And if you're in the Chester County area, then you are most likely celebrating our hard-won week of delicious weather like I am.

Wandering around in a certain business complex yesterday, I came across several smiling faces ....like this one guy standing outside in button-down shirt and tie, just because he couldn't stand it in the office anymore.

Love it.

Something about the fresh air and warm sunshine, I've noticed,seems to inspire us to take renewed self-care measures.

A couple of things I've started doing in the past two weeks - and I gotta tell ya, have really turned my flagging energy around - are juicing and making miso soup every morning.

Miso soup, if you're not familiar, is a simple broth made with a few vegetables and a fermented soybean paste called miso. Miso is rich in calcium, protein, vitamin D and friendly bacteria which aid digestion.

Over the years, I managed to get into a bad habit of stumbling out of bed and starting the day with coffee before I ate anything... something my stomach could never tolerate when I was younger.

Because I didn't notice feeling bad right away, it didn't occur to me that this might be having a negative effect on my overall sense of well-being.

I was reminded by a book I'm now reading of a few simple practices I used to do years ago, and almost immediately after picking them up again, I felt 15 years younger.

First, is (after stumbling out of bed) splashing cold water on my face 20 times. Then drinking a glass of water, ideally with a couple grains of sea salt added to rehydrate.

Then I do a full body scrub with a hot wet washcloth before getting in the shower. This is amazing in its ability to get the blood flowing.

After the shower I make my soup, some whole grain dish or another (oatmeal or barley, etc) and a handful of greens, like kale.

Then, and only then will I indulge in my cup of coffee. And I've found after the soup, I really don't want or need more than one cup, as I have sustained energy throughout the day.

This energy feeds on itself, too, as I'll go outside to walk or run around with my youngest son.

See? Simple things.

Some other foods that are helpful to get a sluggishness liver moving after a long winter are: barley; leafy and preferably bitter greens; tart apples, like Granny Smiths; pickled and fermented foods like miso, soy sauce, and sauerkraut; sour plums (umeboshi) and vinegar.

Questions? Comments? Post 'em below! What do you do to wake up your body in the spring time?

P.S.: Miso Soup Recipe..

4-inch pice of wakame, soaked until soft, finely sliced
4 cups water
1/2 yellow onion, cut in thin, half-moon slices
1 small carrot, cut in thin coins
1/2 cup finely shredded green cabbage
2 teaspoons barley or brown rice miso
2 to 3 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal for garnish

Combine wakame and water in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the remaining vegetables, cover and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are oft, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove a small amount of broth, use to dissolve the miso, and stir back into soup. Simmer, uncovered 3 to 4 minutes to activate the enzymes. Serve garnished with sliced scallions.

More about Reiki:

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - 'rei', whoch means 'God's wisdom' or 'the Higher Power', and 'ki', which is 'life force energy'. So Reiki is actually, 'spiritually guided life force energy'.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught ij the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an 'attunement' given by a Reiki master, and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of 'life force energy' to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

After the attunement, you can use the Reiki healing technique on yourself, family, friends, animals, etc.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki.

Class includes history, instruction, Reiki 1 and 2 manual, attunement, refreshments, and Level 1 certificate.

When you leave you will feel completely confident in your ability to use Reiki. Once the Reiki energy is awakened within, it is with you for life.

The more you use it, the stronger it becomes!

We want to offer our services to the community, and particularly to those that do not have the financial means to receive this work otherwise.

This is the beta version, so depending on the response, the hours and times may change.

The first day, March 13th, will include Gina Loree Marks, giving shiatsu, and Cindy Ayton who has talents in Reiki, Reflexology and Integrated Energy Therapy. We may also be joined by Pilates teacher, Maria Ratliff.

We're currently planning 15-20 minute sessions, depending on how many people will be showing up.

At 2:15, Cindy and Gina will be be offering 'deeksha' or Oneness Blessing, and all are welcome to partake of that.

Refreshments will also be available.

Donations are appreciated but not required.

Please feel free to come, bring a friend, and if you would like to be notified only of when the Oneness Blessings will be happening, please send an email to: gina@embodygrace.com.

Namaste!



I’ll never forget watching a carpenter friend of mine lift his 24-inch plane carefully out of the old worn tool box in which it was safely kept.

It was wrapped in a clean cloth, and stored with the blade deliberately facing away from all the other tools, so as to protect its razor sharp edge. He gingerly unwrapped this classic tool with the same amount of care as a parent would when holding their very own child. He then proceeded to eye up the instrument, holding it up in the sunlight... turning small knobs and screws and making finely tuned adjustments.

