Yoga for Beginners or Those Returning is Easier Than You Think

Beginning or Returning to Yoga

So you’ve been thinking about starting or returning a yoga routine but aren’t really sure where you should (re)start, what you’ll need or if you want to try it from home or go to the local yoga studio. Most anyone can do yoga and you don’t need much to get started.  It’s actually pretty easy to get started.

Sometimes the hardest part of yoga is to simply get started with it.  You have excuses, like not enough time, money, energy, motivation.. (fill in your excuse).  But, once you’ve made that decision you need to follow through on it.  Get a video that you can use at home, or look up some free ones on Youtube, because they are out there everywhere, and just start.  

Start small and do a few poses for ten minutes, every day for seven days, and see what you think about it.  Anyone can commit to doing something for ten minutes a day for seven days.  Heck, we all waste much more than ten minutes a day so why not start a new habit.  The more you do it, the more you’ll like it.

To get started all you really need is a yoga mat.  If you have hardwood floors you should probably get one that is a little thicker because some of the poses require you to be on your knees during the practice.

As you progress you can see about getting some yoga blocks, a yoga bolster and any other accessories you might like to have.  It’s all up to you, but getting that mat and getting started right away is what is most important.  

Some Basic Poses

You will need to know the basic poses for yoga but you will learn more and more as you get further into practicing yoga.  The basic poses for yoga that you will see the most are:

The Mountain Pose

The Downward Dog

Warrior Post

Tree Pose

Boat Pose

Triangle Pose

Seated Twist

Cobra

Upward Facing Dog

Crow Pose

Child’s Pose

Standing Forward Bend

Getting a sequence together is also important for the beginner.  One of the easiest things to start with is the child’s pose.  Taking a few deep breaths and relaxing for a few minutes will help to get your relaxed so you can begin your routine.

Move into the downward dog pose and hold for about five breaths and move on to standing forward bend and hold for five breaths.  Next you can go into the upward facing dog pose and hold for five breaths. From there you will be able to easily move into Warrior pose and will hold for five breaths, then switch sides and hold for five more breaths.

From here move into triangle pose and hold for five breaths and switching sides to hold for five more breaths.   From the triangle pose you can move into the boat pose and hold for five breaths.  To end, lie flat on your back in the savasana pose.  Once you are comfortable and breathing easily enjoy this break for about ten to fifteen minutes.  

You now know the basics and what you can do to get started with yoga.  

This is just one of the things you can do to bring balance to your life. For information on books I've written please check here.

This is Diana Books

For Business and Intuitive Coaching Check Here

A Vision Statement for Business Owners and Anyone With Their Own Venture

The Importance of a Vision Statement for Entrepreneurs 

(and anyone with a special project)

If you are someone who wants your own business venture, whether it be a traditional brick or mortar business, or as an artist, this post is for you.

If you go into any large, successful company and look at their employee materials, somewhere you’ll probably find a vision statement, or some similar form of guidance or goals for the company.  That’s because a vision statement is one of the most important things a company can have.

When you think about a long race or long project, which part do you think is the hardest?  Which part do you think is the easiest part to just give up?  Logically, you would think it was the end, but if you think harder, the end is actually pretty easy.  That’s because, even though you’re drained you can still see your goal in sight, which pushes you to keep going.

The purpose of a vision statement is to keep yourself going when you’re tired, but not even close to achieving your goals.  A vision statement reminds you that there is a point, there is an end in sight, and if you keep pushing you’ll get there.  Vision is what keeps us from giving up on our dreams.

So how do you make your businesses vision statement? 
Basically you just have to sit down and figure out what you want.  Sounds pretty simple, but if you’re ever actually tried to accomplish this, you know it’s a bit more difficult than it sounds.  

To write your statement, think about what you want - from your life, from your business, and for your family.  If it helps, you might want to write separate statements for your personal life and your business.

While having a vision statement is great, the simple act of writing one is a benefit in itself.  It causes you to sit down and think about what you REALLY want out of your business, and out of your life.  This is something many of us have never actually done.  

While it is beneficial to have an all-encompassing vision statement, it also helps for it to be fairly short and concise.  This may take a while to do, but is worth it in the long run.

Once you have your vision statement, be sure to keep it in mind.  It doesn’t work to push or motivate yourself if you forget about it completely.  Make sure to put your vision statement in some form, whether it be the whole statement or just key words and pictures, where you’ll see it on a regular basis.  This way it will keep you motivated and pushing for your dreams.

