Category: Blog

  • Beware Of Toxins In Our Homes

    Beware Of Toxins In Our Homes

    Beware Of Toxins In Our Homes

    We all live in a world where the manufacturers are busy creating toxin products that we use in our homes daily, and we don’t even know! We face all kinds of health issues, never knowing that they may be because of the toxins lurking in our own homes.

    Whether it is the cleaners that we use in our home, or the beauty products, they are all infested with chemicals that are playing havoc with our health.

    I have attended a few seminars on this very topic and realized that it is essential to spread this knowledge in our community and create awareness, so that a little at a time we can start detoxifying our homes and start living in a cleaner world.

    It all begins with one person creating awareness.

    At a recently attended seminar, an Ava Anderson Consultant revealed the following (extracted from Ava Anderson’s Resource):

    “Did you know:

    – Europe bans 1,342 toxic chemicals from their personal
    care products and the US bans only 9?
    – up to 60% of what goes on your skin gets to your
    bloodstream…up to 100% if it is on your scalp,
    underarm or groin.
    – “safe”, “organic” and “natural” does not mean your
    products do not contain toxic chemicals as well?
    – 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their
    lifetime, 1 in 78 children and 1 in 54 boys are born with
    Autism in the US, and that Alzheimers is up 500% in the
    past 20 years?
    – according to the President’s Cancer Panel only
    10% of cancer is genetic and 90% is caused by
    environmental factors?
    – your personal and home care products (from shampoo
    to antibacterial wipes to makeup) contain carcinogenic
    ingredients, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors and
    allergens that could be hazardous to your health?

    Know your backside!

    Read your labels and avoid the following chemicals:

    FRAGRANCE is a “trade secret” in the industry and
    manufacturers can legally include hundreds of chemicals
    in this one ingredient. More than 75% of the time if you have
    fragrance, you have legally hidden phthalates (THAL ates),
    known endocrine disruptors, that are linked with birth
    defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver, cancer, diabetes,
    obesity, and now with autism and ADHD in pregnancy
    by Dr. Philip Landrigan, Mt Sinai, Children’s Environmental
    Health Center.
    PARABENS: are preservatives linked to breast cancer,
    endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and
    developmental defects. California Study (10/11) of BPA
    and methyplaraben combination turned healthy cells into
    cancer cells, and rendered tamoxifin ineffective.
    TRICLOSAN: is the active ingredient in “anti-bacterial”
    products, is registered with the government as a pesticide,
    and is a known endocrine disruptor. Triclosan is believed
    to disrupt thyroid function and contribute to liver and
    inhalation toxicity.
    OXYBENZONE and OCTINOXATE: (and other chemical
    sunscreen “active ingredients”) are UV ray filters that are
    known endocrine disruptors.
    PETROLATUM & PETROLEUM INGREDIENTS: endocrine
    disruptors and carcinogens.
    IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL SIX OF THE ABOVE ARE “ENDOCRINE
    DISRUPTORS” which are important to avoid, because the endocrine
    system regulates ALL biological processes in the body: development
    of the brain and nervous system, growth and function of the
    reproduction system, metabolism and blood sugar levels, ovaries,
    testes, pituitary, thyroid and the adrenal glands. (Natural News)
    The World Health Organization and the UN recently released
    a report that called endocrine disruptors a “Global Threat.” Small
    amounts matter, especially to the developing fetus.
    PEG’s (polyethylene glycol) are petroleum byproducts.
    During manufacturing process carcinogenic
    contamination is created: 1,4-dioxane, which is a known
    human carcinogen, with liver and kidney effects.
    SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) and SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
    (SLES) are considered carcinogens. SLES is sometimes
    contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. You will never see
    1,4-dioxane on a label, as companies are not required
    to list carcinogenic contaminants.
    INGREDIENTS THAT END IN “-eth”: like ceteareth,
    triceteareth, etc., carry the contamination concern
    for 1,4-dioxane.
    IMPORTANT NOTE: all THREE of the above ingredients carry
    carcinogenic contaminant concerns created during manufacturing
    for 1,4-dioxane. The government allows 10 ppm (parts per million) in
    any one product, but no one is testing. 1,4-dioxane can be stripped
    for pennies, and must be done for any product exported to EU.

