The new year is the perfect time to refresh and reinvigorate your health and wellness plan and set the tone for the coming months. Let’s take this new beginning and clear canvas as an opportunity for growth, self-reflection and improvement.
At the start of a new year, people are more likely to stay on track with new goals and stay motivated. Did you know that having new goals actually stimulates a dopamine response, that feel-good chemical that our body produces naturally?
So now is the best time to take advantage of this natural boost and lay down some new tracks of what you would like to accomplish for yourself in the coming months and years.
Your journey starts now toward a healthier, happier life. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Start with one small thing and feel victorious. Define specific, achievable, and measurable goals. Whether it’s drinking more water or exercising a certain number of times a week, make sure your goal/goals are clear and attainable.
Achieving a healthier lifestyle can begin with one simple change. Once you establish that one thing it will perpetuate you to do the next thing and so on.
What one thing would bring you the most dynamic change at this time? What one thing is attainable for you right now? The key is being consistent. Don’t forget to praise yourself for your efforts! Tell yourself how awesome you are and give yourself a high five!
We all know the importance of exercise and when it’s freezing cold outside, it can be challenging to stick with your routine. Winter is when you need movement the most to support immunity, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mood.
Even just a 10-minute walk outside in the sunshine will do the trick and you’ll be getting your vitamin D too!
Winterize your workouts and be kind to yourself. Opt for slower, more focused workouts and yoga this season. Slow and steady wins the marathon.
Keep it simple and just do it! It’s a necessary part of creating balance in this fast-paced world we live in. Start with 10 minutes a day and build from there as you become more comfortable.
This year, make it a point to create this incredibly healthy habit. Did you know that If you do something consistently for 40 days you can establish a new habit that will last?
If you need some support to get you started I would be happy to help. Simply email me at kim@chikibuttah.com I can answer any questions you may have and offer suggestions. I am a certified meditation teacher.
There is a wonderful program on the Gaia channel called Rewired with Dr. Joe Dispenza that will help you integrate the importance of stress management. I encourage you to watch and absorb the information because it will help you understand what happens to your body and mind under stress and offers healthy ways to trigger the relaxation response. It also explains the physiology of the positive changes that occur during meditation. After watching this program you’ll feel inspired to continue your meditation practice or start one.
I hope your new year is off to a good start at a medium pace. Let’s take this time to appreciate the stillness in the season of winter while we start implementing baby steps toward our goals of health and wellness.
Everyday is a new opportunity to do it better than yesterday! Cheers to you!
Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love, 💙
Kim Keeshin
Every individual possesses a unique set of talents and abilities that make them truly unique. These special qualities are what I like to refer to as superpowers. Whether it’s an innate gift for empathy, creativity, problem-solving, or anything else, your superpower is what sets you apart and can give you a sense of purpose.
In this blog, we want to inspire and empower you to discover and embrace your personal superpower/s so you can live a fulfilling life with a sense of purpose and perhaps even make a positive impact in the world.
Your superpower is not something that can be taught or learned, it’s something that comes naturally to you, a part of your authentic self, and usually shines through in everything you do.
Take a moment to reflect on what makes you come alive and feel inspired. What do you excel at effortlessly, and what brings you joy and fulfillment?
It could be your ability to connect with others on a deep level, your knack for problem-solving, your creative flair, or your unwavering optimism. Embrace these unique qualities as your superpower and celebrate them.
Oftentimes we tend to judge ourselves and see our gifts as a fault or negative trait. All it takes is a shift in one’s perspective to see through a different lens, rather, one of appreciation for these unique traits.
Appreciating and embracing your superpower is an essential step towards self-love and feeling worthy. Recognize that your superpower is not only valuable to yourself but also to others.
It is a gift that allows you to navigate through life with purpose and perhaps even make a meaningful contribution. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for your superpower, for it is a reflection of your authentic self.
