Autumn in the Heartland

Autumn in the Heartland

The leaves are changing, the landscape bleak
Autumn in the Heartland, colors at their peak.

Pumpkins, hay stacks and corn stalks abound
Witches and goblins can even be found.

Birds overhead flying in form
Animals seek shelter trying to keep warm.

Yes, it's autumn in the Heartland, some call it Fall
As Mother Nature prepares to let the snow fall.

To cover the branches and make brittle the trees
To blanket the earth with slumber and peace.

The waters will freeze and the icicles form
The sun will beat down unable to warm.

The days will grow shorter as the temperature drops
As seeds sleep below where once there grew crops.

Yes it's autumn in the Heartland, a time of transition
When moms and their children bake cookies in the kitchen.

Each year leaves change color and start their great fall
But this year take special notice as you witness it all.

Do you know "Rosh Hashana?"

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of the month called Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the New Year.

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar).

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. (So why am I working today you ask……answer in a bit) Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey

Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom.

Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

You may notice that the Bible speaks of Rosh Hashanah as occurring on the first day of the seventh month. The first month of the Jewish calendar is Nissan, occurring in March and April. Why, then, does the Jewish "new year" occur in Tishri, the seventh month?

Judaism has several different "new years," a concept which may seem strange at first, but think of it this way: the American "new year" starts in January, but the new "school year" starts in September, and many businesses have "fiscal years" that start at various times of the year. In Judaism, Nissan 1 is the new year for the purpose of counting the reign of kings and months on the calendar, Elul 1 (in August) is the new year for the tithing of animals, Shevat 15 (in February) is the new year for trees (determining when first fruits can be eaten, etc.), and Tishri 1 (Rosh Hashanah) is the new year for years (when we increase the year number. Sabbatical and Jubilee years begin at this time).

And now you know Rosh Hashanah – The Head Of the year.

Your very PERSONAL trainer

All Beamfit™ programs are taught barefoot and harmonize familiar fitness movements with the philosophies associated with mind-body disciplines to infuse balance, core and stability training in a unique way on a resilient, low grounded Beam. This provides, perhaps for the very first time, the ability to align body with mind in a way that will help you not only get more fit but lead you to balance all aspects of your life off the Beam.

The Beam can be considered the first true ‘awareness tool’, providing a reactive, dynamic workout while standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down.

The Beam acts as “your Personal Trainer”, giving you immediate tactile feedback, through its pliability and narrow base when your body is not in correct alignment. Therefore, the Beam enhances any exercise modality, making it much more physically demanding, effective and result-oriented.

The Beam can be utilized in every corner of your facility, from group exercise and mind-body to personal training sessions, potentially touching the life of every individual who walks through your doors, breathe life into your existing programming and attract new participants.

http://www.Beamfit.com

What is this "BEAM THING" anyway?

Looking for a low to no-impact workout that helps you balance your body, while engaging your core muscles? The Beamfit Balance and Exercise Beam with 4 Workouts is the perfect fitness tool to put you on the path to better balance.Sitting just 2-1/2" off the floor and measuring approximately 5' long, this beam of high-density foam sets the stage for a safe and stable workout that encourages focus while helping to improve muscle tone.Beamfit Balance and

Exercise Beam with 4 Workouts Features:

Ideal for all fitness levels - from beginning to seasoned athlete
Helps work your core in a standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down position
Helps improve overall core strength and stability
Helps firm and tone most muscle groups
Helps improve balance
58-1/2" Beam Length - designed specifically for an easy 3-step walk
6" wide top working surface - wider than a traditional gymnastics beam
9" wide base - assures the beam remains stable
Beveled edges - help create an illusion that the walking surface is wider than it really is
High-density foam construction - provides cushioning for feet, ankles knees hips and back during exercise
Lightweight - weighs less than 3 lbs.
Compact - easy to store in a closet or under a bed

Instructional and workout DVD - includes "How to use your beam" led by David Mesirow (10 mins.); "Stand up Beaming," a standing workout led by Mesirow (32 mins.); "Abs and core Beaming," designed to work the muscles of the core (10 mins.); "Hips, buns and thighs" designed to target the lower body (15 mins.) and "Beam-lates," a series of Pilates-inspired exercises
Measures approx. 58-1/2"L x 9-3/4"W x 2-1/2"H
Max. user weight: 300 lbs.
Made of polyethylene crosslink foam fill, coated vinyl cover and non-slip neoprene bottom
Made in USA

http://www.hsn.com/

Beaming has staying power at the YMCA!

