Ashley Turner

The Most Damaging Word in Your Vocabulary

Ashley Turner — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:46:12 +0000

SHOULD’VE, COULD’VE, WOULD’VE

One of the most dangerous words in the English language is “SHOULD”.

We bury ourselves in shame and inadequacy when we listen to the “Should Bird” resting eagerly on our shoulder. Every time we use the word “should“, we are in effect saying that we are “wrong” and “not good enough”. As my Priestess, Ariel says, the “should bird” is “should-ing” all over us. The message is you were wrong, or you will be wrong if you don’t do whatever you think you “should” do.

Most of the time, when we unpack the “should voice” and ask ourselves…”WHY we think we should do ….xyz?”…we realize that the “should voice” is not really ours to begin with. Our “should’s” are rooted in voices of expectation from our family, society, what we “think others are thinking”, what books, magazines or Facebook is saying, etc.

Here’s a short, potent exercise to exorcise the “should” voice:

1. Make a list of 5-10 things you think you “should” be doing.

2. For each answer, ask yourself and write down “why” you think you should be doing this.

- ex. “I’ll make more money if I…..”, “Everyone else is doing it.” “My parents always said….”, “I should be more like my sister, cousin…”

3. Replace the word “should” with the word “could“.

- “Could” is an empowering word that implies choice. We choose to do something or not. We are never wrong once we understand why or why we don’t do something. The power to act and change (if we want) is in our hands.

4. Now, ask yourself why you do or do not choose to do something.

- ex. “I haven’t done this because…” or “I don’t want to do this because…”

The irony is that if we are not doing something it is because on some level, we don’t really want to. When we begin to clarify what we really do want, we live our truth and let go of beating ourselves up for something we never wanted in the first place.

Free yourself up to understand why you are doing what you are doing and challenge yourself to ask what you really want. Let go of inner voices that do not resonate with your authentic truth. Release the self-beat and feeling of “being wrong” because your desires or expectations are different from someone else’s.

Love your truth. Let the “Should Bird” fly the coop.

Please post your questions and let us know who’s “should” voice is in your head.

With Love,

Ashley

How to LOVE Your Body!

Ashley Turner — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:49:48 +0000

LOVE YOUR BODY!

This Valentine’s Day….show your precious body some serious LOVE!

Ending the body-punishment war is one of my greatest passions. Studies show that 85% of women are ashamed, uncomfortable and insecure in their bodies. Almost every woman I know (including myself) spends an exorbitant amount of time and energy obsessing on how their body looks, trying to lose that last 10 lbs. and beating themselves up. This inner warfare clogs our most precious creative and intellectual resources — keeping us bound in the illusion of “I’ll be ready when…” or ”If I just lost 5 lbs, I’d…”

Here are 5 simple steps to help improve your body image and eradicate the spin cycle of shame:

1. LEARN TO LOVE EXERCISE

Learn to love taking care of your body, taking care of your body and doing something good for it every day. When you workout, pay attention to how your body moves, marvel at it’s power, strength and dexterity. Identify with your physical body and all its wonder. Feel your muscles moving, your breath panting, your blood pumping. Enjoy challenging yourself, sweating and feeling your bodies capacity expand.

Not only does exercise strengthen and invigorate, but when we workout, we immediately release the “feel good” hormones of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. Byproduct: Your thoughts will shift, your confidence will rise.

GUARANTEE: You will NOT regret working out!

2. LOVINGLY PREPARE FOOD FOR YOURSELF

One of the most powerful messages we can send to our subconscious mind, is that ” YOU ARE WORTH IT”!

Every time you lovingly prepare food for yourself, you send a clear message that you are worth the time, effort, preparation and attention of preparing a nourishing meal and eating well.

Our urban, modern culture has twisted itself around the quick fix and convenience. Take time every week (every day if at all possible) to slow down, cook simple, clean meals for yourself and you will most definitely create a profound, positive shift in your sense of self worth!

*** I know it’s a discipline…but, you will feel so nurtured from the inside out!

3. REPLACE NEGATIVE MESSAGES WITH POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Every time you notice your critical mind creeping in….STOP. Turn it around and say something nice to yourself!

Spend as much time sincerely complimenting yourself and saying kind, loving thoughts, as you do criticizing. This replacement therapy will myolineate new neural pathways and literally change your mind.

Choose something positive thing that your body does (like walking you around all day)…and literally speak out loud to yourself sincere compliments. Better yet, look in the mirror and say ”Thank you.” “I love you.” “I want you.”

4. SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE

….and NOT reading gossip magazines!

When you spend time in nature, you see that every leaf, flower, tree, city, person is unique, perfectly imperfect and beautiful.

Our physical bodies represent the most natural, organic part of ourselves. In fact, in nature, there is no such thing as perfect symmetry. It does not exist. Train yourself to appreciate natural beauty, change, aging, all the facets of live. We are meant to be unique, not squeeze into an impossible sliver of a definition of beauty. Celebrate and embolden your uniqueness.

5. PAMPER YOURSELF 15-20 min. EVERY DAY

Get a massage. Go for a slow walk. Take a bath. Take a nap. Buy luscious candles or lotion for yourself. But, DO something kind and loving for your body EVERY DAY.

LOVE is an action verb! Do something that shows your love. Don’t wait for that ‘special someone’ to come along or project that validation onto anyone else. Take full responsibility for your self love and take action! Do something loving for your body today.

ENJOY loving your body up today!

Thank you all so much for your continued ‘Daily Love’, inspiration and support! It is such a pleasure and honor to bring you these videos!

Love,

Ashley

How to Know What You Need

Ashley Turner — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:53:55 +0000

HOW TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

With all the social media noise and hurried pace of our lives, it can be difficult to tune out the static electricity and drop into what you really need and want in your life. Clients and students are always asking me how to figure out what they really need from a relationship, what they want in a job, how to lose weight, etc.

These 3 simple steps will help you build the muscle of intuition and get clear on what you really need (not your siblings, parents, colleagues or friends).

Your homework: as much as possible throughout the day, pause, take a moment to ask yourself these 3 questions. Good idea: Set a cell phone timer to go off every 15 minutes to check in with your body and ask:

1. HOW DO I FEEL?

Am I thirsty? Hungry? Tired? Do I need to stand up and stretch to get more energy moving? Do I need to call someone for a little deeper connection? Do I need to workout or go get some fresh air? What would bring me into an optimal state?

2. WHAT DO I NEED?

Before any encounter…ask yourself what you really need. Do you need to do yoga? Do you need to feel heard? Do you need to do something kind and gentle for yourself? What do you need from this conversation? What do you most need to get done right now? Do you need some recreation and fun? How much money do you need to ask for from this job?

3. WHAT DO I WANT?

What does that ‘inner child’ want? Do you want someone to love you? Do you want some nurturing? What do you want your work-life balance to look like?

It’s good to have models for what we want, but inevitably, our wants and needs are different from everyone else’s. Keep checking in with yourself to build your muscle of autonomy and give yourself permission to have your own, unique needs. You don’t need to justify your needs. All of your needs and wants will not always be fulfilled, but the important thing is that you ask for what you need and know that you deserve to have your needs met.

We begin teaching others how to treat us and what to give us, by first honoring those needs ourselves and learning to meet our needs first.

Relax.
Breathe.
Feel.

Your inner voice is waiting to be heard.

Love,

Ashley

***For more on tuning into your truth, join my LIVE YOUR TRUTH. LOVE YOUR LIFE. 6 wk. telecourse with Terri Cole. (You can still sign up…we’ll send you recordings of the first 2 calls.)

Why Slowing Down Is Key to Your Success

Ashley Turner — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:55:24 +0000

CHANGING LANES: LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE

While celebrating the life and death of my incredible 97-year old grandmother this past weekend, I’ve been contemplating the deeper mysteries. What is a life well-lived? How to build a formidable family? What brings us the most quality in life?

One thing stands out: SLOW DOWN.

i.e. Let go. Pay attention. Appreciate the finer things in life. Trust.

In mindfulness practices, we learn to pay attention to the present moment, done most effectively by paying attention to our breath. When we place our attention on the breath, we slow the brain down to the rhythm of the body. We slow the body down to the rhythm of the breath.

One of my mentors and colleagues calls this driving in the slow lane. She sits quietly (knowingly) in the background of my life, encouraging me at poignant moments to slow down. “Easy Does It.”, she encourages.

Among the legacies I inherit from my family of wholesome, Illinois farmers is a great appreciation for the nature of things. I can assure you, there is no rushing in farming. You can’t hurry the corn up during it’s growing cycle. You can’t push the rain or sunshine to come out and play. You can only surrender to the way things are, the Tao. Ahhh….breathe deep. Enjoy the cycle of life. There is a time for every season.

