SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
5/17/13 3:34 A

Susan & DriedOut...Happy to have you with us!!

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
5/15/13 9:33 A

!!!
Susan - goal - I'll be joining you on the 100 day challenge.
DRIEDOUT - looking forward to your humor!

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SparkPoints: (1,776)
Fitness Minutes: (1,008)
Posts: 200
5/15/13 2:48 A

Hello, hello, KaliGirl -- ooh fierce.

I'm on day two of SP & looking for my sangha.

I'm a bit of a smart *ss sometimes, but not mean, and it will definitely take a lot of focus for me to reverse the inertia that's claimed me this past year or so.

If anyone feels the need to connect, I'll be on my computer too much in the immediate future. Clicking off boxes, trying to rack up points. Being in this moment and not the one where I have expectations of a number the next time I get up on the scale.

I expect to have lost ten pounds by yesterday.

Patience is a virtue that does not come naturally to me.

Jai people, glad to find you

Posts: 152
5/14/13 1:03 P

Hi, everyone! I joined this team today because I love the idea of the 100 Day Exercise Challenge; I SO NEED IT! I've been on SP for five years and have gained 30 pounds! I blame it on job loss, unemployment, stress, health issues, retirement, yada, yada, yada! Bottom line? I'm an emotional eater, in my 60s, roily-poly and so stiff and sore and achy I can barely move! Aaaacckkkkk!!!

With my Body Media on my arm, SparkCoach to spur me on (I love it!) and a willing spirit, I'm looking to finally get fit and run a 5K, my big, big goal! And I'm gonna do it on October 13th in Seattle, the Biggest Loser Run/Walk! Stand back, World, and watch me run!

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

current weight: 224.6

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
5/14/13 10:16 A

Nikki & Tiny - we're so glad you joined us!

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
5/14/13 3:46 A

Nikki & Tiny!!

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SparkPoints: (409)
Fitness Minutes: (691)
Posts: 5
5/11/13 1:07 P

Hello Everyone!

I have been on and off SP for several years and never thought about the possibility of a meditation team so I am very happy to of found one.

I look forward to making new friends and being a source of support to others too :)

SparkPoints: (3,887)
Fitness Minutes: (583)
Posts: 91
5/11/13 5:14 A

Thank you so much for the wonderful, warm welcome. I am really grateful to have found this team and looking forward to getting to know you all.

current weight: 158.0

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SparkPoints: (3,887)
Fitness Minutes: (583)
Posts: 91
5/10/13 8:01 A

Hi Everyone! My name is Nikki and I have just joined this group. Meditation is an important part of my life and has helped me to get to the point of realising that appreciating the body I have (and not abusing it!) are also part of my growth. I have just recently started yoga and feel that this is going to become another important practice in my life. I am also working on practising mindfulness with regard to eating as well as in all other aspects of my life.
I am 39, married and mum to 5 wonderful children.
I look forward to being part of this group and getting to know everyone.

current weight: 158.0

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
5/4/13 11:25 P

to ALL of our awesome New Members!!

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Posts: 18
5/3/13 1:38 A

Thanks so much for the warm welcome!

Jenny

SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
5/2/13 8:54 A

Jenny - We're glad you've joined us! (I'm a couple times around spark person too).

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Posts: 18
5/1/13 11:56 P

Hello everyone!

I've been with Spark People for a few months (this go-round), but I've just joined the group. I look forward to being a part of this group and to deepen my meditation and yoga practice (both at the fairly novice level).

Jenny

SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
4/27/13 7:27 P

Amethyst - glad you've joined us

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SparkPoints: (792)
Fitness Minutes: (209)
Posts: 8
4/27/13 4:35 P

Hello, I am Amethyst Rose Richards. I am nineteen years old and have a six month son. I am trying to loose weight so I can get back down to my original size.

current weight: 212.0

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
4/23/13 8:30 A

SEASPIRIT1 - your healthy journey sounds wonderful - so glad you've allowed us to share it!

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
4/23/13 12:12 A

Suzanne & SEASPIRIT1.....