If you have a business with employees or where customers and business partners come to your office, it could be beneficial to post your vision statement somewhere that everyone can see it. This will help motivate your employees and let your customers know what it is you’re about and what you’re committed to.

It may take some time and some thought, but a well thought out vision statement can be a fantastic tool for your business or any project you may be working on.

If you would like more information on me and my quest please do contact me. I am of course on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube, Google+, Pinterest, Blogger, and BlogTalkRadio and all can be accessed via my website: www.thisisdiana.com and http://ow.ly/AGmlA 

~Always with Love, Light and Common Sense Manners~

Diana Navarro, M.S.
On a Quest to Bring Common Sense Manners Back!

How to be Your Own Coach When You Need It

How to Encourage and Coach Yourself

As an Psychic Empath and a person with a counseling background, I know how important it is to have a constant support structure. Doctors need doctors, psychologists need therapy, psychic need their own spiritual sessions but what can you do when you can't find another person to coach, motivate and support you?

Working on your own is a great way to gain freedom and flexibility, but finding self-motivation can be one of the biggest road blocks.  The key to succeeding as your own boss is that you have to act like a boss.  You boss is someone who gets you on the right track and keeps you going.  Here are a few tips on how to be your own motivator.

Make goals.  It’s pretty hard to stay focused on work if all it is to you is work.  To keep yourself motivated you have to have something to work towards.  If you’re starting to get yourself motivated, the first thing you need to do is set goals.  It might be a business goal, a financial goal, or something you’ll be able to do once you get your business going. This could be visualizing the kind of life you desire to live. 

 If you’ve been going for a while, remind yourself of what you started working for. Write them down or use a mobile so you have them right there with you.

Don’t forget.  Once you set your goals, be sure to find a way to keep them in your mind.  Keep a written statement of your goals somewhere you can see them often, or post pictures on the walls of your office of your family or things you want to do when you make the money.  Anything that will remind you of what you’re working for will help.

Get help.  If just having goals isn’t enough to keep you on track, why not try going to a professional.  You don’t have to spend all the money to hire a traditional coach.  There are plenty of courses and systems available with methods to help keep you on track.  The key is finding the right one.  Why not find successful people you know and ask them to point you in the right direction.

Think positive.  While positive thinking is a hard skill to master, it’s one of the most beneficial things you’ll ever learn.  It can not only help you achieve your goals, you’ll probably find yourself happier and more satisfied in your personal life as well.  You can try things like positive affirmations or even meditation. This doesn't mean your head is in the clouds. It is simply a way to stay centered and away from constant negative chatter that might come your way.

Stay healthy.  A healthy mind is fueled by a healthy body.  You don’t have to be a pro athlete, but if you eat a sensible diet and get regular exercise, you’ll probably find yourself feeling better and working better too. This can be done one step at time. Seriously, try sipping water throughout the day so you are hydrated, or try doing small physical moves like stretches to keep yourself energized and flexible. The options are endless.

Take breaks.  If you feel like you can’t concentrate, take a break and get yourself back in focus.  The same thing applies long term.  If you’re feeling burnt out and just can’t get yourself going, why not take a few days off.  You can go on a vacation, or just take a stay-cation and rediscover what’s in your own back yard.  Once you go back, you’ll feel re-energized and ready to take on any challenge.  

If you would like more information on me my BOOKS and my quest please do contact me. I am of course on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube, Google+, Pinterest, Blogger, and BlogTalkRadio and all can be accessed via my 

For Books click here

website: www.thisisdiana.com and http://ow.ly/AGmlA and 

~Always with Love, Light and Common Sense Manners~

Diana Navarro, M.S.
On a Quest to Bring Common Sense Manners Back!

Self-Care, 11 Reasons Why You Don't Workout and Debunking Them For a Better You

11 Reasons Not To Workout and Debunking Them for a Better YOU

What stops us from working out? There are so many reasons why working out and a fitness routine gets put on the back burner. How many on the list below look familiar to you? I’m willing to bet there are some I have forgotten to list. Perhaps you can email us and we can reprint the list next month with the new ones added.

With what we have listed below you can begin to identify the reasons you don’t make your health and body a priority. Once you do this you can take a deeper look at your own specific situations and ask yourself, are these reasons I don’t practice fitness really valid? Is there a way around these obstacles so you can find a way to place priority on this miraculous vehicle you inhabit—your body?

