I'm considering a life and health transformation through a 45 day Bikram Yoga Challenge. Don't tell anyone.

I went out for drinks and appetizers with my friend Jon. His girlfriend recently received her Yoga teaching certificate, and from the beginning of their relationship (over a year now) he's been practicing Bikram Yoga.


"I'm doing a 60 day challenge for the 2nd time. I start February 1st and go until my birthday. You should do it with me," he suggested.


I stared off into a far corner and took a big drink of my wine. Could I commit to a physical activity for 60 days? I've been wanting to try my body at different sports with the intention of finding something I love and keeps me in shape. Could Bikram turn me into a 10? I'd even take being an 8. It would clear my skin, and I could wear less make up. I know guys like a natural woman. Maybe I'd be turning away date invitations after only 3 weeks of Bikram. All those thoughts trucked through my head. I lit up inside about being a size 4 and as hot and nimble as Tinker-bell. If I loved Bikram perhaps I could keep at it until summer. I live next to the beach and don't have a beach body. I've been complaining long enough about my size. I dislike pictures of myself.


"Let me think about it," I said with a smirk knowing full well that I was really considering it. If I'm going to do this, I need to beef up the stakes, and put it all on the line. I want to get as much out of this for my life and not just my body. There is a list of dreams I've had going for a year, perhaps this discipline and focus would gear me towards getting what I want. From experience I know being in action gets results.


Maybe this could be the thing to get that hot vegetarian, yoga, surfer guy's attention. Or maybe I would choose to date him. Am I that shallow? Maybe I should just do this for myself. Crap, am I really that consumed with what I look like? Yes.


Though hesitant to reveal what I want, I think it's time I put my ass on the line. Here is the list of things that I'm seeking for my life:

Love 

Friendships with creative and entrepreneurial-minded people 

Freedom and full self expression

Financial abundance

A radical relationship with Creation and creativity itself

A career I love (that doesn't feel like a career)

Make my own schedule

Be physically active every day

Have lunch and drinks with the above people and my close friends

Regular travel and road trips

New car

Cabin at Priest Lake

Clear complexion 

Eat 75% raw

Surf regularly 

Record music regularly (and perform somewhere)

Six pack (why not, I've never had one)

There are a few other things that I'll later mention, as of now that's the main list.

Tonight I granted myself me time and a long shower with the allowance of letting my dreams run wild. I love indulging in the "what if" process!

I haven't committed to this 45 day challenge. Forty-five is all I can do; I'm leaving town during the later portion of March. However, February 1st is approaching quickly. I tried Bikram a year ago, and enjoyed it. I'm going to go this week, and then one last free session before I purchase a month unlimited package.

I'm ready to transform, but am I ready to face the challenges that come with it? What is there to give up? Nothing and everything.

Spot the twice used Yoga mat!
Is it time for its 45 day challenge debut?
I'll be the judge of that. 

Xox,

Sarah

A Tribe, Their Music, Their Stories, and Life as I know it with My Friends

This is an article I wrote about my friends and our "Tribe." My friend found a sticker with a small totem-pole of cartoon characters that had the words "Mellow Tribe" printed on it. The sticker was placed on the front door of one of our houses, and as time passed we became known as the Mellow Tribe.

Photo by Troy Page

To my tribe members: thanks for the mellow times.

A New “Old” Tribe Discovered, Reportedly Mellow

By Sarah Westergren

Mellow Tribe Members

CALIFORNIA - A unique and clever culture, the Mellow Tribe inhabits the southern coast of California. A civilization who originated around the Emerald period can often be found in the hills of Cardiff by the Sea, and stretched east to “waiting view”, also known as Linda Vista, and south to the neighboring areas by the Pacific Ocean’s Beach.

  

Mino’aka

A tribe gathering, though sporadic, can number anywhere between 3 to 30 members at a time. Often engaging in tribal sounds that seem to hypnotize the people, the sound leads to a reported facial transformation. Few Mellow Tribe words have a direct translation, but in Hawaiian, a cousin language, the facial transformation is referred to as mino’aka. In American-English we know it as smiling.