Reported by Nancy Gitlin:


As a national fitness presenter and the Fitness/Dance Supervisor at the YMCA in Saint Joseph, MI for over 15 years, I've seen many fitness products and programs come and go. Most lack the staying power to succeed in the fitness industry. It's not often that you find something that can offer such a diverse array of benefits to the user...Balance, Cardio, Strength and Flexibility to name a few.

Beaming™ is transcending the fitness industry!The YMCA has been offering Beaming™ programs since January 2010. Foundational Beaming™ BEAM-LATES, and Integrated Yoga using the Beam. All three programs have been exciting new additions and continue to grow. In the past 3 months, I have seen astonishing results with our members. They have more strength, cardiovascular endurance and best of all they are feeling wonderful.Members say that Beaming™has a positive effect on their life and the choices they now make. They have become more optimistic, confident, less moody, and have had fewer days where they feel down. This is very important, especially in our part of Southwest Michigan when, during the winter months, it's common for the sun not to shine for weeks at a time. This in itself can have a negative effect one's outlook on life. I really feel that Beaming™is training them to be better at everything they do! They just love it! Most members come to more than one class that's offered. It's common to find participants who enjoy one mind and body program over another such as Yoga or Pilates. Not with Beaming™! Many members take both BEAM-LATES and the Integrated Yoga, enjoying them each just as much.The Beam itself has also been integrated into our Dance Program as well. I started as a dancer so flexibility, strength and balance were essential in my dance training. Using the Beam especially in the Ballet and Lyrical Ballet classes has contributed outstanding results to the dancers. The student's technique has developed much faster integrating the Beam, which has helped them to develop the muscles needed to support the core. Bottom line....Beaming™is here to stay and there are endless creative possibilities!

Learn how to use CONTROL as a positive change in your life!

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

Control is one of those yin-yang words that, either way you use it in a sentence, usually sounds negative. "Get control of yourself;" "Control your children in public" "Seize majority control over that company;" "Control your desire for chocolate;" Her blood sugar levels are not controlled yet; the list goes on and on. On the other hand, we also use CONTROL in these circumstances; he lost control of his car, she's not in control of her finances; the officials lost any control over the crowd.

When we're in CONTROL, whether it be our finances, job, or body, we feel that our opinion matters, and our ability to manage and transcend stressful situations and our own life is within our capabilities. When we feel out of control, life usually feels chaotic, spiraling and out of balance; the ground beneath us is not stable. Neurally, emotionally and physically, the body responds to lack of control reactively and negatively with anger, anxiety, depression, amped emotions. How we respond to this unpleasant phenomenon in our life is usually exacerbated by the physical sense of no control that translates into poor choices in eating, exercise or lifestyle habits.

In Beaming™, Control refers in the physical sense, to the ability to perform exercises on the Beam while being centered and focused with minimal wobbling. Control on the Beam is also dependent upon your ability to release or relinquish stress so that you're without tension or rigidity. At the same time, your mind and body is integrated to maximize your ability to move; you have the power and jurisdiction over your own body. Your body soon learns that when you lose your balance on the Beam, you have the ability to "right" yourself and gain control, not by fighting the fall, but by re-focusing and re-centering so you can be 'present' without panic.

When your body is more relaxed and in balance, you actually gain Control. The Beam's constant balance challenges puts us on alert, forcing us to be aware, reactive and responsive in the moment and to do so without stress or losing Control, just as we need to do in daily life. You can learn how to re-gain Control in any area of your life by applying the same techniques you learn to employ on the Beam, by learning how to relinquish to lack of Control by being in the moment and allowing your mind and body to work through the challenge. You have the ability to change the quality of your reaction and your energy, reunite your mind and body and feel in Control in a very short time.

You can apply the Principle of Control in your life by learning to recognize your physical reaction to when you feel yourself spiraling and how it causes you to feel like you're losing Control. Ask yourself:

1. What factors contributed to loss of Control in this situation?

2. What do I need to implement in order to gain or maintain Control of the situation?

3. What physiological or mental adaptations do I need to employ to stay balanced and stable and therefore, feel I'm in Control?