Your superpower can guide you toward your true calling and the path that aligns with your natural gifts. Take the time to explore different career opportunities, hobbies, or volunteer work that allow you to fully utilize your superpower.
When you find activities that resonate with your innate abilities, you’ll experience a deep sense of fulfillment and flow.
Follow your passion and pursue opportunities that allow you to express your superpower authentically.
Discovering your superpower involves self-reflection and exploration to find your unique qualities. Here are some steps you can take to uncover your Superpower:
Take time to identify the activities, hobbies, or subjects that truly excite and energize you. What are the things you enjoy doing the most? Your superpower often aligns with your passions.
Consider your natural abilities and talents. What are you good at without much effort? What skills or qualities have others acknowledged in you? Your superpower often lies in these innate strengths.
Reach out to friends, family, or mentors and ask them what they perceive as your strengths and unique qualities. Sometimes, others can offer valuable insights about your superpower that you may not recognize in yourself.
Embrace who you truly are without trying to conform to societal expectations or norms. Your superpower comes from your authentic self. Be true to your values, interests, and beliefs.
Notice the activities or tasks where you lose track of time and feel completely absorbed. These moments often indicate that you are utilizing your superpower.
As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and embracing your superpower,
remember to practice self-love and self-care. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion, patience, and non-judgment.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and acknowledge the unique qualities that make you who you are. Surround yourself with positivity, inspiring individuals, and nurturing environments that support your growth and encourage you to utilize your superpower.
Embracing your superpower is not about seeking external validation or comparing yourself to others. It’s about recognizing your own inherent value and appreciating the gifts that make you extraordinary.
Everyone has a superpower waiting to be unleashed. So, take a moment to reflect on your innate gifts, discover your path, and embark on a journey of self-love and purpose!
Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering your home, it can also be a way to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
As the weather begins to warm up and the flowers and trees start to bloom, many of us feel the urge to refresh and renew our living spaces. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home but can also be for your mind, body and spirit.
With some simple tips you can get the ball rolling and be ready for the fresh new season. Spring cleaning is an excellent way to declutter your house and your mind. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before you begin clearing and cleaning, take some time to create a plan. This will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed! Make a list of the areas you want to tackle and prioritize them.
Determine what tasks need to be done and what supplies you will need. Having a plan will help you stay focused and less stressed.
One of the essential steps in spring cleaning is decluttering. Start by going through each room and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.
I like to make 3 piles: Yes (the keep pile), No (the throw or give away pile) and Maybe (they still need to keep a little longer pile). Donate items that are still in good condition, and throw away anything that is broken or worn out. This will not only clear up space in your home but will also free your mind of unnecessary clutter. The maybe pile may need to be stored for longer until you are ready to let it go, or not.
Sometimes we have an emotional attachment to something and we are not ready to let those things go yet. This is natural and it’s ok to store things that you’re not sure about at that moment.
Once you have decluttered, it’s time to deep clean. Unless you are great at cleaning, I would suggest hiring a cleaning person for this job. They have a lot of experience, proper supplies and they can usually get the job done faster, with more efficiency. Scrub floors, walls, and surfaces, and wash any linens and curtains. Dust and vacuum all areas of your home, including hard-to-reach spots such as ceiling fans and behind furniture.
This will not only make your home look and smell fresher but will also help to get rid of any allergens or bacteria that have built up over time.
In addition to decluttering, simplifying your space can also help to clear your mind. Consider reducing the number of decorative items in your home, opting for a minimalist look instead. Simplify your daily routines by creating a designated spot for everything, such as keys, mail, and shoes.
This will help to reduce stress and make your life more organized. It’s also a good idea to play with rearranging, furniture, art and decor. You will notice how the energy can shift and feel lighter just from a few changes!
There are some fundamental rules for caring for the body, mind and spirit.
