Every 2 minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. At Inspire Greatness, we realize this is unacceptable and it檚 our goal to:

1. Give back to survivors.
2. Raise awareness about breast cancer.
3. Help contribute to finding the cure.

Here are some of the things we do to help accomplish these goals.

Give Back

There are millions of breast cancer survivors in the United States. We want to help survivors and fighters in their journey to recovery. While we can檛 provide medical assistance, we can help them look and feel beautiful.

During the month of October, Inspire Greatness will have a Survivor Service Day. On this day, breast cancer patients and survivors can come into the salon and get complimentary services. If you檙e a patient or survivor, find out which campus is closest to you and when your Survivor Service Day is. Even if you檙e not a breast cancer patient or survivor, make sure your friends and family know. We want to give back and serve as many people as we can on our Survivor Service Day!

Raise Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – emphasis on 渁wareness.� As more people become aware of the reach and affect of breast cancer, more people become proponents of finding the cure and being the change.

Our hope is that many of the things we do in the month of October at Inspire Greatness will do two things. First, make people more aware of breast cancer and the many ways there are for people to get involved and help. Second, help people take initiative and become part of the team that moves breast cancer research forward.

We also hope that people who come to Inspire Greatness for a service or participate in one of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities feel like they are contributors to the great cause.

Contribute to Finding the Cure

• Breast Cancer Awareness Hair & Makeup Show – In October Inspire Greatness will be hosting a fashion show of sorts to help raise funds to breast cancer research. This fashion show will be unlike any other you檝e ever seen. The themes for the Breast Cancer Awareness Hair & Makeup Show are inspired by the music of the 1970s and include Rock & Roll, Disco, Funk, and Punk. Hairstylists and makeup artists will be creating looks that match these themes that youl love! The proceeds from this show will go to breast cancer research, keep an eye out for your chance to buy tickets!
• Silent Auction – Silent auctions are a classic way to help raise funds for a good cause. You can attend an Inspire Greatness silent auction at a campus near you to help further the cause of ending breast cancer. Youl almost certainly be able to find a great gift to bid on. If you win, you can give the gift to a friend or treat yourself; you deserve it!
• Runway Contest – We always like to see our students show their talent. In October we let them put their talent to good use and have a Runway Contest to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. Students will create fashion show looks and let their models strut their stuff in front of a panel of judges. This event will be one you won檛 want to miss.
• Limited Edition Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme – Aveda is also a big part of fighting breast cancer and has donated almost $4 million to research. This October you will be able to buy a special edition Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief cream. For every bottle of cream that is purchased, Aveda will put $4 more toward cancer research. Not only will you be helping to find the cure to breast cancer, youl be helping your hands stay soft and smooth. It檚 a win win.
• Appointments for the Cure – We are so excited to be a part of such a great cause that we are even going to donate 100% of the service revenue from our clinic floor for one day to support research. Find out when the Inspire Greatness clinic nearest you is having their Appointments for the Cure day and schedule an appointment. Youl want to do it sooner than later, cause times will fill up fast!

Getting Involved

The scheduling of these events will depend on the location. To stay informed on when and where you get involved with Inspire Greatness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, follow us on social media:

Building a Brighter Future

An important part of our involvement in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the effect that it has on our students. Our hope is that they will be inspired to become leaders in the future. We want them to be the driving force behind creating more awareness and progress for causes such as breast cancer. We want to give our students the opportunity to be integral parts of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help give them the desire to continue being drivers for positive change.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

You may have asked where all the proceeds from these events go. At Inspire Greatness, we are proud to give our proceeds to the . Why? Because the BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the United States. They have earned an A+ from and 4 out of 4 stars from . We love partnering up with the BCRF and are confident that our contributions are being put to great use!

Coming Together

Not only is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a good time to get active in a good cause, but it gives us an opportunity to connect with the communities where we have campuses. We want to be a valuable member of the Denver, Phoenix, Tucson, and Provo communities. We want to add value and give back to these communities. We hope that during Breast Cancer Awareness Month we can do that.

