Yes this happened… I went into a Sensory Deprivation Tank, I survived and it was AWESOME!

 Sensory Deprivation Tank aka ( float tank, isolation tank, escape pod, the i-sopod)

 It looks like this, well at least the one that I went into:

You’re probably wondering why in the world would a person go in to something like this purposely? And that’s okay…, because I thought that same exact thing until I learned about the amazing health benefits it has on a human mind/body/spirit.

A few to mention:

Alleviates stress- mental and physical

Energizes, rejuvenates and revitalizes

Diminishes depression, anxiety and fear

Decreases the production of Cortisol, ACTH, Lactic Acid and Adrenaline

Increases production of endorphins

Boosts immune function

Reduces blood pressure

RELIEVES PAIN (true story!)

Stimulates left and right brain synchronization that leads to mental clarity, alertness and creativity and much much more…

Soo after I mentally prepared myself (or so I thought) I bravely made the appointment for a 90-minute floating session at the Float Central in Bend Oregon. Once I got there and seen the float tank in person all that I could think was “ No way in HELL am I going inside this box and floating in THE DARK for 90 minutes ESPECIALLY with the door CLOSED SHUT!! And OMG did I really just pay money for this craziness? And why am I so weird for always wanting to try strange, random things?” Not going to lie…at that moment I slightly wanted to run. But… I gathered my self together and proceeded with my experience.

In a super awkward looking like an ostrich way I worked my way inside the tank and slid inside the salty solution (magnesium sulfite) I wasn't about to shut that door behind me either. A slight glow from the salt lap from around the corner gave me some comfort; So there I was floating,  it was so freaky but so AWESOME all at the same time. I was completely weightless and my mind just couldn’t wrap around how I can be floating without having to put any personal effort into it.  For the first 15 minutes or so my brain was running wild. Between trying to make sense of this new sensation and outrageous thoughts such as “what if I relax so much that I go in to a coma, followed by this ridiculous visual imagery in my mind of people fishing my awkward naked body out of this pool of salty water; And what if I’m the first person to ever drown in one of these? As well as "why didn’t I just stay home, stick some ear plugs in my ears and hide myself in the closet, I mean it’s bound to have similar effects right?”

So I reverted to my breath (deep breathing always does the trick), I finally was able to surrender myself to the stillness. Before I knew it I was even able to shut the door  AT MY OWN WILL. I do not have the words to explain how relaxed and calm I felt. Every so often I had to move my hand or foot just to make sure I was still in my body. Because to me it felt like I was floating out in space and my body was detached from my mind. Pretty sure I ended up dosing off because the next thing I knew soft music came on indicating that it was time for me to get out. “What?? No way!” I felt like I just got started, I completely lost all sense of time. I was NOT ready to get out.

So in conclusion I LOVED IT!! And I CANNOT wait to do this again! I felt so amazing the rest of the day not to mention slept like a baby that night.  I would recommend this experience to everyone in the world because Awesomeness is the only side effect.

For more information on the benefits and research that Sensory Deprivation Tanks have on a human body click here.

Happy Thursday

Lena

Well Being Journal

Let's be healthy 

Have you ever heard of Well Being Journal? Well.. I am slightly obsessed.

In my opinion it is one of the best health magazine out there.  It is abundant with valuable information in regards to healthy mind, body and spirit. It is very informative and is loaded with great recipes for maintaining vitality and a healthy life style.

I’d like to share a few random, interesting facts that stood out to me personally:

1.     Did you know?... that researchers have found that preventing type 1 diabetes with daily doses of 2000 IU of vitamin D is effective for about 80 percent of infants; this was the conclusion of a 31-year study.

2.     According to a study originally published in the British Medical Journal, cavities and tooth decay could potentially be healed or reversed with diet.

3.     Another fun fact: In the beginning of the eighteenth century, the intake of sugar was about ten pounds per person per year. By 2000, it was ONE HUNDRED FIFTY pounds per person. huumm….