When the body is clogged up from lack of exercise, poor diet and an overload of toxic chemicals from processed foods, household and personal care products the mind will feel cloudy which usually causes negative thoughts and emotions. I like to use the analogy of a stagnant river where there is fungi, bacteria and mold growing due to a lack of flow. It is the same for our blood flow. When there is stagnation there is a buildup of toxic waste that the body cannot purge. So try these tips:
Move your body everyday to oxygenate and move the lymph and blood in your body to get the river flowing. This will enliven your energy, mood and spirit.
Practice a positive mindset. Replace negative thinking with more positive thoughts. Having positive thoughts is a choice and a daily practice. Remember your thoughts create your blood chemistry and your chemistry creates your mood and emotions. Take notice in the way that your thoughts make you feel. One by one begin to analyze why you are thinking this way and how can you transform that thought into seeing it from the positive side? You have the power to choose your thoughts. Begin clearing each negative thought and replacing them with a positive version until you have a fresh new perspective.
Meditate to help clear the mind. Meditation will make it easier to simplify and reduce negative thought streams. By taking a time out daily to reset your mind you will come back to your day with a fresh new perspective. This is the best tool to help you practice having a positive mindset. This is the best remedy for decluttering the mind!
Cleansing breathing techniques. Practice a simple right and left nostril breathing technique that will help quiet and still the mind. There are so many wonderful benefits to doing right and left nostril breathing, such as: Relaxes the body and mind, reduces anxiety and promotes an overall well-being just to name a few.
Sit in a comfortable position either in a chair or on the floor with legs crossed. Focus on keeping your breath slow, smooth, and continuous.
You can practice this breathing technique any time, anywhere and as often as needed.
This breathing technique is great to do before meditation as it will create a more meditative state and deepen your meditation experience.
Spring cleaning your house and mind can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. By decluttering, cleaning, organizing, reflecting, letting go and practicing self-care, you can create a clean and positive environment both inside and outside your home. This in turn will magnetize more opportunities, friendlier encounters and overall more positivity in your world. Happy cleaning, happy Spring!
Wishing you all the best this spring in health, peace and love…
“If you want to know what you are here to do, how you can be more loving, or how to get through a difficult situation, my answer is always to meditate. The difference between prayer and meditation is that when we pray, we are asking for something, and when we meditate, we are listening to the answer.” – James Van Praagh
Joy to your world!
Well, we made it to 2023! What do we do with this fresh new year? How about we focus on bringing more joy and inner peace into our world?
Sounds lovely, right? Okay, how does one achieve this loveliness?
Inner peace comes from having faith, hope, and courage.
Faith, that there is a solution to all things.
Hope, to never waiver from an optimistic viewpoint and that all will work itself out.
Courage, the ability to overcome fear when fear presents itself and to know that fear is simply an emotion that is perceived.
There are so many meditative practices and mindful breathing techniques that can help us to achieve more peace and calm. However, the best time to practice inner peace is when life is happening around us amidst all the chaos.
Let’s talk about some tools that we can practice and have ready to use when in “the eye of the storm” and tap into that stillness deep within while the turbulence is happening all around you.
The definition of Peace is: freedom from disturbance, tranquility.
Most people feel powerless and simply react to life and the situations we observe or find ourselves in. Life will always be up and down and all around. The truth is we have the power to change our situations, thoughts and emotions. When we realize that truth, we can begin to initiate change and feel empowered to take action.
Here are some action steps you can take right now to set the stage for cultivating more joy and inner peace. Try doing these as often as needed and see what happens…
Everyone knows what joy feels like even if it’s just a memory. Joy is something we can feel if we choose to feel it. As an exercise, write a list of things that bring you joy. It could be 1 or 20 things. When complete, pick 1 or 2 from your list and find time in your day to connect with those things that bring you joy. You deserve it!
If you need a smile look at internet pictures or videos of puppies and babies. I think it’s safe to say that would make anyone smile! Smiling is a great practice in itself. Make time in your day to just smile. Smiling is nature’s face lift so it’s also great for anti-aging!
