dena leibowitz

7 Life-Changing Questions

Let's get philosophical.

Take some time today to answer these seven life-changing questions. Then share your answers with three special people in your life. Notice the responses. Notice what you learn about yourself and the world. Ask them if they would complete this exercise too.

To me living a full life is about living lovingly, passionately, kindly and peacefully. It's about enjoying all the miracles great and small. It's being responsible for the energy that I bring and creating a space that's safe and full of love for my family, friends, clients and students. For me, life's about embracing possibility and expanding my mind to new ideas and new ways of seeing, thinking and doing things. I embrace each moment or challenge as an opportunity to practice love and acceptance towards myself and others. For me, It's about being self-aware, really. Aware of my inner voice. And trusting my intuitive self because it always propels me to my best self. And of equal importance for me, I've learned to lower the volume of any self-destructive talk and of course to distance myself when my intuition advises.

I’ve also learned to listen to my body when it's tense or at ease. When I notice my body tensing or my inner dialog racing, I apply the Dena Power of Three Rule - the "Let me take three and get back to you" Rule; take three steps back, three breaths in, and generate three different perspectives (my version, your version, and the birds’ version) in order to detach and find clarity. (Best advice my mom ever gave me: "don't act on impulse, pause...breathe...if you still want the shoes tomorrow they will be there." Thanks, Mom!)

I've learned to be gentle in my thoughts and loving in my efforts which in turn has made me a better friend and lover. Living a balanced life to me is an attitude. I create balance by respecting my need for quiet time and taking it with no apologies, and I include prayer, love, cleanliness, healthy nutrition and fitness every day. Interestingly, the biggest lesson I learned in life happened while I was falling. In those moments, I heard myself coaching me to rise up. I moved myself from fear to love. And from that point on, I knew what true love was, but I had to fall in love first. Namaste

1. If you could describe your character/attributes in under ten words which words would you choose?

2. What is your philosophy of life?

3. What has been your greatest life lesson?

4. If you could go back in time and tell your younger version of you one piece of advice what would it be?

5. What is your approach to life challenges?

6. How do you create balance in your life?

7. What are the five most important things that you incorporate into your daily life?

Wednesday Evening Meditation

After years of extensive formal education in psychology I opened up an alcohol/ drug rehab in 1998. I loved my clients and colleagues and wanted to dismantle the concept of the "war" on drugs and the politics in the rehab business. I started studying mindfulness, meditation,yoga, hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), which led eventually to Reiki more recently.

I began referring to psychotherapy as "self-study." I shifted my view from "rehabilitation" to "wellness". Through my own self study I felt liberated and the path became very clear how to approach "wellness" in our culture. I started integrating what I was doing for me into my sessions with all my clients and they loved it too. So I knew I was on the right path and wanted to reach more people and share this healing way.

As I continue my pursuit in self study, I also invite meditation leaders and fellow yogis and friends to join me every Wednesday to share their wisdom too. Each week we will have different teachers come to guide us and share their healing words of wisdom. I look forward seeing you all. Peace and love Namaste

Wednesdays @ 8pm

ZenLife Yoga Boutique & Juice Bar
800 Kenilworth Drive Suite 828
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-321-1388