Can you identify which reason(s) prevent you from working out?

__Too Busy
__No Time

__Too Tried

__Bored

__Not Motivated

__No Support From Others

__Lack of Strategy

__My Body Hurts

__It Doesn’t Work

__I’m Too Old

__I Don’t Need To Because I’m Naturally Fit

__It’s Too Expensive

Trust me, most of us struggle with several of these on the regular basis. This is why some people require multiple incentives to begin and stay with a fitness program. Some need the support of their family and friends, others thrive in competition, while others prefer to perform their activities in solitude.

I think beginning with small steps works well with many so let’s start there by working at your own pace and following some of the moves Vinny and provide for you. We also include that fitness routine includes eating healthy, not smoking, and drinking moderately. But as we said earlier, let’s start with baby steps, one move at a time and work our way up. This month Vinny and I want you to try something that most people want help with; YOUR BELLY! See below for your next step to overall fitness. And next time we’ll discus reasons to start and stay with a fitness routine.

Let’s begin with de-bunking.

__TOO BUSY. This one is doozy. Most of us are no stranger to “busy-ness”. But ask yourself this; is there anything more important than the physical vehicle that carries you through this life? Probably not. Therefore, making, creating, and finding the time for fitness is possible and do-able and completely up to you. This Working Things Out newsletter tries to incorporate workout moves you can do in sets or while doing other activities. Ideally, with time it is best to give yourself the gift of time to workout. But while you are working on getting there the moves we provide can be done almost anywhere and anytime. Why not give yourself the chance to try some of these if you haven’t already?

__NO TIME. This is one of the top reasons people do not workout and is related to the above. But try to think of all the times we are just idle, doing nothing, or wasting time browsing the internet, paying games, waiting on lines etc. You can certainly fit a few minutes every other day to take care of the most important thing, and that is YOU. 

__TOO TIRED. This is my personal Achilles heel. It’s almost impossible to exercise when one is tired. Ultimately however, making the effort to workout will lead to more energy, not less. Starting with short workouts can be a starting point. Even five minutes of doing squats can begin to prepare the body for more time in the future for that and other fitness moves.

__BORED. Many people claim they get bored when they workout. One possible solution is to find a particular fitness style that challenges them or an activity that is both interesting to them and has health benefits. Whether you workout at home or in the gym there are lots of tips to make your sessions interesting. You can check fitness magazines, consult with a personal trainer, like Vinny for ideas and check local gyms for strategies they use and implement them yourself. For an example of a simple yet effective motivator, you can see how music adds fuel to most individual’s fitness sessions. Many fitness magazines and online newsletters offer tips on particular songs or music genres you can use for specific types of workouts.

__NOT MOTIVATED. This is also a challenged and can have multiple reasons. Fear, lack of strategy and impatience can be reasons not to feel motivated. One of the ways to combat this is to find support from friends, love ones, or like-minded persons. Even on the computer you can find health communities that can help you get that “oomph” to get started.

__NO SUPPORT FROM OTHERS. As you can see from above, computer communities can be a starting point. Another way is to ask friends, co-workers, family and other persons that show a similar interest. If you find someone in your life is not being supportive, you are not obligated to share you goals with them. You can either find another way of communicating to them that you desire their support or choose to find another resource to reach out to. It is your body and you ought to be the one who chooses how to best care for you.

__LACK OF STRATEGY. This can be combated by doing a tiny bit of research and creating routines and setting goals. To help you with this are again, personal trainers, coaches, online communities and even health professionals.

__MY BODY HURTS. It is always advised that you check with a physician to make sure you can engage in physical exercise. There is almost always something that can be done, whether it’s simple stretching, physical therapy, strength training (varying in intensity), yoga, etc. Make sure you have no injuries and expect to have slight soreness once you do begin any new physical routine. It is also very important to perform specific moves correctly to prevent injuries.

__IT DOESN’T WORK. Not seeing results is usually caused using incorrect workout strategies, not eating appropriately, illness, unhealthy habits or even being impatient. First, check with a physician to see what type of fitness routine you should engage in. Next, consult a personal trainer and/or nutritionist to assess where you are in your fitness goals. Then, and this is important, give it time to work.

__I’M TOO OLD. This one is just a plain myth. Anyone at any age can exercise. Just consult with a professional first to see what fitness routine is best for you. Many “older” adults reaching up to their 80’s and beyond are in better shape than many children and young adults.