4. Can I release stress and tension without feeling like I'm losing Control?

When we can re-frame the word Control positively to indicate the ability to stay focused, calm and centered, even in scattered, tense moments, we will feel that we have the ability to navigate our own path, health and well-being and thus realize the power of Control.

“Beam me UP!”…….Up North that is to Montreal Canada!

Montreal Canada – The Muscle Up Symposium in Montreal Canada was THE place to be this past weekend. David Mesirow, founder OF Beamfit™ and creator of Beaming™, took a quick trip to introduce his program to our neighbors up north. The symposium provided many educational seminars and lectures to over 200 fitness professionals from Quebec. Beaming™ was the only “movement” session and the attendees were eager to take of their socks and shoes, get on a beam and “learn all about it!”

Francis Michaelson, director of the symposium and CEO of Muscle Up a Fitness product Distribution Company, was excited when Mesirow returned her call to inform her he was able to participate in this year’s symposium. She first met Mesirow last fall in Chicago at the Club Industry show where she took his program and was WOWED! “ I could not believe how I felt after I took the session, my body felt worked out like in Yoga and Pilates and calm and serene as if I had just meditated and had a massage: said Michaelson when asked what drew her to Beaming™.

The success of Beaming™ is wide spread in the USA and this weekend proved that Canada will not be far behind.

Beaming™

· Is performed barefoot and harmonizes familiar movements with mind-body philosophies to integrate balance, stability, strength, endurance and stretch in a unique format on a 6-inch wide by 5 foot long finite surface.
· Heightens awareness to create a fun yet challenging experience.
· Is perfect for everyone from kids to the active aging and that includes YOU!
· Incorporates the experiential senses into the workout… touching, smelling, hearing, seeing and “taste" …as a matter of style - more importantly lifestyle, thus making it the ultimate “SENSE…UAL” program.

To B.E.A.M. is to:

Balance your life! We all wear many hats and it is the balancing of these hats that leads to a more centered and fulfilled existence.

Elevate self-esteem and confidence

Accomplish and realizing self-potential

Motivate you while improving physical health and fitness

For further information on Beaming™ and Beamfit™ programming and products, please visit www.Beamfit.com. Or call 877-808-BEAM (2326)

There are wrinkles,wrinkles 'round my eyes...there's nothing wrong with me or my thights!

More and more people are asking themselves questions like:

• “What workout will change my body the fastest?”
• “What can I do to gain more muscle? Lose fat?”
• “Should I get Botox?”
• “What is the best way to whiten my teeth?”
• “What products will help me look younger and feel better?”
  
  Many of us ask these questions and then answer ourselves with this:
  “I just want to look like myself, like I have looked all of my life”……in other words we don’t want to age or change. But how does this quest to alter our physical appearance in any way we can, healthy or not, relate to our mental health, our sense of self acceptance, confidence and overall happiness?
  
  There are so many fitness products, diets, supplements, plastic surgery procedures and less “major” forms of body altering procedures such as injecting Botox (a poison) into our body’s that have become an American obsession. In many cases we don’t care what it costs or what we have to do or what the doctor injects into us, as long as we get the result we are looking for – altering our physical appearance in some way.
  
  So the obvious question is: WHY?
• “Why are we so focused on changing ourselves in so many dramatic ways?”
• “What is the goal?”
• "To like ourselves better?"
• "To have the admiration of others?"
• "To look like the bodies we most admire in others? "

Answering these questions can give us clarity. All of these “things” we do from working out to going under the knife may seem innocent, but they do play on our emotional well being and overall sense of self. Look at Joan Rivers and Michael Jackson, and I am sure you have met an exercise addict or 2 in your life – perhaps even an anorexic.

Let’s say the goal is to like “you” better. Statistics show that people who want to make physical changes based on this motivator are often left less than satisfied .They had hoped they’d like themselves more with the changed appearance but discovered that changing the outside doesn’t necessarily change how they feel inside.

Consider these questions:

• 
  “If the goal is to like ourselves more, are there better ways to do it than altering our appearance? Is self-esteem really based on physical appearance?” If this were true, the most beautiful people would be the happiest people (and we know this is not true).
• 
  “Would working on raising our self-esteem be a better investment in time and money than a few thousand bucks for a “fresher” face or a personal trainer?”
  
• “Would we be more likely to have the admiration of others if we were the type of person people liked, felt comfortable with and could emotionally connect with rather than look at?”
  
