More Than A Rose…More Than A Prayer

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I don’t believe that any prayer goes unanswered.  I believed that our prayers are recycled back into the Divine Mind of the universe and delivered back to us as something greater and more in alignment than what we originally prayed or hoped for.

Everything is connected to the Source—Divine Mind—God, or whatever you wish to call it. Simply put, we are all a part of the Universe; and our plans and prayers are not the only plans or prayers on God’s table. Our prayers and plans are just an ingredient—a spice—-a nutrient—an appetizer—to the heavenly feast God is preparing for the entire Universe!

Our thoughts and our dreams are important, because they contribute to the energy of the race consciousness. Our thoughts, dreams, and prayers are circulating and creating every single thing that we see and experience in the world today—the good and the negative.

I was reminded of my belief last night as I started clearing and purifying my space. As I began clearing my prayer table I grabbed the dead roses that were upon them, with the intention to throw them in the trash. As I caught a glimpse of myself walking to the trash can with the roses in the mirror I had to pause. Then I walked up to the mirror with the roses in my hand. I held the dead roses up to my face and move closer to the mirror. The roses were still absolutely beautiful.

I examined them more closely. The stems were erect. The leaves were withered. The pedals were crisp, some were still soft; but what they all had in common was that they appeared to be bowing. Their bowing appearance was a state of surrender, humility, and acceptance to me. Another amazing thing that they all had in common was that the flower—their pedals still smelled so sweet. The soul of the roses lives on!

Then Spirit told me not to throw the roses in the trash can. Instead I should give them back to the earth for purification. So that’s what I did. It made perfect since, especially because the roses were a living thing. Mystics believe roses to be symbolic of the human soul. I could not throw them away! When an animal dies it goes back into the Earth. When a human being dies we put them in the ground or sprinkle their ashes over the sea. It’s all about recycling energy.

I look forward to the spiritual return of that energy! I am knowing it will be sweet as the fragrance of my roses! Dream, pray, think positive and plan. Just remember when things don’t go YOUR way, they are really going the way they should for the greater good.

Wishing you all the good the Universe has in store for you. Stay open. Even in your planning.

For more insights on Universal Connectedness you can read my memoir Before You Work Out, Exercise http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx. Blessings!

Secrets To A Strong Core

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We’ve all seen it before, the person at the gym who does over one hundred crunches and still has the bulk of his or her weight around the midsection. Although this person may have intentions to strengthen and/or decrease inches from the core, crunches alone will not get it! Trust me! I’ve tried! What I learned is that the abdominal muscles respond best when a variety of exercises are performed in conjunction with cardiovascular training and a sound nutrition program! The combination of the right core moves, cardio, and nutrition will definitely get you the abdominal definition (6 pack) you are striving for. Spiritually releasing toxic energy from the second chakra will KEEP the core strong and healthy. For more information on the energetic influence of the second chakra read this:https://nadibody.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/chakra-power/, and for more wellness inspiration join my “Heal-Thee” Network @ https://www.facebook.com/NadirahAShakir?ref=hl!The following are tried and proven for abdominal success! Blessings!

