Having fun and appreciating the moments

Some days are just good ones and you know it. Mine started a little hectic but in control. Kissed my husband goodbye at 4 am, (boys ski trip), got the lovely Miss Bear her breakfast and walk, got the kids off to school and loaded the car with goodies for The Workout Spot in Coconut Grove, where Mindful Nutrients are being displayed. Shakes, cookies (all organic delicious-more on that soon...) and fresh fruit salad. Got some exercise, gym was a lot of fun, buzz of friendly voices, kind of the feeling like the old show, Cheers, just in a gym instead of a bar. Next went to Emena Spa where Mindful also is. Beautiful organic spa and I love Christina the owner. Low key, adorable and just plain nice. I love being around other women who are also creating dreams. I wake up so excited every day thinking of how lucky I am to be living my life. I am having just so much fun!

Best part of the day though was when I took Kevin , my baby, to get his restricted drivers license. We decided 8 out of ten people who entered were sent away. The documentation needed at this point is incredible. We were one of the lucky ones and Kevin walked out with that prized possession... The Learners permit! He of course wanted to drive immediately and a few grey hairs later on a rush hour friday afternoon we are safely home. Safe til the next drive...

and yet I think I was as excited as he was, still remember the feeling of independence heading my way. To women, to passions, to learners permits, to hopefully not too many grey hairs. Have a beautiful, passionate weekend. xo ginny

alternative care

This morning I went to see Karen Levy, a homepathic doctor, who was giving a talk to Mom's, explaining her role as a homeopathic.

What she had to say made so much sense, preventative care is the way to go and she offers alternatives to antibiotics except in extreme cases such as strep. She listens to a patients' words down to asking them the sensations, locations and pain levels of a headache. She is not interested in hearing only that someone has one. A homeopathic, is trained to be an excellent listener, with the time and patience to care for each of their patients as individuals, not as an insurance number. See a homeopath, check out alternative care. It is cutting edge and the way of the future when we all understand we are our own keepers, we are the only one who can truly tune into our own systen.

For me I use a wonderful accupuncturist once a week every week for about 4 months a year. After the 2nd year, she mentioned I seem to have a disturbance in my sleep at the same time each year. She noticed from taking the time to review my chart and spending time really attentive to my words and body. At first I laughed it off. Not anymore. I learned from listening and accepting my body as a beautiful piece of machinery, that it needs tune ups and maintenance and most of all honor bestowed upon it to function optimally. My body does not make the daylight savings time change. My rhythms get off, and terrible insomnia used to set in. Before I discovered accupunture I was a miserable night owl for long periods. I started With Dr. Chen, after a visit to my internist. I explained my sleep issue and I thought made very clear I was not into sleep medications. His only offer was take them just for a few months, and out the door he walked. Guess what... I walked through that door a few minutes later and never looked back. I need someone to take the time to truly want to prevent and heal. No bandaid treatments for me. xo ginny

yoga

I am not sure why but my yoga has been off a bit lately. I have not been putting in the time it deserves. Yoga is a gift to the body but with anything else when you don't use it you lose it. I have been in the gym, spinning, running etc but a recent IT band problem is keeping me side lined on the running. I am one of those people that truly needs to exercise. Kind of lost without it. At one point for nearly 7 years I did yoga religiously from 8:30- 10 everyday. The first year and a 1/2 was magical, a deep departure from the rest of the day as a wife and mom. I was just a yogi doing her thing. It wasn't where my usual group of friends would ever be. I loved that aspect of it...it was my oasis, hideaway. It was a place where we had a pretty crazy, but brilliant guru who back then was called Hanuman. He is back to being Wayne now. He taught me two of the most valuable lessons I carry with me. Respond do not react and It's not about you. They sound so simple but when you really delve into them and start to use them and teach them to those closest to you they are a gift of wisdom you constantly reach for. I ran into Wayne on the last day of the year in the morning after not seeing him for many years, I felt it was a gift, a reminder of where I need to be. For me yoga keeps me balanced, happy, calm and strong in mind and spirit. Sunday morning found me in a most beautiful class. It was not as tough as I usually want and I embraced that instead of fighting it. I felt myself growing longer as my muscles were feeling the stretch, I felt my mind working through thoughts and being calmer as each moment passed. I felt such gratitude to be there. Thank you to my old guru for walking into my path at the correct moment. xo ginny

life is good if we live it with possibility

2010-always so exciting the start of a new year. So many possibilities...do we enter it with a plan or do we just drift through it hoping it turns out well. Or perhaps you don't give any thought to it at all? For me just like my birthday it becomes a spiritual day. I am not really concerned with the numbers thank goodness for me, I generally seriously cannot remember how old I am. I have decided to remain 34. I feel it, like the number and so there I will stay til I really have to move on. On the day of new years eve I like to go for a walk alone along the beach to end out my thoughts of one year and welcome in the goals, dreams and plans of the next. Sometimes I can fix something that I wish were different, sometimes the best path for me which is not my natural way of being is just to let things flow for a bit more. I do the same thing on my birthday. On both occasions I take out my journal for this is the time of serious life thoughts and there is nothing like putting thoughts to paper. They become so much clearer somehow. I have done all of the above.

