Want to be happy?

Read the longer version with explanations here: 15 things you should give up to be happy.

I love the 14th and 15th point the most: 'While love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.'

and 'You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.' 

OWN your life! 

♥ + ♥ + ♥ = more ♥

Just read this lovely article about 'How to get what you want and earning karmic bonus' by Mind Body Green :  

'Whenever you open your mouth — or place your fingers on the keyboard — you have an opportunity to add to the love in the world, or subtract from it.

You have an opportunity to lift someone’s spirits — or sink ‘em.

You have a chance to get what you need while giving — or get what you need while taking....

Read on the article

Unconditional love means loving without expecting anything in return. Love because you believe in it. I believe in the good and positive in human beings although some of them can be cruel, but I think that in their most inner part that everyone is true and seeks out love.

However, before loving or giving love to anyone else, love yourself first because that's the the longest and deepest relationship you're having with! Look within and start embracing your uniqueness! 

10 quotes to remind YOU to love yourself

 

Morning meditation - stretch

Summer finally arrived!!! 

These days I woke up early in the morning because it's just so hot outside: ~ 25°C/ 77°

It's not as hot as in the U.S. but summer came too sudden.

What to do best when you get up really early?

Ride your bike to the lake, do some meditation and yoga! I was there around 6.30a.m. and it was very nice and still chilly. I just love being up this early, why? There is nobody around who'd disturb you!!!

I've started meditation like four to five months ago and I still try to do it every single morning. I don't do it for 30min or so, but 5min every day keeps my mind calm and focused. Sometimes you're just stressed out or have too much in your mind going on, so that you cannot focus anymore. You're always running, ruhsing and try to be on time with anything. Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Then, I'd like to just slow down and breathe. Being still and mindful helps me to live in the present, not to think too much about the past and not to plan so much for the future.  

Anyone can meditate, you don't have to become a monch. Just breathe and try to calm your mind. When a thought comes up, just catch it and follow how it flows away. 

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”- Thich Nhat Hanh

Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Let's embrace this very moment and say:

WELCOME BACK SUN :) we've missed you!

P.S.: Do you want to know what 20min. of yoga does to your brain? Read on here.

Superfood: Chia-Seeds

Living in the U.S., having a lot of time for myself, I've spent most of it doing sports and reading about nutrition. Surfing on the internet and reading many blogs, I came along chia- seeds. 
I've already added flax seeds to my meals, but chia seeds? I thought that they are pretty expensive. They actually are not. I was completely surprised when I've found them here in GER, yes, at my organic health store :)

Now I'm trying them out, but I'm not sure how much I should take in to fully get the benefits. 
It's supposed to help you with digestion, boost your energy and it has the Omega 3+6 fatty acids which would aid in cognitive and learning performance. 

I've made pudding out of it (just stir it up in water and let it sit for at least one hour) and try to add it into oatmeal, juices and salads. Just found out that it might be a food trend, but I like the neutral flavor and the consistency because hey: it expands and after an hour you have pudding?! 

Read on:
10 Health Benefits from Healthyeating.sfgate.com

Ancient Super Seed from Dr. Oz 

I'm curious if I'll notice something soon, will keep you updated ;-)

Dark, rich and healthy...

Guess what? My semester is almost over and I'm in the middle of my final exams. Whenever I study, I just have to snack and munch on things. Instead of eating your way to a bigger YOU, just reach for dark chocolate, fruits, raw vegetables, yogurt and almonds. I've figured that it's much easier to stick to healthier choices in the summer whereas in the winter you're more tempted to reach for comfort- foods.

Yes! Dark chocolate can be actually healthy for you because of their high dose of natural caffeine and antioxidants which make it so bitter. I certainly do believe in it, but portion control is key I'd say. Anyways, during stressful times like 'studying for final exams' I allow myself up to 50g =D! 

At the moment my favorites are the 85% dark chocolate ones from GEPA (Fairtrade- Company) and Vivani. Having some dark chocolate should be one's pleasure, so enjoy every bite of it ;-)

There are some interesting facts about eating dark chocolate from The Huffington Post and Science Daily.

'All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.'