1. Diet: It’s very simple. If you are loading up on processed foods, and eating way more calories than you need then your stomach will have a bulge. You need to eat moderately. A basic rule of thumb to keep your abs flat is to only eat when you are hungry and stop eating before you get full or when your HUNGER subsides!
2. Cardio: There is usually a layer or two, or three, or four, over our muscle/definition. Doing cardio in conjunction WITH proper nutrition will help melt the fat covering the six pack! A basic rule to follow is do 45 minutes of cardio after each abdominal session to burn the fat covering your muscles!
3. Variety: Change is good—yeah!? The same is true for abdominal exercises. If you continue to do 100 crunches and do not see results, then go ahead and add a set of hanging leg raises. Use a stability ball, or you may even want to add some weight. Change it up for results!
4. Use Weight: The abs are no different than any other muscle in the body. If you want to see definition add some weight, and continue to add weight so that you can tear down the muscle so that it can rebuild itself. The abdominals are MUSCLES! Train them accordingly!
5. Deep Breathing: If you breathe correctly, then with each breath you are going to reach way down deep into the lower region of the retus abdominus muscle. On the inhalation there will be a contraction (concentric movement) and on the exhale there will be a release (eccentric movement). Deep inhaling and exhaling will tone the abdominal walls no doubt IF deep breathing is practiced regularly. The added benefit is that you will also be releasing toxic energy from the lower abs as well. Breathe Deep!
6. Avoid Stress: When the body becomes stressed it produces a hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels rise with in the body due to stress it is stored in the abdominal area—again—BREATHE DEEP.
7. Be careful of the sexual energy you receive: Our second chakra is our sexual chakra—the chakra located in the lower abdominal region. When toxic energy is absorbed from toxic sexual relationships that energy is stored in this area. There are several ways to release this energy energetically. On a basic level, deep breathing with focus on this region with the mental intention to release negative energy will definitely facilitate the healing and release of toxic energy from this region.
8. Get regular: If I said it once then I’ve said it a million times. You should be having at least 2 bowel movements per day. You would be surprised how much fecal matter is stored in the walls of the intestines, and fecal matter in the walls of the intestines will definitely give someone the appearance of a “spare tire.” Drink lots of water! (More on this in a later blog)

For more inspirational affirmations, spiritual exercises, and stories about my journey in fitness you can purchase my book Before You Work Out, Exercise: 40 Days of Working it Out Mentally & Spiritually @ http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx! Be blessed and LOVE YOURSELF TO THE CORE!! Nadirah A. Shakir

Advanced Weighted Bridge

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Advanced Weighted Bridge

One of the hardest parts of the body to tone is the glutes! Thank goddess for the bridge! The bridge is a very simple move that can be done almost anywhere. It can also be combined in a superset routine if you want to rev up your lower body exercise regimen. The wonderful thing about the bridge is that it is not only great for the glutes but it is also a stabilizing exercise which means it works wonders for the lower back and the core/abdominals!

Begin by laying flat on your back with your knees bent. If you do not wish to use weight, keep your arms flat on the sides of you. If you want to use weight place a bar mid thigh. You can also use a dumbbell or a medicine ball and place it right between your thighs or knees. Lift the bottom of the ground/floor and squeeze the glutes on the way up. The only thing that should be on the ground/floor is your shoulders, neck, head, and soles of your feet. Hold the contraction for a minimum of 3 seconds and then lower your but back down to the ground/floor. Repeat for 20 reps, for about 3 sets and feel the burn!

Bottoms Up! Nadirah A. Shakir

9 Reasons to Start Pumping Iron!

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The Benefits of Weight Training:
1. Overall strength: One of the primary reasons that people incorporate weight training into their fitness regimen is so that they become stronger. Gradually increasing the weight you work with will help you achieve physical strength. Start off with something you can handle, and then weekly increase your weight by two and half to five pounds.
2. Stabilizes joints: When the muscles surrounding the joints are strong and healthy they help keep our joints in their proper place, and we are also less prone to injuries.
3. Protects bones, tendons, and ligaments: Muscle with great tensile strength is like “insurance” for our bones, tendons, and ligaments. The added protection can help offset bone breaks, and tendon, and ligament snaps! Don’t forget to stretch!
4. Increases flexibility: Believe it or not, healthy muscles are flexible. They are not supposed to be tight and hardened. They may visibly appear that way because of the way they have been sculpted. However, if the muscle is healthy and NATURAL it will be flexible. Be sure to stretch after each weight training session! Get a massage monthly, and foam roll at least twice a week! For more information on foam rolling, read this!https://nadibody.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/the-benefits-of-foam-rolling/
5. Speeds up metabolism: Weight training causes the muscle to become metabolically active, thereby increasing your metabolism at a faster rate than someone who just does aerobic activity. People who weight train in conjunction with a healthy diet are likely to loose weight/fat and keep it off versus someone who does not.
6. Assist in cell regeneration: Weight training breaks down tissue/cells and then the tissue repairs itself. Imagine the possibility of creating a whole new body by weight training at least 4 times per week, and eating immaculately…a new you!
7. Enhances neuromuscular control: When entered into consciously weight training forges the mind body connection, thereby, stimulating neurons in the brain and in the body.
8. Improves Bone Density: Health care professional suggest that women over 40 do at least three hours per week of weight training to help build stronger bones. It is said that after age 40 a woman starts to lose bone, and weight training is like preventative care.
9. Positively alters body composition: Most people weight train as a method of body sculpting. They do this to simple improve the shape or composition of their physiques.