My chicago boy is back at school, where I worry that he might freeze to death. I worry about other things too this is just the top of the list today. My oldest Scott is back from Spain and I now feel like Orlando is in my backyard. Everything is relative of course. He is moving into a new apartment, I must have polled everyone in my life... should I go to Orlando with him and his apartment mate or let them do it on his/their own. I don't know what got into me it was as if the test of motherhood was on the line. Interesting though is that the poll survey came down by gender line. All my male friends, including family, thought I was micro managing and told me to get a grip. My female friends all thought it was probably a good idea to make up the beds and set up the kitchen. I truly couldn't read what my son wanted me to do. For a couple of days there I wasn't sure where I was going when. Common wisdom came with Scott's roomate Michael. I of course polled him as soon as he drove in . His response? Mrs. Simon I am sure Scott and I can figure things out and if we can't we will find a way to. I think the last thing he wanted was a mom hanging out. Did I feel obsolete? No I was relieved my son and his roomate seemed so together. They are off on their own adventure...life is sweet and they can live on pizza for a couple of days...

Mark and Kevin are great, kev's broken thumb must just have been sprained (ski accident) Mark is waiting for his license next month I can't imagine- watch out Miami...(just kidding Mark... I think) The lovely Miss Bear has stitches from a cross country ski accident but is mending beautifully. Word seems to be out that one of my boys stabbed the other over the stealing of french fries. The stabber's identity shall remain private; til I write my book on raising 4 sons. He does seem quite embarassed. No stitches were needed on that injury. (maybe I should make them french fries once in a while so they don't kill each other over them. My husband? dreading turning older on a round birthday next month. I keep telling him he is better than ever. My kids think he has grown so much more immature the last 2 years-at times more like a kid than they are. He too is learning to let go enjoy the journey, reflect along the way. My in the guy box is growing loose and I love it. I should of course add in this newsletter, my adorable parents are still the same adorable people and have become my biggest fans. My mother says she takes her mindful nutrients at her bridge game so her friends see her and ask what she is taking. She is a great business promoter. My father is definitely Mindful's most strong advocate isn't it incredible when you get blessed with a father that thinks you are the most perfect creation walking the earth? I only hope I have given my kids half the confidence he has given me. Goodbye for tonight my friends. Thanks for letting me ramble. xo ginny

Mindful Organics my new baby still taking baby steps. Goals and dreams are in place bring on 2010. May it be filled with grace, dreams and goals. xoginny

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

Mindfulness so sweet...

Today has been perfection, and I know it. I Mindfulness so sweet...

Why was the day perfect? It started with a spin class that I didn't believe would be so great, but it was closeby and easy...turned out to be amazing. (only problem- the teacher was a sub...oh well life) I was so happy sweating away, there is such a great feeling when the legs are burning and the sweat is dripping! Exercise, nothing like it. When it is part of your everyday world you don't feel well without it. So that was first thing... then I got home where my house was almost filled with sleeping boys. I love cooking a great breakfast when they are all around. The scene was that of a messy, relaxed kitchen, boys eating away and my oldest sitting amongst us from Spain. He was skyping with us and we put the computer on the table as if he was munching and enjoying with us. Beautiful music playing and sweet smells begining to emerge... those of a holiday meal to be.

Happy Thanksgiving, may it be filled with love, laughter, and mindfulness. xo ginny

The Holiday Time

I was talking to a friend of mine who was saying she is incapable of not putting on pounds between now and the new year. She talked as if it was inevitable. It's not. It is a thought that if you believe it instead of challenging it, it will become the inevitable. It is the same way for aging, if you believe you should feel worse every year you will. If you decide to live your life with the freedom of not carry those thoughts with you but live with vitality you will.

Instead of choosing to eat what is in front of you without thinking or questioning decide now and yes, during the holiday season to take control. Instead of feeling like an overstuffed turkey at the end of the thanksgiving meal take control by making healthy choices. Add your clean vegetables. They are magnificent, the colors, the taste. Yes maybe for some they are an acquired taste. Possibly it is your time to embrace it instead of shrugging your shoulders.

I was recently sitting next to a gentleman at a dinner that I didn't know very well. We got to talking and when I told him what I did with Mindful Organics he started discussing his love for sausages and hotdogs. Felt everyone needed a lot of nitrates in their diet. Yes he looks like he eats alot of hot dogs. Yet he then goes on to say that the aging process is purely genetic... I beg to differ. Make up your mind push through your wants and take care of your needs. Thanksgiving morning get your exercise. Take a spin class, sweat it out in yoga. Just move. xo ginny