Join Us

We are excited about everything we have going on in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We hope that you can join us in our mission to give back, raise awareness, and contribute!

The post Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Inspire Greatness appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

The obvious question here is why would a beauty school send students to India for a study abroad experience? Let’s back up a bit…

Aveda: The Art and Science of Pure Plant and Flower Essences. Rooted, in Ayurveda, Aveda has been a pioneer in blending the world of beauty with the environment to create inner and outer beauty, balanced in wellness. It was Aveda’s founder, Horst Rechelbacher, that had the vision to change the world by changing the way we do business. After his passing a few years ago, he left a legacy of love behind, reminding us all that love is all there is. Love for the planet and people.

Today, Aveda is able to showcase that it’s rooted in a holistic, healing practice known as Ayurveda, because it’s becoming more understood in the West. Ayurveda has been around for 5,ooo plus years and originated in India as a medical practice focused on energy of the mind, body and being. We are all made of energy and the idea is to create balance through understanding energy. Ayurveda breaks down energy into three categories or doshas known as Vata (Air, Infinity) Pitta (Fire, Water) and Kapaha (Water, Earth). We are all born with a unique dosha blend and through nutrition, yoga, meditation and daily routing (dinacharya), we each have the power to use the medicines of the Earth (plants, herbs) to heal ourselves.

We may know Ayurveda more commonly in the West as “alternative medicine.” Horst spent many years in India studying Ayurveda and realized the great need in bridging the gap聽between the wellness and聽beauty industries. Most cosmetics, perfumes, and products were then and are still petroleum-based, synthetic, tested on animals or have toxic ingredients. His vision was clear. The products that make us beautiful should also be healthy for us.聽Ayurveda is the root of Aveda. In Sanskrit, Aveda translates to mean “knowledge of all things.”

In 1978, the Aveda journey began with the聽Aveda Mission and the idea that Ayurveda would be an influence in all our聽products and services. We see this today through our rituals like an energizing scalp massage or relaxing sensory experience. We see it through the plant-powered products and ingredient sourcing from the Earth. We experience聽it in how our guests FEEL when they leave our salons and spas. We see it in our curriculum and education.

Since 1978, we have worked with Ayurvedic consultants from India to ensure quality and performance of all our products and services. We celebrate that we can offer a Study Abroad Experience to India for our team and students as it brings them in contact with our roots.

One of our esthiology and massage therapy graduates, Grace Henniger, attended as a student along with classmates and members of the Aveda network. Travelers were guided by聽Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute Operations Director, Karling Cosca, and Aveda tribal elder Helga Hefner, and Sumit and Navneeta Badola. Below, Grace shares some of her thoughts on this life-changing experience.

Q: Why did you apply for this opportunity?

A: I saw what a huge opportunity this would be to learn about Aveda and Ayurveda from where it all began.

Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?

A: Gaining聽a connection with so many people who started off as strangers and left being a family. We had an amazing group of people. I became good friends with many of them and have a deep love and appreciation for all of them, especially our amazing guides, Helga Hefner, and Sumit and Navneeta Badola. Being with Helga was certainly life changing. She is one of the most beautiful souls I have had the pleasure of meeting, and her wisdom and kindness has changed my life forever. Sumit and Navneeta have become my family, and I will forever appreciate their teachings and blessings.

Q: What was something you didn’t expect to experience?

A: I learned many things about myself on this trip. Mainly I learned that I have control over everything I feel, and any situation can be made into a learning experience; so now I choose to see everything through rose-colored glasses. That’s how I saw the culture in India- everyone lives their lives through their hearts. There’s lots of gratitude and love in their everyday lives, doing daily prayers and blessings. It’s similar to America in the sense that everyone is busy with their work and families, but in India everyone is more present in what they do. That’s one thing that I have brought back with me and hope to share with many people.

Q: What did you learn most during this trip?

