Bits and pieces for better versions of ourselves and more pleasant lives filled with ease and joy... I intend to share everything that upgrades my life or touches my heart, from tools and rituals to books, movies, recipes and thoughts. The common denominator will probably be ease and joy. Come and have fun with me while we are Upgrading Our Lives.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Feel Free to Contact Me If You Feel Like It
The Most Auspicious Day of the Year
"What We Focus On Expands"
The day after April 23rd - a day when we had experienced quite a strong earthquake - I felt moved to share this reminder.
I had dedicated a significant section to this topic in my book; it’s something I care about and am mindful about integrating into my daily life.
When I sit down to
write, I usually don’t plan much in advance. I simply place my pen on the
paper - or in this case, my fingers on the keyboard - and let myself flow. I don’t
interfere much with which words come through, and the topic naturally unfolds
on its own.
This time, what
came to mind was Akshaya Tritiya, a very auspicious day we’ll be
experiencing very soon. For years now, I’ve tried to honor the tradition of
purchasing a small piece of gold, no matter how small, on this abundant day.
"Akshaya"
means eternal or that which never diminishes, while
"Tritiya" refers to the third day of the lunar calendar.
This special day
falls on April 29th and 30th this year. In Istanbul time, it begins at 3:00
PM (5.00 A.M. Pacific Time) on April 29th and lasts for 12 hours and 18 minutes.
Starting from 3:00
PM (5.00 A.M PT) , you might choose to buy even just 1 gram of gold - or if gold isn’t
accessible, something else that symbolizes abundance for you. Between 5:15
PM and 6:45 PM, (7.15 A.M and 8.45 A.M PT)you can also initiate anything you'd like to see grow - plant
its seeds, so to speak.
Because anything
started during this time is believed to flourish and succeed, Akshaya Tritiya
is associated with everlasting success and is considered a highly
auspicious time for new beginnings.
Today, I felt like
shifting my focus to something uplifting, you might like to join in and make
it a beautiful day for you too.
And when the 29th
arrives, you might feel inspired to give it a try as well.
MAY OUR MIRACLES BE INSTANT AND EVERLASTING.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Martenichka Wishing Bracelets
Martenichka wish bracelets, a tradition from the Balkans, are tied around the wrist on March 1st while making a wish. On April 1st, they are removed and tied to a budding spring branch. If you happen to see a stork or a swallow before then, you can take it off earlier—whichever comes first.
Traditionally, these bracelets aren’t bought; they are either handmade or exchanged as gifts.
I first learned about Martenichka bracelets on March 1st, 2022, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring.
Although it’s a tradition from the Balkans, despite my grandmother being from there, I had never heard of it before.
As soon as I discovered it, I taught myself how to make one, tied it around my wrist with my usual wishes, and embraced the ritual. The photo here is of the very spring branch where I placed my bracelet that year.
As someone who loves rituals, I was surprised by how many people already knew about it when I had never even heard of it. That morning, at 10 in the morning, the tree I chose was already covered with numerous red-and-white bracelets.
Wishing you all a life where all your wishes come true.
May your miracles happen NOW and last forever
Friday, October 4, 2024
The Book is On Amazon
In a world filled with chaos, this book offers practical tools and techniques, including breathwork, mindfulness practices and other methods, all designed to enhance your happiness, maintain calmness and clear the path to your desires. It provides everything you need to navigate modern life with grace and balance.
To support this continuous growth, the book features a follow-up blog that regularly updates its content, ensuring that you always have access to the latest insights and practices. Additionally, the blog includes a range of multimedia resources, such as guided meditations, audio recordings and links to further scientific explanations, designed to enrich your journey toward self-improvement.
As the author Selva says, “As you keep reading, I will keep writing.” Whether through new techniques, updated guidance or fresh perspectives, Upgrading Our Lives and its accompanying blog are committed to helping you evolve and thrive amidst the complexities of modern life.
Monday, July 22, 2024
Astrological Insights
The January Full Moon - The Wolf Full Moon
A Perfect Opportunity to Set
and Sustain Your Goals
The first full moon of the new year marks a powerful time for new
beginnings and intention-setting.
Taking place in Cancer, this full moon highlights the emotional depth,
familial bonds and inner security that this zodiac sign embodies.
The New Year period is often seen as a time for reflecting on the past year and setting new goals. Cancer’s nurturing and protective energy enhances this process, making it even more meaningful.
Limiting Beliefs
A great time for getting rid of everything that doesn't serve us, including our limiting beliefs, is the Full Moon.
Here's a ritual you can perform:
Energetic Anti-Aging & More
We had a delightful introductory meeting with the wonderful hospitality of Bioritm Beauty Institute.
As a client of Bioritm, which has a 36-year history, I won’t bother with the exact number of years—like the African tribes who count as 1, 2, 3, and then say “many,” let me just say I’ve been a client for many years. 😊
In the lovely atmosphere created by the owners, AyÅŸegül and Güzin, we discussed many topics. I introduced Access Bars, a technique I love and both teach and practice. We meditated together, enjoyed food and drinks, and later demonstrated an Anti-Aging application while balancing everyone’s energy.
As a token of appreciation, we gifted each participant a Marteniçka wish bracelet to be used on March 1st, along with a Runic symbol for abundance and prosperity to place in their wallets.
Thank you to everyone who made this day unforgettable with their energy and presence!
Cutting Energetic Connections to People, Situations or Emotions
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Trauma Meditation
Friday, July 19, 2024
Our Children - Our Child Self
It's well-established that the energies and frequencies in our environment significantly impact our well-being and sense of calm. Additionally, every parent and caregiver knows from experience that babies are soothed when they are picked up, gently rocked and carried.
Research published in Current Biology on April 18, 2013, confirms that babies universally calm down when carried, a response seen in both human infants and mouse pups. This automatic calming mechanism is deeply rooted in our evolutionary biology, helping ensure the survival of our species by soothing crying when held.
For parents, understanding this natural response can prevent the misinterpretation of crying as manipulation, which challenges outdated parenting strategies like "cry it out."
For those of us who were raised with such methods, engaging in "Healing Our Child-Self" work can be beneficial.
This should not be confused with Inner Child work. The concept of the inner child refers to the childlike aspect within our unconscious mind, a sub-personality that can become prominent when we face challenges.
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Somatics & Butterfly Wings
Somatic practices involve tuning into your body's sensations and experiences to enhance self-awareness and reduce stress.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Tapping Solutions
Friday, July 12, 2024
Physiological Sigh
The Physiological Sigh is a breathing technique popularized by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman.
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Box Breathing
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Breathwork
Breathwork is a
practice that involves consciously controlling your breathing patterns to
promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By focusing on how we
inhale and exhale, we can influence our nervous system, helping to either
energize the body or calm it down.
Breathwork has a
profound impact on the body’s stress response, enabling you to shift from a
heightened state of alertness to a more relaxed state, or vice versa, depending
on the type of breathing technique used. It's a simple yet powerful tool that
can be incorporated into daily routines to reduce anxiety, improve focus,
increase energy, and bring balance to your overall system.
The techniques we’ll practice—such as Ha breath, Box Breathing, and long inhales or exhales—are designed to regulate your nervous system. Ha breath helps release tension and ground energy, Box Breath balances and calms the mind, and specific breathing rhythms (long inhales for alertness and long exhales for calming) will help you adjust your state depending on your needs. Through these practices, you can build a more resilient and mindful relationship with your breath, enhancing both your physical and emotional health.













