Going With The Flow

Your Powerful LIFE blog

Seasons change. Do we need to make some changes too? What habits have we developed? It is a good habit to look at your life’s goals with each season. I have to admit the thought of change makes me feel uneasy, even stressed. Time to take a deep breath. For now, I’m living in the moment and going with the flow.

During the month of September, I always feel I have to get in my last bit of beach time to ride the waves. This is when the water temperature of the Pacific Ocean in Malibu California reaches its highest of 70 degrees. The ocean refreshes me.

This year, 8/22 -8/29, Tropical Storm Marie was active. The waves were massive and pounded down hard damaging the Malibu Pier and the coast line. I wondered how surfing was after the storm and with a sense of adventure, I headed down the Malibu coast on the P.C.H., Pacific Coast Highway.

Malibu Coast

The Malibu coastline is comparable to Maui of the Hawaiian Islands. In these waters it is not unusual to see dolphins playfully jumping the waves and sometimes even spy sea lions, seals and whales.

The Pacific Coast Highway descends down towards sea level to one of my favorite spots, Zuma Beach, a long stretch of sand for beach lovers. I enjoy the big waves that are great for body surfing or boogie boarding. Both surfing techniques vary when taking in a wave and it is always a workout to fight the strong tide to catch the waves. Usually the waves propel me for a long ride to the shore. Sometimes my sister Linda joins me.

My sister and I enjoy staying fit and boogie boarding at Zuma Beach

After the storm, I noticed that the beach shrunk considerably. The ocean looked unpredictable. However, almost every wave curved with a thrashing impact close to the shore. I ventured into the water and noticed that the storm had left its mark. The surface under the water was now uneven and small rocks swirled erratically with the ocean. The waves were too rough to use a boogie board but I was able to get the nerve to body surf. The rides were crazy, maybe I was too! Good thing I’m limber because the water had me curving this way and that way, similar to a roller coaster. I even felt acrobatic when I did a double roll-over with a wave. It was fun and scary at the same time. When I thought I had enough, I began hiking my way through the tide towards the shore. That’s when a big wave knocked me over when my back was turned to bring me to my knees.

“To everything – turn, turn, turn

There is a season – turn, turn, turn

And a time to every purpose under heaven”

– Lyrics, musical artists, The Byrds

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 GO WITH THE FLOW RENEWING YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT…

Life brings me to my knees in prayer when I am knocked down. With all the troubles in the world, not to mention the troubles under my own roof, I can find peace knowing that God is in charge. The last Psalm sums it up. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia.” – Psalms 150:6

Like the ocean, I yield to the power and glory that created the universe. In this consciousness, I can flow like water, I can refresh those on my path and eventually wear down the stones in my path. Every season and every day can be a time to reflect, heal, Relax-n-Renew.

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FLOW INTO HEALTH

Peach Supreme

EASY, HEALTHY SNACK!

Peach or Pear Supreme (seasonal), a simple, no-baking dessert recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 peaches/nectarines or pears
• Heaping tablespoon of raw almond butter
• Drop of vanilla flavor
• 1 teaspoon of agave syrup or honey
• 8 large graham crackers

Directions:

Slice/chop fruit in large pieces. Stir fruit with the almond butter until creamy. Put a heaping tablespoon of mixture on top of a crispy graham cracker or cookie.

*This dessert is a perfect solution for fruit that is over-ripe.

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FLOW INTO FITNESS

Enjoying the great outdoors! Stretching and balancing with the forces of nature strengthens you for life.

Yoga in the ocean – The Wheel, backbend pose!

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL YOGA MONTH!

The Department of Health and Human Services designated the month of September as the national day for Yoga awareness and education.

The daily practicing of Yoga and deep breathing helps me immensely by expanding my mind and loosening up my body to withstand the tugs and pulls of life as I stretch and bend with the times.

Time well spent is doing Yoga and other fitness disciplines. I enjoy teaching safe and fun exercises at Kaiser Permanente.

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Quote – Yoga in the ocean – The Wheel

“Stretching backwards, feet and hands sinking, holding my balance, the waves of life refresh me.” – Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)

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Do you want to keep fit while on the run? Do it with this playlist: A variety of one minute exercises to burn fat and strengthen your muscles, hosted by Marianna Riccio on YouTube.

“YOU GOT THE POWER” FITNESS

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CLOSING THOUGHTS…

“We share the ocean connecting us, always changing, ever constant, tossed by the storm, sometimes calm, ever flowing to shores near and far.” – Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)

We are connected to each other, yet separate and No Man is an Island. The unrest in the world reminds me of the horrors of 9/11. The flag display at Pepperdine University located in Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway is a massive memorial – The Power of Remembering: 9-11. 

As I finish writing this blog post, I am in my backyard pensively thinking of the many sorrows in the world that weigh heavily on my heart. I feel helpless but I hear the birds singing in the background and that reminds me to be in the moment and appreciate the beauty of nature and life.

The seasons change and each season brings a special beauty to the world and a time to share your distinctive talents and blessing.

Connecting in love and going with the flow,

Maria Lauren, a.k.a. Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio

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This is a blog about LIFE: Living, Inspiration, Fitness, Entertainment. It is produced in my own time and solely reflects my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.