Accessories for Conscientious Fashionistxs
June 5, 2013
What I'm Reading & Thought for the Week
"... We cannot really honor things if we use them as a means to self-enhancement, that is to say, if we try to find ourselves through them." - Eckhart Tolle
I'm currently retackling A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. I'm not that far in as yet because I'm really taking the time to absorb the material and reflect on how it is relevant to my life.
And as it turns out it's quite relevant. Not that I expected any differently. This is my third time reading this book, and I'm expecting it to actually be the first time I finish it - simply because I need it right now.
Early on in the book Tolle takes a very thorough look at all the ways the ego functions - how it keeps us back, hinders growth, and if not deconstructed keeps us from awareness and reaching our highest self i.e. a self beyond the confines and selfishness of "I". What Tolle has conjured up in my mind is a quasi out-of-body experience i.e. you are able to step into awareness which allows you to be truly present in every moment, yet abandon the need to attach one's sense of self/being to entities (physical or otherwise) outside of You - even the body.
In a culture invested in and operating by ideals of individual success that are typified by material gains a.k.a the American Dream, how important are the "things" in our lives, really? All the things that we have worked so hard to achieve - houses, cars, degrees, money, hot bod - how do they define us? Without these things who are we?
Asking these questions should not lead us to disdain for the things we have achieved, rather they should lead us to a realization that who we truly are, our true worth and value, does not increase because we have more "things." We simply cannot rely on things to make us feel better nor can we define ourselves by the things we possess because these entities are not permanent. If disaster strikes and the result is the loss of everything outside ourselves that we have come to define ourselves by, with what are we left? Fragile way to live, no?
If we cannot see our worth outside of things- things with the basic purpose of making us feel better... than others - and believe that with out them we are enough, then who are we?
My personal struggle with ego has always been anxiety which is exacerbated by negative self-talk which causes more anxiety etc etc (you see the problem). This almost always comes as a result of comparing myself, life, or a situation to someone else's or to a socially acceptable idea of what these things should be. It's an attachment to an entity (other's opinions about me) outside myself - a thing that serves no purpose except to strengthen my ego. It's a daily process of unlearning and re-education.
Asking these questions should not lead us to disdain for the things we have achieved, rather they should lead us to a realization that who we truly are, our true worth and value, does not increase because we have more "things." We simply cannot rely on things to make us feel better nor can we define ourselves by the things we possess because these entities are not permanent. If disaster strikes and the result is the loss of everything outside ourselves that we have come to define ourselves by, with what are we left? Fragile way to live, no?
If we cannot see our worth outside of things- things with the basic purpose of making us feel better... than others - and believe that with out them we are enough, then who are we?
I appreciate how Tolle, so far, has been able to paint the murky picture that is life without awareness of the ego - the endless cycle of unhappiness and fear.
My personal struggle with ego has always been anxiety which is exacerbated by negative self-talk which causes more anxiety etc etc (you see the problem). This almost always comes as a result of comparing myself, life, or a situation to someone else's or to a socially acceptable idea of what these things should be. It's an attachment to an entity (other's opinions about me) outside myself - a thing that serves no purpose except to strengthen my ego. It's a daily process of unlearning and re-education.
If you've read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle share your thoughts by leaving a comment. What are you currently struggling to let go of - unhealthy relationship, unhappy job, unhealthy diet? What is preventing you from being better? Leave a comment below.
Peace,
Nik
Nik
June 3, 2013
#SexyShred Cycle 3: Let It Do What It Do
Hey Lovers!
If you follow me on twitter you may have seen, and probably became very annoyed by, my tweets about #SexyShred during April & May. Well don't hate... appreciate and let yourself be educated lol!
Initially I got involved with #SexyShred as a prize sponsor c/o La NomRah Designs which I was happy and excited to do because 1) I saw the positive feedback from participants of previous cycles 2) I have a great respect for Feminista Jones 3) the challenge aligns with LND's mission to have everyone tap into and pursue their best selves in every way possible.