Smiling can greatly affect your mood and even make you feel instantly better. Try it now. Have a negative thought about a person? Try looking at them or thinking of them and smiling and feel that negative thought soften.
Take more moments in your day to smile. Smile while you are doing the dishes, cleaning, showering, playing with your kids etc…Practice smiling anytime!
This is most important because our thoughts set the stage for our emotions and state of mind. If you notice that you are having many negative thoughts, then one by one, you can turn those thoughts into a positive version and reprogram your brain.
Example: Instead of saying to yourself, “I’m no good at dancing” tell yourself, “I will get better with practice”. Fake it till you make it is the name of the game here.
Remember this is an exercise in cultivating peace. You may be surprised by the regular thoughts you have that keep you from your inner peace that can be so easily changed!
For me, I get a lot of inspiration from my spiritual practice through meditation, yoga and qigong. Love is the foundation of these practices. Unconditional love is the highest vibration there is. When you take time in your day to connect with love and loving yourself, then everything else softens and feels more peaceful.
Where there is love there is healing. Love is inspiring! Take time each day to open your heart, breathe in love, and breathe out negative thoughts and emotions. If you are finding it challenging to feel the love, think of all the people you care about or who care about you and revel in this feeling. What inspires you?
Read this book, “You can be happy no matter what”. Everyone should read this book, at least once! Five principles for keeping life in perspective. There are a lot of people these days that have lost their way to happiness. This has a devastating effect on their day-to-day lives and can result in an endless journey of searching for relief through antidepressant drugs or addiction to food, alcohol, and other things.
Sometimes, a great book comes along that has the power to awaken something that has been asleep for a long time and can have a major positive impact on our lives. I believe this is one of those books!
These action steps are suggestions to get the ball rolling in the direction of positive change. In these challenging times, it is important that we take time daily to nourish ourselves. Just like we need nourishing food daily we also need nourishing self-healing practices. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming.
We all have the power of this moment to change our course. We just need to tap into that still part inside of ourselves so that the noise and conflict can fade into the background for a moment and allow us to recharge.
The noise will always be there. This noise can take over our lives if we let it. Let’s take a daily time out and cultivate more joy and more peace so we can all just feel good!
This brand new year of 2023 is full of new possibilities and opportunities. Let’s begin to put the focus on all the good things in the world and manifest more of that!
Wishing you all the best in health, peace, joy and so much love!
Imagine…Non-Toxic, Paraffin-Free, Clean-Burning Scented Candles for a healthy home and safe environment. Coming soon from Chiki Buttah!
Believe it or not, burning candles can have a negative impact on your health. You can find candles everywhere these days in every kind of store and they are usually inexpensive. Most conventional candles are made with petroleum/paraffin wax, synthetic fragrance, and scent boosters, which are full of toxic chemicals that can have a negative impact on your health.
Babies and pets are especially at risk because they are much more sensitive to chemicals and are still developing. Continued exposure to these chemicals can cause all kinds of health risks such as asthma, headaches, allergies, lung, heart, and reproductive issues.
Most candle companies either choose profit over health or simply are unaware of the health risks attributed to cheap wax made from petroleum and scented with synthetic fragrance. According to the CDC, evidence shows that scented candles release toxic chemicals and particulate matter into the air, including formaldehyde and benzene which are known to be cancer-causing.
You may be asking, what constitutes a clean candle? Candles that are made from natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, and coconut wax do not contain chemicals because they are not processed from crude oil. These waxes are in fact all- natural.
Paraffin wax is a by-product of crude oil and goes through very harsh chemical processes to achieve the final product. When these candles burn they emit these chemicals into the atmosphere. On the other hand, candles made from natural wax and pure botanical scents will enhance the ambiance and atmosphere of a room without the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
What about candles scented with synthetic fragrances? We usually burn candles when we are winding down from work, reading, yoga, meditating, bathing, etc. This is mainly when we are inside with the windows shut, which means if you are burning an inexpensive candle made from paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance, you are breathing in some very toxic chemicals.
