The June Solstice is fast approaching which means that depending on whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, either the longest or shortest day of the year is nearly upon you. It is interesting to think that you and I are here together on this planet experiencing varying climates and unique lives, and as different as those lives may be, we all essentially want the same things from a day; to be loved, to be happy and even if we are not aware of it, to have easy access the same resources.
With the prospect of summer in North America, we can anticipate spending more time outdoors, walking, biking, camping and enjoying the elements by merely breathing it all in! As long as our resources of Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether (?) continue to pervade and sustain us, you can bet I will be exploring my relationship with them. The best way I know how, is simply through the practice of yoga. A simple start is by ‘checking in’ with the breath often to give the body and mind an immediate sense of gratitude for the AIR. This will naturally (eventually) bring a sense of ease, pleasure and love. In this way we carry on with our activities, all for the sake of love. “Aham Prema” is the Sanskrit mantra for “I am love”. It can be used to protect the mind when it needs more clarity or a gentle reminder that love is inherently within us. If we love ourselves and others, we in turn will be loved and have an abundance of love in our lives.
Fortunately, mantras and breathing meditations are easy to do and possible in every stage of life, for a lifetime! Thus, I find it funny when someone asks me, “Are you still doing that yoga thing?” My feeling is that it is such an integral part of my life, it seems absurd that I would not be doing it. In the future, perhaps I shall say with confidence, “It is a practice that will always be there for me. I choose to use it, rather than lose it!”
And so, as we literally spin around on this earth together, it is with a grounded state of being that I send this bi-annual newsletter. Yes, it has been 6 months! Instead of adding to your emails, I have chosen to add to the lives of those who call upon me. I will continue to make more time in my schedule to nurture relations with family, friends, students (old and new) and private clients who want to connect. Oh, and darest I forget the time with those almighty elements!
Love and Light,
Lori
A Good Time to Cleanse
Spring and fall are really good times of year to cleanse! With each year becoming a little more extreme for environmental allergies, even a few days of cleansing is a good idea to subside that ‘internal environment’. If it has been awhile sine you have taken a personal inventory of the substances you ingest, perhaps now is the time? Having recently completed the 12 Day Wild Rose Cleanse with herbs, tinctures and very clean food, all systems are clear here and I feel ready for summer. Here is a yummy recipe from our cleansing retreats of years gone by:
“Yum”-ous Hummous
1 1/2 Cup cooked chickpeas
2 Tbsp tahini
2 cloves garlic
1/2 lemon (juiced)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne
1/4 Cup parsley (chopped)
1/4 Cup water
Mix all ingredients in a blender until a smooth consistency is reached. You will likely have to add a bit more water.. Enjoy!
A New Website for Body Harmony Yoga
A new website was launched in December but there were some technical issues that were not found until after the mail out. If you are interested in group yoga classes my offerings include Prenatal Yoga at WVCC, Hatha Yoga at Hollyburn Country Club and Hatha Yoga at The Yoga Root. If it is a private wellness session you may be looking for, I now offer Private Therapeutic Yoga in a warm and relaxing setting. Please connect by emailing lori@bodyharmony.ca or call 604.929.9642. It would be lovely to hear from you…