As the registration deadline drew nigh I decided, "What the hell... #Minuswell..." So I signed up to participate. Honestly, I had been struggling to maintain some consistency with a gym/workout routine. I'd go hard for 3 - 5 weeks and then hit a plateau and become disinterested, get sidelined by the "joys" of being a woman anatomically, or totally lose motivation. The hiatus typically lasted for 3 - 5 weeks - a vicious and stupid cycle that saw me put in work and then completely undo every stitch of progress.
Absolutely ridiculous! Especially when I think about how accomplished and good I feel about myself when I look in the mirror and see my ass aspiring to be somebody!!
I signed on with the idea that the challenge would be a good way to embrace discipline and structure a.k.a General Goal #1. My other goal for the challenge: Give my shadow an ass. Really... all I wanted was to look at my shadow and see a booty in it. I expected byproducts of these goals to include increased strength, endurance, and just over all feeling good. And I did set more specific goals to make sure I'd see those byproducts manifest. I had no attachment to weight loss because I don't mind building muscle to replace fat. According to some of my hatin' ass relatives, I can't really spare a pound to lose, lend or give away -__-.
But wait... What is #SexyShred? #SexyShred is a social-media based/hosted fitness and clean eating challenge that was created by Feminista Jones (currently a.k.a the Feminist MILF). The challenge runs for 4 weeks. Participants are provided with in depth information on clean eating and exercise. As such you will have to acquaint yourself with reading. Ambassadors are available to answer questions and support, as well as the community. The fee to sign up is $7.50 for newbies and $5 for veterans. Simple! I mean... if you need more information just visit FJSexyShred.com, or stop by the #SexyShred hashtag on twitter.
What I can say is this... it is a challenge! But hey if it weren't, it wouldn't yield results. You will receive support, guidance, and lots (I mean lots!!!) of information to get you started and educate you on what is ahead.
Before #SexyShred clean eating was a mystery to me. I tried "clean eating" once before and it did. not. go. well. I went on this 7 day clean eating detox mess that ended up with me making a huge ass pot of salt free soup (what????) ... to eat for 7 days (o_O). Did I mention how much I detest soup? Oh. Well by day 3 I had barfed up all the nothing I had been eating... and then some. Pffft.
That didn't happen on #SexyShred because the team is so thorough, all the info on what I'd be doing and how I'd be doing it was provided.
But anyways I ain't here to sell you on #SexyShred... nor spill any secrets. However I do encourage you to take the challenge and commit to being better for you!
I just wanted to share my experience - which was excellent (everything outside the sugar withdrawals... excellent). I'll be doing it again!
So... Without further ado I'll reveal my before and after pics, in which there may not appear to be a significant difference. However, my ass is tighter, sits a lil higher, and is appearing in my shadow. Sooo there's that!
Peace,
Nik
PS. If you have any questions about my experience I'll be happy to answer just leave your question in the comment section. :-)
If you follow me on twitter you may have seen, and probably became very annoyed by, my tweets about #SexyShred during April & May. Well don't hate... appreciate and let yourself be educated lol!
As the registration deadline drew nigh I decided, "What the hell... #Minuswell..." So I signed up to participate. Honestly, I had been struggling to maintain some consistency with a gym/workout routine. I'd go hard for 3 - 5 weeks and then hit a plateau and become disinterested, get sidelined by the "joys" of being a woman anatomically, or totally lose motivation. The hiatus typically lasted for 3 - 5 weeks - a vicious and stupid cycle that saw me put in work and then completely undo every stitch of progress.
Absolutely ridiculous! Especially when I think about how accomplished and good I feel about myself when I look in the mirror and see my ass aspiring to be somebody!!
I signed on with the idea that the challenge would be a good way to embrace discipline and structure a.k.a General Goal #1. My other goal for the challenge: Give my shadow an ass. Really... all I wanted was to look at my shadow and see a booty in it. I expected byproducts of these goals to include increased strength, endurance, and just over all feeling good. And I did set more specific goals to make sure I'd see those byproducts manifest. I had no attachment to weight loss because I don't mind building muscle to replace fat. According to some of my hatin' ass relatives, I can't really spare a pound to lose, lend or give away -__-.