• “Why do so many of us feel so desperate to change our image?”
• “ Why do we allow the media to make us feel bad about our bodies”? If we are unhealthy, ill or vulnerable to disease, that’s one thing. But if we are none of these and just don’t like how we look, wouldn’t a more powerful question be: “Why am I so dependent on what others think of my appearance?”

Promoting body insecurity sells products that promise us the illusion of popularity and admiration. In reality, the only thing that really lasts – and is likely to improve as you age – is your mental health. Physically, we all age, and eventually die. This is part of the natural rhythm of life. We can fight it for a while, but none of us gets out of here alive, and few of us do it looking “fresh” and youthful.

Hoping to achieve the perfect face and body is like going on a trip knowing we will never get to the destination. There is no real “perfection” out there, and even if we somehow manage to get there, it’s temporary. Today’s fashion model (our alleged cultural ideal) is typically passé in a few years. If the image of the perfect man/woman doesn’t change, you can’t sell new products (clothes, skin care, cosmetics, hair color, etc.) so the ideal standard of beauty is constantly in motion…and the consumer product industry is always on the outlook for new things to sell us.

So, is it wrong to want to look and feel younger? NO - I am not saying it’s wrong, I am just asking us all to take a serious look at the motivating factors and perhaps replace that question with two more practical questions:

• 
  “Will this really make me feel better about whom I am?” and “if it does, is this temporary or will it last?”

In the end nothing is more attractive than a person who is truly happy and secure and comfortable with themselves. When you have happiness with self and joy in your heart you bring it out in others and that is the most beautiful thing of all.

CENTERING...A technique that can give you a professional edge and the hub of your world.

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

If we look at the definition of the word center, it's most commonly referred to as the middle or midpoint, or "dead center" as in bull's eye of a target. An expanded definition encompasses the center as the core, hub, focal point, axis or nucleus. In other words, the world, in a sense, revolves around you! Not to be self-centric, but think about how we get pulled out of our "center" and get drawn away by demands and chaos of our external environment. This leads us to feeling scattered, frazzled, out of synch and out of sorts with ourselves so something that is innate...to be centered, now becomes something we need to learn or re-learn how to do.

In Beaming™ we use the physical movement on the Beam as a catalyst to engage and enhance an individual's attentiveness, focus and concentration to re-group and therefore, return to our center. On the Beam, Centering cultivates this focused awareness to keep our minds here in the present moment, to bring us back into the space of being conscious right now, in the moment to the experiential senses of Beaming™. Today's lifestyle moves at a fast pace for most people. Beaming™ trains us to adapt on the Beam, similar to the changes one must make to react and respond in this fast-paced world while still maintaining a more mindful, centered state.

In essence, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, all bring one to be more centered. These disciplines train the mind, similar to Beaming™ while moving, enhancing the mind-body connection to oneself and the ability to return to the centered state at will. In Beaming™ it is the IMMEDIATE and consistent adjustments that have to be made as you work on the Beam, shutting out anything else but what is going on between you and the Beam, otherwise you'll fall off and literally lose your Centering ability...exactly what happens when you allow the outside world to bombard your space.So what is the ultimate benefit?

By learning how to Center, when you need to Center, allows you to handle whatever tough situations you encounter with grace and wisdom. Centering is a process you practice, ideally everyday so eventually, you get to choose when you want to let the environment that surrounds you, enter your world.

We really are...The World!

No matter what "SOME" may believe......

"WE" are much bigger......much more than American Citizens...

"WE" are members of the World Community -

"WE" are citizens of the world....

and

"WE" along with every living thing on this planet.... are the world

HMMM "JUST DO IT"...WHY "JUST DO IT"....when you can DO IT BETTER?

I think our society has become too focused on getting “THERE” whether “THERE” means a number on a scale, a position in society or getting a job. This obsession with the “THERE” has lead us astray from paying attention to the “HOW TO GET THERE”…..and this has led too many astray…focusing on just “DOING IT.”

We see it in sports with DOPING. We see it in business…just ask Bernie Madoff. There are too many examples of the “JUST DO IT “message gone astray.

So I say don’t “JUST DO IT” Do it with integrity, with style, with purpose and with humility. Do it BETTER than “YOU” did it before and forget about competing with others. Complete YORSELF……don’t compete with others!

