Distinctly Montana Magazine

Kathy O'Connor, located near Livingston, works as a Medical Integration is the key for Marlisa who finds moments in the day when she can simply take few breaths or stretch out her kinks. "Sometimes I take five minutes to stand on my head, which activates my energy with a whole new perspective." Gloria manages her mental and emotional health with a mantra, which is the practice of repeating an affirmation to focus the mind on a chosen intention. She explains, "My mantra is 'Surrender Attachment' which reminds me to let go of control and allow life to unfold as it should." Community was found to be a common motivational tool. Making plans with friends or small groups to share healthy activities lead us to a balanced lifestyle. Whether it's time on the trail or in an exercise class or sharing a workout for body and mind our souls are rewarded. There are many ways and means for maintaining and enriching our well-being. May we all be grateful to live in a state where the beauty of nature abounds, as this seems to be a common inspiration and motivation for consistent habits that support and sustain our health, fitness, and peace of mind. Safety Reviewer. With heart disease on both sides of her family she lives with high blood pressure despite the fact that she has eaten a healthy diet low in oil and sodium for many years. To continue eating well, she decided to hire a personal chef who goes into her home and cooks four weeks of food, stocking her freezer with individually labeled portions so it's easy to prepare. "I love the food, and eating this way keeps my energy levels balanced and I can eat what I want knowing that it is all good for me." Kathy, 59, also hikes, bikes, kayaks, climbs, and skis. Her secret to physical and mental well-being is the practice of yoga that she started 17 years ago. She gushes, "I loved it. Nothing relieved stress more, grounded me more, caused me to be in the moment more than my yoga practice. No matter how busy I get, I remain committed to that time on my mat as it is where stress, troubles, worries, concerns either seem less concerning, melt away, or sometimes, during deep relaxation, the perfect solution arises." Susan Reddig Residing in Columbia Falls, Linda Miller works as an Oc- cupational Therapist who also teaches Gentle Therapeutic Yoga for seniors up to the age of 88 years young! They are fully committed to attending twice a week due to the benefits they are gaining by improving their strength, agility, and confidence. They learn how to modify in areas such as shoveling snow without back pain and playing 18 holes of golf again. What keeps you consistent in your fitness and health routine? DISTINCTL MONTANA | DIGITAL Y 66 works as an esthetician and Health Coach in Billings where she maintains her health by following what she calls an "Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle." Being a cancer survivor has motivated her to reduce stress and negativity in her environment, relationships, and her foods, which in turn supports her immune system and reduces inflammation. She eliminates sugar, soy, dairy, and corn while eating more vegetables. A top motivator for Susan is plenty of sleep each night with the privilege of not having to wake up to an alarm. President and Founder of YogaMotion® - School for Well Being Nancy Ruby currently offers extensive Life Enrichment courses and Yoga Teacher Trainings in conjunction with classes, workshops, retreats, and private training throughout Montana and Hawaii. Her calling is to educate and motivate others to embrace a life of health, happiness and well being. 406-581-5041, www.yogamotion.com. Get a free yoga lesson from Nancy, go to: www.distinctlymontana.com/nancy141 distinctly montana • winter 2014

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