A: If you can be in the moment with every moment, then there is more room for joy and appreciation. Especially at the beginning and end of every day. 聽Each day I now try to sit in silence and be grateful. Overall, this was such a life changing and enlightening experience. I feel so blessed to have gone through this as a student, so that as I go into my career I can bring this insight and wisdom to my guests and help transform their lives with light and love.

In the picture shared here from Grace’s Instagram, the caption reads,聽“Words cannot describe how grateful I am. Watching the sunrise over the Himalayan mountains gave me the deepest feeling of purpose and serenity. I will never forget how magical this moment was. Thank you to everyone who made this happen… namaste.”

Later, an article would be shared about this Study Abroad Experience, telling the story of how the students and Aveda team members re-connected back to the same roots Horst himself started. It was Swami Rama, founder of the Himalayan non-profit hospital who introduced the Indian heritage of yoga and Ayurveda to Aveda founder, Horst. The students learned a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic treatments like Panchkarma, yoga, meditation and the basic principles of Ayurveda.

Another Aveda network聽member, Naomi Dove (@avedaitgirl) shared her experience through a video she created.

“Six months ago Sue Trondson at came to Phoenix and told me that I was going to have my best year ever! Five months later, the opportunity came up to apply to study in India with Helga Hefner of AVEDA. I wish the emotion I feel right now could translate to words. Exactly six months later, I’m having my best year ever. Everything in this video is so authentic and relatable to this journey. From the music, the emotion, the creativity, the picture of Horst…the music you hear is a recording from our celebration dinner; the videos you watch are real people from the , and the photos you see are original pictures I was able to take on a real life experience at the original ashram Horst studied at with Swami Rama… I’m so humble.”

The post #BeautyHeals : India Study Abroad Experience appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

Ayurveda focuses on balance of the three doshas: Vata (air/infinity energy), Pitta (fire/water energy) and Kapha (water/earth energy). Each of us has a blend of all three of the doshas that govern our mind, body and soul (being). Some of us have more Vata energy so we experience more air and infinity qualities like being cold, dry, quick in movement, enjoy change, have high energy and have a lighter, thinner body frame.

Vata doshas also exhibit dry hair and skin, usually show more nervous energy and have active, restless and creative minds. Vata’s can also be inconsistent and unreliable. Those who have more Pitta energy show more fire/water qualities like being determined, strong leadership, strong focus and sustainable energy. Pitta’s usually have an athletic build, have sensitive skin and have a higher body temperature. They are natural leaders and inspire easily but can also have high tempers and get angry easily. Kapha’s are considered the most fortunate in Ayurveda because they are less likely to become ill and are able to stay in balance more so than the other doshas. Kapha’s usually have thick, lustrous skin, hair and nails. They tend to carry more weight and move slower. Kapha’s are methodical thinkers, loyal and trustworthy.

The doshas also represent the three seasons in Ayurveda and govern certain times of the day:

Kapha season = mid-January to mid-May
Pitta season = mid-May to mid-September
Vata season = mid-September to mid-January

Kapha time = 6 am to 10 am / 6 pm to 10 pm
Pitta time = 10 am to 2 pm / 10 pm to 2 am
Vata time = 2 am to 6 am / 2 pm to 6 pm

Currently we are in Kapha season so no matter what our dominant dosha is, we all experience the elements of water and earth this time of year: slow, thick, heavy, dense, cold and fluid. This is the time of year to slow down, catch our breath and reflect inward more. It’s a time to eat heavier and nourishing meals, rest more often and take time to enjoy life.聽There’s a delicate balance to drawing in the richness of Kapha energy to soothe and nourish without becoming too sluggish, tired or withdrawn. Daily rituals involving beauty and wellness will help to ensure there’s balance during this time of year.