Go out today and improve on YOUR “time” YOUR “jump” YOUR ‘throw” just for YOURSELF….……because in the end if you improve on YOUR game you are improving YOURSELF and YOUR LIFE…..and THAT , in the end is all that really matters even if the gold medal isn’t hung around your neck

YOU....hold the POWER!

When the walls feel like they are closing in on you -

LOOK up and you won’t notice.

When the water is rising and you are fearful of drowning -

SWIM harder and be stronger.

When it’s dark and you are alone and scared -

SEEK your inner light for strength and security.

And when all else seems hopeless -

BELIEVE...

in yourself,

in your power,

in your talent,

in your ability

and in your wisdom to get through no matter what …

in the end you hold your life in your own hands and that is the best way to insure a positive outcome.

I thought we could live like "that"

Ever since I can remember I have loved the Olympics. As a child, I would create charts and graphs and follow the events picking who I thought would win the medals. I studied the athletes (from all of the participating countries), studied the sports and overall dove right into the whole thing from the opening ceremonies to the last credit running on the screen following the closing festivities.
What I really took away from all of it wasn’t just my amazement of the athletes and their talents….but actually WHAT the whole event stood for.

I loved to watch all of the countries march in side by side – I always thought we could really live like that some day.

I loved to watch competitors embrace one another at the end of a race – I always thought that we could really live like that some day.

I loved the way countries respected one another and all came together as a world community – I always thought we could really live like that some day.

I loved to see the tears of joy and pain and sorrow and hope as the athletes revealed to the world their talents …and I loved watching even their foes showing respect and Awe at what they saw – I always thought we could really live like that some day.

To me, what the Olympic event represents is hope - a dream – that IF we all come together we would experience a much better world to live in.

So as I watch the Olympics this time, I, once again, will be hoping that what I am watching on the screen and feeling in my heart can somehow carry on after the event is over.

I will take it upon myself to do my best to carry the message forward in my life – which in turn, I hope, will radiate and BEAM out into the lives of those with whom I come in contact with….

GREAT deal on Beams NOW on HSN!

We had two great shows on HSN!!

I want to personally share with you that we have a a few Beams left at a GREAT price at HSN ( www.hsn.com).They are $99.95 each which INCLUDES a DVD (with 4 workouts that are different than what we are selling on the website now) and NO CHARGE for shipping and handling.

There is no limit to the number of Beams you can order, however, they are selling FAST at this price.

In addition, you can use flex pay and split your payment into 3 smaller ones. Can't beat that!This is a limited offer so don't miss out!

Log onto www.hsn.com to order.

RELEASE.....

RELEASE...so you can De-stress, Decompress and Regain Control of Your Life
By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

In our frenetic, fast-paced lives, stress is inevitable; it takes a toll on our minds and bodies, stored internally day after day like an uncoiled snake ready to strike if we're pushed too far. Too many commitments, endless to-do lists, demands from your job, family or friends can leave you exhausted. When this happens, do you resort to unhealthy habits like mindless eating or grab yet another grande latte with double espresso shots for a much needed perk me up?

Or, perhaps you become so anxious and agitated that you skip your workout because the last thing you feel like doing is adding one more thing to your already jam-packed to do list.

Whether you need an energy boost or to recapture that peaceful easy feeling, you can regain self-control and manage stress by learning how to relinquish or RELEASE stress rather than hold it in until you explode. You have the unique ability to change the quality of your energy and go from being tense to tranquil or drained to revitalized, in a very short time.

In Beaming™, Release refers, in the physical sense, to the ability to move on the Beam without tension or muscle rigidity. Your body learns not to fight to neutralize tensional pull from muscles being out of balance, but rather you discover how to Release by responding to the resiliency of the Beam so your body feels naturally aligned. This is calming in itself. When your body is more relaxed and in balance, you can Release as in the act of letting go and, through breathing deep into your belly, you can maintain muscle balance, suppleness and easy movement. The Beam, because of its consistent balance challenges, forces us to learn to be reactive and responsive in the moment and to do so without stress, just as we need to do in daily life.

You can apply the Principle of Release in your life simply by learning to recognize your physical reaction to stress--holding patterns in your body, holding your breath, where you maintain and hide tension in your body which translates as aches and pains. Ask yourself:

1. Where do you hold your tension?

2. What would it feel like to let go in your body?

3. Can you Release without feeling like you're losing control?

4. What does the 'yea but' voice say in your head when you try to Release; do you set up mental roadblocks that prevent you from letting go?