If the Spirit moves you START PUMPING IRON! Wishing you inner and outer strength, Nadirah A. Shakir

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Water Is Magic! Have Some!

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“Water Is Magic! Have Some!”

8 reasons to drink more water:
1. Water aids in the purification/detoxification of the body.
2. Water aids in digestion.
3. Water helps to maintain a healthy and natural ph balance within the body.
4. Water increases metabolism, and helps the body release fat, and extra weight.
5. Water helps you maintain clear and healthy skin, because you are getting rid of bacteria and other toxins.
6. Water gives you energy by keeping you hydrated.
7. Water helps you to feel full. Lots of times we eat when we are thirsty. If we stay hydrated during the day we will be less likely to snack/eat.
8. Water helps you think clearly. When the body is dehydrated your brain is less “foggy.”

Indications that you may need more water:
1. A sluggish metabolism
2. Not regular ( Depending on how much you eat, you should be having 2-3 bowel movements per day. If you are not going at least once a day drink up!)
3. Prone to acne
4. Crave sugar and other carbohydrates (drinking more water in conjunction with other detoxifying methods will help you rid the body of candida which can be the primary cause of sugar cravings)
5. Need to loose weight
6. Prone to edema, swelling, or holding water during your menstrual cycle
7. Adhere to a very physical lifestyle
8. Spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the sun
9. Have trouble concentrating (foggy brain)
10. Need to detox

Foods that promote dehydration:
1. alcohol
2. processed foods
3. white sugar and foods that are rich in white sugar
4. caffeine
5. regular sodas and diet sodas
6. Foods high in sodium/salt

Water is magic…have some!

Embracing the Relationships Around You

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So many single people are obsessed with being in a relationship. It’s as if they don’t meet Mr. or Mrs. Right their entire existence is irrelevant. They can’t eat. They can’t sleep. They can’t even go out to a social event without looking for their soul mate. I understand the basic human need for companionship and relationship. The desire to connect and share our hearts and lives with another soul is an innate trait that most human beings have. What’s unhealthy though is the yearning—the obsession to have someone–anyone, which drives people to make deplorable relationship choices. Also, entering into relationship because of a need—financial or other, will only lead to disaster. No one can learn our lessons for us or do the work for us. We have to do it ourselves.

One of the most loving things single people (all people for that matter) can do for themselves is to obtain a deeper understanding AND acceptance of themselves. You’ll be surprised at how many single people who are desperate to get into a relationship, haven’t the foggiest idea what makes them happy. Furthermore the desperation to be in a relationship leads them to compromise their very own happiness. The relationship will not last and if it does the energy will be toxic. Also, trying to hide behind personas and adhere to roles for the sake of obtaining a relationship will choke at ones life force as well.

One of the things that I do as a happily single individual is embrace the relationships around me. If you are single (or not) and desiring a sacred union you should too. Here’s why. The Universe is always sending someone to share in love with you. It may not be the type of relationship that you are looking for but the energy for giving and receiving is always there. Furthermore allowing yourself to be open to those around you will help you better prepare for “THEE” relationship you are wanting. When you see every relationship as a relationship that can assist you in becoming the type of person you would like to “be with” some day then you are on your way to sharing life with that special someone. In the meantime, just chill, love, and get to know you. Do some of the things that you dreamed of doing, and more importantly pay attention to the people around you. Someone is always trying to love you. Just look.

For further insights on self love, relationship, and inner confidence read pages 27-30, and 141-142 in my memoir Before You Work Out, Exercise http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx.