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Posts: 585
4/22/13 10:23 P

Hello to everyone!
Thank you for the warm welcome ~ that was a lovely surprise to have those notes on my page!
I am learning to embrace mindfulness in my life ~ it goes hand in hand with the lifestyle that I want to foster.
I began my weight loss journey this past fall and began my Graduate studies then as well....it seems that I needed to start new challenges! 92 lbs lost to date and 1/2 of my grad studies almost complete (beginning of July is the 1/2 way point) and I've been reading and practicing mindfulness along with these changes!
I'm so excited to be going to the Heart and Mind Conference in May in Vancouver ~ it sounds like a wonderful opportunity to learn, learn, learn.....
It was an absolutely beautiful, sunny day here today....Hope that others enjoyed this as well!

SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
4/22/13 9:56 A

Suzanne - so glad you've joined us and totally understand about 'life getting in the way' - hope you find more time to add quietness to your living...

Namaste

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SparkPoints: (5,869)
Fitness Minutes: (4,512)
Posts: 88
4/21/13 3:14 P

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the warm welcome from many (if not all!) of you upon joining this group. I've been meaning to introduce myself, but kept putting it off due to "other things"... you know how that goes, right?

Mindfulness and metta meditation have been instrumental to my coming along as far as I have over the last few years, healing from past hurts and even more importantly learning to care for myself instead of adding to my hurts.

That said, I feel as though I am not practicing enough or as deeply as I would like. Busy mind. Busy life. And just plain poor choices of time usage. So I'm stoked there is a group here to *help* me be more mindful of my meditation practice. And look forward to getting to know a bit about y'all.

:D

Suzanne

Edited by: UZA77777 at: 4/21/2013 (15:15)

current weight: 218.0

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
4/15/13 1:13 P

Amy, Liz and Deb!
So glad you've joined us!

Pounds lost: 22.4

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
4/15/13 12:38 A

Hi Everyone and to the team. Happy to have you with us!!

Debbie - I read the book Savor...It's a great book. Enjoy!

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Posts: 155
4/14/13 8:20 P

Thanks Liz! I'll definitely look at that book. I've just ordered his book "Savor" from Amazon so the one you recommend may well be the next one!

current weight: 159.0

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SparkPoints: (11,727)
Fitness Minutes: (4,859)
Posts: 234
4/14/13 7:47 P

Hi, Debster! Thich is my fave and his book "The Heart of the Bruddhist Teadhing" is my bible. Enjoy your journey!

Liz

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Posts: 155
4/14/13 7:36 P

Hello, I am new to this team. I recently started to meditate again after a number of years. I have been listening to teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh which has been very inspirational!

Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Debbie

current weight: 159.0

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SparkPoints: (11,727)
Fitness Minutes: (4,859)
Posts: 234
4/14/13 3:15 P

Hi! I'm Liz aka Kelly aka Buddha33. Looking for some inspiration to get back to mediating. Hoping you meditating folks spur me on to spending some time tuning in.

Thanks and Namaste y'all
Buddha33/liz/Kelly

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4/12/13 3:58 P

Hi everyone. My name is Amy. I just wanted to thank members for the warm welcomes and welcome mat goodies. I was a member of this team before on a previous screen name, but I needed a fresh start with spark and everything. I've been meditating for awhile now, it helps me a lot but it's a goal of mine to start doing it more. I have a meditation cushion on my wish list on amazon but I cant believe how super expensive they are! Anyone else have one? For meditations I like using ones out of the book the meditation bible. It's from all those bible series books. (crystal bible, yoga bible, etc.) I look forward to meeting some new people here!

Total SparkPoints: 1,946

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SparkPoints Level 5

SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
4/7/13 8:26 P

OOPSIEDAYZ45 - so glad you're making meditation a daily event! (Will definitely help with that daily donut ordeal)

Pounds lost: 22.4

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
4/6/13 1:14 A

Hi and to the team. Happy to have you with us!

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SparkPoints: (9,100)
Fitness Minutes: (4,203)
Posts: 93
4/5/13 3:56 P

I wanted to say to everybody for the wonderful welcome to the team. I'm 45 years old and married to a wonderful man who believes in eating a bag of donuts every night. He of course does not have a weight problem . I've been practicing meditation and yoga off and on for about 20 years. And finally decided this year I was going to buckle down and practice every day. I just recently joined SP and am excited to find a team that understands the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and working on this together.

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
3/31/13 12:55 A

Jen. Happy to have you with us!

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
3/29/13 8:59 A

Jen - we look forward to learning from you and sharing your journey!

