Dienstag, 30. Oktober 2012

Thoughts and reflection in difficult times!

I am up since 7am, watching the news and getting as much updates on what is going on around the city! Sandy hit hard! No public transport since Sunday 7pm, train stations and streets are flooded, half of the city is without electricity and heating, ... I do not even want to get started on the devastating damage Sandy caused in the very South of NYC and New Jersey *terrible* 
The preparation started on Sunday already - I was having a wonderful brunch on the East side with one of my dear friends and as I was making my way up to my apartment, the thought of "oh, grocery shopping might be a good idea" crossed my mind ;) I was passing by people lining up in front of stores and still I wasn't feeling any pressure of moving faster to get into a super market - obviously the lines were in front of super markets to get prepared with water, food and other supplies for the upcoming and uncertain days...
Well, I spent about 1 1/2 hours in the super-market and I wasn't even sure what I was really preparing for - We don't have hurricanes in Europe!!! Fortunately everyone in the store was very calm and I could not sense any feeling of impatience as people were lining up through the aisles! Here is my survival cart ;) Got my veggies, water and coockies^^


So, I'm watching the news today, which I couldn't do for longer than 5 minutes yesterday!!! I felt really nervous about what is about to happen to a city that is with its surroundings inhabiting more than 20 Million people! This uncertainty was such a weird and insecure feeling... Obviously most stores and business were closed, so everyone was hiding out at home waiting for the storm to hit!
I couldn't be more grateful for my housing situation! (apart from the big old tree that we feared could fall on one of the surrounding buildings ;) but it didn't *yaaay*) and we taped the windows... just in case ;) 
Up here on the Upper East Side not much damage has happened - this morning I went outside and apart from small trees on Park ave everything seemed pretty calm! Totally different situation in the south of Manhattan, the other boroughs and New Jersey! If you follow the news you see the devastating outcomes of this hurricane! Being that close to a natural disaster like that, makes me aware and conscious about the necessity of being grateful everyday for waking up WELL AND SAFE!!! 
I'm sending prayers and love to every person out there who is affected to much worse degrees! May they have the strength and faith to move on in this terrible situation of loosing their homes, cars or of facing other major difficulties the storm might have caused!

I was watching Oprah's 'Life Lesson' on Sunday night! It was an inspiring show on the power of the words I AM with Joel Osteen. "What follows the words I AM will come look for you!!!" Oprah emphasized on the importance and power of gratitude in that connection as well - Saying the simple words THANK YOU, DANKE, MERCI, GRACIAS, Cпаcибо, GRAZIE, ευχαριστώ, ... in the morning before getting out of bed will make you aware that you can be grateful for just waking up in a healthy and strong body, a safe room and that there is a new day ahead of you! I believe that having such an awareness helps in dark hours as these were last night and still are for many people close to where I am right now!
Oh, I am getting spiritual again ;) but the truth is that this is all interconnected and even if we are not out there helping to cleanup, we can at least take care of having positive and faithful thoughts towards ourselves and others!

May everyone be safe in the aftermath of the storm! I hope that all of you are well and receive the help needed in case of emergency!

I AM so incredibly grateful for my family, all my friends and friends of friends who contacted me or contacted each other to find out if I and NYC are alright :) YOU ARE amazing - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I love you and I miss you!
Xoxo

Montag, 22. Oktober 2012

Spirit Junkie Sati = RoCkStAr-Awesomeness

Yesterday morning two powerful, beautiful and inspiring practices merged! 
intenSati and Spirit Junkie are both spiritual practices that have a common goal: to pursue happiness and strengthen our believe in miracles, by eliminating fear and doubts (the EGO) from our mindset and attitude!
For me personally this combo is magical - I am practicing intenSati joyfully and extensively (as you know^^) and I am reading and fell in love with Gabrielle Bernstein's book 'Spirit Junkie'! 
Spirit Junkie is telling Gabby's story and journey of how she became a miracle worker and spirit junkie and in her book, Gabby introduces the reader to very accessible ways to arrive at this desired, miraculous state of happiness and joy!
So, Patricia Moreno and Gabrielle Bernstein teamed up to host a Workin' it out event, combining both methods and bringing together communities, which left all participants to be inspired, sweaty, happy, smiling, transformed and grateful!
In today's post, I will let the pictures speak for themselves and let you become inspired by Gabby, explaining the affirmations of the intenSati workout!