Kapha daily rituals:

• rise between 2 – 6 am, waking after 6 am is Kapha energy so it’s more difficult to wake up during heavier, slow energy
• start with morning stretches, yoga, exercise or meditation to get the body and mind moving and unstuck
• take pride in self-grooming with hair, skin and aroma – use only natural ingredients and non-synthetics so as not to add more toxins to the body
• dry brush to help boost skin circulation, remove dead skin cells, and increase skin elasticity
• drink two glasses of warm water with lemon or apple cider vinegar to help purify the body of toxins
• enjoy a simple yet hearty breakfast every morning between 6 – 10 am
• make lunch the biggest meal of the day between 10 am – 2 pm
• enjoy time to be creative and inspired
• take time to tune-in and appreciate life
• eat a simple dinner before 7 pm and allow time for the body to digest and rest before bed
• minimize TV and screen time, especially before bed

Too much聽Kapha energy can increase feelings of depression, withdrawal and disconnection. To balance the winter blues, it’s important to stay on routine and make the effort to be social and stay active. There’s less sun energy this time of year so it’s also important to enjoy sunshine by being outdoors when possible as well as increase Vitamin D3 intake. This is a great time to indulge in personal stress-relieving rituals like massage, facials, and play with new hair styles or makeup.

Coming soon to Aveda is the new Beautifying Radiance Polish – the perfect balancing solution during kapha season. This rich and luxurious body scrub will slough away dry skin cells and stimulate skin’s circulation, creating a nourished and beautiful glow.

Aveda’s services are rooted in Ayurveda and use the principles of this healing system to create balance through the products and services. Experience an Elemental Nature spa treatment that is customized to your current dosha or elemental nature of earth, water, fire, air or infinity. For more information about rituals and Aveda products visit www.aveda.com or check out the book Aveda Rituals, by Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda.

Prepared by Alicia Parks Christus for Inspire Greatness Institutes. Alicia is the marketing team lead at Aveda Institute Denver and a certified yoga instructor. She teaches Ayurveda and yoga classes and has led Ayurvedic wellness programs and yoga teacher trainings. For more information email achristus@avedadenver.com or follow along @aliciaraeyoga.

The post Balancing Beauty and Wellness during Kapha Season appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

You will find that most stress relieving stretches are long, passive reclining poses. Small muscle groups are used to activate these stretches, but most do not require extensive use of muscle groups.

Stretch to relieve stress: Roll Neck Stretch

One of the easiest and most relaxing stretches to remove stress is a simple roll neck stretch. Place a cylindrical pillow or rolled blanket or towel under your neck between your skull and neck. Relax, laying flat on the floor, with the pillow under your neck. I find it helpful to place my palms, face down, over my eyes. As you relax, allow air from your diaphragm to push slowly and gently against your neck so that it begins to roll over the pillow. As you feel your muscles unwind, allow them to release.

Stretch to relieve stress: Neck Stretch with no props

I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. In addition, I have the beginning of in my neck. It isn’t always easy to relieve the pain, but I find that by laying flat on the floor and performing a slight abdominal lift with my arms beneath my body allows a better stretch and a greater release of tension than the roll neck stretch. As you lift your torso, using your hamstrings, press you shoulder blades into the floor and stretch your neck. Allow the pressure of your abdominal push and gravity to elongate your neck and spine. Continue until you feel the tension in your neck, back, and shoulders release.

Stretch to relieve stress: Arm and shoulder stretch

This stretch can easily be done at your desk. It is a great stress reliever for those who must sit hunched over a keyboard all day. All you have to do is pull one arm straight across your body. Reach under and place your other arm perpendicular to the stretched arm around the upper area of the bicep. Use the opposite arm for leverage to help pull your arm into a nice relaxing stretch. Repeat on the other side. This simple stretch can be performed any time of day relieving stress and relaxing your shoulder blades.