__I DON’T NEED IT BECAUSE I AM NATURALLY FIT. Even people who are naturally slim can have many unhealthy habits and lifestyles. This can lead to illnesses, risk of future diseases like cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, cancer, and many more. Being healthy is a lifestyle. This includes health screenings, if money provides, of course, a healthy diet, not smoking, sun protection, keeping hydrated, reducing or managing stress, living a balanced life, not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation.

__IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE. This is true if you are not creative and fall for the hype that fitness can only be attained by joining an expensive gym. Fitness can be attained and not necessary affect your bottom-line in a negative way. In fact, you may be saving yourself and untold amount of money by avoiding illness and other maladies.

__NO OR LITTLE SPACE. This is another challenge that can be overcome. Specific moves can be done virtually anywhere and require very little space. This is something I have much experience with. Again, a little creativity and determination is all that is really required.

Fitness is a way of life not a temporary activity performed for special events like swimsuit season or holiday parties. But as we like to emphasis it takes small, gradual changes to make the transition to a healthy life long-lasting. Be kind to yourself if you backslide and know you can ALWAYS start over. The only one judging you is you.

If you are interested in more information on self-care in the form of fitness, trainer referral or any This is Diana coaching, events and to book her on speaking engagements, go to: www.Thisisdiana.com

~On a Quest to Bring Common Sense Manners Back!~

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What I Learned and YOU Should Know From My "Failed" Crowdfunding Indiegogo Campaign

NOTE: Below are This is Diana Website and Radio links, click visit and follow...

It took me a couple of years to launch my Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. I originally created a campaign in to of the main sites, Kickstarter and Indiegogo.  I wanted to be clear of what I wanted to achieve. I wanted to do an album with beautiful heartbreak love songs people love to hear, followed by a live show performing the songs. I did a lot of research on the songs I wanted, musicians, format, and rewards that I would offer my contributors for their support. I would also give 10% to a after hours New York City animal rescue fund. My campaign didn't pass the 1% of the needed funds.

My campaign was a failure. Or was it?

What Went Wrong?
Crowdfunding is the funding of now and the future where one can launch a creative, business, or non profit, project campaign by promoting to the public. The public would in turn get "perks" in return for their contributions.

Very close to the end of my campaign (you have 45 days to fulfill your financial goals). I did a lot of research on Indiegogo and other crowdfunding sites. As I already suspected and from what I saw it is very competitive. What I didn't expect is that you really have to have a PR person or huge team to move your campaign forward. I had neither. 

That's not what the original plan was. The original plan as I understood it, was that everyone with a really good project could get access to funding via these sites along with the project creator's effort of course. Since I didn't have a huge PR/Marketing firm I turned to my own network. My network has been created due to years of cultivating relationships of various kinds, doing consultations, being in entertainment, airing broadcasts, and on-going networking events. I turned to those and personal friends and family but oddly got very little response. I was becoming heart broken. 

However, the more I researched, the more I learned that much of the funding actually comes from contributors unknown to the project creator. You see the concept though relatively simple is still new to most people. It is hard to explain by an email invitation or post. So that was a relief of sorts. For that to happen any person creating a campaign must reach 20% of their goal. The more you ask for, the more challenging it is to reach that. Hence no promotion or exposure by the crowdfunding site almost insures one will not be successful in their goal.

What Went Right?

Learning and understanding that the crowdfunding process isn't a reflection of the quality of the project or lack of support from family and friends. The success of a campaign is really political and financial. Many phony, silly, even ridiculous campaigns have raised six figures or more, just check here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/is-crowdfunding-for-everyone-the-successes-failures/.

But nevertheless, it is hard not to take it personally when friends and family won't give as little as a dollar for a campaign they will receive something for. I however understand many didn't really read the posts, promotions and announcement. I also know many have supported me in many other ways, like coming to my events. So I thank sincerely and wholeheartedly thank them for that. Some reached out to me and told me their financial challenges and again, I am grateful they took the time to do that and it wasn't a reflection of the project's quality. 

I did get support however from several people who will get ongoing credit and perks from me because of this. Not for this campaign per se since it did not go through but other ways, as publicity from my broadcasts, public speaking, future music shows, personal referrals and references and more. There were those who almost facetiously sent me a note saying "good luck" and did not go unnoticed. 