Next time you recognize you're in stress mode try this; it's called Breathe Awareness 360, the same breathing technique we teach while Beaming™ to maintain and attain equilibrium in both body and mind to Release:

* Begin by inhaling deeply, taking in a full breath;use 4 counts to get past your chest and into your belly.

* Feel your rib cage expand cylindrically---front to back and sides.

* Exhale slowly and take 4 counts to empty your belly, your lungs.

* Repeat this technique for 1 minute.

By learning to control your breathing, you will learn how to Release. Deep breathing is the transducer between the body and mind which resets and balances your nervous system and can turn turbulence into tranquility, both on and off the Beam. When you can master staying in Release, you can become better stewards of your own health and well-being.

BARE your SOLE

Why Barefoot Training is the healthiest thing you can do, not only for your feet, but for your body overall
By Linda Shelton

Some of us early exercisers remember, back in the day, when fitness shoe technology wasn't even a glimmer in anyone's fertile mind, we exercised barefoot............... running, dancing, high-impact aerobics, water aerobics. Our feet in those days trained us well; when we moved in a way that challenged our stability or ability, sensory receptors on the soles of our feet sent the body messages-some subtle, some painful, that we were moving in a way that would hurt us or cause injury. If we were aware and listened to our bodies, we'd alter the movement. Your feet are your greatest trainer; they are the "sensory antenna" to the rest of your entire body-your muscles, connective tissue, organs and your brain. In fact, your feet contain the largest number of propioreceptors, second only to your spine. Think of your feet as an "I-chat messenger," giving you constant, in the moment, real-time live feedback as to your position in space, your movement quality, reaction, balance and more. These billions of micro receptors are "turned on" 24/7 when you're standing on your feet.

So why did we cease to 'bare all'? Shoe technology seemed like good idea and in truth it is, considering the shoes we used to exercise in before we got so savvy about specific training. The issue isn't that shoes are bad; the concern is that we NEVER TAKE THEM OFF...EVER! Techno shoes today clearly drive both fitness and fashion. There are shoes that are exclusively designed for every activity and every sport. Hundreds of hours are spent in foot labs, watching people move to determine the best cushioning, support and alignment so that you can individualize your needs, based on your high arches, flat feet and dancer's toes. All good and we support these phenomenal efforts. By the same token, give some thought to kicking off your shoes-athletic or otherwise, and exercising bare naked as in BARE FEET! With so much cushion and support from a shoe, your feet actually become 'numb' to all sensory input and doesn't allow you to naturally ground and feel the surface. It's like giving your feet a shot of Novocain because you feel nothing! In other words, you're losing your own ability to react and respond to sensory input that impacts how your body innately moves. When the bare foot strikes the ground, sensory feedback from the sole activates a series of muscle contractions that in a well-trained foot disperses pressure to a wider area, inducing adaptations, dissipating shock, and functionally avoiding injuries. In shoes, you can't possibly get this input because of the limited sensory feedback to the central nervous system. In addition, wearing shoes full time, for all the positive benefits, can restrict natural foot movement, causing muscles to become weak and lax, joints to become stiff and immobile.

Beaming™ brings "barefoot" back to the forefront of training
To be clear, we're not saying don't ever wear shoes. What we are saying is that at some point, every day, you need to be sans shoes and meet your feet and hopefully this is an exhilarating and "Sens...ual" experience.

Here's why:
Barefoot is tactile, bringing sensory sensation through sole of the foot so that your body can respond. This feedback system helps us balance, re-balance, improve awareness and accurate foot positioning as well as stimulate and activate the muscles of the feet and ankles.

Barefoot is freeing, so the toes can fully extend, flex, and grip the way they should.

Barefoot enhances the stability and mobility of all of your joints, from the feet up so that you begin to use those very fine intrinsic muscles again that can become lax and atrophied from constant shoe entrapment.

Barefoot and balance training combined provide the ability to improve the body's natural response system to reacting more quickly to a negative situation.

Barefoot can lead to better overall health. According Chinese philosophy, life-force energy called Chi can be absorbed through the soles of the feet, increasing circulation, energy, vitality, ability to think more clearly and function at a higher level.