The Power-Duo: Patricia and Gabby <3

Hildie and I *yay* <3

Tamara and I <3

Team Celebrate SatiSistas :) xoxo

Gabby is ready for the gospel and workout!
Warming Up & having fuuun :)
Gabby and I *yay* :)

Patricia and I <3

Gabby Gospel - We need more light-workers! Accepting and shifting from body identification to spirit identification! When you express your truth, you are a teacher!!! 

Egoeradicator *amazing* #Kundaliniyoga

Egoeradicator!!!
Thanks for making this miracle happen :)

Let's get sweatin' :D

Today is the day I embrace change
I choose to love myself again
My mind is free from false beliefs

I’m willing to see the truth about me
I’m letting go of fear I release all doubt
I’m a messenger of love I kick the ego out
I’m guided by love I’m full of gratitude
I’m loving my body and my new attitude
Thank you both! It was ah-mazing! *big-smile*

Photo sources: my phone, Gabrielle's & Patricia's social media channels (Twitter, Facebook)

Samstag, 20. Oktober 2012

My first intenSati class!

Yesss, I taught my first intenSati class :) it felt sooo good! I am still on this vibe teaching this class gave me! Sure, I was very nervous at the beginning, but the fact that I had one student, who is my dear friend too, took off a lot of pressure about getting the music and cueing right... I still need practice but, IF IT DOESN'T CHALLENGE YOU IT DOESN'T CHANGE YOU ;)

I was so psyched about teaching yesterday and I want to share my intro with you (almost as if you were there too ;D):


Hi dear warriors,
My name is Alexandra, i am from Austria and I am so grateful to be here today with you :)

How are you feeling? Energy level???

This is intenSati - it is made up of the words intention and Sati, which is the Sanskrit word for mindfulness.
IntenSati is the practice of combines powerful affirmations with intense exercise that make you feel and embody those affirmations.
My Personal connection - First read about the practice in German fitness magazine & first day in NYC 25th of July: where it all started @ the Workin' it out event! I knew I had to become an intenSati leader!
I am so happy to be standing here today... This is my first class and I'm nervous ;) 
Today's series is called the Warrior series and I love this series... There are so many powerful affirmations in there! And for today I picked the very first one, which is YES I AM COMMITTED TO LIVE A LIFE I LOVE (repeat) And for me this is such a powerful and strong affirmation, especially because I became clear about something in my life the other day, which caused me to shift my mindset towards many aspects of my life immediately... and that was that I tend to settle with OK states - that might be having an having an OK job, OK love life, following an OK diet, earning OK money, etc. 
How will I ever be able to truthfully life the life I love if I settle with OK!?!?!?! 
We all have visions of our dream job, home, love etc in mind, which we will block by settling with OK! Can you relate to that a little bit?! 
We have to be true to ourselves and others and allow ourselves to be unapologetic about what we really want! Honesty, clarity and having the right attitude are the key ingredients! Having faith in your miracle to come true is also essential - it might not come at your desired schedule but it will come!!! Have faith!
So tonight I want to call your unapologetic dreams and desires *MIRACLES* into your life!

Sit up nice and tall (close your eyes) and think of one area in your life where you settle with ok and now imagine that this area becomes uplifted, gets a little push (whatever that might be) into the direction of the desired state! 
And when you are ready come up into standing in ready pose and keep that image of your dream in the forefront of your mind!!
WarmUp...

Yay, that was the prepped intro for the class :) It was AWESOME! 
I am looking forward to have more Warriors join me on my weekly journey of teaching, having fun, being happy and training to be the change!
Warrior power :)
Next class, tba ;)
Love love love, xoxo

p.s. Today is the Spirit Junkie Sati event with Patricia Moreno and Gabrielle Bernstein - two powerful women, who inspire me a lot! Stay tuned for that in my next post...

Sonntag, 14. Oktober 2012

An inspirational walk through Highline Park!

