Tag: Nadirah “Heal Thee” Network

Clean Out Your Closet

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CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET

by Nadirah A. Shakir

When is the last time you cleaned out your closet? Recently, I did. In addition to the fact that most of my clothes were getting a bit baggy, I just wanted to release everything that I no longer used. Most things went easily into the give-away bag. But there were some things that were challenging to part with: my sky blue Nikes with the holes near the pinky toes. I used those for my early morning forgiveness walks in 2010. Then there was my turquoise dress that my dad brought me from Cuba. I gave my first massage in that, but it was now ripping under the armpits. And the little black dress that was a gift from an ex-boyfriend…so many memories!

I was surprised at the range of emotions that surfaced during the seemingly simple activity of cleaning out my closet. I cried. I laughed. I tried to justify keeping the worn-out items. However, when something no longer serves the purpose for which it is intended, or when it is not conducive to the energy you want to attract into your life, let it go! Something better will come.

When it comes to releasing excess weight or any other undesirable condition, we have to be very conscious of what we are holding in consciousness. We have to ask ourselves who haven’t we forgiven; what we need to forgive ourselves for; and what error thoughts are on repeat in our minds, keeping us stuck in a vicious cycle of self-sabotage. We have to let it all go—no matter how familiar it may be, and no matter how good it may look to the outside world. Today, choose to make space for something new and beautiful in your life!

 

Nadirah Heal Thee Network’s 1400 Calorie or Less Meal Plan

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Looking for a nutrition guidelines for 2014?! Here is a meal plan that you can use to get you started!

1400 Calorie Meal Plans

Tips for Dieting:

The first thing I want all of you to remember is to drink one gallon of water per day. Water is the key to a healthy metabolism! If you drink at least a gallon of water a day you are going to have more bowel movements and you will excrete toxins and sodium through urination. If you like you can drink herbal teas such as green tea, chamomile tea, eucalyptus, Echinacea tea, and so forth.

The second thing to remember is to season your food with no salt seasonings like Ms. Dash, Herbs, and other Spices. Although salt is not fating it can cause you to retain water which will promote weight gain. Also use splenda or stevia, maple syrup is also good. Stay away from white sugar at all cost; because it’s just not healthy, and it promotes fat cell growth, and fungus like yeast!

Remember that you are eating for health NOT entertainment! Most people eat because they are bored, they eat in front of the T.V., and they eat while socializing with friends. The key to remember is to eat light and do not over indulge.

Below are 14 meal plans that I want you to use for the next 4 weeks, after 4 weeks. You can mix and match, and eat lunch for dinner, and dinner for breakfast it doesn’t matter. If you don’t eat beef, chicken, or shell fish, substitute it for something else from the meal plans below. I wanted to include as many nutrients as I can so that just in case you wanted variety you have it. If you follow these guidelines you can lose between 1-3 pounds per week.

Day 1

Breakfast: 1 medium banana, 109 calories

2 tsp peanut butter, 190 calories

299 calories

Snack: 2 scoops whey protein, 222 calories

1 cup skim milk, 86 calories

308 calories

Lunch: turkey sandwich, 2 slices bread, 140 calories

1 slice cheese 110 calories

1 tomato slice 6 calories

2 slices deli turkey 60 calories

2 ice berg leaf lettuce 2 calories

1 tsp mayonnaise 100 calories

388 calories

Snack: 1 cup apple sauce 194 calories

Dinner: 2 scoops whey protein in water 222 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1401 calories.

Day 2

Breakfast: 1 cup cheerios, 110 calories

1 cup skim milk, 86 calories

296 calories

Snack:  24 almonds 164 calories

1 scoop protein in water 111 calories

275 calories

Lunch: tuna salad

2 oz canned tuna in water drained, 70 calories

1 cup romaine lettuce, 18 calories

1 hardboiled egg, 78 calories

½ cup raw fresh carrots, 24 calories

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 130 calories

2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 4 calories

5 multigrain or whole wheat crackers, 130 calories

454 calories

Snack: small apple, 63 calories

Dinner: 4 oz baked chicken breast, 160 calories

½ cup long grain brown rice, 80 calories

½ cup steamed broccoli, 52 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,380 calories