Stretch to relieve stress: Neck Release

This is a stretch that you have probably already discovered on your own. It can also be done at your desk. You will find it more effective in relieving tension and stress when you apply a little more polished technique. Instead of rolling your head from side to side to relieve tension, you can use your hands for a little leverage. Place your hand all the way over your head. Use your other hand to reach up and pull down slightly on the divot in the shoulder blade. Pull in the opposite direction that you are stretching your head. Start with small stretches only to the point of tension. As you feel your neck muscles release, you can take the stretch a little farther. This stretch will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Stretch to relieve stress: Waterfall stretch

It has an odd name, but it is an easy stretch. Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. Reach down as though you were stretching your hamstrings. Use your legs to keep you stable and balanced. Place your arms parallel and grasp them together over your head. Allow your arms to pull you down. You are bent at the waste so there should be no pressure on your spine or neck. The pull of gravity should help relieve stress in your back and neck.

Stretch to relieve stress: Classic neck stretch

Try to keep your spine straight. Clasp your hands behind the back of your head. Move your head down, as though you were trying to push your chin to your chest. Use your hands, clasped behind your head, to push into a deeper more relaxing stretch. Adjust your position to relieve stress further down your spine. This stretch relieves stress from your neck and shoulders all the way to your mid-back.

Stretch to relieve stress: Upward Facing Dog

Upward facing dog is a standard yoga pose, but when held for several seconds it provides tremendous relief to your back and makes you feel refreshed. It is as if Upward facing dog pushes stress from your body. To perform this stretch lay down on your tummy on the floor. Lift your head and upper torso up until you are resting on your hands, outstretched in front of you, and the top of your toes, bent under. Draw your head back a little and lift your head a little to achieve the most out of this stretch.

If you cannot lift yourself off of the ground, hold the position with your legs on the floor. Still stretch your neck back slightly and feel the extension in your spine. In Yoga, this is known as a low cobra pose.

Stretch to relieve stress: Modified Child’s Pose

A child’s pose involves sitting back on your bent legs. Your back should be extended and feel the stretch as you bend down and reach your hands out in front of you. This is a relaxing pose, but a better stress buster is a modified child’s pose. Sit on your legs, with your knees bent and feet touching. Spread your legs about shoulder width apart. Place a pillow or rolled blankets between your legs to a height that is equal to your thighs when you lean forward. With your legs bent, bend at the waste , stretch your spine, and come down onto the pillow. Allow your arm to res at an approximate 90 degree angle on either side of the pillow. This is such a comforting and stress relieving pose that you might find you want to stay in this stretch for a while.

Stretch to relieve stress: Arm and shoulder windmill stretches

This is another great stress relieving stand up pose. It gets your blood flowing and helps you feel more energized. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Reach out with both hands. Reach on both sides as if you were reaching to grasp something. This creates a good stretch in the shoulder blades. With your arms extended to your side, continue to face the front, but turn your upper torso as far as you can to the right and hold. Then turn it as far as you can to the left and hold. Repeat this two times before adding an additional stretch.

With your arms still outstretched, reach your hand toward your opposite ankle. Move your other arm upward at an angle in symmetry. Reach the stretch as far as you can, bend only at the waste. Return to the upright position and reach with the opposite arm to the other foot or ankle. Hold the stretch enjoying the relaxing feeling in your spine.

Stretch to relieve stress: Thread the Needle

This stretch begins on the floor on your hands and knees. Your hands should be planted firmly in front of you. Your knees should be in line with your hips. Take one arm and reach underneath your body and all the way through to the other side. Bend down as you stretch and feel the stretch through your back and shoulder blade. Allow the shoulder blade of the arm that is reaching to touch the floor. This stretch is known as threading the needle. It is a powerful stress relieving stretch. Roll slightly on your shoulder to release extra stress and tension. Repeat the stretch threading the other arm, reaching, and allowing your shoulder blade to come to rest on the floor.

This position will leave you so relaxed and stress free that you may want to take a few minutes to lie, belly down on the floor, propping your forehead only on your arms clasped in front of you over your head.

The post WELLNESS: Stretching Exercises To Relieve Stress appeared first on Inspire Greatness.