Good morning world :)
A couple of weeks ago I went to see the beautiful Highline Park in NYC! What was once intended to become a train connection on Manhattan's West side was transformed into a very nice and calm park next to the Hudson! Today I want to share some inspirational quotes from the various books and teachers I have been studying lately! Why this park and inspirational quotes?! Well, walking through this park and seeing all the railway rails, which are still there, made me associate this place with change! We all go through a lot of changes in our lives - new jobs, new apartments, new love, new goals, changing environments, changing thoughts, transforming habits and circumstances! Enjoy and get inspired <3

Our lives are determined by our thoughts, our attitude and our actions! That is how we co-create our reality - every day and in a very true way!
Become the witness of your thoughts! The outside world is the reflection of our internal state. We should support ourselves and our experiences by choosing positive thoughts!

What you've done is unimportant compared to what you are about to do. How you have erred is insignificant compared to how you are about to create!


Doubt your doubts and they vanish! Feel your fears and they fade! Let go of your worries and they will let go of you! Give all of yourself and you will have all!

I AM that. I AM free. I AM great. The words you say after 'I AM ...' are very powerful. You are declaring who you are, who you have been and who you choose to be!

Trust not your good intentions. They are not enough. But trust implicitly your willingness, whatever else may enter!

All shallow roots must be uprooted, because they are not deep enough to sustain you!

LOVE (in a Course of Miracles): the right minded emotion of peace and joy! <3

I AM in charge of how I feel and today I AM choosing HAPPINESS!

I love the ones who are in my life and make it amazing and I thank the ones who left my life and made it even more fantastic!

I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new - That's what faith can do!

Don't let anyone ever dull your SPARKLE!

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest :) I believe in miracles <3 xoxo

Someday everything will make perfect sense. So, for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason!

Dream, desire, imagine your life and yourself in a greater state than you are now. Know that what you desire is on its way and and expect to receive all guidance that you need!

Thank you Patricia Moreno and Gabrielle Bernstein for inspiring me every day - I love your books!
"The intenSati Method - 7 Principles to thinner peace!" represented my Kick-starter to allowing and welcoming spirituality and unapologetic joy into my life! The whole practice of intenSati has caused such a tremendous positive shift of clarity in my life that I couldn't be more grateful and happy about this experience :) And it gets me sweating a lot^^
And Gabrielle Bernstein's "Spirit Junkie" is my current source of inspiration! I love Gabby's approach to explaining our interconnectedness, our oneness and how she always strongly relates to her own experiences - that brings liveliness the whole journey and makes you think "I can have that too! And I want to have that too!" 
Funny story to how Gabby's first book "Add more -ing into your life" has found its way into my life: I was still in Austria and after reading the article about intenSati in the SHAPE magazine I went to Amazon to order Patricia's book and Gabby's book popped up as recommendation. I read through the plot and intuitively decided to order it too, without really knowing who she was or what i can really expect from that book! Something simply dragged me to the "Add to cart" button! 
I received Patricia's book a week later and read it twice within 2 weeks! Gabby's book had shipping delays even beyond my departure to NYC. And then I came across Gabby's website (gabbyb.tv), because she was interviewing Patricia (who happens to be a good friend of hers) for the promotion of Gabrielle's new book "May Cause Miracles"! Interview series with miracle workers - Patricia Moreno
OMG, how crazy is that!?! (I thought) There are no coincidences! Now, I have become a huge fan of Gabby's vlogs and Particia's daily Sati moments! 
And guess what - to make my smile and gratefulness for having these two strong women as teachers and inspiration in my life, they will be hosting an event next weekend in NYC together: Spirit Junkie Sati!!! I AM very very very excited :)

Thank you thank you thank you!
Happy Sunday, everyone :)
xoxo

Samstag, 13. Oktober 2012

We are the powerful co-creators of our lives!

Every intenSati class begins with the same words and movements:
"Every day in a very true way I co-create my reality! As above, so is below - this is what I know!"


This is a powerful declaration, to become aware that we have the power to choose our thoughts, our attitude and our actions. The second part is the reminder that what we think in our mind ("as above"), we will become in our body and life ("so is below"). Our thoughts are the cause - either for what happens to our physical body or in our life!

