Last Blog of 2009

I am sitting here, Bear at my feet, dirty dishes piled in the sink from a great gathering with friends. I am in Utah, snow is drifting by my window, the mountain range beyond, Europa playing on the ipod. Life is full and so I take this moment to mark the end of the year.

For me I hope to grow more in my spirituality, to constantly reach out and to remember family is whoever we love. I have learned through my own experiences this year that life is not always a straight path , and what we once believed to be just so, may not always be that way. We have to be open to lifes' experiences. They are only a true mistake if we don't learn from them, if we don't come away more compassionate and less judgemental. Lets welcome all types of different people that open their hearts to us, and lets love this earth with the best intentions and love we give to our own. For we need her to continue to be strong for them and the generations to be.

I truly wish from my heart - that your hearts are filled with love, your face light in the glow of the moment. That your stomach truly HURTS a few times this year from giggling so much you couldn't stop. May you in live in the moment and know when you are truly happy. To mindfulness my friends, and for caring and loving each other every step of our lives. We are blessed if we are loved. xo ginny

Jenna's Journey

This is a post written by Jenna, my niece, in her words only. If you haven't read the first posting of Jenna's Journey please read it first, it is dated August 17th.

When I began this journey I was in such a low place, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. When someone so close to you dies all you want to do is die right there with them, but you realize rather quickly that you don't die, you actually keep waking up. At that point I realized I needed to change who I had become, so I would not lose what good I still had. Most days I was so numb to positive things in my life, I didn't want to feel good. It's hard to feel grateful when you are experiencing so much pain.

However since I had to keep waking up, I thought I better pull myself together.

Putting my health first was something I had not done for awhile. My Aunt, Ginny Simon was great at helping me take the first steps: she put me in contact with so many great people who are now an integral part of my team. Her knowledge of organic foods, nutrients, and fitness has been so helpful in keeping me on track and informed of what I put into my body. I always look forward to what other little tip or secret she has hidden up her sleeve in my quest for living mindfully.

Throughout my journey I have set little goals for myself to keep me on track. A big goal of mine was to attend a yoga retreat in Tuscany with Fred Busch. I would never have dreamed this would be something I could do, but I decided I was going to put myself out there and take a risk. I started practicing yoga in July and wanted to be on a level where I could not only go through the motions of the class, but where I could actually feel the bliss of being in the moment with my body and breathing, by the time I would leave in November for the retreat. Yoga has truly become an activity that I enjoy and look forward to. I love that each time I practice I feel as if I had the most intense workout, but yet at the same time was completely calm and peaceful.

I did not really know what to expect on this yoga retreat. What I did know was I was in for a real adventure. The retreat really surprised me; I truly understood for the first time that pain is temporary. You have to stick with it, keep your head straight and realize the pain will end. As soon as I finished each hike or yoga class, I was so happy I finished it, and I was still alive and breathing! At the end of this retreat I felt like I was physically lighter, but emotionally fuller. My light clicked on and for the first time in a long time I felt an excitement for the future and a sense of pride in myself.

Being home I have continued my journey headstrong. I have an amazing trainer Damian at the Workout Spot in Coconut Grove. I attend his spinning classes twice a week and personal training sessions twice a week. He is excellent at tailoring the workouts to my fitness level, and is very innovative keeping the workouts exciting. I am continuing the yoga. Just a few weeks ago I was able to hold the crow position. I have been working on that pose for 5 months! My body is responding so well to the yoga and I am excited to see what other poses I can continue to overcome. At this point in my journey just waking up and going through the motions of the day is no longer good enough. I have plans and more importantly I have the drive to make plans.

I am very excited to see what the future holds for me and where my journey takes me. Just remember no matter how hard the work; it is worth every bit of it in order to be healthy! This is something I have to constantly remind myself too! xo jenna

Channel 4 Eco Zone

What fun to see the first Mindful Morning on channel 4 tonight. It makes everything that I am working for so clear. We truly embrace all of the moments of our life with more fight, more passion and more love and laughter when we are internally strong. Each step with Mindful makes me feel that way. To get to live your passion...how cool is that? I am so grateful to all who are supporting me through their belief in what I am doing. One of my oldest, dearest friends Lori called tonight after the segment and left me feeling so emotional and grateful for those that have been on my journey every step. (in Lori's case 6th grade... think that counts). That of course leads up to my biggest supporters, besides the 5 men that surround me, is my adorable parents. I think my Dad had the tv on all day in case they should decide to run it at an earlier time. (Just kidding Dad) They told all their friends and it was such a joy to see them so proud. Good things happen when we travel on the path that belongs to us. To find it...that is truly a wonder.

xo ginny

Mindful's been busy...

Wow it has been a bit busy with great events. Maybe a little too? I am in my PJ's after sleeping in this Sat morning only awakening as I hear my husband pretending to not trying to wake me as he is doing everything but that. I open my eyes and he is there "want to go spinning?" I was just starting to even focus on his words when he says class starts in 15 lets run for it. I didn't go, instead I meditated for a bit on how fortunate I have been that my company is being so well received, that people are learning and enjoying. I focused on realizing it will now slow for a while as there are no more major events until Jan. 14th. I have to learn to slowdown again. To walk with grace and awareness which sometimes slips when we are moving through days at a quickened pace. My PJ's are still on, it is an overcast day... lunch with my niece, husband and boys is all I desire with a bit of art thrown in. Tomorrow sounds great for yoga, spinning can wait.

My juicing machine is whirring with beautiful fresh kale, apples, and carrots, already I know that the juice entering my system will fill me with gratitude and peace.

Our events the last two weeks have been amazing. IceBox with Mindful's evening was magical, beautiful food set against the water, sky and candles was like being in the midst of Tuscany .The conversation was nonstop as strangers and friends alike came together.

This past Wed December 2nd was The first Mindful Morning, Mindful Organics signature event series. It was all I could hope for. 12 people came together, one group of 5 was a family group, 3 sister-in-laws, Aunt and Mom. They were such a beautiful family. I met Jaleh one of the sister-in laws when she was referred to me to take my web picture. She walked in the door and I knew almost from that moment she would be a person that would be in my life. I guess she felt the same, she told me she loved the whole concept of Mindful and would be a big support. She has been, from buying gift certificates for Mindful services to bringing her whole family to support me on my first morning event, this stranger has become a dear friend. I love her text messages that usually begin...Good morning Sunshine. Who wouldn't love her? Two of my best friends were there. Each said they wouldn't miss it. The faces were animated as they went loose in my garden the only instructions being... lets gather all we can. It was fun watching my baby veggies getting their first major trims. The class was informative and social, I showed techniques with veggies and grains, all was smooth even if a bit hectic as channel 4 was here filming for Eco Zone. Lunch was beautiful as were the people surrounding the table.

Last night I met Vanessa and Elena. A great couple who came for an evening cooking class and dinner. They have been on the organic path for about 4 months which started for health reasons and now they cannot imagine living any other way. We cooked a scrumptious meal and then they enjoyed a romantic meal by the water. It meant the world to me when they said it was beyond their wildest expectations. And now again I toast with my juice to organics, new friendships and of course pj mornings!! xo ginny