thoughts. Thoughts create an emotion and emotion creates a reaction. If we change the negative thought into a positive, the body will respond and we will find strength we didn’t even know that we had.’

Offering a masterful sequence of inversions, handstands and a variety of standing poses, Camilla teaches a simplistic fusion of yoga style combining self-healing with her experiences, various teacher influences and philosophy. Her teaching approach was challenging, passionate and contagiously courageous. She also took a great deal of time to focus on alignment and individual needs.

The workshop was complemented with breathing techniques and meditation. Students were invited to elongate their inner experiences by writing down and sharing their inner dialogue, as, according to Camilla, there’s more to just feeling yoga in our shoulders or our hips, much, much more, and when we write it down, it helps us to become even more aware of ourselves; it helps us to figure out which plane we are living on. Are we too much in our head? Are our feet on the ground? When we write and share, the experience becomes deeper, more profound, and when we speak it, it almost becomes an agreement.

No stranger to the element of fear, Camilla helps students acknowledge their own veil’s through the process of taking a step back, finding the discipline in their fear and committing to it versus separating from it. Camilla believes that if it means something to us, if it’s important to us, it’s going to happen and we are going to move forward. When the veil is lifted, we find purpose and within purpose we find simplicity: the result of stability, honesty and acceptance.

If you are looking for a life-altering experience, I highly recommend Camilla. You’ll be guaranteed a powerful physical journey and perhaps discover a deeper sense of your own true nature.

The Anything Is Possible weekend workshop took place in December 2010 at Hamsa Yoga Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. Camilla currently resides in Los Angeles, California and offers local and international private and group classes. She has a podcast and much more information on her website: http://camillabergstrom.com/.