Day 3

Breakfast: 2 waffles (multi grain or whole wheat), 190 calories

2 tsp butter, 100 calories

4 tsp maple syrup, 208 calories

1 cup skim milk, 86 calories

584 calories

Snack: 1 cup strawberries, 43 calories

Lunch: ¼ cup whole wheat pasta boiled, 170 calories

½ cup frozen mixed veggies steamed, 35 calories

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 130 calories

335 calories

Snack: protein shake 2 scoops whey protein in water, 222 calories

Dinner: 4 large shrimp steamed, 30 calories

2 cups fresh spinach steamed 14 calories

½ cup boiled yam 79 calories

123 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,399 Calories.

Day 4

Breakfast: Blue berry muffin, 360 calories

Snack: 1 cup plain yogurt (low fat), 150 calories

½ cup grapefruit, 53

Lunch: 3 oz baked wild salmon, 155 calories

1 cup cucumber diced, 16 calories

1 large tomato diced, 38 calories

209 calories

Snack: 2 scoops whey protein (in water) 222 calories

½ grapefruit 53 calories

275 calories

Dinner: 1 medium chicken breast baked, 140 calories

½ baked potato 110 calories

2 tsp sour cream 60 calories

1 tsp butter 50 calories

360 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1, 407 Calories

Day 5

Breakfast: 1 banana, 109 calories

2 tsp peanut butter 190, calories

Snack: 2 scoops whey 222, calories

Lunch: (home made pizza) 1 slice whole wheat bread, 110 calories

½ cup tomato sauce 45 calories

½ cup ground turkey 97% lean, 120 calories

¼ cup mild cheddar cheese 220 calories

495 calories

Snack: 50 blueberries 38 calories

Dinner: 2 cups cauliflower, 56 calories

2 boneless chicken breast (Tyson or 3 oz) 200 calories

½ cup wild rice 83 calories

Total Daily Caloric intake 1, 393 calories

Day 6

Breakfast: (omelet), ½ cup egg white substitute 60 calories

2 tsp fresh scallions, 4 calories

1 cup chopped spinach, 7 calories

2 tomatoes slices diced, 12 calories

¼ cup mild cheddar, 220 calories

303 calories

Snack: 2 rice cakes (regular), 120 calories

2 tsp jelly, 35 calories

Lunch: (power shake)

1 scoop whey protein, 111 calories

½ banana, 70 calories

½ cup soy milk, 81 calories

½ cup plain low fat yogurt, 75 calories

337 calories

Snack: ¼ cup cashews, 160 calories

Dinner: 3 oz baked lamb (trimmed/ lean cut), 171 calories

1 sweet medium sweet potato baked in skin, 171 calories

2 tsp butter, 100 calories

1 cup acorn squash baked and cubed, 82 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,422

 

Day 7

Breakfast: 2 slices beef bacon, 100 calories

1 whole egg scrambled, 97 calories

1 (ego) butter milk waffle, 120 calories

2 tsp maple syrup, 104 calories

401 calories

Snack: large red apple, 125 calories 125 calories

Lunch: ½ cup mixed vegetables, 35 calories

½ cup black beans (Progresso), 100 calories

½ cup long grain white rice, 102 calories

11 Tortilla Chips (Tostitos) approximately 11 chips, 140 calories

377 calories

Snack: 1 grapefruit, 106 calories 106 calories

Dinner:  (taco) 1 taco shell (El Paso), 100 calories

4 oz ground turkey (97% lean), 120 calories

1 slice tomato diced, 6 calories

2 medium spinach leaves, 4 calories

1 oz mild cheddar cheese, 110 calories

2 tsp sour cream 52 calories

392 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1, 401 calories

Day 8

Breakfast: 3 home-style, frozen pancakes (Aunt Jemima), 210 calories

¼ cup maple syrup, 210 calories

420 calories

Snack: 1 grape fruit, 106 calories

Lunch:  (tuna sandwich and cucumber and tomato salad)