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Posts: 161
3/28/13 7:33 P

I just joined this team and am interested in meditation/buddhism. I am a died in the wool Catholic, but think that there is significant value in meditation and many of the practices taught in buddhism (that I am familiar with, I admit not a whole lot).
I have just recently started to try to learn about meditating and, also, mindful eating. I hope that this is really an active and encouraging group! I may bring questions, but it's from an honest place of wanting to learn.
I consider myself an amateur in yoga, though I've been doing it at home for years. Funny thing (maybe just to me!), a priest at my previous church was a yoga devotee and even taught weekly classes. It was interesting to see the old school Catholics' reactions to this "godless" activity! For me, I'm sure that there are religious aspects to it for certain people, it is a wonderful way to work the body the way that it feels like it was meant to be worked. If that makes any sense. I just love it.
Jen

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
3/27/13 12:08 A

Hi Michelle and to the team. I, too, have pups...3 of them!

Pounds lost: 54.2

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
3/26/13 9:15 A

Michelle - we're so glad you've joined us and look forward to connecting with you and your family (we have two pups too).

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SparkPoints: (19,408)
Fitness Minutes: (6,577)
Posts: 506
3/25/13 5:53 P

I have been on for a while but thought I would introduce myself now. My name is Michelle and I have just started meditation by itself but have been doing yoga for about 5 years on and off. I am 47 and have been married for almost 17 years to a wonderful man. We have two happy dogs.

current weight: 193.6

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3/20/13 10:47 A

to the team, Jennifer!

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
3/18/13 8:59 A

Jennifer - so glad you joined us and are Sparked!

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
3/18/13 12:55 A

Jennifer and to the team. Enjoy!!

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SparkPoints: (15,121)
Fitness Minutes: (9,145)
Posts: 668
3/17/13 6:55 P

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer, and I just joined this team. I have been getting into meditation lately, and it is literally changing my life. I have a son who is turning 1 year old this week, and while I love being a mommy more than anything, I have been super stressed since he was born. I have used meditation/self-hypnosis in the past, including in preparation for childbirth, but it was always just something I dabbled in. A couple of months ago, I decided that it was time that I made the time for myself to practice meditation on a regular basis. I stumbled across a great guided chakra meditation on YouTube, and then discovered Kelly Howell, and they have helped me so much. I have been calmer, more productive, and in such a better mood. Actually, it was the effects of meditation that made me feel hopeful enough about getting healthier to start actively participating in SparkPeople again. I'm accomplishing goals that seemed overwhelming just weeks ago. I'm excited to learn more and keep going on this journey. I am truly Sparked!

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SparkPoints: (243,510)
Fitness Minutes: (210,352)
Posts: 35,013
3/4/13 3:06 P

& to ALL of Our New Members. Happy to have you with us. Hope you Enjoy the team!!

Edited by: LADYROSE49 at: 3/4/2013 (15:08)

Pounds lost: 54.2

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
3/2/13 9:38 A

NERDYMOMMA1!
I think you've summed it up quite nicely - 'taking time for yourself' - I find when I meditate, I change (for the better) and therefore change those I come into contact with - lots of sources and one I like for those very busy days is: www.oprah.com/spirit/One-Moment-Meditation
-Day-1-Introduction-to-the-Basic-Minute

Good luck - glad you've joined us!

Edited by: KALIGIRL at: 3/2/2013 (09:39)

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SparkPoints: (489)
Fitness Minutes: (134)
Posts: 28
3/1/13 1:42 P

Good Morning, I'm a newbie here. I'm actually pretty much brand new to meditation in general. I've dabled and always found it has helped with stress and anxiety management; however, I find that I stop making time to do it, even though there are great benefits. I'm hoping being part of this team will help me make a more concious effort toward doing something for me. Any pointer for this newbie would be much appreciated.

SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
3/1/13 11:57 A

SISSIE21 - We're so glad you've joined us!

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SparkPoints: (17,173)
Fitness Minutes: (17,156)
Posts: 344
2/28/13 11:13 P

This morning I am grateful for all the welcome greetings and goodies on my spark page from the meditation and mindfulness group. Thank you so much for that. What a wonderful way to start the day!

Edited by: SISSIE21 at: 2/28/2013 (23:15)

Pounds lost: 85.0

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
2/28/13 1:03 P

Nicole! This is a great place to follow one's breath! Glad you've joined us!

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Posts: 2,842
2/28/13 9:38 A

Hello! I'm Nicole, or Nonie, and I am new to the practice of meditation. I've always loved guided meditation, but I could never seem to "get it" on my own. Recently, however, I've found that as I learn to focus on breath and greet my thoughts and emotions and physical feelings, rather than push them away, they dissipate on their own, and I come back to my breath - it's lovely! Anyway, I'm excited to join a group of people who are living mindfully and with intention. Looking forward to sharing the journey...