Here’s to life in the slow lane.

Please leave a comment with how you choose to slow down this week and trust the process.

From Illinois with love,

Ashley

YOGA BOOTCAMP | Feb. 13-17 | Aspen, CO

Ashley Turner — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:03:08 +0000

MONDAY, FEB 13 – FRIDAY, FEB 17
12:00 – 1:30 pm

KING YOGA
408 Aspen Airport Business Center | Aspen, CO
KingYoga.net | (970) 920-9642

PRICE: $30 drop in, $130 for the week

SIGN UP: REGISTER ONLINE

* SPACE IS LIMITED + WILL SELL OUT.

*All levels welcome! Strongly recommended to take entire series, as it builds sequentially.

YOGA BOOTCAMP

Based on Ashley’s DVD “YOGA BOOTCAMP”, this week program is specifically designed to wring out every nook and cranny of your body while radically shifting self-sabotage + negative habits in the mind and heart!

Each 90 min. class focuses on a specific mental/emotional theme with kick ass asana to prepare the body and mind for a unique daily protocol of mantra, pranayama and meditation. A full-throttle, multi-dimensional workout to clarify, release, detox and optimize the physical, mental and emotional body. Asana will be creative and playful with modifications for newer practitioners and variations for levels 3/4.

Try something new! If you want your life to be different….do something differently!

About Ashley

Ashley Turner, MA, MFTI elevates personal growth as a lifestyle as a yoga/meditation instructor, author, Mind-Body Psychotherapist and Ordained Priestess in Santa Monica, CA and Aspen, CO. Her latest dvd, “Yoga Bootcamp” has just been released by Exercise TV. She is the creator of the best-selling dvd’s: “Yoga for Weightloss”, “Power Yoga” and “Yoga for Stress Relief + Flexibility”.

With her unique approach integrating East + West, Ashley is a frequent contributor as a body-mind expert to top-tier media such as Shape, Self, Martha Stewart Living and Fitness. She is an adjunct faculty member at Kripalu and Loyola Marymount and Artist-in-Residence at Montage Laguna where she leads monthly workshops. For more information on her events and worldwide therapy via SKYPE, email: info@AshleyTurner.org

KING YOGA | 408 Aspen Airport Business Center | Aspen, Colorado 81611 | 970-920-YOGA (9642) | evan@kingyoga.net

DIRECTIONS FROM ASPEN: Take CO-82 DOWNVALLEY, past roundabout. Turn RIGHT on AABC / ASPEN AIRPORT BUSINESS CTR. Veer STRAIGHT left of ABC map. Continue and veer LEFT past Louis Swiss and Dance Progressions. King Yoga is #408 on LEFT. Total Est. Time: 10 minutes Total Est. Distance: 3.86 miles

Refrigerator Look-Book: Ashley featured in Well+Good NYC

Ashley Turner — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:38:06 +0000

Original interview published in Well+Good NYC, January 30, 2012.

Yogi-psychologist Ashley Turner is used to helping people deal with their issues while they’re flowing through sequences on a yoga mat or while they’re reclined on a chaise lounge. (Okay, actual chaise lounge in her office unconfirmed. But don’t all therapists have them?)

Turner also just released her first book, Aroma Yoga, which outlines why (and how) you should accompany your yoga with essential oils. Hint: the powerful oils have a positive effect on mood and emotions.

Speaking of mood-regulation, the friendly Californian says food can help with that, too. So Turner let us psychoanalyze her fridge. We noted an obsession with greens in all forms and a proclivity for probiotics. Here’s what else we uncovered:

You’re a yogi and a psychologist—is your diet impacted by those roles at all?

Oh, yeah. I’m just so aware of the effect of nutrition on the thoughts that we think. Not eating well-balanced meals can make you feel terrible, as can eating unprocessed and organic and fresh. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Alcohol and certain foods—mostly the highly processed ones—can literally give you depressive thoughts.

Is there anything in your fridge you eat every day for mental health or health in general?

Avocado is a staple, and probiotic supplements. I also always start the morning with a tonic. It has apple cider vinegar, raw honey, half a lemon squeezed, and warm water. Then, I put 10-15 drops of trace minerals in, and food-grade hydrogen peroxide. It helps clear out any bacteria or viruses. It’s just really good for digestion and elimination.

You sound incredibly health conscious. Is that why your fridge has an insane amount of greens in it? How do you eat them all before they go bad?