The life giving energy, results in a power that filters through their main tree-house dwelling and into the surrounding lands.

The energy, once absorbed and broken down in the soil, produces evidence of its existence by its lush and edible gardens near each member’s lodging.

“Listener”

The most recent member whose name means “listener” pronounced sah-MAN-tha, is an example of the tribes overall child-like attitude and depicts a common theme of “lightness of spirit” which primarily manifests in the tribe member’s eyes.

The peaceful tribe, easily distracted by four-legged beings, has an overall bronze to their skin that exists throughout the year. It still remains a mystery as to how this smolder is sustained through all months.

Some of their unique traditions consist of didgeridoo blowing directly at each other’s hearts, eating insurmountable amounts of handmade humus and guacamole, consuming healthy amounts of Yerba Mate’, removing their clothing at the beach to be replaced with a black neoprene covering prior to submerging themselves in a large mass of water, and blowing, hitting, or banging objects referred to as “sound makers” or instruments.

Mellow “instrument”

Many tribe members have admitted to the following: touching the plant species makahiye also known as “touch me not,” routinely informing visitors of the difference between the compost and the tribe’s main salad dish that evening, and being followers of the god brothers, Chester-Buster and Walter, and have reported reaching personal enlightenment from their teachings and presence.

Makahiye

Chester Buster

Mellow Tribe outdoors near fire

“Soul Nourishment”

When not all at a tribal gathering it is said that individually each Mellowan man and woman are out gathering multiple types of soul nourishment, also known as “fun activities,” in anticipation for the next assembly. Some of these nourishments are common amongst all members while others have been known to branch outside of the typical habits. Nourishment consists of the following forms: remaining perpendicular to planks ranging from 5 to 11 feet while enduring the varying surface of a large body of water, adorning cups of cake, carving Agave trees into long hollow tubes, saddling miniature and life size horses, digitally documenting mundane events and adding drug-like induced music, stringing small glass pieces on thin clear threads for Mellow Tribe’s people, spreading a wide range of colors over a variance of surface sizes, mixing earth’s fruits for consumption, immensely perspiring in unusual  postures and stances in a small enclosed area with natives of other tribes, generating vociferous sounds while rocking back and forth in public display with a device made up of a wood block painted black and 4 metal chords, feeding tortoises, recycling small clear sacks that are known to “zip and lock”, and roaming for the purpose of staring at organic wild life to “come to a mental space” of tranquility. The later of those is often performed in pairs.

The Mellow Tribe often greets one another with full body embraces, mino’akas, and an armful of edibles.  The Melwomen (female tribe members) spend time mixing and creating food for the Mellow people, and though it’s challenging to decipher what they are discussing, the topics are suspected to range from personal experiences with other tribes people, animals, plant species, their Mellowmen, and their unique expressions of soul nourishment.

Melwoman

 The Mellowmen, confident with themselves, retreat to what they call “hacking a sack” which necessitates the use of their feet, and if one tribesman uses his hands during this event it is common to hear a verbal disturbance expressed as the game resumes. Periodically a Melwoman will enroll herself in the game.

Mellowman and Melwoman co-mingling

Easy to mino’aka, the Mellow Tribe is a people who easily find the nectar in life. It’s difficult to not slip right into their song, comprised of a euphoric love, happiness, peace, creativity, and synchronicity within the tribe that is united with the flow and balance of the earth.

If ever graced by the presence of their people, be sure to pick up any instrument nearby and unify yourself with the sound of heaven. It’s an experience you won’t find at any resort or spa, and it’s a guarantee your molecular structure will warp into what Chester-Buster and Walter refer to as your true self.

Mellow Tribes People

Melodies and Sunshine Memories

Here comes the sun... and my smile.

