I’m a big overthinker, which has landed me in someday-land with lots of dreams. One of those was launching LifeyumTV, a way for me to share the good in a way that comes most naturally.

And overthinkery, a word the great Alexandra Franzen taught me, doesn’t feel good. Nor does feeling confused, guilty over eating a pint of Ben and Jerry’s while staying up too late only to not finish a project, stressed out, lonely, ashamed, stuck…

For a long time, I didn’t feel good. Even though, on the surface, things looked pretty nice. It has taken a few years to really understand that it’s a practice — not perfect.

1. Hug someone. And sometimes, that someone is you. It’s really powerful, amazing stuff and I know it can feel dorky at first to embrace yourself…but I’ve done it, and you can too. Squeeze.

2. Stop being busy. If you’re new to it, just start with a few minutes a day of doing nothing. Really, nothing. Even better, breathe some fresh air. If it’s warm enough where you are (or you’re brave!) go barefoot and connect to the earth. Close your eyes. Start with nothing, then gradually add in non-thinking activities like being amazed at the trees. Or praying. Or noticing your breath.

3. Move, however you can. Chair yoga. A walk. Jumping Jacks. Stretching. Go for a run, a bike ride. Gardening. Move the corners of your lips into a smile — or laughter, better yet.

And that dream? Here we go, wrinkles and all:

Another way to feel better is to roll all those* into one big jam fest and get to Albany, New York’s first ever VINYOGA Festival on Saturday, June 7 from 9 am to 8 pm. 🙂 *plus yoga classes, live music, art, amazing food, the Gong Lab, massage, 5K trail run, cooking classes, local artisans, food vendors, organic product lines, a juicing competition, wine tastings, and wonderful people.

Vineyard+Vinyasa+Yoga=VINYOGA vin·yo·ga (ˈvin/ yōgə/) noun: vinyoga: 1. a natural platform for local wellness, typically producing health, beauty & relaxation.

VINYOGA Festival at Altamont Vineyard in Albany June 7, 2014 featuring Cameron Shayne and local greats; learn more and get your tickets HERE or at any of or any of VINYOGA’s exclusive retailers: Honest Weight Food Coop, Rumors Salon & Spa, Bodywork Professionals, Zen Asian Fusion Restaurant, Fallon Wellness Pharmacy, and Freestyle Fitness and Yoga.

Celebrity yoga instructor Cameron Shayne is the festival’s headlining attraction. Shayne’s students include actors Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox. Founder of Budokon University, he is a headliner for yoga conferences around the world (and a really interesting, honest, and sweet guy).

-5K Run begins at 9 am; runners arrive by 8:30 am

-Juicing Competition 2-3 pm

-Presentation of 5K, juicing competition awards and check to American Red Cross 3 pm

-Altamont Vineyard & Winery is at 3001 Furbeck Rd, Altamont, NY 12009

-VINYOGA Festival on YouTube: http://youtu.be/uACZoVKuQjI

-Grape poses – Times Union article 5/28/14
Follow VINYOGA Festival on Facebook

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Feel good, do good. It goes both ways. 🙂