It is National Indigenous Peoples Day. With more awareness of how government and religion have shaped the lives of indigenous peoples, I would like to dedicate these words to our First Nations people of Canada. May we find a way to walk with you in the hope of reconciliation and collective healing.

With vaccinations rolling out, we can have a new sense of optimism for the coming months ahead. It is a first world choice to vaccinate or not, but we’ll all benefit from the freedom that herd immunity brings. Whatever your choice, the momentum of society and the material world can easily whirl you into the next phase of the pandemic. Lessons learned (and all that you know to be true) can easily be forgotten. My teacher calls it “I” amnesia because it is common to get lost and unconsciously move through this world of which we were born. Please remember, yoga teaches us liberation or moksha of the mind, body and spirit, with freedom available for all who wish to see it!

I believe that as immortal beings we were born into this realm of matter, with a purpose of reconnecting with who we really are. We are to be curious and ask, “What makes me happy?”, “Who am I?”, “Where do I come from?”, “How do miracles of nature sustain themselves?” and “What happens when I die?” These existential questions are a personal quest, but I can relate to disconnection and contentment with distractions. The last 15 months have graciously offered me ample quiet time, with optimal stillness to listen and reflect. Reflecting on messages from the Dalai Lama about compassion, Ghandi about nonviolence, and Kavindra Rishi about finding balance with the material and spirit worlds. I suppose you could say that more goo ‘gu’ was removed ‘ru’ during the pandemic, and I feel that indigenous people have been doing their best to communicate the message that our planet needs us to be compassionate, nonviolent and progressive to restore the balance of all energies.

With an increasingly evident crisis of inner and outer energies, we need to consciously shift into the 4th phase. The most effective way to predict the future is to shape it. Think globally and act locally. Break free from “I” amnesia and choose a collective path. Remember yoga practice creates the freedom we all want and is so amazing to get clear, align yourself with your truth and stay on your path. Move so your body feels cared for, breathe when your mind feels anxious and meditate when you need insight. Simply be guided by your unbreakable spirit and inner wisdom that has always been there. Let’s shift towards a better world for all.

Namaste

Lori

I humbly acknowledge that I live, learn, work and play on the unceded and traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Salad Ingredients:

1 pound baby spinach
1 pint chopped strawberries
1/2 cup toasted almonds or pine nuts
4 hard-boiled organic, free-range eggs
3 ripe avocado, sliced
2 Portobello mushrooms, grilled or sautéed

Goat Cheese Dressing Ingredients:

1-2 tablespoons goat cheese (depending on how thick you want it)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sea salt to taste

Combine goat cheese and balsamic vinegar in a separate bowl and whisk, “melting” the goat cheese to create a thicker dressing. Add other ingredients and whisk all together.

OR Vegan Dressing Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup almond butter
3 shallot cloves, peeled
Juice from 1 lime, or 1 lime peeled and tossed into blender
2 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons water
Sea salt to taste

Make dressing in a separate bowl, combining all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Puree.

Directions:

Hard-boil eggs and cook mushrooms. Once cool, cut both into thin slices and set aside for top of salad. Lightly toast nuts over stovetop.

Chop strawberries; combine with spinach and other ingredients into salad.

Dress salad and add avocado to top it off. Enjoy!

Community Yoga Class

Our virtual community welcomes new members! Roll out your mat and join us from the comfort of your own home or your favorite summer get-a-way. Fridays 9:30am Hatha Yoga Flow. Although most classes are running through the summer, please Connect With Us to check the schedule or contact lori@bodyharmony.ca for more information.

An intention is like planting a seed for the qualities you aspire for in your life – health, connection, inspiration, a sense of purpose. Often, when you plant a seed, you don’t know how it will blossom, but you trust that with attention it will grow into something beautiful. — unknown —