2 oz solid white canned tuna in water (albacore), 70 calories

1 tsp mayonnaise, 100 calories

2 slices whole grain bread, 140 calories

Snack: 2 celery stalks, 12 calories

1 tsp peanut butter (maranatha natural), 95 calories

107 calories

Dinner: 8 large shrimp (baked), 60 calories

1 medium sweet potato baked in skin, 117 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

(Carrots and cabbage boiled) ½ cup raw shredded carrots, 24 calories

1 cup raw shredded red cabbage, 19 calories

270 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,388

 

Day 9

Breakfast: ¼ cup egg white substitute, 30 calories

1 whole shiitake mushroom (diced), 11 calories

1/3 cup frozen chopped spinach, 20 calories

1 oz Kraft natural, mild cheese, 110 calories

1 slice whole wheat toast dry, 69 calories

240 calories

Snack: 1 oz or 24 almonds, 164 calories

Lunch:  (berry smoothie) 2 scoops whey, 222 calories

¼ cup plain yogurt, 60 calories

50 blue berries (fresh), 38 calories

1 cup raspberries (fresh), 60 calories

380 calories

Snack: 4 oz light-n-lively cottage cheese w/peach and pine apple, 100 calories

1 scoop whey protein, 100 calories

200 calories

Dinner: 4 oz sirloin steak (lean cut) 111 calories

Baked potato, 220 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

1 cup steamed asparagus, 31 calories

412 calories

Total Caloric Intake 1,408

 

Day 10

Breakfast: 1 cup plain low fat yogurt, 150 calories

1 scoop whey protein, 100 calories

10 strawberries, 40 calories

290 calories

Snack: 20 lightly salted pretzels, 120 calories

Lunch: (homemade steak burger)

4 oz lean sirloin steak (baked), 111 calories

Whole wheat hamburger bun, 130 calories

1 tsp mayonnaise, 100 calories

1 tomato slice, 6 calories

4 medium spinach leafs 8 calories

355 calories

Snack: (tomato and onion salad) 1 small red tomato diced, 38 calories

½ onion diced, 21 calories

1 tsp olive oil, 130 calories (mix and sauté in sauce pan for 5 minutes on high heat)

319 calories

Dinner:  (homemade chicken pasta) 3 oz cooked whole wheat pasta, 255 calories

1 medium baked boneless, skinless, chicken breast, 140 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

2 cups raw spinach, 14 calories

459 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,413

 

Day 11

Breakfast: 1 cup cream of wheat in water, 121 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

Handful blueberries (approximately 50), 38 calories

209 calories

Snack: 2 scoops whey protein, 222 calories

Lunch: (homade loaded baked potato)

1 baked potato in skin, 220 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

3 slices turkey bacon chopped, 90 calories

¼ cup healthy choice fancy shred low fat cheese, 50 calories

410 calories

Snack: 2 scoops whey protein, 222 calories

Dinner: 4 oz cod, 89 calories

1 cup long grain white rice, 205 calories

2 small red peppers grilled, 40 calories

334 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,397

Day 12

Breakfast: 1 peach, 68 calories

1 cup cream of wheat instant (in water) 121 calories,

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

239 calories

Snack: 3 cups of butter flavored microwavable popcorn (pop secret), 100 calories

Lunch:  (homemade chicken salad) 3 oz canned chicken breast (chunk in water), 90 calories

8 herb seasoned crotons, 60 calories

1 cup shredded lettuce, 7 calories

1 cup shredded spinach, 7 calories

½ cup raw carrots, 24 calories

2 tsp olive oil, 260 calories

448 calories

Snack: whey protein shake, 222 calories

Dinner: (Homemade turkey burger)

4 oz ground turkey (make it into hamburger patty over the stove or bake), 120 calories

1 whole grain hamburger bun, 130 calories

1 slice tomato, 4 calories

2 onion rings raw, 4 calories

2 lettuce leas 2 calories

1 tsp mayo, 100 calories

1 slice (healthy choice) cheese, 40 calories

400 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,409

 

 

