Author: lizjones10

Every morning we have 24 brand new hours to live. What a precious gift!”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This was a difficult holiday season for many people I know. I had two coworkers lose their spouses in accidents the day before and the day after Thanksgiving. As I write this column, I still am stunned and heartsick for their families. But I feel selfish as I mourn for them, I am sad for the people who passed away, for their families, especially the pain the people that I know and like are going through, but I feel selfish because I feel sad for me too, or maybe it’s not for me, but I feel deep sadness. I think it is very human to attach yourself to other people’s pain and emotions. That’s why Hallmark commercials and ads for saving the starving children and abused animals are so effective.
In a way, our compassion, albeit painful, is something that we should feel very grateful for. It connects us as human beings and it reminds us of what we need to feel thankful and grateful for in our lives. When we hear of a tragedy, especially involving someone we know, it makes most of us start mentally going through our minds of everyone that we care about, and our concern for their well-being. What I’ve been trying to do is to attach gratefulness to those thoughts, rather than panic and anxiety. I haven’t been entirely successful, but in some ways it has helped.
It also makes us realize that we have a lot of work to do in the world. Life is short, sometimes too short, and by procrastinating we aren’t doing ourselves any favors. Live the life that you want people to remember you by. Now… If being healthier is something you keep meaning to work on, start now. Start right now. Make your next meal a clean one. Go to the gym as soon as possible. Get closer to your family. Finish the project you keep putting off. I know it’s easier said than done sometimes because most of the things that we procrastinate about are things that we have some fear attached to. Fear of failure, sometimes fear of success. Fear of not having support that we need. Fear that we won’t be able to do it, or if we lose weight, we will have to give up something else like a social life, enjoyment, bonding time with our family. I often analyze what’s keeping me from my goals and some are harder to figure out than others. The pile of laundry and unpacked boxes that seem to follow me around for years don’t seem to have a clear fear attached to them but maybe it is a fear of commitment and settling down. Maybe it is a fear of being too domesticated by doing all the housework and somehow losing my toughness. There are other things I keep putting off that I need to take a look at to find the barrier that I need to get around or a new path to take toward my goal.
What have you been putting off? Seize the day today. Carpe Diem.

Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

• Prickly pear juice (may have to find at health food store)
• Cook with coconut oil
• Fish oil supplement
• Salmon
• Tuna (water canned)
• Green vegetables: broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, spinach, kale
• Tomatoes if they digest well for you
• Carrots
• Cooked mushrooms
• Sweet potatoes
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Avocados
• Raw almonds
• Beans
• Soy- in moderation (if there is no medical reason you should not eat soy)
• Squash
• Coconut milk
• Almond milk
• Eat fruit in the morning, but see how it affects your body, eat berries if they digest well
• apples
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water
• Green tea
• ginger, turmeric, oregano, rosemary, cayenne, nutmeg and clove

Cut:
• Alcohol (red wine or vodka soda in moderation if you are going to drink, but if you have not been feeling well, I highly recommend cutting it altogether)
• wheat/gluten
• dairy (if you like dairy, you can still eat Greek yogurt)
• Don’t smoke or be around 2nd hand smoke
• Cut all processed foods (flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, anything that is a chemical compound)
• You can eat a little dark chocolate if you like sweets

Take a calcium supplement and eat plenty of greens (broccoli, spinach, kale) so that you are getting enough calcium and fiber. Walk daily, at least 5-6 days per week. Rest 7-9 hours. Take melatonin if you have trouble sleeping restfully.

Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

To continue with my theme of National Nutrition month, this week I wanted to share some recipes and “Try This” foods that I often recommend people add to their meals. Kale, avocados, and oatmeal are all foods that are packed with great nutrition. Also adding more vegetables to your meals helps to add a nutritional punch to your day. Kale is known for being one of the nutrient dense foods that are available. It’s high in calcium, iron and many vitamins, helps the body to detox. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to prepare kale, so they don’t like it when they first try it. I make a kale pesto (below) that tastes great and can be added to top salads, meats, or on a turkey sandwich. You can also add kale to your morning smoothies to get your day started right. Below are some of my favorite recipes that you can try to help your family eat better.