You may also notice the black smoke that burns off of the wick when lit. This soot is not only toxic to breathe in but also covers the walls, furniture, and curtains. The soot also circulates through your air ducts. In other words, it gets on everything! This soot contains 11 toxins, including two carcinogens: toluene and benzene.
How do you know if your candles are safe? Look for candles that are made with pure essential oils. Unfortunately, it is difficult to be certain that a company is in fact using pure essential oils, pure botanical essences, or a combination of both.
Always read the ingredients and do some research on the company you are buying from. What is their mission statement and ethics concerning health and wellness? If you are buying candles from chain stores you are very likely buying candles that are not clean and free of chemicals.
Candles made with pure essential oils and good quality wax are more expensive to make and the scents will not throw as far. The scent is usually more subtle so most companies would rather use synthetic fragrances for this reason. Even if they are using clean soy or coconut wax and still use artificial fragrance, it defeats the purpose!
These days, it is so important to reduce the number of chemical toxins in our daily lives. As we use more and more products that are not clean this creates a cumulative effect of toxicity in our lives. Especially when it comes to our home environment. Your home is your sanctuary and a clean environment will support your health, vitality, and wellbeing.
Check out Chiki Glo from Chiki Buttah here.
As we become more and more aware of what to look out for, we can feel empowered to make better, healthier choices in our day-to-day lives. Our mission here at Chiki Buttah is to inform and educate ourselves and our community, as much as we can, so that we can begin to make incremental changes for a healthier, brighter future for us all!
People all over the world and, America in particular, are going through “unprecedented” times. Between issues like politics, the pandemic, the economy and more this can be a very stressful time for us. How can we better cope with this strangeness and maintain our positive outlook until things, inevitably, improve?
Focusing on any of these issues can raise fear and anxiety. It is in this fear state that we are no longer connected to our heart space. This is where things can really get out of balance. It triggers our survival mode (fight or flight). This is a highly stressful situation where everything seems urgent. It leads to attack or retreat rather than communicate and embrace. Another thing that happens is the mind starts fabricating all kinds of situations that have not yet, and may never happen. It is in this state that we can no longer see one another and lose the ability to reason clearly and lovingly.
While we cannot ignore what is going on around us and we have a responsibility to do what is right, we can do so in a more conscious and loving way. At these times, try asking yourself; What is it that I’m afraid of? What is at the core of my fear? How will this affect my life? Take time to reflect. When you are honest and find your answer; does it still have the same hold on you?
Awareness is the first step. We have to make a conscious effort to intercept the negative thoughts in our mind so we can start to shift our perspective, then, we can begin to see from new angles and new possibilities to a brighter more optimistic future. We need to reconnect with our higher selves and our hearts. If we want to see positive change in the world around us then we have to be the positive change.
The political dynamics are already in motion. Many things are outside our control, however, we do control how we decide to treat and have respect for others. Now, it’s time to center, clear, balance and focus on positive outcomes. These are lessons for us all as this is part of our human experience. We can use these lessons to learn how to become better versions of ourselves and to evolve to higher levels.
Let’s put the news in its place and start to cultivate more peace in our everyday lives. It’s up to each one of us to create and foster our microcosm of love and compassion so we can be a beacon of light and help others to do the same.
Inside of all of us is the potential for compromise and change. Let’s begin to soften and let go of the extremism. We can break down the walls of division and get back to the heart so that we can begin to see one another again. Let’s imagine and create a brighter future for us all but especially, our children. Let’s make America compassionate again.
It takes a conscious effort to take a moment each day and allow ourselves the time we need to reconnect to the essence of who we truly are. From there, we can start to see the bigger picture. This is where the healing starts. Make a spiritual deposit daily so you can benefit from the reward and affect positive ripples of change in the collective pool.
Here are some suggestions to help you reset and reconnect to your heart space. Practice one or more of these for at least 10 minutes (longer is better) daily.