 Day 13

Breakfast: 1 cup diced honeydew melon, 60 calories

1 oat bran English muffin, 120 calories

1 tsp butter, 50 calories

230 calories

Snack: whey protein shake, 222 calories

Lunch: (homemade nachos) 15 blue corn chips, 140 calories

3 oz grilled chicken breast diced, 100 calories

¼ cup healthy choice shredded cheese, 50 calories

½ cup Progresso red beans (canned, and washed and drained), 100 calories

2 tsp regular sour cream, 60 calories

350 calories

Snack: 2 rice cakes, 120 calories

2 tsp jelly, 35 calories

155, calories

Dinner:  3 oz grilled chicken breast, 100 calories

Baked potato, 220 calories

1 cup steamed asparagus, 31 calories

351 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake 1,408

 

Day 14

Breakfast: 1 cup white grits cooked in water, 145 calories

1 small green apple, 63 calories

208 calories

Snack: 24 almonds, 164 calories

1 banana, 93 calories

257 calories

Lunch: 3 oz baked or grilled salmon, 155 calories

1 cup wild rice, 166 calories

1 cup zucchini squash, 16 calories

337 calories

Snack: 4 celery spears, 24 calories

2 tsp peanut butter, 190 calories

1 rice cake, 60 calories

274 cals

Dinner: 4 grilled shrimp 60 cals

1 cup white rice, 205 calories

2 cups steamed broccoli, 50 calories

315 calories

Total Daily Caloric Intake, 1,391

 

 

 

 

 

Practicing The Presence for Emotional Wellbeing & Personal Growth

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“Be present, become the present, receive the present.” ~Nadirah A. Shakir~

Practicing the presence is about more than sitting in a silent room, and focusing on our breathing. Practicing the presence is focus and awareness. It’s a way of being—how one travels through life. Although meditation and deep breathing are catalyst for becoming present, cultivating awareness, and centering, true presence requires much more. True presence requires openness which is what deep breathing promotes. Meditation (depending on the type) fosters awareness and facilitates centering and grounding oneself.

Why would anyone want to become present? We practice the presence so that the precious moments in our lives don’t fly pass us as we jolt towards the future; and we practice the presence so our progression forward is not stuck in the past. The present moment is really all that we have to make any substantial changes in our lives. I once heard a cognitive professional say, “If a person is stuck in the past that will eventually make them depressed and stagnant. If a person is fixated on the future that will create anxiety, but if a person can learn to focus their attention on the present moment then they have the potential to create the life that they desire.”

For some of us the present moment—our present experience  may be undesirable. It may be something that is causing us lots of pain on an emotional, mental, or physical level. What do we do then? Do we stay with the pain? Do we stay present? The answer to all three questions is, yes, you stay present. You stay present with the intention to understand, and heal your current condition. Think about it. Would you want to take the way you currently feel with you as you move forward? More than likely you won’t, unfortunately though this is exactly what happens. People try to escape their current unpleasant conditions by acting like they don’t exist, and just “getting on with it.” And while they may jolt ahead a couple miles, guess what shows up in the future? The same pain they tried to escape a couple miles back.

Stay present even if it hurts, but employ the intention to understand the source of the pain so that you can do the healing work which is required for growth. Don’t try to bandage it and get going! Allow it to rise to the surface so that you can see what’s going on, so that you can heal it. What’s covered won’t get enough air to heal thoroughly. Being present with our discomfort doesn’t have to be so uncomfortable if we employ an attitude of gratitude regarding the experience, and relinquish the desire to control how things play out. This is where your openness comes in into play. If you are open to the present experience the Universe will provide all of the people, resources, and situations that you require to truly heal.

When we practice the presence, we become the present, and we receive the present that the Universe wants to gift us. How is this possible? This is possible because when we are present we are both open to Spirit and aligned with the Universe. This openness and alignment puts us in a state of receptivity. When we are receptive we allow others to share with us, and in turn we share with them energetically and otherwise. Practicing the presence puts you on the path of healing, self- discovery, and personal growth.

Be well with yourself. Learn from and release the past, look forward and plan for the future, and remember, the present moment is the true gift. Wishing you all the gifts of today, and all the blessings in every PRESENT moment that is sure to come. Nadirah A. Shakir

Nadirah A. Shakirs’ Healing Lemonade Recipe

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lemonade

“When life throws you lemons, prepare a glass of Nadirah Heal-Thee Network lemonade!”