Also, I recommend trying things like replacing white flour with ground oats, ground coconut or ground almonds. Replace white sugar with alternatives like real maple syrup, raw, local honey, or agave nectar, however you still need to use these sweeteners in moderation.

Healthy chocolate mousse:
one ripe avocado
3T coconut milk
2T pure cocoa
2T agave nectar
1 slice of orange with the peel on (optional)
Blend in a bullet blender (add more coconut milk for creamier consistency, more cocoa for darker chocolate). Adjust agave nectar to taste (in moderation).

Kale pesto:
1/3 cup almonds or walnuts
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
1/6 cup lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup coconut water (optional- you can use regular water)
as much kale as you can fit in a bullet blender. Blend. Add more kale, blend again.

Mashed cauliflower-
Try it in place of mashed potatoes (or add to boiled red potatoes if you want to gradually change your current meals) to add vegetables with your diet:
Steam a bag of cauliflower until it is soft (but not mushy).
While it is still hot, put it in a bullet or blender.
Add 1/3 cup of almond milk and 1 T coconut oil.
Blend until smooth.
Serve as you would mashed potatoes.

Healthy pancakes
1 cup old fashioned oats. Blend in a “bullet” food processor or a blender.
1 scoop quality protein powder (optional). I use Arbonne Essentials vanilla for this- which is a vegan, good tasting protein).
1 egg + 2 egg whites.
Mix ingredients together. You can also add things like oat bran and ground flax seed to bump up the fiber content and nutritional value.
Add fresh blueberries or sliced bananas.
Put coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the batter. When one side starts to bubble, flip to the other side. Serve with raw, natural (preferably local) honey or REAL maple syrup (NOT the processed, stuff- the stuff that comes straight out of a maple tree is the only syrup you should use). Top with fresh fruit. You can add 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter on top if you like.

Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

I love my job… all of my jobs… from being a wellness coordinator for city employees where I get to coordinate and present wellness programming and individual wellness plans, to being a writer, to personal training clients through my business. In all that I do, I find a lot of fulfillment and inspiration to help others. I feel very blessed to do the work I get to do. But I too have days that I wish I could say some things that I wish people would consider.
1. I cannot make you healthy. Only YOU can make you healthy, I can offer you education, support, coaching, nagging if you need it, but if you are not committed to taking the necessary steps to be fit, I am not magic and being with you one or two days a week will not get you to your goals if the rubber doesn’t hit the road when you are not in front of me.
2. I get stood-up more than most people. If you are truly sick, stuck on the side of the road, or have a family emergency, I understand. Things happen to all of us. But if you consistently cancel, especially 20 minutes before your appointment, yes, I am already on my way and yes, I scheduled my day around when I was supposed to meet with you and the several other people I have meetings with most days.
3. I am not awake 24 hours a day. Don’t text me at midnight to read your food log.
4. You called me… don’t be angry when I make you do the things that you asked me to make you do.
5. If you aren’t going to change poor eating habits, you are not going to be fit and healthy. 80% of your results that you see in the gym are brought to the surface in the kitchen. Eat clean. If you don’t eat clean, you aren’t fooling anyone. If you are eating clean (really) and still are not seeing any results, you may need to kick up your cardio training. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to talk to your doctor.
6. If you drink beer, you will have a beer belly. That’s fine, that’s your choice, but then don’t complain about it.
7. Yes, you CAN do it… whether it is eating clean, eating a few vegan meals per week, getting out to walk. You can do it… you choose not to. I recently did a wellness challenge with city employees that entailed eating a plant-based diet. I had many people tell me that they HAD to have meat to get their protein. My response outwardly is,” OK, that’s your choice.” My response inwardly is, “Oh yeah? How much protein are you eating now? How much do you train? How many grams of protein have you calculated you need to reach your goals? Oh, you have no idea…..”
8. I really do care about your progress and your results. I have never met with a person that I didn’t feel was brought into my life for a reason. I want you to be successful, I want you to feel great and live a long happy life. I hope that our time together will get you to where you need to be and that you will continue with even when I am not around.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

