Wisdom from the sacred Lotus flower

The lotus flower is one of the most ancient and sacred spiritual symbols; representing purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth.

It’s characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest of waters, the lotus produces the most beautiful flower. It blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud.

In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud - the obstacles of life and its suffering. The mud is the common ground that humans share; no matter who we are, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying, and death.

Yet the lotus flower has a fascinating will to live. A lotus seed can withstand thousands of years without water, able to germinate over 2 centuries later. Every night, the flower closes and sinks underwater, and every dawn it rises and opens again. It continues to resurrect itself, coming back just as beautiful as it was last seen.

Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness with the most beautiful revival, live life with unwavering faith and radiate out into the world.

Sending love + light,
Sofia

Wrong train; right destination?

“Sometimes the wrong trains take you to the right destinations”.

I heard this line today in a movie, and it really resonated with me. This year has been a strange one - no explanations needed on why! I had my entire year mapped out and had planned what I was going to do and when. But, none of that has happened. And, actually, I can honestly say I’m glad it didn’t!

This year has forced me to stop, reflect, and really think about what I want to do in life and has already led me on a path I hadn’t imagined I’d be taking.

This quote is a powerful reminder to keep the faith and to remain positive even when things aren’t going according to plan or how you’d originally envisaged. Sometimes it leads you to an even more beautiful destination you couldn’t have even imagined for yourself!

Sending you love and positive energy,
Sofia x

Don't underestimate your power.

I read a beautiful quote today from a fellow Zumba instructor that resonated deeply and inspired me to write this post. 

“Even the tiniest of things can change a life. A smile, a wink, a hand gesture, a comment, a word, a single glance… we are powerful individuals and we have the choice and power to change lives” - Steve Boedt.

This is powerful. So powerful, if you really think about it. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or where you sit in the ‘hierarchy’ of society - you have the power to influence change, be that positive or negative, and be a leader in your community. 

I realise this when I teach during my classes. How much of a difference the tiniest details can make to the day of someone else. I had a student just this week say that they instantly felt uplifted during the class when they saw me smiling back at them. 

I truly believe that if more of us could recognise the power we hold as individuals to inspire positive change around us in our daily lives - even if it’s just one person that we impact - we could help make this world a better place. 

Much love and positive energy,
Sofia x

Search for the little blessings.

So often we take for granted the little blessings that surround us everyday. To wake up and experience another day, and have another opportunity to make our mark in this world is overlooked and forgotten by most. 

Make this day count. Even if it's simply bringing a smile to another person's face and lifting their spirits, that is enough to make this a life worth living. 

Sending you positive energy and Zumba love,
Sofia x

5 things you can do today to boost your energy.

Life is busy. And tiring. I hear ya.

The one thing I always am in need of is more energy and after doing a fair bit of reading and research on the best ways to boost this, I've managed to summarise the top 5 habits you can incorporate into your daily life to feel an instant change in your energy levels. Some of these sound so simple but trust me, they work!

1. Fuel your body

What does your diet look like? Are you fuelling yourself with the right type of foods everyday to keep your energy levels high? Make an effort to keep your body hydrated well with 8 cups of water a day, and to eat your greens - mama is always right!

2. Get more ZZZ's

Studies have shown getting around 7-8 hours sleep is the ideal for optimum productivity and focus the next day. And it really is true. Make sure you you have a healthy sleep routine - sleeping and waking up at a consistently similar time everyday works wonders on the body!

3. How often do you say thank you?

Exercising gratitude on a daily basis is healthy for both the body and the mind, and some would even agree.. the soul! When we do things for other people, this is scientifically proven to produce 'happy' chemical on a biological level which in turn have an impact on our overall physical state and wellbeing. 

4. Smile - science says so

Even forcing yourself to smile when you don't want to can have a positive impact on how you feel overall. When you move your facial muscles into the position of a smile, your brain reacts by releasing endorphins and serotonin - again, the 'happy' hormones that we like! Not only will you find you feel more happy and positive as result, but also more energetic!

5. Get your blood pumping - how about Zumba?

This ones pretty obvious right?! Nothing gets the energy levels up than an awesome Zumba workout. Come along to one of my upcoming sessions in London soon to experience it for yourself!

Sending positive energy and Zumba love,
Sofia x

How to create a habit of exercising gratitude daily

How to create a habit of exercising gratitude daily

Waking up everyday and feeling grateful. It sounds like something people who haven't got problems or any real struggles in life go through. Well I'm here to tell you that it is possible for everyone to feel more grateful and happier too, including you - and everyday!

Here are 3 tips I've practiced first-hand that have worked for me, and I'm positive will work for you too. Let me know how you get on!

1. Write them down.

List 3 things every morning or every night that you're grateful for that day. You can pick up gratitude journals in most stationary shops now - go pick one up this week and try writing in it everyday for the next month.

2. Say the T word more often.

Make a habit of actually saying the words "thankyou" to the people who you're grateful for having in your life.

3. Think it.

The power of the mind can't be underestimated. Refocus and retrain your mindset to think positive thoughts about the things you are thankful for. You'll soon start to feel and exercise gratitude daily as a result. 

Sending love and positive energy, 
Sofia x