Do you feel sluggish? Are you thinking about doing a cleanse or a detox? If you are you might consider starting with a glass of lemonade! Here are 12 reasons why!

Health Benefits of the Lemon:

1. The vitamin C in lemon makes it a great immunity booster.

2. Acts as an antibacterial and antiviral support

3. Aids in weight loss

4. Helps condition and cleanse the liver

5. Promotes Circulation

6. Flushes toxins out of the body

7. Helps cleanse the blood

8. Promotes weight loss

9.It helps balance and maintain the ph levels in the body

10. Helps reduce inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid

11. The potassium in lemons help nourish brain and nerve function

12. The pectin Fiber in lemons promote colon health 

 

Nadirah Heal-Thee Network Healing Lemonade Recipe:

1/2 gallon od distilled water

5 lemons (squeezed)

1/2 cup of raw honey (melted)

1/2 tsp ginger pepper

Mix it up or shake it up and enjoy!

For more on the heal benefits of the lemon visit:http://www.undergroundhealth.com/health-benefits-of-drinking-warm-lemon-water/ ! Blessings!(-;

What To Consider When Soliciting A WorkOut Partner

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nadirah & v muscles

Most of us have done it—started a workout regimen with a friend. Ideally it goes great. You and your workout partner start on the same date, meet up at your designated workout spots on time, and you reach your personal fitness goals together! That’s ideal, right? But what happens when the ideal meets reality?

When soliciting a workout partner consider these things:

1. First and foremost know your personal goal. If your goal is to add 10 pounds of muscle, and your workout partner has a goal to loose 30 pounds you’re going to have to find a way to train together as you try to meet your individual goals. In a case like this you may need to act as coaches for one another. The partner who has a goal to gain may have to count reps, and change the speed on the treadmill for the partner who wishes to lose weight. The partner who wishes to lose weight may have to act as a spotter for the partner who wants to gain mass. When workout partners have different goals the key is  consideration.

2. The second thing to consider is the ebb and flow of life. Some days your workout partner will have a really great day, and they’ll be full of energy; and on other days they may not be feeling so great. They may be low on energy or they might not show up for the session at all. What do you do? Let’s take the first scenario—one partner is energetic and the other is not feeling so hot. Keep your energy high and stick to the workout plan! Try not to give your partners temporary funky mood to much energy, because then neither of you will get a great work out, and the funk of the mood may spread causing the both of you to get off your workout plan. In a matter of consideration, AFTER the workout is done you can ask your partner about his/her mood over a healthy salad or protein shake. More than likely, after a great workout the funk of the mood would have dissipated altogether. If it hasn’t it’ll definitely be lighter. More importantly, both of you stuck to the plan.

3.The third thing to consider when soliciting a work out buddy is fitness levels. If you’ve got 10 half marathons under your belt and your workout partner is running his/her first 5k, then understand that you can still workout together, but the workout may not be as challenging for you. The positive aspect to this “unlikely” combination is that you’ll be helping your friend rev up his/her fitness level, and if it’s your pal you’ll probably feel really good about doing it!

Here are some of the reasons I like working out with my fitness buddies:

1. Friendly competition: You’re not going to let your buddy show you up in the weight room or on the track! Trying to keep up, and pump out those extra reps in the weight room will only help you reach your goal faster!

2. Positive Energy: More than likely you are going to chose people to work out with you that are your friends, and getting your goals accomplished together will definitely create more positive energy between the two of you.

3. Emotional Health: Having a partner to workout with who you share positive energy with is great feel good energy, which is why you don’t want to bring your funk to the session! If anything take out whatever you’re going through on the weights or the punching bag!

4. Accountability: Having a great workout partner is almost like having a coach! Reporting and marking progress together will keep you on track, and staying on track means reaching your goal!

5. Spotter: If you stick to your regimen then you WILL make progress, and progress often means taking on a heavier load. Having a spotter/workout partner there to do so when you advance in weight is smart and safe! As always I’m wishing you success in your fitness goals and your life goals! Blessings! Nadira A. Shakir

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do When Your God No Longer Serves You?