1. Practice conscious, focused and relaxed breathing.
2. Practice still meditation (quieting the mind and focusing on opening the heart).
3. Do light heart opening yoga (focus on the rhythm of the breathe).
4. Practice compassion and gratitude.
5. Read books about Buddhism or anything that is spiritually based.
6. Create a positive mantra/s that you can say either to yourself or out loud.
7. Limit your daily news and social media intake.
8. Download the app “headspace” for guided meditations.
Find one or more things on this list that work for you and stay consistent with your practice. Practice first thing in the morning to set the tone of your day and before you go to sleep for clearing.
Remember, energy flows where attention goes. Let’s keep our focus on cultivating peace and joy. Stay steady, patient and persistent!
Better days are on the way. Always stay positive.
“All you need is love”
Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love,
Kim Keeshin
We can empower ourselves by building a ‘tool box’ to restore balance, faith, hope and inspiration.
All of us have endured so much this past year and we still are. Living through the labor of transformation and change is almost like the cycle of death and rebirth over and over. But, we can find ways to feel peaceful and happy within.
There are many gifts that come with arduous experiences such as these even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment. The seeds of change have been planted and will begin to bloom with time.
In the meantime, there are a myriad of mixed emotions that need time to be processed and laid to rest. Once again, we are being put through a test of endurance. Try to remember that we are all going through this at the same time.
We are witnessing the interconnectedness of life and the impact that it has on all of our lives. Hopefully, it will allow us to feel more compassionate towards one another as we have witnessed and read stories of the struggles and suffering of many. At the same time, it’s oh so challenging to find all of the lovely feelings of being in one’s higher self when we are in the middle of a s*#@ storm!
In the wake of current events, we are further challenged to find a place of peace, surrender and intuitive knowing that this, too, shall pass.
Here is a verse that I read that sums it up and helps me:
“Purification of mind comes from having an attitude of friendliness toward those that are happy; compassion toward those who are suffering; sympathetic joy toward those that are virtuous; and equanimity of mind toward those that are unvirtuous”.
Please take a moment to let that simmer and melt over you. Try to visualize where you can apply this wisdom that is such a pearl for life!
The tools you need for meditation practice
When we find ourselves in a place where we feel like we have no control, it’s always a good idea to control the things that we can.
Our reaction to an event is something we can control. With the proper tools, awareness and commitment, we can transform any challenge and reclaim our power. It will require some focused attention and a few minutes a day to create a shift. One of the best tools for achieving this is through meditation.
You can hear someone describe how good chocolate cake is but until you have the experience of tasting it you will never really know. The beauty of meditation is that it will always give you something back. You simply need to do it. Once you taste the benefits, it will beckon you back for more just like chocolate cake!
Keeping it simple is the name of the game. Don’t overthink it. Just do it.
Some of the many benefits of practicing meditation are:
1. Clears the mind
2. Elevates mood
3. Balances and clears the emotions
4. Calms and strengthens the nervous system
5. Relieves tension, stress and anxiety
6. Activates the relaxation response
7. Self- healing and nourishing
8. Pain management
9. Shifts perspective and vantage point
10. Strengthens immune system
11 .Activates and opens the feel good centers of the brain.
12. Helps with hormonal balance.
13. Lowers blood pressure
Meditation can help us tune into the power of love. Yes, love is a measurable frequency/vibration that exists everywhere. Unconditional love is the highest frequency. Tune into love like a radio station to elevate your spirit.
Through the power of unconditional love there is:
Forgiveness
Surrender
Compassion
Serenity
Peace
When you see through the eyes of love then you will see love everywhere.
When you see through the eyes of hate then you will see hate.
You find what you seek.
You magnetize to you whatever it is you see and envision.
Change your thoughts to change your life!
Meditate to elevate your spirit, clear the clouds of the mind and rise to love.
Through practicing meditation we can intercept negative thought patterns, broaden our view/ perspective, become more intuitive and cultivate a more expansive positive outlook. This will attract opportunities and people of the same vibration. It helps to restore faith and trust in the processes of life.