4.     Probiotics to the rescue…

Reduce diarrhea of various etiologies

Reduce lactose intolerance

Improve the intestinal ecosystem

Maintain bacterial balance

Moderate immune system response

Improve antibacterial response

Protect against the ugly “C” word (cancer that is)

5.     For the poor souls that suffer from allergies, some herbs to consider:

Chamomile

Basil

Stinging Nettle

Echinacea

Fennel

Ginger

Wild Oregano

Parsley

6.     And last but not least…Fun fact about garlic:

Garlic contains antioxidant that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Garlic may help you live longer, so eat your garlic J

Thanks for letting me share :)

Happy Tuesday and stay well

Source: (Well Being Journal)

Check out their FB page Well Being Journal

Oh Where Does The Time Go

It’s Monday and the rat race begins…

We have this obsession with time, whether its conscious or unconscious, we obsess about it.  The famous words “ not enough time” “time flies” “if only there was enough time”…

Some questions to ponder on…

Why do we feel this way? Why are we so anxious? It’s always such a race. Where are we rushing too? Why do feel that way? Why do we make our lives sound busier then they really are?  How can we slow down and enjoy the present moment “the now”? How can we learn to love what is in front of us instead of obsessing about yesterday and tomorrow?  No doubt the answers are different for all of us, but if your anything like me and you’re seeking that mental clarity and want some tips on how to stay grounded throughout the “busy day”  here are a few things that work for me and may work for you.

I’m learning how to love TODAY.  Yes, it is very hard to do, because I am constantly in my head going over yesterday and planning for my tomorrow. But practicing AWARENESS can really awaken us. You may notice things, people, situations you haven’t before.  Being aware forces you to stay in the present moment and teaches us acceptance of letting things be the way they are.  Letting go of the chatter. A lot like meditation, but with your eyes open and functioning.

MEDITATION. Even 10 minutes a day can dramatically reduce stress levels and over time can improve task performance levels.

BREATHING!  Yes… we have to breathe it's part of our anatomic system, but have you ever tried breathing consciously? If not.. It’s a great way to bring us back to planet earth.  The 4, 7-8 rule really works for me. That’s breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7, and breathing out of your mouth for 8 seconds. 

Another tip, and this is my personal favorite, is JOURNALING. You can journal in the morning, you can journal in the pm, or you can journal throughout the day. Writing brings you back to a state of awareness, and sometimes going back an reading your entries can give you an insight to what is really going on in your life. Because we are all are “so busy” we sometimes forget to ask ourselves “how are we really doing...”

Anyway, happy mindful Monday everyone!

Lena

Oregon Coast

Beach LOVE

I love the Oregon Coast. It is so nurturing to my mind, body and spirit. I can never get enough of that musty smell, the sound of the waves crashing the shore and the grainy sand beneath my feet.  What can be better...

After each visit I feel rejuvenated and inspired.

Here is a few photos to share:

YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

NEWPORT OREGON 

Enjoying the beach.

Pondering....

Ahhh no need for words

Beautiful Painted Hills.

Oregon Love

I have lived in Central Oregon for 16 years. It truly is a colorful state ! It amazes me how much beauty and uniqueness it has to offer. Just when I think that I have seen it all I stumble upon something enchanting and beautiful like these Painted Hills. Wow... Breath taking! If only a photograph could capture what a human eye can see..  But I try ;) 

Take a moment to ponder..

Mother Nature is always at her best..

These colorful clay hills and mounds were formed over 35 million years ago! Absolutely fascinating...

Painted Hills are located in Mitchell Oregon click here to learn more.

Thanks for letting me share 

until next time

Lena 

Christmas Ornaments

I love this time a year. It's full of so much magic, love and kindness.

One of my favorite things to do around Christmas time is paint on glass ornaments.

Here is a few that I've done this year...

Broken Top Mt, Oregon

Spirit Friends

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

One of my favorite quotes: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." (Pablo Picaso)

Thanks for letting me share

Lena

A letter to snow

Dear snow ... Please don't go away just yet ! There is just so much more playing around that's left to do... Freezing fingers and toes and unfinished snowmans... If you would just come back and spend some more time with me I would even forgive you for the frozen pipes. So pleazzzz consider staying a while longer :)

Thanks 

Sincerely Always Yours

Lena