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God's light shining through

“If the God you serve no longer serves you, simply change Gods!” ~Nadirah Aqueelah Shakir~

I had an interesting conversation with some friends regarding God as an “idea.” The conversation took many turns as people tried to explain God. The conversation became even more complex as they described their beliefs and doubts about God. What I heard as I listened was, more than negating God, people were dissatisfied with how God was showing up in their lives. I empathized with them, because I have also experienced internal conflict regarding my relationship to God.

For most of us the conflict stems from our childhood religious belief and teachings, and our internal knowing. As spiritual human beings we have an innate knowing that God is more than we have learned It to be. When we experience God for our selves and it does not look, sound or feel like anything we were taught as children this can cause internal conflict to escalate. But wait! Before we sentence our caregivers, let us remember that they impart to us what their caregivers impart to them, and they were doing the best that they could with the knowledge that they were working with at the time.

However, let us go back to the original question, which is, what do you do when your God no longer serves. There are a couple of things you can do. You can continue to serve the God that doesn’t serves you, and continue to be angry and upset about coming up short. You can forfeit faith and God altogether and wing it in the world as best you can alone, or you can employ another God altogether. Personally I’ve done all three; but what I’ve discovered is that I work best and get my best work done when I have support—loving support—powerful support—healthy support—and wise SUPPORT.So my God, the God that serves me, and the God that I serve, are all of those things–Divine Love—Divine Power—Divine Strength—Divine Wisdom, and Divine Substance.

In every religion people find ways to connect with a God, or concept/idea of God that serves them, and they do this by calling God by that name, and then mentally and emotionally opening and connecting to that power/energy. In Islam there are 99 attributes of God. The Hindus have over 300 names/deities for God. Jesus felt a Father-energy from God, and called upon him as such. Ancient Egyptians take into consideration the feminine aspect of God as well as the masculine, and it goes on and on and on. The reason why it goes on and on is because God goes on and on, and we are expressions of that on-going PROcess. (More on this in a later blog)

In essence, changing Gods has more to do with changing your perception, and that starts with your mind which is connected to Divine Mind, i.e. God. You can’t change Gods, because God is unchanging. You can however, work with your perception (thoughts, feelings, and beliefs) about It.

Our perception of God dictates our entire experience in life. Here’s an example: A person who believes that God is a God of vengeance and jealousy will more than likely be fearful, and experience lots of “hateration”—envy. A person who believes that God is powerful and supreme will more than likely have confidence in his/her actions. A person that believes that God is omnipresent will more than likely be able to experience God where ever he/she goes. A person who believes in a God that favors and rewards meekness and humility will probably feel more comfortable in the background. A person who understands God as love will likely have a loving demeanor, and a person who believes that God is rich will probably be wealthy.

How do you know if you should change your perception of God? You will know if you need to consider changing your perception of God by asking yourself the following questions:
1. Am I happy?
2. Do I like where I am in life right now?
3. Is God my friend? Why or why not?
4. Does my God support me? How?
5. Does my God like me? Why or why not?
6. Do I like my God? Why or why not? What do I like or dislike about my God?

Ask yourself these questions, and answer them honestly. Try not to think to hard about the answers. Just write down what comes up and try to detach from inner judgment. For more on God in perception, and God as energy visit http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx, and purchase my memoir. You can find ideas regarding the feminine and masculine aspect of God in pages 4-7. Blessings!

God is as close to you as your very own breath, and It wants nothing for you but the absolute best.
Wishing you a wonderful working relationship with The Most High, Nadirah A. Shakir

Love & Detachment

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Love & Detachment

” I fall in love easily. It’s because I’m always there.”

To be in real love requires a state of detachment, a kind of openness which will ultimately lead to the understanding of oneness and our connection to the Divine. This is what is meant by unconditional love.

Many saints have come to the realization that God is Love, and they act and serve from this consciousness. They are able to be detached from their actions/giving and just serve, however and whomever The Divine has led them to.