    RETINYL PALMITATE: in the presence of sunlight enhances
    skin cancer lesions by 21% (FDA, 2011 Report). It is in
    many sunscreens and moisturizers.

    NANOPARTICLES: can cross the cell barrier and drive into
    organs, including the brain in humans. There is no way
    of knowing particle size, unless stated on the label. EU
    manufacturers must list nanoparticles

    ALUMINUM and metals: these are bio-accumulative,
    meaning they store in your fat cells and accumulate,
    and are very hard to get rid of.
    DIETHANOLOMINE (DEA) and COCAMIDE DEA, LAURAMIDE
    DEA: DEA reacts with other ingredients to become the
    extremely carcinogenic nitrosodiethanolamine. Beware
    of other ethanolamines like triethanolamine (TEA) and
    monoethamolamine (MEA).

    FORMALDEHYDE RELEASERS – DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, DMDM
    HYDANTOIN, QUATERNIUM: found in most personal care
    products. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions,
    dermatitis, joint pains and headaches, cancer and
    immune dysfunction.
    SYNTHETIC COLOR/DYES: made from coal tar, which is
    a mixture of many chemicals, derived from petroleum.
    These colors may be contaminated with low levels of
    heavy metals and some are combined with aluminum
    substrate. Aluminum compounds and many heavy
    metals are toxic to the brain.

    GLYCOL (propylene, butylenes, etc): is a synthetic petro chemical
    mix known to cause allergic and toxic reactions. Has been linked to cancer,
    developmental/reproductive issues, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption.

    MINERAL OIL: a petroleum ingredient that coats the
    skin like plastic wrap, disrupting the natural immune
    barrier, inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb
    natural moisture and nutrition, and its ability to release
    toxins, which can promote acne and other disorders.
    The process slows down skin function and normal cell
    development causing premature aging.

    TALC: is in the same family as asbestos. Talc is dangerous
    to inhale and has been linked to ovarian cancer.

    SILOXANES: cyclomethicone and ingredients ending
    in “siloxane” (e.g., cyclopentasiloxane) are toxic,
    persistent, and have the potential to bioaccumulate.
    The EU classifies some as endocrine disruptors and
    possible reproductive toxicant that may impair fertility.
    Research shows some to cause uterine tumors and harm
    to the reproductive and immune systems. Some siloxanes
    can also influence neurotransmitters in the nervous
    system. Cyclomethicone is a mixture of three siloxanes.

    What you can do:
    1. Control What You Can Control (food & products) and
    make Small Changes.
    2. Challenge Words Like “Natural”, “Organic” and “Pure.”
    Make Informed Choices.
    3. Speak Up! Tell The FDA/ Cosmetics Companies that you
    care and are concerned! (If we don’t buy it, they will
    stop selling it! Vote with your wallet).
    4. Keep Learning”

     

    Wellness Haven will bring in an Ava Anderson Consultant for such a presentation in the near future.

    Be Aware and Take Charge of Your Life. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

  • Self Love Enables Weight Loss

    Self Love Enables Weight Loss

    Yogic principles enable self-love and self-love enables weight loss

    “Self love is the only weight-loss aid that really works in the long run.” ~ Jenny Craig

    So very true for being in shape takes intense desire, dedication, discipline with both food control and daily exercise. Because we are human beings we need the motivation and inspiration on a daily basis as well.

    So how do we stay inspired and motivated on a daily basis to stay healthy?

    A dedicated group environment where people meet each other daily on common grounds with a common goal – health – is so very essential. Each one of us needs not just a set of exercise to move our limbs daily or a regimented eating routine, but a true yoga practice where all 8 limbs of yoga are embraced which enable one to lead a joyful life. When one embraces these yogic principles, self-love automatically blooms. When one learns to embrace self-love one also is able to achieve whatever they desire from the core of their being.

    Some key principles are:

    • Self-discipline with all aspects of life and including food
    • Asana / Poses  to exercise the body
    • Pranayama / Controlled Breathing to exercise the lungs
    • Pratyahara / Withdrawal or Sensory Transcedence to stay disciplined
    • Dharana / Focus / Concentration to accomplish what one has set as a goal
    • Dhyana / Meditation / Contemplation to keep the mind clear and calm.

    I know that this was my goal with Wellness Haven – to create a happy and safe space for those with the common goal of holistic healthy living to come together and inspire each other daily. Following the yogic principles has helped me achieve what I had set out for, and I am grateful, for Wellness Haven is impacting many lives daily.