I marveled at the attention he paid to every detail.

His care for this tool kept it in perfect working order all these years. Everything from how it was stored and maintained to how he held and handled it was driven by one simple motive: value.

He truly valued his tools.

Consider this: How a person values an object can be seen in how they touch it.

Or, to put it another way: Show me a person who values their possessions, and I'll show you a person who takes care of their things.

But unlike tools or other inanimate objects, which have no sense of their own value or worth, we humans have a deep sense of our own self-worth. It matters to us whether or not we matter....!

In fact, our entire sense of security, I believe, is dependant upon three intrinsic needs: a Sense of Place, a Sense of Purpose, and a Sense of Worth.

The Heart of Touch lies directly at the center of it all!

Caring, thoughtful touch communicates to the very center of our being that we have a purpose, and a place, and that we matter. It's a powerful force that we possess at our fingertips! That, in the very literal 'palm of our hand' is the ability to make someone feel good (or bad) about themselves.

What is a hug if not the expression of belonging, and the creation of a 'safe place'?

What is therapy if not the attempt to restore someone's body to its intended purpose?

And what is 'good intent' if not the deliberate focus upon another's intrinsic worth?

The Heart of Touch is that point at the epicenter of those three basic needs: Sense of Place, Sense of Purpose, Sense of Worth. It balances and recognizes each need as legitimate. Though they be separate, practically speaking, they are intimately intertwined, functioning as triune.

For this reason, true 'healing touch' requires motives and intentions that are pure and without guile.

When we touch from a les-than-noble center, we devalue the one we are touching, robbing them of their own dignity, assigning values of worth and purpose that are unfair at best. Too many of our hurts are the result of others touching selfishly!

But when 'our center' (i.e.: the place where our Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual all intersect) directs itself on behalf of another's intrinsic needs, that's when, in a sense, Center touches Center, and a powerful reaction occurs!

At that moment, we become the very hands of God, providing for another's need for a safe place to be, acknowledging that they do indeed have a Divine Purpose, and assigning to them a renewed sense of their own Value.

What greater joy can anyone ever experience than to help another regain their own sense of dignity and worth?!

Like my friend, the carpenter, we have an opportunity to assign place, and purpose and value to those we come in contact with. But first we must recognize it in ourselves, as well as in others.

When we do, we will begin to master the Heart of Touch.

What is it about a hug that feels so good?

Why is a warm touch on the arm or hand so comforting?

Why is receiving a massage one of the most calming things we can do?

Touch, especially skin-to-skin contact, releases a beautiful hormone called oxytocin.

Oxytocin has been dubbed "the hormone of love and bonding". It is a neuropeptide (a small protein-like molecule used by neurons to communicate with each other) that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and has hormonal actions on the body.

While it is often thought of as a female hormone, known for its role in labor and lactation in women, there are a host of other beneficial effects for men and women alike.

Oxytocin reduces anxiety, blood pressure, cortisol levels, pain and fear. It promotes growth and healing, and creates feelings of contentment, calmness and security. Studies show a positive correlation of oxytocin with social bonding, increased trust and generosity.

Oxytocin can be achieved through sensory stimulation like touch, warmth, light pressure, massage-like stroking, ingestion of food (especially fatty foods, chocolate and peppers high in capsaicin), familiar and pleasant smells, exposure to certain soothing sounds and light, orgasm, and even from being in warm, empathetic social environments.

Repeated treatment with massage-like stroking has been shown in studies to give rise to long-lasting effects similar to receiving repeated oxytocin injections.

In fact, many of the factors that increase oxytocin can be found in a therapeutic massage environment: soothing sounds, dim lighting, pleasant smells of essential oils, a supportive therapist, and the all-important oxytocin-releasing factor of touch.

Positive touch and healthy stimulation of the sense is critical, not only for strong relationships, but also for health and well-being. Increase your oxytocin levels by following some of the suggestions below:

• Hug your partner often.
• Share a spicy meal, followed by a chocolate dessert (but watch your wine consumption; even though a drink or two may lower your inhibitions for social interaction, consuming too much alcohol actually decreases oxytocin levels.
• Dim the lights
• Snuggle under warm blankets with your partner, or young 'un.
• Put on a favorite cologne or sniff some calming essential oils (like rose, lavender, or ylang-ylang)
• Play soothing music
• Surround yourself with people who are supportive and warm
• Get a massage!