What if we all understood that love is not meant to be griped and contained. Love is Spirit. It’s as close to you as breath; but it forces you to do nothing. It flows endlessly and effortlessly to all. Those of us who intentionally open ourselves up to love benefit from it’s magic in the most amazing ways. Those of us who are closed to it, are probably the ones who believe in love with conditions; but have no fear unconditional love will make it’s way to you also.

Unconditional Love and detachment fosters growth and trust. Anything that is smothered will eventually loose breath and die. When we approach love in a manner of detachment we allow Spirit to enter in and work in ways that we ourselves cannot.

Some of the best relationships between husband and wife, parent and child are built upon the foundation of detachment. Detachment does not mean that the people in relationships do not care for each other. It means that they trust one another and respect each other enough to allow each other to grow. Relationships that foster a healthy understanding of detachment are more likely to last, because the individuals involve understand that we all belong to God, and it is that “God-Head”—Divine Mind that keeps us connected.

What attaches us to someONE is where we are in consciousness, and where we believe we will always want to be. What keeps us there is often how we feel about our personal growth while relating to the individual.

Those of us who see and experience God in everything–people–nature—music–food—traffic—whatever, are the ones who fall freely into the rapture of love—the arms of God; and this is our only attachment.

Wishing you freedom and personal growth while relating to whomever, Nadirah A. Shakir

For more on love, detachment, oneness, self love, and relationships visit any of the following links! Blessings!

My memoir Love pg 167 http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx, https://nadibody.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/embracing-the-relationships-around-you/

The Spiritual & Physical Gift of Your Running Pace

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I love running. It’s my favorite exercise. I started running when I was 16, and 170 plus pounds. If I had to go anywhere within a 10 mile radius, and I knew I could carry the things that I purchased home, I’d foot it. I found running to be some what of a “moving meditation.” It was just me talking to me, me thinking, me praying, me focusing on my breath, and me focusing on each and every step. I wasn’t fast when I first started running. I wouldn’t even call myself fast today, unless I intentionally sprint. In fact when I started my running regimen I had to work through all types of complications. If it wasn’t the wrong sneakers, it was the extra weight aggravating my joints. If it wasn’t my joints it was the scraps of my sports bra bruising my chest and shoulders because of the friction. I didn’t stop running though. I continued, and made adjustments along the way, because I had a goal. Some days I would walk instead of run. Sometimes I would walk and run. I’d trot; and on those really good days I would run like the wind.

A running regimen is reminiscent of the ebb and flow of life. We have really, really, good days. We have okay days. We have those days when all we can do is put one foot in front of the other, and on some days we may feel the need to take several breaks in between, and it may seem like we didn’t cover any ground at all. Progress is always being made just as long as we continue to move forward. I lost 40 plus pounds on a running regimen alone…and a healthy diet of course. Once I lost the weight my running pace became faster, and easier. My sports bras no longer bruise me, my joints feel fine, and my breathing is almost like song. It’s strong and steady. Praise God! Today I can afford to be flexible regarding my running pace because I know what works for me and my body. I know that 60 minutes running at my personal pace will burn 700 plus calories and I’ll maintain my weight. However, if I want to change my weight or the shape of my body I know I need to step on the gas!

If we can think of life as running regimen or a marathon then we can comprehend that although there may be other runners next to us on the treadmill, or on the street, the marathon of life is really about us. It’s about how far we can go. It’s about how many steps we can take toward our goal. It’s about finding the right fit (shoes AND sports bra) that is comfortable for us. It’s about knowing that when we decide that we want anything on our personal journery, i.e. our marathon, all we have to do is change our pace or change our path—speed it up—slow it down—keep going left—or bust a right. It’s your journey, so perfect your stride while you run the race, and stay focused on your personal pace.

As always, every runner should take time to care for themselves, and experienced runners know this!Nurture your inner spirit My memoir Before You Work Out, Exercise might help, http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000141255/Before-You-Work-Out-Exercise.aspx. Care for your physical body as well. Do you foam roll? Every runner should! For more on foam rolling follow this link:https://nadibody.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/the-benefits-of-foam-rolling/! Blessings!

Wishing you Strength with your pace and Clarity on your path, Nadirah A. Shakir

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!

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