On Thursdays we take you to the well - your source for inspiration and how-tos.

Recently I found a letter I had written in 8^th grade addressed to myself. In it, I had written that my goal was to study obstetrics. Now I cant imagine myself in medicine, yet at the time I clearly remember telling anyone who would ask that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. Its funny to think how much Ive changedpersonally, emotionally, and professionally.

Do you think youll be the same person you are now in 2, 5, or 10 years? Heres a fun exercise to try! First, answer the following question on a piece of paper:

What are three words you would want someone else to use to describe you?

Be honest and think about who you are, who you think others see you as, and who you want to be. Date it, and keep it in a place where you save things precious to you, such as a photo album, or an old shoebox filled with letters. Maybe youll be a different person than who you currently are, and maybe not. Either way, when you do find this piece of paper one day, I hope itll be as fun, funny, and revealing for you as it was for me.

-Christine

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Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!

Have your pearly-whites lost their sheen? As we grow older our teeth don’t always stay as white as we’d like them to be. Soda, coffee, tea, and smoking are just a few of the staining culprits. Eliminating these is one way to prevent further staining, but how do you repair the damage that’s already been done? Read on to brighten your day and your smile with these natural teeth whiteners.

1. Baking Soda- Dip your toothbrush in baking soda and start brushing. You can also make a paste using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, salt, and a dab of regular toothpaste for taste.

2. Wood Ash- Wood ash contains potassium hydroxide, a compound that will bleach your teeth. Use it for your teeth, but avoid your gums as it may cause irritation.

3. Strawberries- Mash a few of these tart berries and coat your teeth with them to remove stains.

Please note- It is important to brush your teeth using regular toothpaste after applying any of these remedies. Using any of these solutions too often can wear down tooth enamel. Consult your dentist to determine how often is appropriate.

Laci

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Enjoy this weeks Editorial favorite:

This week I recommend you read Life on Land: The Story of Continuum Movement, by Emilie Conrad. In her book Conrad describes her journey to Continuum starting with her childhood and her love of dance. Her passion for dance took her to Haiti where she discovered the power of undulating movement. Upon returning to the U.S. she explored these movements and eventually arrived at the concept of Continuum.

Continuum uses breath, sound, and movement to move the fluids within our system. Conrad believes we are all fluid beings that arrived on land. She believes that all fluids in our body function as one undulating stream of intelligence and when we work with this fluid we can heal ourselves.

Continuum can be used to increase vitality and healing, revitalize bones and joints, and awaken creativity. To learn more about Continuum and find a certified teacher, visit Emilie’s website.

Laci

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It never fails that the day I am on my period is the day my yoga teacher decides to do inversions. Inversions! I love inversions! A chance to kick your feet in the air and see the world from a different perspective. The problem is that most yoga teachers will tell you to do an alternate pose when you’re menstruating. Sometimes I sneak and do a headstand anyway, but I’ve always wondered what might happen to me. Is there truth behind this rule or is it a mere yoga myth passed down for generations? I decided to investigate.

From a yogic point of view menstruation is considered to be controlled by apana. Apana is the downward energy that causes the menstrual blood to flow downwards. Some believe that reversing this energy can interfere with the flow of your period and cause cramping or heavier bleeding later on. Experts use to believe inversions on your period could also increase the risk of endometriosis, but this has since been disproved.

Yoga Journal’s 2001 Asana columnist, Barbara Benagh, believes that each woman is responsible for making her own decision. Every woman’s cycle is different. She advises that you listen to your body and how it responds in all poses while you are on your period.

Maybe you won’t be able to hold your headstand for as long as usual, but at least you’ll have the option to try.

Laci
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Yoga for Your Period
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TGiF! Enjoy this weeks eco-friendly tidbit

Labor Day Weekend is almost here! That means it’s a perfect time for all sorts of events that let you connect with nature. How about a picnic at the beach; a BBQ at the park; a good, long hike; or even an eco-friendly adventure?

Take this fabulous three-day weekend to enjoy the sunshine and all that Mother Nature has to offer. She’s in her prime this time of year!

Kristen Kancler

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