    What are your aspirations? ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Solitude Is Self Love

    Solitude Is Self Love

    Solitude Is Self Love

    Only when you learn to love yourself do you love your solitude.

    There is a difference between loneliness and solitude.

    Solitude allows you to reflect and understand yourself, which is one of the most difficult things to do for those who find their pleasure only when they are with someone.  Such people become restless unless they are in a constant state of connection with the outside world and doing something or the other.  Such people face loneliness.

    Loneliness is failed solitude.” ~ Sherry Turkle

    On the other hand solitude is a choice. You prefer your own company for it gives you the peace, the comfort, the relaxation, and complete rest that is only possible when you are by yourself and away from the daily drama of life. This solitude becomes blissful when the mind is also at complete rest, that is you are in a meditative state with your eyes closed and none of your body parts are moving. This is a time which leads you to creativity and productivity and achieves your very best.

    “When you learn to love your own company you become far more careful who you spend your time with.”  ~ Katrina Mayer

    We live in a society where many do not understand the criticality of solitude. The daily issues that people are faced with would take on a completely different meaning and people would be able to stay away from anxiety and depression if they were to practice the art of self-discovery  through solitude.

    We all need to learn how to love our own company, become our own beloved and choose wisely who we are with at other times. When this self-love prospers, we do not use the external world as a means of escape.

    A person complete on the inside loves solitude.

    A person who is unable to live with the self is lonely, for such a person considers it an imprisonment, a punishment, and struggles with living on a daily basis.

    Solitude does not mean you let go of society.

    Solitude  means that you embrace society with acceptance and deep love for the self, enabling a richer and more empowered society.

     Going from loneliness to being complete is the process of self-discovery, which comes only with proper guidance, time and patience. The practice of Meditation, Controlled Breathing/Pranayama, Yoga enable this process of self-discovery. The result is invaluable. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Life’s Challenges

    Life’s Challenges

    Life’s Challenges are the perfect opportunities for Self- Growth

     

    You may have often found yourself facing Life’s Challenges. You may have even said to yourself, “Why me?”  You may have wondered when this challenge will go away. You may have faced anxiety or worse depression as a result…

    Life’s challenges have a way of disrupting our lives; coming at times we ‘think’ we need them the least, costing us our valuable time and resources that we could have used elsewhere! Yes it becomes an inconvenience we do not “need” as we stay focused on everything else but this inconvenience! We are irritated and frustrated for we did not ‘plan’ for this challenge!

    I do not know of anyone who has not faced of any life challenge!

    I also know that most do get very anxious.

    I was there once too – a life challenge would get me wringing my hands, in panic and overwhelmed not knowing what to do.

    So how do we overcome this feeling of overwhelm?

    The answer is very simple and yet profound – by understanding the real meaning of a Life Challenge; changing our perspective on how we look at life, changing our attitude towards life!

    What is the real meaning of a Life Challenge?

    • A life challenge is a blessing in disguise.
    • It comes into our life to teach us critical lessons which might not have learned otherwise.
    • It forces us look deeper into our beings for we live in a very external world most of the time.
    • It is an opportunity for growth.
    • It makes us challenge and expand our own self-inflicted boundaries and limits.
    • It makes us strong as we learn how to take action and resolve the challenge to come back into balance, by forcing us to tap into our unknown potentials.
    • It makes us look for solutions we did not think were possible.

    “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ~ John Kabat-Zin

     We are all limitless in our capabilities. We all have the ability to ride the high tide and come back onto solid ground.

    • Accept the challenge for what it is.
    • Ride the wave as you face feelings and emotions that make you look deeper into yourself, take the necessary action steps as you learn how to resolve the   challenge.
    • Come out of the challenge stronger than ever before!

    Let’s not take this beautiful life for granted.  Know that a Life Challenge is there to keep you on your toes as you stay rooted in your faith and belief that ALL IS WELL. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Yoga Is For All Ages!

    Yoga Is For All Ages!

    Yoga is for all age groups – Toddlers to Seniors!

    The benefits of a wholesome yoga practice impacts all age groups. Whether you practice yoga with your toddler in a “Mommy and Me Yoga” or a Senior, yoga improves the quality of life for all its participants.