Barefoot may deter aging. Your feet are your own natural fountain of youth. When you exercise barefoot, especially on uneven surfaces, vital organ acupressure points on the foot's sole are stimulated along with receptors of the inner ear that control balance, which declines with age. Research concluded that barefoot training can lead to significant physical and mental health benefits including improved balance, mobility and overall body circulation, lowered blood pressure, correct imbalances and misalignment in the foot structure, all which can delay and even prevent the effects of aging.

Recognizing all of the barefoot benefits, Beaming™ IS performed barefoot. Therefore sensations felt through your feet are amplified even more while balancing on the unstable, resilient surface of the Beam. This initiates more footwork, developing a healthier foot, a heightened sensory awareness and proprioceptive response, bringing mindful consciousness to your body position and movement on the Beam, which transfers to overall better movement off the Beam.

So get brave, get smart and GO BARE everyday...you will love the feeling and even more, your feet and your body will love the abundant results.

Being in the moment is only ½ of it

... celebrating it completes the experience.

Ya know, we have heard it over and over and over, be in the moment, live each moment as if it was your last. But how many of us know how to do it, what it means? We are so busy on our cell phones, blackberry’s, texting and messaging away. We miss ½ the moments in the day due to not being open enough to receive them and experience them. You are already “in the moment” your alive and your there, but how many of us can NOTICE the moment enough to celebrate its uniqueness and cherish its existence before its passing? So I ask you to put down all of your electronic devises and open up the devises that you have been blessed with your eyes, your ears you nose. By doing this you can appreciate and celebrate each moment to its fullest and THAT will show you they way to a more celebrated life.

Evolve today, from where you were yesterday.

If we learn through life we can GROW through it instead of just GOING through it. And the act of learning comes from taking past experiences and applying the lessons they have taught us to the next chapters of our lives. In this way we can evolve as human beings, and hopefully improve and in our own small corner of the world make some improvement. As you wake each day this month, take a moment to reflect on the day that has just past and see if you can GROW and EVELOVE from who you were yesterday. You have 360 days this year ahead of you – think of the potential!

Articulate not just your words but your entire existence.

We spend time making lists, talking about what we would like to do, like to be. We dream and we wish. But more often than not the buck stops there and much of that positive intent melts away. Just think back on your life for a moment. How many things have you wanted to try? How many have never been realized? Look at realistic ways in which you can connect your words with actual experiences in your life. Want to write a book? Start writing short stories – LIVE as a writer. Looking to be a better chef? Get the cook book out and make a new exotic dish once a week – you will add 52 dishes to your repertoire and LIVE as a chef, shopping for ingredients and spending time focusing on the preparation of fabulous food. Exist through living your dreams.

Mentor those around you. You have something to say.

We often believe that our work is our defining statement. How much money we made, how many we sold. But what really matters over the course of our lives? What impact do we have that really matters in the world? What do we leave behind when we’re gone? I believe it is the messages we have left in the hearts and minds of all those we have inspired, mentored throughout lifetime. Not just our own family, our coworkers or friends, but those we meet along the way on a plane, in line at a Starbucks or in a waiting room at the dentist office. We are all walking mentors, some or more conscious than others. YOU become more conscious of it this year. How can you leave a positive thought or feeling on every person you come into contact with? It starts there. A simple smile, kind word or thoughtful deed reveals a style of living to be mentored. Be a mentor to the world and together we can motivate positive change.

Don't "CELL" Yourself Short!

As the sun rose to reveal the bright morning of the New Year, some alarms went off as if just another day had arrived. Others lie still on crowded bedside tables turned OFF while sleepy party goers lie nestled under warm covers determine to sleep a bit longer. Some stores have planned for late openings and early closings on this day, and the Gym stood ready, awaiting the frantic neurotics whose party going and over eating has thrown them into a panic. On this morning one thing is the same for all. 2010 has arrived and the resolutions that were made less than 12 hours ago await their fate. Stop smoking, stop eating, stop drinking, stop swearing and the list goes on. Those with lists to “START” are eager and ready to start exercising, start saving money and start living better lives. It is here we find Dawn, the subject of our investigation.