What to Know for Your Campaign

• Worthiness--Launch your project if you really believe in it, no matter what. Follow the instructions and do your research and don't get caught up on its success of failure. At least you had the courage to put your dreams out there. And what you will learn from the process will be invaluable. As I said above there are really silly ideas and projects that get full funding. However, many are valuable in one way or another. Make sure you emphasize how so. 

• Do research with key words on failed projects. It's important to know what NOT to do. If you just follow what to do, you will not know what to avoid and what you should do instead.
• Try to explain as much as you can to a few close people, discern whether they are truly interested in your project's success. This is just human nature. If you have tons of people all trying to do the same thing, the thought of competitive scarcity may lead people to not support you because they want to do the same thing. Explain your success is their success. It doesn't have to be a competition at all but a collaboration. 

• Pre-screen your supporters- Do a trial email, calls, posts to see how many people seem interested in your idea. Ask to to commit so supporting you one way or another. Even having them post, forward and share for you is very valuable. It surprising how many people will NOT press the little share button. It makes you wonder...

• Perks--The idea is for you to give perks, rewards and such to those who contribute. Explain people are not just giving you money. They are paying for something valuable. I was willing to give a full song download for as little as a $1 contribution, along with mentions.

• If you are fortunate enough to have a marketing team/PR team, utilize it fully. Even if you don't use whatever network you do have, neighbors, co-workers (if at a traditional job), friends, family, and of course social media). It seems like common sense but it is unbelievable how many people don't use the resources they have. Use what you've got baby!

• Each crowdfuding site had its own criteria for helping you promote. Find out what it is. As I said, for me and Indiegogo it was to reach at least 20% of the total goal then you get featured and tada!! You get promoted and much funding from that alone. So the amount you choose originally for your project matters. It is much harder to get 20% of $35,000 than it is for $350.

My Lesson
Failure and success are relative terms. And believe me I've been on the failure rodeo plenty of times. I was very reluctant to launch my campaign. I was fearful it would not go through. Guess what, it didn't go through and I survived! Oh but I learned so much. 

For instance: 
-How the process continues to evolve. Crowdfunding is here to stay in some way, form or another. 
-How people in your life close are a far affect your goals and dreams--to the extent that you allow them. 
-What really matters to me. 
-How to accept failure and find the silver lining. And be creative to find something that is useful in the process. 
-That just because many did not support this project, doesn't mean I take it personally. I can absolutely tell who didn't quite understand what this process is, who is struggling financially, and who don't actually care to participate in what I do (and that is totally okay too). 
-To continue to do what I believe in for the ultimate higher good.

My advice: Stay strong with your project no matter what. There are always other ways to do it, move it forward, create it etc. Just keep loving what you do, learning and trusting your intuition at all levels and always. 

Do email me with any questions or comments and best of luck on your goals!

Infinite thanks to Sponsors of This Is Diana via the Indiegogo Campaign

Those who did contribute, listed below, have made it possible to continue my This Is Diana radio broadcasts on Blog Talk Radio, help with admin costs related to website, blog, events and most importantly the challenges that come with being an artists. 

~Barbara Stettner
~Luisa Poster
~Felicia Glucksman
~David Vernon
~Rick Bogart
~George and Francine Aline
~Dana Humprey-Whitegate PR
And a few Anonymous donors

A special thanks to ~Sady Manoel, M.D. for contributing directly to This is Diana

Diana Navarro, M.S.
On a Quest to Bring Manners Back!
www.Thisisdiana.com
Psychic--Empath with a Psychology background, Radio and Video Broadcast Producer/Host, Social Commentator/Speaker on Manners, Entertainer, Consultant and features topics on Lifestyle/Manners, Humor, Entertainment, Health, The Paranormal and Causes.

Radio Show Address: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/this-is-diana
Radio Listener dial-in number: (347) 857-3160

More Contact info:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/This-Is-Diana/135169706521596?ref=hl

• Email: Dianan4839@aol.com

$1 In Less than 11 Days For Music/Animal Rescue Combo Campaign On Indiegogo

What is Needed
The time is almost up for my Indiegogo campaign to fund my first album and give a percentage to animal rescue. Many have told me they didn't know about this project so I'm sending the information again.

As little as $1 in the next 11 days that each person adds can still make it happen. If you want to participate please click here: Diana's Music Project

The Project,

I've always believed that music is the universal language...