This month, reach out and pat someone on the back, give a hug, hold a hand and increase the oxytocin levels of someone you know. Not only will you enhance their health, but you will create a stronger bond with them in the process!

It takes 28 days to create a habit. 

So I am going to challenge you in this soap box to take the next 28 days to create three good habits for your health and well being. 

Take 10. Yes,  take ten minutes each day to do something for you. Take a walk, read a book, listen to music or just sit quietly.  It is only ten minutes. You can do it.  This is you time.  Taking ten has been known to have some good health benefits. 

Read the label.  Read the label on all the products you purchase for the next 28 days.  Being aware of what you are eating and feeding your family is half the battle. 

Eliminating things like High Fructose Corn Syrup, red and blue dyes and Partially Hydrogenated or Hydrogenated items from your diet can do you and your family a world of good.    

Even if you do not stop buying the items that contain these things being aware of how much you do eat of them will be somewhat of an eye opener.  There is no such thing as moderation when you are purchasing and eating processed foods.

Get moving.  You heard me - get moving!  Taking time three to four days a week to exercise will only do you good.  The more you sit around the more you will notice your aches and pains. 

Get moving and keep moving.  Walking may be an easy way to ease yourself into an exercise routine.   All you need is a good pair of shoes, a few good stretches and off you go.  When the weather is nice there is nothing like getting a work out in the yard planting and weeding.  Not only does the yard look nice but your body gets a good work out as well.  Make it a family affair.  

In order for me to keep track of the habit I am creating I do one of two things. I mark the calendar or I post 28 small sticky notes on my mirror or a place that I look at each day.  If I accomplish the task at hand I take down a sticky.   

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

... a special Valentine's weekend event

Join Gina Loree Marks on Saturday, February 13th, 2010, from 1:00- 4:00 pm for a day of shiatsu, chocolate and bubbly (non-alcoholic, of course!).

$75 per couple.

Click here to register...

Bring a partner (spouse, sweetie, friend, family member) and learn how to give (as well as receive) a basic full-body shiatsu treatment.

Despite the romantic overtones, this class will be about giving touch as an expression of agape, described by author, Paulo Coelho as "the love that consumes," i.e., the highest and purest form of love, one that surpasses all other types of affection.

Theologian Thomas Jay Oord defines agape as "an intentional response to well-being when responding to that which has generated ill-being...", a description that fits well for the intention behind shiatsu.

Touch is a powerful means of communication.

It can express caring, affection, tenderness, as well as anger and aggression. Sadly, for many of us, the language of touch has been limited to suggestions of sex or violence.

Learning the skills of healing therapeutic touch allows us access to another dimension of contact, one that expresses tenderness without expectation, caring without invasiveness, and detached compassion. It also has the benefit of easing stress and tension, as well as relieving aches and pains.

Learning how to receive this kind of touch can reconnect us with the continuous gentle pressure we received in the womb, and open us up to trust and intimacy in a safe environment.

And mindful bodywork brings our awareness and presence back into our bodies.

In this class, you and your partner will learn:

~ How to give a simple but effective shiatsu treatment, known as the "Basic Frame Outline" or the "Whole Body Outline".

~ How to work from your center, both in giving healing touch, as well as in other areas of your life

~ How to listen and communicate with your hands

~ How to incorporate intention into your communication skills.

No experience is necessary. No meridians, points, or complicated maneuvers to learn.

We will begin with a blessedly brief overview of shiatsu, and then I will demonstrate shiatsu technique on the body in segments, after which you will follow along. And then you'll switch with your partner, allowing you to receive the same treatment!

Being that this is day for celebration of love, refreshments of chocolate and bubbly beverages, among other healthy snacks, will be provided.

Participation is limited due to space (7 spots left) so please reserve your spot early by clicking the link below to register. (You will be given a choice of location/date, as well as a Paypal button.)

Once again, click here to register!

Questions? Comments? Email me..

“What is it about yourself that you are tired of?”

Sitting in yoga class this morning, I was reminded of my new year’s resolutions. 

I had all good intentions and had nobly vowed to make an effort to get back into painting, to finally sell my essential oil blends, to learn how to play the cello, to be authentically myself, to learn how to be comfortable with all emotions even the more shadowy ones. 

Yet, one last minute addition that made it to the list was proving to be a very difficult one to keep from the start: To stop worrying . . .  about everything.

“What is it about yourself that you are tired of and willing to let go of in this moment?  Can you let this go and just breathe right now?” my yoga teacher asked quietly. 

“Damn!” I thought guiltily, “She knows!” 