If there is one healthy habit to commit to this year, let it be a daily meditation practice. Once you establish your habit you will begin to build more trust in yourself. You just have to exercise your will each day to accomplish your goal.
This will help you feel a sense of purpose every day as you will be continually moving in a positive direction. Relish in the little victories of your day. Soon the days will become months and before you know it, you will have accomplished your goal of creating a new healthy habit!
When we take the best care of ourselves we can then be a beacon of light, hope and inspiration for others. This is one of the best forms of activism!
There are many different forms of meditation and it’s not one size fits all. Try some until you discover which works best for you. All of these recommendations are great for not only beginners but also advanced meditators.
Here is a great list of resources to help you find and start your meditation practice:
An app for guided meditations. A fun and easy way to help you stay motivated. This is a great tool for beginners who need a virtual coach and guidance to stay on track.
Shengzhen.org is the meditation of unconditional love. Based in traditional Chinese medicine, the practice consists of moving and non- moving forms. The moving forms are very effective in helping to focus the mind through the movement. Master Li is a wonderful teacher! There are many videos to choose from. Find the ones that you like and practice with the Master right in your home.
SGI.org– This is the home base for the Buddhist philosophy of loving kindness. You can tap into the community of Nichiren Buddhism and find all kinds of inspiring words and stories. You can also learn about the miracle chant “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo”. Try chanting every day for 2 weeks! They also have a monthly publication you can receive to help keep you on the love and kindness track.
Lastly, I’d like to share a documentary series that will explain in detail the benefits of meditation. It’s a scientific view of the physiological changes that happen when one meditates. I hope this will inspire you to start your daily practice. Enjoy the show!
Remember, we are all earth’s flowers, uniquely beautiful in so many ways, so many colors and with so many gifts. Purify and clear your mind each day, polish the jewel of your heart and let it shine. Our future looks bright when we stay on the path of love and kindness for ourselves and all of humanity.
Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love…
Kim Keeshin
Our original signature product, Chiki Buttah (whipped body butter), was created with massage in mind! Kim practiced massage therapy for 20 years. After using many oily, messy products, she decided to create a recipe of her own for a body butter made of only natural and nourishing ingredients! She wanted something that she could stand behind as a healthy alternative to chemical laden products. Kim began sharing her vision with the world and creating products that people love!
“My passion to cook and create in the kitchen made this project the perfect thing for me to do. After I followed the process, I was pleasantly surprised at the final outcome: A perfect consistency of whipped butter! The most gratifying part of it all was when I scooped it up and put it in my hand. I simply rubbed my palms together and it turned into a glistening, no-drip velvety oil. I was amazed at my beautiful creation and couldn’t
wait to use it on my clients.” -Kim Keeshin
Everyone should own a massage table! I love having my massage table set up and ready to go! Place a few candles around the room with some relaxing music playing. Set your intention to create a sacred space for healing, clearing, surrendering that which no longer serves and relaxing. Both the giver and receiver will benefit!
Massage is like a meditation. In the beginning, keep your movements simple, you can always learn more. Just allow yourself to enjoy the flow of your hands gliding along the body. If you feel good while you are giving the massage then the receiver will feel more at ease. Never compromise your bodies positions, as this not only blocks the Chi from flowing, but can also create muscle strain and affect your overall posture. When you are giving massage the focus should be at the heart center rather than the mind. This will keep the energy soothing and healing rather than forcing something to happen. Power vs force. The power comes from the purity of the hearts intention to help facilitate healing. 🙂 So grab yourself some Chiki Buttah and massage away! It’s like a spa treatment for the skin and the senses!
These fabulous local stores carry many of our products! If you don’t see it there just order online www.ChikiButtah.com.
Chiki Buttah Products are hand crafted with love and pure ingredients. It is our passion to make honest, clean and nourishing products available for everyone! We love educating ourselves and our community about health and wellness so that we can all live in vibrant health, peace and joy.