Wishing you unconditional love and fearless self acceptance, Nadirah A. Shakir

Allow The Light of God to Shine Through You

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Allow The Light of God to Shine Through You

We are all perfect expressions of God. We have been put here on the planet to carry out specific assignments at specific times. We are endowed with gifts, talents, physical attributes, strengths, and interests; and we shine like the light that God is when we are in that natural flow of expression.

What does that mean? This means that we do not allow our ego to block Gods flow. When we allow ourselves to BE who we are, we are allowing God to express through us. In other words we are dimming Gods’ light when we are stuck in self-denial, self judgment, and dis-belief in ourselves.

Have you ever saw a person who looked dull and/or lack luster? Perhaps this persons’ energy was low, or turbulent in some way. This stagnation can be linked to inner conflict about how this person wants to show up in life i.e., express his/herself.

We’ve all been there. There has been a point in our lives when we are doing one thing but desiring to do another. We may be stuck at a job that we do not like. We may be stuck in a relationship that we wish to dissolve. We may even have issues with our finances or our health. These are all temporary issues that can be remedied as soon as we make the conscious decision to ALLOW God’s light to shine through us.

How do we do this? The first thing we must do is simply stop fighting what is. In other words we should surrender. We must be willing to let go of the life we know, stop caring about what others think about us, and become willing to live our truth. We must be willing to release jobs, friends, family, titles, and possessions. The second thing we must do is listen. We must seek out the counsel of the Holy Spirit and listen. You can hear the Holy Spirit best in the silence. I suggest you set apart some quiet time for meditation, and journaling. I like to couple these two—meditation, and journaling because I like to write down what I am hearing during meditation. After you listen you have to obey. Obeying what you hear can be difficult because more than likely it will be something that you are apprehensive about. It could be that it is something that you’ve done before and the results were deplorable, and now Spirit is leading you to do it again. Remember you are different now, and also take into consideration that there is something called Divine-Time, and Divine-Order.

Allowing Gods’ light to shine through you is in essence a personal commitment that you make to live authentically. Shining does not mean that we become rich and famous, although there is a possibility; essentially shining means that we have a healthy glow or a vibrant aura around us as a result of allowing God to express Itself through us without judgment. We are channels. God is the light that wants to shine through you.

Just be you, and the light will come bursting through!

Blessings, Nadirah A. Shakir

The Benefits of Foam Rolling

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Foam rolling is a sports massage technique that assist in the release of knots, lactic acid, and other toxins that are stored in the muscles due to weight training and cardiovascular activity.

Many people experience aches/pain in the lower back, knees, and up under the scapula area, and they automatically assume that it is something severe, or a type of “syndrome,” when in actuality foam rolling may be all they need—on a consistent basis of course.

In particular if the muscles of the IT band, hamstrings, and glutes, become too tight you can experience things like numbness in the legs and feet, knee pain, and lower back pain. What happens is the muscles become so tight that they can compress nerves. Compressed nerves can contribute to tingling sensations, as well as numbness, acute and chronic pain. Joint pain, particularly in the knees is caused by a super tight IT band.

Foam Rolling is secondary to massage therapy, and it is very affective if it is done in conjunction with a stretching regimen. I would also recommend that you foam roll AFTER your workout–because the muscles are warm, and blood is circulating throughout the body. This will aid in the detoxification process. I would also recommend that you drink plenty of water after you foam roll. This will help you eliminate more toxins from the body.

Train smart! Don’t forget to foam roll!

Nadirah A. Shakir

Learn To Love Your Period

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Learn To Love Your Period. It is NOT a Disease.

I was getting my eye brows waxed the other day in the nail shop when I over heard a conversation that a mother and daughter was having. “This damn pill ain’t working,” the daughter hissed at her mother. The mother looking empathetically at her daughter begin flipping through her purse in search of a STRONGER pill. “Here take two of these,” the mother said, handing the pills to her daughter. I dropped my head so low I almost messed up my wax job. The daughter swallowed the two pills and settled herself in the chair next to me waiting for the comfort of the pills to kick in as nail tech started to clip away at her cuticles. I looked at her, and she looked back at me. I smiled empathetically, and she opened—“I hate my period!” I smiled again, understanding that most women feel this way. I wanted to say so much to her, but I could tell she was frustrated. I could also tell that she had become accustomed to taking drugs to minimized her menstrual cramps and other symptoms that may be due to her monthly menses. So I held my tongue.