Unfortunately, I don’t always eat them before they go bad! But greens are definitely always my go-to. When I’m cooking for myself at home, the first thing I do is steam or lightly saute some kind of green, whether its kale, spinach, collards, etc. I also do a green smoothie a lot that I love. And, salads! Whatever’s in my fridge, I’ll just make a salad out of that.

What’s in the beige bottle next to the Perrier on the top shelf?

That’s coconut Kefir water—we’re big on the probiotics!

How about the bottle in the middle of the top shelf? Is that a green juice?

It’s actually a chlorophyll-based drink with agave. It’s made by Gorilla Life. Along with all the greens, it looks like you stock up on eggs. I just like to have them on hand because they’re such a clean source of protein. I’ll put one or two in a smoothie to get my protein and fat, or I’ll scramble them for a quick lunch. Often, I’ll hard boil a half-dozen and just have them in there all week. So if I’m on the go, I’ll just grab one.

What do you do with the coconuts? Drink the water? Eat the meat?

We use the whole thing. Honestly, my boyfriend is obsessed with coconut. Every morning we’ll have a smoothie, and if he makes it, he puts all the meat in. I don’t always use all of the meat because of the fat. Then we just add whatever we have—acai, banana, blueberries, greens—it’s just a quick, easy meal.

What’s your general food philosophy?

In yoga, we use the term “sattvic” for foods that have the most possible life force—and benefit. Those that are the least processed and are clean and pure. I aim for those. I’m not perfect: I have wine once or twice a week, but I can certainly see the effect when I do. I don’t have judgement around it—the aim is to understand your biology and live optimally.

—Lisa Elaine Held

To learn more about Mind Body Psychotherapy or to subscribe to Ashley’s free weekly e-volve videos, visit AshleyTurner.org

LIVING BALANCE: Key to Living Your Truth

Ashley Turner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:39:22 +0000

MANA: HOW TO BE IN BALANCE

A catch phrase we hear often, let’s consider this motto a bit more deeply.

Every day is a microcosm of the larger vision and macrocosm of your life. For us to really live our truth, we need to insert the activities every day that mirror our priorities and goals.

This is inspired by the Hawaiian term for spiritual power or vitality: MANA.

Since returning from Kaua’i last week, I’ve been pondering the spiritual tradition, peacefulness and aloha spirit of the islands. The term mana refers to the radiant, supple power or nourishing life force present in all things: people, places, food, animals. (Think: lush, rich, overflowing juicy nourishment and healing beauty of the islands.)

The ancient Hawaiians recognized that one of the factors that most influences one’s mana was maintaining the balance of life. When we maintain balance in our lives, we live in harmony (sattva) and naturally accrue mana or Spiritual Power. We charge our battery. It is our duty and joyful responsibility to vigilantly maintain balance in all aspects of our lives. Easier said than done and this requires diligent mindfulness and self-discipline.

Simple Homework

Ask yourself where you can bring more balance into your life?
Everyday, are you spending time working out, taking care of your physical and mental health and well-being?
Do you consistently ‘rinse’ your emotions, get emotional support and find healthy ways to communicate or release difficult emotions? (journaling, therapy, yoga, meditation, talking with a trusted friend)
Do you pay attention to your finances every day? Budgeting, credit cards, interest rates, retirement plans?
What simple steps could you take to maintain and enhance personal relationships: friendships, colleagues and family?
What or who do you tend to neglect or avoid?
Do you take a little “me” time every day (even 10min.)? Or take yourself on a play date to do something FUN and commune with nature every week?
Which aspects of your work/career do you avoid and could use a little love?

This week, the challenge is to get real and radically honest with yourself. Listen to the inner voices that need a little love.

Vow to spend a little more time boosting up the neglected areas or people in your life. In turn, this will inspire, uplift and charge your mana - or spiritual power.

For more practical tips on how to LIVE YOUR TRUTH + LOVE YOUR LIFE….please join me and fellow Daily Lover, Terri Cole for our 6wk telecourse. Begins Wed. Jan. 25, but you can still sign up and have last night’s recording sent to you! Every Wednesday is 60 min. of power packed lecture/dialogue followed by 30 min. of laser coaching for those on the call! DETAILS + SIGN UP HERE. Recording and notes are send after the call (listen anytime, anywhere). Sliding scale available!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you need help bringing into balance.

