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Hello Inner Circle Members!
I am extremely excited to be sending you the very first Inner Circle newsletter! I will be sharing this member only content with you twice per month, in addition to the monthly Zoom Call. |
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TOPIC OF THE MONTH |
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How Our Beliefs Shape Our Reality |
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Our beliefs shape how we see the world and form the lens through which we view our entire life. You know that saying, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you perceive it"? It means that our mindset, based on our beliefs, plays a much bigger role in how we experience life than the actual events themselves. Therefore, the impact of life events can often be traced back to our beliefs. Many of these beliefs are formed early in life, typically before the age of seven, and often operate below our conscious awareness, shaping our reality and influencing what we perceive as possible.
One of the most impactful things we can do is understand how our beliefs shape our behaviors, as it's essential for making real changes in our lives. Our beliefs serve as the foundation for the thoughts we entertain, which then shape our emotions and drive our actions. Therefore, when we find ourselves engaging in behaviors that are not conducive to our overall well-being, simply trying to change the behavior itself rarely yields lasting results.
Instead, it's essential to trace these behaviors back to the underlying beliefs that prompted them. By examining and challenging these beliefs, we can address the root cause of our actions and make genuine progress towards our desired health and healing outcomes.
For instance, if someone consistently engages in self-sabotaging behaviors like overeating or procrastination, it's important to delve deeper into the beliefs that may be fueling these actions. Perhaps there's an underlying belief that they are unworthy of success or incapable of change. By identifying and reshaping these beliefs, individuals can empower themselves to make healthier choices and break free from destructive patterns.
In essence, changing our behaviors starts with changing our beliefs. It's a process of introspection and self-awareness that requires courage and dedication. By recognizing the connection between our beliefs and behaviors, we can take proactive steps towards creating a life that aligns with our values and aspirations.
Here’s an example. If we believe in our capability and worthiness of achieving our dream job, we are much more likely to pursue and attain it. Likewise, our beliefs also exert a profound influence on our health. Research shows that individuals with more positive beliefs about aging and mortality live up to 7.6 years longer, while those with pessimistic outlooks often face greater health risks.
Here's another example/visual for you to better understand this concept: |
| BEHAVIOR CYCLE |
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Our beliefs permeate every aspect of our health, highlighting the inseparable connection between mind and body. Recognizing this connection empowers us to dismantle limiting beliefs and cultivate ones that align with our desired outcomes. Throughout my years as a health practitioner, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of challenging and reshaping beliefs, as they serve as the blueprint for our lives.
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How Our Words Shape Our Reality |
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Similar to how our beliefs influence the outcome in our lives, our words also play a significant role in shaping our reality. The regions of our brains responsible for language are intricately connected to various physiological processes, including regulating heart rate, hormone balance, immune response, and breathing. This underscores the profound impact that the words we use and hear daily have on our brain's functioning, influencing how we feel and think.
The power of our words in shaping our reality cannot be overstated. When we speak to ourselves, our inner dialogue can either uplift and empower us or undermine our confidence and well-being. For example, affirmations such as "I am capable," "I am worthy," or "I am deserving of love" can instill a sense of confidence and self-worth, influencing our actions and decisions in positive ways. Conversely, negative self-talk, such as "I'm not good enough," "I'll never have enough discipline or motivation," or "I'm not _____ enough," can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, hindering our progress and limiting our potential.
Similarly, when we speak about our health, the words we choose can profoundly impact our well-being. For instance, describing ourselves as "healthy," "strong," and "vibrant" can reinforce positive health behaviors and contribute to overall wellness. Conversely, repeatedly expressing beliefs such as "I'm always sick," "I have a weak immune system," or "I'll never be able to lose weight" can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing negative health outcomes and limiting our ability to make positive changes.
By becoming aware of the power of our words and intentionally choosing language that aligns with our desires and goals, we can actively shape the trajectory of our lives. Whether it's through positive affirmations, constructive self-talk, or mindful language about our health, each word we speak carries the potential to create our reality.
In conclusion, our beliefs and words hold immense power, shaping what is possible for us in our lives and on our healing journey. If our beliefs and words do not align with our goals for healing or any other aspirations, achieving those goals may not happen. Therefore, it's crucial to start observing what we believe and questioning those beliefs that are keeping us stuck and limited. Additionally, speaking words of kindness, encouragement, and empowerment to ourselves can profoundly influence creating the conditions for a fulfilling and vibrant life. By consciously choosing our beliefs and words, we can unlock our potential and cultivate a positive path forward.
In the next newsletter, we will be addressing and uncovering WHERE these beliefs and words stem from, and how we can dismantle the ones that do not support our health or our lives. Until the next newsletter, I want to encourage you to spend time observing HOW your beliefs and words are contributing to your daily experiences. If we lack this self-awareness or cannot observe this connection, change can be difficult.
Practice observing with kindness, curiosity, and without judgment, and notice how your awareness alone can start to change things. Pay attention to the phrases you say to yourself, like "I can't heal, no matter what I try," "I've always been like this," or "I'm not disciplined" or "I don't have enough time." These beliefs stem from our subconscious and the words we use not only reinforce them but also hinder us from overcoming the limitations they create.