“The key is taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things.” —Stephen Covey

Some days we all feel like we are chasing after multiple rabbits at the same time and trying to catch one of them. “The man who chases two rabbits, catches none,” is a Chinese proverb that makes a lot of sense. When we cannot focus on the goal at hand, it is hard to achieve anything. How many times have you felt like you worked all day, but don’t know what you have gotten done? I know I have many examples of that in my own life, being overly busy, and yet feeling like I haven’t accomplished all that I need to. I may have worked out, but my training was rushed and weak. I may have worked for nine hours, but I still have things at the top of my pile that need to be done the next day. I may have felt like all I ever do is pick up after other people, but there is still a pile of my clothes that are sitting on the bean bag in my bedroom that need to be put away.

So, what do we do about this? I used to use a Franklin Covey day planner that has tips and quotes from Steven Covey in it. One of the most important tips I always remember (although sometimes forget to put into practice- thus the scenario mentioned above) is, “the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Our health and wellness is hopefully, for most people, one of their top three priorities. You can’t take care of your family if you don’t take care of your health. You can’t accomplish everything that you may want to in your career if you don’t have the energy or stamina to give your full attention to your work. One of the best things about my work is that I get to connect with people on a one-on-one basis and help him or her make positive changes in their life, so if I am distracted by my “to do” list, I not only am robbing them of the focus they deserve, I’m robbing myself of one of the things I enjoy most. If your spiritual life is also one of your top priorities, again, remembering that your body is a temple is helpful to have the connection to spirit that you are seeking and making time to practice your beliefs. If your fitness is a priority, make sure you make time to schedule in your daily training. If your overall health is important, make the time to prepare clean, healthy meals. If finding work-life balance makes it on your list, make sure to schedule time for massage, yoga, hot baths, or getting out in nature. Your wellness truly is not a luxury, it’s a priority.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

As Thanksgiving is upon us, it is the time of year many people will begin to focus on what they are thankful for. One thing that I hope is on your list of gratitude is your health. If you are healthy, being thankful that you are and take steps to stay that way. If you have had some health concerns this year, being thankful for the opportunity to make changes in your life that can reverse or manage your diagnosis. Being truly well is a tough objective as there are many levels and aspects to optimal health: your fitness level, your nutrition, being disease-free, mental health, financial health, and spiritual wellbeing are among the things that affect our lives every day.
According to Mike Adams, the Health Ranger: “Today, more than 95% of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies and lack of physical exercise.”
Currently, in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.
(source http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/).
• As of 2012, about half of all adults—117 million people—have one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults has two or more chronic health conditions.
• Seven of the top 10 causes of death in 2010 were chronic diseases. Two of these chronic diseases—heart disease and cancer—together accounted for nearly 48% of all deaths.
• Obesity is a serious health concern. During 2009¬–2010, more than one-third of adults, or about 78 million people, were obese (defined as body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2). Nearly one of five youths aged 2–19 years was obese (BMI ≥95th percentile).
• Arthritis is the most common cause of disability. Of the 53 million adults with a doctor diagnosis of arthritis, more than 22 million say arthritis causes them to have trouble with their usual activities.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations other than those caused by injury, and new cases of blindness among adults.
Health Risk Behaviors that Cause Chronic Diseases
Health risk behaviors are unhealthy behaviors you can change. Four of these health risk behaviors—lack of exercise or physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and drinking too much alcohol—cause much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions.
• In 2011, more than half (52%) of adults aged 18 years or older did not meet recommendations for aerobic exercise or physical activity. In addition, 76% did not meet recommendations for muscle-strengthening physical activity.
• About half of US adults (47%) have at least one of the following major risk factors for heart disease or stroke: uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol, or are current smokers.8 Ninety percent of Americans consume too much sodium, increasing their risk of high blood pressure.
• In 2011, more than one-third (36%) of adolescents said they ate fruit less than once a day, and 38% said they ate vegetables less than once a day. In addition, 38% of adults said they ate fruit less than once a day, and 23% said they ate vegetables less than once a day.
• More than 42 million adults—close to 1 of every 5—said they currently smoked cigarettes in 2012. Cigarette smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths each year. Each day, more than 3,200 youth aged 18 years or younger smoke their first cigarette, and another 2,100 youth and young adults who smoke every now and then become daily smokers.
• Drinking too much alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths each year, more than half of which are due to binge drinking. About 38 million US adults report binge drinking an average of 4 times a month, and have an average of 8 drinks per binge, yet most binge drinkers are not alcohol dependent.
So, please, enjoy your turkey and your family this season, take it easy on the pie and liquor, manage your stress, and don’t fall off the fitness wagon with the idea of “starting over” at the gym on New Year’s Day. Remember, Thanksgiving is one day, not an excuse to eat unhealthy for a week or through the Christmas holiday.
If you’re interested in healthy treat ideas, check out my Facebook page for healthy recipes to get you through the holidays. https://www.facebook.com/liz.jones.1441810

Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

Most people celebrate the New Year on January 1st, creating arbitrary “resolutions” that are broken by Valentine’s Day. I do celebrate the New Year, but for me, my personal “New Year” is in October when I celebrate my birthday. Anyone who knows me, will tell you I celebrate all of October as the “all about me month,” which to some may seem silly (or others may sat it is ALWAYS about me), but for me it is a time of reflection and goal setting. I also do things to take extra care of myself. I am a Groupon junkie and so in October I purchased numerous certificates for services and events like facials and spa services (which I don’t do often enough), signed up for an acro-yoga class that I have wanted to take for years, and I got a couple massages. It is also a time where I look at what I have accomplished, what I have procrastinated on, and what needs to be reevaluated.
One thing I decided was to commit to fewer things until I had more on my goal list completed. I enjoy most of the things I participate in and all the things I do to increase my knowledge enhance my service to others and benefit my life, but sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with the to do pile I have created for myself. It seems like hypocrisy when I experience anxiety about not finishing reading all the books I have started reading on stress management, or that while still procrastinating from writing a book proposal on wellness advice I feel unwell because it sits undone. So I committed to not committing for a while.
Your birthday may fall in January, but that’s OK, I think when you change your perspective and make your New Year more personal and less collective, it helps to make a promise to yourself instead of random, non-committal “to do” lists. Sometimes your goals may need to take some pressure off of yourself, to make a “to don’t” list, or reevaluate how you set your goals- possible creating activity based goals rather than outcome based goals (such as, “I will workout at the gym for a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 days per week,” rather than, “I want to lose 30 pounds,”).
Do something that you always wanted to do, with no pressure. Never had a massage? Get one. Want to take a Zumba class? Go do it. Want to hang upside down in funky yoga poses? Join me with a Groupon for the acro-yoga class in Plano.
Maybe you can experience a new food. Take a cooking class on healthy meals (we have one coming up on healthier holiday celebrations if you check out my Facebook for more information if you’re interested). Try out a food co-op like Bountiful Baskets, or take a trip to Sprouts and have a healthy shopping trip.
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to incorporate to celebrate yourself? I’d love to hear from you with questions or topics that you’d like to read more about.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
To begin this article, I will give a disclaimer: I respect your right to your opinion as I honor my right to mine. You are welcome to your personal beliefs based on your faith and your personal experience as I do. I am not suggesting that my opinion is more right than another’s. This article is my take on the spiritual side of yoga and is based in my personal relationship with my Creator, my faith, my experience and my practice of yoga. – Namaste
Namaste is translated to “I bow to the Divine in you.” Or “I honor the face of God within you as God is within me.”
The term “yoga” (from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means “yoke” or “to unite,” as in uniting the body, mind and spirit) was first used in Hindu texts in the fifth century BC. Yoga originated in Hinduism, and remains a large part of some Hindu practices today. At times the subject has come up as to whether those who hold more conservative religious beliefs should practice yoga. I will say that is entirely up to the individual. For me, yoga is a big part of how I pray and how I relate to God and open my mind and my heart to let love shine in. My favorite yoga chant is actually an Irish prayer:

