Work It Out: IntenSati

What happens when you mix the intensity of kickboxing and martial arts, the focus of yoga and meditation, the radiant energy of affirmations and throw in some dance moves? You get IntenSati.

As it says on satilife.com:

"IntenSati is a revolutionary high-energy cardio workout created by Patricia Moreno, author of The intenSati Method, 7 Principles to Thinner Peace. This method of training is based on the teachings of mindfulness, positive psychology and the law of attraction. She has radically combined aerobics, martial arts and endurance principles with positive affirmations. The result is an unprecedented practice which is empowering physically and mentally."

She Creates Change partnered up with Erin Stutland for a night to "Workout your Body and Workout Your Dreams." It sounded like an amazing event, but the name should have warned me for what I was getting myself into. Everything about the experience was intense, but in the best way possible. I will admit that it was a challenge, but it pushed me to a new level. Using the idea that one cannot think a positive and negative thought at the same time, the IntenSati workout includes positive affirmations to be said throughout the workout. Anyone saying and truly believing the affirmations will not have the mental space to think weak thoughts.

My challenge was both physical and mental as I allowed the physical pain and those thoughts to prevail for part of the workout. However, there was a point when we affirmed "I am strong," and that was the turning point for me. Focusing on my inner strength really fueled my energy for the workout. Pushing through the challenge and conquering that workout was an amazing feeling that was amplified by the affirmations. There is no doubt that the room was filled with an energy that was purely electrifying. I know that I felt unstoppable at that moment.

IntenSati is an amazing way to kick off a new year and get fired up about new goals. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. I encourage you to watch the video of Erin Stutland and IntenSati in action.

#Reverb10: Let Go

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

I have learned to let go of things that are not working for me. Instead of trying to change them or waiting for them to change, if it is not what I want, I've learned to let it go and walk away. I am now secure in the idea that what I want will come, and it will be even better than I imagine.

#Reverb10: Moment

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

One word: Abaco

Although there is still some debate as to which was the actually the best day ever, the moment that often comes to my mind was from our day on the fishing boat. After an exciting day of seeking birds and catching fish, it was time to reap the rewards of our labor.

The fresh cobia fish stew, which was so good I licked the juices off of my hand, with some wine was amazing all by itself. But what was spectacular about that moment was that it was set in the middle of the ocean off of the Bahamian shore, against the backdrop of the most perfect sunset, which happened to be graced with a rainbow just moments before. As if perfectly orchestrated, a dolphin swam by to top off the surreal experience. It was almost as if nature was smiling on us and giving us its nod of approval.

This moment was so absolutely perfect that it felt unreal. One might be tempted to compare it to something seen on TV or in a movie, but then that's when you realize that these are exactly the moments that TV and movies are made from.

I can sincerely say that I've been to paradise.

#Reverb10: Writing

December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)

Watch TV. I know that I can waste several hours watching TV. And it's not that I'm even enjoying it all of the time, it's just there, and it's something to do.

HOWEVER, I am creating a new habit: It starts by setting the timer at night as soon as I feel sleepy so that the TV turns itself off soon after I fall asleep. Instead of waking up to the TV and just staying in bed for hours, I now read, journal, and meditate for a little bit, and that is the perfect state of mind to get writing done. I've noticed that when I check my e-mails before writing, it puts me in a different state of mind that stifles my creative juices. So I've learned to alter that and focus on my writing first. Starting my day off expressing some creativity feels really good.

#Reverb10: Reflect on this Year & Manifest What's Next

Thanks to my blogging buddy Tracey (aka Tica), I am participating in Reverb 10, which is an end of the year exercise that allows one to not only reflect on this past year but to also think about and manifest her desires for the year to come. This is perfect timing. I am already in this season of change and life planning, and this daily exercise will encourage me to write on a regular basis, which is one of my goals. Thanks Tracey!

December 1 One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

Stretch.

I was originally going to use "growth" but as I thought about the events of this year, I feel like I have stretched my boundaries. I was fortunate enough to visit new places on my travel to do list. I survived a car accident and endured the character building experience of buying a new one. This year's Her Journey Anniversary Celebration is certainly one of my proudest moments. It was a perfect day that really made me feel like "Yes, this is exactly what I want to do with my life." I had a few brief but refreshingly fulfilling summer flings, one of which really allowed me to open my heart. I have joined the She Creates Change Community, which has undoubtedly pushed me beyond my comfort zone into a whole new level of comfort and confidence. With all that has happened this year, I think "open" is an equally appropriate word for this latter part of 2010. Moving into 2011, I want the word to be "change" because 1. I am consciously making changes in my own life. 2. I will follow Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom to "be the change [I] want to see in the world."

What's your word? Post a link to your post in the comments!

Fun Find: Wall Decals

Now that I'm obsessed with HGTV and this room transformation project, I've come across some really interesting things. Recently on HGTV, I discovered the idea of using letter decals to decorate walls. I've always loved words. So I immediately loved this idea. I've seen the decals at WalMart, Target and at HomeGoods. The one I liked most were mirror decals (these at Target are $19.99, and I got them at HomeGoods for $9.99). I got some fun words like "dream" "imagine" and shapes that I've been drawn to like butterflies and hummingbirds. I can't wait to put them up.

Yay for fun finds!

Millionaire Matchmaker comes to New York

I was so excited about Millionaire Matchmaker coming to NY that I originally planned to blog about each episode, recapping the NY hot spots and Patti Stanger's tips. I must admit though, that I was disappointed with the first few episodes. The millionaires and millionairesses were difficult, some impossible even, and none of the pairings seemed to work. I was starting to worry that this season of Millionaire Matchmaker was a little too real and was going to be a victim of the reality of dating in NYC. But I really wanted to hold on to the hope of some happy endings, at least some fun dates. I was willing to accept that New Yorkers may not be ready for relationships, but they could certainly play the dating game.

Thankfully, the last few episodes have delivered some happy endings. I enjoyed the chemistry between the Albie Manzo and his date. I thought it was really cute how flustered the guy was when he was on his mini date with the Cindy, romance novel millionairess. I also loved the chill yet fun vibe that PJ, the Bahamas millionaire, had with Patti's friend.

On last night's episode, the mixer was at Carnival. I already wanted to go there, and now I want to go even more to see what it's like for myself. I was also excited about the helicopter ride to the winery date. I've done a helicopter ride once and would LOVE to do it again, and I would love to go to a winery as well. The other date to Coney Island was fun as well.

Also, on last night's episode, Patti advised the millionaire to leave his BlackBerry and all other devices at home when on dates and to focus on the present moment with the woman he is with. She also recommended that the millionairess turn down the masculine energy when interacting with men. As a person who is building a business and strives to be a superwoman who can do it all, I can certainly relate to both situations and could definitely benefit from both tips. I also love the tips from Dr. Lillian Glass, the body language expert. The things she says make so much sense, and now I am more conscious of body language, mine and others.

Now I can be excited about future episodes. If you've been missing out on the fun, you can catch up on the old episodes here.