Wow, what does that really mean?? And how can I apply that to my life?? Will I really really become aware and conscious about my thoughts only by saying those words and making those moves?? Thoughts come and go; they are influenced by my actions and the things happening around me... So how will I ever achieve to first of all become aware of my thoughts and how they influence my being and second how can I consciously choose them and choose happiness over fear and doubt?! It is said that human beings have 50,000 thoughts a day, Wow wow wow! That will become an interesting journey... - Those were my thoughts when I started the practice 3 months ago!

I am and have always been trying to identify negative thoughts or habits that I have during the day and once identified, I try my best to transform them into positive thoughts and actions. This starts with the words you choose to say - as you can read it on my Facebook page: Your word is your wand to create!
Words that we say to ourselves and others are affirmations too and they carry a lot of energy! If you choose positive and energizing words and language, your spirit (meaning your happiness and joy) will be uplifted and you will become the co-creator of your life! Words become reality - now, think about the effect negative words can have on your attitude, happiness, perception of  your situation and life...

At the beginning of this week I had my AHA moment: During my lunch break, I was sitting on the sunny terrace in Midtown Manhattan, enjoying my delish salad ;) and had the thoughts passing through my mind and for some reason I didn't feel joy and happiness and noticed that something was bothering me... First I was blaming it on the weather (it was actually too cold to sit outside), then I blamed it on the fact that it was only Tuesday, the weekend is so far away, blablabla... and then I "took a closer look" and discovered that I found myself in an old thinking pattern:  the old impatience paired with the old fear of the future, as I was future tripping with certain situations, surfaced again!!! As soon as I became aware of it, I started laughing and thought "Yes, gotcha - not with me!" - not only internally, no wonder people were looking at me *haha* but that certainly was my eye-opener and the moment I realized that you actually can be the witness of your thoughts and choose better ones whenever necessary!You are the co-creator of your reality!

I have been intensively engaging in daily spiritual practice since my first day in NYC - when I got all into it at the intenSati Work-out event! In the face of my sweat, tears and energy, I knew that this will be something great and it became something greater than imagined!
Daily meditation - never underestimate the power 5-10 silent minutes with yourself can have on the experience of your day, attitude, thoughts, sleep, actions, etc. It is truly ah-mazing!!! We all have jobs, university, relationships, deadlines, family and friends who need our attention and devotion - and we all do certain things with real passion and other things just have to done, but be honest where is the time for yourself (the most important person in your life, btw!!!) Where is it??? And that is why a spiritual practice is essential for our well being, our happiness and to make sure that our attention and dedication to the outside world is guided by our happy self and not our angry or fearful self!
For me it is meditation and reading spiritual literature (Yeah, you are right, I go to the self-help section at the bookstore and I happily admit to that!) - What is true for me does not have to be true for everyone... You might find your 5(min) A DAY in listening or dancing to your favorite song, or sitting still without doing anything else (OMG - imagine that, right ;)) or you go for a walk, do some morning yoga or go for a run! Try to find your something that nurtures your body and mind and brings a smile on your face every time you do it! GO FOR IT!!!
You will eventually find your way to meditation and fall in love with it, just like I have :) 
To put it in a nutshell... Meditating helps you to become aware of yourself and the thoughts and beliefs that you CHOOSE to hold. Daily meditation also guides you to living a happy and joyful life - and now be honest WHO DOESN'T WANT TO BE HAPPY!?!? ;)

Thank you! 
Love, xoxo

Sonntag, 7. Oktober 2012

The truth is energizing!