Wildflower Organics 524 N. Lamar # 101 Austin TX 78703 512.320.0449
Magnolia Pearl 461 Split Rail Crossing Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830.990.9600
Peoples Rx 4018 North Lamar Blvd. — Austin, TX 78756 4201 Westbank Drive — Austin, TX 78746 13860 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78750 3801B South Lamar Blvd. — Austin, TX 78704
The year is coming to an end and we would like to share with you some healthy lifestyle tips to use throughout the new year to keep yourself feeling more balanced and centered. In this blog we will talk about different kinds of meditation, mantras and affirmations. We even added some that we, at Chiki Buttah Products, practice ourselves!
Mantras are a form of meditation and a form of self- healing. There are many forms of mantras all over the world gifted to us by different religions and spiritual groups. Kundalini Yoga for example uses mantras in the language of Gurmukhi. They are extremely effective for healing aspects of the self.
Although we may not understand the language, we can still extract the benefits, as the mantras hold a clear intention with a high vibration, spiritual message and meaning.
Repeating the phrase over and over can reroute ones thought streams and create a positive feedback loop. 3ho.org is an organization where you can find lots of healing mantras. Start with the simple ones and begin to feel the magic!
Meditation is extremely effective and healing for the mind, body and spirit. And, its free!! The Number one health benefit is stress relief! When we are in control of our stress levels, not only are our emotions more at ease but all of the body’s systems can function better, especially our immune system. Below are a couple of ideas for meditation practices you can try when you’re pressed for time.
The mind loves rhythm. Reciting mantra is a way to break through exhausting, and/or negative thought streams. By repeating a mantra, you are able to put the mind on stand-by, as the rhythm and vibration creates positivity and feelings of well being. Here is a mantra that I created and love to recite to myself when I’m walking or working out: “I am healthy, I am happy, I am beautiful, I am strong”. This is a good go to mantra to fortify your spirit. You can repeat it silently or loud and proud!
Affirmations have a similar effect as they are usually a concise sentence with a positive message to help keep you on the positive track throughout your day.
Here are a couple of examples of affirmations that I say to myself when my schedule is crazy busy:
“There is plenty of time to do everything with calm, finesse and grace”.
This one helps me stay in a relaxed flow and not get too ahead of myself!
“There is no task too daunting.
I meet life’s challenges with grace and ease.
I see everything as an opportunity. “
This one helps when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Staring at the flame meditation:
Sit comfortably in a chair with your spine erect. Rest your hands on your thighs. Relax the body, quiet the heart and still the mind. Sink deeper as if you are sitting in the most comfortable chair, as you begin to feel completely supported everywhere. Just let go… Have a lit candle on a table in front of you and just stare at the flame for 5 minutes. Focus on the flame as if it’s the only thing that exists. Listen, as if the flame has a message to tell you. Empty your mind and be in this moment, open and receptive. Let your thoughts dissolve. Become very, very still.
Then, close your eyes and see the image of the flame at your 3rd eye. Enjoy the stillness for another 5 minutes or as long as you like.
Come back to your day slowly and mindfully and feel proud that you honored and nourished yourself. Feel as though every cell in your body is smiling and enjoy the rest of your day!
Find a mantra, affirmation or meditation that works for you and incorporate it into your day. Mantras and positive affirmations are great to do while you are walking, driving, working out, cooking, cleaning or just being still. Meditation can be 10 minutes or an hour. Do what feels right, feels good and what you have time for. Begin to Cultivate the habit of creating some “me” time so you can replenish yourself and feel more at ease, more joy and more love. Stay tuned next month as we will talk about some different kinds of Yoga and Qi gong!
Chiki Buttah products are hand crafted with love and pure ingredients. It is our passion to make honest, clean and nourishing products available for everyone! We love educating ourselves and our community about health and wellness so that we can all live in vibrant health, peace and joy and love.