Just that morning I was running back into my old companion Worry.  Sitting in the silence of the yoga studio, my monkey mind went chattering off about the bills and quarterly taxes to be paid, thank you notes to be written, car repairs to be performed, Christmas cookie weight to be lost, laundry to be done, calls to be returned, people to please, resolutions to be kept. 

On and on, ad nauseum.  I had already started to drift back into the same old pattern, and only six days into the new year.  This, after learning my lesson in a big way at the end of 2009.

In September that year my brother called me one night asking, “Guess where I’m headed right now?”

To see the Eiffel Tower?  To tour Peru by llama?  To learn how to skydive?  I didn’t know . . . Nothing prepared me for his answer.

“Vegas!” he proclaimed gleefully, “Andrea and I are getting married!”

Happy as I was for him and his wife-to-be, as I listened to him chatting about their plans in one ear, Worry whispered in my other ear, “Are you kidding?  That’s the second wedding your parents are missing.  They didn’t take your own elopement well; how do you think they’re going to react to this news?  You know you are going to be the one to deal with the inevitable messy aftermath when all is said and done, don’t you?  They’ll be so hurt.  What if they never speak to him again?  What if it brings up the disappointment of missing your wedding again?  What if they blame you for not telling them immediately?  What if you tell the news and your brother gets angry at you? What if, what if, what if . . . ? 

I worked myself into an anxiety-ridden frenzy that night. 

And as the days after stretched into weeks and months and my brother still hadn’t told our parents, Worry became my constant companion and placed an itchy noose around my neck that tightened with each day that passed. 

I dreaded talking with my parents for fear they’d bring up my brother.  Each time I thought about the inevitable moment of elopement revelation, the scenario became worse and worse in my head.

Over and over for months, I lived through every dark emotion I anticipated happening.  It was exhausting.  I am convinced that this was the true cause of my contracting the flu and bronchitis that autumn.  The noose had gotten so tight that my airway was literally constricted.

Worry was my bad companion in a terrible relationship I knew I had to end, but couldn’t.  It was comfortable in some twisted way, and was the only way of being I thought I really knew how to do well. 

So, I stayed.

Just prior to Christmas (Worry’s favorite holiday), I called my parents to see how they were. 

“We just received some wonderful news!” they gushed. “Your brother got married!  We’re just thrilled!”

For a split second my brain went quiet, uncomprehending. 

They were . . .  thrilled?!  Umm . . . what . . . ? Relief sank in for a moment.  And then.  Anger.  I was actually angry that they were happy with the news.  Not with them; with myself.  Worry had duped me into believing a story that was complete fiction.  I felt emotions that never came to pass for anyone else. I had wasted precious time living in a future that never happened and missed out on my life in the present.  I was the ultimate chump.  While everyone else was thrilled, I was wallowing in anger and self-pity.  I had been betrayed by Worry. 

It was time for a breakup.

“What are you tired of and willing to let go of in this moment?”

Yes, I knew I needed to let go of Worry.  And take back my life.  This was my resolution.

Musically, resolution means moving from a state of dissonance into consonance. 

I wanted that – to move from the jarring tones of worry to the resonance of living in the moment.

I was tired of worrying all the time, but letting go was harder than I thought.  Worry was a seductive companion, fooling me into thinking that my mind’s preoccupation with imagining all possible scenarios could affect the outcome of a situation.   Worry made me believe I was in control.   But worrying was not reality.  Worrying was like trying to wrestle a ghost – futile and exhausting.  I had to realize that even if the horrible scenarios I dreamed up in my worried mind came to pass, the time I spent dwelling on them could not change what ultimately happened.  The situation was the situation whether I had worried beforehand or not.  Spending time worrying, wasted precious moments of living.  In fact, it released me from having to live my life at all in the present moment, which scared me a little.  It meant I would have to let go of the illusion that I could pre-plan my life – which, when I really think about it, hardly ever worked out the way I imagined.  The surprises life threw at me were always way more fun and interesting, anyway.

It takes awareness of our thoughts, focus on the present moment, and gentleness with ourselves when Worry comes calling and seduces us momentarily. 

It helps, as my yoga teacher says, to take a breath and just observe without judgment.  It is the meditative equivalent of sticking our fingers in our ears and saying, “La, la, la, la . . . I can’t hear you,” when Worry whispers around our heads. To let go of worrying means to let go of trying to control everything around us and allow life to simply happen. It means moving from discordance into the harmony of our lives.

What is it that you’re tired of and willing to let go of this year?

Take a moment and just breathe.