May the long time sun shine upon you.
All love surround you.
And the pure light within you,
Guide your way on.
(it is beautiful when sung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9e-_Ep7e98)

I have studied Christian Spirituality, women’s spirituality, and various yoga practices and meditation trainings. I have taught numerous women’s empowerment workshops and mentored many young women. In my experience and my studies, I have come to the opinion that the practice of yoga and meditation are a way to connect with Divine energy. There are Eight Limbs of Yoga and the following interpretation of these can be helpful in discerning what your personal practice means to you.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yama: These are five positive ethical guidelines (restraints, or abstinences) that include non-violence, fidelity to the Absolute, non-stealing, truthfulness and non-attachment.
2. Niyama: These are five positive behaviors, including cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and devotion to God.
3. Asana: These are the actual physical exercises that people usually associate with yoga. These powerful poses are designed to give our bodies strength, flexibility and energy. They also contribute to the deep sense of relaxation that is necessary in order to lovingly meditate on the Absolute.
4. Pranayama: These are the energizing breathing exercises that produce vitality, overall health and inner calm.
5. Pratyahara: This is detachment from the ever-present fluctuations of life. Through this practice, we can transcend all the trials and sufferings that life often seems to throw our way and begin to see such challenges in a positive and healing light.
6. Dharana: This is the practice of powerful and focused concentration.
7. Dhyana: This is devotional meditation on God, designed to still the agitations of the mind and open the heart to God’s healing love.
8. Samadhi: This is blissful absorption of one’s individual consciousness in the essence of God. In this state, the yogi experiences the direct presence of God in his or her life at all times. The result of samadhi is peace, bliss and happiness without end.
This article includes excerpts from the writings of Dr. Frank Gaetano Morales

Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

September is Obesity Awareness Month. According to Department of State Health Services, in Texas 66.8% of adults were overweight or obese in 2009, with the number rising.