Growing up in New York City, I was exposed to music early on because my family would be invited to Churches in all five boroughs and we would perform music them for them. Being bilingual I sang in both English and Spanish. But as years went on, school and life to precedence and music was just an occasional hobby. 

Many years later I experienced a spiritual awakening and my life changed. Priorities shifted and being creative was the biggest pull I felt. I slowly reacquainted myself with one of my favorite genres, songs from the American Songbook, by vising New York venues where there was live music. Magic began to happen for me.

There is no shortage of singers and music but I had the pleasure to meet and work with many of the professionals who have been in the business for years. They welcomed and took me in. With no official technical training they knew I had natural ability, passion and heart when I sing. Almost a decade later I have had the pleasure of doing professional shows and even showcases for other singers regularly. I recently however felt it was time to do an album like most of my colleagues, but in with Spanish songs added, as well as live show to follow via Indiegogo

Crowdfunding

I heard about this process called crowdfunding where one can launch a creative or project campaign by promoting to the public. The public would in turn get "perks" in return for their contributions. I created a campaign in to of the main sites, Kickstarter and Indiegogo but did not launch it on Indiegogo until 2 years later. I wanted to create enough of a reputation at creating events, doing radio broadcasts, and singing to properly present it. I added a personal component to give a percentage to an animal rescue group, since that is one of my passions---do see no animal hurt, neglected, abused, etc. 

Every bit counts in projects like these so even a single $1 can and will help. With less than 11 days left you or someone you know who loves music performed with heart can make this happen.

All info can be found here  and of course Thank you to those who have already supported this. 

With Light. Love and OM
Diana Navarro, M.S.
www.Thisisdiana.com
Psychic--Empath with a Psychology background, Radio and Video Broadcast Producer/Host, Social Commentator/Speaker, Entertainer, Consultant and features topics on Lifestyle/Manners, Humor, Entertainment, Health, The Paranormal and Causes.

Radio Show Address: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/this-is-diana
Radio Listener dial-in number: (347) 857-3160

More Contact info:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/This-Is-Diana/135169706521596?ref=hl

• Email: Dianan4839@aol.com

Say Yes to Events That Elevate You...No to same ol' same ol' 8/18/13 in New York City

It's amazing to me how many people say NO to things that are good for them. No to healthy food, no to healthy romantic relationships, NO to meeting people who are good for them..NO! NO! NO!

Why? Well, the reasons abound and differ from person to person. But can it be any of these for you? Because of: 

• past disappointments, 
• not wanting to leave your so called comfort zone,
• fear of the unknown and being disappointed, 
• fear of not being accepted, 
• perceived costs (financial/emotional)...and the list goes on.

However, you must know that we humans are social creatures. If you are in place like, say New York City with so many people, one can ironically feel very isolated. It takes time, patience and creativity to find your social nook. 

Research shows that the more we enrich our lives by getting out of our comfort zone, the healthier our brains and bodies will be. Hence a better and longer life overall. If we don't, sadly we begin to atrophy and wither away a bit a time. Where are you? 

I am in a place in my life, that after much loss, I wanted to claim what I was entitled to. That is being around healthy, loving, creative people to share joyful times with. I had some challenges finding this so I decided to take the relationships which have taken me years to cultivate and bring people together. May it be 3 or 300 people, I desire one thing. And that happens to be to create a reason to celebrate life and each other. This gives us the energy and sustenance to handle our personal challenges with vigor and hope. My Sunday Summer Soirée and other events I put together are away of gathering together with quality people, in quality place and doing quality activities.  I hope you will join in and know you CAN be among friends. 

Where: ALEO RESTAURANT & BAR 

When: 8/18/13 Starting at 7pm

An evening of elegance with music, amazing people, fine ambiance and that means YOU.

My philosophy and mission are:

THERE WILL BE REASONS TO CELEBRATE LIFE AND EACH OTHER!
And
To Bring musicians, artists, lovers of celebration together for mingling, business and joyful encounters


There is no cover or minimum and you will be impressed at the delicious food choices, wonderful drinks and on how we

Found this gem in the NYC jungle...

Here is what else to expect:

-We will have specially selected singers who will be joining us in song along with talk, laughter and connection. Our guitarist will be the amazing Larry Luger, accompanied by a bassist Dave Hofstra to enhance your music and dining experience.

-We are celebrating our very own Geri Berman's birthday (one of the most connected and generous people you'll ever meet).

-We will have wonderful photographers memorializing the event.