It is this day and this Dawn that are of importance since what we are looking at is her journey to fulfill her resolution to exercise. She has awakened with excitement and determination and a sense of “I can do this” in her heart. She speedily prepares herself for the gym…..nothing will stop her and nothing will discourage her from her mission. As she gets dressed, tying her hair back in a pony tale she looks in the mirror and assures herself once again that THIS IS IT! Off she goes for the short 8-minute drive to the gym – a journey she could have undertaken by bike or foot. But no, Dawn is beginning her fitness journey with the mindset that working out and exercise can only occur in the gym and therefore a walk or bike ride to the gym is out of the question. Upon arrival she looks for the closest parking space once again solidifying the idea that exercise happens in the gym.

As she proudly walks in, bag over shoulder and a bit of a kick to her step, she is stopped by the guy at the desk…a 22 year old. He stands there like a centurion with a physique that can only be attained by age, diet and an over obsessiveness with self and exercise. He warmly greets her, swipes her membership card and grants her access. Climbing the stairs toward what she has always thought of as the “DREADMILL” she reminds herself that THIS TIME SHE IS GOING TO DO IT!

The treadmills are lined up like cars parked in the lot and most of them are racing beneath the feet of sweaty neurotics who appear to be clinging to the handrails for dear life. She approaches one with mixed emotions, places her bag down to the side and steps up and pushes that dreaded START button. She proudly pushes all of the buttons and programs the machine to the best of her ability with an air of confidence. There she is…exercising…at the gym…. with everybody else….. SHE DID IT!

She looks down at the time indicator on the confusing computer board in front of her in disbelief. It indicates she had been exercising for only 4minutes. How can this be, she wonders? 4 minutes? It feels like 20! At that precise moment her cell phone goes off and she clumsily gets off the machine to dig through her bag.
“Hello” …….. “Oh hi Sara.” “I can’t talk right now I am at the gym..I’ll Call you later.” Sara keeps her on the phone for 5 minutes going on about this and that until Dawn tells her “ok, I really gotta go” ….. “I’ll call you later!”
She places the phone back in her bag, climbs aboard the mighty treadmill, pushes the buttons and begins again. Her mind at ease……she tells her self “I’M DOING IT! As she thinks of how she will be doing this day after day, she looks around at the bodies surrounding her. Some looked like they were carved out of stone. Others looked just like hers and she took comfort in knowing that she was not alone in her struggle. It has now been 6 minutes as she glances at the clock. She is astounded at how out of shape she has become. “I can’t believe it has only been 6 minutes,” she says to herself as she hears the sound of her cell phone once again. Off she goes to dig through her bag.
“Hello”………. “Hi mom” She goes on talking with her mom for a good 15 minutes while the treadmill races next to her working out on its own…. “Mom, I gotta Go” “I’m at the gym” She hangs up and once again climbs aboard the mighty treadmill. Pushing the buttons once again she sets the machine and gets back into it. Dawn is amazed at how the woman next to her appears to have been on her treadmill for hours. She is sopping wet and shows no signs of stopping. She seems as though she is in a trance with her headphones on, eyes closed and legs and arms pumping away. Dawn wonders if she will ever be that good at this…that fit……that dedicated.

12 minutes has passed now and Dawn is huffing and puffing. Sweat emerges on her brow and she is feeling proud that she is at least “looking” like she is accomplishing something. Fur Elise begins to play once again from her bag and she gratefully dismounts her treadmill with a sigh of relief at the sound of her phone.
“Hello”……….”Hi Susan, guess what I’m at the gym!”…….”Well I got up this morning and Blah Blah…….……..” And Dawn went on and on how she had finally decided to begin her exercise routine. She and Susan discussed exercising and the countless times each one of them had started and stopped. The numerous classes and programs they have tried and dropped. 40 minutes went by. The treadmill raced next to Dawn once again as she sat there with Susan on the cell. “Ok, ..I really gotta go and finish my workout” Dawn said as she hung up the phone with Susan. She got up and ran over to the bathroom. Upon her return she looked at the clock and realized she had been at the gym for an hour and a half. WOW she thought. She gathered her belongings in a hurry to leave the gym and rush home to shower. She looked back at the great grey building wondering what it is about the gym that attracts so many people……..and why they keep going time after time.


And so, Dawn left the gym proud that she had spent and hour and a half “working out”. It is sad to note that she was “celling herself short” since she spent more time off the treadmill on the phone then she did on the treadmill working out. As she drove home that morning she realized that working out and talking on the phone doesn’t really work. So she plans on skipping the workout and spending her time on the phone where she would really rather be. After all there is another New Year to start again..Next year.

30 minutes working out
60 minutes on the phone