{Master Teachers} My Swan Dad

I love natural teachers.  It is always easy for me to identify those people who love to share their knowledge simply because it is too good to keep to themselves.  When I first met my Swan Dad, I had no idea he would become my Dad, but I knew he would be a wonderful teacher if my friendship with his sons continued.  Almost 15 years later, I can't imagine my life without his wisdom.

150 MPH at the Chicagoland Motor Speedway

For some time I thought it was because of all the knowledge and the love he shared with me, but now I understand something more.  As SWAN and I continue to grow in our marriage, I see more of his father in him. All of the qualities I find admirable in my Swan Dad, I see My Love express in his own way.

Father and Sons.

My husband is simultaneously one of the strongest, but most sensitive men I've ever met, much like his father. They are humble, but confident; extremely intelligent, yet unapologetically silly when needed.  They have a pure heart and everything they do is motivated by the love of their family.  More than anything, they have an honor and regard for women that has been a source of love, healing and comfort for me for as long as I've known them.  Watching our brother become a wonderful father to a son of his own is further evidence to me of the depth of love My Swan Dad constantly gives to his children.

Me and  My Swan Dad on my wedding day.

In honor of Father's Day, here are a few of his thoughts on love, life and business that remained with me and SWAN over the years. Rest assured, he'll make another appearance here as a Master Teacher.  Every conversation with my Swan Dad holds a potential lesson.

My Swan Parents

"When you find someone you truly love and you know it is meant to be, marry them.  Everything else will fall into place."


"When you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." 


"Comfortable is dangerous."

Family vacation in Hawai'i.  Yes, Hawai'i.

"People who don't like a challenge will find a way to not to like you for accepting one."

"If there's no one in your sphere that has better ideas than you, you are in the wrong sphere."

Happy Father's Day to our Dad, our mentor and most importantly, our friend.


Life, Heath, and Prosperity.

Ashiya (and SWAN)

{ Self Care } Spring Cleaning

 When I causally mentioned I was finishing up my spring detox to someone I love dearly, they responded with,

"I didn't think you were the one to go on those crazy diets!"

 

Clearly, they know me well enough to know that I am not one to "diet" anymore.  What they did not realize is millions of people welcome spring each year by engaging in cleansing rituals as a way of reviving themselves spiritually, relieving their emotions and renewing their physical body.  In the same way we clean deepest corners of our homes and cars, a spring detox or cleanse can do the same for our bodies.

At a casual glance, The Organic Beauty Detox might create an air of vanity based on the name. The fact that The Organic Beauty Detox was created and is offered by a well established celebrity make-up artist and beauty advisor might solidify that thought with a quick view.  One real conversation with Akua Auset will reveal a view of beauty that is definitely more than skin deep.  When Akua speaks about clear skin and reduced cellulite, vanity is of no concern. She has used her talent to transform clients with foundation, concealers and brushes to helping them transform from within through The Healing Beauty Arts.  According to Akua,

"Beauty is the currency that comes from being well."

                                                                                           

Today is Day 27 of 30 of my Organic Beauty Detox.  It has been one of the most revealing experiences of my life.  As we move further into spring, I'll share some of the lessons I learned, a few personal revelations and some new recipes that became fast favorites.

If you feel a beauty detox might be right for you, but you're not sure where to start, connect with Akua at www.organicbeautydetox.com.  She offers education and support throughout the process that I found invaluable.

Before I get into some of the reasons why I chose to do a detox, here's Akua with the Top 25 reasons to do a Beauty Detox.

Life, Health and Prosperity!

Ashiya

akua-auset.com |  Author & Celebrity Makeup Artist-turned-Holistic Beauty Advisor Akua Auset has worked intimately in TV & film with the planet’s most famous and talented people specializing in what she terms, “the healing beauty arts.” A trained medicine woman she is the creator of The Organic Beauty Detox™ and author of SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES: Workin’ Your Power & Magic.

{Master Teachers} What Is A Master Teacher?

"Recognize that the other person is you." -Yogi Bhajan 

 

{Model & Photo Credit: Suzanne Daniels, Beauty Designs Makeup Artistry, Atlanta, GA}

 

In my experience, the key to understanding Master Teachers resides in my desire to be authentic.  Through my efforts to develop and express my true self, I realized the way I handle daily interactions with family, friends and business associates is the truest statement of my character.

{YogaSkills} What is Kemetic Yoga + Why Should We Do It

SHU

"Kemet refers to the original name of ancient Egypt, which is northeast Africa and is the birthplace of most of what we call civilization, i.e. agriculture, science, law, medicine, etc.  Kemetic "Yoga" science and philosophy was the foundation of their religious/spiritual understanding of the nature of reality.

{Know Thyself} If The Creator Is Everywhere Then Where Are We?

"This view of God as separate from ourselves is contradictory to the belief that most believers hold that God is omnipresent.  If The Creator is everywhere, then where are we?  Are we not in the presence of God?  Is not the omnipresent God inside of us and all around us and in all things at once?  From this perspective, meditation thus ceases to be a method of becoming connected to God, but is a method of becoming aware of a state of being that already exists."

-Yirser Ra Hotep

   www.yogaskills.com

{Know Thyself} You Are Perfect

"In this moment, you are perfect.  It is your perception that is imperfect."

                                                                                                                                         -Akua Auset

                                                                                                                                       Holistic Beauty Advisor 
 www.akua-auset.com

http://lovevintagecraft.com/cream-romantic-handheld-mirror

On one level, it is understood that we are all perfect.  While our actions and words may not always reflect it, we are indeed perfect.  When we contradict our true nature, perhaps it is because we chase perfection instead of authenticity.  Honoring our innate gifts and sharing them in our world aligns us with our purpose and the perfection that created us.