-Founder of "Rough Around the Edges" Joe Corbalis will be bringing a very special artist "Dee" to show her amazing works.

-And more suprises

With Light. Love and OM
This is Diana
Diana Navarro, M.S.
Psychic--Empath with a Psychology background, Radio and Video Broadcast Host, Speaker, Entertainer, Consultant and features topics on Lifestyle/Manners, Humor, Entertainment, Health, The Paranormal and Causes.

Radio Listener dial-in number: (347) 857-3160
Radio Show Address: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/this-is-diana

More Contact info:
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9 Ways You're Resisting Happiness and How to Change This

As an Intuitive consultant and trained observer I have consulted, counseled, taught and advised thousands of people. By far, the biggest issue people talk about is that they are just not happy. There is mass depression, anxiety and despair out there. That's the bad news. The good news is that much of this oppressive emotion can be shifted to acceptance, joy, contentment and feeling moments of happiness more and more frequently. If your desire for happiness includes what is for the highest and greatest good of all, you are already on your way.

Would you say no to that? Many people do in many ways and every second of every day. It's called resistance to happiness. But by being aware of the resistance, knowing what factors to consider and with a slight shift in mindset, (e.g. opening your mind to the possibility that there is more out there) we can achieve a different perspective. We can begin to feel this elusive happiness and find it isn't so elusive after all.

We are creatures of habit and habits take time to create, break and change. So it is likely that it took years for you develop the habit of feeling defeat, frustration, lack of power, pain and think that this is the normal way of life. But habits can be broken. 

There are few things to think about should you want to explore ways to attain happiness. We are going to experience resistance almost immediately the moment we want to try to change the habit of feeling unhappy. This resistance will show its familiar head in various areas of our lives. To be aware is key. Then you can develop the stamina and determination to break through the resistance and push your way through your birthright which is to be joyous. 

Resistance 1 You don't deserve happiness
The first and largest form of resistance is the belief that we don't deserve to be happy. The reasons are endless. Perhaps someone told us this once as a child, cultural beliefs say we must suffer to be good, we've tried and failed so we think we are meant to be miserable, or we have no context of what happiness is so we just assume that it is normal to be unhappy and on and on... I say you are entitled to happiness. It starts with the decision to use your free will to find ways to explore happiness and joy in your life in endless ways.

Resistance 2 Your relationships are going to be affected
Once you choose your path to happiness, people around you will most certainly react. Not all will be "happy" for you. It's not their fault. It just means things will change and too many people just don't like change. Family members, romantic partners, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, will find ways to convince you that you should stay the way you were. Some will even be blunt enough to ask "who do you think you are? Do you think you're better than me to actually be happy?" Be prepared for a true shift in many areas of your live. Those who truly want the best for you (and themselves) will join you on your path to joy and support you. You will also naturally as if by magic (but actually by the simple laws of the Universe), attract like minded people in to your life who will want to share your goal t happiness for all.

Another issue is that some people often feel that happiness lies in finding the perfect relationship with someone or something else. But this will and have left billions well, unhappy. This will lead to great disappointment. Because nothing or no one is perfect and if we depend on others for happiness, this dis-empowers us.

Begin with your SELF. Show love, compassion, and acceptance of your humanity. For many of us, deep down and sometimes not so deep down inside, we have unresolved traumatic issue(s). In turn, we tend to repeat the same patterns over and over again in an attempt to resolve them, most often unsuccessfully. With increasing self-evaluation some of these issues will bubbles to the surface. THEN we can begin to heal, deal and release them for a happier life.

Resistance 3: Life will be boring
People often confuse happiness with stagnation. Or put another way, they believe that troubles, problems, drama, is what makes life interesting. Well the fact is that things in life will always happen to offer us challenge so I wouldn't be too worried about life getting boring. Happiness is action, dynamic living, along with deep down inner peace.

Resistance 4: Health improvements are too much work
Sometimes people believe making healthful changes is too much work or uninteresting. That gorging on food, drinks, sex, salt is more fun. While some things should be avoided all together.

We know we should watch our weight, quit smoking, increase fitness, eat healthier, drink less sugar, eat less salt, drink less alcohol, sleep more (YES sleep more), use sunblock, and so on... but we just don't commit to these healthy changes to improve our lives. Often we will find a landmark day like a New Year's resolution, a birthday, or anniversary are a good time to begin our road to something better for our health. But old habits and busy-ness quickly set in and our plans go awry leading us to give up before we really try. 