Aloha ~

Ashley

Montage Laguna, CA – February 11 – 12

Ashley Turner — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:07:29 +0000

download PDF of 2012 Montage Yoga Retreat Flyer

Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
SpaMontage.com

Price: $65 per yoga workshop. Includes full-day access to exclusive Spa Montage Laguna.

Sign up for yoga retreat: Call (949) 715-6010 | Limited to 25 ppl.

*Overnight stay at the Montage Laguna is NOT required, however, special retreat participant room rates are available. Please consult a reservationist. (866) 271-6953

RECLAIM ROMANCE: A Romantic Valentine’s Day Escape (Couples or Singles)

Reconnect and renew romance with heart-opening yoga, loving-kindness meditations, partner yoga and an introduction to Tantra.

SATURDAY – 9:00 – 11:00 am | YIN-YANG VINYASA YOGA
A brief discussion on the function and health of the heart center (anahata) and the primordial relationship between Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine): The Union of Opposites, followed by dynamic, fluid vinyasa flow. Introduction to heart math and mindful communication.

SUNDAY – 9:00 -11:00 am | BASICS OF TANTRA, PARTNER YOGA + MEDITATION

A playful class exploring the relationship between Self and Other (Namaste). Intro to tantra and simple partner poses that will surprise and delight you as a metaphor for life. Come with or without a partner.

All yoga retreat participants receive:

complimentary full-day access to the exclusive Spa Montage Laguna (Roman tubs, Nordic plunge, botanical steam, indoor/outdoor relaxation rooms, silent fireplace lounge, Tuscan sauna, Vischy showers)
post- yoga class organic green juice blend
array of seasonal fruits + teas
oceanfront state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment
access to spectacular Laguna Beach tidepools, winding bluffs and world-class beaches

Letting Go Meditation: The Key to Living Your Truth

Ashley Turner — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:03:50 +0000

LETTING GO MEDITATION: THE KEY TO LIVING YOUR TRUTH

Last night, under the potent full moon, here in Kaua’i, I got a powerful download. While meditating on the moon and feeling her beams wash over me, I received the message loud and clear: LET GO.

I have been holding on to so many assumptions about my life, what I thought it was going to look like, the direction I was going…that I have been unable to fully open the gifts abounding right before me.

My bones settled with the knowing that I can release my expectations and attachments. This creates space to let the next wave of life roll in.

Here is a simple meditation inspired by the mountains, ocean and volcanoes of Kaua’i. Watch the video for a meditation and visualization that will hopefully help you in letting go and allow the new to continually rise within you and let the old versions of Self melt back into the sea.

For more practical tools, join my 6 wk LIVE YOUR TRUTH. LOVE YOUR LIFE. coaching course with soul sister Terri Cole. Beginning Wed, Jan. 25, we’ll host a teleconference each Wednesday: 60 min. power-packed lecture followed by 30 min. laser coaching for those on the call. Join us!

Aloha ~

Ashley

January 14-15 Montage Laguna

Ashley Turner — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:22:25 +0000

Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Orange County
www.SpaMontage.com

Price: $65 per yoga workshop. Includes full-day access to exclusive Spa Montage.
Sign up: Call (949) 715-6010 | Limited to 25 ppl.

*Overnight stay at the Montage is NOT required, however, special retreat participant room rates are available. Please consult a reservationist. (866) 271-6953

RESOLVE TO E-VOLVE

Make 2012 your best year ever! Launch into the New Year with a strong, clear, wise center of gravity. Reflect on where you’ve been, where you want to go and how to get there.

SATURDAY – 9:00 – 11:00 am | INNER POWER

Strong, fiery vinyasa to build inner heat (tapas), core work and twists to wring out old, stagnant energy, detoxify after holiday excess and create space for fresh ideas and inspiration. Turning inward, truth rises.

SUNDAY – 9:00 – 11:00 am | SLOW FLOW YOGA + MEDITATION

Tap your intuition, hear your authentic, inner voice and patiently listen within for the answers. Rich, restorative yoga accompanied by journaling, self-inquiry and delicious, deep meditation to launch 2012 in a powerful trajectory.

All yoga retreat participants receive:

complimentary full-day access to the exclusive Spa Montage Laguna (Roman tubs, Nordic plunge, botanical steam, indoor/outdoor relaxation rooms, silent fireplace lounge, Tuscan sauna, Vischy showers)
post-class organic green juice blend
array of seasonal fruits + teas
oceanfront state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment
access to spectacular Laguna Beach tidepools, winding bluffs and world-class beaches