The impact of this work is truly remarkable! Rewriting our beliefs and language has the power to profoundly change not just our health but every aspect of our lives. Don't underestimate the power or this work, my friends. It's incredibly transformative. :) |
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WHAT I'M LISTENING TO |
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Here are a few podcasts I've enjoyed lately about the role that the nervous system plays in the development of chronic pain and health issues. Happy listening! |
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I just started Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention and I’m loving it so far! Description: From the constant buzz of your phone and the lure of your media feed to your unrelenting, all-encompassing, and ever-growing mental to-do list—the demands on your attention have never been so severe. The result is an escalating crisis, where we feel mentally foggy, scattered, and overwhelmed. |
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Remarkably, the solution to our attention crisis has been right here in front of us the entire time. Acclaimed neuroscientist Amishi P. Jha, PhD, has dedicated her life’s work to understanding the science of attention at every level—from brain-imaging studies in the lab to field-testing soldiers, firefighters, athletes, healthcare and business professionals, and students. Her mission has been to scientifically determine how we can harness the full power of our attention to better meet all that life demands. Dr. Jha expertly guides readers through fascinating research, debunking common assumptions and offering stunning new insights into where presence and purpose really come from. Peak Mind reveals remarkably easy to adapt, flexible, 12-minute-a-day exercises to lift the mental fog, declutter the mind, and strengthen focus so that you can experience more of your life. |
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WHAT'S COOKIN' |
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After some genetic testing and finding out that a diet lower in saturated fats is better for my body, I've been enjoying substituting beef for turkey. Here's a few delicious recipes with turkey, a nutrient-dense protein source:
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| TURKEY LETTUCE WRAPS |
| TURKEY RICE BOWLS |
| SPAGHETTI |
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This morning concoction I've created has truly been a game-changer, reforming my mornings. I used to fast until 10-11 am daily and even incorporate fasted workouts, but I soon realized this was contributing to adrenal fatigue and hormonal depletion. While intermittent fasting has its benefits, I don't recommend doing it daily. In fact, I advocate for having breakfast regularly.
The importance of consuming protein within 30-45 minutes of waking up, as well as fueling before working out, cannot be overstated. This drink has completely transformed my hormones and adrenal health, helped stabilize my blood sugar, and eliminated those mid-afternoon energy crashes. Plus, it tastes delicious—I genuinely look forward to it every morning! Enjoy! 😊
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My signature Muddy Matcha Recipe
1 tsp Encha (or high quality) matcha
1 scoop Paleo Valley unflavored Bone Broth Protein
½ scoop Prime Protein (vanilla). This is where the delicious vanilla flavor and creamy texture comes from.
Pinch of high-quality sea salt (I use Jacobsen)
Dash of high-quality olive oil (I use Kasandrinos)
¼ cup milk (I use Malk almond milk)
*Optional:
½ tsp masala chia (MUD/WTR)
1/4 tsp medicinal mushrooms (I use Real Mushrooms Defenders)
Dash of pumpkin spice |
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While I'm not one to wear a lot of makeup regularly, a few years ago I stumbled upon my absolute favorite foundation, and I just have to shout about it from the rooftops because it's truly in a league of its own! The Crunchi foundation offers the perfect amount of coverage, gives a natural look, and feels incredible on the skin. I've been complementing it with a lightweight luminizer for an added glow, and let me tell you, the combination is simply perfect.
I am also loving…
This hair oil for the dry winter months.
This lash serum for a little extra lash boosting love.
This foaming hand soap because it smells delish and it lasts forever.
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I encourage each of you to continue sharing your experiences, victories, breakthroughs, and frustrations with the others in the Facebook group if you're comfortable. We can find so much strength in allowing both our struggles and breakthroughs to be seen, and it brings hope to others who find comfort in the familiarity of our stories or simply the reminder that our struggles are a normal part of the human condition. But together, we can ease the pain and build a supportive community and connections with this wonderful group of amazing and like-minded people.
Last week in the FB group, I asked whoever wanted to share their struggles to do so, and many opened up so vulnerably, sharing some incredibly difficult challenges they're currently facing. I just want to thank you for your vulnerability and strength and remind all of us that part of the reason we're here is to help others along this path of life that we all know can be so difficult at times. But the love and strength of others strengthen us, and together we will heal and grow. Below is one of your responses that really touched my heart and reminded me of the importance of having a community and others who encourage us to process and acknowledge our pain, as feeling is what allows healing. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Instagram Live with Campbell on February 20th at 12 PM PST! Join us as we dive into the incredible power of using breath to improve the function of our nervous system. We'll also be discussing how harnessing your breath can not only increase resilience to stress but also expand our capacity to feel and process emotions. This discussion will be life-changing! You won't want to miss it! See you all there! Campbell and I look forward to connecting with you! |
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CLOSING THOUGHTS |
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A special note to all of you: I understand how lonely and challenging it can feel on this healing journey. Whether you're continuing to dive deeper into this personal work or not, know that your struggles are not unnoticed. You are not alone. Lean on me and the others in the Facebook group to share your wins, find encouragement, and gather strength. TOGETHER WE ARE SO MUCH STRONGER! Sending all my love and reminding you that are right where you’re supposed to be.
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REMINDERS |
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Our first monthly Zoom call will be Feb. 29th @ 11:00 AM PST! See you all soon! :)
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