The reality is that it is much more work to fight illness, be in pain, complain, suffer and struggle with the result of not treating this precious vehicle called our body, with respect, and love. While some things should be avoided all together. others done in moderation is a much better way to enjoy the good things in life. 

Resistance 5: Emotional/Spiritual development is for dummies
Many have been trained to believe that logical, linear, left brain "scientific"  reasoning (even if it's made up), and following what authorities say is THE right way to live and believe. That people who believe in spirituality, emotions, sacred living are weak and silly. 

Wouldn't it make sense to have a balanced life? To contemplate the option that we don't know everything and never will? That to keep an open mind and explore different possibilities keeps  us alive and growing?

Resistance 6: Life changes are going to happen
This is when acceptance is crucial. Acceptance, however, does not equal giving up. 
Aging, health, relationships, moving, natural disasters, cultural beliefs are all ever changing. Much of this may not be under our control but since change is inevitable anyway, why not drive the force of change in the direction of whole living? Be in the moment. In other words, don't spend so much time in the past or the future because those are two things you absolutely cannot change. Now is where you can take action, shift your mood, create, love, laugh, and simply BE PRESENT.

Resistance 7: Feeling Disconnected 
There is tremendous resistance to accepting we as humans are connected. This makes us feel isolated at times and unnecessarily lonely. But the question is, connected to what? Foremost, connected to ourselves, then each other, animals, our spaces,and places in this complex, beautiful and yet still-to-be understood matrix. No matter how lonely you may feel, there is a way to reconnect. Just know that for now, the rest will follow.

Resistance 8: Knowledge and truth are unattainable so why try
Some say the Truth is out there and that it will set you free and by free we mean happy. But what is the truth? The truth about what? Being human, what works to create happiness? If there is a truth then why are there so many different views and people passionately believing their truth to the point of killing and dying for it? Even if we don't know the truth, I think the search for it is worth living for. We are physically mortal so why not live the best life we possibly can while we are still here?

Resistance 9 To cooperation 
Too many of us were conditioned to believe that life is about competition. Though competition does have its place in our society, it is too often used to hurt each other. Believing that competition is the only way to succeed causes people to think that the norm is to compete for resources, jobs, relationships, and well everything. This creates a winner versus loser society. However, we all have the potential for something great in our own way. It can be a great untapped talent while for others is to simply do our part as human beings in this world and take care of ourselves and the environment we all share. If we put competition in its place by keeping it friendly, we can go a long way on the road to happiness. 


Important things to consider on your path to happiness:

• There is no panacea to happiness. But every effort counts, so keep on trying. It's worth it.

• If you have to pay for a program, workshop or seminar to happiness, you've just wasted your money. Happiness is free and in your hands.

• If you complain, you will continue to receive that which you are complaining about

• If you explore the gifts in your challenges, disasters, adversities and problems, you will begin to experience a shift in perspective and see things more objectively, e.g. find the big picture. A step closer to TRUTH.

• If you stop blaming others and  your self while taking rightful accountable, you can see the truth a bit clearer. 

• Forgiveness is NOT easy but worth trying over and over again. With time, you WILL notice a difference in your own inner-self of freedom and peace.

• Gratitude for the good and the bad is one of the biggest ways to experiences glimpses of happiness. 

• If you express compassion to yourself (which is separate from stroking the ego) you will feel something larger and better than pain you've become used to.

• No one has all the answers. If you are stuck believing you know it all or someone else does, you are heading to trouble-ville (that's place that's full of trouble).

• Don't forget to play and laugh. As adults someone, somewhere told us that playing is just for children. The shared a lie that being serious all the time is adult and mature. Oh what a shame, for laughter is a gift we should all partake in and doesn't interfere with our ability to be mature or make important life decisions.

Being OPEN to new ideas keeps you alive, not just living. If you believe you've learned all there is to living, then say hello to the coffin because here come death of the mind, spirit and body. Why rush it, live in the present and live with joy. It is truly your choice.

Have something you want to share, email or comment? Kindness and insight are always welcomed.
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This is Diana
Diana Navarro, M.S.
Intuitive and Lifestyle Consultant, Speaker, Host, Writer, Animal Lover, Vocalist, Paramormal-ista and LIGHT WORKER 

Dianan4839@aol.com
Twitter: @DianaTheempath
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