About 3 weeks ago I started this 90 day challenge for a healthier self - I called it "healthy-ever-after" ;)
My initial plan was to commit to very very healthy eating, working out and getting enough sleep! Meaning: NO sugar, NO alcohol, NO white flour, NO meat, one fruit and veggie day per week and 2-3 liters of water per day!
Here is a little piece of myself that I am going to reveal to you... I get excited about certain things veeery easily and once I have set a specific goal, that gives me well enough reason(s) to hold on to, I simply go for it - no matter what! BUT, (most of the time) I do not consider the strings attached to that action or plan upfront - the energy-killers appear soon enough!
So, I expected to be full of energy every day and be comfortable in my body, by eating all healthy and conscious! 
What really happened:
I sticked to my well-created and supervised plans, for eating and working out and felt good - not as unstoppable as expected but I decided to stay patient! I haven't had any cravings or major drawbacks for the first 2 weeks. I cooked nice veggie dinners every night and had my lunches prepared for the next day!
This equation had one vivid error - I traded my social life for being fully committed to my rules of the challenge!!! I stopped going and eating out, which I loved so much during my first month being in NYC! 

At intenSati leader training we were discussing the topic of integrity - of being in full alignment with yourself, with your body and mind! You can only be completely happy and living the life you love, if you are being true and honest with yourself and others. Every thought that we choose to think determines our integrity! Every word we say determines our integrity!

I was miserable this week! I was unable to understand why I was in such a bad mood, after such an incredibly empowering weekend at leader training... And then it hit me: I lost my inner completeness over the past 3 weeks, by chastening myself. The truth is, I have already been living a conscious and healthy life-style before I committed to the challenge - I felt comfortable with my body and self, but I needed a challenge! Being on this NO diet decreased my energy levels, my happiness and joy for the moment. I actually created a discomfort with my body from nowhere, because it was not there before! Of course, i lost weight and my body refined, but I was not enjoying the process of how to get there!

From the moment I discovered that truth and decided to commit to the life I love, my mood and body perception changed instantly!

I will definitely hang in the challenge, but I modified it - I call it "Yay-to-life"
I choose to make the right food choices and I know that my mind knows what is right for my mind and body at that time. I get to embrace and enjoy my Semester abroad in NYC without having a bad conscious about anything I do, eat and drink! A lot of workout included (and that is anyways one of the easiest things to truly commit to as I am a sports fanatic)

This is happy cocktail in the "Yay-to-life" to-do list ;) perfect ingredients for succeeding in this challenge!
And so it is!

Montag, 1. Oktober 2012

I AM an intenSati Leader NOW!

COMMITMENT-DESIRE-STRENGTH-FAITH-READY-WILLING-ABLE-PLAY FULL OUT- APPRECIATION-VICTORY

10 powerful words! 10 powerful movements! 1000000 powerful thoughts! 1000000 powerful emotions!

The very long awaited weekend was finally there - intenSati leader training *yaaay* I knew I am about to take a new step to guide my career path into a desired direction! I did my homework: memorize the affirmations, have the 8 count of the music, know the moves and their names (see above^^), meditate (that was my extra) and be curious about the experience.

All set - on my way to Midtown on Saturday morning, making my way through the EMPTY streets of NYC I felt super nervous and excited at the same time.
I always had these lines and words from other inspiring intenSati leaders in my head, of how great and life-changing this training was for them. I couldn't agree more!!!
My fellow and amazing soon-to-be-leaders and I enjoyed great workouts and coaching from Patricia, Betsy and Tiffany to prepare us for the journey of being able to train the change!
Two full days of intensive body workout, precious hours of training the mind and beginning to cause a conscious shift in my mind towards what I need to be successful in the things that I am passionate about!
  1. Practice, practice, practice
  2. Do not listen to what fear tells me to do
  3. Be present and honest with myself
  4. Keeping my promises
This weekend was an amazing experience - I needed a while to process all the emotions and feelings. I am so grateful for all the inspiring personalities I have met and for what I have been able to learn from all of them! Thank you!

Here are some links to videos taken at leader training:
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
Every day in a very true way, I co-create my reality!
What I desire is on its way...


Yes, I AM committed to live a life I love - I want it, I want it, I really really want it - I AM strong, now - I believe I will succeed - I AM ready for a change - I AM willing to change - I AM able to change - I AM playing full out, without any doubt - I appreciate this day - I AM the change! (Warrior series)
POWER, I CHOOSE, COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE - ALL I NEED IS WITHIN ME NOW!
Team CELEBRATE now ready to be the change!
Are you committed to living a live you love? ...