I remember back in high school when I used to get cramps associated with my period. On one particular day I told my physical education instructor that I would not be participating in any physical activities because I was cramping. HE told me that exercise, and foods rich in minerals especially potassium, would off-set menstrual cramps. In other words he was telling me that my cycle was not an excuse to sit out an entire class period. I listened to my instructor and I went into the locker room and got dressed and then got physical. In almost no time my cramps were gone, and I didn’t cramp at all any more that month. After I noticed the difference I began to get more active as a way of life, and must say that even today I do not have menstrual cramps, very little water retention unless my diet is completely off target, and my period is still regular. I DO, however have chocolate cravings, so I will treat myself to some dark chocolate during my cycle, but that’s about it.

All of the hormonal craziness that is believed to be associated with our period is really NOT craziness at all. Essentially this “craziness” is really womens’ intuition, and spiritual and emotional connectedness to herself and her surroundings. When a woman is on her period she is more intuned with herself, nature, and the Holy Spirit. This craziness is not really craziness at all, but is a surge of spiritual/kundalini energy that is emerging from her womb and circulating through AND out of her body, and yes I do experience this. Most women, like my sisters in the nail shop have not been taught that their period is a blessing as opposed to a curse, so they buy into and believe that they are “crazy” at this time, when in fact they are more in tune with them-selves and the world around them. In addition to that, most women have not been taught how to harness that kundalini energy around the time of their cycles so they become scattered and thrown off kilter. It is wise for women to take special care of them selves year round, but especially during their periods. Moderate exercise, prayer, meditation, deep breathing, back, hand, and feet massages are wonderful during this time, and a diet rich in minerals can do well to comfort the spirit of women on their menses, and yes, eating dark chocolate under a beautifully lit moon will do wonders for grounding your energy and calming your mind. So…the next time your period comes on rub your tummy and welcome it, and if you have a significant other have them rub your tummy, and then rub your feet and welcome it too!

Blessings, Nadirah A. Shakir

Grounding Yourself for Optimal Health

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“Grounding Yourself for Optimal Health”

Do you ever feel like your life is going so fast that you just can’t keep up? Sure you have! That’s called life! Often times, when we feel this surge of energy, or this exhilarated flow of life speeding up, things are more than likely going well. The Universe has/is providing for us new opportunities for further growth and success. In some cases there can be a series of stressors that have our head spinning as well. In any event, when life starts to go so fast that you just can’t keep up, go ahead a give yourself permission to slooooow down.

How can you slow down? You can slow down by engaging in an activity that grounds you. A grounding activity is an activity that you do where you become fully present in that moment. It slows the heart rate down. It relaxes the mind, and the muscles of the body also become relax. In other words, you become fully present in the moment. For me, getting out into nature helps me ground myself. The sea has a calming effect on me that relaxes my entire muscular and nervous system. There’s an exercise that I like to do when I visit the sea. I like to consciously connect with the rhythm of the ocean—the waves, and then I like to breathe with the moving water. I can’t began to tell you how wonderful I feel after about five minutes of doing this. I also like to play in the wet sand–pushing my feet into the mud—making mud balls—carving my name into the sand. I find that doing something silly like playing in mud helps me nurture my inner child which is very grounding! One way to quickly become grounded is to forfeit all the seriousness of adulthood and let your child play! For others, a walk under a full moon, or the warm sun may be grounding. Baking a cake or making love with a partner who you share a wonderful connection with can be healing. Praying, deep breathing, a great workout, running, talking to a therapist or a coach, journaling, and list goes on and on and on! You know yourself best, so do what works for you. If you are not accustomed to grounding yourself try my two personal favorite—journaling about your feelings, and taking a solitary trip to the sea. Either of these activities will provide the healing-reflective space for you to remember and conger up new ways to ground yourself.

I wish you peace today and everyday. Nadirah A. Shakir