Last Wednesday I called Lisa in a frenzy. I was angry and frustrated and needed advice. Lisa’s response: “This keeps happening to you because there is lesson there for you”.

Taking the wise words of my friend and partner into consideration I silently tuned into myself. Following a series of long deep breaths I asked myself:

Why am I so angry, hurt and frustrated? What is really making me upset?

Then I realized that my anger had it’s roots in a deep resentment I was carrying around. I needed to let it go. I needed to release my resentment and forgive those around me.

Do you ever feel like the same aggravating situations keep showing up for you?

Could there be a possibility that this keeps happening to you because there is a lesson there?

Feeling anger and frustration are indicators that you’re holding on to resentments. Here’s the thing, resentment is the glue that keeps us bound to the cause of our suffering.  So, the next time you sense your blood pressure rising, stop, take a few deep breaths and ask yourself:

Today we celebrate the memory of an inspirational leader who knew the importance of faith or the complete trust and confidence needed to achieve life’s big goals.

Martin Luther King once said “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.“

King understood that faith has the power to diminish fear. Many of us never even attempt for our big dream because we are paralyzed by fear and lack faith.

One way to start re-framing your mind is by taking action, especially in the face of fear.

Post this up some where at home or work where you can prominently see it and remind yourself until you have accomplished each step.

While Lisa and I were preparing for the  radio show we had last week we discussed meditation; what it means to us and what it means to most people.

Lisa mentioned that the word “meditation” gets thrown around a lot these days, usually while being described as a frustrating experience most people give up on.

Both Lisa and I agreed that there is a general misconception about meditation being a thing we do with eyes closed while sitting still in the dark.

When we discovered that sitting still isn’t the only way to meditate it was such a relief! Being busy New Yorkers it’s tough to go from so much movement to stillness, let alone empty your mind.

One of the reasons why we both fell in love with breath work is it’s powerful ability to bring us into deep states of meditation  in a very organic and fluid way.

Biodynamic breathwork utilizes your body’s movement to guide you from a busy brain space into a whole integrated state. This is why it’s so effective in supporting the mind to relax. 

If you are new to meditation and would like to try it, here is a super easy way to start. All that is required is that you breathe and notice.

The next time you are  in the shower, bring awareness to your senses. Pay attention to the sensation of water falling on your skin, the fragrance of your soap, the sound of the water draining. Breathe and notice when you are waiting for the train, when you are washing dishes or walking in the street.

It’s that time of year again; when so many of us start proclaiming:  “This coming year I will finally (fill in the blank).” 

Be honest, how many years have you been telling yourself the same ole story? Maybe this time, you really are determined and you have the best intentions, after all it’s 2012 and if change doesn’t happen now, well it may never happen! 

The fact is resolutions don’t last long because it’s not about your good intentions or how determined you are.

It’s about a brain re-frame.

In other words: changing the root of your behavior, so you can finally move forward with your goals.  

The reasons why we do or don’t do things in life lie deep in our subconscious mind, which has formed over years of experiences.   BioDynamic Breath work is the most effective tool we have used to shortcut to the goals we struggled to accomplish for years.

Because this type of work allows an increased intake of oxygen to react with your unique body chemistry, it literally rewires your brain making the change you are seeking to start occurring within your DNA.

Sound crazy? Maybe, but here’s one participant’s testimonial after working with us:

“After my first workshop I quit smoking. It is 3 weeks later and today, the steps I need to take to make positive changes in my life are so clear. I would like to thank you both for this gift and for the nurturing and comforting me through my process. You and your work are truly amazing.” – Alyssa Millman 

So, we propose instead of deciding what your New Year’s resolution will be for 2012,  keep it simple and decide to breathe!

If you’re like most people you are probably expecting various things this holiday season.

Maybe you’re hoping to receive certain gifts, counting on that bonus check at work or you are sure this New Year’s celebration will be the bomb. But what happens when you end up with another ugly sweater instead of the new iPad, your company forgot about you and New Year’s Eve rolls around and you still have no plans?

Personally, I have spent countless holidays feeling upset, unloved and let down, usually because I was hoping for someone else to fulfill my desires.  

As one of my coaches recently stated: “hope is for suckers“.

When we are caught up in the game of expectation we cut off our own sense of empowerment because we base our happiness on external circumstances, such as other people’s actions or lack of.

This is why expectation so often leads to disappointment.

Instead of giving away your personal power to hopes and expectations you can take charge of  how you feel. Start turning your hopes into fulfillment with these 3 simple steps:

1. Release your expectations
Stop expecting certain results or outcomes and you will actually open up the space for endless possibilities. What if the alternative to a bonus check is getting a promotion and a raise? (which is probably worth way more than that check)

2. Be in gratitude  
The small act of counting your blessings has the power to brighten almost any situation. Imagine opening up your gift to discover the ugly sweater and it’s 15 degrees outside. Thank goodness for the sweater, right?

3. Take action  
Be personally responsible for yourself and your feelings by  taking action. It’s very difficult to feel let down when you’re in charge.

Are you already counting the minutes to that mid week happy hour? Maybe thinking about dinner and drinks on Friday night?

Did you promise yourself that this week you will make it to the gym before your membership expires? 

Is a Starbucks run your midday saving grace so can push through what you have to get done? 

Do you end up ordering take out most nights because you get home late and exhausted from work?  

I, like you, was caught up in the same repetitive cycle week in and week out.

Weekdays dragged and when Friday finally arrived I would spend close to 150 to 200 dollars on dinner ,drinks and cabs going from party to after party. I lived up the New York City party girl life, until one day I realized something had to give. For me, this was not a sustainable way to exist. Not only was this costing me an empty savings account but it almost cost me my life!

If you can relate to any of this, then maybe it’s time for a change. Let’s face it, how much is your unhappiness costing you? I know this may seem dramatic but it’s the straight up truth.