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2/28/13 12:39 A

Hi, I'm Sissie and am new to the team! I meditate almost every morning and am looking forward to hearing what others are doing. I went back to meditating about a month after starting SP to help deal with the emotions that were coming up as I gave up my familiar comfort foods. It has helped me stay focused and calmer. Also love to visualize my future self! Hint... she's healthy and strong!
To me, this spark journey is not only one to lose weight and regain health but also a spiritual one to find my true self again. It has been an amazing journey so far!
Looking forward to getting to know you!

Edited by: SISSIE21 at: 2/28/2013 (00:40)

Pounds lost: 85.0

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
2/25/13 9:08 A

Robin!
While I do not practice yoga (yet) some of our members do and I'm glad you've joined us!

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SparkPoints: (49,540)
Fitness Minutes: (71,997)
Posts: 1,713
2/25/13 8:37 A

I'm Robin. I'm looking for an active team which addresses the yogic lifestyle in some way (the "yoga" teams don't seem to be very active), and I practice meditation...well, I practice getting into a mindset for meditation by listening to and singing devotional songs (ie. bhajan). I no longer neccessarily go after the "gap between thoughts" since I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2012 (it's a little bit of schizophrenia and a little bit mood disorder), and got put on a med. which makes me somewhat restless; however, as a friend of mine says: mindfulness is possible on medication! So here I am; always eager to learn and practice.

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
2/24/13 10:23 A

Definitely relaxed MARATHON-RUNNER We're glad you've joined us!

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Posts: 88
2/23/13 9:57 P

Hi, I like the Team Icon very much much and the folks on here seem to be pretty relaxed and dedicated to making the team a success. I'm looking forward to joining and getting to know you.

current weight: 275.0

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SparkPoints: (9,871)
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Posts: 1,991
2/22/13 11:55 A

Welcome, Zenzi!
May you be happy!
May you be free of suffering!
May you live at ease and in comfort!
May you be at peace!

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
2/21/13 11:42 A

Zenzi - Sounds like you've got a great plan to get the balance back in your life. Glad you've joined us.

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Posts: 237
2/21/13 11:03 A

Hi All:

Thank you for the warm welcome on my SparkPage! I have been Sparking for a few weeks now and it feels great to take charge of my life! I became a member of SP after my children were born, but just used it to count calories. I didn't stick with it and I've gradually added 80 lbs. to my already large frame. I also moved away from my healthy food and self care habits to focus on my children. I am slowly finding ways to do both and be cost-conscious.

I am grateful for my emerging well-being, but know that there is more to be done. My hair fell out due to stress and I want it back!! It's frivolous and self-centered, but I can't deny that the loss effects me. I need to manage my stress and enjoy my present while preparing for the future.

I am ready for that shift (or Spark) in my life, but don't know my path just yet. I use the team pages for inspiration and take as many self-care actions each day as I can manage.

I am always looking for Spark friends and inspiration. Any advice or words of wisdom you can provide would be appreciated.

Now, I'm beginning my mediation practice, resting more often, reading some Louise Hay, and learning more about Science of Mind.

Thanks for reading!

Zenzi

current weight: 248.0

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SparkPoints: (90,777)
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Posts: 5,108
2/20/13 9:05 A

Lily -
So sorry you are going through a difficult transition, but you have a attitude.

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2/19/13 3:25 P

Hello,
I have been mediating regularly for about a year,,,,,, the moments of mediation have been so beneficial and meanful in my life.... it has become part of my life.... I try to mediate at least 5 times a week.... sometime more. I have put out my intentions to get healthier in 2013 and this seems like the right team for me.

I am going through a difficult divorce after 23 years of being married (got traded in for a younger woman/his co-worker -- same old story) and we have 3 children,,, finding myself without a spouse (my best friend) and a single mother is a huge change that I did not expect in my life...... but I am finding that life is change.... and I had a very difficult time accepting this change but mediation has helped me realize that "it is what it is" .... life is change and I must move forward with my life..... my life did not end because my husband stopped loving me. Tough but True.

Now to focus on me and get on the road to healthier and happier me

current weight: 229.0

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Fitness Minutes: (109,469)
Posts: 5,108
2/19/13 11:42 A

all!

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