My brother sent me several links to the band The Radio Dept. I've been listening to their stuff, particularly Heaven's on Fire. The electric melody, poppy beat, and surf undertones awaken my summer senses and visions of youth. I'm ready to get out of work, slip on my Chuck T's, ride the day's flow, and get lost on the boardwalks and beaches of San Diego.

My teenage summers were always filled with good music, tan and leathered skin, and a continual state of dirty fingernails. I drank water and juices like they were going out of style, hardly ate a thing, and found myself energizied by oxygen and sun. I was too busy to concern myself with chores, eating, and dressing well.When I discovered boys, the added element of emotion had me singing from cloud 9, and the summers were that more fun, or maybe dramatic. With the exception of the emotional recklessness, I'm ready to slip into that attitude of warmth and sunshine and let the good times roll.

Check out my latest two favorite songs that send me down summer's memory boulevard:






I'm anticipating summer. This one is going to be unbelievably good.

Kissing and hugging you,

Sarah

Stay sunny San Diego

The sun is straight up as I approach the waters edge to take witness to sea life revealing its wet backside. It's lunchtime and I have this same route planned for the remainder of the week. The forecast calls for sun everyday, and as far as I'm concerned so does my epidermis.

There is not a cloud in the sky, and the marine layer is nonexistent with the exception of the sheer joy that blankets the tourists. There is a sweetness in the afternoon, as if the earths' summer is stirring. Time will pass until the fullness of the heat and long days grace those who inhabit and the travelers who find themselves in San Diego. Meanwhile I find solace in the afternoons that are a benefit for being a resident.

A couple's afternoon stroll

Near Broadway Pier, Downtown San Diego

A smile was irresistible while taking this shot

 Today consisted of many smiles and moments enthralled in beauty. I've been attracted to light and color lately. I took a picture on my drive home tonight. Once I returned home I finally put together a red bouquet of flowers.

On my way home from work. I stopped at Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset (3rd day in a row)

My red bouquet 

Xox,

Sarah

Love on my eyes

 Ocean Beach weather today was incredible. In the low 70's mother nature was calling people out of their houses. Around noon I took my beach cruiser and towel to the sand and fell asleep dreaming of the summer. It was warm and magnificent. With my dog, I returned to the beach minutes before sunset. It's a typical sight to see any number of people watching as the sun falls on the day. Tonight was incredible and I couldn't stop smiling. I loved the evening and what the sun left behind; colors that cast love on my eyes and  peace in my being. I took several pictures, and though they may all be similar, enjoy.

 Makaya

 Light lovers

 Tower 5

As the night winds down, I sit on the porch in the company of a freshly bathed dog, wine, and lit tiki torches.

Many smiles and hellos were exchanged today, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Life is beautiful and so is Ocean Beach.

Wish you were here!

Xox,

Sun-kissed Sarah

My new winter

The nearest ski resort is 2.8 hours from my house in San Diego and the beach is 3 minutes. (Time calculations courtesy of google maps) I don't take for granted my proximity to the beach, I fall asleep with my window open so I can smell the sea salt. Yet, I miss my home state mountains this time of year.

Flipping through winter pictures has me reminisce of the early morning winter months. I'd wake up well before sunrise, stumble to my toothbrush, disapprovingly glance at my disheveled hair and over-packed bags, saddling my nose and skirting my eyes.

Mountain gear in tow, me and company would be off to an elevation of 4,500 feet. The snow muddied tire tracks guiding all who trekked to find solace in the quite of the white and the still of the timbers. Between moments of pivots, carves, and bombing down the hill, the crisp air would have my full attention. Like clock work, by the length of the sky I'd be reminded  that the earth's inhabitants are positioned high up on this massive rock rotating in space. The mountain's girth and height speak of this world's greatness and how magnificent life is. We are so small and so mighty.