    Toddlers love yoga with their parent. It is amazing how smart our toddlers are and how much they learn. The wonderful part is that they have FUN and bring in so much joy to their participating parent as they bond with them. Yes they need a class of their own.

    The 4 Years Olds to Pre-Teens  are a joy to teach as they learn themselves  and with or without their parents. They are fast learners. They do not face the fears of an adult and learn difficult poses amazingly well. They learn to chant mantras, practice being silent and fully participate in Laughter Yoga without any inhibitions or restlessness as may be seen by some adults! Yes they are amazing to be around.

    The Teenagers and the Youth are independent and do so well with or without parents being around them. Their bodies are yearning for guidance and they gain the flexibility, strength and build their stamina at an accelerated pace.  Teaching them is a pleasure.

    Adults and including Seniors are always amazed how quickly they start feeling the impacts of a regular yoga asana practice and how their bodies start responding to consistency.

    There is never any need to be tight or weak in our bodies. A daily dose of yoga stretch keeps us all agile not only in our minds but our bodies as well.

    How often do you practice your yoga asanas? ~ Umang Goel

     

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Belief, Sub-Conscious Mind & Desired Outcome

    Belief, Sub-Conscious Mind & Desired Outcome

    Belief, Sub-Conscious Mind & Desired Outcome

    People often think like this:

    I understand the life philosophy and I am acting on it and yet it is not producing results I desire! I am not able to attract my desired outcome!

    Here is how it actually works:

    Your actions are in complete alignment with your subconscious mind and the results are in complete alignment with your actions. So irrespective of what you may think that you are planning and doing, if there is any mis-alignment between your subconscious mind and your current thoughts and words, the actions will speak the loudest for it will continuously align itself with what your true perceptions are, based on what resides in your subconscious mind.

    What should we do?

    Consciously look at your life and what is happening in the current state. If you do not like how your life is in its current state, look at how you really feel about things in your life, your thoughts and words, your actions; look at what you truly believe about those things. Your belief may be completely misaligned with what you are trying very hard to do!

    For example:

    An overweight person may say that they want to come to their optimal weight, and they start a program as well! But very soon they sabotage themselves and fail to get the desired outcome! Why?

    Because in their subconscious mind they have already failed! They don’t really believe that they can achieve what they have set out for. They do not have faith in their actions in spite of the conscious mind guiding them to start acting on their plan!

    You have to have complete faith, an absolute conviction in the system you are working with, the projects, the plans, the actions, what you desire, and only then each of these aspects will be in alignment and result in the desired outcome.

    People miss the desired outcome for they have failed to align their beliefs, thoughts, actions, words, and goals/dreams.

    Your sub-conscious mind is the doorway to infinite intelligence.

    We all have the potential, but we need proper guidance so that we can correctly ‘see’ what is not in alignment and what can be done and then have continuous guidance towards complete alignment and the desired life outcome.  ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

  • Wonders Of Yoga Straps

    Wonders Of Yoga Straps

    Yoga Straps

    Straps offer a whole new dimension to the yoga poses whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner. It allows you to maximize your yoga health benefits without compromising the integrity of your spine. Use it wisely and reap the benefits for years to come.

    Length of yoga strap:

    The yoga strap length should be adjusted to suit your body needs. It comes in various sizes.

    What does a yoga strap do for you?

    –          It is used to bring stability to a pose as you hold a pose longer than it would have been possible without the support of a yoga strap.

    –          It is used to allow you to stretch your arms and legs with full length through your joints so that you can lengthen and strengthen your body parts.

    –          It helps you stay in alignment for a longer period of time.

    –          It also helps improve your resistance so that your asana is more challenging.

    –          It helps your posture.

    Ways to use yoga strap:

    Fold or loop a yoga strap in various ways to achieve the results you desire.

    Some of the poses the yoga strap proves to be helpful:

    –          Cow Face Pose, with strap at the back to bring your hands closer together

    –          Seated Forward Bend, to help you keep your legs extended at the knees and ease your tight hamstrings and hips.

    –          Seated Hand To Big Toe, to help you keep your legs extended at the knees and ease your tight hamstrings and hips.

