Let’s be real — we all procrastinate. I procrastinate on an almost daily basis.

Unlike some people, I avoid the more pleasurable activities like meditation, yoga, qi gong, and writing. I put emphasis on the least pleasurable things, like checking my work Facebook page, cleaning the house or looking for other distractions.

When I do take the time for self-cultivation like I did today by attending a yoga class from one of my favorite instructors, my true self awakens, and the intensity I carry within me begins to soften. I have more clarity and I remember why I have been given life. I am here to remind us all to breathe, love yourself, love nature and love others.

I encourage you to stop procrastinating when it comes to taking time out for yourself. Spend at least 10 minutes a day just for you. Engage in something that nurtures you. Care for yourself in healthy ways and  your bad “habits” will eventually fade away. The more consistent you are with your self-time, the more time you have for everything else. The times I have been most conscious of my self-cultivation, my food choices, my lifestyle — are the times I have not only felt the best physically, but I am also the happiest. I feel completely supported and loved and I have had the energy to bring my dreams into reality.

It will soon be a Fire Monkey year and I envision it as the time for us to learn to love ourselves unconditionally. It is the time for us to truly honor and love the person we are inside. I know, it’s harder than it sounds when you decide to begin the journey deep within. For me, there is a fierceness that is rooted in fear, misunderstanding and even hatred. I have to work consciously to be the kind, loving person that I know I am here to be. You have the capacity to do it too. It takes courage to cultivate the time.

I leave you with a delicious herbal tea that will continue to bring love and nourishment to you on these cold winter nights.

Always use organic ingredients.

Warmth & Love Tisane

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Hawthorn berries (crushed)
2 tbsp Hawthorn leaf & flower
1″ piece of vanilla bean
1-2 tsp Cinnamon powder
1-2 tsp Cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Simmer Hawthorn berries and vanilla bean in 1-quart water for 15-20 minutes.  
2. Turn off heat and add all other ingredients.  
3. Steep for another 10-15 minutes.  
4. Strain out herbs.  
5. Add honey if desired.

Now cozy up on the couch or in your favorite chair with your tea, a book, and a blanket.  Sip and allow love to envelop your entire being.