Our San Diego house was  home to a 5' Christmas tree. A year ago I would have thought it strange to have a Christmas tree in a house beside the ocean  that keeps its windows open in December. This year it's not odd to have spent the winter holidays in San Diego. Not until the  moments I can almost feel the chill of the snow, hear the quiet crisp of the mountain air, and taste the the thin air from the elements cupped by the mountains. It's those moments I miss the effort it took to plan even a simple outing to meet friends for dinner or coffee. 


Whatever the season, winter, spring, summer, or autumn, it's always my favorite one. Thanks for sharing each season my dear friends. To many more!


I love you.


Xox,
Sarah

What I learned during the 2010 holidays

This year was special for me. Especially because I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be able to return home to Washington. If I remained in California it was my intention to work on setting up myself to live an empowering 2011. I have several writing projects that have been in the works, and I wanted to organize my mind about a few life matters that have been weighing on me.

Fortunately I flew home on December 22nd. Due to delays I missed my connecting flight home and was comped a hotel room for the night in Salt Lake City. I appreciated the time alone. I enjoy hotels, and I wanted a full nights rest more then anything because I had been fighting an infection for over a week. Once I was home, my health rapidly improved.

During my stay in Washington I was battling with my mind. Being around my family members I felt like the same bratty little sister I've imagined myself to always be. This year it was different; I could see my old ways of being with my family and I wasn't going to be that. Afraid and not knowing how to "act" I remained quiet and  kept my nose in a book. I did not go through a drastic change, but I was happy that I distinguished what I once acted like. Christmas day I was able to spend a full day up on the ski slopes with my family. It felt good to be back in the snow and cruising the mountain as I had before.

I spent a calm New Years Eve night with my parents. We saw a chic-flick and had dinner together. We watched the ball drop on television while sitting around a heater with my parent's dogs. For the first New Years I did not resist the way in which I was celebrating. I've always wanted to do something on a grand scale and dress up in a gown. This year, I was happy and at peace to spend it with Mom and Dad.

New Years day my friend Dave married the love of his life. Celebrating with his friends and family was an integral part of setting up a powerful 2011.  I didn't know that then, but looking back I can see it has effected me. I was able to apologize to many friends about my past shenanigans and fess up to being a dramatic, emotionally driven, at times a psychotic controlling dominating friend. We all laughed as everyone fessed up to their own idiotic behavior, and in the process I experienced needed closure and completion. One friend asked me how I came to realize that I was being "leachy" in our friendship. I explained that it was due to conversations with new friends that had me see what kind of friend I've been. Being able to apologize for my actions in the past was important for me in having more fulfilling friendships now. Here is what I have learned from all my experiences:

• I am more sure of who I am now more than ever.
• I've always wanted people to see how great I am, and I made it a point to make sure others see that about me. Once relentless in doing so, I know who I am and have nothing to prove to anyone.
• I love spending time with family more than I love meeting up with large masses to grace them with my California presence and show them how "great" I'm doing. (I gave up my act)
• I've learned how important it is to have friends that listen for the sake of letting me clear my mind and know that I'm not my crazy thoughts.
• I love reading "Success," "Do It Yourself," "Cottage Living," and "Entrepreneur."
• I learned Oprah is going to launch her own Network. The network is intended to bring empowerment to people's lives and have them get what they want. Never a huge Oprah fan, I will now be subscribing to "O" (I bought my first one in the airport on my return flight home)
• I learned that I like to take my time on my hair and make up and make it a point to be "put together."
• I learned the correct form of using "lie" verses "lay."
• I learned that I can really love and be a great friend to someone I thought that I never would speak to again in my life.
• I now have a peace about what to do with family possessions if my mother and father were to ever pass. Several conversations about death ironically put me at peace.
• It is highly critical that I continue to dream and read inspirational material on a regular basis. 
• I love my family more then ever.

The holidays were unforgettable. I have big ideas for 2011 and I'm more than elated to watch them come to fruition.

My favorite quote of this holiday season was made in passing by my own mother on Christmas day and I will never forget it, "It doesn't cost anything to dream."

I love you.

Xox,

Sarah