    –          Boat Pose, to strengthen your core as you extend your legs and hold them in position

    –          Tree Pose, to keep your leg up as you balance

    –          Dancer Pose, to help you extend your quads and bend your knees as you balance

    –          Standing Hand To big Toe, to help your hip, knees and extend your leg as you balance

    –          Lying Leg Raise, Leg Crossover, and Legs Up In The Air to help improve your leg and hip joints and strengthen as you lengthen

    –          Bound Angle Pose, whether you are seated or lying down prove to be very delightful as it enables you to open up the hip joints and provide the restorative quality of the pose.

    The Yoga Class environment at Wellness Haven is fully supportive of yoga props.

    Whether you are in a yoga class or at home, use the wonders the yoga strap provides to improve the quality of your life. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    A relaxed mind is an uncluttered mind, and an uncluttered mind leads to an organized and productive life.

    1. Let deep breathing and meditation lead you to calm your mind.
    2. Let yoga asanas enable you to relax your body.
    3. Let silence and non-doing allow you to reflect and contemplate into finding out which part of your life remains in chaos.
    4. Let action steps lead you into organizing your life so that there is time and space for everything you want to do.
    5. Have a plan for each day from morning to night, including self-care and power-nap. Know that if something is not scheduled and planned there is a high risk that it will not get done.
    6. Have a TO DO LIST in one place so that the mind can be relaxed and not worry about forgetting what needs to get done.
    7. Declutter everyday so that you have to spend 10 minutes and not hours cleaning your mess.
      1. Paper Piles, Paper Bills, Reminder Notes
      2. Electronic Filing: Emails
      3. Clothes in your closet, and laundry
      4. Bathroom mess-up
      5. Bed
      6. Kitchen Counter, Sink, Dishwasher, Fridge

    Clean your physical space and mental space so that you can lead the life you desire. Le Yoga, breathing, meditation propel you into the right action. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

  • Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga is such a beautiful way to be in the present moment.

    We are always rushing through life – doing this and running towards that! While we are doing one thing, our minds have already rushed into something else. Many thoughts run throughout the day as ‘doing’ continues to unfold.

    Never BEING in the moment depletes us in so many ways leading to many frustrations, restlessness and the inability to complete any one task thoroughly with peace in the heart.

    A wonderful way is to have a yoga asana practice each day. In an unrushed yoga asana practice the mind is engaged in self-discovery of both the body and the mind and even more so the breath. It urges us to relax in the moment, pay attention to the self and become mindful of the life-force that is keeping us alive. The frustrations of the day release, judgments disappear, stresses dissolve, the tight grip on life relaxes, and we become grounded and centered in our beings. We become keenly aware and fine-tuned with who we are, where we are and where we are headed  and pave our way to becoming the wholesome human we are at our core.

    Here are some yoga asanas that help us be in the present, to get grounded, especially when we are on our feet and rushing through life or waiting in frustration to get our turn!

    1. Being still and in correct alignment in Tadasana / Mountain Pose is very centering.
    2. Clasping hands behind our back as we wait our turn relaxes the shoulders and the tension in the back.
    3. Stretching the head sideways as we take a break in the middle of a task releases the stress in the neck.
    4. Standing and twisting our bodies slightly as we swivel our feet calms our nervous energy.

    Try these simple yoga asanas next time you feel frustration, impatience or tension well up within you and experience for yourself the relaxation these bring.

    Life is very precious. Do not let your moments pass you by. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

  • Chair Yoga

    Chair Yoga

     

    Chair Yoga

    What does chair yoga mean?

    It means that there is no excuse for not exercising your body through Yoga whether you are at home, at a yoga school, or at your office!

    It also means that there is help for those who are unable to sit flat on the mat without the support of the wall or those who can’t be on their knees or wrists.

    Here are just some of the yoga stretches that I like to do on a chair:

    1. Sitting on a chair and twisting your body on one side and then the other.
    2. Extending your legs in front of you and back, repeating a few times.
    3. Eagle arms while sitting and bending over the knee.
    4. Siting Mountain pose as you extent your arms up.
    5. Extending arms sideways and then twisting your body on both sides.
    6. Extending your arms behind you and interlacing fingers for a deeper shoulder stretch.
    7. A pigeon pose right on your chair as you take your leg to make a four with your other thigh and bending over.
    8. Using straps to stretch and dumbbells  to build your muscles while sitting is so simple.

    Yes there are no excuses.

    For the determined, everything is possible no matter where you are and how much time you have in your hands. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

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