But wait... What is #SexyShred? #SexyShred is a social-media based/hosted fitness and clean eating challenge that was created by Feminista Jones (currently a.k.a the Feminist MILF). The challenge runs for 4 weeks. Participants are provided with in depth information on clean eating and exercise. As such you will have to acquaint yourself with reading. Ambassadors are available to answer questions and support, as well as the community. The fee to sign up is $7.50 for newbies and $5 for veterans. Simple! I mean... if you need more information just visit FJSexyShred.com, or stop by the #SexyShred hashtag on twitter.
What I can say is this... it is a challenge! But hey if it weren't, it wouldn't yield results. You will receive support, guidance, and lots (I mean lots!!!) of information to get you started and educate you on what is ahead.
Before #SexyShred clean eating was a mystery to me. I tried "clean eating" once before and it did. not. go. well. I went on this 7 day clean eating detox mess that ended up with me making a huge ass pot of salt free soup (what????) ... to eat for 7 days (o_O). Did I mention how much I detest soup? Oh. Well by day 3 I had barfed up all the nothing I had been eating... and then some. Pffft.
 |
| Pan Seared Tilapia, Quinoa w/ Carmelized onions, Spicy Honey glazed carrots and avocado ... and a piece of Mahi Mahi that I probably should've left off the plate since I had already murked it that far. |
But anyways I ain't here to sell you on #SexyShred... nor spill any secrets. However I do encourage you to take the challenge and commit to being better for you!
I just wanted to share my experience - which was excellent (everything outside the sugar withdrawals... excellent). I'll be doing it again!
- My skin has cleared up. During the challenge the days leading up to my menstrual cycle, which are usually laden with breakout after breakout, I had 1 or 2 noticeable pimples. (There were also good changes in my menstrual cycle, ladies if you have questions I'd be happy to answer.)
- I lost 7 lbs overall. I don't know where they went or where they came from... but it happened.
- There's more definition in my arms and back
- Stomach and thighs have slimmed down considerably. Pants that were previously cutting off my circulation now fit well. Pants that couldn't get past my glorious thighs actually fit now ;-). And last but not least....
- My ass has liiif-tehhhd *John Legend voice*
So... Without further ado I'll reveal my before and after pics, in which there may not appear to be a significant difference. However, my ass is tighter, sits a lil higher, and is appearing in my shadow. Sooo there's that!
Peace,
Nik
PS. If you have any questions about my experience I'll be happy to answer just leave your question in the comment section. :-)
May 30, 2013
Treasury Thursday: 'Minimal pleasures' by Daniblu
'Minimal pleasures' by Daniblu
May 26, 2013
Memorial Day Weekend Sale thru 5/28
Get 20% off now through Tuesday 5/28 when you use code MEMDAY20 at http://lanomrahdesigns.etsy.com.
Peace,
Nik
May 23, 2013
Blog Feature: Tribal Trends by @MimokJewelry
Hey lovelies!
Just a quick thank you to Mimok Jewelry for featuring us on their blog in a beautiful collection of Tribal trends with neutral hues. La NomRah's hand-painted bangle is No. 13 in the gorgeous collection.
Mimok Jewelry's Blog is pretty dope. Check out the post here:
Click the pic below to purchase the hand painted geometric wood bangle:
Peace,
Nik
Just a quick thank you to Mimok Jewelry for featuring us on their blog in a beautiful collection of Tribal trends with neutral hues. La NomRah's hand-painted bangle is No. 13 in the gorgeous collection.
Mimok Jewelry's Blog is pretty dope. Check out the post here:
Click the pic below to purchase the hand painted geometric wood bangle:
Peace,
Nik
May 2, 2013
Treasury Thursday: 'bright moments ' by SymbolicImports
'bright moments ' by SymbolicImports
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