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/obesity/NPAOPdata.shtm

Obesity has become an epidemic in our country. Most adults are overweight and are raising children that are following in their footsteps more and more. Many who are overweight struggle with chronic health issues that stem from the risk factors that are linked to disease. One of the highest risk factors to people is a diet low in fruit and vegetable consumption, which is probably the easiest thing that an individual can address to improve their health.
If you are like most people, this time of year is a time of adjustment. Kids are back in school, you just got done indulging over the Labor Day weekend, using the extra day off to eat badly and be lazy. Don’t feel alone, but this is a good time to reset your resolve. It is tough to change a lot of behaviors all at once and have any of the changes be something that stick, so if you are not currently following a wellness plan that includes clean eating and daily exercise, find ways that you can implement small changes, a little at a time. If you do have a current program, keep it up! Don’t lose your momentum. Add something new to the mix and take one step closer to your goal.
The most important first step is readiness to change. You’ll need to identify your reasons for wanting to make positive changes. If you can’t commit to your wellbeing, your likeliness for success is near impossible. Decide you are worth it and value yourself enough to really make a commitment.
Find something that you enjoy. If you can’t stand the process, you will have difficulty making it a part of your daily life. Don’t like to run? Then walk. Or try a Zumba class. Some people surprise themselves when they try an activity like Crossfit and love the challenge of the workout. Others may try it and decide that their good old Jane Fonda tape is still more their speed. Swimming is another great, low-impact activity to try out. Do you feel like the only thing you enjoy is sitting on the couch? Well, then keep trying to find a physical activity that you enjoy. It’s out there. If the only thing you find enjoyment in is being sedentary, it’s important that you talk to someone. Most people do not actually enjoy being lazy, they feel poorly, feel guilty and feel ashamed in many cases. It is possible that you may be dealing with a medical issue such as hormonal imbalance or depression, so talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying issue that they can help with.
Drink water. Then drink some more water. It’s easy. If you need to pick one small change, this would be my number one tip. If you are one of those people that say you just don’t like water, then try Sassy Water (with ginger, limes, mint, etc.) or add Crystal Lite type products if you must. Drink water… just do it already.
Eat an apple. Yep- it’s a cliché, but it’s a darn good one. Keep them on hand and eat one or two every day. They taste good, are about the easiest thing you can take along with you. Maybe get some raw almonds to eat with it as your daily snack.
Replace old habits with something new. Fitness and overall wellness is not a one-size-fits-all plan, it’s as individual to every person within the same guidelines of eating healthy and getting active, but what that looks like for you is going to be different than what that looks like for me.
There are a lot of other things that you can add to your life, especially as you become more motivated to work toward your goals. Maybe your new habit could be trying a vegan recipe for dinner twice a week. Maybe it is a morning walk before work. Maybe it’s joining a fitness class two days a week rather than couch surfing. We have a journey on this planet, we can get “better” or we can get “worse” so keep looking for what it is that will work for you, the alternative is a grave one…. Literally.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

September is National Yoga Month and is a great time to try out a yoga class, or if you’re like me, time to get your yoga back. I love yoga, it truly changed my life. I started practicing yoga so long ago, I barely remember how I got started, but vaguely recall when practicing martial arts being at a studio that offered yoga as well. Over the years, as I built a more active practice, I had a yoga teacher ask me to take over her class and from there I began teaching several places around my full-time job.
Later I was lucky enough to be able to go to Costa Rica to train. For the first time in my life, I got to leave the country all by myself to travel to a yoga retreat in the Rain Forest for fifteen days to earn my certified yoga teacher credentials. It has often been said, we teach what we need to learn, and similar to Jung’s theory of the Wounded Warrior, for me that is very true about yoga. I believe most people come to yoga because they are in search of inner peace, (or in some cases the elusive yoga butt). I have always been a worrier, although it may not seem like it to people on my surface. In some ways I am calm and extremely laid back, but inside my busy brain, I am often worried about my family, thinking about all the things that I need to get done, planning my future endeavors, thinking that we are out of toilet paper, disturbed by the world news…. Anyway, I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get my drift.
After my son was in an accident at the age of fourteen that put him in a coma, I saw the healing effects of energy work and imagery so I trained in guided imagery, which is used in mediation and therapy, to help students and patients focus their mind on positive, healing images. That was in itself another life-changing addition to my life and I incorporate guided imagery today into my meditation when I teach, as well as with my personal training clients at the end of their workout.
I continued to study various philosophical books on yoga and similar practices, including martial arts, which carries very similar mind-body connections. I taught many workshops on women’s empower and self-esteem, worked with victims of domestic violence and young men in jail. I really believe that yoga is more than a physical activity, it is something that you bring into how you live your life.
Over the years, life sometimes gets away from me and my yoga practice slips especially when I am not teaching a regular class. I notice things in my life start to change when I am not actively practicing. My stress level seems to increase, my sleep becomes more of an issue, my weight becomes harder to manage and I lose the energy I once had. Over the past few years, I have waxed and waned in my practice, but recently decided I needed to get my yoga back and have slowly started to build my training again. It truly is a “practice” and will be a lifelong journey for me, but I love to be able to share yoga with others whenever I get the opportunity to teach a class or a workshop. How has yoga helped you in your life?

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].